Lynx Launches

The long-anticipated launch of Frontier Airlines’ new regional carrier – Lynx Aviation – became a reality December 7 when its first Bombardier Q400 took off from Denver en route to Billings, Mont. The new carrier sported new graphics chosen by Frontier’s fans including a baby lynx – natch – a wolf pup and a mountain lion cub. It is unclear why the airline waited five days to announce the launch. Lynx routes have been served since November by ExpressJet and Republic as the carrier awaited FAA certification.
"Starting a new airline is certainly a challenging process, but from the beginning we knew we would be successful because we had the support of Frontier and the tremendous employees at Lynx," said Tom Nunn, president of Lynx Aviation. "The first flight to Billings was a great moment for all of
us. We look forward to contributing to the future success of Frontier and we are eager to show Frontier's customers that the Frontier experience is alive and well with the new Lynx Q400."
The fledgling carrier will fly a fleet of 10 Q400s a 750-mile radius of its Denver hub. The airline already employs 250 and launch routes also includes Rapid City, Sioux City, Tulsa and Wichita.
Frontier sees Lynx as a key to its success, offering diversification and wholly-owned feeder service rather than the contracts it has had with Horizon, ExpressJet and Republic, the latter two short-term contracts because Lynx certification took longer than expected. It was scheduled to launch earlier this fall. For a complete report see next week's issue of Regional Aviation News.