Spirit Airlines start
flights here in April
PHILIPSBURG--Low cost carrier Spirit Airlines is set to fly twice weekly non stop to St. Maarten from its hub in Fort Lauderdale as early as April 21. This development is the result of close to two years of negotiations between the airline and island representatives.
The airline has filed for flight permission with the US Department of Transportation this week. Airline representative Rebecca Rivera told The Daily Herald the airline will use a-140-new-seat Airbus 8319 for this new service. The airline recently acquired a new Airbus fleet.
Introductory fares for the non stop flights are yet to be decided on and will be released in the coming weeks. However, it is expected that prices will be as cheap as flying to Puerto Rico.
The new service will bring immediate economic benefit to Broward County, Florida and St. Maarten as fliers will be able to make use of the low fares to travel the US to shop or head to the islands for vacation. In addition to the non-stop service from its hub, Spirit will also offer connecting service in its domestic network.
“We can’t be happier to have St. Maarten in our 2007 expansion plans,” Spirit Airlines Chief Marketing Officer Barry Biffle said. “This is a beautiful destination with no shortage of demand for travel. Whether it’s a vacation in one of the Caribbean’s most unique settings or a shopping spree in South Florida, Spirit’s plan is to offer affordable option for travel to great destinations.”
Spirit Airlines is Fort Lauderdale’s largest international carrier. News of its plans to expand its network comes as no surprise to Broward County Interim Aviation Director Bob Bielek. “Spirit’s continued expansion is reinforcing Fort Lauderdale’s position as the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America. We are very pleased that Broward County will continue to benefit from Spirit’s expansion plans.”
Acting Commissioner of Aviation Roy Marlin looks forward to welcoming Spirit in the New Year. “In true St. Maarten spirit, we know that this is the beginning of a long term relationship with the government and the airline.”
Tourism Commissioner Theo Heyliger said the airline will be an asset to the local economy and people. This new service will enhance airlift and provide needed lower fares.
With Spirit’s low cost structure, the airline will be able to service St. Maarten with very competitive airfares which will be “a tremendous boost for tourism as well as our resident population,” said Emil Lee, St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) President. The association assisted in negotiations with the airline.
Lee added, “Ultimately, tourism is the engine which drives our economy and anything which makes us more competitive is a blessing.”
St. Maarten Tourism Director and Little Caribbean Alliance Chairwoman Regina LaBega said their group wanted to “Catch the Spirit” since the initial discussions close to two years ago. Little Caribbean Alliance is a collective marketing group made up of tourism directors of St. Maarten/St. Martin, Anguilla, St. Barths, Saba and Statia.
“Attracting a low cost carrier is an important objective in St. Maarten’s Tourism Master Plan.” She added that cheaper fares will translate into higher visitor expenditure on the island and assist with eliminating seasonal fare fluctuations and increase year round employment. (Alita Singh)
St Maarten vacation rental
