JetBlue-Spirit deal brings hope and concern for Western Pa.

Westmoreland County Airport Authority Executive Director Gabe Monzo said he’s hopeful a $3.8 billion deal for JetBlue to purchase Spirit Airlines ultimately will be a boon for local travelers.

But there are no guarantees.

The deal was announced Thursday. Spirit has been the sole carrier at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport near Latrobe.

“We have 150,000 people here who want to go somewhere, but I don’t know what to expect. We’re going to try to keep ourselves in the mix,” Monzo said.

Spirit has served as carrier for commuter service in Westmoreland County since 2011, operating as many as three flights a day to a handful of locations in Florida and Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Spirit is the fifth-largest airline that operates out of Pittsburgh International Airport, carrying nearly 10% of air traffic this year through June. JetBlue is seventh-largest, carrying nearly 2% of passenger traffic, according to Allegheny County Airport Authority spokesman Bob Kerlik.

Spirit flies to nine destinations from Pittsburgh. JetBlue operates 26 weekly flights to Boston.

“Today’s news that JetBlue is acquiring Spirit represents an opportunity for Pittsburgh,” said Bryan Dietz, senior vice president of Air Service and Commercial Development for the Allegheny County Airport Authority. “Each carrier has developed a strong franchise (in Pittsburgh), including no overlapping routes, with a loyal passenger base to markets where Pittsburghers want to fly. We have strong relationships with both management teams and are excited to see what the future holds for the combined airline.”

Monzo said Westmoreland airport officials have had previous contact with JetBlue but no commitment for the airline to fly out of Latrobe. JetBlue’s purchase of Spirit ultimately could have a positive impact on Westmoreland County air travel, he suggested.

“This has a potential to increase destinations. We’ve been pestering airlines for additional destinations, so we are just biding our time. They know we can do it, and we have a good staff,” Monzo said.

Related

• JetBlue agrees to buy Spirit for $3.8 billion
• With Frontier deal dead, Spirit ponders sale to JetBlue

Both airlines released statements Thursday touting the deal.

“We are thrilled to unite with JetBlue through our improved agreement to create the most compelling national low-fare challenger to the dominant U.S. carriers,” Spirit CEO Ted Christie said.

“Spirit and JetBlue will continue to advance our shared goal of disrupting the industry to bring down fares from the Big Four airlines,” JetBlue Chief Executive Officer Robin Hayes said. “This combination is an exciting opportunity to diversify and expand our network, add jobs and new possibilities for crew members and expand our platform for profitable growth.”

The deal still must receive approval from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Until the sale is finalized, the airlines will continue with their independent operations.

Michael Boyd, president of the Colorado-based aviation consulting firm Boyd Group International, predicted the sale will have minimal impact on operations at Pittsburgh International Airport but suggested the jury is still out about its ramifications for Latrobe.

Boyd said Spirit’s business model as a low-cost, no frills carrier is at odds with JetBlue operations and as such means the purchase won’t likely result in major changes in Pittsburgh, where both airlines offer flights and serve different customer bases.

For Latrobe, the outlook is less clear.

“If JetBlue decides they don’t want to use Spirit’s model, yes, they could pull back. They may not want that kind of revenue. There are no guarantees for Latrobe,” Boyd said.

A potential loss of service at Westmoreland County’s airport could be significant.

Monzo said Arnold Palmer Regional Airport infuses about $100 million annually into the local economy. And officials are finalizing a $22 million project to expand the terminal building that could break ground toward the end of 2023.

“This airport is in position to move in any direction. I think we are going to be fine,” Monzo said.