Broward County

Did Spirit Airlines always fly those flashy yellow planes? Take a look

By Miami Herald Archives
With the Fort Lauderdale skyline in the background, a Spirit Airlines jet takes off from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on July 26, 2000.
With the Fort Lauderdale skyline in the background, a Spirit Airlines jet takes off from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on July 26, 2000. Marsha Halper Miami Herald File

Besides the rock-bottom fares and add-on fees Spirit Airlines may have been best known for its flying bananas — the flashy yellow planes at South Florida airports.

But Spirit didn’t always sport the yellow theme. When the company moved to Broward in 1999, it was all about blue and white.

The company boldly rebranded in 2014, replacing a color scheme that featured two shades of blue.

Spirit Airlines shut down on May 2, but we will always remember the yellow planes.

Let’s take a look at what the planes looked like before the makeover:

In 2007, a Spirit Airlines baggage handler drives carts past three Spirit jets outside Terminal 4 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
In 2007, a Spirit Airlines baggage handler drives carts past three Spirit jets outside Terminal 4 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Marsha Halper Miami Herald File
In 1999, Spirit Airlines announced the move of its corporate headquarters from Detroit to Broward County. Here are a few of the Spirit planes at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport at the time.
In 1999, Spirit Airlines announced the move of its corporate headquarters from Detroit to Broward County. Here are a few of the Spirit planes at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport at the time. Marsha Halper Miami Herald File
Ned Homfeld, president of Spirit Airlines in the 1990s.
Ned Homfeld, president of Spirit Airlines in the 1990s. Miami Herald File
Linda Gould, a Spirit Airlines ticket agent in 1998
Linda Gould, a Spirit Airlines ticket agent in 1998 Marsha Halper Miami Herald File
In 2001, a ticket agent for Spirit Airlines at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport as passengers are re-routed
In 2001, a ticket agent for Spirit Airlines at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport as passengers are re-routed Marsha Halper Miami Herald File
In 2003, a Spirit Airlines plane approaches for a landing at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, with I-95 below.
In 2003, a Spirit Airlines plane approaches for a landing at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, with I-95 below. Candace West Miami Herald File
In 2000, a Spirit Airlines jet heads toward the gate in Fort Lauderdale after arriving from Chicago.
In 2000, a Spirit Airlines jet heads toward the gate in Fort Lauderdale after arriving from Chicago. Marsha Halper Miami Herald File
In 2007, passengers at the check-in area for Spirit Airlines in Terminal 4 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The airline was expanding from 24 to 35 counter positions.
In 2007, passengers at the check-in area for Spirit Airlines in Terminal 4 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The airline was expanding from 24 to 35 counter positions. Marsha Halper Miami Herald File
Before going to yellow in 2014, Spirit rolled out this redesign of its planes.
Before going to yellow in 2014, Spirit rolled out this redesign of its planes. Miami Herald File
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