Spirit Airlines has emerged from Chapter 11 restructuring with a reduced debt and stronger financial position, potentially setting the stage for a merger or acquisition. The Florida-based ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) previously explored options with JetBlue Airways and Frontier Airlines but ultimately focused on reorganizing its finances.
Spirit’s aggressive fleet growth, which saw the addition of over 60 new aircraft since entering the pandemic, was hindered by durability issues with Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines. The GTF engine problems have resulted in increased “ground days” for Spirit’s Airbus A320/321neo fleet, affecting utilization rates.
Data from Aviation Week’s Tracked Aircraft Utilization database shows a significant drop in utilization from summer 2024 to early 2025, with peak months reaching over 26,000 flights and average monthly utilization falling to around 18,000. As Spirit continues to recover, it is likely to remain open to potential merger or acquisition opportunities.
Following its exit from Chapter 11, Spirit will focus on its business as usual, potentially sparking renewed interest in the carrier’s financial health and operational capabilities.
Source: https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airlines-lessors/flight-friday-spirit-airlines-may-be-looking-merge