Airlines
Spirit Airlines Pilots Approve Collective Bargaining Agreement
Spirit Airlines announced that its Pilots, who are members of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), have ratified an amended collective bargaining agreement. This contract will provide a significant pay increase and other enhanced benefits for Spirit’s Pilots.
“We appreciate the dedication of the ALPA Negotiating Committee, Master Executive Council (MEC) and the Spirit Airlines Negotiating Team for their hard work to reach this agreement,” said John Bendoraitis, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Spirit Airlines. “We truly value our incredible Pilots, and we’re proud to recognize their contributions, passion and professionalism as they keep us flying every day.”
Out of the 2,326 eligible pilots who voted, 69 percent voted in favor of the new collective bargaining agreement. The two-year deal represents an economic gain of $463 million or 27 percent over the next two years, with zero concessions.
“This TA not only offers the financial gains our pilots need today, but also creates a stronger bargaining position for Spirit Airlines pilots at our next step, either in the merger process with JetBlue or in comprehensive negotiations with Spirit Airlines as a stand-alone carrier,” said Spirit’s Master Executive Council chair Capt. Ryan Muller.
The agreement is effective retroactively to Jan. 1, 2023. If the JetBlue–Spirit merger does not gain regulatory approval or is otherwise abandoned, Spirit pilots will immediately reenter Section 6 negotiations with Spirit Airlines management.
