Why Is Google Buying Spirit Airlines’ Data For $10 Million

Spirit stopped operating in May and has been selling its remaining assets through bankruptcy proceedings.

, and TIPP Staff

August 18, 2026 . 11:52 AM

2 min read

Google has agreed to acquire a large dataset from bankrupt Spirit Airlines for $10 million, with the information potentially being used to improve artificial intelligence products and models, according to CNN.

Spirit stopped operating in May and has been selling its remaining assets through bankruptcy proceedings. The data package reportedly includes internal emails and communications, financial spreadsheets, booking records, frequent flyer information and employee human resources data.

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According to court filings, the information has been stripped of details that could identify individuals. A Google spokesperson told CNN that the company acquired part of Spirit’s enterprise dataset to help improve its products and AI models and said it would not receive personal information.

AI is increasingly being used across the airline industry for tasks such as pricing and scheduling. AI company Mercor.io reportedly offered $7.5 million for the dataset, placing second in the bidding.

Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane is expected to consider the sale at a Wednesday hearing. The deal is unusual because Spirit ceased operations rather than being absorbed by another airline.

Related Tweet:

Google wins $10 million auction for Spirit Airlines data to train AI#Google #SpiritAirlines #AI #aviation #airlines #data #tech https://t.co/oG8AGk0heF
— Travel Tomorrow (@TravelTomorrowX) August 18, 2026