JetBlue Launching Flight Plans for High School Students

May 18, 2017 2:25 PM ET

JetBlue recently we welcomed more than 40 high school students from across the U.S. to New York’s JFK Airport to learn what it takes to pursue a career in aviation. The event was part of the New York Student Aviation Expedition, an experiential learning trip organized by the Aviation Community Foundation to inspire students and launch their career paths. As one of the lead sponsors of the program, JetBlue provided air travel  for participants from around the country. Students spent the day at JetBlue’s home terminal - T5 - exploring  the airline’s multi-faceted operation, from itsself-service kiosks to the systems operation tower, and even the T5 Farm. They also got up close and personal in the cockpit of one of oan A321 aircraft.

"I see so much of myself in them," said Eric Poole, Assistant Chief Pilot JFK, JetBlue . "I want to share my experience with as many kids as I can, especially because many don't think a career in aviation is a possibility for them. I hope they walk away feeling inspired and knowing that there are so many opportunities out there, both big and small."

Collaboration was a common theme heard throughout the day as students learned how many different roles were required to run an airline and bring the customer experience to life. To end the afternoon, students heard firsthand experiences from a crewmember career panel.

"Working in aviation is all about collaboration," shared Donny Uselmann, Director Airport Operations JFK, JetBlue. "There are so many variables in running an airline and the only way we can get through it is to work with each other. We share successes and we share failures."

About JetBlue Airways

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 38 million customers a year to 101 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 1,000 daily flights. For more information please visit jetblue.com.