Over 400 Spirit Airlines pilots to suffer from latest cost-cutting measures

Over 400 Spirit Airlines pilots will suffer from the latest round of cost-cutting measures as the company looks to find ways to return to profitability.  

According to Bloomberg, around 270 pilots will be furloughed while 140 more face demotion from captain to first officer. 

In March 2025, Spirit Airlines formally exited Chapter 11 restructuring and has since focused efforts on tightening its operations to build a stronger foundation for the future. 

Pilots will be furloughed from October 1, 2025, while demotions will take effect from November 1, 2025. 

“We are taking necessary steps to ensure we operate as efficiently as possible as part of our efforts to return to profitability,” said Spirit Airlines in a statement on July 28, 2025.   

The carrier added: “We recognize the weight of this decision and are committed to treating all affected Team Members with compassion and respect during this process.” 

According to CNBC, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) wrote to its union members at Spirit following the announcement. 

“We know how hard this news hits, and there’s no dressing that up. Spirit continues to shrink, and with it, the value of pilot seniority and Spirit careers continues to erode,” said Ryan Muller, the Chairman of Spirit’s ALPA chapter. 

In August 2024, Spirit announced it would be downgrading around 100 captains and furloughing approximately 240 pilots. 

Then in January 2025, the airline released extended plans to furlough around 330 pilots to reduce expenses and improve its financial situation.        

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