History of Frontier Airlines in Timeline
Frontier Airlines is a major American ultra low-cost carrier based in Denver, Colorado. As a publicly traded company, Frontier operates flights to over 120 destinations in the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. The airline employs over 5,000 people and maintains operational bases at Denver International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and eleven other cities located across the Mainland United States and Puerto Rico.
1978: Livery Features the Stylized 'F'
On September 9, 2014, Frontier introduced an updated livery that features the stylized 'F' designed by Saul Bass for the original Frontier when the carrier unveiled a new livery in 1978.
May 1994: Company went public
In May 1994, Frontier Airlines was incorporated in February and subsequently went public.
July 5, 1994: Scheduled flights began
On July 5, 1994, Frontier Airlines commenced scheduled flights using Boeing 737-200 jetliners, connecting Denver with four cities in North Dakota.
1994: Introduction of Livery
From 1994 to 2001, the airline's livery consisted of green script "Frontier" titles on the forward fuselage, a small "Spirit of the West" slogan, and wildlife photography on the tail of each aircraft.
1997: Aspen Mountain Air Codeshare Service Begins
From mid 1997 through mid 1998, Aspen Mountain Air operated codeshare service for Frontier from Denver to Aspen, Bozeman, and Sioux City, flying Dornier 328 prop aircraft.
1998: Aspen Mountain Air Codeshare Service Ends
From mid 1997 through mid 1998, Aspen Mountain Air operated codeshare service for Frontier from Denver to Aspen, Bozeman, and Sioux City, flying Dornier 328 prop aircraft.
September 1999: Expanded Route Network Coast to Coast
By September 1999, Frontier Airlines had expanded its route network to serve destinations from coast to coast in the U.S. from its Denver hub.
2001: New Livery Introduced
Beginning in 2001, a new livery was introduced on the airline's new Airbus A319s, with large silver "FRONTIER" titles on the sides of the aircraft and the airline's "Spirit of the West" slogan.
2001: Livery Consisted of green script "Frontier" titles on the forward fuselage
From 1994 to 2001, the airline's livery consisted of green script "Frontier" titles on the forward fuselage, a small "Spirit of the West" slogan, and wildlife photography on the tail of each aircraft.
2001: First Airbus Delivery and New Livery
In 2001, Frontier took delivery of its first Airbus A319 aircraft and launched DirecTV in-flight television, along with a new company livery.
February 2002: Frontier JetExpress Launched
In February 2002, Frontier launched its first regional product, Frontier JetExpress, initially operated by Mesa Airlines using CRJ-200 regional jets.
2002: Jeff Potter appointed CEO
In 2002, Jeff Potter was appointed CEO of Frontier Airlines.
2003: Airbus A318 Delivery
Between 2003 and 2007, Frontier Airlines took delivery of eleven Airbus A318 aircraft, being the launch customer of the type.
2003: Launch Customer of Airbus A318
In 2003, Frontier Airlines was the launch customer of the Airbus A318.
2003: EarlyReturns Program Operated
The EarlyReturns program operated from 2003 to 2018, when it was replaced by Frontier Miles.
January 2004: Horizon Air Selected for JetExpress Routes
In January 2004, Horizon Air was selected to operate the Frontier JetExpress routes, replacing Mesa Airlines.
April 2005: Became all-Airbus fleet
In mid April 2005, Frontier officially became an all-Airbus fleet, retiring its last Boeing 737.
2005: Boeing 737s Remained in Fleet Until 2005
Though the airline's Boeing 737s remained in the fleet until 2005, none were repainted into this new livery.
April 3, 2006: Frontier Airlines Holdings Created
On April 3, 2006, Frontier created Frontier Airlines Holdings (FRNT), a holding company incorporated in Delaware.
August 2006: Frontier and Horizon Plan to End Partnership
In August 2006, Frontier and Horizon planned to end their partnership regarding the Frontier JetExpress routes.
September 6, 2006: Lynx Aviation Created
On September 6, 2006, Frontier created a new division of the holding company, known as Lynx Aviation, to operate Bombardier Q400 aircraft.
January 11, 2007: Service agreement with Republic Airways signed
On January 11, 2007, Frontier Airlines signed an 11-year service agreement with Republic Airways for Frontier JetExpress operations.
