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Senior creditors to the airline are working with financial adviser PJT Partners and law firm Akin.

Airline shares are rallying Thursday after Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) beat Wall Street’s third-quarter estimates.

Airline stocks are rising. Why are airline stocks up today? Southwest beat on both lines. It earned 66 cents per share, above the 58 cents analysts predicted, and sales of $8.42 billion cleared the $8.25 billion forecast, according to Benzinga Pro. Revenue grew 21.2% from a year earlier.

Demand drove the records. Southwest set company records for unit revenue, up 21.6%, along with passenger revenue and yields. The quarter also produced 20 of the 50 best managed business booking days Southwest has ever recorded.

Airline stocks are rising together. Frontier Group Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:ULCC), Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL), American Airlines Group Inc (NASDAQ:AAL) and United Airlines Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:UAL) are all trading higher with Southwest’s results.

Southwest Airlines Lowers Full-Year Earnings ForecastSouthwest cut its 2026 earnings outlook to $2.60 to $2.85 per share, down from a range of $3.25 to $4.25. For the fourth quarter, Southwest guided to 55 to 80 cents per share and to a 19% to 21% jump in revenue per available seat mile.

Fuel remains a major cost. Fourth-quarter fuel is forecast at $4.55 a gallon, up 63 cents from the third quarter’s $3.92. Higher fuel added $821 million to third-quarter costs versus a year earlier, about $1.08 per share, yet the operating margin still reached 4.5%.

Southwest says it expanded margins despite that pressure, and that demand held up after last year’s bag fee and other commercial changes. Management argues the results show durable earnings power even with much higher fuel costs.

Southwest is a major carrier, so its results work as a read on the whole sector. Investors use that read to judge two things: whether travelers still pay up for flights and whether airlines can cover higher costs. Southwest’s record passenger yields suggest travelers are paying more. Its 4.5% operating margin, despite $821 million in extra fuel costs, suggests carriers can absorb part of the fuel hit.

Airline Rally Extends After United Airlines GuidanceSouthwest is the second large carrier to move the group this week. United Airlines lifted airline shares Wednesday by forecasting fourth-quarter revenue above $18.48 billion, against about $18.29 billion expected, along with faster unit revenue growth.

Oil helped too. Crude futures had dropped 1% to below $97 a barrel Tuesday. Lower fuel prices lift margins quickly, since fuel ranks among carriers’ biggest expenses.

Airline Shares Are Moving HigherPrice Action: Frontier shares were up 1.59% at $5.11, United Airlines shares were up 0.08% at $101.75, Southwest shares were up 3.46% at $41.26, American Airlines shares were up 2.70% at $12.57 and Delta shares were up 1.09% at $78.52 at the time of publication on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro.

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For parents looking to leave the kids behind at home—or adults wishing not to share a flight with a screaming baby—a new partnership is offering an experience many have long craved, however divisive it might be: a completely child-free travel adventure.

On October 20, JetBlue Vacations and Virgin Voyages announced “Do Not Disturb,” a four-night, kid-free travel experience. 

“We love creating vacations for all kinds of travelers, including families, but we also know there are moments when adults are looking for a different kind of getaway,” Jamie Perry, president of Paisly, which powers JetBlue Vacations, said in a statement. 

Perry added, “With Do Not Disturb, we wanted that feeling of truly switching off to start well before you step onto the ship. From the flight to the transfer to the cruise itself, we’ve thought about the entire journey so our customers can simply show up, settle in, and enjoy some uninterrupted time away.”

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Slated for March 4 to 8, the trip starts with a child-free JetBlue flight from New York’s JFK to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Next, passengers will be provided ground transportation to PortMiami, where they will have priority boarding on the new Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady ship for an adults-only cruise to the Bahamas. All return travel is also included.

Travelers on the Do Not Disturb package will celebrate the child-free experience with an in-flight toast and a private welcome party on the ship. The package also includes a $100 bar tab per cabin.

Tickets officially go on sale October 21 on the JetBlue Vacations website at a cost of $2,750 for two people. Ten travelers will also receive a $50 onboard credit for activities like a mud bath or “Shore Things,” Virgin Voyages’ curated experiences.

“People have wanted this kind of kid-free [experience] from takeoff to sail away for a long time,” Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, said in a statement. “And now it actually exists.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Explore Topicsair travelJetBlueTravel

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bilt, the membership that connects where you live with the places you love, and JetBlue today announced a partnership that allows Bilt Members to transfer Bilt Points directly to JetBlue TrueBlue, the airline's loyalty program, at a 1:1 ratio. Starting today, every 1,000 Bilt Points transferred becomes 1,000 TrueBlue points, turning housing payments into travel across a network of more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, C.

Key Takeaways JBLU is set to report Q3 earnings on Oct. 27 amid elevated fuel costs & persistent operating pressures.JetBlue expects Q3 fuel prices of $3.49 per gallon and CASM ex-fuel growth of 2.5-4.5% year over year.JetBlue's $8.48B debt burden and operational disruptions may further weigh on its Q3 profitability. JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU - Free Report) is scheduled to release third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 27, before the market opens.

The airline exits the September-end quarter amid elevated fuel costs, continued non-fuel expense pressure and operational challenges. Although demand remained resilient, higher fuel prices, labor and maintenance expenses and air-traffic-control constraints are likely to have weighed on profitability.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for JBLU’s third-quarter 2026 loss per share has widened in the past 60 days to 52 cents from 41 cents. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for JBLU’s third-quarter 2026 revenues is pegged at $2.82 billion, indicating 21.54% growth year over year.

JBLU has a discouraging earnings surprise history, having outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the preceding four quarters, and missing twice in the remaining two, with the average miss being 4.26%.

Factors Likely to Have Influenced JBLU’s Q3 PerformanceElevated Fuel Costs: Higher fuel expenses are likely to have remained a major headwind for JetBlue. The company had expected an average third-quarter fuel price of $3.49 per gallon. Management noted that it had recaptured nearly 50% of higher fuel costs and expected further progress, suggesting that fuel inflation had still not been fully offset during the quarter.

