April 28, 2026

AMFA PRESIDENT BRET OESTREICH ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON PROPOSED RELIEF FOR SPIRIT AIRLINES:

“The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the certified labor union representing the skilled aircraft technicians and related employees who keep Spirit aircraft safe and flying, supports relief for the airline — but any such relief should include protections for frontline workers, including layoff protections and limits on executive compensation.

Spirit Airlines aircraft technicians and related employees have kept this airline’s fleet flying safely through many years of uncertainty, yet we have been bargaining with Spirit for more than three years just to secure a first contract for these crucial employees. Our members show up every day to maintain the aircraft that millions of Americans rely on for affordable travel, and any relief must protect the workers who make the airline work.

Spirit’s professional aircraft technicians have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment by continuing to perform critical safety work under difficult conditions while negotiations toward a first contract drag on without resolution. AMFA supports assistance to prevent liquidation, protect jobs, and preserve Spirit’s role in providing low-cost air travel. However, since we commenced bargaining with Spirit, our workgroup has been reduced, through layoffs and otherwise, by 40%. Therefore, any relief package should include enforceable protections modeled after past successful programs:

• No further layoffs or furloughs, which will ensure job security based on seniority for the dedicated employees who keep the airline flying safely.
• Restrictions on executive compensation, including limitations on bonuses, stock options, and excessive payouts for senior leadership.

Aircraft technicians are the backbone of aviation safety. Our members at Spirit have invested their careers in support of the traveling public. Any relief cannot be a blank check for executives and management to repeat past mistakes. It must be a bridge that protects jobs, maintains safety standards, and ensures Spirit emerges stronger — and ready to finalize a long-overdue contract for the maintenance professionals who ensure safety of flight each and every day.

AMFA stands ready to work with policymakers, the administration, and Spirit to ensure any relief package puts workers, safety, and passengers first. Keeping Spirit flying protects thousands of jobs, families, and the affordable air travel that working Americans depend on.”