JetBlue will continue to adjust capacity and ticket prices in an effort to stay ahead of rising expenses from jet fuel, officials said this week.
During the company’s first-quarter earnings call on Tuesday, CEO Joanna Geraghty said JetBlue has three “levers” available to manage the fuel crisis – adjusting fares, “moderating unproductive capacity,” and pursuing other cost-saving activities. Expanding on those points, Geraghty said the carrier will continue to “aggressively” cut capacity this summer and simultaneously slow hiring.
JetBlue has not recorded a full-year net profit since 2019, and the spiraling cost of jet fuel threatens to bog down the carrier’s turnaround strategy, referred to by leadership as “JetForward.” The plan involves restructuring its network and phasing out less efficient aircraft.
Earlier this month, Geraghty reportedly told employees that the company is not considering declaring bankruptcy in 2026.
JetBlue posted an operating loss of $224 million and a net loss of $319 million – or 86 cents per undiluted share – for the first three months of the year, falling short of Wall Street expectations. The carrier posted a net loss of $208 million during the corresponding quarter of 2025.
The airline also suspended its full-year guidance due to changing fuel economics.
Still, Geraghty said she is optimistic about JetBlue’s trajectory and cited upcoming developments that should improve profitability, including the introduction of domestic first class, a new airport lounge, and the expansion of JetBlue’s Blue Sky partnership with United. She also noted that, despite the recent increase in fares, travel demand remains strong.
