Story ID: 
Former JetBlue Execs Embrace Business Aviation
By: Jennifer Harrington
Caption: A group of former JetBlue executives this week launched an operation designed around the Embraer Phenom 100.
Word Count: 144
A group of former JetBlue executives this week launched an operation designed around the Embraer Phenom 100. The company, JetSuite, placed a firm order for 50 of the very light jets with options for 50 more, and it plans to lease the aircraft to customers. First deliveries are expected in April next year. The company also applied for a Part 135 certificate and expects to launch charter services from bases in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, pending final government approval. Company president Alex Wilcox was a founding director of JetBlue Airways, a position he held from 1998 to 2004, and then served as president and COO of Kingfisher Airlines from 2004 to 2005. Usto Schulz, JetSuite’s vice president of certification and safety, served as vice president of safety for JetBlue, and Amy Curtis-McIntyre, former vice president of marketing at JetBlue, will serve as a consultant on JetSuite’s brand and product.