UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549  
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 17, 2018
JETBLUE-LOGOA61.JPG
JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 000-49728
87-0617894
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
 (Commission File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
27-01 Queens Plaza North, Long Island City, New York
11101
(Address of principal executive offices) 
 (Zip Code)
(718) 286-7900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨







Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

(b) On May 17, 2018, Mr. James Hnat, age 47, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of JetBlue Airways Corporation (the “Company” or “JetBlue”), who has been with the Company since 2001, notified the Company that he has decided to retire. Mr. Hnat will retire as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary on June 30, 2018, and he will remain employed in a senior advisor role through December 31, 2018 to assist with the transition. The Company thanks Mr. Hnat for his many years of service.

(c) On May 17, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Joanna Geraghty, the Company’s Executive Vice President Customer Experience, as President and Chief Operating Officer effective June 1, 2018. In this new role, Ms. Geraghty will assume responsibility for the day to day airline operations.

Ms. Geraghty, age 45, joined JetBlue in 2005 as Director Litigation & Regulatory Counsel. She subsequently served as Vice President, Associate General Counsel; Executive Vice President, People; and, since 2014, has led the Company’s Customer Experience teams. There are no arrangements or understandings between Ms. Geraghty and any other person pursuant to which she was appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Geraghty does not have any family relationship with any director or other executive officer of the Company or any person nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer. There are no transactions in which Ms. Geraghty has an interest requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K currently contemplated or since the beginning of the last fiscal year.

(e) In connection with her appointment as President and Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Geraghty will be paid an annual base salary of $490,000, have a bonus opportunity of 75% of base salary at target; and short-term target equity opportunity of $475,000 in restricted stock units (RSUs) to vest over three years, to be issued in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2011 Plan”) and the respective Award Agreement. She will also have a long-term performance-based target equity opportunity of $625,000 in performance stock units (PSUs) for the performance period 2018-2020 pursuant to the 2011 Plan and the 2018-2020 PSU Award Agreement.
  
In connection with his retirement from the Company, JetBlue and Mr. Hnat have entered into a separation agreement (the “Separation Agreement”) dated May 17, 2018, under which Mr. Hnat will receive the EVP-level benefits under the Company’s severance plan plus a special bonus of $500,000 in recognition of Mr. Hnat’s significant efforts during his 17 year tenure with the airline to build and develop the legal department, to support innovation with the formation and start up of JetBlue Technology Ventures and JBTP, LLC, and to nurture the Company’s culture during periods of significant growth. In addition, the Company has offered, and Mr. Hnat has accepted employment as an advisor through December 31, 2018, compensated at approximately $60,833 per month, plus relocation support of up to $30,000. The agreement includes reasonable and customary contractual provisions, including indemnification, non-disparagement, non-competition and cooperation provisions. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s pass travel programs as may be amended from time to time, he will receive flight benefits during the advisory period and, as a result of his tenure and age, he has earned lifetime positive space travel on JetBlue under the Company’s policies. He will not be eligible for any other annual incentive or equity awards in 2018.





The above description of the Separation Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Separation Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02(e). Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this report have the meanings given them in the Separation Agreement.


Item 5.07 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

On May 17, 2018, the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of the Company was held. There were 317,568,686 shares of common stock entitled to be voted, and 295,501,300 shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting. The stockholders of the Company voted on three items:

1.
To elect nine directors nominated by the Board of Directors to serve until the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders;
2.
To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018; and
3.
To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.

All matters voted upon at the Annual Meeting were approved. The results are as follows:

1.
The nominees for director received the following votes:
NAME
FOR
AGAINST
ABSTAIN
BROKER NON-VOTES
Peter Boneparth
248,704,963
3,837,275
214,629
42,744,433
Virginia Gambale
247,759,356
4,793,829
203,682
42,744,433
Stephan Gemkow
247,553,766
4,986,252
216,849
42,744,433
Robin Hayes
248,607,979
3,970,710
178,178
42,744,433
Ellen Jewett
248,879,613
3,673,452
203,802
42,744,433
Stanley McChrystal
246,348,871
6,200,433
207,563
42,744,433
Joel Peterson
244,536,426
8,013,443
206,998
42,744,433
Frank Sica
241,772,125
10,766,527
218,215
42,744,433
Thomas Winkelmann
248,557,426
3,991,022
208,419
42,744,433

2.
The proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 was approved based upon the following votes received:
Votes For
290,626,675
Votes Against
4,208,510
Abstentions
666,115

There were no broker non-votes for this item.

