Frontier Airlines is to name its new turboprop subsidiary Lynx Aviation, and expects to begin its first Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 operations in the late summer of 2007.

Frontier president and chief executive Jeff Potter says the unit will target metropolitan markets 200-450 miles (320-725km) from its Denver hub as part of its new regional strategy. Frontier will also shortly issue a request for proposals (RFP) for a feeder contract covering 20 70-seat regional jets.

Frontier on 6 September announced a firm order for 10 Q400 turboprops, plus 10 options. The firm aircraft are scheduled for delivery between May and December 2007.

Lynx Aviation will operate under a separate management structure and with new pilots, says the unit's president Tom Nunn. A training program conducted by FlightSafety International is included in Frontier's Q400 deal.

frontier Dash 8 
© Bombardier
Frontier will introduce its first Bombardier Dash 8 Q400s next year

Source: Flight International

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