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U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he was weighing a taxpayer-funded takeover of Dania Beach, Florida-based Spirit Airlines with the intent of reselling the struggling budget carrier after oil prices drop.
The president confirmed his continued interest in offering Spirit a financial lifeline after a lawyer told a U.S. Bankruptcy Court that the airline was in advanced talks with the U.S. government on a financing deal that would allow Spirit to emerge from Chapter 11 protection.
“They have some good aircraft and good assets, and when the prices of oil goes down, we’ll sell it for a profit,” Trump said, speaking at an unrelated Oval Office event. “I’d love to be able to save those jobs. I’d love to be able to save an airline.”
The prediction markets are split, with 54% of those trading believing the U.S. will take a stake in Spirit Airlines by May 31.
Spirit has struggled with losses for years. The airline filed for Chapter 11 protection in November 2024 and again in August 2025. With the Iran war driving up jet fuel costs for all airlines, creditors earlier this month expressed doubts about Spirit’s ongoing viability, raising the possibility the airline recognized for its bright yellow planes would be forced to sell its assets and cease operating.
Though the airline often finds itself the brunt of jokes in the sector, Spirit does enjoy a loyal customer base and is one of the longest serving - and most prominent airline - in Southern New Jersey (Atlantic City). The airline also offers cheap fares to one of its primary hubs in South Florida, Fort Lauderdale Airport. It also competes with Delta's hub in Detroit.
Spirit Airlines traces its roots back to 1964 as a ground transportation company, Clippert Trucking Company. It began flying commercial air traffic as Charter One in 1983, featuring travel packages to entertainment destinations such as Atlantic City, Las Vegas and the Bahamas.
In May 1992, Charter One brought jet aircraft into the fleet and changed its name to Spirit Airlines. Over the last three decades, Spirit Airlines adopted an ultra low cost model. Its safety record is among the most cherished in the airline industry.
In a 2026 WalletHub study, Spirit ranked #2 safest airline in the United States.
Spirit Airlines employs approximately between 7,500–8,000 people.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
