Low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has revealed plans to relocate around 200 of its pilots to a new crew base at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, United States (US).
The new crew base will open in September 2024 in a move that Spirit Airlines says will “enhance operational reliability”.
Following the relocation of its pilots, additional supervisors and support functions will also then follow.
Spirit said that Newark is well suited for the new pilot crew base thanks to its “strategic location within its network and sizeable flight schedule”.
“We’re continuously focused on running a strong, reliable operation, and our growth at EWR paired with the airport’s location in the nation’s largest metropolitan area make Newark ideal for our next Pilot crew base,” John Bendoraitis, Spirit’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said.
Spirit is the second largest carrier at EWR with up to 32 peak day departures and service to 22 destinations, including seven which have been added in the past year.
Spirit has additional crew bases in Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Houston (IAH), Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA) and Orlando (MCO).
Crew bases are the various airport stations where flight crews typically begin and end their trips.
“Spirit has a long history of serving New Jersey travelers, and this investment reflects our commitment to our Guests and Team Members in the Garden State. We thank the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Newark Liberty International Airport and our community partners for their continued support,” Bendoraitis added.
Spirit launched services at EWR in October 2016.