CNBC
Budget airline king Bill Franke warms to first-class seats and premium upgrades
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Bill Franke, who has invested in multiple airlines, has begun incorporating first-class seating and premium upgrade options into airline operations. The move represents a shift from previous business models focused on budget travel. Franke's airlines currently operate routes across multiple regions with varying cabin configurations.
Original reporting: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/20/bill-franke-frontier-spirit-budget-airlines.html
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