Former JetBlue Airways CEO Robin Hayes Appointed Head of Airbus’ North American Operations
Airbus, the European plane maker, announced the appointment of Robin Hayes, former CEO of JetBlue Airways, as the new head of its North American operations.
Hayes will assume the role after C. Jeffrey Knittel’s retirement as chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas on June 3. Hayes stepped down from his position at JetBlue in February after nine years at the helm.
As head of Airbus’ North American operations, Hayes will be responsible for the company’s commercial aircraft business in Herndon, Virginia. He will also coordinate activities among Airbus’ helicopter, space, and defense businesses in theAmericas.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury expressed his confidence in Hayes’ ability to contribute to the company’s strategic objectives in the region and expand its North American footprint.
This appointment follows Airbus’ announcement earlier this month of a 12% increase in jet deliveries in the first quarter of 2023. The company remains ahead of its U.S. rival Boeing, which delivered 83 commercial airplanes during the same period.
Boeing has faced scrutiny following an in-flight emergency in January, leading to renewed safety concerns and the Federal Aviation Administration’s suspension of the 737 MAX production expansion.
In contrast, Airbus reported record annual jet orders in January for 2023, maintaining its top spot in aircraft manufacturing against Boeing for the fifth consecutive year.
