JetBlue operates a fleet of nearly 300 aircraft. All of these aircraft have nicknames assigned to them. While some airlines name their aircraft after locations in their home country (SWISS, Lufthansa, Air France) and others after locations around the world (KLM), JetBlue's naming theme is on the more whimsical side. In fact, the overwhelming majority of JetBlue jets are modified names and phrases which include the word 'blue.' There are a few exceptions, including the Airbus A220 named "Rob Dewar." What's the story behind this?

"The Father of the A220"

"Boogie Woogie Bluegle Boy," "Blue Ya Gonna Call?", "FuhgeddaBlueDit" - you may be able to spot the theme of JetBlue's aircraft names. But of all the JetBlue Airbus A220 nicknames, there are two that don't quite fit this theme. One is the aircraft named "Frank Sica," and the other is "Rob Dewar." While we know that Frank Sica was a board member at JetBlue, what is the story with Rob Dewar?

Well, it's possible that many Canadians involved or associated with the aviation industry are already familiar with the name. Rob Dewar is a Canadian aerospace engineer who has been working in the industry since the mid-1980s, starting with Canadair, then Bombardier, then Airbus Canada. Interestingly, the first company was acquired by the second and part of the second was acquired by the third!

Dewar's most notable achievement has been the development of the Airbus A220, which has given him his own nickname: The "Father of the A220.' Of course, when Dewar began work on the A220, the jet had a different name: The Bombardier CSeries.

According to Skies Magazine, Dewar was vice president of CSeries Integrated Product Development and was responsible for determining the market demand for 100- to 150-seat jet aircraft. Part of his job was to establish the manufacturing process and the selection of key suppliers for the program.

Eventually, Dewar was named VP and general manager of the CSeries program and would oversee much of the aircraft's development, including its manufacturing operations, supply chain, customer support, and international marketing efforts. With the CSeries eventually being renamed to the A220, it's no wonder why Dewar might be seen as the aircraft's 'father figure.'

A "living legend of aviation"

Most recently, in recognition of his contribution to the industry, Dewar was inducted as a “Living Legend of Aviation” in August of 2022. The annual event, which began in 2003, honors achievements in the aerospace industry and currently has 127 people holding this "living legend" title.

Regarding the honor bestowed on him, Design Engineering quotes Dewar as saying:

“I am touched and humbled by this award, which I share with my team and family, who have inspired me throughout my career...It is because of the talented and exceptional people around me that the A220 is today the success it deserves to be. Aviation is a genuine passion of mine, and for decades I have done my best each and every day to influence the industry positively.”

In addition to now being a "living legend" of aviation, Dewar currently has the title of SVP of Customer Satisfaction, Customer Services & Product Policy at Airbus Canada A220.

bombardier cs300N3008J

As for the other honor of having a JetBlue aircraft name, the Airbus A220 "Rob Dewar" is registered as N3008J. Delivered to JetBlue in December 2020, the aircraft is a little over two years of age at the time of this article's publication.

Simple Flying reached out to JetBlue for a statement on the naming of this aircraft. Responding to our inquiry, an airline spokesperson essentially confirmed the obvious, noting that it was a way to honor Airbus Canada’s senior vice president, A220 customer satisfaction, services, and product policy. The airline added:

"Rob lead the team responsible for the development and delivery of the A220, and the plane name speaks to his contributions in its creation, and how influential the aircraft will be to our future. The name also pays tribute to everyone who dedicates their livelihood to building the safe and reliable aircraft that we fly. We are grateful to Rob and the entire team at Airbus who help us grow our fleet."

The aircraft, like all JetBlue Airbus A220s, is configured with 140 seats in a single class. N3008J appears to be based at Boston Logan airport and in recent times has flown to destinations like Atlanta, Chicago, Phoenix, Tampa, New Orleans, and more.

Did you know about this JetBlue aircraft? And were you familiar with Rob Dewar before reading this article? Let us know by leaving a comment!

Sources: Skies Magazine, Planespotters.net, Design Engineering

  • JetBlue Airways Airbus A321-200
    JetBlue
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    B6/JBA
    Hub(s):
    Boston Logan International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, New York JFK Airport, Orlando International Airport
    Year Founded:
    2000
    CEO:
    Robin Hayes
    Country:
    United States