Supporting Sustainability in Aviation

What is your opinion on the impact of sustainable technology on the aviation space?

Sustainable technologies are key to the continued growth of aviation. With the impact of climate change on our environment becoming increasingly apparent each year, it is critical that governments strongly support the development and commercialization of truly sustainable solutions for flight with a focus on alternatives such as electric and hydrogen propulsion that eliminate carbon emissions. Governments need to think holistically about the green energy infrastructure required to support these emerging technologies. Investments in electric power grids, hydrogen production, and distribution are some of the areas needing immediate attention.

What are some of the innovations in the field of aviation that can help businesses enhance their services and increase customer satisfaction?

There are many opportunities to improve the overall customer experience both on and off the airplane, from increased use of digital tools and automation to enhancements in the airport experience. For example, our partner Delta Air Lines is reimagining the lounge experience at its hub airports in Los Angeles and New York  and were working with them to provide a home-to-seat service that will turn what is often the hardest part about air travel “ getting to your flight “ into a seamless and enjoyable part of the journey. Imagine opening an app on your phone and instantly booking a ride to the airport. A car will pick you up and whisk you a short distance to a Joby vertiport where you will fly above the traffic directly to the airport - and only a short walk to your airline seat.

"With The Impact Of Climate Change On Our Environment Becoming Increasingly Apparent Each Year, It Is Critical That Governments Strongly Support The Development And Commercialization Of Truly Sustainable Solutions For Flight"

Before your stint at Joby Aviation, what are some of your experiences that empowered you to gain deep expertise in air operations, sustainability, people, and safety in the aviation landscape?

I’ve been fortunate to spend over three decades working at major airlines in the United States in a variety of roles - from airport planning to system operations programs, customer service director to human resources leader. However, my deepest operational and safety experience comes from the best seat in the house - as an airline captain at two major airlines. More recently, I founded JetBlue Technology Ventures, the venture capital subsidiary of JetBlue Airways. In that role, we met with thousands of startups in the travel industry, with a significant focus on sustainability, operational excellence, and customer experience. JetBlue invested in Joby when it was still a fairly small startup of 50 people and it has been amazing to see how much Joby has grown. 

As an ending note, what is your advice for other senior leaders and CXOs working in the aviation sector?

Technology is transforming every industry, and aviation is no different. It is important to get out of the operation and spend time with startups and fast-growing new technology companies to see what is just around the corner. What can be adopted? What will disrupt your current way of doing business? How might you transform your own company? The newer generation of customers and aviation workers have different expectations. How might technology help you adapt to meet their needs? Aviation is an industry that is grounded in regulation and standard operating procedures - for good reason. However, regulations are already starting to evolve as new technologies emerge. Standard operating procedures must adapt as well.