Robin Hayes travel tips

The largest flight attendants union, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, is backing the proposed $3.8 billion merger of JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines as part of a new agreement with the latter carrier.

Call it a comeback, perhaps.

Former JetBlue Airways CEO Robin Hayes is joining Airbus as the company’s lead for North America.

Former JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes made around $10.8 million in total compensation in 2023, his highest take home pay in the past two years, according to a proxy statement JetBlue filed Friday.

JetBlue told crewmembers on Tuesday that it is cutting a slate of routes as part of its strategy to restore profitability following the termination of the Spirit Airlines merger. 

JetBlue has had a rough few years. Its attempts at growth — whether through the Northeast Alliance with American Airlines or its merger with Spirit Airlines — have been struck down in court. 

After the stinging losses of the Northeast Alliance and a merger with Spirit Airlines, JetBlue is now focused on other ways to achieve profitability. 

It’s back to the future for JetBlue. The airline has confirmed that one of its best-known former executives will be returning to the company later this month. 

JetBlue is coming full circle.

JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines announced plans to appeal the decision by a United States federal judge to block a potential merger between the two carriers based on violations of antitrust laws.

Longtime JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes will retire, the airline announced Monday, and will be succeeded by airline president Joanna Geraghty.

Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue’s chief operating officer and president, will become the carrier’s next CEO starting February 12, making her the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline. 

The chief executive of JetBlue Airways, Robin Hayes, said on Monday that he planned to step down after nine years in the role and while in the middle of trying to carry out a merger with Spirit Airlines that could reshape the industry, if it isn’t blocked in court.

A revolt?

The CEO of JetBlue Airways testified in court on Monday that the company’s proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines is a critical part of his plan to turn the airline into a more significant competitor to the four largest U.S. air carriers.

New details about JetBlue and Spirit Airlines continue to emerge as the airlines face off with the Department of Justice in antitrust court.

JetBlue is phasing out more than a dozen routes across its network, significantly decreasing connectivity in the northeast.

JetBlue Airways had a rough third quarter, as weather-related disruptions and surging jet fuel costs weighed on profits.

JetBlue will be heading to Dublin and Edinburgh this summer in its latest transatlantic expansion, the airline announced on Wednesday.

Last week, as weather and airline staffing woes roiled air travel yet again, fliers hoping for a post-summer respite got some unwelcome news: the air traffic controller shortage is so severe that it could hobble airline operations for the next five years—or more, according to industry officials.

The FAA has extended waivers allowing airlines to cut back on service at New York City-area airports due to the ongoing air traffic control staffing shortage.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, September 14. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.