CNN
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Former JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes will be a part of Airbus as the corporate’s North American chief.
Hayes, JetBlue’s CEO for 9 years, stepped down from the put up on February 12. Hayes will take over the position of chairman and chief govt officer of Airbus Americas from Jeff Knittel, who introduced his retirement on Monday.
Hayes’ appointment comes at an vital time for Airbus, because the European airplane producer seeks to win enterprise from its American competitor Boeing after a series of missteps by its rival.
Airbus reported record annual jet orders in 2023, however in a press release Monday, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury hinted at plans for additional growth in North America.
“Along with the management crew we’re wanting ahead to having Robin and his huge trade expertise onboard to additional ship on our strategic targets for the area throughout all of the Airbus companies and additional develop our North American footprint,” Faury mentioned in a statement.
The announcement of Hayes’ Airbus appointment comes simply over two months after he left JetBlue, which has a fleet of Airbus planes. Hayes mentioned that the decision was made primarily based on the recommendation of his physician and after talking together with his spouse.
“The extraordinary challenges and strain of this job have taken their toll,” Hayes mentioned in a January assertion. “It’s time I put extra deal with my well being and well-being.”
In a press release Monday, Hayes mentioned he was excited and energized to hitch Airbus after taking break day.
As chairman and CEO of the North American enterprise, Hayes will lead Airbus’ industrial plane enterprise and oversee the corporate’s helicopters and area and protection enterprise within the area.