Boost to Philly economy expected after low-cost airline service expansion

The Frontier Airlines check-in counter is shown at Philadelphia International Airport.
Photo credit John McDevitt/KYW Newsradio
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — In the spring, Frontier Airlines will add service from Philadelphia to Atlanta, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Pensacola and Raleigh/Durham. The additions will raise to 31 the number of destination options the Denver-based carrier gives to travelers into and out of Philadelphia.

Frontier Airlines Vice President Josh Flyr says the partnership with the city means jobs.

"Between our local flight attendant base, pilot base, that is opening here in Philadelphia this month, and our third-party vendors providing customer service and maintenance support to the airline, by year end 2019 we expect to be offering local employment for over 400 people here in the metro," he said.

Visit Philadelphia's President and CEO Jeff Guaracino says the service will make a contribution to tourism growth and to the region's economy.

"For our record year last year, 43.3 million visitors came to Philadelphia," he said. "That's the eighth record year of tourism growth, and I can give you a little preview: We think we have a ninth coming."

He added that 38 million travelers come to Philadelphia for leisure.

Guaracino says it is critically important for Philly to have new connectivity and new markets for the city to continue its renaissance.