January 24, 2007: Designated as a major carrier
On January 24, 2007, Frontier was designated as a major carrier by the United States Department of Transportation.
April 1, 2007: Louisville service begins
On April 1, 2007, the first market created specifically for the Embraer 170 was Louisville, Kentucky.
May 2007: Lynx Aviation to Operate Bombardier Q400 Aircraft
On September 6, 2006, Frontier created a new division of the holding company, known as Lynx Aviation, to operate Bombardier Q400 aircraft beginning in May 2007.
November 2007: ExpressJet Operating Some Flights
In November 2007, as the service by Horizon Air was winding down, Frontier had some flights operated by ExpressJet using Embraer 145 regional jets.
November 30, 2007: Return of CRJ-700s to Horizon Air
On November 30, 2007, the last of the CRJ-700s was returned to the Horizon Air fleet, marking the end of Horizon's operation of Frontier JetExpress routes.
December 5, 2007: Lynx Aviation Receives Operating Certificate
On December 5, 2007, Lynx Aviation received its operating certificate from the FAA.
December 6, 2007: Lynx Aviation Begins Passenger Operations
On December 6, 2007, Lynx Aviation began passenger operations.
December 2007: Cessation of Horizon services
Subsequent to the cessation of Horizon's services for Frontier in December 2007, all flights operated by Republic were sold and marketed as "Frontier Airlines, operated by Republic Airways."
2007: Airbus A318 Delivery
Between 2003 and 2007, Frontier Airlines took delivery of eleven Airbus A318 aircraft, being the launch customer of the type.
2007: Sean Menke replaces Jeff Potter as CEO
In 2007, Jeff Potter left the company and was replaced by Air Canada's Sean Menke as CEO.
2007: Republic Airways Operates for Frontier
In 2007, Republic Airways operated Embraer 170 regional jets on behalf of Frontier.
April 10, 2008: Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
On April 10, 2008, Frontier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in reaction to First Data withholding significant proceeds from ticket sales.
April 2008: Contract with Republic Airways canceled
In April 2008, the contract with Republic Airways was canceled with 11 aircraft operating for Frontier Airlines.
August 2008: Suspension of Louisville service
In August 2008, service to Louisville was suspended.
November 2008: Reported first profit during bankruptcy
During the month of November 2008, Frontier Airlines reported making their first profit, with US$2.9 million in net income.
December 2008: Remaining aircraft expected to join Republic fleet
By December 2008, the remaining six aircraft were expected to join the Republic Airways fleet.
2008: Republic Airways Operates for Frontier
In 2008, Republic Airways operated Embraer 170 regional jets on behalf of Frontier.
June 22, 2009: Republic Airways to Acquire Frontier
On June 22, 2009, Frontier Airlines announced that Republic Airways Holdings would acquire all assets of Frontier for $108 million, pending bankruptcy court approval.
August 13, 2009: Republic Airways Acquired Frontier
During a bankruptcy auction on August 13, 2009, Republic Airways Holdings acquired Frontier Airlines and its regional airline, Lynx Aviation, as wholly owned subsidiaries.
2009: Republic Airways bidding to acquire Frontier
As Republic Airways Holdings was in the process of bidding to acquire Frontier in 2009, it was also in the process of acquiring Milwaukee-based Midwest Airlines.
2009: Republic Resumes Service for Frontier
In 2009, as Frontier and Midwest began merging, Republic resumed service for Frontier with Embraer 170s and also introduced larger Embraer 190 jets.
2009: Consolidation of administrative positions
In late 2009, Republic began to consolidate administrative positions and moved 140 jobs from the Frontier Airlines Denver headquarters to Indianapolis.
January 2010: Republic to move executives to Indianapolis
In January 2010, Republic Airways announced that it would move all of its executives to Indianapolis.
April 2010: Restart of Louisville service
In April 2010, service to Louisville was restarted.
October 2010: Chautauqua Airlines Begins Service for Frontier
In October 2010, Chautauqua Airlines began service for Frontier with the merger of Frontier and Midwest, operating Embraer jets out of Milwaukee.
