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Spirit Airlines Sells More Aircraft, Recalls Flight Attendants Amidst Bankruptcy Efforts
Spirit Airlines, currently navigating its second bankruptcy in under a year, has announced the sale of an additional 20 Airbus planes as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline its fleet and stabilize its financial standing. The move comes as the airline simultaneously recalls approximately 500 flight attendants from furlough, anticipating the upcoming spring break travel season.
The majority of the 20 aircraft sold are not currently in service, and their removal is consistent with Spirit’s strategic plan to concentrate on its most profitable routes and maintain an efficient fleet. John Bendoraitis, Spirit Chief Operating Officer, conveyed in an internal memo that this action, along with natural attrition and voluntary departures, provides the necessary flexibility to right-size staffing levels for both pilots and flight attendants. The phased withdrawal of these aircraft is expected to commence in April, bringing Spirit’s operational fleet to 94 planes.
Despite recent discussions with investment firm Castlelake and fellow budget carrier Frontier Airlines, no definitive agreement has been reached to secure a path forward for Spirit. However, the airline remains open to formulating its own recovery strategy.
The recall of 500 flight attendants from furlough is a significant development, especially as the airline prepares for an expected surge in travel during the spring break period. “Fixing this airline is a shared effort,” Bendoraitis stated, emphasizing the need for continued dedication from crews to maintain a strong operation.
In recent months, Spirit has undertaken drastic measures to conserve cash, including network reductions, fleet adjustments, and the furlough of over 1,300 flight attendants and hundreds of pilots. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, representing Spirit’s flight attendants, welcomed the news of the recalls, highlighting its positive impact on the affected individuals and their families. The union noted that the company’s objective in recalling flight attendants is to alleviate some of the operational challenges experienced since the furloughs were implemented.