Spirit Airlines will furlough 270 pilots this fall to align with a reduced off-season schedule as it works to regain financial stability, according to CNBC. Spirit Airlines will downgrade 140 pilots from captain to first officer effective October 1st, according to the Air Line Pilots Association. The carrier emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March and said the moves aim to “better align staffing with our flight schedule” during softer demand. Spirit is shifting toward more premium offerings to regain profitability after years of relying on low-cost tickets. The Air Line Pilots Association said the changes further erode pilot seniority and career value, calling the news “hard” for affected employees. The airline previously furloughed pilots ahead of its bankruptcy filing last year.
