Spirit Airlines has shut down after failed rescue attempts, leaving its fleet of Airbus A320 jets scattered across the country. Now, contractors are flying these planes to Arizona for storage and possible breakup. This move highlights the end of a budget airline and the start of a big asset recovery effort.
The Fall of Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines stopped flying after it could not get the help it needed to stay in business. The carrier left planes behind at airports like Atlantic City, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. Captain Bob Allen from Nomadic Aviation Group leads part of the cleanup. His team has completed 25 ferry flights this month alone. These flights take the jets from where Spirit quit to safe storage spots.
The total effort covers 91 Airbus A320 jets at 26 airports nationwide. About 20 planes have already reached Arizona sites. Another 20 are on the way soon. This shows the scale of work after an airline closes.
Key Storage Sites in Arizona
The planes are heading to two main spots: Goodyear Airport west of Phoenix on West Buckeye Road, and Marana Regional Airport, also known as Pinal Airpark. Companies like AerSale at Goodyear handle the preservation. They park the bright yellow jets in rows and keep them ready for the next step.
These airports can hold many planes at once. The dry desert air there slows rust and damage. Humid places wear out planes faster, so Arizona makes sense for long-term storage.
Why Engines Matter Most
Each plane holds engines worth $15 million to $20 million. That price matches the cost of a full aircraft. Owners focus on saving these parts first. The rest of the jet, like the body and wings, may get sold or taken apart later.
Preservation starts right away. Dry air helps, but workers inspect and protect key systems. This keeps value high while decisions get made.
Future Paths for the Fleet
Owners have options for each jet. They could repaint and lease them to new airlines. Or sell them whole to buyers. Parting out means breaking them into pieces for sale, like landing gear or seats.
Dismantling takes time: 6 months to 1 year per plane. Court papers say the full job could cost over $200 million. First steps, like inspection and basic care, take 7 to 10 days per jet. Not all planes will follow the same path. Some may fly again under new colors.
Conclusion
Spirit Airlines’ Airbus A320 fleet now sits in Arizona’s desert, waiting for its next chapter. From busy flights to quiet storage ramps at Goodyear and Marana airports, these 91 jets mark the shift from service to salvage. The focus on high-value engines and dry-climate storage shows how airlines end: not with a bang, but with careful planning for what comes after.
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