Thu Sep 18 16:10:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Frontier CEO Claps Back at United’s Kirby, Defends Low-Cost Model Amid Airline Turmoil**
NEW YORK – The gloves are off in the airline industry as Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle sharply criticized United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby’s assessment of the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) model in the United States. Biffle’s remarks came at the Skift Global Forum in New York, a week after Kirby predicted Spirit Airlines’ demise at an industry conference in Long Beach, California.
Kirby attributed Spirit’s struggles to simple math, implying the ULCC model is unsustainable in the current market. “Customers care about value, and they don’t get value on a [ultra-low-cost carrier],” Kirby told CNBC, referencing rising costs and an oversupply of domestic flights that are squeezing ULCCs. He suggested that Frontier may be “the last man standing on a sinking ship” if Biffle aims to become the largest discount carrier.
Biffle retorted by highlighting Frontier’s significantly lower unit costs, stating that they were 7.50 cents per available seat mile, excluding fuel, compared to United’s 12.36 cents in the second quarter. He argued that Frontier caters to a different market segment, attracting customers who might not otherwise fly and those seeking affordable travel who are willing to splurge on other aspects of their trips.
When questioned about whether Frontier benefits from United’s overflow capacity, Biffle quipped, “That’s like the CEO of Nordstrom saying ‘I allow customers to buy jeans from Walmart.'”
The verbal sparring comes as Spirit Airlines grapples with its second bankruptcy in less than a year. Both Frontier and United, along with JetBlue, are vying to capture Spirit’s customers by adding flights on its key routes.
The ULCC market faces challenges from rising costs, increased competition from larger airlines’ basic economy offerings, and an oversupply of domestic flights driving down fares. While ULCCs like Spirit and Frontier are now exploring more premium offerings and bundled services, the long-term viability of the business model remains under scrutiny.
Frontier reported a $70 million net loss in the second quarter but is forecasting unit revenue growth in the mid-to-high single digits in the third quarter, aiming for profitability in 2026.
**Summary:**
Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle defended the ultra-low-cost carrier model in response to United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby’s prediction that Spirit Airlines would go out of business and assertion that the ULCC model is not sustainable. Biffle highlighted Frontier’s lower unit costs and different target market, arguing that the airline provides value to customers seeking affordable travel. The exchange comes amid Spirit’s bankruptcy and increased competition in the domestic flight market. While ULCCs are adapting their offerings, the viability of the ULCC business model is being debated.
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