Non-Fuel Cost Pressure: Rising operating expenses are also likely to have hurt the bottom line. JetBlue had guided for third-quarter CASM ex-fuel growth of 2.5-4.5% year over year. Labor, maintenance and other operating expenses are likely to have remained important cost pressures as the airline continues investing in its operations and JetForward initiatives. The company's filings also highlight increased maintenance costs associated with fleet age and higher salaries, wages and benefits as ongoing risks.

Operational Challenges: Operational disruptions may have further pressured results. Management described July as operationally challenging because of weather, air-traffic-control staffing constraints and other disruptions. The company's third-quarter outlook had assumed completion factors would return to historical levels during the balance of the quarter, leaving execution dependent on improved operating conditions.

High Interest Burden: JetBlue’s sizable debt load continues to constrain earnings. As of June 30, 2026, the company had about $8.48 billion of debt and finance lease obligations, while its full-year outlook contemplated approximately $590 million of interest expense. The elevated financing burden is likely to have remained a drag on the bottom line.

What Our Model Says About JBLUOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for JetBlue this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. But that is not the case here.

JetBlue has an Earnings ESP of -6.22% and a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

JBLU's Q2 HighlightsJetBlue Airways reported a second-quarter 2026 loss of 66 cents per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 70 cents. The result marked a 5.7% earnings surprise, though the loss widened from a year ago.

Operating revenues of $2.7 billion beat the consensus estimate by 0.1% and rose 14.5% year over year. Strong demand and commercial execution lifted revenue per available seat mile, or RASM, 10.9%.

Stocks to ConsiderHere are a few stocks from the broader Zacks Transportation sector that investors may consider, as our model shows that they have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this reporting cycle.

Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +0.25% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

ODFL is scheduled to report third-quarter 2026 earnings on Oct. 28. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings has been revised upward by 0.63% over the past 60 days. The company’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the preceding four quarters, with the average beat being 6.71%.

Kirby Corporation (KEX - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +1.87% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. KEX is scheduled to report third-quarter 2026 earnings on Oct. 28.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings has been revised upward by 0.51% to $1.96 per share over the past 60 days. KEX’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the preceding four quarters and met the mark on the other occasion. The average beat is 2.86%.  

JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ:JBLU – Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week low on Wednesday. The stock traded as low as $3.34 and last traded at $3.35, with a volume of 40,763,152 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $3.62.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have issued reports on JBLU shares. TD Cowen cut their price target on shares of JetBlue Airways from $6.00 to $5.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 24th. Susquehanna decreased their price objective on JetBlue Airways from $6.00 to $4.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 7th. UBS Group lowered their price objective on JetBlue Airways from $5.00 to $4.00 and set a “sell” rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, September 10th. Seaport Research Partners downgraded JetBlue Airways from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating in a research note on Monday, August 17th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on JetBlue Airways from $6.75 to $5.25 and set a “market perform” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, September 28th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and five have assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of “Reduce” and an average price target of $5.02.

Get Our Latest Research Report on JBLU

JetBlue Airways Trading Up 4.7% The stock’s fifty day simple moving average is $4.55 and its 200-day simple moving average is $5.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.04, a current ratio of 0.70 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The firm has a market cap of $1.19 billion, a PE ratio of -1.32 and a beta of 1.77. JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ:JBLU – Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 28th. The transportation company reported ($0.66) EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.69) by $0.03. JetBlue Airways had a negative net margin of 9.32% and a negative return on equity of 45.92%. The business had revenue of $2.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $2.69 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted ($0.21) EPS. The business’s quarterly revenue was up 14.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that JetBlue Airways Corporation will post -2.68 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Transactions at JetBlue Airways In related news, CFO Ursula Hurley sold 77,253 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.76, for a total transaction of $444,977.28. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 211,099 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,215,930.24. This represents a 26.79% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Insiders have sold 83,253 shares of company stock worth $474,477 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 2.41% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Trading of JetBlue Airways Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. lifted its position in shares of JetBlue Airways by 157.3% during the 4th quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 5,517 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 3,373 shares in the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont acquired a new position in JetBlue Airways during the second quarter worth $26,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. acquired a new position in JetBlue Airways during the second quarter worth $27,000. Essential Partners LLC lifted its holdings in JetBlue Airways by 1,048.5% during the first quarter. Essential Partners LLC now owns 7,293 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 6,658 shares in the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in JetBlue Airways by 162.2% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,707 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 4,768 shares in the last quarter. 83.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

(Get Free Report)

JetBlue Airways Corp. (NASDAQ:JBLU) is a passenger airline that provides scheduled air transportation in the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America and select destinations in Canada and Europe. The company serves leisure and business travelers through a network centered on major U.S. airports, including New York, Boston, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

JetBlue offers multiple travel products, including its core economy service and premium Mint cabins on select routes. Its onboard offerings have included complimentary snacks and beverages, seatback entertainment, Wi-Fi and additional-legroom seating options marketed as Even More Space.

Featured Articles Five stocks we like better than JetBlue Airways ASML Can’t Keep Up With AI Demand—Why That’s a Good Thing Enovix’s 100,000-Battery Drone Order Sets Up a Test of Its Production Plans AMD’s Support Could Help Fermi Stock Overcome Its Biggest Hurdle Beyond the GPU: Credo Paves the Next AI Data Superhighway Receive News & Ratings for JetBlue Airways Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JetBlue Airways and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today launched new daily nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO), serving Cali, Colombia. The launch marks another milestone in JetBlue's expansion in both South Florida and Colombia, giving customers a new nonstop option between Fort Lauderdale and one of Colombia's largest cities, while providing travelers from Cali with convenient connect.

