Airbus Appoints Former JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes as North American CEO and Chairman

Airbus, the European plane manufacturer, announces the appointment of Robin Hayes, former CEO of JetBlue, as the company’s North American leader. Hayes, who served as JetBlue’s CEO for nine years, stepped down from his position on February 12th, marking the end of an era for the airline. At Airbus, Hayes will assume the role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Americas, succeeding Jeff Knittel, who announced his retirement on Monday.

Hayes’ decision to join Airbus follows his departure from JetBlue, where he faced significant challenges during his tenure. Citing health reasons, Hayes made the difficult choice to prioritize his well-being, seeking a new opportunity after taking time off. Hayes’ appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Airbus as it aims to strengthen its position in the North American market, particularly in competition with its American rival, Boeing.

In his new role, Hayes will lead Airbus’ commercial aircraft business in North America and oversee the company’s helicopters and space and defense business in the region. His appointment reflects Airbus’ commitment to leveraging top talent to drive growth and innovation in the competitive aviation industry.

Airbus reported record annual jet orders in 2023, signaling positive momentum for the company. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury expressed optimism about further expansion in North America, emphasizing the importance of Hayes’ industry experience in achieving strategic objectives for the region.

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