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Neeleman Says Spirit and Frontier ‘Need Each Other’ as ULCC Pressures Grow

The airline founder argued consolidation could sustain the U.S. ultra‑low‑cost model.

Overview

  • Speaking at Skift’s Aviation Forum in Fort Worth, David Neeleman said Spirit and Frontier “need each other.”
  • He contended the U.S. market likely cannot support both ultra‑low‑cost carriers operating independently.
  • He said a merger that captures cost and revenue synergies could make the combined airline financially viable.
  • He cited Spirit’s recent restructuring, including pilot pay reductions, aircraft removals, and new liquidity such as from AerCap.
  • No transaction was announced, though a blog report framed his comments as a prediction of a 2026 merger.