Do you have experience flying with JetBlue, Westjet, Azul Brazilian Airlines, or Breeze Airways? If the answer is yes, then this article is for you. While sitting in a fantastic plane and traveling through the skies, one question must pop up in your mind: what would be the net worth of the founder of this unique gadget? David Neeleman, who founded JetBlue, Westjet, Azul Brazilian Airlines, and Breeze Airways has a net worth of $400 million. Not only that, he is also a co-owner of TAP Air Portugal, which is a European commercial airline. So, let’s fly to the skies and discover David Neeleman’s net worth’s height. Ready to take off?
Net Worth
As of 2024, David Neeleman net worth is estimated at around $400 million, quite impressive, isn’t it? When he was the CEO of JetBlue Airways, his salary was $200k. He also received $90k as yearly bounas. Back in 2020, his net worth was estimated at $100 million. A career flying toward success.
Source Of Income
The primary sources of David Neeleman income are the Airline companies he founded throughout his career. The companies include JetBlue, Westjet, Azul Brazilian Airlines, and Breeze Airways. These companies are considered highly successful companies and contribute significantly to David Neeleman net worth.
Early Life
He was born on 16 October 1959 in Paulo, Brazil. His parents, Gray Neeleman and Rose Neeleman, raised him. He spent his five years in Brazil. By profession, both of his parents are journalists and authors. David was raised with his brothers, Stephen Neeleman and Mark James Neeleman, and a sister, Lisa Wilson.
He went to Brighton High School to complete his early education. Sadly, David was diagnosed with ADHD at a very young age. His school life was not easy. He faced many challenges because of his health issues. Then, he moved to the USA along with his family. He attended Utah University in the USA for three years. After that, he discovered his interest in business and left the university to land on the entrepreneurial path.
Career
-Morris Airline
After landing on the entrepreneurial path, David said goodbye to Utah University. 1984, he started his journey by collaborating with his friend and business partner, Morris. They founded Morris Air. At first, their goal was to offer low, fair, and high-quality services. He was only 20 when he started serving this company as executive vice president. He maintained his position as executive vice president at the company till 1988. After excelling as executive vice president, the company decided to level up his designation to the company president. His journey with this company began in 1993 when it was bought by Southwest Airlines for $129 million.
-WestJet Airlines
In 1994, WestJet Airlines was founded by David, which is known as Canada’s 2nd largest airline. No doubt it is an excellent achievement. After that, he continued his journey by becoming the CEO of Open Skies company. It is a touch screen reservation company. In 1999, HP bought this company.
-JetBlue
In 1999, he officially founded the airline company “NewAir.” After some time, he changed its name from “NewAir” to “JetBlue”. It was 11 February 2000, When the first flight by this company took off. He stayed with this company from 2000 to 2007. After some time, JetBlue faced some trouble because of weather conditions. Because of that trouble, he left JetBlue in 2007.
-Azul
For David Neeleman, “end” is the synonym for “New start”. Keeping that in mind, in 2008, He founded a new company named “Azul” in his hometown, Brazil. Azul is now one of Brazil’s most famous and largest airline companies. He must be very proud of serving his hometown people.
-Vigzul
He never stopped his hard work, and in 2013, his brother revealed the big news about launching a new company named “Vigzul.” David serves as chairman of the board and principal investor at this company.
-Breeze Airways
David discovered a new company named Breeze Airways. Now he is serving as CEO of the company and working hard to become more successful.
Family
David shares a strong bond with his father, Gray Neeleman, and his mother, Rose Neelema. His parents feel so proud of him because of his fantastic success. Their Instagram bio reflects their love for David. They write their intro as “proud parents of David” in their Instagram profile bio.
Moreover, he has a strong connection with his siblings. He has two brothers, Stephen Neeleman and Mark James Neeleman, and a sister, Lisa Wilson.
He married with Vicki Vranes. The couple had 10 children. Later on, Neeleman divorced Allison K. Moseley and remarried with Eva. He shares some pictures with his kids and grandkids on Instagram. That gives us a picture of a happy family.
Awareness
David is a very down-to-earth man and has a golden heart. In one of his Instagram posts, he shared the fantastic news about spreading awareness about breast cancer. He said that every October, the Azul company painted their three plans pink. The flight attendant wears a pink uniform during the flight. The purpose is to remind every woman to get annual breast cancer check-ups. It’s so impressive how he uses his platforms for such fantastic work.
Conclusion
David Neeleman is famous for discovering different airline companies. David Neeleman net worth is estimated at the fantastic figure of $400. We can expect a future rise in David Neeleman’s net worth as he works hard.
