Spirit Airlines announced on Monday its decision to defer deliveries of new Airbus planes and implement pilot furloughs as part of an extensive cost-cutting program aimed at improving liquidity. CEO Ted Christie emphasized the necessity of these measures for securing a strong and profitable future for the airline.

The budget carrier revealed plans to defer all Airbus planes scheduled for delivery from the second quarter of 2025 through the end of 2026 to 2030 and 2031. This strategic move is expected to bolster Spirit's liquidity by approximately $340 million over the next two years. Christie highlighted that deferring these aircraft provides an opportunity to refocus the business and adapt to changes in the competitive environment.