Airbus has selected former JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes to head up its operations in North America following the retirement of Airbus Chairman and Chief Executive Jeffrey Knittel on 3 June 2024.
Hayes will lead the commercial aircraft business and will have responsibility for coordination among the company’s helicopters and space and defence businesses in North America and will report to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.
He brings with him over 35 years of aerospace leadership experience, having held senior roles at British Airways and, most recently, JetBlue.
“I am delighted to welcome Robin to Airbus,” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. “Together with the leadership team, we’re looking forward to having Robin and his vast industry experience onboard to further deliver on our strategic objectives for the region across all the Airbus businesses and further grow our North American footprint.”
“I am excited and energised to join Airbus and build on the incredible success in the region. I have known Jeff [Knittel] 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 honour for me to take up this opportunity to be part of the Airbus team,” said Hayes.