Spirit Airlines Is Preparing to Shut Down: Reports

Spirit Airlines is preparing to cease operations after talks of a government bailout failed to materialize, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter. 

The shut down could happen as early as 3 a.m., according to several reports. Spirit's flight attendants' union confirmed in a newsletter to members on Friday that the carrier plans to cease operations at 3 a.m. ET on Saturday. The letter said Spirit management would be available to answer questions from employees in the coming weeks.

A spokesperson for Spirit said the airline was operating as normal and declined to comment on ongoing discussions with bondholders.

The carrier spent the past few weeks pitching the Trump administration for a bailout to keep it afloat. The bailout wo