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Spirit Airlines profitability forecast: profit in 2027

Spirit Airlines Airbus at the gate illustrates restructuring and the Spirit Airlines profitability forecast for 2027.
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3 min read

Spirit Airlines issued a new profitability forecast that targets a $219 million net profit in 2027, its first full-year profit since 2019. The outlook, detailed in a recent regulatory filing, follows a second Chapter 11 case in 2025 and pairs new financing with aggressive cost cuts. Management still expects heavy red ink before the turnaround, projecting a $804 million loss in 2025 and a $145 million loss in 2026. For travelers, the path to profit means fewer routes, leaner schedules, and a tighter focus on core markets over the next several seasons.

Spirit Airlines profitability forecast

The airline's plan leans on court-approved debtor-in-possession financing of up to $475 million from existing bondholders, plus a settlement with AerCap, its largest lessor, that injects $150 million and allows rejection of 27 aircraft leases. Spirit has also signaled asset sales, including airport slots at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), to raise cash and simplify operations. Near term, capacity is being reduced, with November 2025 schedules trimmed by roughly 25 percent as the carrier consolidates around higher-performing routes and periods.

For readers seeking background and traveler-focused explainer detail, see our earlier pieces, including Airline bankruptcy explained: what Spirit's Chapter 11 means and our update on the financing approvals, Spirit wins $475M lifeline, AerCap deal trims 27 leases. Our initial filing coverage, Spirit Airlines files for second bankruptcy, traces how cash pressure set up this reset.

Analysis

For travelers, the 2025 and 2026 schedules will likely feel more volatile than usual as Spirit prunes frequencies and exits thin off-peak routes. Expect fuller flights, tighter connection options, and periodic airport reassignment as slots and gates are reshuffled. If you rely on Spirit for price-sensitive trips, book with changeable fares or credit-card protections that cover schedule changes, then recheck itineraries as departure nears. Advisors should watch city-pairs where Spirit pulls back, since legacy carriers may lift fares once low-fare pressure recedes. If the cost cuts and fleet steps remain on track, the airline's 2027 goal implies a smaller but more focused network with steadier operations.

Final thoughts

Spirit Airlines' profitability forecast frames a high-wire transition from deep losses to a $219 million profit goal in 2027. The near-term impact is fewer seats and more concentrated flying, especially after the November 2025 cut. Travelers who plan ahead, monitor itineraries, and keep flexibility can navigate the changes while the airline executes its Spirit Airlines profitability forecast.

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