Jet Blue Owner Net Worth (Updated 2025).
David Neeleman, born in Brazil but raised in America, began his career in the airline industry after graduating from BYU with a degree in Portuguese and Spanish. He started as a flight attendant for Morris Air, a regional airline, where he quickly moved up the ranks to become a vice president. His passion for customer service and innovative ideas caught the attention of the industry, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
Jet Blue Owner’s Current Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, JetBlue’s founder and former CEO, David Neeleman, has an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. Neeleman’s wealth is primarily attributed to his stake in JetBlue Airways, which he founded in 1999.
Career
David Neeleman, born in 1959, is a seasoned airline executive. He started his career at Morris Air in 1984, which was later acquired by Southwest Airlines. In 1993, he co-founded and served as the CEO of Morris Air’s successor, WestJet. After leaving WestJet in 1997, Neeleman founded JetBlue Airways in 1999, serving as its CEO until 2007. He then founded Brazil’s Azul Airlines in 2008, which he still chairs today.
Other Ventures
Besides Azul and JetBlue, Neeleman has been involved in other ventures. In 2018, he launched a new low-cost airline, Breeze Airways, focusing on point-to-point routes. He also serves on the board of several companies, including Spirit Airlines and Volotea. Additionally, Neeleman has invested in various startups and tech companies, demonstrating his interest in innovative industries beyond aviation.
Assets
David Neeleman’s assets primarily consist of his stakes in Azul and Breeze Airways, along with his JetBlue holdings. He also owns several properties, including homes in the United States and Brazil. Neeleman’s art collection, featuring works by Brazilian and international artists, is another notable asset. He has been known to display his art collection in the headquarters of his airlines.
Annual Income
As a private individual, David Neeleman’s exact annual income is not publicly disclosed. However, as the founder and majority stakeholder of Azul and Breeze Airways, and a significant shareholder in JetBlue, his income is likely derived from dividends, salaries, and other forms of compensation from these companies. His wealth has primarily grown through his successful entrepreneurial ventures in the airline industry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jet Blue Owner
**Frequently Asked Questions: JetBlue Owner Net Worth**
1. Who is the owner of JetBlue?
JetBlue is owned by David Neeleman, a Brazilian-American businessman. He founded the airline in 1999 and currently serves as its CEO.
2. What is David Neeleman’s net worth?
David Neeleman’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion.
3. How did David Neeleman become the owner of JetBlue?
David Neeleman founded JetBlue in 1999 after raising funds from investors. He served as the airline’s CEO until 2007, then returned to the role in 2018.
4. What other airlines has David Neeleman been involved with?
Before JetBlue, Neeleman founded Morris Air in 1984, which was later acquired by Southwest Airlines. He also founded Azul Brazilian Airlines in 2008.
5. How has JetBlue performed under David Neeleman’s leadership?
JetBlue has experienced significant growth under Neeleman’s leadership. It has expanded its fleet and route network, and has consistently been ranked as one of the top low-cost airlines in the U.S.
6. What is David Neeleman’s background?
David Neeleman was born in Brazil and raised in Utah. He graduated from Utah State University with a degree in accounting.
7. How has JetBlue handled the COVID-19 pandemic?
JetBlue has implemented various measures to ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, including enhanced cleaning procedures, mandatory mask-wearing, and blocking middle seats on some flights.
8. What is JetBlue’s current fleet size?
As of 2021, JetBlue’s fleet consists of over 250 aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Embraer E190 models.
9. Where is JetBlue’s headquarters located?
JetBlue’s headquarters is located in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, New York.
10. What is JetBlue’s mission statement?
JetBlue’s mission statement is “To inspire humanity – both in the air and on the ground.”
