Spirit Airlines Names Dave Davis as New CEO and President

Spirit Airlines has a new president and CEO.

Spirit’s board of directors on Thursday named Dave Davis—the former president and CFO at Sun Country Airlines—the new president and CEO, effective April 21.

Davis takes over for Ted Christie, who stepped down from the CEO role earlier this month.

Davis had served as president at Sun Country since 2019. Previously, he was executive vice president and chief financial officer of Northwest Airlines Inc., which was the world’s fourth-largest airline before its sale to Delta Air Lines in 2008.

“I am thrilled to join Spirit at this critical time in the company’s history,” Davis said. “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.”

Davis will take over during a time of change for Spirit, which formally exited bankruptcy last month, nearly four months after filing for Chapter 11 protection. The airline was the first U.S. carrier in more than 40 years to declare bankruptcy.

There has been talk of a strategy shift for Spirit as well. Traditionally known as one of the lowest-cost airlines in the U.S., executives earlier this year hinted that the carrier is moving away from its ultra-low-cost model to target more premium travelers through fare bundling, larger seat options, onboard Wi-Fi, and included food and beverage service.

At the same time, Spirit announced a few other leadership moves. The ultra-low-cost carrier named Duncan Dee as senior vice president, corporate communications, and Trey Urbahn will serve as senior commercial advisor.