US airlines step up as Spirit winds down

US carriers are stepping in after Spirit Airlines announced on Saturday that it had cancelled all flights and was winding down operations.

The budget airline said soaring fuel costs were a major factor, after a last-minute White House rescue package failed to materialise.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and JetBlue have all said they will offer special fares to stranded Spirit passengers whose flights were cancelled.

Several of the airlines also said they would consider hiring former Spirit Airlines staff who have now lost their jobs.

Faculty Lecturer, Aviation Management programme coordinator at McGill University, John Gradek shares further insights.