In a landmark moment for the aviation industry, Joanna Geraghty officially became Chief Executive Officer of JetBlue Airways on February 12, 2024. Her appointment marks the first time a woman has led a major U.S. airline, setting a new precedent in an industry long dominated by male executives.
Geraghty succeeds Robin Hayes, who stepped down after nearly a decade as CEO, citing health reasons. Hayes, who joined JetBlue in 2008 after a career at British Airways, will continue supporting the company in an advisory capacity. His departure signals the end of a transformative chapter and the beginning of a new strategic era under Geraghty’s leadership.
With nearly two decades at JetBlue, Geraghty brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She began her tenure at the airline in 2005 as Vice President and Associate General Counsel, later advancing to Executive Vice President of Customer Experience and Chief People Officer. In 2018, she became President and Chief Operating Officer, managing daily operations and shaping the airline’s commercial direction.
Geraghty takes the reins at a critical juncture for JetBlue. The airline has posted nearly $3 billion in cumulative losses since 2020, a period marred by pandemic disruptions and operational challenges. In response, JetBlue has launched a comprehensive turnaround plan that includes the rollout of first-class seating, the opening of airport lounges in New York and Boston, and a significant overhaul of its route network.
As part of this strategic shift, the airline is exiting 16 cities and cutting more than 50 routes. JetBlue is refocusing its efforts on core East Coast and Caribbean destinations, while simultaneously expanding its international footprint. New transatlantic flights from Boston to Madrid and Edinburgh are part of the company’s push to increase revenue and optimize fleet utilization.
Geraghty’s elevation to the top job has been met with widespread acclaim from both within and outside the aviation sector. Emily Wicker, president of the Advancing Women in Aviation Roundtable, hailed the move as “a really important win for women in aviation.” For her part, Geraghty expressed gratitude and optimism, stating, “I am honored and excited to serve as the next CEO of JetBlue. With a beloved brand, an industry-leading customer experience, a unique culture, and the industry’s best crewmembers, JetBlue has long been a disruptor.”
In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Geraghty is active in public service. She serves on the boards of L3Harris Technologies and Airlines for America, and chairs Concern Worldwide U.S., a humanitarian nonprofit focused on tackling poverty and disaster relief globally.
As Geraghty begins her tenure, the aviation industry will be watching closely to see whether her leadership can steer JetBlue back to profitability while maintaining its identity as an innovative and customer-focused carrier. With a mix of deep institutional knowledge and a bold vision for the future, she is poised to lead the airline through its next phase of growth and transformation.
