Jetblue announced today that David Neeleman…Jetblue’s founder and CEO, will step down as Chief Executive immediately, a position he has held since he founded the airline. He will remain as non-executive Chairman of the Board and plans to focus on issues like developing JetBlue’s Live TV unit, alternative sources of jet fuel, new forms of electronic ticketing, and opportunities afforded by the open skies agreement between the U.S. and Europe.
Neeleman is replaced by Dave Barger, who has served as President and Chief Operating Officer since the beginning. Neeleman plans to focus on developing long-term vision and strategy, leaving the operation of the business to Barger.
The decision to step down was recommended to Neeleman by the Jetblue board, and said that it has had the change in the works since March, when it hired Russell Chew to be its new Chief Operating Officer. “The board suggested to David that he could best serve the company in a more strategic role. David agreed,” JetBlue spokeswoman Jenny Dervin commented. “The conversation was initiated by the board.”
We doubt it had anything to do in reality with the February meltdown. Neeleman received kudos for his public response and accountability for the disasterous situation…although we wonder if they felt the media would finally abandon the witch hunt if he removed himself. Neeleman’s flight blog is suspiciously silent on a first hand account of the situation…we hope he or Barger or both will continue that practice.
Meanwhile, Jetblue is considering increasing its presence in California as Southwest returns to San Francisco, Delta plans to add LAX as a focus city or hub, and Virgin America preps for business. Jetblue may add flights from LAX itself, as well as Burbank, San Diego, or Ontario. It is unfortunately maxed out at Long Beach which brings it focus to the other airports. As Neeleman put it Wednesday before the news of his resignation broke…the airline sees opportunities in California because fares are now higher on the West Coast than on the East Coast, a reversal of a previous situation.
We will miss Neeleman’s leadership, but understand the need to transition to a more operational frame of mind. In honor of his departure, we will give our Jetblue snow globe a hearty shake…May it remind us of all Jetblue days past…