Frontier first in line for route

Airline gets initial nod to add flights from L.A. to Cabo

Chris Walsh, Rocky Mountain News

Published June 22, 2006 at midnight

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Frontier Airlines has received initial approval to launch daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, as the carrier looks for opportunities outside its Denver hub.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said Wednesday it has tentatively selected Frontier over Delta Air Lines, Continental Express and United Airlines as the third U.S. carrier allowed to provide service on the route.

The decision, which must receive final approval, would bolster Frontier's West Coast service, representing "another step toward diversification," company spokesman Joe Hodas said.

Frontier has been adding a flurry of nonstop service to Mexico in recent years, not only from Denver but also from other U.S. cities.

Next week, the carrier will start nonstop service between Los Angeles and San Francisco, giving it even more potential customers for new flights to Cabo.

Up to three U.S. carriers can serve certain routes to Mexico. American Airlines and Alaska Airlines currently fly between Los Angeles and Cabo.

The DOT said it chose Frontier for the third spot because it "will introduce new competition to carriers already flying to Mexico from Los Angeles and other West Coast U.S. cities."

Other carriers have a 10-day window to file objections.

Frontier Airlines

FRNT:Nasdaq

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+ 9 cents

walshc@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-2744

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