JetBlue Stays Course on JetForward, Will Not Look to Restructure Debt

CEO Joanna Geraghty said the carrier is not in talks with its creditors.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 11:52 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A JetBlue Airbus A320 on the ground in Boston. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

JetBlue is not in talks with its creditors or considering restructuring its debt, CEO Joanna Geraghty told Reuters on Tuesday.

The airline has faced growing concerns about its financial viability as it takes on more debt to power its JetForward turnaround plan. Its share price has declined significantly since the summer, and its bonds plunged earlier this month.

Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that a group of JetBlue creditors is working with restructuring advisers, increasing panic among some investors.

But executives pushed back Tuesday, arguing that JetBlue is improving its margins and recapturing a huge share of its jet fuel costs, which spiked this year amid the U.S.-Iran war.

“We are not in talks with our creditors,” Geraghty told Reuters. “Part of today, as I mentioned, was to really set the record straight that we’re making progress in the underlying business.”

Earlier Tuesday, Geraghty, President Marty St. George, and CFO Ursula Hurley presented an optimistic outlook for the company on a third-quarter earnings call. They pointed to JetBlue’s higher revenues and yields, growth at Fort Lauderdale, Florida – which the CEO called a “generational opportunity” – and the rollout of BlueFirst, the airline’s new first-class product. BlueFirst, which is set to debut in December, is intended to capture some of the growth in premium that has become a major profit engine for larger U.S. airlines.

When asked how much debt the company can sustainably carry, Geraghty said financing is in place to get JetBlue through 2027 to 2028, when positive free cash flow is expected to begin.

“We recognize we need to get to a position where we’re repairing the balance sheet,” she said. “Fuel obviously presents a challenging headwind, but again I think there’s a significant disconnect between the narrative in the bond market and what our financial results are demonstrating.”

The company has about $8.4 billion in debt. It has not reported a full-year net profit since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

JetBlue on Monday posted Q3 operating revenues of $2.8 billion, up from $2.3 billion in the third quarter of 2025. The carrier’s net loss was $257 million, larger than the $143 million loss it reported in the same period last year.

The airline’s share price had recovered to $2.84 as of mid-day Wednesday.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

American Dispatchers, Operations Specialists Approve New Contract

The agreement includes "significant pay increases," the carrier said.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 09:30 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An American A321 in Chicago. (Photo: Shutterstock | MKPhoto12)

American Airlines’ nearly 600 dispatchers and operations specialists have approved a new five-year contract.

The carrier said the agreement includes significant pay increases, but did not offer specifics. The raises will take effect immediately.

American’s dispatchers and operations specialists are represented by the Professional Airline Flight Control Association (PAFCA). The union also represents dispatchers at Delta, United, and Endeavor Air.

“Our dispatchers and operations specialists are vital to the success of American’s operation,” Integrated Operations Center Senior Vice President Jessica Tyler said in a statement. “They carefully plan and help ensure the safety of thousands of flights each day while keeping our airline on track for our customers. This is a well-deserved new contract for a team that is the best in the business and we’re very pleased to continue to invest in them by providing competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.”

Zach Vasile

Ex-Sun Country CEO Resigns from Allegiant Board

Jude Bricker led Sun Country from 2017 until its merger with Allegiant.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 04:57 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Allegiant 737 MAX (Photo: Hagerstown Regional Airport)

Jude Bricker, the former chief executive of Sun Country, stepped down from Allegiant’s board of directors on Tuesday.

Allegiant, which acquired Sun Country in May, said Bricker resigned “to pursue other professional opportunities within the industry.”

“It has been an honor to work with the dedicated people of this outstanding organization and serve on the board of directors,” Bricker said in a statement. “With Allegiant and Sun Country’s integration well under way, the solid management team is well positioned to lead the combined airline into its next successful chapter.”

Bricker joined Allegiant’s board when the $1.5 billion Sun Country acquisition closed. He served as CEO of Sun Country from 2017 through May 2026.

He previously served as COO at Allegiant, and before that worked at American Airlines.

Allegiant and Sun County are keeping their flight operations separate for the time being but are integrating in other areas. Gregory Anderson, who served as CEO of Allegiant before the merger, now heads the combined company.

