Passing the Torch
Sept. 21, Arrival JFK - Spirit of TWA on time. JetBlue literally rolled out the red carpet. An enthusiastic welcome committee composed of a potpourri of former TWA, and JetBlue employees greeted this tiny vintage aircraft symbolizing TWA's grand history. The Lockheed 12A Electra (Ellie) is the oldest, original TWA aircraft still flying, and she soars. Our little bird spread her wings and gently did the challenge given - she got us all to New York in style.
We were treated like royalty. Curt Walters is the best Captain I have ever had the honor to fly with, and Ruth Richter Holden is like working with the energizer bunny - she just keeps going and going and going and going. What a trooper.
Monday morning we were treated to a complete tour of the new Terminal 5 - state of the art production. Every consideration to enhance their passengers travel experience has been taken into consideration. Abundant security checks, computers available for passengers to order "gate service" food and beverage - gate delivered. At the end of the terminal passengers can watch airplanes taxi in/out and take off. It's the closest point anyone can be to the actual runway — reach out and touch.
We started our morning with a private tour of the Eero Saracen building, now in a state of complete restoration. Jim Harris, who is part of a team in charge of both buildings explained how carefully they are working to make sure everything is original. The original tubes to the gates are still in tact and eventually JetBlue passengers will be able to experience the "tubes" from Terminal 5. The Saarinen building is scheduled to open next summer as a history museum honoring the legacy of TWA.
Show time, and JetBlue knows how to do it. Our own Todd Burke, VP JetBlue Corporate Communications was the pivot point for this extravaganza. The employees were first to share in the festivities. They were welcome to tour the new facilities, then a family style B-B-Q was available for all.
2-3p JetBlue was the press conference. JetBlue CEO David Barger started off with a tribute to TWA's contribution to commercial aviation. Paul Richter, TWA founder was honored as his daughter Ruth Richter Holden was given a roaring round of applause.
3p the Rockettes kicked off the ribbon cutting ceremony and the gates were open! Live Jazz filled the terminal, wine and food venues were set up throughout the terminal, while trays filled with tasty appetizers passed around. As doors opened classy boutiques, and gourmet restaurants displayed what the JetBlue passenger will experience. Believe me, JetBlue will be the airline everyone wants to fly on - if nothing more than to "hang out" in a state of art travel experience.
Positioned at Gate 9 was our own "Ellie". Sparkling in her TWA livery - she was the show stopper. Everyone wanted their picture taken with our little lady - crowds stood patiently waiting to take a peak at her elegant interior. Captain Curt and Ruth were surrounded with enthusiastic visitors all eager to learn more about a by-gone era. We all felt the sense of pride as the little lady shined, proudly displaying the grand name of TWA.
It was wonderful to see so many TWA faces - a real family reunion. Retired TWA flight attendants from Clipped Wings modeling TWA uniforms. TWA's uniforms were always show stoppers.
After all we have been through it was uplifting to see JetBlue honor the legacy of TWA and acknowledge the decades of experience. I was told by a dear TWA friend, of the 8,000 employees approximately 2500 are former TWA. JetBlue credits the expertise TWA employees brought with to the JetBlue success. We are the foundation which JetBlue has built its future. And JetBlue is doing everything right.
The pinnacle of our JetBlue day was meeting CEO David Barger. He took time to visit "Ellie" and chat with Ruth. They clicked immediately. Minutes later David was getting settled in Captain's seat, he looked quite comfortable. Now we can add Mr. Barger's name to the long list of very prestigious individuals who once occupied that very seat. Its quite a list. Four of us sat in the tiny cabin sharing airline experiences. Ruth shared the history and Curt touted the merits of JetBlue style - employees come first, passengers count.
It was this moment I feel the torch was officially passed from TWA to JetBlue.
Kaye
Trivia - the first airplane to park at JetBlue's new terminal gate 9 was TWA! Another first! We did it again!
The JetBlue Family
There are so many people at JetBlue to thank for their wonderful support. We all felt JetBlue is the closest to the TWA family spirit of any airline flying. They get it. So many people pulled together to help us settle in. And it all came from the heart. This is a group of people who are proud of their airline. Everyone has that winning team spirit attitude.
JetBlue is destine for success. In a letter Paul Richter wrote to his family 60 years ago he describes the ideal company.
If all of the employees do the job they are hired to do and do it well, and if those at the top do their job and do it well, and everyone works together - we all win. (not an exact quote - but close)
From the very beginning TWA founders Jack Frye, Paul Richter and Walt Hamilton believed everyone counts.
JetBlue we love you!