Current Negotiations

Spirit Airlines is currently in talks with Castlelake, an alternative investment firm, regarding a possible takeover.

This move is part of Spirit's efforts to navigate out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which it entered in August 2025 for the second time within a year.

Bankruptcy and Financial Struggles

The airline's previous turnaround strategy failed to yield results, prompting the bankruptcy filing. Spirit had hoped to recover from its financial woes, but ongoing challenges persisted.

Notably, the airline's difficulties were intensified by a recall of Pratt & Whitney engines that grounded dozens of its Airbus aircraft beginning in 2023.

Funding and Restructuring Efforts

To support its restructuring, Spirit Airlines amended its agreement with creditors in mid-December 2025, securing an additional $50 million in funding.

This funding is contingent on the airline making further progress towards a standalone reorganization plan or reaching a strategic deal. Spirit noted that it is actively negotiating on both fronts.

Previous Merger Talks with Frontier Airlines

Before engaging with Castlelake, Spirit Airlines had been in discussions with Frontier Airlines regarding a potential merger.

However, these talks did not result in a finalized agreement. Frontier Airlines had previously attempted to merge with Spirit, but a deal was called off four years ago after JetBlue Airways made a competing offer.

Operational Changes and Job Cuts

In an effort to cut costs, Spirit Airlines has reduced its flight schedules, downsized its fleet, and implemented job cuts.

Unions representing pilots and flight attendants agreed to pay reductions amounting to $100 million to help the airline stabilize financially. These measures are part of Spirit's broader strategy to regain profitability in a challenging market.

Looking Ahead for Spirit Airlines

As Spirit Airlines continues to negotiate with Castlelake and seeks to recover from its financial difficulties, the outcome of these discussions remains uncertain.

The airline aims to adapt to changing market conditions and customer preferences while competing against larger carriers that have more financial resources. Spirit's future will depend on successfully navigating these negotiations and restructuring efforts.