Tag: puerto rico

Lufthansa Group considering opening a direct route between Frankfurt (FRA) and San Juan (SJU) as part of its strategic expansion

Lufthansa Group is studying the possibility of launching a new transatlantic connection between Frankfurt (FRA) and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This initiative is part of the German group’s expansion plan to strengthen its presence in secondary U.S. markets, seeking new opportunities beyond its traditional routes to North America.

If confirmed, the FRA–SJU route would mark Lufthansa’s return to Puerto Rico after more than two decades and would position San Juan as a strategic hub for traffic between Europe and the Caribbean. The direct flight would link Lufthansa’s global hub in Frankfurt—one of the world’s most important airports—with one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic islands in terms of tourism, commerce, and logistics.

The feasibility study takes into account factors such as the growing flow of European tourists to Puerto Rico, the destination’s economic recovery, and the strength of the U.S. domestic network from San Juan, which could feed the route through connection agreements with Star Alliance partner airlines, especially United Airlines.

The operation could be carried out with long-range, fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Airbus A330-300 or Boeing 787-9, allowing Lufthansa to optimize operating costs while offering a premium travel experience.

Lufthansa’s interest also aligns with the strategy of the Puerto Rico government and Aerostar Airport Holdings, operator of SJU, to attract new international airlines and increase the number of direct flights to Europe. Currently, the only European route from San Juan is Madrid, so a direct and permanent connection with Frankfurt would represent a historic milestone for the island’s air connectivity.

In addition, Frankfurt offers seamless connections to more than 200 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, positioning San Juan as a new entry point for European and Latin American travelers wishing to connect with the Caribbean and the U.S. East Coast.

Although Lufthansa has not yet made an official announcement, industry sources indicate that the company may initially consider a seasonal operation during the winter, with the possibility of expanding to year-round service depending on demand.

If materialized, the FRA–SJU flight would not only serve as a bridge between Germany and Puerto Rico but also as a strategic step in Lufthansa Group’s vision to expand its presence into secondary destinations with strong tourism and economic potential across the Americas.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – September 24, 2025 – Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: ULCC) celebrated the grand opening of its new Project Management Office in Guaynabo today, marking the airline’s latest investment on the island and deepening of its partnership with Puerto Rico. The facility will house employees who provide project oversight for a variety of major company initiatives. Currently, eight employees work at the facility, with further growth expected.  

Combined with Frontier’s operations and crew base at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan (SJU), in addition to operations at Rafael Hernández International Airport in Aguadilla (BQN) and Mercedita International Airport in Ponce (PSE), the airline and its business partners now employ more than 730 people in Puerto Rico resulting in an annual economic wage impact of more than $101 million.

“Puerto Rico plays a pivotal role in our operations, and we are pleased to further grow our presence on the island with the opening of our new Project Management Office,” said James Dempsey, president, Frontier Airlines. “We wish to extend our deep appreciation to the government and other partners in Puerto Rico for their continued support as we bring additional job opportunities and tourism to Puerto Rico.”

“The opening of this new Frontier Airlines office in Puerto Rico reaffirms the airline’s confidence in our talent and strengthens its long-term relationship with the island,” said Secretary of the Economic and Commercial Development Department, Mr. Sebastian Negron-Reichard. “Frontier is an invaluable partner for our market, where strong family and business ties to the United States drive a constant flow of local travelers and visitors. This investment brings quality jobs and deepens the connection between the brand and Puerto Rico as a strategic hub for aviation, tourism, and connectivity with our communities abroad. Our commitment is to continue creating the conditions for global companies like Frontier to find in Puerto Rico the ideal place to grow and expand their operations.”

To celebrate the Project Management Office grand opening, Frontier Airlines executives met with local employees and government officials at the facility today for a ribbon cutting and tour.

Frontier Airlines has introduced sweeping changes to its product and customer service offerings, ushering in ‘The New Frontier.’ Among the enhancements is UpFront Plus seating, an upgraded seating option with extra leg and elbow room in the first two rows of the aircraft. Customers in UpFront Plus enjoy a window or aisle seat with extra legroom and a guaranteed empty middle seat. The airline also now offers unlimited companion travel for its most loyal customers, with the flexibility to choose a different companion on every Frontier flight. Debuting in late 2025, Frontier will begin offering First Class seating, combining unmatched comfort and space at Frontier’s trademark affordable prices.