Spirit Hits Back at United

Ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit is holding its ground against United following a hard-hitting series of comments from CEO Scott Kirby this week.

A Spirit Airbus A321
A Spirit Airbus A321 aircraft. (Photo: Shutterstock | Felipe I Santiago)
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

Spirit is holding its ground against United following a hard-hitting series of comments from CEO Scott Kirby this week.

During the Chamber of Commerce’s Aerospace Summit on Tuesday, Kirby stated, “It seems unlikely to me that Spirit can keep flying because their customers dislike the airline and don’t want to fly. It’s all about customers.”

His comments follow the ultra-low-cost carrier’s withdrawal from 11 U.S. cities. United has added flights in several markets once dominated by Spirit.

In a post on X, Spirit said that Kirby was “finally right about something,” and “ it is all about customers.”

“Our Guests love low fares, especially our new Spirit First and Premium Economy options,” the airline added. “Maybe that’s why United executives can’t stop yapping about us.”

Last month, Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
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