3.
The proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers was approved based upon the following votes received:





Votes For
246,669,764
Votes Against
5,620,698
Abstentions
466,405
Broker non-votes
42,744,433


Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

On May 18, 2018, the Company issued two press releases announcing the changes to the Company’s leadership structure disclosed under Item 5.02 above. Copies of the press releases are furnished as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 herewith.

References to the Company's website in the release do not incorporate by reference the information on such website into this report, and the Company disclaims any such incorporation by reference. The information in this Item 7.01 is being "furnished" in satisfaction of the public disclosure requirements of Regulation FD and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. It may be incorporated by reference in another filing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the Securities Act of 1933 only if and to the extent such subsequent filing specifically references the information incorporated by reference in this Item 7.01.


Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
 
 
 
 
Exhibit
Number

  
Description
10.1

 
99.1

  
99.2

 

*


 
Furnished herewith.  



 
Compensatory plans in which the directors and executive officers of JetBlue participate.









SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 18, 2018
 
By:
/s/ Alexander Chatkewitz
 
 
 
 
Vice President, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)




AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
This Agreement and General Release (hereinafter, the “ Agreement ”) offered to James Hnat (the “ Executive ”) by JetBlue Airways Corporation (the “ Company ”) is dated as of May 17, 2018.
WHEREAS, the parties have determined that the Executive shall relinquish his role as Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary effective June 30, 2018 (the “ End of Full-Time Service Date ”).
WHEREAS, the Company desires and the Executive agrees to remain as a Senior Advisor on an at will basis from June 30, 2018 through December 31 2018 (the “ Advisory Period ”), unless terminated by either party sooner; and
WHEREAS, Executive will terminate his employment with the Company on December 31, 2018, or sooner as provided herein (the “ Termination Date ”): and
WHEREAS, this agreement, when executed by the Executive and the Company in accordance with the terms hereof, shall be effective as of the End of Full-Time Service Date; and
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions set forth below, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the Company and the Executive covenant and agree as follows:
1. Separation . The Executive shall separate from his position of Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company as of the End of Full Time Service Date, and will be employed in the alternate full-time position of Senior Advisor from July 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 (the “ Advisory Period ”).
2.      Payment and Benefits . Provided that the Executive executes this Agreement within twenty-one days of May 17, 2018, does not revoke this Agreement as provided herein, and signs and does not revoke the Reaffirmation attached as Exhibit A within the time afforded him and remains in compliance with this Agreement or any other agreement to which he is subject, then in consideration for the Executive’s obligations herein, the Company shall provide the following payments and benefits:
(a)      Payments to Executive :
(i)      During the Advisory Period, Executive shall continue to be actively employed by the Company and shall receive a Base Salary at the annual rate of SEVEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($730,000.00) (the “ Base Salary ”), less all applicable withholdings and deductions, payable in equal installments on the Company’s regularly scheduled payroll dates during the Advisory Period; provided however, that either the Company or the Executive may terminate employment as a Senior Advisor at will at any time, subject to the provisions herein. During the Advisory Period, the Executive may perform his duties in, including but not limited to, any of the following jurisdictions: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Monaco, Nevada, New York, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C. or Wyoming, and shall not be required to regularly attend the Company’s offices, access Company electronic systems, or conduct any business on behalf of the Company, other than in the performance of specific projects as requested by the Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee, for which the Executive shall allocate sufficient business time, skill, and effort. Should the Chief Executive Officer request an in person meeting, Executive will attend in person at requested location. Unless otherwise altered by the Chief Executive Officer, Executive’s duties during the Advisory Period shall include, without limitation, advising the Company as regards JetSuite, Inc., JetSuiteX and JetBlue Technology Ventures. Executive shall further remain available to, and shall assist in a timely and professional manner with the transition of Executive’s duties as requested by the Company. All reasonable travel and related expenses incurred by Executive in the fulfillment of his duties during the Advisory Period will be reimbursed in accordance with the applicable expense reimbursement policies and procedures of the Company as in effect from time to time. During the Advisory Period Executive shall remain an employee and shall continue to be bound by all policies, duties, and procedures except as otherwise provided herein; provided, however, that Executive shall no longer accrue Paid Time Off during the Advisory Period nor be eligible for any newly granted equity awards.
