Above: a JetBlue plane

By the Caribbean Journal staff

JetBlue Airways has named a new Chief Executive Officer.

The company announced Friday that Robin Hayes, the company’s current president, would succeed current CEO Dave Barger beginning Feb. 16, 2015.

Barger will serve on the JetBlue Board of Directors until that date.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to congratulate Robin on this appointment and thank Dave for his extraordinary contributions to JetBlue for more than 16 years. Dave’s talent, intellect, and inspired leadership helped make JetBlue what it is today — one of the world’s great brands and a leader in its industry,” said JetBlue Chairman Joel Peterson. “Robin is a highly talented and experienced airline executive who understands JetBlue’s culture and strategy. During his time as Chief Commercial Officer and President, Robin proved he is the right leader to take JetBlue into the future.”

Hayes was named JetBlue’s president in 2013; he had previously served as JetBlue’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer from 2008 to 2013.

“”It is a tremendous honor to succeed Dave as CEO of JetBlue. I continue to believe in our mission to inspire humanity, and as CEO I will be a faithful steward of the culture that has made JetBlue so successful,” Hayes said in a statement. “The airline industry has never been more competitive, but I believe we can continue to grow profitably. As we maintain our operational focus on safety and efficiency, we will continue to expand our network in underserved markets and roll out new products that enhance the JetBlue Experience and create value for our shareholders.”

Hayes will take over at an airline that has been on a significant push to expand in the Caribbean region, particularly in new markets like Curacao, Cartagena, Colombia and Trinidad, among others.