David Neeleman Net Worth, Wiki, Personal Life, Education, Challenges, Facts, and Everything
Since humans have evolved and become so intelligent that they can fly a gigantic plane in the sky just like paper, they have started building businesses around the air. We often hear about Steve Jobs, an American businessman, founder, and CEO of Apple Inc.
But have you heard about the Steve Jobs of the Sky? Yes! It’s David Neeleman. David Neeleman is a Brazilian-American businessman, who owns five commercial airlines such as Moris Air, JetBlue Airways, Azul Brazilian Airlines, WestJet, and Breeze Airways.
In this article, we have covered all the necessary information that you need to know about David Neeleman. Here, we have highlighted David Neeleman’s overall biography, including personal life, career, latest net worth, age, and some unknown facts about him. So without wasting too much time on the introductory part, let’s start with David Neeleman’s biography.
David Neeleman Biography / Wiki
David Gray Neeleman is a Brazilian-American businessman popularly known for contributing to commercial airways. David was born on October 16, 1959, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in Sandy Utah. David spent a major part of his childhood with his family where his grandfather, John Neeleman used to operate nine convenience stores in Utah.
| David Neeleman Personal Life | |
| Real Name | David Gray Neeleman |
| Nick Name | David Neeleman |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Vicki Vranes |
| Birth Date | October 16, 1959 |
| Birth Place | Sao Paulo, Brazil |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Age | 64 Years Old (As of 2024) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | Brazil, the United States, and Cyprus |
| Gender | Male |
| Education | Graduate |
| Language | English |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Height | 5 Feet, 10 Inches |
| Weight | 70kg |
| Tattoos | No |
| Known For | Commercial Airline Entrepreneur |
As David grew up he became a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served almost two years as a ‘Mormon Missionaries’ in Brazil. Later, he was also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
David Neeleman Education
David Neeleman was born in Brazil and he used to live with his parents. He attended Brighton High School in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Later, David enrolled at the University of Utah.
However, within a few months, he dropped out of the university and served on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ. Regardless of educational qualification, David Neeleman realized his inner potential established various airlines, and became one of the most successful Brazilian-American businessmen and entrepreneurs.
David Neeleman Family and Relationship
Earlier David Neeleman married Vicki Vranes and the couple have ten children together. However, unfortunately, the couple’s marriage journey didn’t continue for long, and Neeleman remarried Eva Neeleman.
If we look at his family and close relatives, David’s brother Dr. Stephern Neeleman is regarded as one of the best MD general and trauma surgeons. Not only that, but Stephen has also founded a Healthcare company ‘HealthEquity.’ in America.
David Neeleman Professional Career
Right Now, David Neeleman is known for his foundations David Neeleman co-founded Morris Air, a Utah-based cost-effective airline in 1984. In 1988 David became the president of Morris Air. However, Southwest Airlines later acquired Moris Air at a value of $130 million, and in this deal, David received $25 million from the sale.
| David Neeleman Professional Details | |
| Occupation | Businessman, Entrepreneur, and Founder |
| Business Name | Morris Air, WestJet, JetBlue Airways, Azul Brazilian Airlines, and Breeze Airways |
| Years Active | 1984 |
| @davidneeleman | |
| David Neeleman | |
| @DavidNeeleman | |
| YouTube Channel | Update Soon |
| Net Worth In 2024 | $400 Million |
In 1999, Neeleman became the CEO of Open Skies and people liked the touchscreen reservation and check-in systems method. Again, the company was later acquired by HP in the same year. Moreover, David has also established another airline WestJet.
When David served as JetBlue Airways’s CEO in 2002, his salary was $200,000. However, he donated his salary to the JetBlue Crewmember Crisis Fund. A few years later, David announced that he was about to launch a new airline, Azul Airways.
Later, in 2018, David Neeleman announced the establishment of a new airline ‘Breeze Airway, and to initiate the process, he raised the fund worth $100 Million. According to the official sources, Breeze Airways signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus in 2018.
