New Delta VP of network planning Scott Laurence
Delta Air Lines has hired JetBlue's Scott Laurence as VP of network planning, the company announced. Laurence on Jan. 18 will begin work at Delta and will report to SVP of network planning Joe Esposito.
The move is significant for Delta, since Laurence, as head of revenue and planning at JetBlue since 2019, was part of the team responsible for the strategic partnership between the carrier and American Airlines. Known as the Northeast Alliance, that partnership was created as a way to better compete against Delta and United Airlines in the region.
The Northeast Alliance, which includes codeshares and reciprocal frequent-flyer benefits, sparked a civil antitrust lawsuit in September by the U.S. Department of Justice and six state attorneys general and the District of Columbia, calling it a "de facto merger" between the carriers in Boston and New York. Last month, the airlines expanded the partnership, with JetBlue taking over some of American's routes, particularly the shuttle service between Boston and New York.
Laurence had been with JetBlue for nearly 14 years, serving in multiple leadership positions. He previously worked for United in revenue management and network strategy roles.
The move comes about a week after JetBlue promoted Dave Clark to replace Laurence as head of revenue and planning, including oversight of the Northeast Alliance.