The aviation industry mourns the loss of former Spirit Airlines chief executive Ben Baldanza, who passed away on November 5 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 62.
Baldanza, who served as Spirit’s CEO for over a decade, was
instrumental in transforming the budget airline during its crucial growth period in the mid-2000s. After joining the carrier in 2005 as president, he was quickly elevated to the role of CEO, bringing with him extensive experience from his previous positions at American Airlines and Northwest Airlines.
During his tenure, Baldanza became known as a pioneering figure in the airline industry, particularly for developing the low-cost carrier model that has since become widespread. His strategy involved offering minimal base fares while generating additional revenue through ancillary services such as baggage fees – a practice that has now been adopted by many mainstream carriers for their economy class offerings.
The news of Baldanza’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from industry leaders and colleagues. Scott McCartney, his co-host on the Airlines Confidential podcast, praised Baldanza’s legacy, highlighting his role in making air travel accessible to millions through affordable pricing. McCartney remembered him not only as a visionary executive but also as a gifted communicator who could simplify complex concepts.
Former WestJet CEO Gregg Saretsky commemorated Baldanza as an industry maverick who challenged conventional practices, while former Boeing CEO and current NAA Chair Jim Albaugh emphasized Baldanza’s lasting impact on the aviation sector over several decades.
At the time of his death, Baldanza maintained active involvement in the industry, serving on the board of JetBlue Airways. His influence extended beyond aviation, as he also held board positions with the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and Six Flags Entertainment.
Baldanza’s leadership at Spirit Airlines coincided with a significant period of expansion for the Florida-based carrier, which had begun operations in 1990. Under his guidance, the airline expanded its route network substantially, adding both domestic and international destinations including Costa Rica, Haiti, and Venezuela.
Fort Lauderdale-based pilot Wilfredo Rodriguez, who worked under Baldanza’s leadership, remembered him fondly as both an exceptional person and CEO. William Franke, former Spirit chairman and Frontier founder, had previously noted Baldanza’s deep personal investment in the airline’s success, observing that he took criticism of Spirit particularly personally.
Though Baldanza maintained a relatively low profile after his unexpected departure from Spirit in 2016, he continued to share his industry expertise through his aviation podcast. His tenure at Spirit was marked by efforts to achieve profitability, a challenge that continues to face the airline today.
The legacy Baldanza leaves behind is one of innovation and
transformation in commercial aviation. His business model
fundamentally altered how airlines approach pricing and service delivery, creating a template that has influenced both budget and traditional carriers. Through his leadership and strategic vision, he helped democratize air travel, making it more accessible to a broader range of travelers while reshaping industry practices that continue to evolve today.