Spirit plans big expansion next year

Spirit Airlines, planning a major expansion of its route network next year, said it is asking cities to submit proposals for new service. The low-cost airline, based in Ft. Lauderdale, said last week that it expects to add as many as 10 new routes from South Florida during 2008, and also to add three more international destinations. Spirit currently flies to 35 destinations. “The next wave of expansion will be the largest in our history,” said Barry Biffle, Spirit’s chief marketing officer. The airline will take proposals until August 10; it set up a web site with details at www.adioshighfares.com.