Over 400 pilots at US carrier Spirit Airlines have gone on strike after failing to attain an concord with management over pay and benefits.

The five-day hit is due to end tomorrow (June 16) and was called by the Air Line Pilots Association.

Ben Baldanze, CEO of Spirit Airlines said: We are aggravated and disappointed that our pilots have turned down an over 30 percent augment at a cost of over $70 million over five years while unruly thousands of our customers and jeopardizing the livelihoods of our over 2,000 employees,

John Prater, president of Air Line Pilots Association, said: Spirit pilots are eager to withdraw their services to get the contract they deserve.

I urge Spirit management to reassess their position on the value of their experienced and professional airline pilots.