Google Buys Spirit's Data Trove for AI Boost

Google has acquired a massive dataset of deidentified information from Spirit Airlines, which declared bankruptcy in May 2026 due to financial difficulties triggered by COVID-19. The data, valued at $10 million, includes over 100 million emails, 30 million recorded phone calls, and 600,000 ServiceNow tickets. Google also gained access to operational data on 763,000 flights, crew pairings, fuel slips, and part purchases.

The dataset was auctioned off as Spirit Airlines wound down its operations. The search giant has stated that it bought the data to improve its AI services. Mercor, another bidder, reportedly provides data for training AI models, highlighting the value of this type of information in AI development.