In a bold and historic move, a 29-year-old entrepreneur from New Orleans, Louisiana, has launched The Latimer Group, an ownership consortium focused on acquiring Spirit Airlines.
Hakim Walters’ mission is to transform Spirit into the first Black-owned commercial airline in the United States, marking a significant milestone in African-American economic empowerment and representation in the aviation industry, according to Black Business.
Walters, a visionary with a track record of pursuing excellence, aims to unite influential Black leaders across various sectors to leverage their collective economic strength. His goal is not only to rescue Spirit Airlines from its financial distress but also to create a legacy of Black ownership in America’s transportation industry.
Walters emphasizes the importance of moral leadership and community contribution, stating, “It’s now time for us to own companies and show other companies how to be morally sound and contribute to everyone in American society.”
Spirit Airlines, founded in 1983 as Charter One, has grown into one of the largest ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) in North America. Known for its bright yellow planes and budget-friendly fares, the airline has faced significant financial and operational challenges in recent years, including flight delays, cancellations, and a failed merger attempt with JetBlue Airways in 2022. As of 2025, Spirit is undergoing a restructuring process to stabilize its finances and improve operational efficiency.
Walters’ bid to acquire Spirit Airlines comes at a critical juncture. The airline has rejected multiple takeover offers, including a recent $400 million proposal from Frontier Airlines, opting instead to focus on its standalone restructuring plan. However, Walters’ vision aligns with broader efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry. While Spirit Airlines is not currently Black-owned, its acquisition by The Latimer Group would represent a groundbreaking shift in ownership dynamics. The airline earlier had a deal with JetBlue but it was scrapped after a U.S. judge blocked it on anti-competition concerns.
In the U.S., while there are no major Black-owned commercial airlines, smaller ventures like JetSuite Airlines and Solair Aviation demonstrate the potential for growth and representation.
Hashim Walters’ ambitious plan to acquire Spirit Airlines is more than a business venture; it is a call to action for greater economic empowerment and representation. If successful, this acquisition would not only revitalize a struggling airline but also inspire future generations of Black entrepreneurs to aim higher and dream bigger. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, initiatives like The Latimer Group’s bid for Spirit Airlines highlight the importance of diversity, inclusion, and the transformative power of ownership.
Walters’ vision to create America’s first Black-owned commercial airline is a testament to the potential of entrepreneurship to drive social and economic change. By leveraging collective strength and moral leadership, Walters and The Latimer Group are poised to make history and redefine the future of aviation.
