Longtime JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes has announced his retirement, and airline president Joanna Geraghty will succeed him, making her the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline. Hayes, who is 57 years old, will step down on February 12th due to health reasons. In a statement, Hayes expressed his love for working in the industry but acknowledged the toll that the job has taken on his health and well-being.
Geraghty, who has been with JetBlue for nearly 20 years, expressed her pride in the accomplishments of the airline and her excitement to build on its momentum. She aims to execute strategic initiatives, achieve profitable growth, and generate sustainable value for shareholders and stakeholders.
Hayes has been the CEO of JetBlue since early 2015 and has played a crucial role in expanding and growing the airline. He led the development and expansion of JetBlue’s Mint business-class product and spearheaded the airline’s first routes to Europe. Additionally, Hayes focused on growing the airline through partnerships and acquisitions, including an attempted acquisition of Virgin America in 2016.
Under Hayes’ leadership, JetBlue also entered into a close codeshare and frequent flyer partnership with American Airlines called the Northeast Alliance. This partnership defined the airlines’ respective domestic networks for the next two years but was eventually dismantled in 2023 after a judge ruled it anti-competitive.
Hayes’ departure comes at a critical time for JetBlue as it awaits the decision on its planned acquisition of Spirit Airlines. The merger has faced antitrust challenges, with JetBlue arguing that it needs to grow through the acquisition to effectively compete with the dominant “big 4” airlines in the U.S. market. The Department of Justice, however, has raised concerns about the potential impact on fares and competition.
The outcome of the merger trial will significantly impact JetBlue, and it will be Geraghty’s responsibility to navigate the airline forward regardless of the decision. Geraghty has been actively involved in the day-to-day operation and strategic planning of the airline, and she has been increasingly visible as a face of JetBlue in recent years.
Geraghty, 51, started her career as an attorney before joining JetBlue in 2005. She has played a crucial role in the airline’s transatlantic expansion and has been vocal about its bid to acquire Spirit Airlines.
In conclusion, Robin Hayes’ retirement as JetBlue CEO marks a significant transition for the airline, with Joanna Geraghty becoming the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline. The industry will be closely watching Geraghty’s leadership as she navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for JetBlue.