It’s anyone’s guess how this plays out, but there seems to be a belief among some senior executives at other US airlines that Spirit Airlines could shut down imminently… as soon as this weekend.
In this post:
Spirit Airlines competitors think the airline will go bust
The Air Current reports that executives at multiple airlines in the United States are closely watching Spirit Airlines’ December 13 bankruptcy milestone, which they believe may trigger an abrupt shutdown of operations.
Essentially what’s going on here is that Spirit’s debtor-in-possession financing requires the company to come up with a reorganization plan or sale transaction by December 13, or else the company won’t receive the next $100 million in funding. This is a major step, and as of now, no plan has been filed.
It’s worth mentioning that even if Spirit doesn’t get the next $100 million in funding, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will shut down immediately, and it could still stick around for some number of days.
At least two airlines are reportedly preparing to make arrangements to provide a schedule to backfill canceled flights, and offer rescue fares to Spirit customers are who are stranded.
Importantly, let me emphasize that Spirit denies these allegations, with a spokesperson stating the following:
There is no truth to any rumors that we are preparing to cease operations. It is business as usual at Spirit and flights continue to operate normally. We are working closely with our debtor-in-possession providers and other key stakeholders on a wide variety of issues to support the financial needs and future of the business, as we have been throughout our restructuring process. These ongoing discussions remain productive.
Of course that’s what you’d expect a spokesperson for a company to say, until the moment comes where they do shut down.
Who knows how the Spirit Airlines situation will play out
Spirit Airlines is currently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in the past year. The first filing was a complete joke, and did nothing to address the company’s mess of a business model. Instead, it just addressed debt in the short term.
With the second filing, the airline is doing what it should’ve done the first time around — it’s renegotiating labor contracts, actually trying to adjust its business model, etc. However, it definitely feels like this could be a case of “too little, too late.”
Spirit continues to lose massive amounts of money, and it seems the only potential positive outcome is an acquisition of some sort (perhaps by Frontier, which isn’t doing so great either), or just being an absolutely tiny player focused on a very small number of markets. When it comes to a potential merger, I can’t help but think that at this point, competitors might just be better off letting the airline go out of business, and then picking up the pieces.
If Spirit continues operating, one wonders if at some point in the not-too-distant future, lack of crews might become an issue. Spirit was planning on furloughing pilots in early 2026. However, the airline recently called off furloughs, because as it turns out, pilots are leaving the airline at an alarming rate, for obvious reasons. I have to imagine that if Spirit gets to a point where it has to hire pilots, it might have a bit of an issue.
Bottom line
Executives at some other US airlines seem to be anticipating an imminent Spirit Airlines shutdown, as the company reaches its next bankruptcy funding deadline, with no plan yet, and seemingly limited prospects. The airline denies these rumors, claiming it’s business as usual for the carrier.
I don’t know how this is going to play out, but I have to imagine that Spirit in its current form won’t be around much longer. What that looks like remains to be seen…
Do you think we’re going to see something imminently with Spirit?
You live by the sword, you’re apt to fall by it. Spirit has been credited in certain quarters for bringing air fare down (as if it were solely responsible for making air travel affordable for the general public), but it has also undeniably allowed other, larger competitors to degrade their own dedication to customer service with its palpable disdain for the idea of putting the customer first.
Maybe we can feel for their employees, but...
You live by the sword, you’re apt to fall by it. Spirit has been credited in certain quarters for bringing air fare down (as if it were solely responsible for making air travel affordable for the general public), but it has also undeniably allowed other, larger competitors to degrade their own dedication to customer service with its palpable disdain for the idea of putting the customer first.
Maybe we can feel for their employees, but at this point, it’s safe to assume they knew what they were signing up for, and what they were signing up to do, when they first put pen to paper on their contracts with the company. I will shed no tears for anyone involved in this operation, and frankly, neither should anybody else.
I don't see a future for this airline (and Frontier). They've not found a way to derive more revenue per customer and they do not have the International demand and/or credit card income that the legacy carriers have. I suspect that this time next year it will be Frontier in bankruptcy trying to stay alive.
This hasn't nothing to do with being "mean." But a business that cannot cover it's operating costs without some outside...
I don't see a future for this airline (and Frontier). They've not found a way to derive more revenue per customer and they do not have the International demand and/or credit card income that the legacy carriers have. I suspect that this time next year it will be Frontier in bankruptcy trying to stay alive.
This hasn't nothing to do with being "mean." But a business that cannot cover it's operating costs without some outside source (like a government bailout/subsidy) can't stay in business.
“What are you on about?”
Is a question asked of me in response to one of my satirical posts below. I know, not everyone understands English satire …. there is no trigger warning for those less worldly wise or woke for a start. However, please read on for everyday is a school day.
You see folks, this website has such a poor understanding of their responsibilities for users personal data/information and online security, that I...
“What are you on about?”
Is a question asked of me in response to one of my satirical posts below. I know, not everyone understands English satire …. there is no trigger warning for those less worldly wise or woke for a start. However, please read on for everyday is a school day.
You see folks, this website has such a poor understanding of their responsibilities for users personal data/information and online security, that I find it necessary to highlight the issues. Yet, so far nothing is being done to improve the lax standards encountered herein.
One could, if so inclined, just like those I label as monkeys (an old English term meaning “A mischievous individual”) abuse this website and all those individuals who post herein, by using their individual login titles to add even more confusion. But no, as nothing is being done to prevent such devious behaviour, one is simply posting to make others aware of the shortcomings too.
One expects that the messenger will soon be ‘shot’ for being candid, it is far easier to do so than to take the appropriate remedial action against those at fault. I hope this helps with the understanding of those who are interested.
Quiet, piggy!
There is a difference between”English satire” and blathering in nonsensicle riddles.
Nonsensical* my apologies.
The plan deadline was pushed to April 28, 2026.
It's truly sad to see them go under! I flew them a few times and found them to be pretty good for the price, at least better than Frontier in my opinion. The Big Front Seat is a great offering! I was considering booking a r/t with them soon, but I am going to wait-and-see.
Do not bother. Outta business.
They are going out of business tomorrow.
Who would buy most of their stuff? JetBlue?
The aircraft are definitely in demand as flyers or tear downs.
Of course, flooding the market with that many aircraft will depress prices but they will still find homes...ESPECIALLY the engines.
They have very little left. Some slots at LGA and their HQ and that's about it. They already got rid of nearly half of their aircraft, closed operations at many airports, and gate space at key airports like FLL are use or or lose it so those will simply revert back to the airport. Pilots are fleeing to other airlines and passengers should know by now that they should avoid Spirit if they hope to...
They have very little left. Some slots at LGA and their HQ and that's about it. They already got rid of nearly half of their aircraft, closed operations at many airports, and gate space at key airports like FLL are use or or lose it so those will simply revert back to the airport. Pilots are fleeing to other airlines and passengers should know by now that they should avoid Spirit if they hope to travel. Creditors must see that there is no viable path to profitability so it is time to pull the plug and try to get whatever they can with the little they have left in a fire sale.
Yeah Spirit may not be to everyone’s taste (it wasn’t mine) but less competition is usually not a good thing in the long run for consumers.
What! …. None of the organ grinder’s monkey’s queuing up to dance a merry tune?
What are you on about?
Thanks for the insights AeroB! None of us are!
I for one will be sad if they cease operating. They made commuting to my current job affordable, but I’m not too optimistic. I didn’t renew my $avers Club membership for 2026, but if things look up I gladly will. :|