Cheap flights breed high spirits

With the demise of Song Airlines and the recent closure of Independence Air, industry watchers could easily describe the low-cost airline industry as a cutthroat market.

However, analysts are quietly confident that Spirit Airlines will not be floundering any time soon, the Associated Press reports.

Analysts expect the low-cost airline to do well in the competitive cheap flights market, with the airline out to distinguish itself with its international routes and low-cost business-class option.

With destinations that include Latin America and the Caribbean, Spirit hopes to establish itself as the low-cost airline of choice for holidaymakers.

It is also unique among the budget model for providing a business-class option where travelers can pay for extra comfort and legroom.

As low-fares are demanded as standard, insiders claim that airlines need such perks to distinguish themselves from the competition.

"As we get toward the end of the decade, what people are going to start saying about Spirit is, not only do they have a great product with great airplanes with two-class service, and not only do they have great fares, but they don't constrain you to the 48 states," says Ben Baldanza, president of Spirit Airlines.

Terry Trippler, an aviation analyst, agrees: "Spirit seems like the type of airline that can grow as fast as they can get equipment. I think this airline is very well positioned".

© Adfero Ltd

Comments

[Annie B]

Sprit looks like another notch in Ben Baldanza's airline history belt