(ii)      Effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2018, or sooner pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (if so provided in accordance with its terms) the Executive shall terminate employment and shall thereinafter (provided he signs and does not revoke the Reaffirmation attached as Appendix A in accordance with its terms thereof) receive compensation as provided in the JetBlue Airways Corporation Severance Plan (the “ Severance Plan ”) in accordance with the terms thereof. For the sake of clarity and without duplication, pursuant to the Severance Plan, the cash severance period pursuant to Article IV of the Severance Plan shall be twenty-four (24) months salary continuation, and his Pro-Rated Annual Average Bonus of $134,250.
(iii)      In addition to the payments provided herein, Executive shall receive a special bonus payment in a lump sum amount of FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($500,000.00)(the “ Special Bonus Payment ”), less all applicable withholdings and taxes, which shall be payable on the first pay period after July 1, 2018.
(iv)      During the Advisory Period, Executive shall be reimbursed up to $5,000 for (a) taking continuing legal education (“CLE”) classes, and (b) up to three bar memberships. Any reimbursement pursuant to this section shall be evidenced by proper evidence of payment and in all cases shall be subject to the Company’s policies.
(v)      In the event that the Executive terminates the Advisory Period by resignation prior to December 31, 2018, or if his employment terminates by way of “Cause” (as defined in the Severance Plan) his entitlement to any further compensation pursuant to this Agreement shall cease, he shall be required to return the Special Bonus Payment made prior to his resignation, and his termination shall be considered a resignation without Good Reason for all purposes pursuant to the Severance Plan. Should the Company terminate Executive’s employment as a Senior Advisor without Cause (as defined in the Severance Plan), or, should the Executive die or become disabled, the Company shall include any remaining salary payments due to him through the Advisory End Date into a lump sum payment, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, to be made within 15 business days of the Executive’s execution and non-revocation of the Reaffirmation attached as Appendix A payable to Executive (or his designated beneficiary). In addition, the amounts otherwise payable subsequent to the Termination Date pursuant to the Severance Plan shall remain payable, with the date of such termination thereinafter being utilized for all purposes as a termination date pursuant to the Severance Plan.
(vi)      If Executive is unable to execute Appendix A due to death or disability, any payments otherwise conditioned on such execution will be paid to his designated beneficiary, regardless.
(b)      401(k) . The Company shall continue to make 401(k) matching contributions, if any, on behalf of the Executive during the Advisory Period, subject to the terms of the applicable plan.
(c)      Benefits . The Company agrees to continue the Executive’s existing medical and dental benefits during the Advisory Period, subject to the terms and conditions of the plans. Benefit continuation thereinafter shall be subject to and pursuant to the terms of the Severance Plan, i.e., through December 31, 2019.
(d)      Flight Benefits . Executive is entitled to his current JetBlue CrewTravel privileges during the Advisory Period and lifetime positive space flight benefits on JetBlue subject to the terms of JetBlue’s pass travel programs and any future changes to those programs including, but not limited to, any changes as may be required by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Executive shall be permitted to add a spouse to his flight benefits following his separation from JetBlue, in accordance with the terms of JetBlue’s pass travel programs.
(e)      Restricted Stock Units and Performance Share Unit Grants . The Company agrees that there are 32,293 outstanding Restricted Stock Units and 22,596 Performance Share Unit held by the Executive, which will be treated per the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and agreements, in each case as effected by the Severance Plan, as more specifically provided in Schedule 1 annexed hereto.
(f)      Career Transition. Executive shall be reimbursed up to $40,000 to be used for career transition support as determined by Executive as provided in the Severance Plan.
(g)      Moving Expenses . The Company agrees to pay relocation costs for the Executive up to a maximum of $30,000, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Company relocation plan, from his current residence located in New York, NY (the “ Current Residence ”), to a location within the United States to be designated by Executive, provided Executive relocates and provides notice of such relocation on or before the conclusion of the Severance Period.
(h)      OAL Retiree Flight Privileges. The Company agrees to assist Executive in obtaining OAL retiree flight privileges (and badge to the extent JetBlue issues such badges) upon Executive meeting the requirements of age plus years of service (minimum 10 years) adding up to 65.
(i)      Executive Physical. Executive shall be eligible to have an executive physical in 2018 pursuant to the Company’s existing program.
