Airline bankruptcy restructuring
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Spirit Airlines to sell 20 jets, recalls furloughed flight attendants
Fox Business· 2026-02-12 23:21
Core Viewpoint - Spirit Airlines is undergoing significant restructuring due to financial difficulties, including a second bankruptcy filing and plans to sell aircraft to improve its financial situation [2][3][8]. Group 1: Bankruptcy and Financial Restructuring - Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in August 2025, following a previous filing in November 2024 and a restructuring completion in March 2025 [2]. - The airline is implementing service cuts and furloughs as part of its restructuring efforts [2]. - The company has formally requested federal bankruptcy court approval to sell 20 Airbus jetliners, which it believes will enhance its financial flexibility [6][7]. Group 2: Aircraft Sale Details - The sale of the 20 aircraft is expected to generate approximately $533.5 million from the first bidder, CSDS Asset Management, with potential competing offers starting at around $554 million [8]. - The aircraft involved in the sale are not currently in revenue service, and the company does not anticipate any changes to its near-term flight schedule or staffing as a result of the sale [3][6]. Group 3: Flight Attendant Recall - Spirit Airlines plans to recall 500 of the more than 1,300 flight attendants who were furloughed in December 2025 due to ongoing financial struggles [10]. - The recall will occur in order of system seniority, with those involuntarily furloughed first [13]. - The union representing the flight attendants views the recall as a positive development to address operational challenges faced by the airline [14].
Spirit Airlines is in deal talks with investment firm Castlelake as struggling carrier seeks path forward
CNBC· 2026-01-22 13:30
Group 1: Company Situation - Spirit Airlines is in discussions with Castlelake for a potential takeover as it seeks a way out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy, having filed for protection twice in a year due to failed turnaround plans [1] - The airline has amended its agreement with creditors to secure an immediate $50 million in funding, with further funding contingent on progress in restructuring or a strategic transaction [4] - Spirit has significantly reduced its operations by cutting flights, downsizing its fleet, and laying off employees to save costs, with unions agreeing to $100 million in pay cuts for pilots and flight attendants [5] Group 2: Industry Context - The airline industry has faced challenges post-pandemic, including rising wages and costs, changing customer preferences, and an oversupply of domestic flights leading to lower airfares, particularly affecting U.S.-focused carriers [6] - Spirit's operational difficulties were exacerbated by a Pratt & Whitney engine recall that grounded many of its Airbus aircraft and a blocked acquisition by JetBlue due to antitrust concerns [7] - In an effort to attract higher-spending customers, Spirit has been introducing roomier seats and bundled fare options to compete with larger airlines that have benefited from affluent customers post-pandemic [8]
Spirit Airlines touts 'massive progress' in bankruptcy
CNBC· 2025-09-30 19:15
Core Viewpoint - Spirit Airlines is undergoing significant restructuring efforts to revitalize its operations following its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in less than a year, driven by high costs and weaker demand [2][3]. Financial Developments - The airline has secured an agreement with debtholders for up to $475 million in debtor-in-possession financing, pending court approval, along with an additional $150 million from a major aircraft lessor [2]. - Spirit Airlines reported losses exceeding $250 million from March to June after emerging from bankruptcy earlier this year [2]. Operational Changes - The airline is implementing cost-cutting measures, including the reduction of 40 routes and the furloughing of approximately one-third of its flight attendants [3]. - Discussions are ongoing with the pilots' union to achieve around $100 million in additional cost reductions [3]. Management Perspective - The restructuring lawyer for Spirit Airlines emphasized that skeptics of the airline's turnaround should observe the ongoing efforts rather than express pessimism [3].
Spirit Airlines files for second bankruptcy in under a year as low-cost carrier continues to struggle
Fox Business· 2025-08-30 01:00
Core Viewpoint - Spirit Airlines has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy again after a failed reorganization, aiming to ensure long-term success and continue serving customers [1][4][11] Group 1: Bankruptcy and Restructuring - The airline's President and CEO, Dave Davis, stated that the restructuring process is necessary for the company's long-term success [1][4] - Spirit Airlines first filed for bankruptcy in November after unsuccessful merger attempts with Frontier and JetBlue [1][4] - The company plans to sell planes and cut jobs as part of its restructuring efforts [9][11] Group 2: Market Conditions and Competition - Spirit Airlines has struggled to compete with major airlines that offer more services and fly to more destinations [4][5] - The airline is facing adverse market conditions, including weak demand for domestic leisure travel and a challenging pricing environment [10][11] - The company has attempted to rebrand itself as a more premium airline but has faced challenges due to budget cuts and economic uncertainty [5][10] Group 3: Customer Assurance - Spirit Airlines assured customers that operations would continue normally during the bankruptcy process, and tickets, credits, and loyalty points would remain valid [4][11] - The airline emphasized its commitment to providing safe journeys and excellent service despite the ongoing challenges [4][7]