JetBlue Q2 2026 Earnings Beat Forecast, Shares Up 3%

JetBlue Airways reported a wider net loss for the second quarter of 2026, but its stock surged on Tuesday, July 28, after the company beat adjusted earnings expectations, reinstated its full-year outlook, and introduced a long-term profit target. The airline's shares closed at $5.43, up 3.04%, and rose as high as $5.94 during the trading session.

The New York-based carrier posted a net loss of $247 million for the quarter, significantly larger than the $74 million loss recorded in the same period a year earlier. The loss was driven by a steep increase in fuel costs, which surged 80.7% year-over-year to an average of $4.23 per gallon. Despite this, operating revenue grew 14.5% to $2.7 billion, and revenue per available seat mile (RASM) increased 10.9%. The company's adjusted loss of $0.66 per share was better than the $0.71 loss analysts had forecast.

A key positive for investors was JetBlue's ability to recover nearly 50% of its higher fuel costs through stronger pricing, exceeding its own forecast of 30% to 40% recapture. Premium cabin RASM rose about 13%, main cabin RASM increased 11%, and loyalty revenue grew 13%. The company reinstated its full-year 2026 guidance, projecting...