Spirit Airlines CEO steps down amid strategic shift towards premium market
April 7, 2025
Spirit Airlines has announced a major leadership transition as it looks to redefine its position in the U.S. aviation market. Ted Christie, who has served as the company’s CEO since 2019, has officially stepped down, effective immediately. The move is part of a broader organisational shakeup that follows the airline’s emergence from bankruptcy and recent board restructuring.
Also departing is Chief Commercial Officer Matt Klein. His role will be filled by long-time Spirit executive Rana Ghosh, marking a key internal promotion as the airline pivots toward a new growth strategy.
The changes come at a critical time for the Florida-based ultra-low-cost carrier. Spirit is actively shedding its budget-airline identity in favour of a more upscale brand proposition. Executives say the shift toward a premium experience could boost revenue per passenger by up to 13%, as it taps into travellers’ growing appetite for comfort and service.
In the interim, leadership responsibilities will be shared by Chief Financial Officer Fred Cromer, Chief Operating Officer John Bendoraitis, and General Counsel Thomas Canfield. The trio will guide day-to-day operations until a new CEO is appointed.
Christie originally joined Spirit in 2012 as Chief Financial Officer and rose to the top role in 2019. His tenure included navigating the airline through the COVID-19 pandemic and a volatile operating environment that challenged the low-cost business model amid surging costs and shifting consumer expectations.
The company’s financial troubles culminated in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in November 2024, following persistent losses, a burdensome debt load, and failed merger efforts. Spirit had explored a merger with Frontier Group starting in 2022, but later pivoted to JetBlue’s acquisition offer. However, that deal was ultimately blocked by a federal judge on antitrust grounds.
Looking ahead, Spirit Airlines is aiming to reinvent itself through a redesigned loyalty program, potential partnerships with other airlines, and a refreshed onboard experience. These initiatives are intended to position the carrier more competitively as consumer demand increasingly favours value and comfort over rock-bottom pricing.
