economy
'Godspeed my friend': Inside the final hours of Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines ceased operations overnight after a failed government bailout.
TL;DR
- Spirit Airlines ceased operations at 3 a.m. ET on Saturday following the failure of a government bailout proposal.
- Over 17,000 direct and indirect employees lost their jobs due to the airline's collapse.
- The budget airline operated for 34 years, providing discount air travel across the U.S. and parts of the Caribbean and Latin America.
- Spirit faced intense competition, rising costs, a failed acquisition attempt, and an engine defect, ultimately being unable to overcome recent fuel price surges.
- Other airlines are assisting Spirit passengers by capping fares and increasing flights to help stranded travelers.
- The airline's collapse marks the end of an era for a carrier known for its bare-bones fares and unique brand identity.