Overview
- Spirit has asked the federal bankruptcy court to approve the aircraft sale, with an auction targeted for April if the plan is cleared.
- Reuters reports CSDS Asset Management as the initial bidder at about $533.5 million, with competing offers to start near $554 million under the deal terms.
- Most of the 20 planes are not flying revenue service, and Spirit says retirements will begin in April 2026 with no near-term changes to its schedule or staffing tied to the sale.
- COO John Bendoraitis told employees the sale aligns with a push to concentrate on the strongest routes and a more efficient fleet, leaving 94 aircraft in operation.
- The airline issued recall notices to 500 flight attendants by system seniority after December furloughs affecting more than 1,300, and the union welcomed the move while pressing for fixes to scheduling and benefits.