Spirit Airlines announces further pilot furloughs amid ongoing restructuring

Spirit responded to questions by stating it expects voluntary attrition among pilots will lower the total number affected by these measures by year-end. In a statement on September 30 announcing $475 million in financing from bondholders, Dave Davis, President and CEO of Spirit Airlines, said:

"These are significant steps forward in a short period of time to build a stronger Spirit. (...) I'm incredibly proud of our Team Members for continuing to rise to the occasion and take great care of our Guests."

The company is also expected to lay off or terminate corporate and support staff as part of broader cost-cutting efforts. Maintenance facilities in Baltimore and Chicago are set for closure by year-end. Spirit estimates these actions will reduce expenses by $211 million and result in a 25% reduction in operational capacity.

The airline’s estimated losses for 2025 exceed $800 million. According to statements from Spirit, profitability is not expected until at least 2027 due to challenging market conditions that have seen reduced demand for low-cost leisure travel.

Flight attendants were offered voluntary furloughs before involuntary cuts began; volunteer numbers reached the maximum target of 800 participants as reported by CNBC and confirmed by John Bendoraitis, Chief Operating Officer at Spirit Airlines.

Volunteers will retain medical benefits through their union representation with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. Negotiations continue between Spirit and the Air Line Pilots Association regarding labor cost savings targets; however, management noted it may seek financial relief outside existing pilot labor agreements if needed.

A recent ruling from the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York made $200 million immediately available to Spirit Airlines as part of agreements with AerCap Ireland—its largest aircraft lessor—which included a $150 million payment and cancellation of leases on 27 Airbus aircraft. With a current fleet size near 150 planes (as per Planespotters.net), this represents nearly one-fifth of all airframes operated by Spirit.

Looking ahead, Spirit aims to reduce losses significantly next year and return to profitability—with over $200 million projected profit—in 2027 through continued capacity cuts and operational adjustments.