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JetBlue Airways Corporation (Nasdaq: JBLU) announced today that it will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss third quarter 2026 financial results on Tuesday, October 27th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

A live, listen-only webcast of the call will be available on JetBlue's investor relations website at the following web address:

http://investor.jetblue.com

For those unable to listen to the live webcast, it will also be archived on JetBlue's investor relations website under 'Archived Events & Presentations' following the conference call.

About JetBlue

JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline® and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.

More News From JetBlue

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Airlines face a complex operating environment characterized by rising fuel costs and shifting consumer travel patterns. In this environment, the right airport assets can quickly change a company’s financial outlook.

JetBlue Airways Today

$3.86 -0.06 (-1.40%)

As of 09:43 AM Eastern

This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.

$3.79▼

$6.62$5.02

JetBlue Airways NASDAQ: JBLU recently secured final Federal Aviation Administration approval to absorb 22 takeoff and landing slots at LaGuardia Airport, previously held by the now-bankrupt Spirit Aviation OTC: FLYYQ.

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Slot-constrained airports offer high barriers to entry and distinct pricing power. Acquiring these slots at a steep discount gives JetBlue an immediate edge on pricing. This regulatory green light prompted Citigroup NYSE: C to upgrade JetBlue to a Neutral rating, noting that valuation risks are largely priced in at current levels.

By focusing more on premium travelers, JetBlue is insulating its operations from industry headwinds and setting up an asymmetric risk/reward profile for contrarian investors. The acquisition of these slots represents just the first phase of a broader strategic pivot.

Ground Control: How 22 New Slots Establish a Valuation FloorCommercial aviation relies heavily on hub efficiency, and LaGuardia operates under strict federal slot constraints. An airline cannot decide to fly more planes into the facility on a whim. The carrier must own the right to land at a specific time. Because these slots rarely change hands outside of bankruptcies or mergers, securing them provides immediate pricing power on select routes.

Citigroup analysts recognized this structural advantage and issued an upgrade, suggesting JetBlue's stock has a price floor near $4. JetBlue shares have fallen about 75% over five years, pushing its market capitalization to around $1.5 billion. At this depressed valuation, the market has already priced in the worst-case scenarios for JetBlue’s balance-sheet distress and leadership changes.

The departure of activist investor Carl Icahn and his group from the JetBlue board in late August removed a layer of corporate friction. Activist exits frequently signal near-term capitulation, clearing the way for management to execute turnarounds without constant proxy pressure. Adding high-yield real estate at LaGuardia gives current leadership a tangible asset to leverage as they rebuild the route network.

Top-Line Tailwinds: JetBlue Gains Altitude in Q2Turnarounds in capital-intensive industries rarely happen overnight, but early indicators usually surface in top-line revenue before trickling down to net income. JetBlue posted a 3-cent earnings-per-share beat in its second-quarter report, reporting a loss of 66 cents per share versus a projected 69-cent loss. The airline delivered a 14.5% year-over-year revenue increase.

This top-line expansion indicates that the company's operational adjustments are gaining traction. The balance sheet remains highly leveraged, carrying a debt-to-equity ratio of about 5.04 and a current ratio of about 0.70. Net margins are compressed at negative 9.32%, and trailing net income is a loss of about $602 million.

These metrics highlight the severity of the past few years, but they also frame the opportunity. When an enterprise with about $1.5 billion in market capitalization expands revenue by 14.5% in a single quarter, its underlying cash flow dynamics begin to shift.

In capital-heavy sectors, debt is a tool, not just a liability. The key is ensuring operating cash flow outpaces the cost of servicing that debt. The recent revenue jump provides a catalyst needed to reassure credit markets. As long as top-line momentum continues, refinancing existing obligations is a manageable administrative task rather than an existential threat.

Cruising Altitude: Why RASM Is JetBlue's New North StarThe broader passenger airline sector faces margin compression driven by rising jet fuel costs. In September, JetBlue cut its capacity-growth outlook and raised its third-quarter fuel price forecasts, directly linking the scale-back to weather and fuel constraints.

Cutting capacity is a defensive move, but JetBlue management is counterbalancing this by aggressively rolling out high-margin products. The company recently introduced BlueFirst domestic first-class seating and expanded its premium Mint lounge network. This transition targets a critical airline efficiency metric.

Basic economy seats offer thin margins and are highly sensitive to fuel price fluctuations. Premium seating commands higher fares that more easily absorb elevated fuel costs. By shifting the product mix toward business and premium leisure travelers, JetBlue actively drives revenue per available seat mile (RASM) higher, even as overall flight capacity shrinks.

Airlines use pricing systems to sell the right seat to the right customer at the right time. When an airline holds slots at a heavily restricted airport, it can set higher fares, knowing competitors cannot add flights to undercut them.

That built-in protection provides steady revenue that helps offset turbulence in less protected regional routes. The LaGuardia slots pair perfectly with this strategy, as routes originating from major business hubs naturally support higher concentrations of premium bookings.

Institutional Investors Book Their Tickets for the ReboundDerivatives market positioning suggests institutional investors are anticipating a stabilization in share price. A significant volume of call options traded in mid-September, signaling that smart money expects the support level to hold.

JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU) Price Chart for Friday, October, 9, 2026

Wall Street remains cautious, with a consensus rating leaning toward Reduce based on five Sell ratings and eight Hold ratings. Despite the bearish sentiment, the average 12-month price target of $5.02 implies about 29% upside from current levels. This divergence between ratings and price targets often occurs at cycle bottoms, where analysts hesitate to issue Buy ratings but acknowledge the math points to higher future valuations.

Fasten Your Seatbelts for a Strategic TurnaroundAirlines require close monitoring because they're highly sensitive to crude oil markets and consumer spending habits. JetBlue faces real debt challenges and economic headwinds. But its new airport slots, added premium seating, and double-digit revenue growth provide a viable path to recovery.

Investors looking for contrarian value in the industrial sector might watch JetBlue's upcoming earnings reports to see whether the premium product strategy continues to lift RASM.

