Spirit announced a major workforce overhaul as part of its ongoing restructuring effort to stay in the air.
The airline is trimming its team to match its shrinking fleet and reduced operational capacity as it charts a new course toward 2026.
A spokesperson confirmed plans to furlough up to 365 more pilots and downgrade 170 captains to first officers in the first quarter of 2026, though voluntary departures may reduce these numbers. Spirit has already furloughed nearly 800 pilots amid back-to-back bankruptcy filings.
Maintenance Station Closures
In addition, the low-cost airline is set to shutter its maintenance stations and warehouse operations in Baltimore and Chicago by the start of 2026.
Beyond these closures, the carrier plans to implement what they’re calling “volume-based staffing adjustments” across their remaining maintenance network, alongside trimming their corporate workforce. The number of desk jobs that will disappear hasn’t been revealed yet.
“We’re taking necessary steps to match our workforce with our downsized operations and smaller fleet,” a spokesperson told Airline Geeks. “Behind every staffing decision are real Team Members, and we’re dedicated to supporting them with dignity throughout this process.”
This belt-tightening comes at a critical juncture for Spirit, which entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August—marking its second financial restructuring in under 12 months.
Cash Infusion Brightens Airline’s Future
As Prevue reported earlier this week, Spirit has secured $475 million in financing from its existing bondholders to maintain ongoing operations. Of the total financing, $200 million is immediately available.
Beyond the $475-million infusion, Spirit also secured a deal with AerCap—its largest lessor—including a $150-million payment to Spirit, ending 27 leases and settling all claims. This agreement will cut costs, streamline operations, and ensure delivery of 30 future aircraft.
Spirit Airlines maintains a dedicated website about its restructuring process at spiritrestructuring.com.
Sources: Airline Geeks & Flightaware
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