Spirit Airlines, Inc.
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2020, 2023)
Reporting Period: 2020
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental
- Social
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Operates one of the youngest fleets of any U.S. airline, including newest-generation aircraft that provide substantially higher fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
- First North American carrier to operate the “new engine option” (“neo”) version of the Airbus A320 aircraft, reducing fuel consumption by 15-20% and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Entered into a new fleet purchase agreement with Airbus for 100 A320neo family aircraft.
- High-density seat configuration results in a smaller carbon footprint per passenger and increased fuel efficiency.
- New fuel policy aims to reduce excess planned fuel to save weight and fuel burn.
- All aircraft are equipped with new-generation seats that reduce weight on board.
- Baggage policies incentivize passengers to bring fewer and lighter bags.
- Participating in CORSIA, an emission mitigation approach for the global airline industry.
Social Achievements
- Pledged $250,000 flight vouchers to various U.S. organizations advocating for social justice and civil rights.
- Operated over 260 relief flights to aid more than 30,000 stranded travelers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Official airline partner of the Department of Homeland Security and DOT Blue Campaign to prevent human trafficking.
- Ongoing partnership with the International Aviation Women’s Association.
- Implemented a leadership training program for women leaders.
Governance Achievements
- Adopted a new clawback policy expanding scenarios under which forfeiture and recoupment of incentive compensation would be allowed and expanding coverage to all executives.
- Maintains stock ownership guidelines for non-employee directors and executives.
- Has an anti-hedging and anti-pledging policy applicable to executives and directors.
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- COVID-19 pandemic dramatically disrupted the airline industry and the company's business, resulting in cancellations and significantly reduced travel.
- Sharp declines in passenger demand and bookings beginning in March 2020.
Mitigation Strategies
- Reducing planned discretionary non-aircraft capital spend in 2020 by approximately $70 million.
- Deferring approximately $25 million in heavy maintenance events from 2020 to 2021.
- Reducing planned non-fuel operating costs for 2020 by approximately $30 million, excluding savings related to reduced capacity.
- Suspending hiring across the Company except to fill essential roles.
- Entering into agreements to defer payments in 2020 related to facility rents and other airport services contracts.
- Entering into agreements with lessors to temporarily defer aircraft rent payments.
- Working with service providers to temporarily defer maintenance and service contract payments.
- Creating voluntary leave programs for employees.
- Pursuing additional financing secured by its unencumbered assets.
Supply Chain Management
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental
- Social
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Operates one of the youngest fleets of any U.S. airline, including newest-generation aircraft that provide substantially higher fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
- First North American carrier to operate the “new engine option” (“neo”) version of the Airbus A320 aircraft, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Accelerated the retirement of 29 A319 aircraft in Q4 2022, completed the sale of 12 A319 airframes and 20 A319 engines in 2023.
- High-density seat configuration results in a smaller carbon footprint per passenger and increased fuel efficiency.
- Fuel policy aims to reduce excess planned fuel, optimize landing approaches for reduced fuel consumption and aircraft noise.
- Aircraft are equipped with new-generation “thin and light” ergonomic seats which reduce weight on board, and baggage policies incentivize lighter bags.
Social Achievements
- Official airline partner of the Department of Homeland Security and DOT Blue Campaign to prevent human trafficking.
- Ongoing partnership with the International Aviation Women’s Association.
- Diverse workforce.
- Leadership training program for women leaders.
- Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation raised over $4,000,000.
- Recognized by Forbes as one of America’s best companies for diversity, equity, and inclusion in 2022.
- Recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and for Parents and for Families in 2023.
- Launched DEI&B Council Groups in 2020.
Governance Achievements
- Commitment to excellence in corporate governance and incorporating best practices.
- Board and committees provide guidance and oversight to management with respect to ESG matters.
- Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews ESG strategy and practices.
- Audit Committee oversees related risks.
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Lower fare and load factor levels in the second half of 2023 due to shifts in supply and demand for domestic air travel.
- Higher unit costs due to pilot shortages and inflationary pressures.
- Engine availability issues due to problems with Pratt & Whitney PW 1100G-JM (“GTF”) engines.
Mitigation Strategies
- Modifying the cadence of aircraft deliveries and slowing capacity growth in the near term.
- Sale-leaseback transactions for 25 aircraft resulting in net cash proceeds of approximately $419 million.
- Amended senior secured revolving credit facility to extend maturity to September 30, 2025.
Supply Chain Management
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Awards & Recognition
- Value Airline of the Year by Aviation Week Network’s Air Transport World (ATW)
- FAA’s “Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence”
- Four-Star Low-Cost Carrier by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)
- San Diego International Airport Fly Quiet Award
- LAX Fly Quieter Award (bronze winner)
- Most Affordable Airline and No. 2 of 11 overall by WalletHub