3.      No Other Payments or Benefits . Except for the payments and benefits provided for in Paragraph 2 of this Agreement, and those accrued but unused benefits and obligations to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Executive is not entitled to any other compensation or benefits of any kind from the Company, including, but not limited to, any claims for salary, bonuses, severance, or any other payments or benefits whatsoever under any Company plan or program. The obligations assumed by the Company in Section 2 of this Agreement reflect consideration provided to Executive over and above anything of value to which Executive already is entitled, and Executive acknowledges and agrees that no other sums or amounts are or will be due or owing to him and expressly waives any rights or claims to additional sums, amounts, privileges, or benefits not expressly provided for in this Agreement, whether written, oral, express or implied. The Executive’s equity grants shall be governed by the terms of the applicable plans as may be amended from time to time.
4.      Release . In consideration of the obligations of the Company herein, specifically some of the payment and benefits described in Paragraph 2 of this Agreement, of which the Executive acknowledges that the Executive is not otherwise entitled, the Executive hereby fully and forever unconditionally releases and discharges the Company and all of its past or present officers, directors, employees, insurers, agents, subsidiaries, successors and assigns (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “ Releasees ”), from any and all manner of actions and causes of action, suits, debts, dues, accounts, bonds, covenants, contracts, agreements, judgments, charges, claims and demands whatsoever which the Executive, the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and assigns has, or may hereafter have against the Releasees arising out of or by reason of any cause, matter or thing whatsoever occurring on or before the Effective Date of this Agreement, including, but without limitation to, any or all matters relating to the Executive’s employment by the Company and the separation thereof, the Executive’s benefits, and all matters arising under any international, federal, state, or local statute, rule or regulation or principle of contract law or common law, in law or in equity, including, but not limited to, claims arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, all as amended, and any other federal, state or local laws regarding employment discrimination, excepting only claims for worker’s compensation, unemployment compensation , rights of indemnification pursuant to governing bylaws and/or charter documents, and rights arising after the Effective Date of this Agreement (until and unless released in the Reaffirmation) and rights under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“ COBRA ”). Nothing in this agreement prohibits Executive from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or regulatory authority, including but not limited to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation (collectively, “ Excluded Claims ”).
(a)      Covenant not to Sue . Executive represents and agrees that Executive has not filed any claim, charge, allegation, or complaint for monetary damages, whether formal, informal, or anonymous, with any governmental agency, department or division, whether federal, state or local, relating to any Released Party in any manner, including without limitation, any Released Party’s business or employment practices. Executive covenants and agrees never, individually or with any person or entity or in any way, to commence, aid in any way, prosecute or cause or permit to be commenced or prosecuted against any Released Party any action or other proceeding, including, without limitation, an arbitration or other alternative dispute resolution procedure, based upon any claim, demand, cause of action, obligation, damage, or liability that is the subject of the general release of claims contained in Section 4 of this Agreement (the “ Release ”) or is in connection with Executive’s employment or service with any Releasee or the termination thereof, excluding the Excluded Claims. If Executive takes any action to commence, aid in any way, prosecute or cause to permit to be commenced or prosecuted any action or proceeding against the Released Party that is the subject of the Release or is in connection with Executive’s employment or service with any Releasee or the termination thereof, excluding the Excluded Claims, or if Executive breaches this Agreement in any way, the Company’s obligation to provide any payments pursuant to Section 2 shall immediately cease and, promptly after the date of such action by Executive, Executive must repay to the Company (other than $1.00) any portion of the payments made pursuant to Section 2 previously paid. Executive also agrees to pay the attorneys’ fees and costs, or the proportions thereof, incurred by the applicable Releasee in defending against those claims. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement precludes Executive from challenging the validity of the Release under the requirements imposed by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ ADEA ”), and Executive shall not be responsible for reimbursing the attorneys’ fees and costs of any Releasee in connection with a challenge under the ADEA to the validity of the Release. However, Executive acknowledges that the Release applies to all claims that he has under the ADEA, and that unless the Release is held to be invalid, all such ADEA claims shall be extinguished.
5.      Restrictive Covenants .