Should You Invest $1,000 in JetBlue Airways Right Now?Before you consider JetBlue Airways, you'll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and JetBlue Airways wasn't on the list.

While JetBlue Airways currently has a Reduce rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

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Key Takeaways JetBlue adds daily nonstop Fort Lauderdale-Barranquilla service, expanding its Colombian network.BLU will connect four Colombian destinations, including Cali service set to launch later this month.JetBlue will use Airbus A320 aircraft with free Fly-Fi, seatback entertainment, snacks and drinks. In a bid to widen its popularity in terms of services and strengthen its position in Colombia as it continues to grow at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), JetBlue Airways (JBLU - Free Report) announced its new daily nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Barranquilla is the latest addition to JetBlue’s Colombian network after Medellín and Cartagena, with service to Cali (CLO) set to launch later this month. Collectively, all the routes are expected to connect JetBlue’s Colombian network to four destinations. This shall enhance Fort Lauderdale’s position as a major gateway connecting customers across the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The new route offers customers multiple convenient travel options between South Florida and Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Flights on the new nonstop route will use JBLU’s Airbus A320 aircraft, which is featured with Main experience, including free high-speed Fly-Fi, seatback entertainment with live TV at every seat and complimentary snacks and drinks. One-way fares from Fort Lauderdale to Barranquilla are being offered at $134 in Main and $234in EvenMore, available on JetBlue.com.

Additionally, JBLU’s latest tie-up with All Hands & Hearts and Americares in Colombia reflects its community-supportive nature during any kind of natural calamities such as earthquakes. The airline works alongside local, national and global nonprofit partners to offer relief work during times of need.

Daniel Shurz, senior vice president, revenue, network and enterprise planning, JetBlue, stated, "We're excited to welcome Barranquilla to the JetBlue network and give customers another great option for traveling between South Florida and Colombia. Fort Lauderdale continues to grow as an important connecting gateway for JetBlue, connecting customers from Barranquilla not only to South Florida but also to destinations across JetBlue’s broader network across the U.S and beyond. This new service builds on our long history of serving Colombia while giving customers traveling to visit family and friends, for business or leisure the competitive fares and award-winning experience they expect from JetBlue.”

Given that Barranquilla is a dynamic hub for business, culture and tourism and is home to the popular Carnaval de Barranquilla, JetBlue’s decision to offer new daily nonstop service to Barranquilla marks a strategic move on JBLU’s part to strengthen its competitive position between the United States and Colombia in the airline industry.

JBLU’s Zacks Rank and Stocks to ConsiderJBLU presently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Investors interested in the Zacks Transportation sector may consider Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD - Free Report) and Schneider National, Inc. (SNDR - Free Report) .

Expeditors currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

EXPD has an expected earnings growth rate of 28.6% for 2026. The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 17.15%.

Schneider presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Schneider has an expected earnings growth rate of 65.08% for the current year. Schneider’s earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters (missed the mark in the remaining two quarters), delivering an average miss of 10.01%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Schneider’s full-year earnings has moved 14.29% north in the past 60 days.

U.S. airlines waived change fees for flights Friday through Sunday ahead of a nor'easter that federal forecasters warn will bring high winds and rainfall with the potential for dangerous flooding.

As of Friday morning, there were minimal delays around the Northeast ahead of the storm and few cancelations set for the weekend.

Carriers will often cancel a chunk, if not most of their schedules, during severe winter storms or hurricanes to ensure planes, passengers and crews aren't out of place, but airlines are still assessing the the nor'easter's potential path.

American Airlines, United Airlines and JetBlue Airways said customers can change their flights for a host of airports in the New York City area, Boston and smaller New England airports, without paying a change fee or difference in fare if they can fly anytime before mid-next week.

The potential weekend disruptions come after an equipment outage on Monday forced carriers to cancel hundreds of flights bound for the New York area and Philadelphia.

Read more CNBC airline newsCompanies spurn airlines’ cheapest business class ticketsAmerican Airlines will stop upgrading elite flyers to business from coach on long domestic flightsWhy flights are so expensive and will likely stay that waySouthwest Airlines put Texas jet fuel on a boat to LA for the first time amid supply worriesUnited Airlines’ new upsell: Keeping other travelers out of the middle seatRecord heat, crowds drive offseason boom in international travel

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said ​a massive telecom outage ‌that disrupted thousands of flights Monday will not ​occur again with ​a new modern resilient air ⁠traffic control system.

"This ​won't happen in the ​future with the new architecture. There'll be no single or ​dual points of ​failure. There's multiple routes that ‌we ⁠can bring telecom into all of our facilities," Duffy told Fox ​News' "Fox and ​Friends" ⁠on Tuesday.

About 9,500 U.S. flights ​were delayed or canceled ​Monday ⁠after the failure of a telecom switch ⁠and ​an accidentally ​cut fiber optic cable.

We assess the investment worthiness of JBLU stock post its updated third-quarter 2026 guidance.

The airline said it expects available seat miles to increase 1.5% to 3.5% during the third quarter, versus prior guidance of 3%-to-6% growth.

Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio bought a new position in shares of JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ:JBLU – Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm bought 249,143 shares of the transportation company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,428,000. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio owned approximately 0.07% of JetBlue Airways as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Corient Private Wealth LP purchased a new stake in JetBlue Airways in the second quarter valued at $146,000. Parallax Volatility Advisers L.P. acquired a new stake in shares of JetBlue Airways in the second quarter valued at approximately $90,000. Bank of America Corp DE acquired a new position in shares of JetBlue Airways in the 2nd quarter valued at $20,022,000. Jupiter Topco LLC acquired a new stake in JetBlue Airways during the 2nd quarter worth $200,000. Finally, Hsbc Holdings PLC acquired a new position in JetBlue Airways in the second quarter valued at $4,399,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.71% of the company’s stock.

