Spirit Airlines’ future could shape Pittsburgh and Latrobe airports

LATROBE, Pa. — Frontier Airlines’ second attempt at acquiring rival Spirit Airlines could impact not only one but two western Pennsylvania airports although the bankrupt air carrier said it preferred to emerge from bankruptcy protection as a standalone carrier.

Frontier Group (Nasdaq: ULCC) confirmed Wednesday it wanted to acquire Spirit Airlines in what it said would become a “stronger, low cost carrier” when the latter emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Frontier’s proposal would involve newly issued stock and debt.

Spirit (Nasdaq: SAVE) hours later rejected the proposal, saying it wasn’t interested in merging with Frontier and that it was committed to the standalone strategy.

“The company continues to advance through its restructuring process, which will significantly deleverage the company and position it for long-term success,” Spirit said in a filing Wednesday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. It had no comment beyond the filing.

A combined Frontier/Spirit could have consequences for Pittsburgh International Airport, where both ultra-low-cost carriers serve, as well as Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Unity Township, where Spirit has long been the sole airline. Frontier and Spirit have, over the past several years, grown their presence at Pittsburgh International Airport as part of the Allegheny County Airport Authority’s strategy to increase its budget-carrier flights.

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