Spirit Airlines, fastest-growing airline in America, announced Thursday its intention to build a state-of-the-art headquarters in Dania Beach. The company said it plans to move into the new campus by mid-2022.
The airline, headquartered in Miramar for more than 20 years, submitted site plans to the City of Dania Beach to build a campus up to 500,000 square feet at Dania Pointe, what it calls "a premier mixed-use development comprised of nearly one million square feet of retail space, restaurants and housing."
Spirit has entered into an agreement with Kimco Realty, owner and principal developer of Dania Pointe, to secure the land. Gensler will be the lead architectural firm, and Jones Lang LaSalle was selected as the project advisor. Spirit estimates the total capital outlay for the project will be approximately $250 million over the next 36 months. The new campus will be located in the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) District, and the Dania Beach CRA also supported the project.
In 2022, approximately 1,000 employees are planned to move from the company’s current facilities in Miramar to the new Dania Pointe site just minutes away from Spirit’s largest operating base, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The project will make way for the future growth of the airline while improving operational efficiency by consolidating Spirit’s real estate footprint. The development will include corporate offices and a new crew training facility with flight simulators for more streamlined workflow and quick access to the airport.
Said Spirit Airlines President and CEO Ted Christie, “It was two decades ago when Spirit moved to South Florida and temporarily headquartered in a building of less than 1,000 square feet. Today’s announcement shows just how far we’ve come. This new home will keep us connected to the South Florida community while improving our team’s efficiency and ability to support what is an ever-expanding international operation. We’ve enjoyed a great relationship with the City of Miramar, an outstanding location for headquarters and businesses of all sizes. We look forward to creating more jobs and driving future economic development as South Florida’s Hometown Airline.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis said, “I would like to congratulate Spirit Airlines on expanding your footprint in Florida and giving Floridians more access to quality air service. This new state-of-the-art headquarters will provide South Florida families with job opportunities and greatly contribute to the strong economic foundation of the area. Spirit’s investment also reinforces Florida’s position as a leader in the aviation industry and important hub for international travelers and commerce.”
Enterprise Florida President & CEO Jamal Sowell stated, “Enterprise Florida is pleased to work with Spirit Airlines and we look forward to their continued growth and success in our state. The real winners are the Floridians and their families who will find work because of this new investment.”
Spirit Airlines, leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare, "allows our guests to pay only for options they choose -- like bags, seat assignments and refreshments -- something we call À La Smarte," claims the airline. "We make it possible for our guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. ..."
Spirit operates more than 600 daily flights to 75 destinations in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean.