Dave Davis Named CEO of Spirit Airlines Following Leadership Shakeup
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Spirit Airlines has appointed a new CEO as it attempts to restructure and stabilize after emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025. The ultra-low-cost carrier announced that Dave Davis, the current President and CFO of Sun Country Airlines, will take over as President and CEO of Spirit Airlines, effective April 21, 2025.
Leadership Transition at a Pivotal Time
Dave Davis brings significant airline industry experience, having held senior executive roles at both Sun Country and Northwest Airlines. He was widely viewed as a likely successor to Sun Country CEO Jude Bricker before accepting the role at Spirit. In announcing Davis’ appointment, Spirit Airlines Chairman Robert Milton stated:
“We’re excited to welcome Dave as Spirit’s new President and CEO. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a solid track record of accomplishments from his many years in the airline industry. Dave’s background at both Northwest Airlines and, more recently, at Sun Country Airlines, positions him well to lead Spirit’s continued transformation.”
Davis responded to the announcement, saying:
“I am thrilled to join Spirit at this critical time in the company’s history. I look forward to working with the more than 11,000 Spirit Team Members to deliver value for our Guests, shareholders and the communities that we serve.”
Strategic Support: Commercial Leadership Bolstered
In addition to Davis’ appointment, Spirit has named Trey Urbahn as Senior Commercial Advisor, a key role overseeing network planning, pricing strategies, yield management, and product configuration. Urbahn brings decades of commercial aviation experience, having previously held senior roles at Azul, Breeze, JetBlue, TAP Air Portugal, and Etihad.
Financial Headwinds and Industry Outlook
Spirit’s executive overhaul follows a difficult financial stretch. In 2024, the airline posted a negative operating margin of 22.5% and an operating loss of $1.1 billion. The Chapter 11 restructuring process provided Spirit with a degree of financial relief, including a $350 million capital injection from bondholders, but structural challenges remain.
Although Spirit is now out of bankruptcy, its business model continues to face significant strain. Operational costs remain high, and market competition—especially in the ultra-low-cost segment—continues to erode margins. Analysts have questioned whether Spirit can survive as an independent carrier or if the new leadership is preparing for a potential sale or asset breakup.
Bottom Line
Spirit Airlines has named Dave Davis, former Sun Country President and CFO, as its new CEO effective April 21, 2025. Davis is joined by commercial strategist Trey Urbahn as the airline attempts to rebound from a tumultuous period marked by bankruptcy and mounting financial losses. While Spirit has assembled a capable and experienced leadership team, significant challenges lie ahead in determining whether the carrier can operate independently in the long term—or if a broader strategic shift is inevitable.
