Overnight, Spirit Airlines shut down after 30 years in operation. More than 2,000 Spirit pilots, fellow ALPA members, are now facing an uncertain future. The Delta MEC has reached out to the Spirit MEC leadership team to offer support, including helping Spirit pilots who are stranded across the country, get home.
We are asking Delta pilots to make the walk. Note the following:
- Spirit pilots have CASS privileges until 2300 Eastern tonight (2MAY) and are able to Jumpseat until then. In coordination with ALPA, Delta has authorized cabin flowback for Spirit pilots beginning at 2300 tonight for the next 10 days.
- Note that Spirit pilots have been asked to not wear their uniform so they will be in the gatehouse in civilian clothes.
- Please be proactive and let gate agents know we are trying to get Spirit pilots home and to inform the Captain if a Spirit pilot has inquired about commuting on the flight.
Several airlines are offering accommodations to help get all Spirit employees home. The MEC is actively engaging with Delta senior leadership to see if Delta will provide similar benefits.
We know many of you have friends at Spirit Airlines. With Delta scheduled to continue pilot hiring throughout the summer, we will also be asking for preferential interviews for Spirit pilots per PWA Section 1.D.11.
But the priority for now is to support Spirit pilots and help them get home to their families. They have been on a roller coaster of uncertainty, bankruptcy, potential bail-outs and now the shutdown of their airline. Our thoughts are with them and all Spirit employees in the coming days.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to “make the walk.”
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