Low-cost carrier Spirit plans to furlough hundreds of pilots later this year.
“We are taking necessary steps to ensure we operate as efficiently as possible as part of our efforts to return to profitability,” the carrier said in a statement to AirlineGeeks.
“Among these steps, we have made the difficult decision to furlough approximately 270 pilots, effective Nov. 1, 2025, to better align staffing with our flight schedule. We recognize the weight of this decision and are committed to treating all affected team members with compassion and respect during this process.”
Spirit did not say how long the furloughs are expected to last. It is not clear if the move was brought about by a recent change in the airline’s financial outlook, as it has not yet released its second-quarter earnings.
Spirit emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March after four months of restructuring meant to alleviate its debt load. The carrier has struggled in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly due to increased operating expenses. In 2024, it reported a net loss of over $1 billion.
The carrier previously furloughed over 500 pilots. It has also been working to sell over 20 A320-series aircraft.
The airline has recently sought to roll back its no-frills reputation with new extra legroom seats, expanded benefits from its customer loyalty program, and a Spirit-branded debit card. Officials have said they want to make Spirit the “premium” option among its low-cost U.S. competitors.
