Latrobe's Arnold Palmer Regional Airport is gearing up for an increase in activity as Spirit Airlines announced it will restart flights to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting May 8. The service, which will initially include two weekly flights, signals a potential upswing in regional air traffic and economic activity. Gabe Monzo, Executive Director of the airport authority, expressed optimism about the development, stating, "This is wonderful news," and noted the potential for future expansion in a statement obtained by CBS News Pittsburgh.
The resumption of flights comes after a hiatus that saw the previous Fort Lauderdale route halted in December 2022. During this period, the airport maintained service to other destinations, including Orlando, now set, to be joined by the newly added flights to Myrtle Beach, S.C., which also commence in early May. Monzo, highlighted the financial perks of flying via Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, emphasizing the benefit of free parking by saying, "So, essentially, you save $100 off your trip just entering the parking lot," according to CBS News Pittsburgh.
Spirit's return to Fort Lauderdale is part of a broader effort by the airline to rebound from bankruptcy following its scrapped merger with JetBlue, contested by federal regulators on antitrust grounds. Additionally, Spirit rebuffed a takeover bid last month from Frontier Airlines. The reinstatement of flights is not just a matter of convenience for travelers but also a boon for the airport's workforce. "It will allow us to bring everybody back to full time," Monzo told TribLIVE, referring to the airport employees whose jobs had been reduced to part-time status amid the downturn in flights.
May 8 promises to be a bustling day at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, with the launch of flights to both Myrtle Beach and Fort Lauderdale slated to coincide. Spirit spokesman Tom Fletcher confirmed the details of the new schedule, with flights operating on Thursday, and Sunday available for booking, on spirit.com. Amidst their operational strides, the airport is also mid-way through a significant terminal expansion, a $22 million endeavor expected to enhance passenger experience without disrupting day-to-day operations during construction, Monzo assured TribLIVE.
