Flight attendants’ union backs Spirit-Frontier merger, clearing labor hurdle

A Frontier Airlines airplane taxis past a Spirit Airlines aircraft at Indianapolis International Airport in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022.

The union that represents flight attendants at the two airlines supported the merger on Tuesday.

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA said it reached a merger transition agreement with Frontier's parent that prohibits flight attendant layoffs and guarantees other protections.

The president of the AFA said that they support the necessary regulatory approvals that will improve competition, increase consumer options and experience, and maintain and grow good union jobs.

The agreement came a day after the hostile takeover bid by JetBlue Airways. The discount airline turned down the all-cash bid from JetBlue. At the June 10 meeting, the Frontier-Spirit tie-up will be put to a vote, and the shareholders of both airlines should vote against it.

The Transport Workers Union represents the flight attendants at JetBlue. John Samuelsen told CNBC last month that TWU would seek to represent a combined flight attendant group.

Justice Department approval is required for either airline combination.