Skift Take
Spirit CEO Ted Christie described speculation about Spirit’s ability to survive as “a misguided narrative.”
It’s been a rough few years for Spirit Airlines.
There hasn’t been much demand for the airline’s product. Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engine issues have grounded several of its planes. It has had years of losses and a staggering $1.1 billion debt due in 2025. And perhaps, the biggest hit: A judge blocked its merger with JetBlue.
But Spirit CEO Ted Christie said the airline still has a viable path to survival during a call with analysts Thursday morning.
“This misguided narrative has been advanced by an assortment of pundits,” Christie said on the call. “However, back in the real world, we are focused on facts.”
Christie focused on Spirit’s efforts to strengthen its finances — the airline recently sold 25 aircraft and leased them back, allowing it to pay off $465 million in debt and net $419 million in cash.