Retiring Spirit pilot ‘overwhelmed’ by rival airline’s tribute after his final flight was canceled

BALTIMORE (CNN) - After a Spirit Airlines pilot’s retirement flight was canceled, staff from a rival airline came together to ensure he got a proper send-off.

Captain Jon Jackson’s retirement flight with Spirit was canceled after the discount carrier began shutting down Saturday. He instead boarded a Southwest Airlines flight home with his son.

The Southwest crew got word of the situation and set a plan into motion to give Jackson a proper retirement party when the flight landed in Baltimore.

The Baltimore Airport Fire and Rescue met Jackson’s flight with a water cannon salute, a traditional mark of a pilot’s last flight. Southwest also arranged cheers and champagne for Jackson at the gate.

“Very overwhelming. I can’t thank you all enough,” Jackson said. “As Spirit goes down, this is a sad day, and you guys made it incredible. Thank you so much.”

Spirit has canceled all upcoming flights as it goes out of business after 34 years. The company blamed high oil prices, which have been rising due to the war with Iran.

The collapse of the airline puts 17,000 people out of a job.