The huge amount of investment and perseverance in the airlines defines David Neeleman as a true entrepreneurial spirit. His risk-taking abilities and dedication to his passion have uplifted David Neeleman’s life.
David Neeleman Latest Net Worth in 2024
As mentioned above, David Neeleman has founded five airline companies and earned a huge income over the past two decades. Their persistence and hard work paved the way for a fortunate lifestyle and allowed him to become a renowned personality in the eras of business tycoons.
Official reports have even stated that the founder and CEO of Breeze Airways, David Neeleman has acquired a gigantic net worth of more than $400 million as of 2024 and this number is increasing with a good rate of growth.
The amount will undoubtedly be increased by the end of this year. However, here we have provided a list of the net worth that David Neeleman has earned in the last five years. Have a look at this net worth table.
| Years | Net Worth In USD |
| 2024 | $400 Million |
| 2023 | $370 Million |
| 2022 | $320 Million |
| 2021 | $280 Million |
| 2020 | $260 Million |
David Neeleman Age, Height, and Weight
David Neeleman was born on October 16, 1959, in Utah, and is 64 years old. He stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and has maintained a good physique with a weight of 74 kg.
David likes maintaining his physics by following a strict and healthy daily routine. And he devotes his spare time to traveling and rejuvenating his life.
David Neeleman Awards and Achievements
Since David Neeleman has founded various airline business ventures and donated a major part of his income to trusts, he has become popular among business personalities.
Also, David Neeleman has been nominated for some of the most renowned awards over the past few years. Here, we have added a list of awards and accolades that David Neeleman has earned for his unmatched contribution.
- David Neeleman was awarded The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Awards.
- He received The Aviation Week & Space Technology Laureate Award for his notable work in the aviation industry.
- Neeleman was also honored with the Tony Jannus Award in 2005.
Some Lesser Known Facts About David Neeleman
Here, we have provided some lesser-known yet interesting facts about David Neeleman. Check this out!
- David Gray Neeleman is the full name of David Neeleman.
- He was born on October 16, 1959, in Utah Brazil.
- He holds three distinctive nationalities: Brazil, America, and Cyprus.
- David Neeleman is popularly known as the founder and CEO of various airlines including, Moris Air, JetBlue Airways, Azul Airlines, Breeze Airways, and WestJet.
- Moreover, he also owned 45% of stacks in TAP Air Portugal along with Humberto Pedrosa, and Aigle Azur.
- Despite holding two nationalities Brazil and America, David Neeleman faced several challenges in getting Cyprus citizenship.
FAQs
- How Old Is David Neeleman?
David Neeleman was born in 1959 and as of now, he is 64 years old.
- How Much of JetBlue Does David Neeleman Own?
David Neeleman served as the CEO of JetBlue Airways in the early 20s and later David Barger became the CEO of JetBlue commercial airline. Currently, David holds approximately 5.30% of the shares in JetBlue Airways.
- Who Is The CEO of Breeze Airways?
David Neeleman, a Brazilian-American businessman and entrepreneur is the founder and CEO of Breeze Airways.
- Where Does David Neeleman Live Now?
JetBlue and Breeze Airways’s founder and CEO, David Neeleman lives with his wife Vicki Neeleman in a mansion worth $8.3 Million in New Canaan, Connecticut.
Final Words
So that’s all readers! Now, we are at the end section of this article and you have complete information about David Neeleman, an American businessman, CEO, and stakeholder of multiple airline businesses.
David was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and holds Brazilian and American nationality. However, when he tried for European citizenship, David faced several obstacles. Luckily, his efforts paved the way for Cyprus citizenship and the purchase of a European nationality. For now, that’s all you need to know about David Neeleman.
But still, if and when we get the latest updates about David Neeleman and his businesses, we will update you with the latest information. Until then, stay connected to our website and read the other articles.
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