Spirit Airlines (FLYY) is furloughing 1,800 flight attendants, roughly a third of its cabin crew members, as it seeks to cut costs amid its second bankruptcy in less than a year.
The struggling discount carrier known for its distinctive yellow planes had previously warned of job cuts as it shrinks its fleet and tries to stabilize its business.
About 800 Spirit flight attendants have already taken voluntary leaves of absence, which has helped the airline avoid more layoffs.
The airline said it plans to initially offer voluntary furloughs before moving to forced actions against its staff.
Flight attendants can apply for voluntary furlough leaves of six or 12 months and will retain medical benefits, according to the company.
Involuntary furloughs at Spirit Airlines are expected to begin on Dec. 1 of this year.
The Florida-based carrier has also furloughed hundreds of pilots as it seeks $100 million U.S. in cost cuts as it restructures under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection from its creditors.
Spirit Airlines has been hurt by high costs and increased competition. The carrier has struggled after an attempted acquisition by JetBlue Airways (JBLU) failed.
The airline recently reported that it has lost $257 million U.S. since emerging from its first bankruptcy in mid-March of this year.
The stock of Spirit Airlines is down 95% this year and trading at $0.36 U.S. per share.
