Spirit Airlines: Top Global Recovery Post-Pandemic

Spirit Airlines, a prominent ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), has solidified its position as the foremost recovered airline globally post-pandemic.

Remarkably, the airline has meticulously orchestrated an extensive recovery, exemplified by an impressive surge in its scheduled frequencies for November, boasting a remarkable escalation of over 35% in comparison to the equivalent pre-pandemic timeframe, totaling nearly 26,000 frequencies.

On a global scale, other ULCCs, alongside flag carriers, have demonstrated significant strides in their recovery efforts, showcasing growth within their respective nations. Intriguingly, no major legacy carriers in the United States have clinched the top spots in recovery; instead, they've recorded a decline in frequencies compared to November 2019.

Spirit Airlines has navigated through a year marked by both triumphs and challenges. While the airline has significantly expanded its route network with the introduction of numerous new flights, it has also grappled with setbacks, notably the Pratt & Whitney engine issues and the stall of its proposed merger with JetBlue Airways.

Notwithstanding these obstacles, Spirit Airlines has managed to enhance its frequencies post-pandemic, garnering attention from analysts at OAG, a prominent aviation analytics and data provider. According to the latest statistics from OAG, Spirit secures the top spot among the twenty most-recovered airlines globally.

A discernible trend emerges among low-cost airlines, showcasing substantial improvement since the pandemic. Noteworthy carriers such as India's IndiGo, Ireland's Ryanair, and the U.S.-based Southwest Airlines claim spots in the top five, underscoring the preference of travelers for low-cost options in the market.

The third quarter witnessed India's capacity approaching pre-pandemic levels, with IndiGo's performance accurately reflecting the country's ongoing progress. Meanwhile, China has experienced a more gradual recovery, with Air China and China Eastern featuring prominently among the top 10 most-recovered airlines.

Contrastingly, all three U.S. legacy carriers have witnessed a decline in frequencies since November 2019. Air Canada occupies the 20th spot, exhibiting the least recovery with a frequency reduction of 30%.

Intriguingly, despite carrying fewer passengers compared to American Airlines (approximately 140,000 less), Spirit Airlines has enhanced its market size, adding around 6,800 seats since November 2019. This data, revealed by OAG, also indicates a collective decrease in frequencies for all carriers compared to the previous month, attributed to the customary practice of airlines conducting aircraft maintenance checks and affording crews additional rest following the bustling summer travel season.

Source: simpleflying.com