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JOHNNY JET'S Q & A
Jet Blue's ~ David Neeleman

PROFILE

As CEO of JetBlue Airways, Neeleman has launched his third successful aviation business and is realizing his desire to bring humanity back to air travel by offering passengers low fares, friendly service and high quality product. JetBlue was also the first U.S. airline to install bulletproof cockpit doors in planes following the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the first and only airline to install security cameras in passenger cabins for customer and crew safety. Previously, Neeleman co-founded low-fare carrier Morris Air, implementing the industry’s first electronic ticketing system and pioneering a home reservation system which is now the foundation of JetBlue’s unique call center. All calls to JetBlue’s reservation number are handled by reservationists working out of their homes. Following the sale of Morris Air and a short period with Southwest Airlines, Neeleman established Open Skies, the world’s simplest airline reservation system, which he sold to Hewlett-Packard in 1999. That same year, Neeleman brought his combination of high quality service and low fares to one of the nation’s largest aviation markets—New York City. JetBlue Airways was established with $130 million in capital funding from investors including Weston Presidio Capital, George Soros and Chase Capital. In 2001, JetBlue was voted the No. 2 domestic airline in the U.S. for comfort and service by Zagat’s Airline Survey and one of the decade’s top five success stories by Fast Company Magazine. Neeleman has been named one of the Top Ten Entrepreneurs of 2000 by Business Week Magazine, a travel industry innovator by Time, and one of the most influential business travel executives by Business Travel News.

DAVID'S ANSWERS

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL?
While I was at college in Utah, I started my own business packaging trips to Hawaii. I knew someone on Maui with a bunch of holiday condominiums which I then put together with charter airline flights.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU FLY?
I fly on JetBlue at least once a week which gives me a chance to meet and chat with our customers and crew.
IN A YEAR HOW MANY MILES/POINTS DO YOU EARN?
As the CEO of JetBlue, I don’t need to earn points.
WHAT CLASS OF SERVICE DO YOU MOSTLY FLY IN?
Coach. JetBlue’s an all-coach airline and, with our great service and free 24-channel DIRECTV at every leather seat, we have the best coach product in the country. Just ask the Conde Nast Traveler readers who voted us “Best US Airline 2002”.
FAVORITE AIRLINE?
JetBlue, of course.
FAVORITE AIRCRAFT?
Airbus A320
FAVORITE HOTEL?
Don’t have one.

FAVORITE HOTEL AMENITY?
Technology.
FAVORITE City?
I love New York where my family and I now live, but Salt Lake City where I grew up will always hold a special place.
FAVORITE AIRPORT?
Long Beach, CA. It’s just 20 miles south of LAX but it feels like another world. Hassle-free, congestion-free…. And of course, happy , helpful JetBlue crew everywhere.
FAVORITE AIRPORT TO PASS TIME IN?
All of the 20 that JetBlue serves around the country. I like to spend time with JetBlue crewmembers and find out what’s on their minds. I also try to lend a hand whenever I can – handing out headsets, loading bags, etc.
FAVORITE ISLAND?
Manhattan.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
In ‘n’Out Burger
AISLE OR WINDOW?
No preference. On JetBlue I spend very little time in my seat – I’m too busy talking to customers, handing out snacks and chatting with the crew.
ETICKET OR PAPER?
JetBlue is all e-ticketing. In this day and age that paper tickets should go the way of the dinosaurs. I actually helped develop the first e-ticket system when I was with Morris Air in the 1980s.
TRAVEL AGENT OR ONLINE?
Online. It’s easy and it saves money. For example, we offer customers an additional $5 off each way if they buy on jetblue.com.
FAVORITE TRAVEL COMPANION?
My wife Vicki.

FAVORITE TRAVEL WEBSITE?
Jetblue.com. It’s not only where you get our lowest fares, but we have links to deals for hotel rooms and car rentals, as well as some fun stuff like a virtual tour of one of our aircraft.
IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A TROPICAL ISLAND, WHAT THREE ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU?
My blackberry, my Casio calculator watch, diet coke.
WHAT DO YOU HATE MOST ABOUT TRAVEL?
Surly attitudes (on other carriers, of course). I mean, it’s actually enjoyable to be nice to someone and take care of them – isn’t it?
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT TRAVEL?
Connecting people and getting to know other cultures. I travel to appreciate the differences in people around the country and the world.
BEST TRAVEL TIP:
Pack light – and carry a free spirit.