David Neeleman is well recognized for starting up commercial airlines. His founding companies include Morris Air, West Jet, Jet Blue Airways, Breeze Airways, and Azul Brazilian Airways, all of which are well-known commercial airlines. In addition, he holds the roles of Chairman of Azul Brazilian Airlines and CEO of Breeze Airlines.
Quick Facts
| Celebrated Name: | David Neeleman |
| Real Name/Full Name: | David G. Neeleman |
| Gender: | Male |
| Age: | 62 years old |
| Birth Date: | October 16, 1959 |
| Birth Place: | Sao Paulo, Brazil |
| Nationality: | American, Brazilian |
| Height: | 1.75 m |
| Weight: | 74 kg |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Divorced |
| Wife/Spouse (Name): | Vicki Vranes Neeleman (m. 1980-2013) |
| Children/Kids (Son and Daughter): | Yes (10) |
| Dating/Girlfriend (Name): | No |
| Is David Neeleman Gay?: | No |
| Profession: | Businessman and Entrepreneur |
| Salary: | N/A |
| Net Worth in 2024: | $450 Million |
David Neeleman Biography
David Neeleman was born to Rose Neeleman, his mother, and Gary Neeleman, his father. Due to his affection for Brazil, Gary once worked as a foreign journalist. Neeleman finished his education in the country. After graduating from the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business and Brighton High School, he received his diploma.
He had always been a business-minded individual since he launched a profitable company that packaged timeshares and airline tickets for trips in Hawaii. June Morris also approached him for a different project after college. In addition, he made a commitment to return and contribute to his beloved homeland.
David Neeleman also fulfilled his promise by founding “Azul,” a company that provided air access to several previously unconnected Brazilian cities. He started Breeze Airways because, in some cases, other airlines don’t provide the finest customer service. Neeleman’s grandfather had an interest in business because he operated a grocery store and, when he was a young child, even volunteered there.
Despite having dyslexia and experiencing academic difficulties, he overcame these obstacles to become the extraordinary businessman he is today.
David Neeleman’s Age, Height, Weight
David Neeleman was born on October 16, 1959, making him 62 years old as of today. He stands 1.75 meters tall and weighs 74 kilograms.
Career
David Neeleman co-founded Morris Air and served as its executive vice president. In addition, he served as CEO of Open Skies, a touch-screen airline reservation and check-in system provider that HP bought. Then he launched West Jet and JetBlue Airways, two airlines that followed one another.
He helped many individuals who couldn’t fly before by founding Azul, a domestic airline for Brazil. Neeleman is the chairman and the leading investor of Mark Neeleman’s new business, Vigil.
David is a co-owner of the TAP Air Portugal Group as well. For at least 30 years, it will continue to be the primary hub for airlines in Portugal. One of his most recent endeavors is the founding of Breeze Airways.
Recognition & Achievements
David Neeleman has made significant contributions to the commercial aviation sector, for which he was also honored with the Tony Jannus Award in 2005. The third-largest airline in Brazil at the time of his introduction is called Azul.
David Neeleman’s Net Worth in 2024
One of the most well-known names in the aviation industry is David Neeleman. Therefore, it is quite evident that he is very dedicated to his business work even before we analyze his net worth. Because of this, he also makes a respectable amount of money. He has always put forth a lot of effort, from Morris Air to the new Breeze Airways enterprise. His estimated net worth as of February 2024, is $450 million.
This obstinate businessman is much more than meets the eye. He has a heart that cares about all ordinary people worldwide. He once contributed his whole salary to the JetBlue Crewmember Crisis Fund, which assisted the airline’s staff members who were experiencing financial difficulty. His admirers are full of praise for him in many different areas.
David Neeleman Wife, Marriage
The fact that the well-known businessman is a citizen of three nations—the United States, Brazil, and Cyprus—is among the most intriguing things about him. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints like his father and served a two-year mission in Brazil when he was barely 19 years old.
The businessman experienced many psychological challenges as a child, including dyslexia and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and ADHD. But he was able to overcome all of these issues with the support of his parents and his own strength of character. Nine children were born into the family after his marriage to Vicki Vranes.
But regrettably, the pair split up. Additionally, he is the brother of Stephen, one of the founders of the American healthcare firm HealthEquity.
