leasing

In a statement, Spirit said the bankruptcy process - known as Chapter 11 - will not impact employee pay or payments to aircraft leasing companies.

They should look to more long-term master leasing of apartment buildings and hotels for supportive housing.

Initially, some landlords might refuse to pay brokers, instead opting to handle the entire leasing process on their own.

Tenants would, however, be required to contribute to the tax rolls by an unspecified amount through a “possessory interest tax” that can be levied on private companies leasing public buildings.

It said it had spent about £50m in preparation for the scheme - including buying vehicles and specialist equipment, leasing vehicle depots, processing sites and taking on extra staff.