Spirit is reversing course on plans to furlough hundreds more pilots early next year.
In a statement, the ultra-low-cost carrier said it is no longer moving forward with a previously announced furlough of 365 pilots, which was scheduled to take effect Jan. 31, 2026. The airline did not give a reason for canceling the furloughs.
Spirit is also lowering the number of captains downgraded to first officers from 170 to 25.
Spirit has furloughed hundreds of pilots in an effort to contain costs since declaring bankruptcy for a second time in August. The airline has also rejected aircraft leases, withdrawn from underperforming routes and markets, and laid off some operations and corporate staff.
Last month, Spirit reached an agreement with the labor union representing its pilots to slash pay by 8% and decrease 401(k) defined contributions. Pay would be restored with a 4% increase on Aug. 1, 2028, followed by another 4% raise on Jan. 1, 2029.
The deal must be approved by Spirit’s pilots and a U.S. bankruptcy court to take effect.
