Frontier Airlines has significantly modified its outstanding order for Airbus aircraft, as flagged by @IshrionA. I don’t think this will surprise anyone…
In this post:
Frontier defers 54 Airbus jets to 2029 and beyond
Ultra low cost carrier Frontier Airlines operates a fleet consisting exclusively of Airbus A320-family aircraft. Back before the pandemic, the airline had huge growth plans, given that ultra low cost carriers were performing well. However, the airline has been struggling with profitability in recent years, and has now changed up its outstanding orders.
Specifically, the airline has revised its Airbus aircraft deliveries as follows (all orders are for A320neos and A321neos):
- In 2025, Frontier was supposed to take delivery of 42 aircraft, but that has now been reduced to 21, representing a reduction of 21 aircraft
- In 2026, Frontier was supposed to take delivery of 41 aircraft, but that has now been reduced to 22, representing a reduction of 19 aircraft
- In 2027, Frontier was supposed to take delivery of 42 aircraft, but that has now been reduced to 34, representing a reduction of eight aircraft
- In 2028, Frontier was supposed to take delivery of 40 aircraft, but that has now been reduced to 34, representing a reduction of six aircraft
- In 2029, Frontier was supposed to take delivery of 22 aircraft, but that has now been increased to 36, representing an increase of 14 aircraft
- In 2030 and beyond, Frontier is now planning to take delivery of 40 aircraft, representing an increase of 40 aircraft
As you can see, Frontier is essentially deferring 54 aircraft deliveries planned for 2025-2028 to 2029 and beyond.
I don’t think this development will surprise anyone. Ultra low cost carriers are struggling right now, as the industry deals with an overcapacity issues. There’s simply not space for much growth at the moment, so it’s logical enough to see Frontier deferring these deliveries. For that matter, JetBlue recently announced it would also defer lots of new Airbus aircraft.
I’m sure there are other airlines that would be more than happy to pick up these close-in delivery slots. 😉
Frontiers backtracks on Airbus A321XLR plans
Frontier Airlines has also updated its agreement with Airbus to reflect that it no longer plans to take delivery of the Airbus A321XLR, and will instead acquire more A321neos. The A321XLR is the new long range version of the Airbus A320-family aircraft, opening up all kinds of new long and thin routes for airlines.
Frontier was actually the first US airline to order this jet, and the plan was for Frontier to acquire 18 A321XLRs. This development most definitely isn’t surprising, given Frontier’s situation.
However, even taking Frontier’s current challenges out of the equation, I never really understood what Frontier was going for with this aircraft order. Operating ultra low cost long haul flights is incredibly challenging to begin with, let alone with low capacity aircraft like this.
Bottom line
Frontier Airlines has updated its order with Airbus. The airline has deferred the delivery of 54 Airbus A320-family aircraft that were supposed to be delivered in 2025-2028, and they’ll now be delivered in 2029 and beyond. On top of that, Frontier no longer has plans to fly the A321XLR, which is logical enough.
Frontier’s top priority at the moment is staying in business, so reducing capital expenditures is a logical move.
What do you make of Frontier’s Airbus aircraft deferral?
Is the overcapacity Ben is regularly talking about a US thing? Because here in Europe (LH & LX) 90% of the planes I fly with are booked out completely.
The US economy is easing off. Not a recession, but with recent inflation, many are holding off on discretionary spending.
Also, most of the legacy carriers are matching the ULCC with corresponding “basic” fares. Since most ULCC are once and gone for the day, the legacy carriers do have frequently to fall back on should things go wrong (recent CrowdStrike meltdown excluded).
Also, the airlines bulked up on capacity and went on a...
The US economy is easing off. Not a recession, but with recent inflation, many are holding off on discretionary spending.
Also, most of the legacy carriers are matching the ULCC with corresponding “basic” fares. Since most ULCC are once and gone for the day, the legacy carriers do have frequently to fall back on should things go wrong (recent CrowdStrike meltdown excluded).
Also, the airlines bulked up on capacity and went on a hiring spree after COVID. Now that the economy is easing, the excess costs are eating into any profits. Several of the ULCC and LCC are furloughing pilots and employees.
Other issues, but those are the main drivers.
UA, pulling out it's wallet while dialing up Airbus....
Heck, no they aren't. They don't need them. Their 737-900s are relatively young.
UA is DEFINITELY talking to Airbus. By their own admission.
We've heard for 6 months about how Airbus is going to bail United out of its excessive dependence on Boeing including doubling down on MAX orders during covid even though the MAX 7 and 10 were already delayed. UA knew it was ordering a delayed aircraft and then acted surprised when Boeing told United that their growth plan was completely unrealistic.
you do realize that Airbus can't deliver its own commitments for the PW 321NEO...
We've heard for 6 months about how Airbus is going to bail United out of its excessive dependence on Boeing including doubling down on MAX orders during covid even though the MAX 7 and 10 were already delayed. UA knew it was ordering a delayed aircraft and then acted surprised when Boeing told United that their growth plan was completely unrealistic.
you do realize that Airbus can't deliver its own commitments for the PW 321NEO due to Pratt's problems and is paying compensation to airlines for those delays? While less than Boeing is paying for its delivery delays, Airbus is FIRST going to get its deliveries back on track before reselling the delivery positions to someone else.
