Summary
In July 1999, David Neeleman announced his plan to launch a new airline that would bring “humanity back to air travel.” Despite the fact the airline industry had 87 new-airline failures in U.S. over the past 20 years. Neeleman’s plan convinced a group of investors and quickly raised $130 million from venture-capital community. This is the way JetBlue Airways established. With its strong capital base, JetBlue acquired a fleet of new Airbus A320 aircraft and focused on low-cost, point-to-point service to large metropolitan areas with high average fares or highly traveled markets that were underserved. This strategy brought JetBlue Airways an excellent position in the beginning phase. JetBlue Airways started to expand aggressively and remained profitable even after the terrorist attacks of September 2001 by insisting on its low-fare strategy. In April 2002, barely two years since established, JetBlue meet its initial public offering (IPO). The initial price range for JetBlue shares was $22 to $24, but facing sizable excess demand, the management increased the range as $25 to $26. After the whole process of IPO including SEC review and comments, roadshow, pricing, tombstone advertisements, JetBlue finally launched in NASDAQ at $27/share as initial pricing, closed at $45/share on the first day of trading. With the proper strategy in IPO process, JetBlue make a huge success on its IPO.
Questions
Why JetBlue Airways can still remain profitable while most airline companies facing decline after 911 terrorist attacks?
JetBlue had made significant progress in establishing a strong brand image as a safe, reliable, low-fare airline that was highly focused on customer service and enjoyable flying experience. In addition, JetBlue’s target market that focusing on large metropolitan such as New York, Florida, Buffalo is very efficient and well positioned.
What are the important factors in the final IPO valuation?
First, the professional