Early in 2024 the merger was finally blocked and dissolved between JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines. A major blow to Spirit as they pinned their hopes on this to save the airline even though they have denied the real truth, Like a bear the airline has survived but ultimately the tale of once thriving budget airline is coming to a close.
This week the airline put up 23 aircraft for sale and the week before began early discussions of a merger with Frontier Airlines a ULLC also. The best thing Spirit can do for itself is adjust its financial liability and file chapter 11. This would be a better and more reasonable route towards the merge with another airline. That airline would be Frontier. By late 2025 early 2026 we forecast that Spirit would be far better off taken this action mentioned and merge into Frontier Airlines
Allegiant air is another airline that does well and is kind of a ULLC but not fully. They are a smart airline with a history of wise decisions. From early days older used MD 83, MD 88 and other models at one point that had used Boeing 757 aircraft. Over the years they came to be an all-Airbus airline. Just recently they placed the first Boeing 737 Max 200 which is a high-density aircraft which makes it somewhat uncomfortable for those that are tall. Short seat pitch and uncomfortable seating.
The major problem right now faced by Allegiant is the fact the orders for the Boeing aircraft are so far behind delivery schedule. The strike that is in the second month at Boeing makes major planning and future flight operations a nightmare. Many other airlines across the globe are affected by the Boeing strike.
Southwest Airlines for the last 50 years plus have operated in a similar ULLC format for which in 2025 and many years ahead is about to change. A recent battle with Elliot investment company with six new board members assigned and other Southwest board members exit the airline. Southwest has and will no longer be a ULLC. They try to be like Delta Airlines with pricing getting up there at certain airports like Austin ABIA. Delta Airlines is unique in many ways and a great airline which makes it one of the most expensive to fly.
JetBlue Airways is not a ULLC and others may think they are far from the Sprit and Frontier models. Canada only has one ULLC flying and that Flair Airline where a few have come and gone quickly.
Europe is a whole different environment but some of the two majors are Ryan Air and Wizz Air for which that’s an article and discussion later down the road.
Other factors have made things difficult for Spirit Airlines with engine shortages on the Airbus A320 Neo’s where many had been sidelined and still to date. By the time September 2024 rolled around the airline had to furlough some 250 pilots. The airline needs to move forward as mentioned above. As we estimate the prediction that no later than early 2026 the final ULLC will be Frontier Airlines in US.
Editorial Fire and Aviation TV October 25, 2024