AIR Interview: David Neeleman, Azul

In the middle of a heavily hectic schedule, Mr. David Neeleman, the CEO of Azul Brazilian Airlines had a few moments to spare for a short interview with Airline Industry Review.

Mr. David Neeleman, is a Brazilian born American of Dutch descent and has been a key force in finding some of aviation most revolutionary projects – Morris Air, JetBlue and Azul are to name a few.

I tried to take a little bit different path from a usual aviation interview and ask more about the personal interests of the person in spotlight – let me know of what you think of the interview.

AIR: Mr. Neeleman, tell us a little about your childhood ?
DN: I had loving, supportive parents and brothers and sisters.

AIR: You have helped launch some great airline projects ranging from
Morris
Air to WestJet to JetBlue, what attracted you to aviation in first
sight ?
DN: A fascination with the complexities of aircraft production and customer service.

AIR: Azul means ‘blue’ in English and so did JetBlue, have you known that
your surname Neeleman means ‘blue’ in Sinhalese ( Sri Lanka’s
official
language ) ?
DN: I did not, thanks for letting me know.

AIR: In your opinion, will the recession go even further or are we set
for a upturn ?
DN: Hard to tell, there are some signals that the tide is turning towards something positive.

AIR: Do you have a low cost long-haul project in mind ?
DN: All I think of now is ensuring that Azul is a safe, great airline for Brazilians, both our customers and employees to be proud of, and fly on.

AIR: Do you believe in qualifications or talents when hiring people ?
DN: Of course, I believe every person has their own individual talents and qualification- the challenge is finding the perfect fit.

AIR: What is the most precious thing in life, to you ?
DN: My relationship with God and my family.

AIR: What’s your motto in life ? DN: Just keep trying, do you best.

I am very thankful to Mr. David Neeleman for completing this short interview for me in a very busy time period and would also like to thank Ms. Carol Archer of DGN Corp for making this interview a possibility.