Latrobe, Pa., fears isolation as Spirit Airlines trims flights

Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the hometown of golf legend Arnold Palmer, could be left isolated if Spirit Airlines cuts flights as the carrier contemplates capacity reductions. Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August for the second time in a year and this month announced plans to reduce flight capacity by about 25% starting in November, while furloughing roughly one-third of its flight attendants. Loss-making routes are expected to be cut, and local officials say Arnold Palmer Regional Airport faces being dropped from Spirit's network. The Westmoreland County Airport Authority said the region has about 150,000 people who want to travel and that a service reduction would be a major deficit for air transportation in the area.

Latrobe is served solely by Arnold Palmer Regional Airport for commercial air service. The next closest airport is Pittsburgh, about 65 miles away. Westmoreland County spends about $900,000 annually to support Spirit's operations at the facility, which otherwise serves small private planes. When Spirit decided to move in, the airport was limited in capabilities and not compatible with commercial air service, but local officials say changes were made to accommodate Spirit. Airport officials and residents say many travelers rely on Spirit and fear losing access. Darlene Wommer, waiting for a flight to Myrtle Beach, S.C., said she would miss the carrier if service ends.

Spirit's bankruptcy history is long and includes a first Chapter 11 filing last November after years of losses and heavy debt. The airline emerged from that restructuring in March after creditors approved the plan and wiped out existing shares, transferring ownership to lenders. The company now carries about $2.4 billion in long-term debt, most due in 2030, and posted negative free cash flow of about $1 billion in the second quarter. Last month Spirit furloughed 270 pilots and demoted another 140 as part of cost-saving measures. Spirit also rejected a proposed takeover by Frontier Airlines, and JetBlue later pulled out of a merger after the Department of Justice argued the deal would violate antitrust laws. Silver Airways also filed for Chapter 11 in December.

Industry observers say the cost-cutting and consolidation among ultra-low-cost carriers have left few alternatives for travelers in Latrobe. If Spirit reduces service, residents could face longer trips to Pittsburgh or higher fares as the market recalibrates.

Spirit says the actions are a proactive step to build a stronger foundation and future for the company.