United Airlines is challenging Spirit Airlines over its ultra-low-cost model in the U.S. market. CEO Scott Kirby said Spirit may soon go out of business, calling the model “fundamentally broken.”
At an industry conference, Kirby explained, “The consumer has voted. Spirit is going out of business because customers dislike their product.” When asked why he was confident, Kirby said, “Because I’m good at math.” He made similar remarks earlier at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Aerospace Summit, describing ultra-low-cost carriers as “an interesting experiment” that failed.
Spirit Airlines responded on X, defending its approach. The airline highlighted passenger appreciation for low fares and new services like Spirit First and Premium Economy.
Recent moves from both airlines indicate strategic shifts. Spirit announced cuts to multiple routes, including Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boise, Chattanooga, Columbia, Oakland, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and San Jose. The airline also canceled its planned Macon route for operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, United is preparing to expand into markets Spirit may leave. Starting in early 2026, United will offer flights to 15 cities, including Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Las Vegas. Patrick Quayle, United Airlines Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, said, “If Spirit suddenly goes out of business, it will be disruptive. We are adding flights to give customers more options.”
The tension highlights growing competition between legacy carriers and ultra-low-cost airlines. United focuses on reliability and route expansion, while Spirit emphasizes affordability and customer choice. Analysts note the U.S. airline industry faces pressures from fuel costs, labor, and passenger trends.
United’s expansion plans signal aggressive positioning if Spirit cannot sustain operations. Spirit, however, maintains it will continue competing effectively. The coming months will show whether Spirit’s business model remains viable in the U.S. market.
Overall, United’s statements and strategic moves underline pressure in the airline sector. Spirit Airlines’ future is uncertain, and operational challenges will test its model.
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