(a)      Non-Compete . The parties agree the Executive may not engage in any other paid work during the Advisory Period, including without limitation, Competitive Activity, which shall be defined as directly or indirectly owning, managing, operating, joining, controlling or participating in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or be employed by, any air carrier with its base of operations in North, Central or South America (the “ Competitive Airlines ”). To the extent the Executive engages in Competitive Activity prior to December 31, 2018, the Executive’s employment shall terminate, the Company’s obligation to make and/or continue future payments and benefits under this Agreement shall terminate, and the Executive shall be required to repay to the Company any payments and benefits previously paid to him (other than amounts required by law and $1.00) under this Agreement within 3 business days of him engaging in the Competitive Activity. The Executive must notify JetBlue Airways Corporation, 27-01 Queens Plaza North, Long Island City, New York 11101, Attention: General Counsel within 5 business days of his intent to resign his employment during the Advisory Period.
(b)      Non-Solicit . Unless the Company agrees and provides written consent to the contrary, the Executive agrees that during the Advisory Period, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly (i) interfere with or attempt to interfere with any person who is, or was during the then most recent 12-month period, an employee, officer, representative or agent of the Company or its affiliates, or solicit, induce or attempt to solicit, induce any of them to leave the employ of the Company or its affiliates or violate the terms of their contracts, or any employment arrangements, with the Company or its affiliates; (ii) induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company or its affiliates to leave the employ of the Company or its affiliates, or interfere in any way with the relationship between the Company or its affiliates and any employee of the Company or its affiliates; or (iii) induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee or other business relation of the Company or its affiliates to cease doing business with the Company or its affiliates, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or its affiliates and any of their respective customers, suppliers, licensees or other business relations. As used herein, the term “ indirectly ” shall include, without limitation, the Executive’s permitting the use of the Executive’s name by any competitor of the Company to induce or interfere with any employee or business relationship of the Company.
(c)      Remedies . Executive acknowledges that, in view of the nature of the Company’s business and his prior position with the Company, the restrictions contained in Paragraphs 5(a) and 5(b) of this Agreement are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and that any violation of those provisions would result in irreparable injury to the Company. In the event of a breach, the Company shall be entitled to all available legal and equitable remedies of law, including, but not limited to a temporary restraining order and injunctive relief restraining the Executive from the commission of any breach (without proving actual damages or posting a bond or other security).
(d)      The courts shall be entitled to modify the duration and scope of any restriction contained in Paragraph 5 of this Agreement to the extent such restriction would otherwise be unenforceable, and such restriction as modified shall be enforceable.
(e)      The Parties understand and agree that notwithstanding Executive’s duties hereunder, both during the Advisory Period and thereinafter, he may engage in teaching, serve on corporate and non-profit boards, and engage in other consulting activities.
6.      Company Property . The Executive shall retain use of all Company property in the Executive’s possession during the Advisory Period. Thereafter as of the Termination Date, or earlier upon request, the Executive shall return all Company property. After giving effect to the return of the property discussed herein, the Executive represents and warrants that the Executive has no Company records or copies of records or correspondence or copies of correspondence, other than non-confidential documents relating to the Executive’s own employment by the Company.
7.      Non-Disparagement . The Executive agrees that the Executive will not publish or communicate to any person or entity Disparaging (as defined herein) remarks, comments or statements concerning the Releasees. The Company’s officers shall not publish or communicate to any person or entity any Disparaging remarks comments or statements concerning the Executive. “Disparaging” remarks, comments, or statements are those that impugn the character, honesty, integrity, morality, or business acumen or abilities in connection with any aspect of the operation of the Company’s business or the Executive.
