Spirit Airlines is cutting around 150 jobs this week from its corporate and operational teams. "As part of our ongoing restructuring, we are making further adjustments to align our organisation with our smaller fleet and redesigned network," the airline says. "These decisions are never made lightly, and we are committed to treating affected team members with compassion and respect." Spirit is in the process of restructuring under Chapter 11 for a second time. Its debtor-in-possession financing has been approved by a US bankruptcy court and it is set to reject as many as 58 leased aircraft.

Qatar Airways has agreed to sell its entire 9.57% stake in Cathay Pacific back to the Hong Kong carrier in a HK$6.97 billion ($896 million) all cash transaction, subject to approval from independent shareholders. A circular to the independent shareholder is expected to be issued by 26 November, which will include the date of an extraordinary general meeting for shareholders to assent to the deal, Cathay says in a stock exchange statement. After the sale is transacted, Swire Pacific and Air China's stakes will rise to 47.7% and 31.8%, respectively. The remaining 20.5% of shares will be in free float. "The buy-back reflects our strong confidence in the future of the Cathay Group and underscores our commitment to the development of the Hong Kong international aviation hub," says Cathay Group chair Patrick Healy. Qatar Airways chief executive Badr Mohammed Al-Meer says that the agreement reflects its disciplined approach to managing its portfolio and delivering sustainable value to its shareholders. "Following a period of record profitability and strong performance, this decision is part of a proactive strategy to optimise our investments and position the group for long-term growth," he adds. HSBC is the financial adviser to Qatar Airways, while Somerley Capital is the independent financial adviser to the independent board committee and shareholders of Cathay. Qatar Airways purchased a 9.61% stake in Cathay from conglomerate Kingboard Chemical for HK$5.16 billion in 2017 and later increased its stake to 9.99%, but has not been entitled to appoint a director to the Hong Kong carrier's board. Cirium schedules data shows that the two carriers have an extensive codeshare relationship covering several routes from their Doha and Hong Kong hubs.

Former IndiGo chief commercial officer Sanjay Kumar has been appointed as executive director at SpiceJet to lead the airline's expansion and transformation. The carrier says that Kumar will report directly to chairman and managing director Ajay Singh and brings over 15 years of experience at its key rival in commercial, strategy and revenue roles, as well as leadership positions at InterGlobe Technology Quotient and as chief operating officer at AirAsia India. "We are delighted to welcome Sanjay back to the SpiceJet family," says Singh. "His deep understanding of the aviation business and proven leadership will be invaluable as we chart a new course for SpiceJet. With his strategic insights and executional strength, we are confident of accelerating our growth journey and strengthening our position as a leading and customer-centric airline."