Tag Archives: A320-271N

Spirit Airlines launches its Puerto Rico expansion

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N903NK (msn 7011) FLL (Jay Selman). Image: 404292.

Spirit Airlines entered a new chapter in its 20+ year history on May 5 in Puerto Rico by launching its expansion at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).

Travelers now have convenient, daily nonstop flight options between San Juan and destinations across the eastern half of the U.S. to include Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Detroit (DTW), with a nonstop flight to Hartford (BDL) starting on June 7.

In addition to the new routes, Spirit on May 5 increased SJU service to include five daily flights to Orlando (MCO), and two daily flights to Baltimore (BWI), Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL) and Newark (EWR).

Spirit Airlines Routes at San Juan (SJU)
Destination:Flights Available:Launch Date:
Atlanta (ATL) NEWDailyMay 5
Boston (BOS)DailyExisting
Hartford (BDL) NEW3x WeeklyJune 7
Baltimore (BWI)2x DailyFrequency increase on May 5
Dallas (DFW) NEWDailyMay 5
Detroit (DTW) NEWDailyMay 5
Newark (EWR) 2x DailyFrequency increase on June 7
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) 2x DailyFrequency increase on April 5
Orlando (MCO) 5x DailyFrequency increase on May 5
Miami (MIA)DailyExisting Service
Chicago (ORD) NEWDailyMay 5
Philadelphia (PHL)DailyExisting Service
Tampa (TPA)DailyExisting Service

In addition to serving its Guests, Spirit and its partners employ nearly 1,000 Puerto Ricans on the island across three airports and its aircraft maintenance facility in Aguadilla. This new expansion will also create about 80 new jobs in San Juan.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N903NK (msn 7011) FLL (Jay Selman). Image: 404292.

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery

Spirit Airlines reports a net loss of $103.9 million in the first quarter, partners with Lewis University for new pilot pathway

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N967NK (msn 11128) FLL (Jay Selman). Image: 404290.

Spirit Airlines, Inc. reported first quarter 2023 financial results.

First Quarter 2023 (unaudited)

As Reported

Adjusted1

$(91.3) Million $(89.4) million

Total operating revenues $1,349.8 million $1,349.8 million

Operating income (loss) $(112.4) Million

Operating margin (8.3)% (6.8)%

Net income (loss) $(103.9) million

Diluted earnings (loss) per share $(0.95) $(0.82)

“For the first quarter 2023, our adjusted operating margin came in better than expected, helped by lower fuel and a strong revenue per available seat mile (“TRASM”) performance. Looking ahead to the second quarter, demand continues to be strong and industry capacity remains constrained, both of which are beneficial for unit revenue. Our core business is solid, and the team is doing an excellent job solving for the problems within our control,” said Ted Christie, Spirit’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Earlier this month, the Fort Lauderdale area experienced severe flash floods, requiring a 40-hour closure of the Fort Lauderdale airport. As a result of this weather event, Spirit canceled disrupting travel plans for a substantial number of our Guests. Despite the significant and out-sized disruption to our network, our team was primed and ready to go on Friday morning once the airport re-opened. This quick recovery is a testament to the diligent efforts of our entire team as well as the innovative changes have put in place to help accelerate recovery operations.”

Fleet

Spirit took delivery of five new A320neo aircraft during the first quarter 2023 and retired four A319ceo aircraft. The Company ended the quarter with 195 aircraft in its fleet, an increase of 10.8 percent since the end of first quarter 2022.

Liquidity and Capital Deployment

Spirit ended first quarter 2023 with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, short-term investment securities and liquidity available under the Company’s revolving credit facility of $1.7 billion.

Total capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2023, were $86.0 million, primarily related to net outflows of aircraft pre-delivery deposits, expenditures related to the building of Spirit’s new headquarters campus in Dania Beach, Florida and spare parts, including one spare engine.

In other news, Aspiring pilots in the Chicago area can soon soar from a college classroom to the flight deck at Spirit Airlines. The carrier and Lewis University today announced a new partnership to launch the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program at the university’s College of Aviation, Science and Technology in Romeoville, Illinois. The program provides graduates with a direct path to a rewarding career flying for Spirit. Lewis University students can gain valuable experience and complete the steps needed to become a Spirit First Officer while attending a leading aviation university and finishing their college degree.

Lewis University students pursuing an aviation technology degree can apply for the program after obtaining a recommendation from a faculty member in the College of Aviation, Science and Technology and completing their sophomore year. If successful in Spirit’s interview process, they will receive a conditional offer of employment, a Spirit Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and mentorship as they complete their degree and all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate. Graduates who meet all program requirements will join the team as a Spirit First Officer.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N967NK (msn 11128) FLL (Jay Selman). Image: 404290.

