FLORIDA- Spirit Airlines (NK) is set to retire its Airbus A319 fleet on January 8, 2025, according to independent aviation analyst Ishrion Aviation.
The carrier has scheduled four final A319 flights on that date, all departing from Fort Lauderdale (FLL).
Spirit Airlines Retiring A319
The planned final flights include routes to Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Houston (IAH), and San Juan (SJU). Flight NK262 from San Juan to Fort Lauderdale is expected to be the last A319 operation for Spirit Airlines.
Spirit’s latest fleet plan from August indicated a retirement timeline in the second quarter of 2025. However, the accelerated schedule suggests the airline may be expediting the process. The analyst notes that Spirit Airlines has not scheduled any A319 flights beyond January 8, 2025.
An overnight flight from Fort Lauderdale to Medellín (MDE) is also scheduled on the A319 for January 8, but there is no return flight on the same aircraft type. This discrepancy may indicate that Spirit hasn’t fully updated its schedule yet.
Industry observers have long considered the A319 somewhat small for Spirit’s business model, which relies on maximizing seat capacity. The A319’s increased range compared to the A320 isn’t necessary for Spirit’s route network, making the larger A320 a more suitable option for the low-cost carrier.
Recent changes have already begun as Spirit nears retiring the A319 fleet. The Fort Lauderdale to Newark route, previously serviced by an A319, has been using an A320 for the past few weeks.
Bankruptcy Rumours
Spirit Airlines is engaging in critical negotiations with bondholders as it considers filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The budget carrier’s financial woes have intensified following the collapse of its proposed merger with JetBlue Airways (B6).
In January 2024, a federal judge blocked JetBlue’s $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit, citing concerns over reduced market competition. This ruling dealt a significant blow to Spirit’s financial strategy, leaving the airline to navigate its mounting debt independently.
Spirit now faces a daunting $3.3 billion debt burden, with over $1.1 billion in secured bonds set to mature within a year. The airline must refinance or extend these notes by October 21 to meet its credit card processor’s deadline.
CEO Ted Christie confirmed in August that the company is actively discussing options with bondholders’ advisers to address these looming maturities.
The airline’s financial struggles stem from its inability to generate an annual profit since before the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to these challenges, Spirit plans to implement drastic measures, including a nearly 20% reduction in capacity for the fourth quarter. This significant operational downsizing aims to streamline costs and improve financial stability.
Compounding Spirit’s troubles, the recall of Pratt & Whitney engines has forced the airline to ground part of its fleet. This unexpected setback has led to pilot furloughs, further straining the carrier’s operational capabilities and financial resources.
JetBlue Retiring E190
The failed $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue, which was intended to create a robust low-fare competitor in the U.S. aviation market, has left Spirit in a precarious financial position.
JetBlue is also retiring its Embraer 190 fleet in 2025. The New York-based carrier will use a new, efficient, and modern Airbus A220 fleet instead of E190.
Other US carriers are also planning to retire their old regional and narrowbody aircraft with modern and fuel-efficient aircraft. However, they are forced to extend their service due to delays in new delivery.
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