Bankrupt Spirit Airlines Cancels Purchase of Airbus Jets

A sizeable order for Airbus aircraft, which also included purchase options, has been canceled by Spirit Airlines.

The original deal had committed Spirit to 52 A320neo-family jets. (Photo: Spirit Airways)

The U.S. carrier, which is struggling after entering bankruptcy protection for the second time in as many years, confirmed the fleet optimization move, Daniel Fowkes reported for DJ’s Aviation.

As part of the agreement, AerCap — a leading global aircraft lessor — will now assume ownership of the aircraft orders.

This means the planes will likely be delivered to other carriers, not Spirit Airlines, which has canceled and rejected any plans to take delivery. The original deal had committed Spirit to 52 A320neo-family jets, with options for an additional 10 aircraft that the carrier will also forgo.

The broader adjustment to Spirit’s fleet is part of a three-way agreement approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York.

Other changes have also been made between AerCap and Spirit involving Airbus aircraft, which have faced numerous challenges in recent years.

While headlines focus on the canceled order, Spirit has also moved to reject several aircraft leases, further deepening the financial turmoil the airline currently faces.