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Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery

Marabu commences operations

Marabu Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL ES-MBU (msn 6799) PMI (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 960414.

Marabu Airlines has commenced operations. The first passenger revenue flight was operated on April 15 between Munich and Palma de Mallorca.

Last December investment firm Attestor, which owns 51% of the shares of Condor Airlines, announced it would launch its own leisure airline.

The new operator, based in Tallinn, Estonia, would offer services between Germany, especially Hamburg and Munich, and holiday destinations in southern Europe and North Africa.

It was also revealed that Nordic Aviation Group would provide ACMI (aircraft leasing, crew, maintenance and insurance) services to the new company, using three Airbus A320neo.

Top Copyright Photo: Marabu Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL ES-MBU (msn 6799) PMI (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 960414.

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FlyArystan to be spun-off from Air Astana in 2024, will fly from Astana to Baku

FlyArystan (Air Astana) Airbus A320-271N WL EI-KBH (msn 7124) AYT (Ton Jochems). Image: 958855.

FlyArystan will be separated from its parent Air Astana as a stand-alone carrier in 2024.

FlyArystan is a low-cost airline based in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It is the wholly owned  subsidiary of Air Astana. FlyArystan’s creation was approved by Air Astana’s joint shareholders, Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund and BAE Systems PLC.

In other news, the airline has announced nonstop flights from Astana (NQZ) to the capital of Azerbaijan – Baku (GYD) on Airbus A320 aircraft from June 2, 2023 on Mondays and Fridays.

Top Copyright Photo: FlyArystan (Air Astana) Airbus A320-271N WL EI-KBH (msn 7124) AYT (Ton Jochems). Image: 958855.

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FlyArystan aircraft photo gallery
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Volaris reports demand increased by 21.2% with a 83% load factor in February

Volaris Airbus A320-271N WL N532VL (msn 7904) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960185.

Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (Volaris) reported its February 2023 preliminary traffic results.

In February 2023, Volaris’ capacity (measured in ASMs) increased by 20.4% year-over-year, while demand (measured in RPMs) increased by 21.2%; the result was a load factor increase of 0.5 pp YoY to 83.2%. Volaris transported 2.5 million passengers during the month, a 17.3% increase compared to February 2022. Demand in the domestic Mexican and international markets increased by 13.7% and 42.4%, respectively.

Enrique Beltranena, Volaris’ President and CEO said: “In line with what was stated in our last earnings call in February 22, we are seeing healthy traffic growth and solid booking curves for the upcoming spring season. In February, consumer demand remained robust across all of our markets, with particular strength observed in international regions. Jet fuel prices were slightly more favorable than the prior guidance provided to the market.”

Feb 2023Feb 2022VarianceYTD Feb 2023YTD Feb 2022Variance
RPMs (million, scheduled & charter)
Domestic1,6971,49313.7 %3,6303,13215.9 %
International75152842.4 %1,6601,19738.7 %
Total2,4492,02121.2 %5,2904,32922.2 %
ASMs (million, scheduled & charter)
Domestic2,0351,73617.2 %4,3063,72715.5 %
International90870828.2 %1,9321,55924.0 %
Total2,9432,44520.4 %6,2395,28618.0 %
Load Factor (%, scheduled, RPMs/ASMs)
Domestic83.4 %86.0 %(2.6) pp84.3 %84.0 %0.3 pp
International82.7 %74.5 %8.2 pp85.9 %76.8 %9.1 pp
Total83.2 %82.7 %0.5 pp84.8 %81.9 %2.9 pp
Passengers (thousand, scheduled & charter)
Domestic1,9841,75712.9 %4,2083,62516.1 %
International51937638.0 %1,15885735.1 %
Total2,5022,13317.3 %5,3644,48219.7 %

Top Copyright Photo: Volaris Airbus A320-271N WL N532VL (msn 7904) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960185.

Volaris aircraft photo gallery:

Volaris aircraft photo gallery

JetBlue and Spirit flight attendant unions are split on the merger

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N972NK (msn 11173) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960137.

JetBlue Airways’ flight attendants, represented by the TWU, are opposing the merger with Spirit Airlines. The union has sent a letter to the Attorney General and the Department of Transportation opposing the merger.

Meanwhile the flight attendants of Spirit Airlines, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, are agreeing with and supporting the takeover of Spirit by JetBlue.

The Department of Justice will rule on the merger request. JetBlue has vowed to fight any refusal.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N972NK (msn 11173) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960137.

