Spirit Airlines (NK, Fort Lauderdale International) has filed for voluntary prearranged Chapter 11 restructuring with the support of a supermajority of its bondholders. The low-cost carrier already received "backstopped" commitments for a USD350 million equity investment from bondholders and a further USD300 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing.

"We have reached an agreement with a supermajority of both our loyalty and convertible bondholders on a comprehensive recapitalisation of the company, which is a strong vote of confidence in Spirit and our long-term plan," president and chief executive Ted Christie said.

The Chapter 11 filing already includes a proposed reorganisation plan incorporating the pre-agreed terms of the restructuring support agreement. The pledged financing will allow Spirit Airlines to equitise and deleverage its USD795 million of funded debt.

The airline underlined that the process will have no impact on its operations, payment of salaries and benefits, and payments to vendors, aircraft lessors, and holders of secured aircraft indebtedness.

"Spirit expects to be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange in the near term. The company expects that its common stock will continue to trade in the over-the-counter marketplace through the Chapter 11 process. The shares are expected to be cancelled and have no value as part of Spirit's restructuring," the airline added.

Spirit Airlines said in its court filing that it had between 25,000 and 50,000 creditors. As of September 30, its total debts stood at USD8.99 billion, with assets worth USD9.49 billion. The company's largest unsecured creditors are:

  • the holders of 1% convertible notes issued in 2021 and due in 2026, worth USD500 million;
  • the US Department of Treasury in relation to an unsecured loan worth USD136 million;
  • International Aero Engines holding USD42.7 million in trade payables;
  • the holders of 4.75% convertible notes issued in 2020 and due in 2025, worth USD25.1 million; and
  • Lufthansa Technik holding USD16.1 million in trade payables.

The restructuring plan and prearranged financing terms must be approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Because of the pre-agreed terms, Spirit expects to emerge from the Chapter 11 restructuring already in the first quarter of 2025.

Spirit Airlines' financial issues are largely related to the looming debt maturity, particularly the USD1.1 billion bonds issued in 2020 secured against the company's loyalty programme. In October, the airline agreed to extend the refinancing deadline for the bonds until December 23. In November, Spirit said it was in "constructive discussions" with holders of its senior secured notes (due 2025) and convertible senior notes (due 2026) to restructure its debt obligations, but as it dedicated the efforts to this process it delayed the filing of its quarterly report.

In the last filed report, for the first half of 2024, Spirit Airlines reported a USD335.6 million net loss for the first six months of 2024.