Originally Posted by
Green Giant
As for United, I don't think they have the cash nor could get the loans to get that done. Don't get me wrong, a United takeover would be fine by me; I just don't think they have the cash.
Cash on hand isn't an issue, United could purchase Spirit and finance it with the cash we have on hand.
I believe United purchasing Spirit is the most likely scenario out there, not just for the aircraft but for the pilots as well. A side benefit would be the increased presence in the SE USA and the elimination of a LCC competitor (United hasn't really formed an aggressive strategy against the ULCCs like AA and Delta have).
BUT, I don't think it's going to happen. United is going to look to acquire someone though, eventually. But that's a ways out.