by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:55 AM ET, Tue April 23, 2024
Airbus announced a major leadership change, with former
JetBlue Airways CEO Robin Hayes selected as the airplane manufacturer’s next
Americas CEO.
Officials from Airbus
revealed that C. Jeffrey Knittel is retiring as Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Airbus Americas, Inc., effective June 3, 2024, but will remain with
the company through the transition period.
Replacing him will be Hayes, who brings 35 years of aviation
leadership, having served in a series of senior executive roles at British
Airways and JetBlue, where he was CEO for nine years. From 2020 to 2022,
Hayes was also Chair of the IATA’s Board of Governors.
Hayes will report to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.
“After some time off, I am excited and energized to join
Airbus and build on the incredible success in the region,” Hayes said. “I have
known Jeff and the Airbus team for well over a decade and I believe they have
done a terrific job leading Airbus in the Americas.”
“It is an honor for me to take up this opportunity to be
part of the Airbus team,” Hayes continued. “Airbus’ commitment to safety and decarbonization
is incredibly important to me personally, and I am both motivated by and
committed to contributing to the Airbus purpose to pioneer sustainable
aerospace.”
As Chairman and CEO, the former JetBlue executive will lead
the commercial aircraft business in North America, as the region has more than
10,000 Airbus employees across 50 sites. In addition, the manufacturer spends
$15 billion annually with more than 2,000 U.S. suppliers in over 40 states.
During Knittel’s tenure, Airbus has grown its presence in
the Americas and expanded its industrial and manufacturing footprint, doubling
the region’s commercial aircraft deliveries.
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