October 2010: Full Merger and Integration
Upon the full merger and integration of Frontier and Midwest Airlines in October 2010, Frontier and its regional partners operated over 100 daily flights from the Milwaukee hub.
2010: Retirement of the Airbus A318 Began
In 2010 the retirement of the Airbus A318 began, and was completed by autumn 2013.
2010: CEO on Undercover Boss
In 2010, Frontier's then-CEO Bryan Bedford took part in the reality TV show Undercover Boss.
2010: Merger of Brands with Midwest Airlines
In the spring of 2010, Frontier and Midwest Airlines announced that their brands would merge, with Frontier being the surviving brand.
April 13, 2011: Frontier Express Subsidiary Formed
On April 13, 2011, Frontier formed a new subsidiary, Frontier Express, to operate smaller aircraft with different services.
September 9, 2011: Reduction of flights from MKE
On September 9, 2011, Frontier notified the public of a 40% reduction of arriving and departing flights from Milwaukee (MKE) and laid off approximately 140 employees.
2011: Republic Airways Orders A320neo Aircraft for Frontier
During the 2011 Paris Air Show, Republic Airways Holdings ordered 60 A320neo aircraft and 20 A319neo aircraft for Frontier.
2011: Frontier Express Flights Begin
In 2011, Frontier began branding Chautauqua Airlines' flights as Frontier Express and started new service on subsidized Essential Air Service routes.
January 2012: Republic Airways Holdings to sell Frontier
In January 2012, Republic Airways Holdings announced its intention to sell or spin off Frontier to focus on regional contract flights.
January 26, 2012: David Siegel Appointed CEO
On January 26, 2012, Republic Airways Holdings appointed former US Airways and Gate Gourmet CEO David Siegel as president and CEO of Frontier Airlines.
February 2012: Further service reduction to Milwaukee
In February 2012, Frontier Airlines further reduced service to Milwaukee by cutting five more nonstop routes, reducing daily departing flights by 56%.
November 2012: Service started from Trenton-Mercer Airport
In November 2012, Frontier started low-frequency service between Orlando International Airport and Trenton–Mercer Airport, which had no prior commercial service.
2012: Pull-Down of Milwaukee Hub
By the end of 2012, Frontier initiated a pull-down of the Milwaukee hub, retaining only one route with a Frontier Express ERJ-145 jet.
2012: Polly the Parrot Wins New Animal Audition
In 2012, Polly the Parrot won the new animal audition and was added to the marketing.
2012: Lynx Aviation Folded into Republic Airways
In 2012, the Lynx Aviation operation was folded into Republic Airways Holdings' subsidiary, Republic Airways, and the Q400 aircraft were withdrawn from Frontier service.
January 3, 2013: Service to Rhinelander Ends
On January 3, 2013, Frontier Express service to Rhinelander ended, and Chautauqua transferred the remaining aircraft to other partners.
April 2013: Modified Livery Introduced
In April 2013, Frontier introduced a modified version of the livery, keeping the animals but replacing "FRONTIER" with "FLYFRONTIER.COM".
July 2013: Service started from Wilmington-New Castle Airport
In July 2013, Frontier started service from Wilmington-New Castle Airport to five destinations, which Frontier markets as Wilmington/Philadelphia.
October 2013: Agreement with Indigo Partners
In October 2013, Republic Airways Holdings entered into an agreement with Indigo Partners to sell Frontier Airlines for approximately $145 million.
December 2013: Purchase of Frontier Airlines completed
In December 2013, Indigo Partners LLC, through an affiliate, completed the purchase of Frontier Airlines from Republic Airways Holdings.
2013: Retirement of the Airbus A318 Completed
In 2010 the retirement of the Airbus A318 began, and was completed by autumn 2013.
January 1, 2014: Republic Airlines ceased Embraer 190 operation
On January 1, 2014, Republic Airways Holdings subsidiary Republic Airlines ceased its operation of Embraer 190 aircraft on behalf of Frontier.
April 2014: Barry L. Biffle Appointed President
In April 2014, Barry L. Biffle was appointed as the company's president, reporting to Siegel.
June 2014: Crew base opened
In June 2014, Frontier Airlines opened a crew base for flight attendants at Trenton–Mercer Airport.
