JetBlue announced a series of new initiatives aimed at creating greater access to select career paths, fostering equity by removing barriers to entry and increasing representation in senior leadership.
The airline will introduce two new career development programs, including a new pathway from frontline operational jobs to corporate services roles, and creating opportunities for crewmembers to pursue careers as pilots or aircraft maintenance technicians. According to JetBlue, the programs are designed to help nurture, develop and grow future leaders, and to help alleviate some of the known barriers to entry for some careers, such as financing and fears of leaving a permanent job.
Mike Elliott, Chief People Officer, JetBlue, said:
“We created these initiatives because at JetBlue our crewmembers and culture are key to our success. Our new initiatives will help remove some of the barriers candidates may face so we can better help talent continue to grow. Realizing we don’t all start from the same place, equity and accessibility are at the center of our new crewmember development efforts. These new programs will help us build a more diverse internal pipeline.”
JetBlue also announced new diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals. Noting that the airline lacks diversity in corporate services and senior leadership roles, the company has set new commitments, including doubling race and ethnic minority representation at the officer and director level, from 12.5% today to 25%, and increasing representation of women at the officer and director level, from 32% today to 40% by the end of 2025.
Elliott said:
“Diversity affects our ability to attract and retain top talent, while a more inclusive workplace drives better decision-making and innovation. Our greatest area of improvement is within our officer and director positions where the racial and ethnic composition has remained limited in growth. We can do better. With these commitments, and new programs we’re cultivating a more diverse workforce and charting a path to meet these objectives for both our crewmembers’ development as well as business’ success.”
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