UA can talk but Airbus is not necessarily going to provide any relief to UA above its other customers that have had orders in much longer than UA.
And, if UA really wanted to get Airbus to move, they would confirm their orders for A350s or order the A330NEO but UA isn't apparently willing to do that.
And the MAX 10 will very likely begin deliveries by late 2026 and possibly earlier, a number of which have already been built but cannot be delivered.
Copy/paste where you see me saying anything about what Airbus will do.
I simply said UA is talking to Airbus about narrowbody delivery position options, by their own public admission. That's a fact, no more no less.
and we know that talk by itself gets you nowhere.
It says more about United that they tout that they are talking to Airbus and yet can't come up w/ a deal for more than 3 dozen A321s from leasing companies, not Airbus.
Why would airbus want to sell to a second tier airline anyway? We all know they produce premium products that only Premium Airlines get
It's a good time to be an airline in search of A321 NEO & XLR aircraft.
The waiting list is long and distinguished. It'll be interesting to see who gets the slots for early deliver!
@Ben Did you correctly remove a beyond inappropriate comment from a fake Tim about Tim Dunn? No matter what people may say or think about Tim that now deleted was beyond rude and disrespectful. Kudos to Ben.
my hat is off to Ben. I have been asking Ben for months to rid his site of people that can't stand to allow someone else to share their thoughts and don't have the creativity, let alone moral compass, to use their own user name.
There is a line across which no site should go and these users have been emboldened to keep pushing.
Kudos to Ben for drawing the line - even if it should also include banning user names that mock other users.
Agreed with Stanley and Tim. Honestly I think removing guest commenting would be a step in the right direction; for one thing it would make it easier to monitor use names.
(And yes I realize the irony since I'm not currently signed in... I'm just being lazy)
A certain site that we shall call Pimple Dying removed guest commenting recently. They lost more than half their readership overnight.
and yet VFTW cracked down - not entirely eliminated - on political commentary in remarks and fraudulent user names and they are still well ahead of OMAAT in terms of readership.
If any site relies on fraudulent and low quality replies by people that aren't willing to register with the site, then the site itself really isn't that compelling and readers can see it.
Dim Tunn is on my birth certificate
The whole comment system would need to be overhauled in that case, since I'm nearly always automatically logged out when I switch device and logging in forces me to reload the page (and then scroll through the comments to find the one I want to comment on).
The system isn't broken if it works for everyone except 1 person.
Frontier is basically a scam operation masquerading as an airline at the moment. For as bad as Delta handled the Crowdstrike meltdown, Frontier handled it even worse, refusing to cover hotels or meals because 'it was a 'vendor issue'' even though legally yes, Frontier is responsible.
The worst part is the $100 carry-on-at-the-gate fee, which I've seen charged for things like backpack straps that won't squeeze in. That is straight up unreasonable for the value...
Frontier is basically a scam operation masquerading as an airline at the moment. For as bad as Delta handled the Crowdstrike meltdown, Frontier handled it even worse, refusing to cover hotels or meals because 'it was a 'vendor issue'' even though legally yes, Frontier is responsible.
The worst part is the $100 carry-on-at-the-gate fee, which I've seen charged for things like backpack straps that won't squeeze in. That is straight up unreasonable for the value provided- these a-holes aren't handling bags, it's something going under the seat, and consumers don't have a choice.
They need to be shut down.
1) Frontier didn't have any material Crowdstrike impacts.
2) They say everywhere that the size of carryons and personal items includes things like handles and straps. This isn't something hidden on page 73 of the fine print as a gotcha. They also have signs all over the gate area and check in desks saying the same thing, including that it is cheaper to pay before boarding. Some people take the gamble (or lack basic context...
1) Frontier didn't have any material Crowdstrike impacts.
2) They say everywhere that the size of carryons and personal items includes things like handles and straps. This isn't something hidden on page 73 of the fine print as a gotcha. They also have signs all over the gate area and check in desks saying the same thing, including that it is cheaper to pay before boarding. Some people take the gamble (or lack basic context clues/reading comprehension in the first place) and lose.
1. They did, there's videos galore of it as well as their bs handling of it refusing to give out vouchers.
2. Doesn't matter, they're forcing passengers to pay $100 for a service that isn't worth $100.00. No need to be obtuse- it crossed the line from unbundling into 'shakedown.'
3. Their personal item size is intentionally smaller than any other mainline carrier for this very reason.
You're the problem with society today.
All those entitlement issues.
It's a free market. They can set any rule they want. If you don't like it, don't fly them. Your ignorance to their rule is on you.
Everything is clearly published.
Why don't you demand Frontier to install lieflat seats and serve caviar because other carrier does it.
While Frontier did get affected by CrowdStrike, if you feel they didn't treat you...
