Neeleman points out that JetBlue pays employees more than standard wages at United Airlines. They use technology to be more efficient, to spend less money in other areas. Much of the pay that employees receive is incentives. For example, pilots and flight attendants who fly over 70 hours each month receive time and 1/2. About 20% of compensation last year was based on the success of the company. In the 2nd full year of operation, over $17 M was given back to employees, which is 15 1/2%. We have an ability to give people an upside in the company based on their performance, he says.
