Southwest Airlines has expressed interest in hiring some mechanics who worked at Spirit Airlines after that carrier ceased operations, the president of an aircraft mechanics union said on Monday. The discussions come as Southwest staffs overnight flights and positions itself for the planned introduction of Boeing’s 737 MAX 7 into its fleet in early 2027, contingent on expected certification by the Federal Aviation Administration this year.
Bret Oestreich, president of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, said he has been in contact with executives at the Texas-based carrier about bringing on mechanics from Spirit. Oestreich noted the union represents members at both airlines and said, "We have carriers that will be hiring." He also added that Southwest is replacing mechanics who are retiring.
Southwest has indicated it is recruiting mechanics to bolster support for overnight flights - commonly known as red-eye services - and to prepare for the anticipated arrival of the MAX 7 aircraft in early 2027, should the FAA grant the expected certification this year. Spirit’s landing slots, engines and aircraft are likely to draw interest across the industry because the sector remains short on new planes and parts while also contending with congestion at busy U.S. airports.
American Airlines has also been identified as looking at mechanics who worked at Spirit, according to listings on that carrier’s online job board.
On the pilot front, Southwest recently informed its aviators of plans to hire 1,072 pilots this year, roughly 200 more than initial expectations, a person familiar with the matter said. A second person familiar with the discussions cautioned that the final count could be lower if jet fuel prices remain elevated.
Southwest declined to comment on specific hiring targets, saying instead that it is "continually evaluating new talent."
Across U.S. carriers, travel demand remains strong despite higher fares. At the same time, surging jet fuel prices - which the article links to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran - are compressing profit margins and raising financial pressure on weaker airlines.
Airlines are responding by accelerating the adoption of more fuel-efficient aircraft such as the MAX family while grounding older jets that consume more fuel. Southwest is expected to be the first U.S. carrier to take delivery of the MAX 7.
There are differing public signals on the MAX 7 certification timeline. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan has said he expects certification around August 2026. Separately, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said in April that the planemaker expects certification this year, with deliveries beginning in 2027.
Sectors affected: Commercial airlines, aerospace manufacturing, aviation maintenance, and airport operations.