“No doubt the last couple of years have been challenging for Spirit pilots, but through it all we’ve been buoyed by our pilot group’s solidarity, unity, and commitment to supporting one another. Pilots accepting voluntary leaves, in addition to attrition, have greatly reduced the initial furlough and involuntary downgrade projections. In addition, a significant number of those being furloughed chose voluntary furlough, protecting a more junior pilot’s career.”
Source: Part of the explanation provided by Ryan Mueller, Spirit Master Executive Council Chairman, following the nearly 200 Pilot furloughs announced by the airline.