Insider Activity at JetBlue Airways In other news, CFO Ursula Hurley sold 77,253 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.76, for a total transaction of $444,977.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 211,099 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,215,930.24. This represents a 26.79% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 81,253 shares of company stock worth $465,897. Corporate insiders own 2.41% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In JBLU has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Wall Street Zen cut JetBlue Airways from a “sell” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a research report on Saturday, August 22nd. Weiss Ratings reissued a “sell (d-)” rating on shares of JetBlue Airways in a research note on Friday, July 17th. Bank of America increased their price objective on JetBlue Airways from $3.50 to $4.00 and gave the stock an “underperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 1st. Seaport Research Partners downgraded shares of JetBlue Airways from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating in a report on Monday, August 17th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on JetBlue Airways from $3.50 to $4.50 and gave the stock a “sell” rating in a report on Thursday, July 2nd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and six have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Reduce” and a consensus target price of $5.50. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on JBLU

JetBlue Airways Price Performance JetBlue Airways stock opened at $4.63 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.04, a current ratio of 0.70 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.75 billion, a P/E ratio of -1.94 and a beta of 1.70. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $5.46 and its two-hundred day moving average is $5.16. JetBlue Airways Corporation has a 12-month low of $3.87 and a 12-month high of $6.62.

JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ:JBLU – Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 28th. The transportation company reported ($0.66) EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.69) by $0.03. JetBlue Airways had a negative return on equity of 45.92% and a negative net margin of 9.32%.The firm had revenue of $2.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.69 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted ($0.21) earnings per share. The business’s quarterly revenue was up 14.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that JetBlue Airways Corporation will post -2.33 earnings per share for the current year.

JetBlue Airways Company Profile (Free Report)

JetBlue Airways Corporation is a low-cost scheduled passenger airline headquartered in Long Island City, New York. Since commencing service in 2000, the carrier has built a reputation for combining competitive fares with enhanced onboard amenities, including free in-flight entertainment, complimentary snacks and beverages, and onboard Wi-Fi. JetBlue operates a single fleet type of Airbus A320 family and Embraer 190 aircraft, which supports its focus on efficiency and operational consistency.

The airline’s core offerings include economy-class travel and a premium business-class product known as Mint, which features lie-flat seats, curated culinary options and elevated service on select transcontinental and international routes.

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Key Takeaways JetBlue will debut BlueFirst, a new domestic first-class experience, on its first aircraft later this year.BlueFirst adds premium seating, Bluetooth screens, Fly-Fi, charging points, food, beverages and blankets.Customers get Group 1 boarding, two free checked bags, priority services and no cancellation fees. In a bid to widen its popularity in terms of services, JetBlue Airways (JBLU - Free Report) is all set to pamper its customers with its newest domestic first-class experience, BlueFirst.

Building on JetBlue’s JetForward strategy, BlueFirst is set to offer specially designed seating for customers aspiring for extra comfort; advanced seatback technology with seatback ordering, seatback screens complete with Bluetooth connectivity and complimentaryFly-Fi high-speed Internet services and charging points. Apart from the aforesaid services, customers can enjoy additional hospitality in terms of blanket availability on overnight flights and a wide range of food and beverages.

BlueFirst customers are also likely to enjoy Group 1 boarding, overhead bin space, no cancellation fees, two free checked bags and priority baggage delivery, priority check-in and access to a fast-tracked lane to the security checkpoint in more than 30 airports.

Joanna Geraghty, chief executive officer of JetBlue, stated, “Domestic first class has become easy to predict. We think it’s time for a fresh take. Customers are increasingly looking for more premium experiences, and BlueFirst gives them an elevated experience that feels distinctly JetBlue, with thoughtful touches, caring service and great value. It’s another way we’re bringing our JetForward strategy to life and giving customers more reasons to choose JetBlue.”

To ConcludeThe announcement of BlueFirst follows the recent opening of JBLU’s second BlueHouse airport lounge at Boston Logan International Airport Terminal, both being part of JetBlue’s broader JetForward strategy, which includes offering more premium, customer-centric experiences.

These events reflect JBLU’s portfolio expansion of its premium products to attract more customers through its enhanced travel experience and strengthen its network in the airline industry.

We would like to remind investors that JetBlue's persistent focus on investing in premium travel has helped it earn industry recognition in the form of multiple awards. These include ranking #1 in Customer Satisfaction among First/Business Class Passengers in the JD Power 2026 North America Airline Satisfaction Study for the second consecutive year and ranking #1 "Best Airport Lounge" in Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 for BlueHouse at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Zacks Rank and Stocks to ConsiderPresently, JetBlue carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Investors interested in the Zacks Transportation sector may consider Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD - Free Report) and Seanergy Maritime Holdings (SHIP - Free Report) as well. 

Expeditors currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

EXPD has an expected earnings growth rate of 28.6% for 2026.  The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 17.15%.

Seanergy Maritime Holdings currently sports a Zacks Rank #1.

SHIP has an expected earnings growth rate of more than 100% for the current year. The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 38%.

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JetBlue unveiled its new first-class seat. JetBlue Airways JetBlue Airways is doubling down on premium, and its planes are about to look very different.

On Tuesday, the airline officially unveiled the details of its highly anticipated first-class cabin: BlueFirst.

The new cabin, which has Bluetooth connectivity, extra space, and enhanced meals and entertainment, will be equipped on Airbus A220, A320, and A321 aircraft, and service is expected to start "later this year."

JetBlue did not disclose the inaugural route, but said BlueFirst will be available "in all markets where JetBlue flies and is not currently served with Mint [business class]." This will be a departure from its historically all-economy domestic planes and bring JetBlue more in line with mainline competitors like Delta and United.

Complementing its Mint cabin and new airport lounges, BlueFirst is the latest sign of JetBlue's — and the broader airline industry's — laser focus on premium demand.

High-dollar premium cabins have become increasingly important to airlines' bottom lines as travelers continue paying up for better experiences. JetBlue reported a 13% year-over-year increase in premium revenue per available seat mile in the second quarter, outpacing Main Cabin's 11% growth.

