Flying High: How Jetblue Founder and CEO David Neeleman Beats the Competition... Even in the World's Most Turbulent Industry

James Wynbrandt has penned a well-researched, colorful account of the life and guiding principles of commercial aviation pioneer David Neeleman. The book is written in a clear, straightforward style, and offers insights into what made discount carrier JetBlue an unlikely success. The book appears, however, to reflect Neeleman's artful capacity for generating positive publicity for himself. While this is not exactly a hagiography, once you have read it, you may well envision a halo floating above Neeleman's portrait on the book's jacket. Then again, as Muhammad Ali once said, "If you can do it, it ain't braggin'." Certainly, Neeleman's accomplishments rocked the commercial aviation industry, encouraging the major carriers to launch value-based alternatives such as Ted and Song. We recommend this book to professionals seeking useful ideas to help their businesses gain altitude.

This really isn't a biography of David Neeleman (pronounced "Neel-Mun"). Rather, Wyndbrant carefully integrates relevant information from both Neeleman's life and his career to explain JetBlue's success to date. Neeleman would be the first to point out that, in the airline industry (de-regulated since October 28, 1978), it is a fool's errand to predict which airlines today are totally secure and which are doomed. All airlines have problems which vary only in nature and degree. However, JetBlue is probably in better shape than most others are even as Neeleman explains that how it can become better while becoming larger "is the question that we're wrestling with at JetBlue, and I think it's something that we focus on a lot." He adds, "I believe we are going to be able to...have a thriving, prosperous company, that we're setting the standard in what we're doing in customer service, and that we'll continue to grow in the future." Of special interest to me is what Wyndbrant reveals about the major influences on Neeleman's life and career, notably his membership in the Church of Latter Day Saints, his career successes (e.g. leadership of WestJet and then Morris Air) as well as career failures (e.g. bankruptcy and liquidation of The Hawaii Express and being fired by Southwest Airlines), the impact of having A.D.D., and his efforts to plan, obtain financing for, and then launch JetBlue. With regard to JetBlue's business model, it clearly indicates what Neeleman learned during his associations with the three airlines (WestJet, Morris, and Southwest Airlines). According to Wyndbrant, as JetBlue was about to be launched at John F. Kennedy International Airport in February of 2000, "Neeleman promised New Yorkers -- and the world -- a new kind of economy travel aboard planes with wider, all-leather seats, extra leg room, preassigned seats, and more overhead storage space than other carriers delivered. Moreover, all of this would be provided at a price that was up to 65 percent less than the competition. Furthermore, there would be no requirement for staying at destinations over a Saturday night to qualify for the lowest fare, as the major carriers mandated. Even the price of walk-up tickets would be below standard fares many airlines charged for flights of a similar distance. On the ground, JetBlue would offer quick, computerized, touch-screen check-in. Perhaps most notable of all, in the air, passengers would be able to watch 24 channels of live TV displayed on individual monitors mounted in every seatback. JetBlue would be the first airline in the world to make this entertainment amenity available to all its passengers." This is almost precisely the same business model which enabled JetBlue to attract its senior management team as well as to obtain about $130-million in initial financing. It also explains how JetBlue was able to differentiate itself from various competitors. With all due respect to JetBlue's business plan, leadership, and capital, how

This fast moving, well written book provides a detailed insight into the success of JetBlue and its famed CEO. More than just the operating details of the airline, this book explores its very foundation in the life and personality of JetBlue's CEO. You come away from it thinking of all the ways you can improve your own business, and with a strong appreciation of your customers. Flying High is well written and holds your attention from start to finish. This is definitely a must read.

I was so excited to see this book featured in a recent issue of "Fortune" magazine, which called it an "excellent" read. JetBlue is my favorite airline, and I was happy to see a book had been written about it. This book does a great job of laying out Neeleman's business approach, which he began developing as a young man. I really enjoyed the insider look at how JetBlue was formed. This is truly an inspirational story that even non-JetBlue fans will enjoy.

Very readable and highly entertaining. I haven't even flown on JetBlue, but was curious about the company's history because everyone seems to be talking about it. I was pleased to find that the book offered a combination of JetBlue's history and the CEO's own journey in the business. I really like his way of doing business and how he treats his employees and customers. Hopefully other company executives will read this and apply some of JetBlue's practices as well.