P.1 Organizational Description: What are your key organizational characteristics? (Begins just below)
a. Organizational Environment
History
JetBlue began operations in 2000 as a well-funded start-up, which afforded us the ability to make significant investments in our product offerings, including all new aircraft equipped with leather seats and Live TV. This product investment combined with superior customer service at low fares led to widespread brand recognition and early success, predominantly with leisure travelers in New York. By the end of 2006, JetBlue employed over 10,000 employees (to whom we refer as Crewmembers), operated500 daily flights with a fleet of 119 aircraft and generated annual revenues exceeding $2 billion. A heavy debt load taken on to finance this rapid early growth, a wide-spread economic recession and record high energy prices led to annual losses in 2005 and 2006. It became clear to us this rate of growth, as then reflected in our aircraft order book, if not moderated, was unsustainable. Over time, we modified our growth rate through the sale and deferral of aircraft. Additionally, we began to structure our network and invest in offerings targeted to attract a higher mix of business travelers, particularly in Boston. At the same time, we allocated growth to Caribbean routes which typically mature to profitability faster than domestic routes. …show more content…
We are the only major U.S. airline which began operations post-deregulation to survive into a second decade of operation on our own. Our continued plans to grow organically and our future success are dependent upon our ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment and enhance shareholder value. We believe we are well-positioned to do