Frontier Airlines' rapid network changes continue. A return to Philadelphia, now with a ULCC mindset

Network restructuring continues at Frontier Airlines as the ULCC attempts to carve out its place among ultra low-cost airlines within the consolidated US market place. Frontier appears to be straddling a model of small city service while expanding into larger markets where it deems fares are high and it believes stimulation opportunities exist.

Among the changes undertaken by Frontier is a return to Philadelphia, which is geographically close to its focus city of Trenton, New Jersey. Frontier is making some changes in Trenton that appear to reflect seasonal shifts. Its decision to resume service to Philadelphia obviously raises questions about Trenton's future in Frontier's network and the evolution of its route strategy. But the airline seems committed in some fashion to the smaller airport in the near term.

The latest round of adjustments also show Frontier upping its overlap with the large US majors, and, in some cases, fellow ULCC Spirit. As Frontier unfolds its network strategy under new ownership, the theory that the US can support more than one large ultra low-cost airline will continue to be put to the test.