You're the problem with society today.
All those entitlement issues.
It's a free market. They can set any rule they want. If you don't like it, don't fly them. Your ignorance to their rule is on you.
Everything is clearly published.
Why don't you demand Frontier to install lieflat seats and serve caviar because other carrier does it.
While Frontier did get affected by CrowdStrike, if you feel they didn't treat you correctly then file a DOT complaint. Delta was doing the same too, so it's not just a single airline.
Entitlement my arse, go give a geometry class at whatever diploma mill you flunked out of if you want to be obtuse-
You know and I know it's a shakedown because nobody would pay it otherwise. It's not proportional of the service rendered of bringing your own bag aboard or cost to transport it. And it's not 'free market' because there's -no- other option aside from missing the flight.
It doesn't matter if...
Entitlement my arse, go give a geometry class at whatever diploma mill you flunked out of if you want to be obtuse-
You know and I know it's a shakedown because nobody would pay it otherwise. It's not proportional of the service rendered of bringing your own bag aboard or cost to transport it. And it's not 'free market' because there's -no- other option aside from missing the flight.
It doesn't matter if it's technically in the print or not- That's a scam business model and a textbook worthy dark pattern UX.
I fly F9 regularly. They have bag sizers at multiple points in the airport (check in and gate area). No one should be surprised if their bag is too big and gets flagged. If you dont want to pay, bring a small back pack.
Not surprising, particularly on the XLR because I don't see Frontier or Spirit doing long haul. It just doesn't seem to work in the US. My guess is that Frontier and Spirit are waiting to see if a new Administration emerges in 2025 making a merger approval possibly easier. At this point I don't think there are many options. But the issue with the merger is what to do with all the a/c and crew that will be redundant? Particularly a/c that is on lease or not paid for.
Bankruptcy and liquidation on the horizon, or a merger with NK, or both.
XLR orders to UA or AA.
Agree. FRONTIER and SPIRIT should have merged and JetBlue needed to stay out of the picture. Now all three of them are have sustainability issues. The XLRs will indeed end up at AA or UAL because it doesn't make sense for any of the other carriers. Delta will more than likely continue to fly their 757s until the wings disintegrate because they Love Old Aircraft,lol.
Frontier just made 32 million last quarter so for now why would you think bankruptcy,ignorant
precisely. B6 should have never tried to acquire NK and all they accomplished is to weaken all 3 airlines.
As for the XLR, AA and UA have a small fraction of all of the A321NEO and XLR orders so it is more than arrogant to think that Airbus will provide any surplus A321NEOs to AA or UA over other airlines.
As for DL's fleet age, including the 757s, UA's fleet is actually older than DL's....
precisely. B6 should have never tried to acquire NK and all they accomplished is to weaken all 3 airlines.
As for the XLR, AA and UA have a small fraction of all of the A321NEO and XLR orders so it is more than arrogant to think that Airbus will provide any surplus A321NEOs to AA or UA over other airlines.
As for DL's fleet age, including the 757s, UA's fleet is actually older than DL's. DL is using the 757s on shorter routes since they flew so many long routes early in their life. DL is slowly retiring 757s and 767s but portions the 757 fleet have way more life left in them and will last well into the 2030s because DL has many of the last 757s that were built.
Probably did them a favor.
You can count on one hand the amount of times that 2 ailing carriers have merged* to form a healthy one.
*Without having first gone through and exited bankruptcy protection.
Frontier had a very large order book for an airline of its size and they are trimming their order book to a lesser degree than others including Spirit.
As to the XLR, it simply isn't needed unless you plan to fly over 8 hours. While Frontier might have toyed with the idea of 8+ hour flights to Europe or S. America, the domestic weakness and the fact that JBLU is not doing well w/...
Frontier had a very large order book for an airline of its size and they are trimming their order book to a lesser degree than others including Spirit.
As to the XLR, it simply isn't needed unless you plan to fly over 8 hours. While Frontier might have toyed with the idea of 8+ hour flights to Europe or S. America, the domestic weakness and the fact that JBLU is not doing well w/ its TATL flights is enough indication that F9 must learn from other carrier mistakes.
And it is also possible that Frontier is setting itself up to pick up pieces of Spirit and needs to be financially stronger than they are now. The two originally planned to merge before JetBlue jumped in.
I'm pretty sure the XLR was doomed for F9 the second Wizz folded up their base at KEF. My thinking is that Indigo Partners was planning to build a TATL network in the long term. Obviously, that's not going to happen at all now.
How dare you write an article and not mention Delta.
the more likely scenario is that a United fankid will jump in and tell us how many of these deferred aircraft will end up with United.
I'm a UA fankid and I believe the XLR is lemon-flavored garbage. Glad to see UA has never bought it and never will. Scott Kirby does not worship at the altar of French William, unlike another person whose names rhymes with Bed Asstian.
What are you talking about? UA has 50 -XLRs on order....
You must get your drugs from the same supplier as my son.
All these UA fan boys talking about an impending order. It's not like my son talked about an A350-1000 order for years...