8.      Cooperation .    Executive agrees that he will cooperate with the Company and/or any Releasee and its or their respective counsel in connection with any investigation, administrative proceeding or litigation relating to any matter that occurred during Executive’s employment in which he was involved or of which he has knowledge. Such cooperation includes, but not limited to, the execution of truthful affidavits or documents, testifying truthfully, or providing truthful information requested by the Company. The Company agrees that, should a matter have a potential to become adverse between the Company and the Executive in either party’s good faith reasonable belief, the Executive is permitted to retain separate legal counsel of his choice in connection with providing such cooperation, and the Company agrees to advance legal expenses to Executive’s chosen counsel. The Company also agrees to reimburse Executive for any reasonable out of pocket expenses, including travel, meal or lodging costs as a result of such cooperation. Executive further agrees that in the event he is subpoenaed by any person or entity (including, but not limited to, any government agency) to give testimony (in a deposition, court proceeding or otherwise) which in any way relates to his employment by the Company and/or its affiliates, Executive will give prompt notice of such request to JetBlue Airways Corporation, 27-01 Queens Plaza North, Long Island City, New York 11101, Attention: General Counsel, and will make no disclosure until the Company and/or such affiliates have had a reasonable opportunity to contest the right of the requesting person or entity to such disclosure. Executive agrees that in providing such services, Executive will be serving as an attorney for the Company, and that any communications between the Company (or any of its counsel) and Executive shall be subject to the attorney-client and attorney work product privilege. Executive acknowledges that he has no right or authority to waive any attorney-client or attorney work product privilege belonging to the Company and/or any of its affiliates, and that he shall not provide any information in violation of such privileges. Executive further agrees that he shall not meet or otherwise communicate with any counter-party or any representative of any counter party to any litigation in which the Company (or any of its officers or directors) is a party, whether or not nominal, without the prior written consent of the Company.
9.      Protection of Confidential Information . The Executive hereby acknowledges that Executive remains subject to and agrees to abide by any and all existing duties and obligations respecting confidential and/or proprietary information of the Company. Executive further acknowledges that any information known to Executive which is protected by the Company’s attorney-client or work product privilege shall, unless otherwise notified otherwise by the Company, remain subject to such privilege.
10.      Defend Trade Secret Act of 2016 Notice . Executive understands that under the Defend Trade Secret Act, Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law (including the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016) for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. Executive also will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.
11.      Non-Assignment of Rights . Executive warrants that the Executive has not assigned or transferred any right or claim described in the general release given in Paragraph 4 above.
12.      Voluntary and Knowing . The Executive represents and warrants that the Executive fully understands the terms of this Agreement and that the Executive knowingly and voluntarily, of the Executive’s own free will without any duress, being fully informed, after due deliberation and after consultation with the Executive’s own counsel, accepts its terms and signs the same as the Executive’s own free act.
13.      Revocation Period and Effective Date . Executive acknowledges that the Company has provided the Executive the opportunity to review and consider this Agreement for at least twenty-one (21) days from the date the Company provided the Executive this Agreement. Executive represents that he was advised by the Company to review this Agreement with an attorney before signing. If Executive executes this Agreement prior to the expiration of twenty-one (21) days from the date the Company provided the Executive with this Agreement, the Executive voluntarily and knowingly waives any right the Executive may have, prior to signing this Agreement, to additional time within which to consider the Agreement. The Executive may revoke this Agreement within seven (7) days after he executes this Agreement by providing written notification of the intended revocation to the Chief Executive Officer Robin Hayes, at the Company. This Agreement becomes effective on the eighth day after it is executed by both parties, provided that it is not revoked by the Executive prior to that date (the “ Effective Date ”). In the event that Executive does not accept this Agreement in the required time frames, if the Executive revokes this Agreement as provided in this Section 8, this Agreement, including but not limited to the obligation of the Company to provide the payment(s) and benefits, shall be deemed automatically null and void. Further, if the Executive does not sign the Reaffirmation attached as Appendix A in accordance with its terms thereof, he shall not be entitled to any amounts payable subsequent to the Termination Date.
14.      No Exit Incentive . The payments provided under this Agreement are not offered in connection with any specific exit incentive or other employment termination program.
15.      Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed in all respects, whether as to validity, construction, capacity, and performance or otherwise by the laws of the State of New York.
16.      Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement between the Company and the Executive and supersedes any and all understandings and agreements made prior hereto.
17.      Modification . No provision of this Agreement shall be amended, waived or modified except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
18.      Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, both of which together shall constitute the original agreement. This Agreement may also be executed by electronic facsimile signature.


