John Allen is the Manager, Allen Aviation and Safety Consultants, LLC. which specializes in aviation, safety, Safety Management Systems, Quality Management Systems, Federal Aviation Administration and leadership consulting.

  

Prior to this position, John was the Vice President, Safety at JetBlue for seven years. JetBlue had over 200 Airbus A-321 and A-320 aircraft as well as 60 Embraer E-190 aircraft to over 100 cities.  JetBlue employed over 22,000 crewmembers. He was responsible for leading the growth and effectiveness of the JetBlue safety program and maintaining JetBlue's focus and practice of safe operations both in the air and on the ground.  In addition to his JetBlue duties, John was the vice-chair and then chairman of the Airlines for America Safety Council.  He was also the co-chairman of the Drone Advisory Council Subcommittee.

In 2013, John retired from the Federal Aviation Administration after a 22-year career. His FAA career included duties as an Operations Safety Inspector with the Advanced Qualification Program Branch (AFS-230), Deputy Division Manager of the Certification and Surveillance Division (AFS-900) and then Deputy (AFS-2) followed by Director, Flight Standards Service (AFS-1). He led an organization of more than 5600 inspectors and other aviation professionals in the regulatory oversight of all worldwide aircraft operations under United States authority or responsibility.

John retired from a highly successful military career with the rank of Brigadier General.  He held various command positions during his 31-year Air Force active duty and reserve military career to include vice wing commander and squadron commander.

 

In October 2020, John was one of six awardees of the National Aeronautic Association’s Distinguished Statesman or Stateswoman of Aviation Award for “his 35 years of leadership as a regulator, operator, and civil and military pilot, with significant contributions to setting industry standards and improving aviation safety for all.”

He has over 6,000 flying hours; most of it obtained as an instructor and examiner pilot in the Air Force with the C-141 (for 20 years) and as an Air Force instructor pilot in the T-37.  He also flew the Citation Excel with the FAA and then the A-320/A-321 as a JetBlue management pilot.

Mr. Allen received his Bachelor of Science degree in computer and information sciences from the University of Florida. He also received a Master of Science degree in aeronautical technology from Arizona State University.