An illustration showing a Spirit Airlines plane flying through stormy skies.
North America

From Riches to Rags: Can Spirit Airlines Turn Itself Around?

North America

From Riches to Rags: Can Spirit Airlines Turn Itself Around?

May 2024
35 min read
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat

Issue Overview

It was once a champion. Now it’s in critical condition. Spirit Airlines is losing dangerous amounts of money, prompting concerns about its future. The airline itself says it’s a long way from returning to healthy profit margins. But, executives insist, the tide will eventually turn. Spirit CEO Ted Christie previously described speculation about the airline's ability to survive as “a misguided narrative.”