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery

LATAM renews its fleet and expects to end 2023 with 31 Airbus A320neo family aircraft

LATAM AIrlines (Chile) Airbus A320-271N WL CC-BHA (msn 7844) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 105901.

LATAM Airlines (Chile) made this announcement:

With the commitment to be more efficient and sustainable, the LATAM group advances in the renewal of its fleet, announcing that it will have 31 Airbus A320neo family aircraft in operation by the end of 2023.

The additional purchase of Airbus aircraft will allow the group to have more than 100 A320neo, A321neo and A321XLR aircraft by the end of this decade. Today, the LATAM group has 16 Airbus A320neo aircraft in operation and this year it expects to receive another 15 Airbus aircraft, including the first A321neo in its fleet. The first A321XLR will be delivered in 2025.

This will allow the LATAM group to replace its aircraft with more modern and efficient ones, increase its fleet and continue with the recovery of its operation compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Regarding the Airbus A321neo, it consumes 22% less fuel per seat than the previous model, the A320ceo. In addition, the Airbus A321XLR is the single-aisle aircraft (narrow body) with the longest flight range in the world (7,400 km) and with up to 38% less fuel consumption per flight than an aircraft with two aisles (wide body).

Airbus A320neo

Most of LATAM’s A320 Family aircraft fleet is equipped with software that reduces annual CO2 emissions by more than 60,000 tons by optimizing the aircraft’s landing path.

Currently, the LATAM group has 311 aircraft, 57 passengers Boeing (767, 777 and 787 models) and 238 Airbus aircraft (A319, A320, A320neo and A321 models). In addition, LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia and LATAM Cargo Brazil have a joint fleet of 16 cargo planes, which will gradually expand to 20 cargo planes by 2024.

Top Copyright Photo: LATAM AIrlines (Chile) Airbus A320-271N WL CC-BHA (msn 7844) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 105901.

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Spirit Airlines is coming to San Jose, California

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N950NK (msn 10769) LAS (Jay Selman). Image: 404225.

Spirit Airlines has announced the launch of new, nonstop service from San José Mineta International Airport (SJC). The carrier is kicking off the new service with two daily flights to Las Vegas (LAS) and daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and San Diego (SAN) on June 7, 2023.

Spirit Airlines Routes at SJC
Destination:Flights Available:Launch Date:
Dallas (DFW)DailyJune 7, 2023
Las Vegas (LAS)Twice DailyJune 7, 2023
San Diego (SAN)DailyJune 7, 2023

The new service marks the seventh airport Spirit serves in the Golden State, joining Burbank (BUR), Los Angeles (LAX), Oakland (OAK), Orange County (SNA), Sacramento (SMF) and San Diego (SAN). Spirit first launched California service in Los Angeles in 2000 and has grown to more than 55 daily departures to 23 out-of-state destinations. In the past three years, the carrier has grown the number of flights by 41 percent and seats by 46 percent statewide.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N950NK (msn 10769) LAS (Jay Selman). Image: 404225.

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Spirit Airlines to launch five new routes from San Juan

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N971NK (msn 11222) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960077.

Spirit Airlines has announced the launch of five new, nonstop routes from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). The expansion adds convenient and affordable flights to Atlanta (ATL), Chicago(ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW) and Hartford (BDL), growing Spirit’s Puerto Rico service from 11 destinations to 16 by June 2023.

The carrier also announced it will increase flights between San Juan (SJU) and Orlando (MCO) to five flights daily and grow flights between San Juan and Baltimore (BWI), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Newark (EWR) to two flights daily.

Spirit Airlines Routes at San Juan (SJU)
Destination:Flights Available:Launch Date:
Atlanta (ATL) NEWDailyMay 5
Boston (BOS)DailyExisting
Hartford (BDL) NEW3x WeeklyJune 7
Baltimore (BWI)2x DailyFrequency increases on May 5
Dallas (DFW) NEWDailyMay 5
Detroit (DTW) NEWDailyMay 5
Newark (EWR) 2x DailyFrequency increases on June 7
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) 2x DailyFrequency increases on April 5
Orlando (MCO) 5x DailyFrequency increases on May 5
Miami (MIA)DailyExisting Service
Chicago (ORD) NEWDailyMay 5
Philadelphia (PHL)DailyExisting Service
Tampa (TPA)DailyExisting Service

Spirit first landed on the island in 2001 with service to San Juan (SJU) and has grown its Puerto Rican route map to include Aguadilla (BQN) and Ponce (PSE). The airline will offer 21 peak-day departures in San Juan by June 2023, making it the second-largest carrier by destinations, seats and available seat miles (ASM). This adds to Spirit’s growth across the island, which represents more than 200 percent growth in the past four years.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N971NK (msn 11222) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960077.