19.      No Admission of Liability . It is understood and agreed that the execution of this Agreement by the Company is not to be construed as an admission of any liability on its part to Executive other than to comply with the terms of this Agreement.
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
Date: May 17, 2018



/s/ James Hnat ___________________
JAMES HNAT
    
JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION


/s/ Robin Hayes ________________
    By:__Robin Hayes
Title: Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit A
Reaffirmation
I, James Hnat, hereby reaffirm the terms of the Separation Agreement previously entered into between JetBlue Airways Corporation, and me, dated May __, 2018 a copy of which is attached hereto and is incorporated by reference into this Reaffirmation. I hereby reaffirm that I have complied with the terms of the Separation Agreement and that I will continue to do so. I also reaffirm and agree to all the terms of the Separation Agreement. I understand that this Reaffirmation is required for me to receive the Separation Benefits stated in the Separation Agreement.
BY SIGNING THIS REAFFIRMATION, I STATE THAT: I HAVE READ IT; I UNDERSTAND IT AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS AND POSSIBLE LEGAL AND/OR ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS; I AGREE TO ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED WITHIN THE AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT; I AM AWARE OF MY RIGHT TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING IT AND THE COMPANY HAS ADVISED ME THAT I SHOULD DO SO AND I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO; I HAVE SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER SIGNING TO REVOKE THIS REAFFIRMATION; AND I HAVE SIGNED THIS REAFFIRMATION KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY.
I ratify and reaffirm the commitments set forth herein as of the Termination Date or the date I sign this reaffirmation if such date is later.
 
 
James Hnat
Date
Please sign and date the above on or after your Termination Date, and return one signed Reaffirmation to the Company at 27-01 Queens Plaza North, Long Island City, New York 11101, Attention: General Counsel within twenty-one days after the Termination Date.




SCHEDULE 1

Equity Type
Grant Date
Units Granted
Units Unvested
RSU
2/22/2018
14,388
14,388
RSU
2/24/2017
20,439
13,626
RSU
2/24/2016
12,836
4,279
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEVERANCE
Equity Type
Grant Date
Units Granted
11 Month Vest
RSU
2/22/2018
14,388
4,796
RSU
2/24/2017
20,439
6,813
RSU
2/24/2016
12,836
4,279
PSU
2018-2020
7,672
 
PSU
2017-2019
7,075
 
PSU
2016-2018
7,849
 
 
 
 
15,888


The 15,888 RSUs continue to vest; remaining equity will be forfeit at termination of employment.


DM_US 91754279-3.PG0410.0010

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JetBlue Announces Retirement of General Counsel
        
NEW YORK (May 18, 2018) - JetBlue Airways Corp. (Nasdaq: JBLU) today announced that James Hnat, the airline’s longtime corporate secretary, executive vice president corporate affairs and general counsel, will be retiring from his role effective June 30. Mr. Hnat will continue to advise the company with respect to its investment in JetSuite and JetBlue Technology Ventures through the end of 2018 and will continue to serve on the JetSuite Board of Directors.

He joined JetBlue in 2001 at a time when the start-up served just 14 domestic cities. Since then, the airline has grown to employ nearly 22,000 crewmembers and serve 102 cities with a fleet of 245 aircraft.

“I’d like to thank Jim for his many years of tremendous service to JetBlue,” Mr. Hayes said. “Jim’s leadership has contributed to JetBlue’s success from its early days as a start-up airline to the admired and trusted brand it has become today. All along the way, he has been a true champion of JetBlue’s culture and values as we’ve grown to nearly 22,000 crewmembers across the Americas.”

“Jim has been integral to JetBlue’s growth and success over the years,” said Joel Peterson, chairman of JetBlue’s board of directors. “It’s been an honor to work alongside him and see the big imprint he has made on the JetBlue brand. Without a doubt, he has played a significant role in helping cement JetBlue’s standing as a competitive force for good in our industry.”
        
“It’s been an honor to serve JetBlue, our Board of Directors, and all of our crewmembers over the past 17 years,” said Mr. Hnat. “In particular I’d like to thank the teams I’ve had the privilege to lead over the years and the values they have demonstrated in building JetBlue. I wish every success to JetBlue as it continues to lead the aviation industry into the future.”
            
Brandon Nelson, currently vice president, associate general counsel, will serve as JetBlue’s acting general counsel, reporting to Hayes. He will oversee JetBlue’s legal strategy and work closely with JetBlue’s government and airport affairs team, led by Rob Land, senior vice president government affairs and associate general counsel, who will also report directly to Hayes.

About JetBlue
JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 40 million customers a year to 102 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 1,000 daily flights. For more information please visit www.jetblue.com .


