JetBlue changes shouldn't affect workforce in Utah

Even if Utah native David Neeleman is not handling day-to-day operations for JetBlue Airways Corp., the company is expected to retain its presence in the state.

JetBlue, which employs about 1,400 people in Utah, announced Thursday that Neeleman would step aside

as chief executive officer, handing the reins to the airline's longtime president, Dave Barger. Neeleman will remain as non-executive chairman.

JetBlue spokeswoman Alison Eshelman said the company's operations and employment levels in the Salt Lake area are not expected to be negatively affected by the leadership change.

"A lot of our employees living in the Salt Lake City area are reservations agents, and that's something that is part of the model of JetBlue and our success as a company, and our success as a good customer service company," Eshelman said.

"That will not change. The changes come more with (Neeleman) having the ability to move into a more strategic, visionary role and have (Barger) move forward. He's ready and prepared to succeed (Neeleman) in the day-to-day operations."

Neeleman now will focus his attention on the company's long-term vision and strategy, Eshelman said.

Neeleman, who helped build Utah-based regional carrier Morris Air, which was later purchased by Southwest Airlines, founded JetBlue in 1998 and became its chairman in 2002.

The New York-based company serves 52 destinations, including Salt Lake City.

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