Following the sudden and total collapse of Spirit Airlines this past weekend—which saw the immediate cancellation of all flights and the termination of 17,000 employees—a grassroots movement has emerged on social media to attempt a public buyout of the carrier. The initiative was sparked by voice actor Hunter Peterson, who proposed that if a significant portion of the American public contributed the cost of a single plane ticket, they could collectively acquire and restart the airline under the moniker ‘Spirit 2.0: Owned by the People.’

Within hours of the proposal, Peterson launched a website to collect non-binding pledges from interested travelers. The campaign quickly gained traction, securing nearly $23 million in commitments from approximately 36,000 ‘founding patrons’ by Sunday. The surge of interest was so intense that it briefly overwhelmed the project’s web infrastructure, highlighting the widespread frustration among frequent flyers over the loss of a budget-friendly travel option.

Despite the viral momentum, the project faces significant hurdles. Industry experts note that the capital required to acquire, restructure, and relaunch a commercial airline typically reaches into the billions of dollars, far exceeding the current pledge total. Peterson has acknowledged the logistical and financial disparity, publicly soliciting help from aviation lawyers and public relations professionals to navigate the complexities of the industry.

While the campaign currently functions more as a symbolic protest or a high-stakes ‘bit’ than a viable corporate acquisition, Peterson maintains his commitment to the effort. As the movement continues to evolve, it serves as a stark reflection of consumer sentiment regarding the volatility of the modern airline industry and a collective desire for affordable air travel alternatives.