Spirit Airlines said on Tuesday it has called back nearly 500 pilots it furloughed last year, as the budget carrier prepares to emerge from its second bankruptcy.
The carrier last month reached a restructuring agreement with its lenders that would allow it to exit bankruptcy by late spring or early summer. It plans to operate as a slimmer airline, focusing on routes and peak travel periods where demand is strongest.
"Recalled pilots were sent a notice on March 9, 2026, and those who accept will return to duty in the time frame detailed in the Collective Bargaining Agreement," Spirit said.
The recall was prompted by higher-than-expected pilot attrition, CNBC reported on Tuesday, citing a company memo. Spirit did not comment on the memo or provide further details.
The carrier's parent company Spirit Aviation Holdings filed for bankruptcy for the second time in August, struggling with dwindling cash reserves and mounting losses.
The ultra-low-cost carrier has rolled out several measures to curb cash burn and raise funding but has consistently struggled as its bare-bones model failed to regain traction with travelers shifting toward premium offerings.
Spirit, best known for its bright yellow all-Airbus fleet, built its brand around affordable fares for budget-conscious travelers ready to eschew add-ons like checked bags and seat assignments.
That demand tapered off quickly after the pandemic, as passengers preferred to opt for comfort and experience-based travel, leaving ultra-low-cost carriers struggling to adapt.
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