Who Is the Founder of Spirit Airlines?

Spirit Airlines is a low-cost carrier founded by Ned Homfeld, who started the carrier as a charter service. He served as chairman of the airline until it was acquired by a private equity firm in 2006.

Overview of Spirit Airlines

Spirit was founded in 1980 as Charter One, a small tour operator that offered flights to Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Scheduled air service started in 1984. In 2006, Indigo Partners purchased a majority state in Spirit Airlines and began to cut costs.

Founder

The founder of Spirit Airlines was Ned Homfeld. Homfeld was a Naval architecture student who had been a sailboat racer as a teenager.

Before Spirit

Before Spirit Airlines, Homfeld has aspired to design America's Cup racing yachts. However, a small trucking company Homfeld started in college evolved into a full-time profession. His trucking company delivered parts to auto plants in Detroit and Cleveland.

Founding Spirit's Predecessor

Homfeld founded Spirit Airlines as Charter One in 1981 to provide travel services to gamblers bound for Atlantic City using airplanes owned by other companies.

Running Spirit

Homfeld served as the chairman of Charter One and Spirit. Under Homfeld's watch, Spirit grew from a small niche charter operator to major Eastern seaboard low-cost scheduled carrier.

Retirement

Homefeld retired in 2006 when Spirit was acquired by a private equity firm.