Skift Take
Ben Baldanza, who pioneered the modern ultra-low-cost business model in the U.S. and turned Spirit into one of the most profitable airlines, has died following a battle with ALS.
Ben Baldanza, the former CEO of Spirit Airlines who transformed the ultra-low-cost carrier into a disruptive powerhouse, died on Tuesday. He was 62.
He died from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. His death was announced in a LinkedIn post Wednesday morning.
The economist and airline executive was born in Rome, New York, in 1961.
Baldanza started his career in the airline industry in 1986, when he joined American Airlines, holding finance and revenue management roles.
During his time at American, the company underwent a golden age in the wake of industry deregulation. It developed a hub system, created a frequent flyer program, and found ways to discount far