Spirit Airlines to Furlough 365 Pilots Amid Financial Struggles

Spirit Airlines is set to furlough an additional **365 pilots** in the first quarter of **2026** as the airline grapples with significant financial challenges. This decision follows a series of previously announced furloughs and employee demotions as the carrier remains unable to achieve profitability, despite receiving a financial “lifeline” in late **2024**. According to **Reuters**, the airline will also reduce the status of **170 pilots** while rejecting approximately **90%** of its upcoming aircraft deliveries from its largest lessor, **AerCap Ireland**.

Continued Workforce Reductions

The situation for Spirit Airlines has worsened significantly since it filed for bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year in **August 2025**. Company leadership stated that in order to stabilize its operations, the airline must reduce operating costs by **$100 million** annually. In addition to the furloughs, Spirit plans to cut approximately **1,800 flight attendants**, representing one-third of its total cabin crew, alongside a reduction in equipment and facility leases.

Currently, Spirit employs around **2,400 pilots**. Earlier in **2025**, the airline already furloughed **330 pilots** and is expected to cut another **270** in the coming month. The decision to lay off or terminate corporate and support staff is anticipated to coincide with these aircrew reductions. Furthermore, Spirit plans to close maintenance facilities in **Baltimore** and **Chicago** by the end of this year.

These drastic measures are aimed at reducing expenses by approximately **$211 million**. According to **CBS News**, the airline is also reducing its operational capacity by **25%**. In **2025**, Spirit’s estimated losses exceeded **$800 million**, with projections indicating that it will not return to profitability until **2027**.

Financial Restructuring and Future Prospects

In a **September 30** press release, **Dave Davis**, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spirit Airlines, expressed optimism about the future, stating, “These are significant steps forward in a short period of time to build a stronger Spirit… I’m incredibly proud of our Team Members for continuing to rise to the occasion and take great care of our Guests.” This sentiment comes as the airline navigates through a challenging market, which has seen many consumers opting for premium flying experiences rather than affordable air travel.

The airline is currently negotiating with the **Air Line Pilots Association** to achieve a $100 million savings in labor costs. It is also exploring options for financial relief that could extend beyond existing labor agreements. To mitigate involuntary furloughs, flight attendants were invited to volunteer for furlough leaves of **six** or **twelve** months. So far, approximately **800** have volunteered, a number that aligns with the maximum allowed according to the **Association of Flight Attendants-CWA**.

A recent decision by the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York on **October 10, 2025**, made **$200 million** in funds available to Spirit, including a **$150 million** payment that accompanies the cancellation of **27 Airbus aircraft leases**. Spirit’s fleet currently consists of **150** aircraft, meaning this reduction accounts for nearly **20%** of its total airframes.

Spirit Airlines aims to cut its losses by around **80%** in the coming year, with hopes of achieving over **$200 million** in profit by **2027**. The airline’s strategy focuses on cutting capacity and operational costs, including payroll, to realign its business model. As it faces significant hurdles in the post-COVID air travel market, Spirit is also considering new fare options and adjustments to its service model to better meet consumer demands.