FT. LAUDERDALE— September 1st, Spirit Airlines furloughed 186 pilots. As the Spirit pilots face this difficult time, 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) Chairman Ryan Muller.
As members of the largest pilot union in the world, the pilots of Spirit Airlines have a strong and robust network of support. Several airlines represented by ALPA 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 Ryan.
