Spirit Airlines starts Pensacola service in June

Spirit Airlines announced Thursday plans to bring brand new Airbus planes and industry-leading low fares to Pensacola International Airport starting June 10. Spirit will offer the only nonstop flights to Columbus, Indianapolis and Louisville, along with nonstop service to Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Kansas City and St. Louis.

Pensacola is the eighth new city added to Spirit's network in the past year and the airline's first destination in Northwest Florida.

Spirit Airlines comes to The Gateway to the West in a big way

The Spirit of St. Louis will fly higher than ever once Spirit Airlines arrives in the Gateway to the West. Spirit Airlines announced Thursday plans to add St.Louis Lambert International Airport to its route map with nonstop daily service to five cities. On May 27, the airline plans to start flying to Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Pensacola and Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale is also Spirit's largest gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America.

St. Louis is the seventh new city added to Spirit's network in the past year. The airline continues to seize growth opportunities as demand for air travel increases, having announced new service to Louisville, Milwaukee and Pensacola in the past two weeks. Last month, the carrier announced an accelerated delivery schedule for new Airbus aircraft joining Spirit's Fit Fleet, which is among the youngest in the industry.

Private investment firm adds 24 Boeing 737-8 jets to portfolio

Boeing and private investment firm 777 Partners announced Friday an agreement to add 24 737-8s to the firm’s diverse aviation portfolio, with purchase rights for an additional 60 airplanes. The Miami-based company will place the single-aisle airplanes with its growing portfolio of low-cost carrier investments around the world.

In addition to aircraft leasing, 777 Partners strategically invests in a host of aviation businesses, from operating carriers to technology-driven solutions. The firm’s travel sector strategy is largely focused on innovative solutions for interlining, passenger connectivity, and creating new commerce channels for its airline investments and customers.

The 737-8 can fly 3,550 nautical miles, about 600 miles farther than its predecessor. This additional capability allows airlines to offer new and more direct routes for passengers. The 737-8 reduces fuel use and CO₂ emissions by 16% compared to the airplanes it replaces, and that superior fuel efficiency means lower operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint.