Spirit Airlines CEO: Squeezing Seats on Our Planes Pays Off
*By Carlo Versano*
When Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie flies, he flies his own ultra-low-cost carrier ーin coach. Such is the attitude at Spirit, where cost efficiencies are the very principle on which the airline does business.
Christie, who started in the role as Spirit Airlines ($SAVE) CEO this year, said that the business model is simple: its very low-cost structure drives low fares, which drive demand. Spirit, which is notorious for its no-frills cabin experience, even manages to pack more seats onto each aircraft, which helps the company diffuse fuel costs when they spike.
While Spirit takes its share of licks from passengers on social media, Christie said the airline's success has more to do with stimulating travel "off the bottom" ー reaching travelers who wouldn't otherwise fly, rather than frequent travelers looking to save a few bucks.
That is "untapped and unconstrained" demand, Christie said.
Even still, it's paying customers who demand some level of reliability, service, and comfort, even at the low price points. Spirit placed last in the 2018 American Customer Satisfaction Index of airlines.
"We're working hard on it," Christie said of the customer satisfaction metrics.
But value is its own satisfaction metric. Clean planes that are on-time, with friendly staff and bags that don't get lost ー for a $59 ticket ー is the value proposition Spirit wants its customers to consider.
The airline is adding some amenities to its flights: notably, high speed internet, which will cost between $6 and $10 per flight, Christie said, and be available across the fleet this year.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/new-spirit-airlines-ceo-on-the-quest-for-high-value-low-fare-product-to-drive-loyalty).
Multiple U.S. owners of Hyundai's popular Ioniq 5 electric SUV have complained of completely or partially losing propulsive power, many after hearing a loud popping noise, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Saturday.
Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford told CNN's 'Fareed Zakaria that despite recent gains the U.S. was still not in a position to compete with China in the production of electric vehicles.
Global stock markets followed Wall Street lower Monday after the top U.S. diplomat met China's leader but the two sides gave no sign of progress on an array of conflicts.
Supergoop! is a skincare brand whose products are what the company says is 100% dedicated to sun care. Amanda Baldwin, CEO of Supergoop!, joined Cheddar News to discuss why sunscreen is important to add to daily routines. "What I love about this company is ... it really is based on scientific fact," Baldwin said. "90% of the signs of aging comes from the sun ... one in five of us will be diagnosed with skin cancer in our lifetime so making sunscreen a daily habit is probably one of the most simple things you can do for your health."
College enrollment rates for high school graduates in the U.S. has been on the decline since 2009. Sean Behr, CEO of Fountain a high-volume hiring platform, joined Cheddar News to discuss why high school graduates are benefitting from the value of attending a trade school, especially in today's economy.
