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By Rosemary Pollock
LDS Businessman's JetBlue is New Model for Discount Airlines
NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- In 1978, "THE" airline to fly was Braniff. If you
wanted a Halston-clad "air hostess" you might find Doreen. She walked the
Braniff way, with her head holding an imaginary string taunt between her
chin and bellybutton. Today, Doreen Lawrence, is walking for JetBlue Airways
and training 250 flight attendants and staff on how to give service with a
retro flair. She is joined in her training by Dean Melonas who also started
his airline career in 1978.
Trainees have their hair cut and make-up re-done by stylists that the
airline has provided. And for good measure everyone, inlcuding the guys,
have to learn how to do the Braniff walk. "There are always a few guys who
are too shy to get out there and strut," Lawrence said.
Based on the votes of 20,000 passengers in a recent Zagat survey, JetBlue is
being called the new role model for discount airlines. The survey was
quoted as saying, "On the business side it appears to be succeeding as well.
It turned a profit after only six months in the air."
Who get the credit? JetBlue's founder, David Neeleman, originally from Salt
Lake City, decided he wanted to give his New York-based airline a sense of
New York style. Each gray leather seat has it's own television. The navy
blue uniforms were designed by Stan Herman. There are no in-flight meals,
just a bag of blue potatoe chips and a beverage.
JetBlue is focusing on good on-time service at a reasonable price. "Dateline
NBC" recently reported that over an eight-month examination of how airlines
treat customers, there is no shortage of rudeness, delays and lies about
lost luggage. Needleman's JetBlue hopes to change all that.
Source:
Jet Blue Airlines: The Skies Are Blue and the Chips Are, Too
New York Times 18Mar01 B4
By Randy Kennedy
See also:
LDS Exec Credits his Genius to ADD
http://www.mormonstoday.com/990808/L4Neeleman01.shtml
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