A war of words between United Airlines and ailing Spirit Airlines executives escalated on Tuesday after the Chicago-based airline’s chief questioned the bankrupt discounter’s business model and expressed doubts if it could stay in the industry.

Minutes later, Spirit responded. In a post on X, the Florida-based carrier said its customers love low fares and its premium product offerings. “Maybe that’s why United executives can’t stop yapping about us,” the airline said.

United’s CEO Scott Kirby has been a vocal critic of the business model of no-frills airlines and has repeatedly questioned their viability.

United’s CEO Scott Kirby has been a vocal critic of the business model of no-frills airlines and has repeatedly questioned their viability. REUTERS

On Tuesday, he called the ultra-lo

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