JetBlue CEO Neeleman Steps Down

Filed in archive Aviation News on May 10, 2007

Today, David Neeleman stepped down as CEO of Jetblue amid overwhelming customer service issues. Three months ago, the airline suffered a public relations nightmare when two winter storms forced them to cancel over 1,700 flights, a few which left passengers stranded on planes for over 17 hours. These cancellations cost the airline over $41 million. He's being replaced by president Dave Berger, but will remain as chairman.

I think the board has been talking about this for a long time," Neeleman said in an interview.

Still, its quite a change for a business whose brand, some analysts say, became intertwined with Neeleman's personality.

"He has embodied the personalized service of that airline," said Richard Levick, president and CEO of Levick Strategic Communications in Washington.

However, pure energy can only carry a chief executive so far.

"While Neeleman's infectious enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit was perfect for the company in its early start-up and hyper growth phases, as the company matures, a renewed focus on operations will likely make JetBlue a stronger business," wrote William Greene, an analyst at Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc., in a research note.

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