JetBlue isn't alone. Delta Air Lines reported a 17% year-over-year increase in premium revenue in Q2, while United's premium revenue rose by about 16%.

This premium shift comes as JetBlue continues to claw back to profitability, having not posted a full-year net profit since the COVID-19 pandemic. It had been counting on now-failed deals with Spirit Airlines and American Airlines to grow, but both ultimately collapsed. It's also dealt with engine-related aircraft groundings and numerous route and city cuts.

Still, JetBlue has carved out a stronghold in Fort Lauderdale after Spirit's collapse, is adding more leisure-focused routes, and is teaming up with United to share customers and expand its reach.

BlueFirst could help JetBlue build on that momentum. Here's a closer look.

BlueFirst resembles traditional domestic first-class.

JetBlue's new BlueFirst. JetBlue Airways The large foam-lined recliners are configured in a 2×2 layout and feature headrests, a 13.3-inch seatback screen, and USB-A, USB-C, and 110VAC charging ports.

The up to 7 inches of extra legroom and up to 5 inches of recline are standard, and passengers on overnight flights also get a blanket and a "snooze kit."

JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said that "premium should feel special, not stuffy," and that BlueFirst will offer new innovative elements: "Domestic first class has become easy to predict. We think it's time for a fresh take."

Passengers can use Bluetooth headphones.

There is also a small center table for more space. JetBlue Airways Passengers can ditch wired headphones for Bluetooth in BlueFirst. More airlines, like United and Spain's Iberia, have also added the feature to their planes.

Flyers can also connect to JetBlue's free WiFi. The airline plans to begin introducing Amazon Leo's faster, low Earth orbit satellite technology on a portion of its fleet in 2027.

The seatback screen will offer "Mixologist Mode."

A JetBlue plane being catered at JFK. JFK JetBlue said the BlueFirst seatback screens have a "Mixologist Mode" that lets customers customize their cocktails. They can choose their spirit, mixer, and flavorings, and the order is sent to the flight attendants.

On flights longer than 899 miles, first-class flyers will be served a bento-style box with an entrée, a side, and a dessert. JetBlue said the choices include sweet-and-savory crepes or sesame noodles with beef or tofu, among others.

Premium snack brands like Sockerbit, Tosi, Wholesome Bakery, Pop Daddy Snacks, and Cape Cod Chips will be available on every flight.

"Traditional first-class food and beverage can feel stuck in the past," Geraghty said. "BlueFirst is our way of refreshing the experience for today's traveler."

First-class flyers get Group 1 boarding and other premium perks.

People boarding in JetBlue's priority lane. Jordan Parker Erb/Business Insider In addition to being among the first to board, BlueFirst ticket holders also get dedicated overhead bin space, priority check-in, and expedited security at over 30 airports.

BlueFirst has a discount option.

JetBlue's new base fare structure also covers Main and EvenMore. JetBlue Airways JetBlue is rolling out three distinctive fare tiers for BlueFirst: "flex," "standard," and "base." Standard and flex both include a seat selection, two free bags, and no change or cancel fees, but flex offers refunds for eligible cancellations rather than travel credit.

Base is the discount option that strips away perks like free seat selection in exchange for a lower price. This "basic first class" strategy is similar to what Delta and United are doing across their cabins to entice more people to book premium cabins.

JetBlue's president, Marty St. George, has said the goal of the new fare structure is to create more choice for customers by letting them "be able to book what's right for them."

First-class passengers won't get lounge access.

The first level of the JetBlue JFK lounge. Taylor Rains/Business Insider As part of its JetForward initiative, JetBlue has opened two "BlueHouse" airport lounges at New York-JFK and Boston.

Mint business-class passengers get free access, but first-class passengers can't enter unless they have another qualifying entry, such as being a Mosaic 4 loyalty member (the highest tier of JetBlue's status ladder) or holding the JetBlue Premier credit card.

The new seat will be equipped on three different plane types.

JetBlue has an all-Airbus fleet. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images JetBlue said its Airbus A220 and A320 aircraft will have 12 BlueFirst seats, while the stretched A321 will have 16. Once the renovations are complete, every JetBlue plane will have a premium section.

"From creating your own cocktail and ordering right from your seatback screen, to a thoughtfully crafted seat that offers responsive comfort, we're making the experience more personal, modern, and fun," Geraghty said.

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It has been about a month since the last earnings report for JetBlue Airways (JBLU - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 12.8% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.

But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is JetBlue due for a breakout? Well, first let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for JetBlue Airways Corporation before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.

JBLU Q2 Loss Beat EstimateJetBlue Airways Corporation reported a second-quarter 2026 loss of 66 cents per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 70 cents. The result marked a 5.7% earnings surprise, though the loss widened from a year ago.

Operating revenues of $2.7 billion beat the consensus estimate by 0.1% and rose 14.5% year over year. Strong demand and commercial execution lifted revenue per available seat mile, or RASM, 10.9%.

JBLU's Traffic and Pricing Metrics ImprovePassenger revenues increased 14.1% year over year to $2.49 billion, just ahead of our estimate of $2.47 billion. Other revenues climbed 18.6% to $210 million, surpassing our estimate of $188 million. Revenue passengers rose 5.1% and revenue passenger miles advanced 4.1%.

Capacity, measured in available seat miles, increased 3.2%. Load factor (% of seats filled by passengers) improved 0.8 percentage points to 82.7%, matching our estimate, while the average fare rose 8.6% to $237.38. Yield per passenger mile increased 9.6% to 17.53 cents.

JetBlue's Costs Rise on Fuel PressureTotal operating expenses increased 20.8% year over year to $2.84 billion. Aircraft fuel expense surged 80.7% to $911 million as the average fuel cost per gallon climbed 76.3% to $4.23. Salaries, wages and benefits rose 2.7% to $875 million.

