Marking its 20th year in the skies since launching at New York’s
Kennedy Airport, JetBlue is one of the most innovative US airlines and travel
companies today. In a fiercely competitive marketplace, the company’s
dedication to a culture of “Inspiring Humanity”
has attracted 42 million discerning customers a year who board an average of
1,000 flights a day.
A notable example of its culture of innovation is in its approach to
sustainability, where the firm continuously explores ways to reduce the amount
of natural resources it uses on the ground and in the air – from new
fuel-efficient aircraft and renewable jet
fuel to electric vehicles and investing in the next generation of
sustainable aviation start-ups. Every day, JetBlue focuses on the underlying
principles that support its culture: safety, caring, integrity, passion and
fun.
When JetBlue was looking at ways to embed sustainability principles
into their treasury operations, they found a partner in BNP Paribas, a global
leader in sustainable finance solutions for firms in all sectors looking to
accelerate their transition. The financing toolkit for corporates includes
everything from green bonds and sustainability-linked loans to sustainable
supply chains.
In JetBlue’s case, the airline was looking at ways to invest its
corporate cash in sustainability. BNP
Paribas worked with JetBlue to create tailor-made solutions that meet the
airline’s ESG and treasury guidelines while also providing a competitive return
and the flexibility required to adhere to its investment policy.
“We’re actively working with BNP Paribas to develop options that enable us to invest JetBlue’s funds in like-minded companies with a focus on ESG.”
Brandon Nelson, JetBlue
For Suresh Subramanian, Head of Trade & Treasury Solutions in
the Americas, this was a unique opportunity to look at how the development of the
bank’s products could make a positive contribution to both its own goals and its
clients’ in providing sustainable finance alternatives. “Whether it be
collaborating with partners like JetBlue to create sustainable investment
options or reviewing opportunities in supply chain finance, we want to be at
the forefront of creative ideas to better align our traditional banking
products to the aims of a more sustainable future,” he explains.
Brandon Nelson, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at JetBlue,
explains how the firm is actively exploring a range of sustainable initiatives,
particularly in the field of its treasury investments. “We’re actively working
with BNP Paribas to develop options that enable us to invest JetBlue’s funds in
like-minded companies with a focus on ESG,” he says. 
The relationship continues to strengthen and expand as BNP Paribas works
in partnership with organizations to help advance their sustainable
journey.