Spirit Airlines sees decision by mid-year on adding smaller jets

Spirit Airlines is targeting a decision by the middle of the year on its next order of single-aisle jets as the carrier prepares its expansion plans over the next 5 years. The airline is talking to each of the major manufacturers, Airbus, Boeing. and Embraer, CFO Scott Haralson said Tuesday. The order size will depend on pricing, though the carrier is trying to secure enough aircraft to tide it over at least through 2022. Spirit has been expanding its network connecting smaller and midsize cities to popular tourist destinations. The airline already has plans to expand its fleet of Airbus A320-family planes to 177 by the end of 2021. Haralson said the airline was weighing the viability of adding a new aircraft type with a different cockpit design to the fleet, despite the increased operational complexity. <br/>