Air TransportSpirit Airlines plans 25% capacity cut and exits 12 US cities
Spirit Airlines will reduce its capacity by 25% starting November, as part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at addressing ongoing financial challenges.
The announcement, confirmed by CEO Dave Davis in a memo to employees, includes the suspension of operations in 12 US cities and potential layoffs as the company seeks to lower operational costs, according to reports.
The low-cost carrier intends to save approximately $100 million annually, in collaboration with its pilot union.
The capacity reduction coincides with the company’s decision to end flights to cities such as Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boise, Chattanooga, Oakland, Columbia, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and San Jose, effective from October 2. Additionally, the airline has canceled plans to launch a new route to Macon, Georgia, which was previously scheduled for October.
Failed merger
Spirit Airlines, which operates about 5,000 flights to 88 destinations across the US and the Americas, is currently undergoing its second bankruptcy process in a year. The company faces mounting competition from larger carriers and has struggled financially following the failed merger with JetBlue and previous discussions with Frontier Airlines.
The airline’s fleet, primarily composed of Airbus A320 family aircraft in a high-density configuration, will be reviewed in the coming weeks to align with the new network strategy. Details regarding the number of jobs affected by the restructuring have not yet been disclosed.
Spirit’s restructuring efforts reflect broader pressures within the ultra low cost carrier segment in the US, where increased competition and changing market dynamics have prompted other airlines, such as Southwest, to introduce new fare structures.
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