Spirit Airlines to Furlough 1,800 Flight Attendants Amid Cost-Cutting Measures

Spirit Airlines has announced plans to furlough about 1,800 flight attendants, representing roughly one-third of its cabin crew, as the budget carrier seeks to reduce costs during its second bankruptcy in less than a year.

In a memo to flight attendants, Chief Operating Officer John Bendoraitis stated, "As we work to return Spirit to profitability, we face difficult decisions about our network, our fleet, and ultimately our workforce."

The airline has already placed approximately 800 flight attendants on voluntary leaves of absence, which has helped avoid involuntary furloughs. However, Bendoraitis noted, "There is a limit to how many people can volunteer for these types of leave, and we have reached that mark."

Spirit will initially offer voluntary furloughs, with the final number of affected cabin crew members yet to be determined. Flight attendants can apply for voluntary furlough leaves of six or twelve months and will retain medical benefits during this period.

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) is collaborating with union chapters at other airlines to assist affected flight attendants in securing preferential interviews with other carriers. Involuntary furloughs are scheduled to take effect on December 1, according to the AFA.

In addition to the flight attendant furloughs, Spirit has also furloughed hundreds of pilots and is seeking $100 million in cost reductions from its aviators. Bendoraitis informed the Air Line Pilots Association that management is "available to continue to negotiate every day thereafter to reach a consensual agreement" by October 1.

Spirit Airlines has not provided further comments on the furloughs at this time.