La. entrepreneur proposes Spirit Airlines hub for New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (WAFB) - John Miller, founder of the Country Club of Louisiana, is pitching investors on acquiring Spirit Airlines and establishing a hub in New Orleans.

Miller’s annoucement comes as the airline’s stock trades at less than 3 cents per share.

Miller said the proposal would boost Louisiana businesses and tax revenue by attracting visitors who would not otherwise come to the state.

“If somebody is visiting Louisiana and visiting New Orleans and they would have absolutely not have come if it weren’t for this service, and they spend $1,000 — that’s how much they spend from the states. If you go from Mexico or Canada, they are spending close to $1,800, or if you fly from overseas and you bring them to Louisiana, they spend about $4,000,” Miller said.

Business model changes planned

Miller has researched airline opportunities for 20 years and sees Spirit’s current low stock price as an opportunity to acquire and restructure the company.

“The first thing you’re going to do is remove some seats. You know how easy that is? And then you’re going to come up with a reasonable pricing system. We are not going to be able to move it to New Orleans right away, We have some improvements to do,” Miller said.

Infrastructure options under consideration

Miller said potential locations for a Spirit hub in New Orleans range from a new terminal at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to a new airport on the West Bank.

For now, Miller said he must sell investors on the concept before infrastructure development can proceed.

“It is the 250th celebration of the United States of America. You can’t name me one thing you’re excited about because I’ve tried hard,” Miller said.