Ben Baldanza

Since 2016, Baldanza has been owner and CEO of Diemacher LLC, a consulting firm. Previously, he was CEO, president and director of Spirit Airlines Inc. for 11 years. He held roles at American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Parcel Service, Continental Airlines, the Taca Group, and US Airways. Spirit was losing money until Baldanza took over in 2006. He oversaw the airline's transformation into an "ultra-low cost carrier," an airline that didn't include anything in its base fare and charged extra for seat assignments, snacks, soda and even using the overhead bin. To cram more people into its jets, Baldanza stripped passengers of the ability to recline their seats. He spun the move as making the seats "pre-reclined." Bandanna died in Arlington County, Virginia of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, at the age of 62. Baldanza married Marcia Moshier in 1987. She survives him, along with their son, Enzo; Mr. Baldanza’s sisters, Lia Farrington and Judy Looker; and his brother, Joe.