Delta Poaches Scott Laurence, Key JetBlue Executive

There might be more implications than meets the eye for the network planning executive who is moving to Delta.

Delta has a VP of network planning.

Scott will become Delta's Vice President of Network Planning on January 18, 2022, it has been announced. He will be reporting to Joe Esposito, Delta's Senior Vice President of Network Planning. He is tasked with positioning the airline for continued success and long-term growth while strengthening Delta's global network and joint venture partnerships.

He has been in the airline industry for more than 25 years and has a degree in Aviation Business Administration. He was the Head of Revenue and Planning at JetBlue for three years, after working at US Airways, United, and then the company. Delta is a much bigger global airline and there is more growth potential with the airline, so this is a job title change. The premium cabin opportunities are better.

The new VP of Network Planning is with Delta.

It's significant why Laurence is moving to Delta.

I don't usually write about airline management appointments unless it's a CEO or there are significant implications. This is a big deal.

The strategic alliance between American and JetBlue was first announced in 2020. American can increase its long haul network out of New York thanks to this alliance. This partnership is a way for American to be able to compete against Delta. One of the key people behind that is leaving and going to Delta.

The Department of Justice is trying to challenge the alliance between American and JetBlue, arguing that it is bad for competition. Losing one of the key people behind the alliance is probably not ideal.

There could be two significant implications if Laurence moves to Delta.

He knows how American and JetBlue are thinking about the alliance, so he could let Delta make the first move.
He could use his knowledge of the inner-workings of the alliance to make a stronger case against the alliance.

The competition between Delta and the American & JetBlue alliance is going to get more interesting.

He has a lot of knowledge about the alliance.

The bottom line.

Scott is the VP of Network Planning at Delta. He was the Head of Revenue and Planning at JetBlue. In his new role, he could use his knowledge of the American & JetBlue alliance to benefit Delta.

What do you think about the implications of Laurence moving from JetBlue to Delta?