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Spirit Airlines aircraft photo gallery

Spirit Airlines expects DOJ decision on JetBlue Airways merger in about 30 days

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N916NK (msn 9175) FLL (Andy Cripps). Image: 955788.

Spirit Airlines, according to Reuters, expects the Department of Justice (DOJ) to rule on the proposed Spirit takeover by JetBlue in around 30 days.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N916NK (msn 9175) FLL (Andy Cripps). Image: 955788.

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Spirit Airlines reports fourth quarter and full year 2022 results

Spirit Airlines, Inc. reported fourth quarter and full year 2022 financial results.

“I want to thank the entire Spirit Team for their contributions in overcoming the many challenges we faced during 2022. Thanks to their dedication and relentless pursuit to implement more efficient and effective strategies, we made excellent progress on the steps necessary to return Spirit to sustained profitability,” saidTed Christie, Spirit’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Results

For the fourth quarter 2022, Spirit reported a net loss of $270.7 million, or a net loss of $2.49 per diluted share. Excluding special items, adjusted net income for the fourth quarter 2022 was $12.6 million1, or an adjusted net income of $0.12 per diluted share1.

For the fourth quarter 2022, Spirit reported a pre-tax loss of $340.3 million and a pre-tax margin of negative 24.5 percent. Adjusted pre-tax income for the fourth quarter was $23.0 million1 and adjusted pre-tax margin was 1.7 percent.

Operations

For the fourth quarter 2022, the Company’s load factor was 81.0 percent, DOT on-time performance2 was 73.2 percent and Completion Factor2 was 97.0 percent.

Revenue

Total operating revenues for the fourth quarter 2022 were $1.4 billion, an increase of 43.5 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2019 primarily due to increased flight volume and stronger operating yields. Total revenue per ASM (“TRASM”) was 10.81 cents, up 17.0 percent compared to fourth quarter 2019 on 22.7 percent more capacity.

On a per passenger flight segment basis, compared to the same period in 2019, total revenue per passenger flight segment (“segment”) for the fourth quarter 2022 increased 22.5 percent to $135.62. Compared to the fourth quarter 2019, fare revenue per segment increased 22.1 percent to $64.31 and non-ticket revenue per segment increased 22.9 percent to $71.313. Non-ticket revenue per segment increased sequentially from the third quarter 2022 by $4.24, driven by strong take rates for ancillaries combined with the benefit from revenue management initiatives.

Cost Performance

Total GAAP operating expenses for the fourth quarter 2022 increased 100.8 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2019 to $1,697.0 million. Adjusted operating expenses for the fourth quarter 2022 increased 58.0 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2019 to $1,333.7 million4. Compared to the fourth quarter 2019, these increases were primarily driven by increases in flight volume, additional aircraft, higher fuel prices and inflationary wage pressures.

Fleet

Spirit took delivery of 10 new A320neo aircraft during the fourth quarter 2022. The Company ended the quarter with 194 aircraft in its fleet, an increase of 33.8 percent since the end of fourth quarter 2019.

In January 2023, the Company signed an agreement to sell 29 unencumbered A319ceo aircraft powered with V2500 engines to Gryphon Trading Company, LLC (“Gryphon”), with anticipated deliveries to Gryphon beginning in the first quarter 2023 through the end of the third quarter 2024. The Company expects to remove 14 and 15 A319ceo aircraft from its operating fleet in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The other two A319ceo aircraft in our operating fleet are anticipated to be returned to the lessor upon lease expiration in 2025.

Liquidity and Capital Deployment

Spirit ended fourth quarter 2022 with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, short-term investment securities and liquidity available under the Company’s revolving credit facility of $1.8 billion.

During the fourth quarter 2022, the Company completed a private offering of an additional $600 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (the “Senior Secured Notes”) by Spirit IP Cayman Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Spirit Loyalty Cayman Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (together the “Issuers”). As of December 31, 2022, the Issuers had $1.1 billion of aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes outstanding.

Spirit increased the commitment under its senior secured revolving credit facility by $60.0 million to $300.0 million during the fourth quarter 2022. As of December 31, 2022, the entire $300 million remained undrawn and available.

Total capital expenditures, including net pre-delivery purchase deposits, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, were $246.1 million, primarily related to the purchase of spare parts, including four spare engines, two flight simulators, and expenditures related to the building of Spirit’s new headquarters campus in Dania Beach, Florida.

Top Copyright Photo: Spirit Airlines Airbus A320-271N WL N967NK (msn 11128) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960027.

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