United Airlines CEO Confirms No Interest in Acquiring Spirit Airlines

United Airlines’ CEO, Scott Kirby, is back in the spotlight with his candid remarks about Spirit Airlines. Recently, he stated that United would not be interested in acquiring any assets of the struggling budget airline, should they become available.

During a press briefing at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on September 16, 2025, Kirby expressed skepticism about the practicality of acquiring Spirit’s network or fleet. He mentioned the limited availability of gates in Spirit’s major markets and the substantial costs involved in converting Spirit’s entire Airbus fleet to meet United’s standards. “It would cost about $15 million per airplane to reconfigure them,” he noted, emphasizing that United’s fleet operations already have a clear and established direction.

Kirby’s statement comes shortly after Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in a year, following an unsuccessful restructuring attempt. The Florida-based ultra-low-cost carrier is scaling back its fleet and routes, which is expected to lead to the potential sale of gates and other assets.

Kirby’s comments fit a pattern he has established over time. He has continually forecasted the decline of Spirit Airlines, stating earlier this month that “consumers voted and it failed” regarding the ultra-low-cost airline model. Referring to Spirit’s approach as “an interesting experiment” that ultimately did not succeed, he pointed to its limited services and high additional fees that often irritate passengers.

“You can’t have a business model that customers hate,” Kirby remarked during the US Chamber of Commerce’s aerospace summit.

In response to Kirby’s remarks, Spirit Airlines executives have pushed back, suggesting that he and other United leaders are “obsessed” with their airline. They argue that there is still robust demand for low-cost fares, even if the service offerings are limited.

Spirit defends its à la carte pricing as a transparent option, claiming it allows passengers to choose what they want to pay for. Despite the challenges of restructuring, Spirit is resolute in its belief that there remains a viable future for its brand and the cost-conscious travelers who prefer its service.

So, why does Kirby keep bringing up Spirit? Industry analysts suggest several reasons tied to United’s strategic positioning.

First, there’s a competitive angle. As Spirit scales back, it will leave opportunities in markets like Florida and the Caribbean, areas where United is increasing its service. By highlighting Spirit’s weaknesses, Kirby may be informing customers and investors that United is ready to meet any emerging demand.

Second, by labeling the ultra-low-cost model as non-viable, Kirby creates a narrative that contrasts United’s strategy, which focuses on investing in new aircraft and enhanced service. This message may resonate positively on Wall Street.

Third, there are regulatory dynamics at play. Spirit has been involved in high-stakes antitrust cases, including a blocked acquisition by JetBlue. By publicly questioning Spirit’s future, Kirby might be positioning United as a stable entity amid discussions about industry competition and consolidation.

Finally, there are solid economic reasons behind Kirby’s stance. Integrating Spirit’s operations into United’s framework would likely prove to be financially burdensome. His estimate of $15 million per aircraft illustrates why he believes chasing after these assets isn’t sensible. In this context, his repeated commentary may serve as an explanation of United’s decision to remain focused rather than pursue a distressed competitor.

What do you think about the future of budget airlines like Spirit?