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Pictured: Knittel and HayesAirbus announced Monday that C. Jeffrey Knittel is retiring as Chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas, effective June 3. Robin Hayes, the former CEO of JetBlue Airways has been chosen to succeed him.
Knittel came into the role in 2018 and during his time as CEO and Chairman, Airbus has expanded its presence in the Americas, along with its industrial and manufacturing footprint. The company has doubled its commercial aircraft deliveries in the region during Knittel's tenure. He brought 40 years of aviation finance, leasing and manufacturing experience to Airbus and previously served as President of CIT Aerospace and CIT Transportation Finance. Knittel will remain with Airbus during the transition period.
"My time at Airbus has been a privilege and I am immensely proud of what the team has accomplished during our time together," Knittel said. "We significantly increased revenues, grew market share and expanded our presence and operational footprint across all three Airbus businesses. The future is bright for Airbus in the region, as it is well-positioned to continue on its growth trajectory. Robin's vast aviation experience, depth of knowledge and industry relationships make him the right choice at the right time to lead the organization into the future in line with the Company's global ambition. I look forward to watching the team reach new heights under Robin's leadership."
Hayes brings 35 years of global aerospace leadership after serving numerous senior executive roles at British Airways during his 19-year tenure and at JetBlue, where he was CEO for nine years. From 2020 to 2022 Hayes was the Chair of IATA's Board of Governors. In his role with IATA, Hayes backed the association's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Hayes will report to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.
"I am delighted to welcome Robin to Airbus," Faury said. "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."
In his role as Chairman and CEO, Hayes will lead the commercial aircraft business and will be responsible for coordinating among the company's helicopters, space and defense businesses in North America. The region has over 10,000 Airbus employees in 50 different sites. Airbus also spends $15 billion annually with over 2,000 U.S. suppliers in more than 40 states.
"After some time off, I am excited and energized to join Airbus and build on the incredible success in the region," Hayes said. "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 honor for me to take up this opportunity to be part of the Airbus team. Airbus' commitment to safety and decarbonization is incredibly important to me personally, and I am both motivated by and committed to contributing to the Airbus purpose to pioneer sustainable aerospace."