Spirit Airlines has accused certain airline CEOs of attempting to drive the low-cost carrier out of business, following remarks from United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby questioning Spirit’s viability during its Chapter 11 restructuring.
In a Senate hearing, Spirit’s Chief Commercial Officer, Matt Klein, expressed concerns about the competitive landscape being skewed against them, including limited access to key airports which affects operational efficiency and customer experience.
Klein also claimed legacy carriers played a role in creating a pilot shortage, alleging they incentivized senior pilots to retire early during the pandemic and subsequently poached pilots from smaller airlines like Spirit.
As Spirit’s restructuring progresses, the New York Stock Exchange confirmed the airline’s stock will be delisted on December 16, with plans to cancel all shares as part of the Chapter 11 process, indicating further financial turmoil for the airline.
Matt Klein told senators; “Some CEOs have said how they’re gunning for us, they’re trying to put us out of business, they just can’t wait for that to happen. For a very long time, we have been dealing with the lack of access to certain airports. When we do get some access, it is limited, we would be given gates but they might be at the far end of the airport, which makes it difficult for us to provide a good guest experience, makes it very difficult for us to be able to operate efficiently and effectively.
United CEO Scott Kirby said: “I think the current business plan is not going to work and, if they pursue it, Chapter 11 will be a brief pitstop on the way to Chapter 7.”
