Frontier Airlines will Begin Service In Wichita as Scheduled on October 1

Date:  September 5, 2007
Contact:  Valerie Wise, Air Service and Business Development Manager
: vwise@wichita.gov
: (316) 946-4700

Despite some recent news reports that may have been misleading regarding Frontier Airlines’ start of service at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, Airport officials wish to clarify that Frontier will begin service as scheduled on October 1.  What may change is the operating carrier.  It is Frontier’s plan that Lynx Aviation, a new Frontier subsidiary, will provide the service in Wichita with the 74-seat Q400 turboprop.  Lynx Aviation is waiting for the DOT to approve its operating certificate.  Since it appears that the DOT will not approve the certificate by October 1, Frontier will provide the service at Wichita with either a 76-seat Embraer 170 or a 70-seat CRJ-700 operated by one of Frontier's regional partners.  The following excerpt is from the press release issued by Frontier Airlines on September 4, 2007:

“Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRNT) subsidiary, Lynx Aviation, today reported a delay in its initially forecasted timeline for completion of certification. The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) requires a new airline to achieve certification before it can begin flying commercially. Lynx initially expected certification prior to its published launch date of October 1, 2007.

"While we are certainly frustrated with the lack of timeliness in the certification process, we are very pleased with the progress we have made building this company and preparing for the future," said Tom Nunn, President of Lynx Aviation. "The employees of Lynx have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this airline and we will continue to do all we can to meet and exceed the FAA's milestones and requirements so that we can begin flying as soon as possible."

While Lynx did establish that its Q400 aircraft will not be able to service Frontier's scheduled flights for Wichita, Rapid City, Sioux City, Albuquerque and Billings, Frontier customers will not be disrupted during this delay. Frontier will service those routes via existing E170 and CRJ-700 aircraft from its partners Republic Airways and Horizon Air, as well as with supplemental mainline Airbus service as needed.”

Passengers are encouraged to continue with their travel plans and to book flights on Frontier.

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