The Golden State was shining brighter last week when Spirit Airlines launched its new non-stop service from its seventh California airport, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) on June 7.
The launch will provide wider travel options for San José travelers, including two daily flights to Las Vegas (LAS) and daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and San Diego (SAN).
The new route services will also provide an easy gateway for visitors to fly to the Southern Bay Area.
“We can’t wait to welcome our Silicon Valley Guests onboard one of the youngest fleets in the industry and fly them to these three great destinations, as well as give back to the community through the Spirit Charitable Foundation,” said John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines.
“San José has so much to offer travelers and our affordable fares will make it easier for our Guests to discover the Bay Area.”
“There couldn’t be a better way to kick off summer than by welcoming Spirit’s bright yellow planes to San José for the very first time,” said John Aitken, San Jose Mineta International Airport Director.
“We pride ourselves on providing the best customer experience in North America, and now with Spirit’s ultra-low-cost fares, the award-winning experience at SJC will now be available to many more travelers.”
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Pilot scholarships
Spirit Airlines also commemorated its new service in San José by providing a $10,000 scholarship to a student at a local flight school who holds aspirations of becoming a commercial airline pilot.
The scholarship will help cover flight training costs at San José-based Trade Winds Aviation for a student in San Jose State University’s Professional Flight Program.
With the industry and the airline needing large intakes with aircrew to support its fleet and network demands over coming years, pilot training has naturally been a key initiative for Spirit.
Last month saw US Aviation Academy in Denton, Texas, become the latest partner to join the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program.
The flight school offers comprehensive pilot training and is conveniently located near one of Spirit’s Pilot crew bases at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which provides graduates with opportunities to build relationships and progress to a successful career as a Spirit First Officer.
Recent A321neo induction
This week, the airline also celebrated a major company first with the unveiling of its first A321neo aircraft in a ceremony at its Detroit maintenance hangar.
The aircraft, N702NK, operated its first commercial flight on June 7. Spirit plans to accept seven more new A321neos in 2023, and 24 more are projected for delivery in 2024 in addition to other A320 Family aircraft deliveries.
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