Pilots
Total

2990

Active

2400

Furloughed

590

Union: ALPA
Hiring: No
Fleet
A319: 17
A320: 64
A320NEO: 91
A321: 22
A321NEO: 32
For more information, please visit Spirit Airlines Pilot Career Page

Flight Training

  • Spirit Airlines is constructing a new, state-of-the-art training center in Dania Beach, FL, just outside Fort Lauderdale.
  • The facility will support Spirit’s growing pilot training needs as the airline continues expanding its Airbus fleet.
  • Spirit uses NavBlue PBS for pilot bidding, offering pilots scheduling flexibility and control.
  • Training emphasizes safety, efficiency, and preparation for operation within Spirit’s ULCC model (until the anticipated JetBlue merger transitions the brand).
  • The curriculum is aligned with Spirit’s modern fleet, including the A319, A320, and A321neo aircraft, with simulator training and support systems in place to ensure pilot readiness.
  • Spirit’s focus on operational excellence is reinforced by its reputation for fuel efficiency and low-cost structure.

PayScale

PAY SCALE (Hourly)
Captain 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
A319 312 307 303 299 296 292 288 284 280 277 273 270
A320 312 307 303 299 296 292 288 284 280 277 273 270
A321 318 314 310 305 302 298 294 290 286 282 279 275
First Officer 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
A319 201 197 194 188 184 181 178 176 171 159 142 97
A320 201 197 194 188 184 181 178 176 171 159 142 97
A321 205 201 198 192 188 185 182 180 175 162 145 99

Hiring

Spirit Airlines is currently not hiring pilots.

In January 2023, Spirit pilots ratified a new contract that introduced significant improvements to pay and benefits. Highlights include a 72-hour monthly and reserve guarantee, double pay for premium flying, and an 8% international override. All pilots also receive a 2% A321 override, paid monthly based on total A321 block hours flown. Additionally, Spirit provides a generous retirement package with a 16% defined contribution plan and optional Traditional or Roth 401K contributions, plus access to a PCRA account for self-directed investing.

The current pilot agreement also protects quality of life with scheduling rules such as a required minimum of four consecutive days off per block unless the pilot waives it. These updates reflect Spirit’s effort to remain competitive in a dynamic pilot hiring market.

Hiring Minimums:

  • Flight Hours: A minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. Preferred candidates may have around 2,500 total flight hours, including 750 hours in multi-engine, turboprop, or jet aircraft.
     
  • Pilot License: A current, unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license with a multi-engine land rating.
     
  • Medical Certification: A current FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
     
  • Communication Skills: An FCC Radio Telephone Operator Permit.
     
  • Travel Documentation: A valid passport or equivalent documents with at least six months of validity, allowing travel to all destinations served by Spirit Airlines.
  • Work Eligibility: Legal right to work in the United States.
     
  • Preferred Qualifications:
    • Experience in aircraft equipped with Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) and/or Flight Management System (FMS).
       
    • Experience in Part 121 airlines or turbojet aircraft.
       
    • An undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred but not always required.

Domiciles

FLL, DFW, LAS, DTW, IAH, MIA, MCO, ACY, ATL, ORD

Quick Brief

Company Updates:

  • Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024 due to mounting financial losses and the collapse of its merger plans.
  • The airline plans to sell 23 Airbus aircraft to improve liquidity.
  • Spirit Airlines, post-bankruptcy, announced a partnership with Contour Airlines to expand leisure-focused routes from select Essential Air Service (EAS) markets. 
  • After emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 12, 2025, Spirit revised its 2025 fleet plan, reducing its fleet by 23 aircraft to 196 by year-end. This includes selling 21 A320 and A321 aircraft and retiring the last two A319s in January 2025, focusing on fuel-efficient A320neo and A321neo models.
  • Spirit plans to launch 28 new routes while cutting five others, using its Airbus A320neo fleet. A new daily route from Newark (EWR) to Birmingham (BHM) starts in June 2025, competing with Delta Air Lines. This reflects Spirit’s post-bankruptcy growth strategy.
  • Spirit announced 200 job cuts across departments and furloughed 330 pilots starting January 31, 2025, to align with a smaller fleet and reduced flying schedule. Earlier, 260 pilots were furloughed in September 2024, impacting hiring prospects.
  • Spirit secured a $300 million financing facility, pledging assets like LaGuardia (LGA) and Reagan National (DCA) slots, aircraft engines, and spare parts. This supports financial stability post-bankruptcy.
  • Spirit rejected a second merger bid from Frontier Airlines, choosing to pursue standalone recapitalization after emerging from bankruptcy with $795 million in debt reduction and a $350 million investment.

Company Overview:

Founded as a Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC), Spirit Airlines (IATA: NK, ICAO: NKS, Callsign: Spirit Wings) has built its brand around unbundled, no-frills air travel. Nearly half of the airline’s revenue comes from ancillary services, such as baggage fees and seat assignments. Despite its cost-efficient model, Spirit has received recognition for sustainability and operational performance:

  • #2 most fuel-efficient U.S. airline (ICCT)
  • Lowest CASM (Cost per Available Seat Mile) for A320 aircraft in the U.S.
  • Average fleet age: 6 years

Current Operations:

Spirit operates a growing fleet primarily composed of Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. These include next-generation NEO models equipped with WiFi. Configurations:

  • A319: 145 seats
  • A320 FLEX: 182 seats
  • A321 FLEX: 228 seats

 

Headquarters

1731 Radiant Drive Dania Beach, Fl. 33004

Located in Dania, Florida Spirit Airline’s corporate offices support its growing network.

Website

https://www.spirit.com/

CEO
Dave Davis

Jumpseat & Travel Info

Spirit Airlines is a CASS participant and offers jumpseat access to qualified pilots:

  • A319: 2 jumpseats (note: 2 aircraft have only 1)

  • A320: 1 jumpseat (select NEOs have 2)

  • A321: 1 jumpseat

To list for a jumpseat, visit Id90 Travel 

  • Jumpseaters still need to check-in at the gate and fill out the ACM/JUMPSEAT Pass.

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