Looks To Start Service To DEN In Near Future

After more than a year of intensive research and in-depth financial analysis, Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc. announced last week it will build a new base maintenance facility for Frontier Airlines' heavy maintenance program at Colorado Springs Airport (COS).

Although final designs have not been completed, Frontier estimates the facility will be approximately 100,000 square feet, with about 30,000 square feet of hangar floor space and 45,000 square feet of offices and support shops, as well as 25,000 square feet of warehouse and tool room space. Including parking facilities, the Company believes the project will require a site of approximately 11 acres.

Frontier and Colorado Springs Airport are expected to begin the $25 million construction project in late spring 2008 and estimate it will take 12 to 18 months to complete. Frontier anticipates financing the construction project and related equipment and tooling purchases through a tax exempt special facility bond offered through the City of Colorado Springs. Frontier will then lease the facility from the City for an initial 30-year period. The new facility will be a base for approximately 225 airline professionals, including mechanics, supervisors, quality control inspectors, and purchasing and material handling staff.

"This is a historic day for Frontier Airlines and one that has been in the making for many years," said Sean Menke, Frontier President and CEO. "We began the latest search for a site in earnest well over a year ago, with many considerations such as the impact the location would have on our employees, as well as a critical review of the financials associated with such a large scale project and potential move from our current leased facility at DIA."

Frontier also plans to start airline service to Denver International Airport by late spring of 2008, although the carrier is still determining frequency and aircraft type concerns.

"This is a day to celebrate," said Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera. "This announcement is one that we have worked on diligently to make a reality. It is with enthusiasm and pride that we warmly welcoming Frontier and the families of Frontier to the Colorado Springs community. City Council had an important role in landing the maintenance hangar, and I am happy to see a public goal of mine come to fruition as plans for low cost air service begin to take off from the Colorado Spring Airport."

FMI: www.frontierairlines.com, www.springsgov.com/AirportIndex.asp