Operating expense per available seat mile increased 17% to 16.53 cents. Excluding fuel and other non-airline expenses, unit costs rose 2.4% to 11.12 cents. JBLU posted an operating loss of $141 million, compared with operating income of $6 million a year ago, while operating margin contracted 5.5 percentage points to negative 5.2%.

JBLU Builds Momentum Across Commercial InitiativesPremium RASM increased about 13%, while Main Cabin RASM grew 11%. Loyalty revenues rose 13%, supported by record co-brand account engagement, nearly 40% growth in new premium card acquisitions and a 21% increase in loyalty cash remuneration.

JetBlue also highlighted progress in Fort Lauderdale, where RASM rose 11% despite nearly 40% capacity growth. The carrier is restructuring schedules to improve connectivity and expects to operate more than 150 daily departures from the airport this winter.

JetBlue Advances JetForward ExecutionJetForward generated $470 million of cumulative incremental EBIT through June 2026. The company remains on track to deliver an annual incremental EBIT benefit of $850-$950 million by year-end 2027.

Operational initiatives also produced gains. On-time arrival performance within 14 minutes improved about 1 point, while Net Promoter Score increased 5 points year over year. JetBlue is using digital tools, predictive analytics and improved routing to raise productivity, fuel efficiency and disruption management.

JBLU Maintains Liquidity Amid Heavy ObligationsCash and cash equivalents totaled $1.66 billion at June 30, 2026, down from $1.95 billion at Dec. 31, 2025. Investment securities stood at $512 million. Total debt was $8.48 billion, while stockholders’ equity declined to $1.59 billion from $2.12 billion.

Second-quarter capital expenditures, including predelivery deposits, were $234 million. For the first six months of 2026, capital expenditures and predelivery deposits totaled $375 million, compared with $496 million in the prior-year period.

JetBlue Reestablishes 2026 OutlookFor the third quarter of 2026, JBLU expects capacity growth of 3-6% and RASM growth of 12.5-16.5%. CASM, excluding fuel, is projected to increase 2.5-4.5%, while fuel price per gallon is estimated at $3.49. Capital expenditures are forecasted at about $300 million.

For 2026, capacity is expected to rise 1.5-3.5%, with RASM growth of 10-12.5% and CASM ex-fuel rise of 2-4%. Adjusted operating margin is projected between negative 2% and negative 5%. Interest expense is expected to be about $590 million, with capital expenditures of roughly $850 million.

JBLU Sets a 2028 Earnings TargetJetBlue introduced a target of at least $1 in earnings per share for 2028. The goal assumes continued demand strength and an average jet fuel price of $3 per gallon.

The target is supported by expectations for JetForward to deliver about $1.2 billion in annual incremental EBIT in 2028. BlueFirst, the airline’s new domestic first-class product, is expected to begin sales in fall 2026, with most retrofit work scheduled for completion by year-end 2027.

How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a flat trend in estimates revision.

VGM ScoresAt this time, JetBlue has a poor Growth Score of F, a score with the same score on the momentum front. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a score of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for value investors.

Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.

Outlook JetBlue has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.

Activist investor Carl Icahn has given up his board representation at JetBlue Airways (JBLU.O) after sharply reducing a stake in the airline that he once called an attractive investment opportunity.

In 2024, JetBlue agreed to appoint two members from Icahn’s firm ​to its board, Jesse Lynn and Steven Miller, under an agreement that also barred the Icahn group from conducting ​a proxy contest at the airline’s 2024 annual meeting.

Icahn disclosed a stake of about 10% in the airline ⁠in 2024, which had fallen to 3.32% as of August 20, 2026, according to his latest regulatory filing.

JetBlue said Icahn ​notified the airline the following day that his ownership had fallen below the level required to retain both board representatives, indicating he ​subsequently reduced the stake further.

Icahn previously said shares of JetBlue were undervalued, saying the airline represented an attractive investment opportunity. He has made a career of taking stakes in companies he views as undervalued and pushing for changes.

JetBlue shares closed at $6.07 on February 12, 2024, when Icahn publicly ​disclosed a 9.91% stake in the airline. They closed at $4.74 on August 20, when his latest regulatory filing showed the ​stake had fallen to 3.32%, about 22% below their level when his investment was disclosed.

JetBlue has faced a series of headwinds since 2024, including ‌Pratt & ⁠Whitney engine-related aircraft groundings, high costs and the collapse of its proposed merger with Spirit Airlines.

More recently, the Iran war has driven up fuel prices, adding to cost pressures as the carrier works to return to sustained profitability while carrying a heavy debt load.

“We appreciate the constructive partnership with JetBlue over the years as they have reshaped the airline and we look forward to ​seeing them continue to successfully ​execute the JetForward strategy," Icahn ⁠said in a statement.

JetForward is the carrier's multi-year turnaround plan launched in 2024, to improve earnings by concentrating on profitable routes, expanding higher-margin products and tightening costs as the carrier seeks ​to return to profitability.

The carrier in July introduced a long-term profit target of at least $1 per share ​for 2028, adding ⁠that despite fuel costs, it remains on track to deliver $850 to $950 million in annual incremental EBIT by the end of next year.

“We appreciate the constructive contributions of Jesse and Steven as we established and began to execute our JetForward strategy,” CEO Joanna Geraghty said ⁠in a ​statement.

Jesse Lynn is general counsel of Icahn Enterprises (IEP.O) and Steven Miller is a ​portfolio manager of Icahn Capital.

After their departures, the JetBlue board will be comprised of 11 members, 10 of whom are independent.

On Aug. 18, 2026, activist investor Carl Icahn (Trades, Portfolio) reduced the firm's position in JetBlue Airways Corp (JBLU, Financial), selling 8,129,833 shares at a price of $5.04 per share. This transaction represented a portfolio impact of -0.5% for the firm. Following this reduction, Icahn Capital Management retains 12,528,346 shares of JetBlue, which account for 0.77% of the firm's total portfolio and 3.32% of the company's outstanding shares. The sale comes at a time when the airline continues to face significant financial headwinds, with the stock trading at $4.95 as of Aug. 25, 2026, slightly below the transaction price.

