David Neeleman

Date of Birth: October 16, 1959

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Biography

David Neeleman is a prominent Brazilian-American businessman, best known for his influential role in the aviation industry. Born in Brazil and raised in the United States, Neeleman co-founded and launched several successful airlines, including Morris Air, WestJet, JetBlue Airways, Azul Brazilian Airlines, and Breeze Airways. His innovative approaches to customer service and airline efficiency have made him a significant figure in the airline industry. Neeleman began his career in the airline business in 1984 with Morris Air, which introduced the concept of e-ticketing before being acquired by Southwest Airlines in 1993. He then played a crucial role in the establishment of WestJet in Canada in 1996. However, his most notable achievement came in 1998 when he founded JetBlue Airways, which revolutionized the industry with its customer-centric focus and low-cost model. Despite his departure from JetBlue in 2007, Neeleman continued to innovate by founding Azul Brazilian Airlines in 2008 and Breeze Airways in 2021.

5 Interesting Facts about David Neeleman

1. David Neeleman holds dual citizenship in Brazil and the United States.

2. He suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and has attributed his success to his ability to think differently because of it.

3. Neeleman is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and served a two-year mission in Brazil.

4. He was once a ticket agent for Southwest Airlines before founding his own airlines.

5. Neeleman is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in improving educational opportunities and healthcare services in Brazil.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from David Neeleman

1. “We are in the customer service business; we just happen to run an airline.”

2. “Innovation is taking two things that already exist and putting them together in a new way.”

3. “The world is changing, and we have to change with it.”

4. “Our mission is to bring humanity back to air travel.”

5. “If you have a great experience, you tell two people. If you have a bad experience, you tell ten.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

David Neeleman’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $400 million.

Children

David Neeleman has ten children. His large family has been a significant part of his life, and he has often mentioned the importance of family in his personal and professional endeavors.