September 9, 2014: Updated Livery Introduced
On September 9, 2014, Frontier introduced an updated livery as part of a rebranding.
2014: Transitioning into an ULCC
In 2014, Frontier announced it would be transitioning into an ULCC. Frontier also announced that it would cut several flights and jobs at its Denver hub and transition them to different markets.
2014: Airline Orders Airbus A321neos
In 2014, the airline ordered 19 Airbus A321neos.
January 2015: Flights cut from Wilmington and Trenton
In January 2015, Frontier Airlines cut several flights from Wilmington and Trenton.
February 2015: Atlanta Becomes a Focus City
In February 2015, Frontier announced it would begin service to several destinations from Atlanta, adding the airport as a focus city.
May 2015: Dave Siegel Leaves CEO Role
In May 2015, Dave Siegel left his role as CEO for personal reasons and was succeeded by Bill Franke, the company's chairman.
May 2015: David Siegel Departs as CEO
In May 2015, Indigo and Frontier announced the departure of David Siegel as CEO, with his duties split between Barry Biffle and Bill Franke.
June 2015: Toll-free number eradicated
In June 2015, Frontier Airlines joined Spirit and Allegiant by eradicating its toll-free telephone number for customer service.
June 2015: Service in Wilmington ceased
In late June 2015, Frontier announced it had ceased service in Wilmington, stating it was not profitable.
2015: Airline Quality Rating Report
In 2015, Frontier was ranked amongst the five worst airlines in the U.S. due to customer complaints and bumped passengers, according to an airline quality rating report.
June 2016: Frontier Re-establishes Service to John Glenn Columbus International Airport
In June 2016, Frontier re-established service to John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
October 2016: Frontier Takes Delivery of First Airbus A320neo
In October 2016, Frontier Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft, becoming the second US operator of the type after Spirit Airlines.
December 2016: Winter Weather Disruption
In December 2016, a winter weather event disrupted fleet operations, causing Frontier to delay or cancel up to 70% of their flights during the peak of the crisis.
May 2017: New Crew Base in Las Vegas
In May 2017, Frontier announced it would open a new crew base in Las Vegas in fall 2017 to improve reliability and potentially create new jobs.
November 15, 2017: Frontier Announces Order for Additional A320neo Family Aircraft
On November 15, 2017, Frontier Airlines announced a $15 billion order for 134 additional A320neo family aircraft.
2018: Frontier's Average Fleet Age
In 2018, Frontier Airlines fleet sought industry-leading fuel efficiency as well as one of the youngest and most modern fleets, with an average fleet age of five years.
2018: Great Lakes Airlines Shuts Down
In 2018, Great Lakes Airlines, which operated a codeshare service with Frontier from the early 2000s, shut down.
2018: EarlyReturns Program Replaced
The EarlyReturns program operated from 2003 to 2018, when it was replaced by Frontier Miles.
2020: Class-Action Lawsuits Filed
In 2020, class-action lawsuits were filed against Frontier after the company refused to refund airfare for customers who could not travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 1, 2021: Frontier Goes Public
On April 1, 2021, Frontier went public with an initial public offering on the Nasdaq exchange, adopting the ticker symbol ULCC.
July 27, 2022: Spirit Airlines Rejects Frontier Offer
On July 27, 2022, Spirit Airlines announced that its shareholders had rejected Frontier's offer to acquire Spirit.
November 2022: Frontier Announces Crew Base at DFW
In November 2022, Frontier announced that it would establish a crew operating base at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in early 2023 and would add a gate in DFW Terminal E for flights to additional destinations starting in April of that year.
January 2023: Service to nine destinations from Trenton
As of January 2023, Frontier serves 9 destinations from Trenton, basing three aircraft there.
2023: Animal Mascots Take on Promiscuous Roles
In 2023, Frontier introduced a new approach with their animal mascots taking on promiscuous roles in a calendar titled "Fur & Feathers".
2024: Frontier Miles Transitioned to Revenue-Based Accrual
In 2024, Frontier Miles transitioned to a revenue-based accrual program.
March 2025: Frontier Airlines operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet
As of March 2025, Frontier Airlines operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet
