Spirit Airlines Sells 20 Aircraft and Calls Back 500 Flight Attendants Amid Restructuring
Spirit Airlines continues to adjust its operational structure as it attempts to emerge from its second bankruptcy in less than a year. The Dania Beach, Florida-based airline confirmed the sale of 20 Airbus aircraft—most of which are currently out of service—and the recall of 500 flight attendants just before the start of the high-demand Spring Break season in the United States.
Sale of 20 Airbus Jets: Fleet Reduced to 94 Aircraft
This divestment reduces Spirit Airlines’ total fleet to 94 aircraft. According to Chief Operating Officer (COO) John Bendoraitis, the aircraft will begin to be phased out progressively starting in April.
In an internal communication sent Wednesday night, the executive noted that the measure is:
“Consistent with our plan to focus on our strongest routes and our most efficient fleet”.
The fact that the majority of the 20 sold aircraft were not in active service indicates that the airline had already initiated operational adjustments prior to this transaction. The decision is part of a broader stabilization process following years of financial difficulties that have forced executives to fight for the company’s viability.
Failed Agreement Attempts with Castlelake and Frontier Airlines
Parallel to the fleet reduction, Spirit has maintained strategic talks to find a sustainable financial exit. Negotiations with the investment firm Castlelake and fellow low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines have not resulted in an agreement that guarantees a clear path forward.
→ Spirit Airlines to Cancel Flights Between Fort Lauderdale and Bucaramanga, Colombia
Nevertheless, the company could still develop an independent restructuring plan. The absence of an external agreement adds pressure to the need to optimize internal resources, regarding both the fleet and personnel.
Recall of 500 Flight Attendants Before Spring Break
In contrast to the fleet reduction, Spirit announced the recall of 500 flight attendants who were on leave. This move coincides with the start of the Spring Break season, one of the periods of highest demand for airlines focused on the domestic market and leisure destinations.
Bendoraitis stated:
“Fixing this airline is a shared effort. There is much right now that crews cannot control, but we need you to continue providing us with the foundation for a solid operation”.
The COO also indicated that:
“At this time, natural attrition and voluntary actions are providing the necessary flexibility to right-size our staffing levels for both pilots and flight attendants”.
Structural Adjustment: Over 1,300 Attendants Suspended and Hundreds of Pilots Affected
During this cost-reduction process, Spirit has:
- Cut its route network.
- Reduced its fleet size.
- Suspended more than 1,300 flight attendants.
- Placed hundreds of pilots on leave.
The recall of 500 attendants represents a partial correction within a much broader labor adjustment. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), the union representing Spirit’s crews, described the news as positive in a message to its members:
“This is good news for 500 Flight Attendants and their families, and it is critical for those of us on the line who have faced an exhausting operation over the last two months”.
The evolution of these movements over the coming months will be decisive in determining whether the company finally manages to exit its second bankruptcy in less than a year and consolidate a sustainable operating base.
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