FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) buys 2 Spirit Airlines (NK) gates at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) for $30 million, becoming the first carrier to acquire Spirit assets in its second bankruptcy.
The move restores physical airport access for American following gate reallocations that previously reduced its footprint.
The transaction follows a sharp schedule reduction by Spirit Airlines at Chicago O’Hare, where peak daily departures fell from 32 to roughly half.
Spirit is selling the gates to raise funds but is directing the proceeds toward prepayments on debtor-in-possession loans rather than liquidity improvements.
American Airlines Buys 2 Chicago Gates
Spirit Airlines (NK) previously operated four preferential-use gates at O’Hare: G8, G10, G12, and G14. Gates G8 and G10 are being sold to American Airlines, including G8, where one of American’s three Admirals Clubs at the airport is located.
Spirit no longer requires all four gates due to reduced flying at Chicago O’Hare, making divestiture both operationally and financially efficient.
Reported by View from the Wing, American entered Spirit’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case after filing a notice of appearance to receive all reorganization and liquidation documents.
The filing followed the disclosure that the best value outcome of Spirit’s restructuring could involve a sale or merger, with multiple counterparties in active discussions.
Spirit stated that its agreement with American pertains solely to airport operations and that it does not intend the sale to serve as an immediate cash cushion.
Gate Reallocation Dispute
Earlier in the year, American Airlines lost four gates, and United Airlines (UA) gained 5 under an airport reallocation framework based on flight volumes and timing of facilities construction. The reallocation went into effect on October 1.
American sued to halt the change, asserting that the city acted two years earlier than permitted under its use and lease agreement.
The court declined to issue an injunction because it could calculate potential financial damages later if American prevailed.
The reallocation disadvantage stems from American’s slower post-pandemic recovery in Chicago.
The airline reduced mainline and regional capacity after retiring Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Airbus A330, and Embraer E190 aircraft, while also grounding regional jets in part due to a pilot shortage.
United rebuilt its Chicago schedule faster, resulting in a durable advantage during system recovery.
Market Positioning
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, a former American Airlines president, has publicly suggested that American could eventually de-hub Chicago.
American Airlines Vice Chair Steve Johnson responded earlier in the year that the carrier would “probably always be second place in Chicago,” acknowledging the structural challenge but affirming the airline’s ongoing commitment.
The acquisition of gates G8 and G10 reinforces that commitment. Regaining dedicated physical assets mitigates some of the operational limitations created by the 2024 reallocation, preserves strategic optionality for future capacity additions, and protects the airline’s Midwest network relevance.
Although the purchase does not immediately alter competitive share, it strengthens American’s foundation at O’Hare and confirms its intent to maintain a long-term presence.
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