JetBlue reported its highest quarterly profit since 2019 for the second quarter of 2023. Robin Hayes, JetBlue’s CEO, credits this success to the company’s dedicated Crewmembers and robust preparations for the peak summer travel period.
The airline reported a GAAP net income of $138 million, or $0.41 per share, and an adjusted net income of $152 million, or $0.45 per share, excluding special items. Operating revenue amounted to $2.6 billion, up 6.7% from the previous year, while operating expenses per available seat mile (CASM) decreased by 12.2%.
The company’s financial turnaround coincides with significant cost-saving measures, including a transition to margin accretive Airbus A220s from the Embraer E190, contributing over half of the expected $75 million in savings from JetBlue’s fleet modernization program.
Despite the promising Q2 2023 results, JetBlue has warned investors of potential challenges ahead. Factors such as severe air traffic control restrictions, unfavorable weather conditions, and the termination of the Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American Airlines following an unfavorable court ruling are anticipated to create headwinds.
In light of these potential issues, JetBlue has revised its full-year earnings outlook. The company now predicts a potential third-quarter loss and has cut its full-year earnings forecast to between 5 cents and 40 cents per share, down from the previous projection of up to $1 per share.
Despite these challenges, JetBlue remains committed to driving cost efficiencies through better utilization, technology upgrades, and its fleet modernization program. Ursula Hurley, JetBlue’s CFO, expressed confidence in the company’s ability to manage these near-term headwinds and focus on factors within their control as they aim to restore their historical earnings power.
