Spirit Airlines has called back hundreds of furloughed pilots to cover the peak summer season.
The airline is prepping to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time.
“Recalled pilots were sent a notice, and those who accept will return to duty in the timeframe detailed in the collective bargaining agreement,” Spirit wrote in a memo which was seen by CNBC.
The nearly 500 pilots will come back to a leaner company which has slashed its aircraft fleet and route network.
The airline’s focus is now on strongly performing routes.
“While these recalls won’t arrive in time to support the spring break-Easter period, they strengthen the foundation of our post-bankruptcy future,” the memo said.
The airline has also started the recall of a similar number of furloughed flight attendants.
The judge in charge of its Chapter 11 restructuring recently approved a plan for the airline to auction off 20 of its aircraft.
