Spirit Airlines today proudly launched its first Airbus A319 aircraft out of Detroit Metropolitan Airport to Palm Beach International Airport. This aircraft will join its regular schedule in April serving Myrtle Beach, NY/LaGuardia, and Los Angeles.

“This isn’t just our first Airbus A319 and the delivery of an airplane. This aircraft is a symbol of the new Spirit and the new attitude we have towards serving our customers,” said Ben Baldanza, President and Chief Operating Officer of Spirit Airlines. “This aircraft will allow us to achieve low cost dominance; serve new markets; and offer our customers great comfort and convenience with all-leather seats, moveable headrests, and extra large overhead bins.”

“This aircraft is dedicated to the customers and employees of Detroit. Spirit started nearly 15 years ago in Detroit so it’s appropriate that this plane be named for our original hometown and be called, ‘Spirit of Detroit’. We are very proud of our roots and grateful to the people who helped us during our formative years. We’re also counting on you to help fuel our future,” continued Baldanza.

Spirit will lease the aircraft from ILFC, International Lease Finance Corporation. With today’s announcement, Spirit’s fleet consists of four Airbus A321s, 27 MD-80s, and one Airbus A319. Spirit will deliver nine more A319s and two more A321s by the end of the year and has another 23 aircraft on order with options for 50 more. Spirit is committed to becoming an all Airbus fleet by mid-2007.

Spirit recently began service to Nassau, Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and non-stop service to and from Detroit, Michigan to Cancun, Mexico will commence April 8, 2005.
——-