Spirit could join Jet Blue in the offering of low cost travel into the Dominican Republic. The airline recently announced it would increase its service from South Florida to the Caribbean. While unconfirmed, a Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International flight to the DR could be in the future plans for Spirit. The DR is riding an unprecedented wave of popularity in the US market. Continental, US Airways and even American Airlines have expanded service, JetBlue has flown down, Delta is flying in and United has announced flights for December.
Promising good services and prices, Spirit announced it too will defy the previous conventional wisdom in the US that the low cost model won?t work for international flights. Jacob Schorr, the airline?s CEO says the carrier is negotiating with airports and governments on when the new flights could begin. He told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that the airline will add ?a couple of international destinations each year.? He wants to capitalize on a growing South Florida population (estimated at around one million) from the region who want to visit friends and family. So far, AA has held a monopoly on the route, imposing high rates. Spirit?s advent could change this. The airline is tapping into a US$125 million infusion received in February to help fuel the expansion and buy new planes.
Other reasons adding to the boom in expanded US air service to the Caribbean is that Americans want to vacation closer to home.
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