Airlines

Spirit Airlines to Cut 260 Pilot Jobs as Part of Financial Restructuring Strategy

Today, Spirit Airlines, Inc. stated that it has achieved a deal with Airbus to push back all order aircraft from the second quarter of 2025 through the end of 2026 to 2030–2031.

The direct-lease aircraft, one for each of the second and third quarters of 2025, that are slated for delivery during that time are not included in these deferrals. Over the next two years, Spirit’s cash situation will strengthen by about $340 million through the agreement with Airbus.

The aircraft that are currently being ordered from Airbus and slated for delivery in 2027–2029 have not changed. Spirit revealed that it will be furloughing about 260 pilots as of September 1, 2024, as a result of aircraft grounded due to Pratt & Whitney GTF engine availability issues as well as the aircraft deferrals for 2025 and 2026.

Spirit and Pratt & Whitney recently stated that they have reached a compensation deal over Spirit’s GTF engines. Over the course of the agreement, spirit airlines furlough is expected to have improved liquidity by $150 million to $200 million. In the upcoming months, Spirit will also keep an eye on how best to use its present base of financeable assets to add further liquidity.

Additionally, Spirit’s purchase agreement’s optional aircraft had their exercise dates postponed by two years due to the Airbus change. The total number of aircraft ordered remains unchanged, nor do Spirit’s options for more aircraft.The Company has been and will keep implementing sensible measures to guarantee the stability of its balance sheet and continuing business operations. These measures include evaluating potential refinancing options for bonds and upcoming debt maturities.

Airlines

KLM Begins Testing Self Driving Crew Buses at Schiphol Airport

In a significant step towards modernizing airport operations, Schiphol Airport has launched the second phase of its trial for electric self-driving buses.

This initiative, in collaboration with KLM Cityhopper and KLM Ground Services, is aimed at enhancing efficiency and sustainability at one of Europe’s busiest airports. Following a successful initial trial with the self-driving buses from supplier Ohmio, the new phase is now underway.

This phase focuses on deploying the autonomous buses on a fixed, pre-programmed route that connects the apron to the terminal. The primary users of this service are the KLM Cityhopper crew, who will benefit from a streamlined shuttle between their aircraft and the terminal. best cabin crew skytrax

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The trial’s first phase centered on assessing the technical capabilities and user-friendliness of the buses. Now, the focus shifts to the apron—a bustling area characterized by high activity levels, including aircraft movements and ground handling operations. The autonomous buses will navigate this complex environment multiple times a day, ferrying KLM Cityhopper crew from Apron A to the terminal.

Equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and GPS, the buses are designed to handle the dynamic conditions of the apron. They feature LIDAR technology, providing a comprehensive 360-degree view that enables them to detect and avoid obstacles up to 30 meters away. This cutting-edge technology ensures safe and efficient operation in the busy airport setting.

Schiphol Airport is committed to becoming one of the world’s most sustainable and high-quality airports by 2050. A core component of this vision is the transition to a fleet of autonomous, zero-emission vehicles.

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This shift is part of a broader strategy to automate ground operations while maintaining a vital human presence in a supervisory role. By doing so, Schiphol aims to reduce emissions and enhance the overall efficiency of its operations.

The integration of self-driving buses into the airport’s daily operations represents a major milestone in achieving these sustainability goals. As the trial progresses, Schiphol, KLM Cityhopper, and KLM Ground Services will continue to evaluate and refine the technology, paving the way for a more automated and environmentally friendly future in aviation ground services.