Ben Baldanza

Transformational Leader in the US Airline Industry

Ben Baldanza is a transformational leader in the US Airline industry. As the CEO for Spirit Airlines, he created a new sector of airlines in North America and created an economic powerhouse that created travel opportunity for millions. He has been named as one of the industry’s “25 Most Influential Leaders” twice, and has helped to set trends that have been adopted by the rest of the industry. Prior to Spirit, Ben held executive roles with US Airways, Continental Airlines, and TACA Airlines. He began his career at American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and UPS.

Today Ben serves on the board of directors for multiple airline and non-airline companies. In these independent roles, he provides value from his diverse set of business experiences and willingness to challenge current conventions when necessary. He is competent and current on modern corporate board governance.

Ben has earned degrees from Syracuse University and Princeton University’s Public Policy School, focused on economics, business efficiency, and public policy. He teaches in the Economics program at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA and co-hosts a weekly podcast that is now in the top 1% of all podcasts in terms of weekly listeners.  Ben is married to Marcia Baldanza, a Doctor in Education with a career in public school innovation. They have one son, Enzo Anthony, 15 years old, and live in Arlington, Virginia.