Spirit Airlines ends relationship with Bradley Airport baggage-handling contractor

HBJ File Photo Bradley International Aiport in Windsor Locks.

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By Sean Teehan

Spirit Airlines will end its relationship with an aviation services contractor at Bradley International Airport in November.

Menzies Aviation Inc. will no longer handle Spirit Airlines’ baggage as the Florida-based airline is opting for a different vendor, said Al Garvey, Menzies’ general manager at Bradley. The approximately 35 Menzies employees currently working on the Spirit operation will have the option of working for the new contractor, or being absorbed into one of Menzies’ other operations at the airport.

“Nobody’s getting laid off,” Garvey said.

Spirit did not immediately respond to an email asking what company will replace Menzies.

Menzies currently provides fueling for all commercial airlines and freighters at Bradley, and baggage handling for two other airlines -- Aer Lingus and Air Canada.

Menzies had filed a WARN notice with Connecticut’s Department of Labor Friday, warning that it will be ceasing operations at its Bradley station located at 506B Spring St., in Windsor Locks. The WARN notice said 74 employees would be terminated.

Most employers with 100 or more employees are required under federal law to provide at least 60 calendar days’ notice of large-scale layoffs.

Garvey said he wasn’t sure why Menzies sent the letter warning of dozens of layoffs.

Menzies employs just under 100 workers at Bradley, Garvey said.