Frontier Plans For Hawai‘i Uncertain

With Frontier Airlines converting their order for 18 A321-200NY(XLR) to other A320neo series airliners, its plans to expand to Hawai‘i is uncertain. The airline also deferred deliveries from 2025-28 to 2029-31. The airline is not satisfied with the performance of the extra long range A321-200NY, which caused them to convert to other A320neo types. The airline plans to slow expansion over the next couple of years.

Frontier does have 39 A321-271NXs in their fleet, with several more on order for 2024, that have a 4,000nm range, that is well enough for a non-stop flight between DEN and HNL (3,300nm).

Further details in this Aviation Week article.

Frontier Airlines To Hawai‘i?

In an interview with Routes Online, Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle mentioned in passing that Hawai‘i could be on the airline's route network (along with Europe and South America) when they begin receiving their order of 18 A321NXLRs beginning in 2026. The airline has been exploring the possibility of long-haul over-ocean flights for the XLRs, with 4,500+ nm range.

Frontier is in the process of converting its A320 and A321 fleets from the CEO (Current Engine Option) to the NEO (New Engine Option) versions. Their newest A321-271NX, N603FR "Fredrick the Bald Eagle" (msn 11032), has their new tag line, "America's Greenest Airline".

Frontier Hints At Hawai‘i Service

When Denver-based Frontier Airlines announced their order of 18 A321XLRs today, CEO Barry Biffle hinted at possible domestic and international expansion. One specific location mentioned was Hawai‘i. With the 4,700nm range of the A321XLR, Denver is certainly in range to reach any of Hawaii's airports, though delivery is not expected until 2024. Their current A320neo also has the range to reach, but it's not known whether they are ETOPS-certified.

More information in this Frontier Airlines press release.

Frontier Reveals A New Livery

A day after Southwest Airlines revealed their new livery and branding, Frontier Airlines (F9/FFT) revealed its new look, which combines their past livery elements with their current livery.

Frontier's N223FR

Frontier Airlines is taking delivery of an A320-2214, N223FR (msn 2695). It made a ferry flight stop at JRF last night. The flight originated from MNL, and is bound for GYR, with stops at GUM and JRF. It was most recently with Starflyer [7G/SFJ] (Japan), under lease from GECAS.

2695 was originally delivered to Starflyer as JA03MC in February 2006, and was withdrawn from service in December 2013.