Frontier Airlines Launches Nine New Atlanta Routes as Southwest Retreats, and More

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Frontier Challenges Delta with Major Atlanta Expansion

Frontier Airlines is significantly expanding its presence at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with nine new routes launching between May and June 2025.

This expansion will increase the airline's departures by 40% year-over-year, making Atlanta one of Frontier's top three bases in the U.S. alongside Denver and Orlando.

Key Points

• The nine new routes include two international destinations: Aruba (AUA) and San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP)

• Domestic destinations include Oklahoma City (OKC), Kansas City (MCI), St. Louis (STL), Columbus (CMH), and Florida destinations Fort Myers (RSW), Jacksonville (JAX), and West Palm Beach (PBI)

• Routes will begin launching on May 22 with Oklahoma City, followed by Kansas City on May 23, Aruba on May 24, and the remaining routes in June

• By summer, Frontier will serve 52 destinations from Atlanta with approximately 363 weekly departures, up from about 250 during the same period in 2024

• Promotional fares for the new routes start at $29 one-way for travel between May 24 and August 18, 2025, with some blackout dates

• Frontier will compete directly with Delta Air Lines on all nine new routes

• The airline is now operating from newly-built gates on the E Concourse at ATL

• Frontier expects to employ more than 1,200 people at ATL this year, including pilots, flight attendants, and ground staff

What It Means

Frontier is strategically filling the void left by Southwest Airlines, which has cut about a third of its Atlanta destinations and crew this year.

With these additions, Frontier may soon surpass Southwest to become ATL's second-largest carrier after Delta.

This move positions Frontier as the primary low-cost alternative to Delta at the world's busiest airport, targeting primarily leisure travelers while Delta focuses on business passengers.

Other Key Aviation Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. Delta Exits Longest US Domestic Flight Route

Delta Air Lines has permanently canceled its nonstop Boston to Honolulu service, which at 5,095 miles was the longest domestic route in the US.

The airline initially planned to suspend flights after April 30 with intentions to resume on November 20, but has now removed all future flights from its booking system.

Hawaiian Airlines will remain the sole carrier on this route.

Delta had previously reduced frequency from daily to four weekly flights, suggesting profitability challenges despite competitive $500 round-trip fares.

3. Qatar Airways Launches Dedicated Service Targeting Aircraft On Ground (AOG) Logistics

Qatar Airways Cargo launched a new Aerospace service focused on time-critical transport for the aviation sector.

The service provides the highest loading priority and rapid processing for Aircraft On Ground (AOG) shipments and other aerospace components across Qatar's entire network.

Features include a dedicated handling team, Control Tower support, and response to loadability inquiries within 45 minutes.

The airline also offers specialized engine transport dollies capable of carrying up to 20,000 kg, including large engines like Rolls Royce Trent 7000 and GEnx-2B.

4. British Airways Parent IAG Soars on Record Profits and Billion-Euro Buyback Plan

British Airways owner IAG reported a 27% jump in annual operating profit to €4.4 billion, significantly beating analyst expectations of €3.7 billion.

The company announced a €1 billion share buyback program to be implemented over the next 12 months, along with a €0.06 per share final dividend.

IAG's strong performance was driven by increased capacity, higher ticket prices, and fuller planes.

The company's stock rose about 5% today, continuing its impressive 130% gain over the past year despite industry challenges.

5. Transportation Department Accelerates Air Traffic Controller Recruitment Process

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a plan to address the decade-long air traffic controller shortage.

The initiative streamlines the FAA's hiring process from eight steps to five, cutting four months off the timeline.

Starting salaries for trainees will increase by 30% to $22.84 per hour, with certified controllers earning over $160,000 annually. The hiring window runs February 27 - March 17, prioritizing top-scoring candidates.

This comes amid recent aviation incidents, including January's fatal collision near Reagan Airport that killed 67 people, and follows 400 FAA staff cuts under the Trump administration.

6. EHang Partners with Auto Giant JAC to Scale eVTOL Production

EHang has formed a strategic partnership with JAC Motors and Guoxian Holdings to establish a joint venture for building an advanced eVTOL manufacturing facility in Hefei, China.

Announced on February 25, the collaboration will integrate JAC's automotive manufacturing expertise with EHang's UAM technology to scale up production of intelligent, pilotless aircraft.

The partnership aims to standardize components, create unified industry standards, and accelerate the commercialization of low-altitude aviation.

EHang delivered 216 aircraft last year and has orders exceeding 1,000 units as China prioritizes the low-altitude economy.

7. FAA Approves GE Aerospace Catalyst Engine for Beechcraft's Upcoming Denali Aircraft

GE Aerospace's Catalyst turboprop engine received FAA certification after completing 8,000 hours of testing across 23 engines.

This first clean-sheet turboprop of the 21st century offers 18% better fuel consumption and 10% higher cruise power than competitors.

The certification represents a major milestone for the Beechcraft Denali single-engine aircraft, which is now expected to complete its certification process in 2026.

The Catalyst engine features innovative technology including 3D-printed components, variable stator vanes, and cooled high-pressure turbine blades.

8. Embraer Eyes U.S. Carriers While E195-E2 Gains Global Momentum

Embraer wants its E195-E2 jets operated by U.S. airlines as the aircraft gains traction globally.

Despite strong E175-E1 sales in the U.S. market, the E175-E2 family has seen limited adoption there due to scope clause restrictions.

Embraer delivered 73 commercial jets in 2024 (47 E2 models) and expects 77-85 deliveries in 2025. Embraer has ruled out launching new aircraft until the 2030s, focusing instead on existing product improvements.

9. Raytheon's AI-Enhanced Radar System Completes Successful F-16 Testing

Raytheon successfully completed flight testing of the first AI/ML-powered Radar Warning Receiver for fourth-generation aircraft.

The Cognitive Algorithm Deployment System (CADS) integrates AI models with legacy RWR systems, enabling threat detection and prioritization at the sensor level with minimal latency.

The system combines Deepwave Digital's computing stack with AI techniques from Georgia Tech Research Institute and Vadum.

CADS is expected to be procured across multiple platforms beginning in early 2025.

10. RTX's Enhanced Thermal Management System Prepares for F-35 Integration

Collins Aerospace announced today that its Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS) has reached Technology Readiness Level 6, marking it ready for aircraft integration.

Designed to replace the F-35's current thermal management system, EPACS delivers more than double the cooling capacity at 80 kilowatts.

The dual-use technology can also be applied to commercial aircraft and sixth-generation fighters, addressing increasing cooling demands of modern aviation systems.