Spirit Airlines and its pilots, represented by the Airline Pilots Association International (ALPA) reached a tentative agreement on a new contract that means the airline will resume operations Friday.
Pending ratification, Spirit’s pilots are returning to work. Spirit recommends that customers reconfirm their flights at www.spiritair.com.
The contract, which was unanimously recommended by the union’s leadership, is subject to ratification by the pilot membership which is planned for July.
Spirit said in a statement:
“Spirit would like to thank the National Mediation Board, its pilots, employees and ALPA for their dedication throughout this process which has allowed the Company to reach a fair and equitable agreement that will ensure the long-term stability of the company, and allow Spirit to continue offering its customers ultra low fares.”
“Our pilots worked hard to get a mutually favorable deal that allows the Company to grow while improving their wages and benefits,” said Ben Baldanza, president and CEO of Spirit. “We apologize to those of our customers whose travel was disrupted as a result of the strike.”
To “thank its customers,” Spirit is offering a coupon for US$50 off their next flight and 5,000 FREE SPIRIT™ bonus miles. Spirit is offering customers a coupon to save US$50 off* their next round-trip purchase for travel from June 18, 2010 through November 17, 2010, according to the company.
By David Wilkening
