B. Ben Baldanza, Jr.

B. Ben Baldanza, a transformative leader in the airline industry and former CEO of Spirit Airlines, passed away at home on November 5, 2024, at the age of 62 from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Born in Rome, New York, Ben was a visionary who reshaped the airline landscape by pioneering the ultra-low-cost carrier model that Spirit Airlines became famous for.

After earning degrees from Syracuse University and Princeton University, Ben began a storied career in the airline industry. From American Airlines to Northwest Airlines, United Parcel Service, Continental Airlines, Grupo TACA, US Airways, and eventually Spirit, he was known for his bold and innovative strategies. During his tenure at Spirit from 2005 to 2016, Ben transformed the struggling airline into one of the most profitable carriers in the U.S. His unapologetic approach to business—creating what he called a "bus with wings"—earned both praise and criticism, but he remained steadfast in his mission to make flying affordable for all.

Ben received many awards and recognitions throughout his career, including Air Transport World’s Josef S. Murphy Award, awarded to those who have long served the air transport industry with distinction and passion and have made significant contributions to the wider community; recognition from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University for exemplary leadership across sectors while upholding the Maxwell School’s mission of making the world a better place; and the 2024 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy for his 38 years of dedicated service to the U.S. airline industry and his visionary leadership in introducing the ultra-low-cost model to the United States, which has expanded access to air travel to tens of millions of Americans.

Beyond his career, Ben was dedicated to his wife Marcia and their son, Enzo, as well as to philanthropy and education. He served on the boards of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras, JetBlue Airways, and Six Flags Entertainment, and he was an adjunct professor of economics at George Mason University, teaching a self-designed course called Airline Economics. Ben and Marcia, his wife of 38 years, were passionate supporters of science, education, and arts programs through their “Baldanzas Doing Good” fund. Nothing made Ben happier than playing a game of Chinatown or Diemacher with friends and family, traveling to remote places around the world, seeing live music at the Birchmere or Mucky Duck, making ravioli and Christmas cookies, and listening to Enzo play his violin. Ben co-created the popular Airlines Confidential podcast in 2019, which he handed over when his stamina could no longer keep up. Ben played his trombone as long he was able and enjoyed being part of the George Mason University Trombone Choir.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia; their son, Enzo; and family including sisters Lia Farrington and Judy Looker, and a brother, Joe Baldanza. Ben was preceded in death by a brother, Mark (1991); his father, Basil (2008); and his mother, Norma (1983). Ben’s legacy of bold decision-making, leadership, and innovation will be remembered for years to come, as well as his love for and pride in Enzo. In Ben’s final days, he read the many birthday cards and emails sent to him from all parts of his life as he celebrated his 63rd birthday early.

ALS is a tragic and always fatal neurological disorder. While his limbs, lungs, and voice failed him, his enduring sense of humility, curiosity, humor, and optimism prevailed during the nearly three years since his diagnosis. Ben will be missed by many.