Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, purportedly authorized the purchase of Spirit Airlines jets for deportation flights, but it was later discovered the airline didn’t own the planes nor did they have engines. This plan was reportedly paused due to the revelation and objections from ICE officials, who warned of the high cost. The DHS also acquired two Gulfstream jets during the government shutdown, drawing criticism from House Democrats, despite a previous bill allocating substantial funds for immigration operations. These purchases highlight ongoing issues surrounding the handling of immigrant deportation, including the use of planes for transportation.
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On Tuesday, a Spirit Airlines flight en route to Boston received repeated warnings from air traffic control to change course due to its proximity to Air Force One, which was carrying President Donald Trump. The controller’s instructions, captured in LiveATC audio, included urgent commands to turn away from the presidential aircraft’s path. Despite the directives, a source confirmed that the required separation between the two planes was maintained. Spirit Airlines stated that the flight followed all procedures and landed safely, emphasizing their commitment to safety.
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Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection again, just months after emerging from Chapter 11 in March, due to continued high costs and weak demand. The airline plans to reduce its network and fleet to cut costs, aiming to save “hundreds of millions of dollars” annually. Spirit’s previous restructuring focused on debt reduction, but this new filing indicates the need for more significant changes. Labor unions anticipate further adjustments, including potential furloughs and voluntary leave, while the carrier’s shares have plummeted.
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Spirit Airlines pilot Dominic A. Cipolla, 40, was arrested at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on June 17 on charges of stalking two teenagers in Johnson County, Kansas. He was subsequently “removed from duty” by the airline after the arrest. The charges against Cipolla include a felony, relating to actions with a younger victim, and a misdemeanor, with potential prison time and fines. Spirit Airlines confirmed awareness of the matter and stated the pilot was removed pending investigation. Additionally, another incident involving a Spirit passenger, a registered sex offender, was recently arrested for sexually assaulting a teenage girl on a flight.
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Spirit Airlines is facing a potential bankruptcy filing after Frontier Airlines dropped its bid to merge with the budget carrier. The news comes on the heels of a challenging year for Spirit, which has been struggling with declining revenue and operational issues.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) had blocked JetBlue’s attempt to acquire Spirit, arguing that the merger would harm competition and lead to higher airfares. This decision, coupled with Frontier’s withdrawal, has left Spirit with few options for survival.
Many people are voicing their opinions on the situation, with some expressing sadness for the employees who may lose their jobs, while others are relieved that the airline is facing its downfall.… Continue reading
A Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince was struck by gunfire upon landing, injuring a flight attendant and prompting the airline to suspend flights to Haiti. This is the second such incident in three weeks, highlighting the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, where armed gangs control large portions of the country and have recently targeted aircraft. Following this incident, American Airlines and JetBlue have also suspended flights to Haiti, further isolating the nation in the midst of a political crisis.
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As a pilot for Spirit Airlines, I have witnessed my fair share of interesting moments while flying. The recent incident where the pilot instructed passengers to prepare for a possible water landing on a flight to Fort Lauderdale certainly caught my attention. While water landings are extremely rare, the thought of having to make such a maneuver can be unsettling for both passengers and crew alike.
It is essential for pilots to prioritize the safety and well-being of those on board, which may sometimes require preparing for emergency procedures such as a water landing. The pilot’s decision to brief passengers on life jacket use, although done with good intentions, seemed to have caused some confusion and chaos among those on the flight.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood