WASHINGTON, April 22 (Reuters) - Former JetBlue Airways

CEO Robin Hayes has been named as the new head of Airbus'

operations in North America, the European planemaker said

Monday.

Airbus said C. Jeffrey Knittel is retiring as chairman and

CEO of Airbus Americas effective June 3. Hayes will take over

after he stepped down in February after nine years as CEO of

JetBlue ( JBLU ). Hayes will lead Airbus' commercial aircraft business in

North America, and will have responsibility for coordination

among the company's helicopters, space and defense businesses in

the Americas, Airbus said.