Ben Baldanza *86

Ben died Nov. 5, 2024, of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in Arlington, Va. He was 62.

Born Dec. 3, 1961, in Rome, N.Y., Ben earned a degree in economics from Syracuse in 1984 and an M.P.A. from Princeton in 1986.

His career in the airline industry included positions with American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Parcel Service, Continental Airlines, Grupo TACA, and US Airways. After joining Spirit Airline, he became CEO, creating what he called a “bus with wings” to make flying affordable for all.

An adjunct professor of economics at George Mason University, Ben taught a self-designed course called Airline Economics. His awards and recognitions included Air Transport World’s Joseph S. Murphy Award, the 2024 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, and the Maxwell School of Syracuse University award for exemplary leadership.

Ben served on the boards of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, JetBlue Airways, and Six Flags Entertainment. He and his wife, Marcia, supported science, education, and arts programs through their “Baldanzas Doing Good” fund. A dedicated graduate alumnus, Ben served on the Dean’s Leadership Council and was instrumental in launching the GradFUTURES professional development initiative.

He is survived by Marcia; son Enzo; and siblings Lia, Judy, and Joe. 

Graduate alumni memorials are prepared by the APGA.