Spirit Airlines takes aim at Kansas City as it continues to unfold its ULCC model

US ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC) Spirit Airlines is adding Kansas City to its network roster starting in Aug-2014 as it presses forward in introducing its service model into markets it deems as ripe for stimulative fares.

Southwest is the largest carrier at Kansas City measured by seat deployment, but in its route rollout Spirit is largely taking aim at US major carriers American, United and Delta. Spirit's introductory route pattern in Kansas City reflects its strategy of "connecting the dots" to some of its more dominant US domestic markets as many new routes deployed from the airport are into some of its top bases.

Spirit's approach in Kansas City could hold clues to its future expansion strategy. The carrier is connecting a smaller market with larger metropolitan areas dominated by US network carriers that, until Aug-2014, will hold either monopolies or duopolies on the routes.

With 30% growth planned in 2015, more types of those routes are likely in the offing for Spirit.