A Christmas sweater too far? Spirit Airlines paints an Airbus as bankruptcy pressures mount
December 19, 2025
Spirit Airlines has revealed its first-ever Christmas-themed aircraft livery, a move that has raised eyebrows given the ultra-low-cost carrier’s ongoing financial and operational challenges.
The Florida-based airline says the seasonal branding is part of a wider “holiday initiative” spanning onboard offerings, live music sponsorships and expanded premium seating.
Yet the announcement comes at a difficult moment for Spirit, which has spent much of the past year grappling with deep losses, shrinking capacity and a Chapter 11 bankruptcy process that has reshaped its fleet and balance sheet.
Spirit filed for Chapter 11 protection twice as it sought to stabilise its finances following rising costs and the collapse of its proposed merger with JetBlue Airways in 2024.
As part of the restructuring, the carrier has cut capacity, returned aircraft to lessors and seen several Airbus A320-family jets removed from service, potentially headed to be broken up for parts.
The decision to roll out a festive aircraft paint scheme has been interpreted by some as an attempt to project confidence and normality during a period of retrenchment.
Spirit Airlines festive livery takes flight
At the centre of Spirit’s seasonal marketing push is its Airbus A320, registered N628NK, which has been painted in a limited-time “holiday sweater” livery featuring snowmen and gingerbread figures.
The aircraft will remain in the scheme throughout the winter season, the airline said.
Spirit has historically leaned heavily into bold branding as part of its low-cost identity, but this marks the first time it has adopted a Christmas livery.
Beyond the aircraft, Spirit is sponsoring several iHeartRadio “Jingle Ball” concerts in Miami, Chicago and Detroit, markets that remain strategically important to its network.
Spirit leans on Christmas to bolster its bank account
Spirit says it expects to operate more than 8,900 flights between 19 December 2025 and 5 January 2026, traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year for leisure travel.
The airline identifies 19 December, 22 December, 26 December, 2 January and 5 January as its peak operating days.
The carrier also highlights enhancements to its product offering, including what it describes as the largest availability of premium seats in its history during the holiday period, alongside small festive touches such as complimentary hot chocolate on selected flights.
“Delivering the best value on travel means even more when it brings families and friends together for the holidays,” said Rana Ghosh, SVP and chief commercial officer at Spirit Airlines.
“We can’t wait to welcome our guests on board this holiday season and continue connecting them to the people and places they love most in 2026.”
The ultimate bad taste Christmas sweater?
Spirit’s attempt at holiday cheer couldn’t have come at a worse time. The company is shedding around half of its all-Airbus fleet, as well as closing operations at several of its bases in a drastic downsizing.
Spirit emerged from its first round of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March. However, demand remained stagnant, and operating costs remained high. With losses continuing to mount, Spirit filed for bankruptcy protection again in August.
Around 150 Spirit employees will be entering the new year without a job, and although the airline reversed course on plans to furlough hundreds of pilots, it remains on shaky ground financially.
Earlier this week Spirit Airlines moved to bolster its short-term cash position, confirming it has arranged up to $100 million in additional financing. Spirit will be able to draw an initial $50 million immediately to cover routine operating needs. Access to a further $50 million will be contingent on the carrier demonstrating progress toward a longer-term outcome, either through a standalone reorganisation or a potential sale.
With cash so tight, some might say that Spirit’s new Airbus livery isn’t exactly in the best of taste.
Featured image: Spirit
