Story perspectives

Grassroots Drive Raises $437 M to Rescue Spirit Airlines

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

A grassroots campaign has secured $437 million in pledges to buy Spirit Airlines, which ceased operations on May 2, 2026.
Founder Hunter Peterson launched letbuyspiritair.com to accept pledges as low as $45, but no money has been transferred yet.
Peterson has met the flight-attendants union, an aviation-distress-assets law firm, and high-net-worth investors while pledges grew from $24 million to $437 million as the FAA and airlines arrange aid for stranded travelers.

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Story summary

A grassroots campaign has secured $437 million in pledges to buy Spirit Airlines, which ceased operations on May 2, 2026.
Founder Hunter Peterson launched letbuyspiritair.com to accept pledges as low as $45, but no money has been transferred yet.
Peterson has met the flight-attendants union, an aviation-distress-assets law firm, and high-net-worth investors while pledges grew from $24 million to $437 million as the FAA and airlines arrange aid for stranded travelers.