It was only a matter of time, Menke out at Frontier
Former Frontier President Sean Menke is out at Republic Airways Holdings Inc after less than six month as Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer for Republic's branded operations (Midwest and Frontier), effective at the end of the first quarter. The company said Menke “made the personal decision to resign from the organization.”
Next stage of Frontier/Midwest consolidation announced
In making the announcement, Republic also outlined the next stage in the consolidation of the Frontier/Midwest Airlines brands under the Republic umbrella. Republic expects to complete the integration of the branded operations by the end of the second quarter of this year and to implement a number of service improvements for Frontier and Midwest customers.
Improvements include three new Airbus A320 jets and seven new Embraer 190 aircraft deployed during the first half which will afford increased frequencies on current routes and expansion to new destinations and increase frequencies on current routes. The two airlines will convert to a common reservation system and integrate their frequent flyer programs, easing the booking process and allowing passengers to access the benefits of both programs.
"As we continue to work to integrate our operations and create a stronger, more efficient organization for our customers and employees, it has become clear that our best long-term strategy is to base all of our executive management functions in a single headquarters location," Republic Chair, President and CEO Bryan Bedford said. "This will allow us to make the most of the many opportunities we envisioned when we added Frontier and Midwest to the Republic family."
The two companies have already completed the combination of network-wide ground operation, consolidated reservations facilities from three to two and initiated the relocation of Frontier's heavy maintenance and operating groups to Milwaukee and Indianapolis, respectively.
In addition, they have launched new routes, seasonal service and increased flight schedules throughout the US and Mexico, expanded their codeshare agreement to more than 60 Frontier and Midwest destinations, creating expanded choices for customers and enhanced their frequent flyer programs, allowing members of both programs to earn and redeem miles under either program on Frontier and Midwest flights.
One the departure of Menke, Bedford said: "Sean and his team did a wonderful job of leading Frontier through an 18-month-long bankruptcy. We were very fortunate to have had the benefit of his expertise over the last several months and wish him the best of luck wherever his career path takes him."
"It has been my pleasure to work with Bryan and the rest of the Republic team to ensure that Frontier is positioned to both persevere and expand upon what Frontier employees have worked so hard to build over the past few years," Menke said. "I have every confidence that they will see continued success for their airline and the entire Republic enterprise."