Spirit Aviation announces leadership changes
Image from Spirit Airlines website.
  • Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc., the parent company of US carrier Spirit Airlines, LLC, has announced changes in its leadership following its financial restructuring
  • President and CEO Ted Christie is stepping down effective April 7
  • While the Board is in the process of appointing a permanent replacement, an Office of the President has been formed to lead the company in the interim

Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc., the parent company of US carrier Spirit Airlines, LLC, has announced changes in its leadership following its financial restructuring.

Ted Christie, president and chief executive officer, is stepping down from the company and from the Board of Directors effective April 7.

The Board is in the process of appointing a permanent replacement, the ultra-low-cost carrier said in a statement.

The announcement comes after Spirit last March announced its emergence from its financial restructuring, and that Christie will remain to lead the company.

On an interim basis, an Office of the President consisting of Fred Cromer, executive vice president (EVP) and chief financial officer; John Bendoraitis, EVP and chief operating officer; and Thomas Canfield, senior vice president (SVP) and general counsel, has been formed to lead the company until the new CEO is appointed.

“On behalf of the Board and the Spirit team, I thank Ted for his tireless efforts over the course of his 13 years at the company,” Spirit Airlines chairman Robert Milton said.

“He has seen a lot and done a lot during his tenure here, including navigating the company through the COVID crisis and multiple strategic junctures, as well as most recently, a corporate restructuring. Ted has kept the company together through challenging times, and for this we wish him all the best going forward,” Milton added.

In addition, Matt Klein, EVP and chief commercial officer, will be stepping down. He will be succeeded by Rana Ghosh, as SVP and chief commercial officer, effective immediately. Rana joined the company in 2015 and has served as SVP and chief transformation officer since June 2024.

“Spirit owes thanks to Matt for his many contributions since arriving in 2016, and we all wish him the best,” Milton said, adding that they are also enthusiastic to welcome Rana into his new role.

Spirit Airlines in November last year filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after years of losses and failed mergers.

Last March, the airline announced it emerged from its financial restructuring, completing a consensual, deleveraging transaction that equitizes approximately $795 million of funded debt.

As part of the restructuring, the company also received a $350 million equity investment from existing investors to support Spirit’s future initiatives. Spirit’s Plan of Reorganization was confirmed by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

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