Spirit Airlines emerged from bankruptcy in March|Thank You|CC BY 2.0
Spirit Airlines will discharge 270 pilots starting November 1 as it cuts back on flights during the off-season for travel. It furloughed hundreds of pilots in 2024.
The airline will also downgrade 140 captains to first officers beginning October 1, according to the Air Line Pilots Association.
Spirit stated it’s aligning staff with flight schedules to boost efficiency and return to profitability after emerging from bankruptcy in March.
Captain Ryan Muller, chairman of Spirit’s union chapter, said the news deeply affects pilots and their careers.
Demand has been weak across the airline industry during off-peak periods.