Looks To Start Service To DEN In Near Future
After more than a year of intensive research and in-depth
financial analysis, Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc. announced last
week it will build a new base maintenance facility for Frontier
Airlines' heavy maintenance program at Colorado Springs Airport
(COS).
Although final designs have not been completed, Frontier
estimates the facility will be approximately 100,000 square feet,
with about 30,000 square feet of hangar floor space and 45,000
square feet of offices and support shops, as well as 25,000 square
feet of warehouse and tool room space. Including parking
facilities, the Company believes the project will require a site of
approximately 11 acres.
Frontier and Colorado Springs Airport are expected to begin the
$25 million construction project in late spring 2008 and estimate
it will take 12 to 18 months to complete. Frontier anticipates
financing the construction project and related equipment and
tooling purchases through a tax exempt special facility bond
offered through the City of Colorado Springs. Frontier will then
lease the facility from the City for an initial 30-year period. The
new facility will be a base for approximately 225 airline
professionals, including mechanics, supervisors, quality control
inspectors, and purchasing and material handling staff.
"This is a historic day for Frontier
Airlines and one that has been in the making for many years," said
Sean Menke, Frontier President and CEO. "We began the latest search
for a site in earnest well over a year ago, with many
considerations such as the impact the location would have on our
employees, as well as a critical review of the financials
associated with such a large scale project and potential move from
our current leased facility at DIA."
Frontier also plans to start airline service to Denver
International Airport by late spring of 2008, although the carrier
is still determining frequency and aircraft type concerns.
"This is a day to celebrate," said Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel
Rivera. "This announcement is one that we have worked on diligently
to make a reality. It is with enthusiasm and pride that we warmly
welcoming Frontier and the families of Frontier to the Colorado
Springs community. City Council had an important role in landing
the maintenance hangar, and I am happy to see a public goal of mine
come to fruition as plans for low cost air service begin to take
off from the Colorado Spring Airport."