Zach Vasile

Alaska Grows in Namesake State With Four New Routes

The carrier’s latest expansion includes a transpacific flight operated with a Boeing 737 MAX 8.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 03:35 PM ET

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Zach Vasile

An Alaska 737 MAX 8 (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)

Alaska Airlines plans to add four nonstop routes next year, expanding its international network and rolling out what it says will be its largest-ever nonstop schedule from its namesake state.

The carrier announced Tuesday that it will launch flights between Anchorage, Alaska, and Tokyo Narita on May 13, 2027. New seasonal service from Anchorage to Austin, Texas; Dallas/Fort Worth; and Nashville, Tennessee, will follow in June.

The Tokyo route will operate daily during the summer, with departures from Anchorage continuing through Sept. 7 and return flights through Sept. 8. Alaska also plans to operate the route three times weekly during the winter beginning in January 2028.

Flights will depart Anchorage at 2:10 p.m. and arrive in Tokyo at 3:25 p.m. the following day. Return service will leave Narita at 9:45 p.m. and arrive in Anchorage at noon the same day. All times are local.

Alaska will use a Boeing 737 MAX 8 on the route. According to the airline, the MAX 8 is the only 737 variant in its fleet with sufficient range to operate the 3,433-mile service.

Alaska 737 MAX 8 — Alaska’s first 737 MAX 8 spotted at Boeing’s Renton factory. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

The aircraft will offer first class with reclining seats, along with Premium Class and main cabin seating. Passengers in both economy seating categories will receive a complimentary meal, including a hot entrée and dessert.

“This long-requested route will open new opportunities for tourism and commerce,” Marilyn Romano, Alaska’s regional vice president, said in the announcement.

The three new domestic routes will each operate once weekly on Saturdays from June 12 through Aug. 7, 2027. Alaska did not specify aircraft types or departure times for those flights.

Tickets are on sale. The airline said the new routes are subject to government approval.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

JetBlue Posts Larger Loss, Higher Revenues in Q3

The earnings report appeared to calm investors after the airline's share price hit an all-time low earlier in the week.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 12:11 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A JetBlue Airbus A220. (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)

JetBlue on Monday posted a larger net loss for the third quarter but also higher revenues as consumer demand remains strong.

The carrier said it generated higher yields year-over-year and recaptured more of the increase in jet fuel costs than it expected.

Operating revenues for the quarter were $2.8 billion, up from $2.3 billion in the third quarter of 2025. The carrier’s net loss was $257 million, larger than the $143 million loss it reported in last year’s Q3.

JetBlue officials said they expect further margin expansion in the fourth quarter despite an 85% climb in fuel costs.

“I’m very encouraged by the progress we made in the third quarter,” JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said in a news release. “Resilient demand and strong yields drove revenue well ahead of our initial expectations, allowing us to recapture more of the increase in fuel costs than we initially expected. That momentum has carried into the fourth quarter, and Fort Lauderdale continues to deliver exceptional results even as we significantly grow capacity.”

Earlier this week, The Wall Street Journal reported that a group of JetBlue creditors hired advisors amid concerns about the carrier’s long-term financial health. The creditors are now working with financial advisor PJT Partners and law firm Akin, the newspaper said.

JetBlue’s share price has dropped significantly since August but rebounded somewhat after Monday’s earnings call.

The airline is implementing a turnaround plan, known as JetForward, centered on cutting money-losing routes and introducing new premium products. The strategy is expected to return JetBlue to full-year profitability, which it has not achieved since 2019.

Zach Vasile

Etihad Launches New Route to North America

Flights will operate four times weekly.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 10:46 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Etihad 787. (Photo: Etihad)

Etihad Airways on Monday launched its second route to Canada.

The Emirati carrier is now serving Calgary from Abu Dhabi, using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Etihad said the route is the first nonstop service between Calgary and the Persian Gulf region.

The connection will operate four times weekly.

Etihad’s only other destination in Canada is Toronto.

In the U.S., the airline flies to Boston, New York-JFK, Washington Dulles, Charlotte, North Carolina, Atlanta, and Chicago O’Hare.

Zach Vasile

United Adds Routes From Texas

New connections to Mexico and South America will come online this winter.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 08:59 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A United 737 MAX 8. (Photo: Shutterstock | lorenzatx)

United Airlines will add three new international destinations from Houston Bush this winter.

