Hashim Walters, a 29-year-old entrepreneur from New Orleans, has launched The Latimer Group, an ownership consortium aiming to acquire Spirit Airlines. If successful, the move would establish the first Black-owned commercial airline in the United States.
Walters is rallying Black business leaders across various industries to leverage their collective economic strength and revitalize the struggling airline. A Birmingham-Southern College alumnus, he previously ran for mayor of New Orleans in 2017 at age 22. He believes Black ownership in major industries is essential for economic empowerment and corporate responsibility.
Founded in 1983, Spirit Airlines transitioned to an ultra-low-cost carrier model in 1992, expanding across the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. Despite its budget-friendly approach, the airline has faced financial struggles, operational issues, and a failed merger with JetBlue in 2024. With the deal blocked by the U.S. Department of Justice, Spirit is now focusing on restructuring and navigating a competitive market.
Walters sees this as an opportunity to transform the airline while building a legacy of Black ownership in U.S. transportation.
