Spirit Airlines in April will add nonstop daily flights between Oakland International airport and its headquarters hub in Fort Lauderdale amid its plans to expand its network and Airbus fleet in 2020.
The ultra-low-cost carrier on 16 January announced the new seasonal route to complement its year-round service to Oakland from Las Vegas and Los Angeles, along with seasonal routes to Detroit, Houston and Chicago.
“Offering the only nonstop connection between Oakland and Fort Lauderdale makes it easier for travelers on both ends,” states John Kirby, vice president of network planning for Spirit Airlines.
The Miramar, Florida-based carrier plans to match the expansion of its US network with double-digit growth for its fleet with delivery of 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft scheduled through 2027.
The carrier in its updated investor guidance for the fourth quarter reports that its capacity grew 17% year-on-year compared with 2018. Updated guidance on rising costs and declining revenue were more optimistic than previous estimates. Cost per available seat mile excluding fuel (CASM ex-fuel) for the fourth quarter is estimated to have grown 3% year-on-year. Revenue per available seat mile is projected to have dropped 4% year-on-year during the fourth quarter.
Analysts including Jamie Baker of JP Morgan favoured the news, stating in a note that the guidance beat his expectations. Baker projected a fourth-quarter profit of $1.21 cents per share for Spirit, giving the carrier’s stock a “save” rating.
