JetBlue Shares Jump 13% Despite $257 Million Loss

JetBlue reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of $2.81 billion, up about 21% year over year, but its net loss widened to $257 million, or 68 cents per share, from $143 million a year earlier; its adjusted loss was 60 cents per share. The airline said stronger fares and resilient demand helped offset fuel costs, and it expects fourth-quarter revenue per available seat mile to grow 18% to 22% year over year, with operating margin improving by 1 to 2 percentage points. However, JetBlue lowered its full-year 2026 operating-margin outlook to a loss of 4.5% to 6.5%, from its previous forecast of a 2% to 5% loss, underscoring concerns about its finances. Despite the weaker outlook, shares rose more than 13% in after-hours trading, while CEO Joanna Geraghty said the company remains confident it can reach sustained operating profitability in 2027 and deliver at least $1 in earnings per share and positive free cash flow in 2028.