United Airlines will not bid for Spirit Airlines’ assets, citing incompatibility with its operations and high reconfiguration costs of approximately €12.7m per aircraft.
Spirit’s fleet consists of 62 A320-200s, 91 A320-200Ns, 29 A321-200s, and 32 A321-200NXs, all in single-class configuration, contrasting with United’s three-class setup.
Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2025, aiming to renegotiate aircraft leases and exit 11 unprofitable markets to focus on stronger routes.
United has increased capacity in 15 cities where Spirit operates, positioning itself to benefit from the low-cost carrier’s potential downsizing.
United’s fleet includes 81 A319-100s, 73 A320-200s, and 46 A321-200NXs, totalling 1,051 aircraft.
Scott Kirby shared: “It is not in our wheelhouse. And so we are not going to try to do that.”
