American Airlines’ Charlotte hub is to get some more low cost competition.
Budget outfit Spirit Airlines will start flying from Charlotte Douglas International this summer.
Spirit will launch nonstop daily services from Charlotte to Baltimore/Washington DC, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Newark starting on June 20.
Charlotte becomes Spirit’s fourth destination in North Carolina.
Spirit says it is likely just the start and sees great potential for the airport which is now the sixth busiest in the nation.
"The North Carolina economy continues to thrive, and we are thrilled to add the state’s largest city, Charlotte, to our route network," said John Kirby, Spirit vice president of network planning.
Spirit’s market entry has been hailed by local fliers stung by high fares, as well as the airport itself, which welcomes the added competition.
"Competition in the market helps to mitigate ticket prices," said Brent Cagle, aviation director for the airport.
American dominates traffic at the airport with more than 80% of market share.
