Spirit to Trim Pilot Workforce

The airline is furloughing pilots as it defers new aircraft deliveries.

Ryan Ewing

Monday, April 08, 2024 at 02:46 PM ET

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A Spirit A320neo [Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson]

Key Takeaways:

Spirit plans to furlough approximately 260 pilots starting September 1, largely due to ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine issues that have grounded aircraft.
The ultra-low-cost carrier is facing significant financial challenges, including a nearly $184 million loss last quarter and the recent termination of its proposed merger with JetBlue.
To bolster liquidity, Spirit is deferring new Airbus aircraft deliveries from 2025-2026 to 2030-2031, a move expected to improve its cash position by roughly $340 million.

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Ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) Spirit plans to furlough approximately 260 pilots later this year, according to a news release issued on Monday. The company continues to grapple with Pratt & Whitney engine issues, losing almost $184 million last quarter.

Spirit says the furloughs will take effect on September 1. In late 2023, the airline halted all pilot and flight attendant hiring, citing slower 2024 growth plans and ongoing engine troubles.