Spirit Airlines will furlough 103 flight attendants based at Detroit Metropolitan Airport beginning December 1. The layoffs are described as temporary, though the duration remains uncertain, according to CBS News Detroit. A WARN notice was filed with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, in compliance with the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.
The Detroit News reported that Spirit Aviation Holdings Inc., Spirit Airlines’ parent company, is reducing staff to align with anticipated flight demand while navigating its second bankruptcy within a year. The Association of Flight Attendants represents the impacted employees. Spirit stated that operations, tickets, and loyalty programs will not be affected but acknowledged financial challenges.
The furloughs extend beyond Detroit, with 1,800 flight attendants nationwide scheduled for temporary layoffs. MLive reported that the reductions, beginning in December, may be implemented by seniority if voluntary furloughs offered in November do not meet targets.
Nick Bartolotta, Spirit’s Senior Vice President, told MLive that the move is intended to match staffing with expected demand during restructuring.
The Detroit News also reported that United Airlines Holdings Inc. will increase daily flights to 15 cities starting in January to provide alternative options for travelers.
