Spirit Airlines to Furlough 365 Pilots Amid Ongoing Financial Struggles

Spirit Airlines is set to furlough an additional 365 pilots in the first quarter of 2026 as the airline continues to grapple with financial challenges, including a recent bankruptcy filing. This decision comes on the heels of significant staffing reductions and operational cutbacks, reflecting a dire situation for the low-cost carrier.

In recent months, Spirit Airlines has faced increasing employee furloughs and demotions, failing to achieve profitability despite securing a financial lifeline in late 2024. According to Reuters, the airline will also demote 170 pilots and has announced plans to reject nearly 90% of upcoming aircraft deliveries from its primary lessor.

Financial Turmoil and Operational Cuts

The company filed for bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year this August, necessitating a $100 million reduction in annual operating costs to stabilize its business. As part of this strategy, Spirit is not only cutting staff but also terminating many equipment and facility leases.

Currently, Spirit employs approximately 2,400 pilots. This latest round of furloughs follows a previous reduction of 330 pilots earlier this year, with plans to furlough another 270 pilots next month. Additionally, the airline intends to cut approximately 1,800 flight attendants, representing one-third of its total cabin crew.

The airline is also expected to withdraw from 12 airport leases and cancel 19 ground handling contracts. In a press statement released on September 30, Dave Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spirit Airlines, expressed confidence in the steps being taken to strengthen the company: “These are significant steps forward in a short period of time to build a stronger Spirit,” he remarked.

Impact on Employees and Future Outlook

The extensive furloughs and layoffs will not only affect aircrew but also corporate and support staff, with maintenance facilities in Baltimore and Chicago expected to close by the end of the year. Spirit anticipates these measures will contribute to a total expense reduction of $211 million.

According to CBS News, the airline plans a 25% reduction in its overall operational capacity. Spirit’s estimated losses for 2025 exceed $800 million, with projections suggesting that the airline will not return to profitability until 2027. The company has characterized the current market as unfavorable for affordable air travel, noting a trend where many Americans are choosing not to fly for leisure, opting instead for premium travel experiences.

Flight attendants have been offered voluntary furlough leaves of six to twelve months, with participation reportedly reaching 800 volunteers, the maximum allowed according to John Bendoraitis, Spirit’s Chief Operating Officer. Volunteers will maintain their medical benefits through the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.

Spirit is currently negotiating with the Air Line Pilots Association to secure a $100 million savings in labor costs, while also exploring financial relief options beyond existing labor contracts.

A recent ruling by the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York on October 10, 2025, provided Spirit with immediate access to $200 million in funding, which includes a $150 million payment and the cancellation of 27 Airbus aircraft leases. This represents nearly 20% of Spirit’s current fleet of 150 aircraft, according to Planespotter.net. Spirit aims to cut its losses by around 80% in the next year and achieve a profit of over $200 million by 2027.

The ongoing adjustments reflect a significant shift in Spirit’s operational strategies as the airline attempts to navigate the post-COVID air travel landscape, marked by evolving consumer preferences and economic pressures.