NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - May 20, 2014) - New York-based JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced that Captain Charles (Bart) Roberts has been named Vice President, Flight Operations reporting to Jeff Martin, Senior Vice President, Operations. In this role, he will be responsible for leading JetBlue's 2,800 pilots across the network.
Captain Roberts comes to JetBlue after a 28-year career with American Airlines where he held a number of leadership positions, including: Chief Pilot, Managing Director Flight Operations (directing all flight operations worldwide, as well as Flight Test, all Fleet Teams, along with regulatory and Ops Spec compliance relative to American's Part 121 Operations Certificate); Fleet Captain; Check Airman; Fleet Training Manager and other roles of progressive responsibility.
Prior to his career at American, Captain Roberts was a member of the United States Navy/Naval Reserve for 25 years. He retired at the rank of Captain (O-6) and held leadership roles including: Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Operations Officer, Maintenance Officer, Pilot NATOPS Officer, and Pilot Training Officer. He was also a City of Dallas Police Officer for many years.
"Captain Roberts is an industry veteran with a strong history of building consensus and bringing pilots, management and regulators together for the good of the airline and the profession," said Mr. Martin. "He is known as a consummate pilot advocate and true professional aviator. We just received our tenth consecutive honor from J.D. Power for highest customer satisfaction among low-cost carriers in North America*, and I believe Captain Roberts' leadership will help lead us to more success. I feel extremely fortunate and honored that Captain Roberts has chosen to join our team."
"I am very pleased to have been offered this opportunity with JetBlue and it is an honor to be able to work with JetBlue's professional pilots and be part of the continued growth of Flight Operations and the airline," said Captain Roberts. "JetBlue has a culture that most corporations in America envy and joining this well-respected group of leaders is a privilege. I look forward to maturing the relationships we have and forging new ones going forward."
Captain Roberts holds type ratings and certificates for the L-188, DC-9, B-727, B-737, B-757/767, B-777, MD-11; CFI, CFII, MEI. The breadth and depth of his experience is matched by his willingness to serve others and advance the pilot profession. Captain Roberts is currently a member of the International Air Transport Association Operations Council (IATA). This distinguished board of recognized aviation industry experts, nominated to their position, represent the worldwide aviation community and advises the IATA Board of Governors. Captain Roberts is a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and a former member of the Airlines for America Ops Council.
About JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), New York, Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 30 million customers a year to 85 cities in the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America with an average of 825 daily flights. New service to Hyannis, Mass. begins June 26. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all fares are one-way, an overnight stay is never required and the first checked bag is free (subject to weight and size limits and exceptions for itineraries including flights marketed or operated by other airlines). For more information please visit JetBlue.com.
* JetBlue received the highest numerical score among five low cost carriers in the proprietary J.D. Power 2005-2014 North American Airline Satisfaction StudiesSM (among all carriers in 2005). 2014 study based on responses from 11,370 passengers who flew on major North American airlines between April 2013 - March 2014. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2013 - March 2014. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.