Spirit Recalls 500 Crews, Sells More Planes in Bid to Stabilize

Spirit Airlines is taking two starkly different steps as it works to steady itself: selling more jets while bringing hundreds of flight attendants back to work. The budget carrier confirmed it has sold 20 Airbus aircraft, most already idle, and will begin phasing them out this spring. This reduces its active fleet to 94 planes.

The move coincides with the recall of 500 flight attendants from furlough, a decision timed for the upcoming spring break travel surge. In a note to staff, Chief Operating Officer John Bendoraitis said the sales align with a plan to concentrate on the strongest routes and a more efficient fleet. He acknowledged the airline's deep cuts, which have included over 1,300 furloughed attendants and a slashed network.

'Fixing this airline is a shared effort,' Bendoraitis wrote. 'We need you to continue giving us the foundation for a strong operation.'

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the union representing Spirit's crews, called the recall vital. In a message to members, it said the return of 500 attendants would help ease operational strains that have made recent months grueling for remaining staff.

While discussions with investment firm Castlelake and Frontier Airlines have not yet produced a rescue deal, Spirit continues to reshape its business independently. The airline is banking on a streamlined operation to navigate its prolonged financial challenges.