Ted Christie has announced his resignation from the position of CEO at Spirit Airlines, a move that takes effect on Monday, according to a statement from the airline.
In the interim, the airline will be overseen by a team of executives that includes Chief Financial Officer Fred Cromer, Chief Operating Officer John Bendoraitis, and General Counsel Thomas Canfield, who will manage operations until a new leader is appointed.
Christie, who has held the titles of president and CEO since 2019, guided Spirit through the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic.
The airline filed for bankruptcy protection in November, following a series of financial struggles exacerbated by relentless competition, a failed merger attempt, and shifts in consumer preferences that have increasingly affected budget carriers.
Notably, Spirit became the first major U.S. airline to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy since 2011, marking a significant moment in the industry.
Last month, Spirit successfully exited bankruptcy protection, signaling a potential new chapter for the airline.