Ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) Spirit Airlines announced over the holiday weekend that more than 180 pilots were furloughed. It comes as the carrier has endured an unsatisfactory second quarter, with a net income loss of nearly $193 million.

The number of furloughs could have been good news to some, as the carrier had originally planned to temporarily remove more than 70 pilots. Spirit hopes the move will result in millions of dollars in savings as it desperately attempts to improve its financial stance amid constant challenges.

A “difficult day”

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents Spirit’s more than 3,700 pilots, confirmed on Sunday that 186 pilots were officially furloughed.

“Today, Spirit Airlines furloughed 186 pilots. As the Spirit pilots face this difficult day, the pilots’ union, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), is focused on unity and strength moving forward.”

Spirit Airlines aircraft at LAS shutterstock_2439227217

Photo: GingChen | Shutterstock

Simple Flying reported last month that the carrier would reduce its pilot headcount due to ongoing issues with the Pratt & Whitney engines that power its Airbus A320neo family fleet. Mandatory groundings of the aircraft for necessary inspections and the deferral of new aircraft have significantly affected Spirit’s operation and need for pilots.

However, the airline appears to have overestimated the number of pilots it would need to furlough by 74, as it originally aimed for 260.

“As a result of grounded aircraft due to Pratt & Whitney GTF engine availability issues, along with the 2025 and 2026 aircraft deferrals, Spirit announced it intends to furlough approximately 260 Pilots effective September 1, 2024,” the carrier explained in April.

Backlash after executive pay raises

Spirit was in hot water with its pilots and the ALPA over the summer after the airline announced on July 1st that its CEO, Ted Christie, and four other executives would receive pay raises. Three months prior, the carrier said its aircraft deferral agreement with Airbus would improve its “liquidity position by approximately $340 million” through 2026.

Spirit Airlines Airbus A321 taking off.

Photo: Spirit Airlines

Although there are fewer pilot furloughs than initially expected, 96 captains have been downgraded, according to Aero Crew News. Spirit’s Master Executive Council (MEC) Chairman Ryan Muller explained that the pilots are standing together.

“No doubt the last couple of years have been challenging for Spirit pilots, but through it all we’ve been buoyed by our pilot group’s solidarity, unity, and commitment to supporting one another. Pilots accepting voluntary leaves, in addition to attrition, have greatly reduced the initial furlough and involuntary downgrade projections. In addition, a significant number of those being furloughed chose voluntary furlough, protecting a more junior pilot’s career. These selfless actions exemplify the very best of our union spirit.”

“Continuing to support all our pilots”

ALPA is the largest pilot union in the world. As such, the union mentioned that Spirit’s pilots have plenty of support. Additionally, other airlines that have contracts with ALPA have offered “preferential interviews or other benefits” to the furloughed pilots. The union also said it provides “valuable resources” to assist affected pilots.

“Although the furloughed pilots are not currently flying the line at Spirit, they remain part of our union,” Muller stated. “We look forward to their return to the flight deck, whether at Spirit or another carrier, and are committed to continuing to support all our pilots.”

The furlough timeline is unclear. Simple Flying reached out to Spirit for comment late Monday, but could not receive an immediate response. The last time the airline furloughed its pilots was in 2008.

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