Climate Change Data

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