Spirit Airlines has announced significant staffing reductions, with plans to furlough approximately 270 pilots and downgrade 140 captains in a sweeping move to align its workforce with a leaner flight schedule. The furloughs are set to begin on November 1, while the rank downgrades for captains will take effect on October 1.

The cost-cutting measure is part of Spirit’s broader strategy to streamline operations and regain profitability following years of financial turbulence. The Florida-based budget airline stated that these steps are necessary to ensure it operates as efficiently as possible, as it continues to adapt to new market realities.

Once known for its ultra-low-cost model, Spirit is now attempting to rebrand itself as a more premium service provider. However, that transformation has been rocky. After struggling with sustained losses, significant debt, and failed merger efforts, the airline filed for bankruptcy protection in November of last year. It successfully emerged from bankruptcy in March, but challenges remain.

This is the third round of pilot-related cuts since September 2024, signaling ongoing instability within the company. According to Captain Ryan Muller, head of the airline’s pilot union chapter, these reductions are not just operational but career-altering. “Spirit continues to shrink, and with it, the value of pilot seniority and Spirit careers continues to erode,” Muller noted.

The union representing Spirit’s pilots is currently working to finalize a third Furlough Mitigation Memorandum of Understanding, which would aim to minimize the impact through voluntary options and preserve as many jobs as possible.