Spirit Airlines might have emerged from Chapter 11, but the skies are no friendlier on the other side of bankruptcy.
The discount carrier says 270 pilots will be furloughed as of Nov. 1—and another 140 will be demoted from captain to first officer on Oct. 1.
The announcement comes as demand for coach tickets has been falling industry-wide. Spirit is taking the action in an attempt to put itself on more steady financial footing. The decline in pilots will result in fewer flights in the months ahead.
To attract higher-paying customers, the company has launched a business-class option and blocked off the middle seat.
