A viral crowdfunding campaign launched by a TikTok creator is attempting to buy defunct budget carrier Spirit Airlines, drawing millions in pledges within days of the airline’s collapse.
The initiative, led by voice actor Hunter Peterson, emerged shortly after Spirit halted operations on May 2, ending its 34-year run. The campaign, dubbed “Let’s Buy Spirit,” has attracted more than 36,000 supporters and nearly $23 million in non-binding pledges, according to reports. However, the estimated cost of acquiring the airline is around $1.7 billion, underscoring a significant funding gap.
READ: Spirit Airlines shuts down operations immediately, all flights cancelled (May 2, 2026)
Peterson said the idea began as a joke on TikTok but quickly gained traction as thousands of former passengers and employees expressed interest. The campaign aims to prevent private equity firms from acquiring the airline and instead proposes a community-owned model inspired by publicly held organizations.
The collapse of Spirit Airlines followed years of financial instability, including failed merger attempts and a rejected $500 million federal bailout. The shutdown affected roughly 17,000 employees and left passengers scrambling for alternatives, prompting rival airlines to introduce capped fares and additional flights.
“We could buy Spirit Airlines,” Peterson said in a social media post.
This statement reflects a broader shift in how social media can mobilize financial support for unconventional ventures. While initially framed humorously, the idea resonated with a growing base of users frustrated with corporate ownership models. The rapid response highlights increasing public interest in collective ownership structures, particularly in industries facing consolidation and private equity influence.
“The people can own it,” reads a message on the campaign’s website.
The slogan highlights the campaign’s central premise of democratized ownership. By invoking models such as fan-owned sports franchises, the effort draws on existing examples of community control. However, experts note that aviation’s regulatory and capital requirements pose far greater challenges than those of such precedents.
Despite strong online momentum, the campaign remains in its early stages, with no actual funds collected yet. Regulatory approval, creditor negotiations, and operational restructuring would all be required before any acquisition could proceed.
The effort nonetheless illustrates how digital platforms are reshaping public engagement with large-scale financial initiatives, even in traditionally capital-intensive sectors like aviation.