Federal Contractors | Technology 2024: ROBIN HAYES

Hayes began his career in aviation by delivering duty-free items to passengers at Boston’s Logan International Airport. In June, Hayes became chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas, leading European corporation Airbus SE’s commercial aircraft business and coordinating among its helicopter, space and defense businesses in North America. Hayes oversees 10,000 Airbus employees across all 50 states.

Hayes takes the reins of Airbus’ North American operations at a critical moment as the company aims to win business from Arlington-based competitor Boeing, which has been weathering an ongoing crisis after a string of safety problems in recent years. Last year, Airbus outperformed Boeing as the top manufacturer for the fifth year in a row.

In 2023, Airbus recorded a record number of jet orders, and delivered 735 commercial aircraft. It reported 2023 revenues of $65.4 billion, up from $58.8 billion the previous year.

Hayes grew up in London and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from the University of Bath. He joined British Airways in 1989, rising to become its executive vice president for the Americas before joining JetBlue in 2008. He served as the airline’s CEO from 2015 to 2024.