Spirit Gets New Chief Executive

The post-bankruptcy carrier is shaking up its C-suite.

A Spirit Airbus A321 (Photo: Shutterstock | Skycolors)

[ News ]April 17, 2025 9:35 am ET

By Ryan Ewing

Spirit has appointed Dave Davis as its new president and chief executive officer, effective April 21, the airline announced on Thursday. Davis will also join Spirit’s board.

Succeeding longtime CEO Ted Christie, who left the company last week, Davis comes to Spirit from Sun Country, where he served as president, chief financial officer, and a member of the board. His prior experience also includes leadership roles at Northwest.

“We’re excited to welcome Dave as Spirit’s new President and CEO,” said Robert Milton, chairman of Spirit, in a news release. “Dave’s background at both Northwest Airlines and Sun Country Airlines positions him well to lead Spirit’s continued transformation.”

In a statement, Davis stated: “I am thrilled to join Spirit at this critical time in the company’s history. I look forward to working with the more than 11,000 Spirit Team Members to deliver value for our Guests, shareholders and the communities that we serve.”

The ultra-low-cost carrier also announced two other leadership changes. Duncan Dee will serve as senior vice president of corporate communications. Dee has previously held senior leadership positions at Air Canada, including chief operating officer, and has worked as an airline analyst for Canadian media outlets.

Trey Urbahn has been named senior commercial adviser. Urbahn brings experience from commercial roles across several airlines, including JetBlue, Etihad, Azul, TAP Air Portugal, and Breeze.

Spirit exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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