Spirit Airlines soon will cease operations, according to multiple news reports.
The question locally is, What could that mean for Atlantic City International Airport, where Spirit has long been a mainstay?
“Currently, we have not received any notice from Spirit Airlines regarding service changes at the Atlantic City International Airport,” spokeswoman Kimberly Testa told BreakingAC. “We are aware of media reports, but we cannot confirm or comment on speculation.”
But it’s more than speculation, according to the Wall Street Journal.
“The ailing budget airline had been hoping to finalize a $500 million lifeline from the government before running out of cash,” the publication reported Friday. “The discount carrier hasn’t been able to get sufficient support between certain bondholders and the government to secure the funding to keep it in business, people familiar with the matter said.”
While the airline has been the most associated with Atlantic City International, it is far from the only company to fly in and out of the Egg Harbor Township airport, points out Tony Marino, who retired from the SJTA after a 25-year career that started before the authority was created.
Allegiant Air currently operates nonstop service to four Florida locations: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando/Sanford, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, and Punta Gorda, Florida,with Myrtle Beach, S.C. starting May 21, Testa said.
Breeze Airways also begins new service next week, with nonstop flights to Charleston, S.C. Raleigh/Durham, N.C. starts June 11 and and Tampa, Fla. will begin July 1, she added.
"We remain focused on maintaining a range of reliable, convenient air service options for our passengers and will provide updates as official information becomes available," Testa said.
Marino agreed.
“Probably 10 airlines have come and gone” in the airport’s history, he said. “Now Spirit has come and is apparently going.”
Four low-budget airlines remain operating nationwide, Marino noted, including the two that already have made a home at ACY.
Both has positive things to say about the location.
"We're thrilled to bring our brand of low-cost, high-value travel to one of New Jersey's most iconic destinations," Allegiant Chief Commercial Officer Drew Wells said during the announcement last August. "Connecting this vibrant community with several cities across Florida not only strengthens our leisure network, but opens up more affordable and convenient travel options for our customers in both regions. It's a win for travelers seeking sun and sand, and for those who want to experience the coastal charm of the Eastern Seaboard or stroll along Atlantic City's famed Boardwalk."
Five months later, Breeze Airways was singing the area's praises.
“Atlantic City is not only a great destination for travelers, but also a gateway to many other metro areas,” Breeze Airways Founder and CEO David Neeleman said, as he appeared at the Jan. 28 announcement via video. “We know Atlantic City will be a welcome addition to our Guests in Charleston, Raleigh, and Tampa, and we look forward to introducing our new Guests in Atlantic City to Breeze.”
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said he has a solution, even if he says no one has asked.
"My solution is to have Port Authority come down here and take over this airport," he said. "They have the resources. They have the manpower. I would love to be able to get it done."
Levinson said he will do everything in his power to keep an airline at ACY.
"It should be attractive to other airlines,” he said. "I know people who drive by Newark to come to ACY. The parking is convenient, you're in and out, the lines aren't there.
"I want this airport to be viable," he added.
Marino predicted that SJTA will try to fill Spirit’s routes with Allegiant.
He also would not be surprised if Frontier shows interest in coming to Atlantic City International.
“We have a wonderful airport,” Marino said, adding that it can accommodate several airlines with several gates.
Even a large carrier, American Airlines, has a presence there, he pointed out.
American offers "Landline" luxury motorcoach service directly from Atlantic City International to Philadelphia International Airport
“There’s going to be a lot of traffic at ACY,” Marino said. “And we probably will forget Spirit a year from now like we did all the other airlines before them.”