According to the Houston Airport System, the carrier will launch service to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico, later this month. Tuxtla Gutiérrez is the capital of the southern Mexican state of Chiapas; the upcoming United service will be its only nonstop international connection.

In January 2027, United will start service between Houston and Caracas, Venezuela, marking the carrier’s return to the country after a years-long hiatus. The airline originally planned to launch Houston-Caracas in August, but two major earthquakes badly damaged Caracas’ main gateway, Simón Bolívar International Airport.

HAS also said that United will start flights to Cartagena, Colombia, this December. That route was previously announced by the airline in June.

The new connections come as United opens its Terminal B North Concourse at Houston Bush. The 765,000-square-foot concourse has 22 gates and includes a 54,000-square-foot United Club lounge, the largest airline lounge in the Americas.

According to HAS, United is also planning to resume service between Houston and Chihuahua, Mexico, next spring. The airline has not announced this route, and there is no set start date.

Zach Vasile

Aeromexico Adds Three U.S. Routes

The expansion is part of the carrier's long-running partnership with Delta.

Zach Vasile

Monday, October 26, 2026 at 11:59 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Aeromexico Boeing 737 MAX 8. (Photo: Boeing)

Aeromexico will launch three new nonstop routes to the U.S. next year as part of its long-running collaboration with Delta.

The Mexican flag carrier will connect Mexico City with Orange County, California, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Portland, Oregon. All three connections will operate daily, with Orange County starting on Jan. 11, 2027, Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 14, and Portland on Jan. 21.

Aeromexico will be the only airline in the world offering nonstop service between Mexico City and each of the three U.S. destinations.

The carrier will use Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with 166 passenger seats – 16 in Premier Class, 18 in AM Plus, and 132 in Economy.

Aeromexico and Delta said the new connections will strengthen their Joint Cooperation Agreement, which allows for coordination on scheduling, pricing, and capacity, as well as revenue sharing on routes between the U.S. and Mexico.

Delta owns a 20% stake in Aeromexico.

Zach Vasile

EasyJet Opts for Starlink Wi-Fi

Installations across the carrier's fleet will begin early next year.

Zach Vasile

Monday, October 26, 2026 at 11:26 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An easyJet A320 taxiing at Schiphol Airport. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

British low-cost carrier EasyJet will offer Starlink wireless internet service across its fleet, executives announced Monday.

The satellite internet technology will be rolled out across EasyJet’s fleet of Airbus A320s, A320neos, and A321neos starting next year. Installations should be complete by early 2028, the carrier said.

“Innovation is in EasyJet’s DNA and partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet connectivity on board for the first time will not only further enhance the experience we provide millions of customers, but means we are offering more of the options both business and leisure travelers want when they choose who they fly with,” EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis said in a news release.

Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has scored contracts with some of the largest airlines and airline groups in the world, including United, Southwest, Lufthansa Group, Emirates, Air France-KLM, Air Canada, and Alaska. Delta and JetBlue have partnered with Starlink competitor Amazon Leo.

EasyJet is in the process of being acquired by American asset management firm Apollo. It was forced to hear out takeover bids last summer, first from Minneapolis-based Castlelake, then Apollo, as surging jet fuel prices destabilized its business model. Apollo is offering £7.15 per share in cash.

EasyJet shareholders will vote on Apollo’s buyout next month.

Zach Vasile

United Restarts Route to West Coast

Flights will operate daily.

Zach Vasile

Monday, October 26, 2026 at 10:32 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A United 737-800 in San Francisco. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ben Suskind)

United on Monday resumed service between San Francisco and Cincinnati, Ohio, a connection it last served six years ago.

Flights will operate daily going forward, using Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

United announced in August that it would resume San Francisco-Cincinnati. It last served the route in 2020, according to Cirium Diio schedule data.

San Francisco is United’s sixth nonstop destination from Cincinnati, behind Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston, Washington Dulles, and Newark, New Jersey. United said San Francisco has historically been one of the airport’s largest underserved markets.

Airport officials noted that travelers from Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will now be able to connect to United’s transpacific network – with destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Beijing, Seoul, and Hong Kong – with one stop on the way.

Zach Vasile