Robin Hayes, the former CEO of JetBlue Airways, has been selected to succeed C. Jeffrey Knittel as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Americas, effective June 3, 2024. Hayes, with a wealth of experience in global aerospace leadership, will take the helm after Knittel’s tenure as the region’s top executive since 2018.
Hayes brings with him an impressive 35 years of global aerospace leadership, having held senior executive positions at British Airways over a 19-year period and serving as CEO of JetBlue for nine years. Notably, from 2020 to 2022, Hayes chaired the Board of Governors for the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where he staunchly advocated for the association’s objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In his new role, Hayes will report directly to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury expressed his enthusiasm about Hayes joining Airbus, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Robin to Airbus. 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 want to thank Jeff for his many contributions to Airbus’ success over the years, and I wish him all the best for a well-deserved retirement.”
As Chairman and CEO, Hayes will lead the commercial aircraft business, and will have responsibility for coordination among the company’s helicopters, space and defense businesses in North America. The region has more than 10,000 Airbus employees across 50 sites. Additionally, Airbus spends US$15 billion annually with more than 2,000 U.S. suppliers in over 40 states.
Expressing his excitement about joining Airbus, Hayes remarked, “After some time off, I am excited and energised to join Airbus and build on the incredible success in the region. I have known Jeff 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.” He added: “Airbus’ commitment to safety and decarbonisation is incredibly important to me personally, and I am both motivated by and committed to contributing to the Airbus purpose to pioneer sustainable aerospace.”
During Knittel’s tenure, Airbus has significantly bolstered its presence in the Americas, expanding its industrial and manufacturing footprint and doubling commercial aircraft deliveries in the region. Knittel’s wealth of experience in aviation finance, leasing, and manufacturing, including his prior role as President of CIT Aerospace and CIT Transportation Finance, has been instrumental in Airbus’ growth and success.
