Ted Christie, Spirit Airlines CEO, addressed the media Thursday about the week's operational meltdown. He blamed a number of factors for more than 1,700 cancellations.Bad weather at July's end, when flight crews are running out of hours to work, led to cancellations. He said that it "tipped us over." The airline was left with no time for pilots or flight attendants, which resulted in cancellations.Spirit passengers began experiencing problems on Sunday, August 1, and things have only gotten worse over the past week. Spirit cancelled more than 60% its flights on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to FlightAware, Spirit cancelled 449 flights on Thursday, which is 56% of its flights.Christie stated that the flight crews had been scattered throughout the country, and it took time to get them and the planes back in position. This is why Christie advised the airline to cancel heavy flights. The crew scheduling system was not working due to technology issues.Christie stated, "The puzzle ended-up getting very complicated."Unfortunately, Spirit passengers are still in trouble.Christie stated that the airline will cancel large numbers of flights in the "next few days" with the goal to reduce cancellations going into next week. At 5:30 p.m. ET, the airline had already cancelled 346 flights. This is approximately 44% of scheduled flights. ET Friday, 346 flights had been canceled by the airline, or 44% of all scheduled flights.Airline cancel or delay your flight? : What do airlines owe me (and how can I get it?"It looked like an hurricane shelter": Spirit Airlines cancels flights, vexing travelersHe said, "We have worked very hard over the past five years to both build Spirit and its reputation. We have made great strides, I believe. We know this is not our proudest moment.Christie refused to place a price on Spirit's meltdown and said that "the math will be there when it comes."Continue the storyThe budget airline will pay for the hotel and flight costs of any stranded passengers.Spirit Airlines passengers who have had their flights canceled at McCarran International airport in Las Vegas, wait in line to be booked on Thursday, August 5thSpirit does not rebook passengers who are stranded on other airlines. This is a matter policy. After Spirit's cancellation, the agents at McCarran International Airport Las Vegas booked Southwest passengers to San Diego on Thursday night.Spirit also sent $50 vouchers to passengers for future flights as a gesture, but some travelers told USA TODAY that they find it offensive.Christie stated that Christie's intention was to give people something they could use in the future.This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Spirit Airlines CEO anticipates flight cancellations throughout the weekend
