SOUTHWEST AIRLINES EAGERLY EXPANDING AT FT. LAUDERDALE AIRPORT
Once the Ft. Lauderdale Airport renovations and expansions are complete in 2017, Southwest Airlines will be able to expand with new domestic and international flights. Already the number 2 airline carrier there with 18.5% of traffic through August of this year, Southwest is eyeing new international flights. While they haven’t announced any specific international routes yet, they are currently travelling to Cancun and Los Cabos, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; San Jose, Costa Rica from other East Coast airports. It is reported that Southwest is looking to add at least 25 daily international flights to South America and the Caribbean. Given the new added international South American routes by Ft. Lauderdale Airport competitors JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, it is clear there is a lot of growth in this area to be had. Southwest has also identified a growing need between Texas (Southwest’s current hub is here at Dallas Love Field) and Ft. Lauderdale, and just started 2 flights per day between these areas. As South Florida’s economy improves and the international economy continues to struggle, we have become an even more attractive destination for our international neighbors to the South. I am sure that Southwest is thinking that if Spirit Airlines is having success with these routes now Southwest should be able to do even more business there since they have far superior service (among other things). This is not good news for Spirit indeed. But more competition is good for consumers and we Floridians will benefit from all the increased routes by seeing lower prices and more destination options. Not just from lower prices from competition but also from the now standard lower fuel prices. I have always wanted to visit South America and soon it will be easy and relatively inexpensive to do so from Ft. Lauderdale. And wait until you see what the airport is going to look like when the work is complete, it is going to be something to behold. As always, thanks for reading and have a great day.
Southwest Airlines plans growth at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport
No comments:
Post a Comment