Westmoreland County officials remain optimistic about Spirit Airlines’ future, despite the carrier’s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Spirit Airlines, which operates as the sole commercial carrier at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, has significantly reduced its flights in recent years. Nevertheless, local authorities are hopeful that Spirit will emerge stronger from its financial struggles, potentially reversing the decline in services.
Acknowledging Spirit’s financial woes, Airport Authority Executive Director Gabe Monzo noted, “We knew this was coming for quite a while. It was just a matter of time.” Since 2020, the airline has faced steep losses of over $2.5 billion and looming debt payments exceeding $1 billion. Spirit’s attempted recovery was hindered by a blocked merger with JetBlue earlier this year.
Despite the uncertainty, Spirit has assured continuity in its operations during the bankruptcy process, including flights and ticket sales. Monzo expressed confidence in Spirit’s potential recovery while reinstating full staffing at the airport’s reservation desk in anticipation of increased flight activity next spring. Spirit has yet to confirm its February schedule but has historically added flights to Myrtle Beach in late winter or spring.
Efforts to Diversify Airline Services
Recognizing the risks of relying solely on Spirit Airlines, the Westmoreland County Airport Authority is actively courting other carriers. Monzo revealed that discussions have occurred with low-cost airlines such as JetBlue, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, and Southern Airways Express. While no deals have been finalized, Monzo emphasized the importance of a backup plan, stating, “I’ll talk to any airline that’s willing to talk to us.”
Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, which saw its peak passenger count reach 356,000 in 2015, has faced a significant decline in traffic, primarily due to Spirit’s reduced services. In 2023, passenger numbers are expected to mirror last year’s total of nearly 150,500. Although the airport lacks eligibility for federal Essential Air Service (EAS) subsidies due to its proximity to Pittsburgh International Airport, Monzo sees this as an opportunity to carve out a niche in the region’s air travel market.
Spirit’s offerings from the airport have dwindled to a single daily flight to Orlando, Florida, compared to its earlier services to multiple Florida destinations and Las Vegas. Despite these setbacks, Monzo remains committed to exploring new opportunities for the airport. “We get 150,000 people who want to go somewhere. We just have to find the right niche for us,” he said.
Terminal Expansion Moving Forward
In a bid to modernize its facilities, the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport is moving ahead with a $22 million terminal expansion. The project, which began in late October, includes enhancing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening area, upgrading baggage claim, creating new concessions, and adding a passenger boarding bridge. Initial construction uncovered an abandoned fuel tank, presenting a minor setback.
Monzo stressed the necessity of these improvements, calling the current 25-year-old terminal outdated. “We have to renovate it, no matter what,” he stated. The expanded terminal will increase TSA screening lines from one to two, addressing issues flagged during the pandemic.
The county has contributed $4 million to the terminal upgrade, alongside $2.6 million allocated for the authority’s operational costs in 2024. Despite Spirit Airlines’ bankruptcy, Monzo reaffirmed that the upgrades will proceed as planned, ensuring the airport is prepared for future growth and new opportunities.
Westmoreland officials remain hopeful that these efforts will solidify the airport’s position as a reliable travel hub, regardless of Spirit Airlines’ challenges.
