Spirit Airlines layoffs in motion: US airline operator to furlough 365 pilots; move to cut $100 million in pilot costs

Spirit Airlines is furloughing 365 pilots and downgrading 170 more in early 2026 as part of a restructuring plan. The airline aims to cut $100 million in pilot expenses and reduce its operating fleet. These measures are expected to save $211 million and are part of a broader strategy to return to profitability by 2027.