Release #: SPA 24.03
September 01, 2024

Spirit Pilots Stand Together Amid Furloughs


FT. LAUDERDALE—Today, Spirit Airlines furloughed 186 pilots. As the Spirit pilots face this difficult day, the pilots’ union, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), is focused on unity and strength moving forward.

“No doubt the last couple of years have been challenging for Spirit pilots, but through it all we’ve been buoyed by our pilot group’s solidarity, unity, and commitment to supporting one another. Pilots accepting voluntary leaves, in addition to attrition, have greatly reduced the initial furlough and involuntary downgrade projections. In addition, a significant number of those being furloughed chose voluntary furlough, protecting a more junior pilot’s career. These selfless actions exemplify the very best of our union spirit,” said Spirit Master Executive Council (MEC) chair Capt. Ryan Muller.

As members of the largest pilot union in the world, the pilots of Spirit Airlines have a strong and robust support network. Several ALPA-represented airlines have offered preferential interviews or other benefits for Spirit pilots, and ALPA offers valuable resources and assistance to support those pilots affected.

“Although the furloughed pilots are not currently flying the line at Spirit, they remain part of our union. We look forward to their return to the flight deck, whether at Spirit or another carrier, and are committed to continuing to support all our pilots,” said Muller.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 78,000 pilots at 41 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org