Spirit Airlines Pilots Warned Amid Carrier’s Financial Strain

Spirit Airlines’ pilot union has warned members to prepare for possible disruptions as the ultra-low-cost carrier faces mounting financial challenges. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Master Executive Council (MEC), representing about 3,000 Spirit pilots, described the airline’s situation as “fragile” following management’s disclosure to the SEC that there is “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue operations over the next year without significant changes.

In a message to pilots, MEC Chair Captain Ryan Muller cited a second-quarter pre-tax loss of $250 million, bringing the airline’s year-to-date loss to approximately $560 million. Management has implemented cost-cutting measures including network adjustments, spare engine sale-leasebacks, and three rounds of pilot furloughs since September 2024—totaling more than 500 pilots.

The union noted that even with these steps, Spirit may not meet minimum liquidity covenants tied to debt agreements and its credit card processing contract. Possible additional actions include selling aircraft, real estate, or excess gate capacity. Spirit’s credit card processor is also requesting more collateral before renewing its contract in December 2025, which could further reduce available cash.

While the MEC said it will work to protect jobs and seek another furlough mitigation agreement, it urged pilots to “explore all available options” and plan for multiple scenarios.

In a separate message, Spirit CEO Dave Davis emphasized that the “substantial doubt” language was required by auditors to indicate risk if changes are not made, adding that the airline is actively pursuing strategies to stabilize operations.


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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airlinegeeks.com