Spirit Airlines today announced that it will start non-stop service from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to Chicago O’Hare and Las Vegas. On May 31, 2012, Spirit will begin three daily non-stop flights between Minneapolis and Chicago, and daily non-stop service between Minneapolis and Las Vegas.

To celebrate, Spirit is offering $28.79 fares, which is a $9.00 base fare plus taxes and fees,* from Minneapolis to Las Vegas and Chicago (each way based on roundtrip purchase) available today and tomorrow at www.spirit.com.

“We are excited to bring our ultra low fares to the Twin Cities,” said Spirit’s Chief Marketing Officer Barry Biffle. “Our cheap fares and optional services have saved customers millions because we give consumers the freedom to choose only the extras they value and they only pay for what they use.”

“I am very pleased to welcome Spirit Airlines to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and wish the airline every success here,” said Dan Boivin, chairman of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and operates MSP and six general aviation airports in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. “Competition among airlines is good for consumers, and Spirit’s unique low-fare business model provides a valuable alternative for cost-conscious travelers. It is a goal of the MAC to expand choices for the consumer with more options to more destinations while maintaining our commitment to sound environmental stewardship.”

MAC Executive Director Jeff Hamiel noted, “Spirit Airlines is the fourth new carrier to announce service at MSP since 2008, highlighting the strength of the Minneapolis-St. Paul market for business and leisure travel services. Spirit’s decision to join the MSP community further ensures the region will continue to enjoy not only some of the most abundant air service per capita in the nation but also healthy competition on key routes.”

“Spirit Airlines’ new service to Minneapolis-St. Paul enhances competition and expands options for travelers at O’Hare International Airport,” said Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino. “In less than one year, Spirit has more than doubled its flight offerings from O’Hare with service to 11 destinations, including Minneapolis and Denver beginning in May. Spirit’s rapid growth at O’Hare is in line with Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s vision to maintain and grow the service offerings, economic impact and job creation of Chicago’s airports.”

“Minneapolis-St. Paul is currently the 12th-largest provider of air visitors to Las Vegas, sending approximately 700 travelers to McCarran International Airport each day,” said Randall H. Walker, Director of Aviation for Clark County, Nevada. “Spirit’s new service will provide more seats from this important market each day, greatly improving people’s ability to travel between Las Vegas and Minnesota.”

“We are excited to welcome the third new city this year to our ever-evolving partnership with Spirit Airlines,” said Cathy Tull, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority. “Every new destination that is added to the schedule provides additional flexibility and more options for travelers.”