Media:
JetBlue Corporate Communications
+1 718-709-3089
corpcomm@jetblue.com

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JetBlue Announces Senior Leadership Changes

Joanna Geraghty Appointed President & COO

NEW YORK (May 18, 2018) - JetBlue Airways Corp. (Nasdaq: JBLU) today announced it has named Joanna Geraghty to president and chief operating officer, along with other changes to the company’s senior leadership in the coming weeks designed to enhance day-to-day operations and better support execution of its longer term strategic initiatives.

Geraghty will report to Robin Hayes, who will remain chief executive officer and who will continue to oversee the company’s long-term strategy, its structural cost program and efforts to achieve superior margins, and its focus on expanding and evolving into new businesses such as JetBlue Travel Products. Geraghty will manage the day-to-day airline operation, focusing on efforts to deliver a leading customer service experience, execute key structural cost initiatives and enhance operational performance. She will also oversee JetBlue’s commercial team, led by Marty St. George, JetBlue’s executive vice president, commercial and planning.

Geraghty joined JetBlue in 2005 and was most recently executive vice president, customer experience, responsible for delivering the JetBlue experience to millions of customers annually through her leadership of 15,000 customer-facing crewmembers. She served as executive vice president, chief people officer from 2010-2014 and was previously the airline’s vice president and associate general counsel and director of litigation and regulatory affairs. Geraghty is president of the JetBlue Foundation and chairperson of the board of Concern Worldwide, an international not for profit. Prior to joining JetBlue she was a partner at a New York law firm.
        
“JetBlue has succeeded in this incredibly competitive industry with an unwavering commitment to our crewmembers and our customers, both of which fuel shareholder value. We first disrupted this industry nearly 20 years ago and we will continue to do so,” said Hayes. “This new structure will allow focus on the core airline business while providing an organizational structure to innovate and grow in the travel and vacations space. Joanna has played an important role in JetBlue, and I look forward to working closely with her for many years to come.”

“I’m honored and humbled to take on this role and I am committed to supporting our nearly 22,000 crewmembers at JetBlue as we continue to prove why we are the airline that inspires humanity,” said Geraghty. “We believe we can be a great business for our owners, a great place to work for our crewmembers, and the best airline for customers. Our passion for the crewmember and customer experience, combined with our commitment to low costs, makes us a unique player in the industry with a lot of runway ahead.”

Geraghty received her undergraduate degree from the College of the Holy Cross and her master’s in international relations and juris doctor from Syracuse University.

Leaders with additional responsibilities include:
    
 
Warren Christie has been named senior vice president safety, security and fleet operations reporting to Geraghty. His expanded role adds technical operations to his existing responsibilities that include flight operations, safety and security. A pilot himself, Christie joined the airline in 2003 and has served in various positions including senior vice president, safety, security and air operations; senior vice president, regulatory and training; vice president, operations planning and training; and vice president, JetBlue University. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame

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and served for nearly two decades in the U.S. Navy. He currently serves as vice chair of the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and a member of the board of the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation.
    
Ian Deason has been named senior vice president, customer experience, adding inflight and customer support to his existing leadership of the airports team. In this new position Deason will report to Geraghty and lead 15,000 customer-facing Crewmembers with a shared purpose of delivering a personal, helpful and simple travel experience. In addition to the operating teams, Deason will also lead JetBlue’s customer experience programs group working to reimagine the future travel experience. He joined JetBlue in 2006 and has held several commercial and operational leadership roles. Most recently, he served as senior vice president, airports experience where he grew the airport footprint to more than 100 cities while achieving industry-leading safety performance. He serves on the board of EdVestors, a Boston-based organization focused on accelerating substantive improvement in urban schools, and is on the advisory board for ClimaCell, a weather technology business dedicated to improving the safety and efficiency of airline operations. He received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Jeff Martin, currently executive vice president, operations, will take on a senior advisor role for JetBlue to ensure a smooth transition following this reorganization.

“I’d like to thank Jeff for his many years of service to JetBlue,” Hayes said. “Jeff has done an incredible job leading the safe and secure operation of the airline while helping evolve our fleet, invest in Tech Ops, and position us as a leader in NextGen. He has made a big mark on JetBlue and in particular I want to thank him for being a true champion as we transitioned to working with ALPA and secured our first pilot agreement.”

About JetBlue
JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 40 million customers a year to 102 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 1,000 daily flights. For more information please visit www.jetblue.com .

Media:
JetBlue Corporate Communications
+1 718-709-3089
corpcomm@jetblue.com


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