Alerts Sign-up
Spirit Airlines has received its first Airbus A321neo aircraft as part of a sale-and-leaseback (SLB) transaction approved by the bankruptcy court managing the airline's Chapter 11 case. The delivery took place on December 21, with the aircraft traveling from Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport to Keflavik International Airport before reaching Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.
This addition marks Spirit Airlines' 28th A321neo, joining its fleet of 91 smaller A320neo aircraft. However, approximately 25.2% of these planes are currently inactive due to engine issues. Spirit Airlines' Q3 report highlighted compensation arrangements with International Aero Engines and Pratt & Whitney for grounded aircraft until December 31, 2024.
"The temporary removal of engines from service is expected to continue through at least 2026," according to the company. As of September 30, Spirit had recognized $104.7 million in credits related to these groundings.
