Spirit Airlines appears to be on the brink of collapse, with the budget carrier preparing to shut down after failing to secure a $500 million federal rescue package. At the center of this unfolding story is the airline's current CEO, Dave Davis. Here are five key things to know about him:
1. Dave Davis was appointed CEO of Spirit Airlines in April 2025, shortly after the airline emerged from bankruptcy and restructured its board.
2. He joined from Sun Country Airlines, where he had served as finance chief since 2018 and earlier worked as CFO at Northwest Airlines before its merger with Delta Air Lines.
3. Davis has been tasked with leading a business overhaul and helping Spirit move away from its no-frills image toward a more premium airline model after years of losses and failed merger attempts.
4. In early September 2025, Davis received $2.9 million as a retention bonus to stay during the airline’s second bankruptcy within a year.
5. Davis now finds himself leading the company at one of its most critical moments as Spirit Airlines faces an uncertain future.
