Pilotcenter.net News is saddened to report the passing of Ben Baldanza, a prominent figure in the US airline industry, on November 5, 2024, at the age of 62. Known for his time as CEO of Spirit Airlines from 2005 to 2016, Baldanza was instrumental in transforming the carrier into an ultra-low-cost airline, a strategy that has since influenced other airlines.

After his tenure at Spirit Airlines, Baldanza served on the board of JetBlue, where he was part of the unsuccessful bid to acquire Spirit Airlines for $3.6 billion in 2022. Outside of his corporate roles, Baldanza was active in the industry, sharing insights on LinkedIn and co-hosting the popular podcast 'Airlines Confidential'. His contributions were recognized with various awards, including the prestigious Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, which he was set to receive posthumously in December 2024.

Sadly, Baldanza was diagnosed with ALS in 2022, leading to his gradual retreat from the public eye due to health reasons. Despite his illness, he made efforts to stay engaged, even utilizing AI technology to ensure his voice continued to be heard. His perseverance and dedication to the industry leave a lasting legacy that will be remembered by many in the aviation community.