Spirit Files for Bankruptcy, But No Changes to Our Jobs Today
November 18, 2024 - Spirit management today filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. First, it’s important to know that nothing changes today. Plan to go to work as normal if you have assigned flying and stay tuned to AFA communications. We will make sure you have the latest information at all times so we can make good decisions together.
Your Spirit AFA Officers, AFA International Officers, and our legal experts at AFA International are engaged to protect the interests of Spirit Flight Attendants. We will work together to encourage a bankruptcy process that allows our airline to restructure with as little disruption as possible for us as the frontline face of Spirit.
We know there are endless questions as to what our future looks like at Spirit. Let’s focus on what we know and support each other at all times moving forward.
- Today’s filing does not change pay, benefits or working conditions for Spirit Flight Attendants as our contract remains in place.
- We do not expect Flight Attendant furloughs as a result of the filing due to the number of Flight Attendants on Voluntary/Extended Voluntary Time Off (VTO). The program will continue with regular VTOs/EVTOs offered. (SECTION 13 LEAVES OF ABSENCE, I VOLUNTARY TIME OFF: Ensures VTO leaves while maintaining all benefits and accruals.)
- Spirit plans to keep flying while overhauling the business plan in an attempt to restructure for profitability.
- Spirit has negotiated a “debtor in possession” agreement that supports continued operation of the airline. “In connection with the ‘restricting support agreement,’ Spirit has received backstopped commitments for a $350 million equity investment from existing bondholders and will complete a deleveraging transaction to equitize $795 million of funded debt," as described by management.
- AFA has retained bankruptcy counsel to protect and fight for Spirit Flight Attendants throughout this process.
- AFA communications will handle any media inquiries. Don’t speak to the media. You can direct them to [email protected] instead.
- If you have questions, please reach out to your local officers so they can gather questions and we will do regular Q&As.
This news is difficult to take in, but we are in a much better position because of our union with legal standing in the bankruptcy and our contract.
Together we can get through any challenge. Take a minute today to tell a flying partner you’ve got their back. We are stronger and better together.
AFA EAP is always available 800-424-2406.
In Solidarity,
Your Spirit AFA MEC
