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Spirit Airlines received court approval on friday, January 12, 2024, for a $475 million financing package and a $150 million payment from its largest aircraft lessor, as the budget carrier works to restructure following its second bankruptcy filing since November 2024. The funding is crucial for Spirit to continue operations while undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
Bankruptcy and Financing Details
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York approved the $475 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing. DIP financing provides companies in bankruptcy with the capital needed to maintain operations. Additionally, the court approved a $150 million payment from AerCap, Spirit’s largest aircraft lessor according to Reuters. This payment is intended to resolve disputes over lease rates and aircraft returns.
The financing is provided by JetBlue Airways,which had previously attempted to merge with Spirit as reported by NBC News. The merger was blocked by a federal judge in January 2024 due to antitrust concerns.
Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) Financing Explained
DIP financing is a specialized type of loan available to companies undergoing bankruptcy reorganization. It’s considered a priority claim, meaning DIP lenders are typically repaid before other creditors. This incentivizes lenders to provide funding, as it increases the likelihood of recovering their investment. The terms of DIP financing are subject to court approval and are designed to ensure the bankrupt company can continue functioning while restructuring.
Spirit Airlines’ Financial Struggles
Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024,citing ample debt and challenges related to aircraft deliveries. The airline has been grappling with a heavy debt load,exacerbated by the impact of rising fuel costs and increased competition. delays in the delivery of new Airbus aircraft further compounded its financial difficulties.
The airline’s financial performance has been under pressure for several years. in 2023, Spirit reported a net loss of $1.5 billion. The bankruptcy filing allows Spirit to renegotiate leases, restructure debt, and possibly attract new investment.
| Year | Net Income (USD Millions) |
|---|---|
| 2021 | -684 |
| 2022 | -288 |
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