Flying High: How Jetblue Founder and CEO David Neeleman Beats the Competition... Even in the World's Most Turbulent Industry Hardcover - 2004

Summary

First line

David Neeleman claims he still recalls the moment from his second birthday.

From the jacket flap

"While Flying High tells the tale of JetBlue-from how it was founded to the way in which it operates today-this book is the story of David Neeleman. Throughout this fascinating journey, you'll discover the management techniques Neeleman has developed and used over the years, which most observers credit for JetBlue's unparalleled accomplishments. While he applies these rules to running JetBlue, they are truly applicable to every business in every industry."
-From the Introduction

JetBlue is the most impressive airline startup in history and an amazing success story. Its consistent record of profitability has made the carrier shine in an industry that's full of red ink.

Behind it all stands David Neeleman-JetBlue's young, brash, bold, and uncompromising founder and CEO.

Flying High traces Neeleman's spectacular journey from soft-spoken Mormon missionary to the top of the American airline industry. Full of insightful details and interviews with Neeleman's friends, associates, and prominent figures in both business and aviation, Flying High offers an up-close look at how he built a successful company-and changed an entire industry-by breaking the rules and taking good care of his customers. Among other things, you'll discover how Neeleman:

• Learned the travel business from the ground up, then used that knowledge to build his first successful airline-Morris Air
• Sold Morris to Southwest Airlines at age thirty-three, for a $25 million personal profit-and then promptly talked himself out of a job with the company
• Created the technology behind e-ticketing
• Launched a low-fare carrier in Canada, before starting what eventually became known as JetBlue
• Steered JetBlue through the aftermath of 9/11, leading the way with dramatic actions that both improved security and ensured the airline's survival
• Forever changed the flying experience for passengers by introducing such innovations as live in-flight television and unparalleled customer service
• Turned JetBlue into a household name through clever marketing and public relations campaigns

Media reviews

Citations

• Library Journal, 07/05/2004, Page 0