Carl Icahn (Trades, Portfolio)'s Activist Investment Strategy Carl Icahn (Trades, Portfolio) is a prominent activist investor known for acquiring significant stakes in public companies and advocating for operational or strategic changes. The firm operates through multiple investment vehicles, including the hedge fund Icahn Partners, American Real Estate Partners, and Icahn Management LP. GuruFocus tracks the portfolio managed by Icahn Capital Management, which covers all stocks owned by the firm. The investment philosophy centers on buying beaten-down, out-of-favor assets, often from bankruptcy, and selling them once they regain market favor. Icahn explains, "The consensus thinking is generally wrong. If you go with a trend, the momentum always falls apart on you. So I buy companies that are not glamorous and usually out of favor. It is even better if the whole industry is out of favor."

The firm's top holdings include Icahn Enterprises LP
IEP -0.59% 59

, CVR Energy Inc
CVI -3.75% 63

, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc
IFF +1.82% 67

, CVR Partners LP
UAN -0.66% 59

, and Centuri Holdings Inc
CTRI -2.67% 37

. With an equity portfolio valued at $8.26 billion, the firm maintains a concentrated approach, focusing primarily on the energy and basic materials sectors. This latest reduction in JetBlue aligns with the firm's strategy of capitalizing on investments when they show signs of recovery or when better opportunities emerge elsewhere.

JetBlue Airways: Company Overview JetBlue Airways Corp is a low-cost airline that offers high-quality service, including assigned seating and in-flight entertainment. The carrier serves approximately 100 destinations across the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America, Canada, and England. The company operates a single segment, Air Transportation Services, with the majority of revenue generated from the Domestic & Canada segment. The fleet includes Airbus A321, A320, A321neo, and Embraer E190 aircraft, positioning the carrier in the competitive low-cost airline market. Since its IPO on April 12, 2002, the stock has declined 55.41%, reflecting the challenging dynamics of the airline industry.

JetBlue currently has a market capitalization of $1.87 billion. The GF Score of 70/100 suggests the stock is likely to have average long-term performance potential. The company's Financial Strength rank is weak at 3/10, with a cash-to-debt ratio of 0.22, indicating limited liquidity relative to debt obligations. The Altman Z score of 0.48 further underscores the financial distress risk, while the Piotroski F-Score of 1 points to poor fundamental health.

Valuation and Financial Health Metrics JetBlue's GF Value stands at $5.16, indicating the stock is fairly valued with a price-to-GF-Value ratio of 0.96. The company is currently unprofitable, as reflected by a PE percentage of 0.00. The Profitability Rank is 4/10, with a return on equity of -43.45% and a return on assets of -5.33%. These metrics highlight the operational challenges the airline faces in generating sustainable profits. Despite these difficulties, the Operating Margin growth is positive at 50.20%, and EBITDA has grown 14.20% over three years, though revenue has declined by 4.00% in the same period.

The Growth Rank of 6/10 reflects mixed signals, with earnings growth over three years at -27.00%. The GF Value Rank of 10/10 suggests the stock is trading near its intrinsic value, while the Momentum Rank of 7/10 indicates relatively better price performance compared to other metrics. The interest coverage ratio is not available, further complicating the assessment of the company's ability to service its debt obligations.

Market Sentiment and Technical Indicators The stock has gained 7.84% year-to-date but has declined 1.79% since the transaction date, reflecting near-term selling pressure. Technical indicators show bearish momentum, with RSI readings of 32.06 (5-day), 34.02 (9-day), and 38.59 (14-day), all below the neutral 50 level. The momentum index over six months is -8.03%, and over 12 months is -2.04%, suggesting sustained negative price trends. These indicators align with the broader challenges facing the airline industry, including rising fuel costs, labor shortages, and competitive pressures from both legacy carriers and other low-cost competitors.

Ownership Context and Transaction Analysis Icahn Capital Management LP is the largest known holder of JetBlue shares among tracked gurus, though the exact percentage is not disclosed. Jefferies Group (Trades, Portfolio) also holds a position in the stock, indicating some institutional interest despite the company's financial struggles. According to GuruFocus's premium guru 13F ownership data, 5 gurus currently hold the stock, with 2 adding and 5 trimming positions in recent quarters. This net trimming activity suggests a cautious stance among notable investors, which may signal a shift in conviction regarding the airline's near-term prospects.

The reduction by Icahn may signal a shift in conviction, particularly given the airline's ongoing losses and weak balance sheet metrics. While the firm retains a significant stake, the decision to trim positions at a price near the current market value could indicate a desire to reallocate capital to more promising opportunities. For value investors, this transaction serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring insider and guru activity, as well as the fundamental health of the companies in which they invest. The combination of weak financial strength, negative profitability, and bearish technical indicators suggests that JetBlue faces considerable challenges in the near term, despite the positive operating margin growth and EBITDA expansion over the past three years.

This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) today announced that its second BlueHouse™ airport lounge will officially open at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Terminal C at 5 a.m. ET on Thursday, August 27, 2026. With the opening of BlueHouse in JetBlue's second largest focus city, the airline also announced it will expand its lounge access to include departing customers traveling on Mint or Mint Flex fares. As a major element of JetBlue's broader JetForward strategy, which includes.

Key Takeaways JetBlue shares gained 22.2% in three months as improving revenue trends supported momentum.JetBlue expects 2026 RASM growth of 10-12.5%, while capacity is projected to increase 1.5-3.5%.JBLU faces higher fuel costs, about $8.48 billion in debt and a projected negative 2026 operating margin. JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU - Free Report) shares have gained 22.2% in the past three months, putting the durability of the rebound in focus. Better revenue trends and firmer earnings-estimate revisions have improved the near-term setup.

The rally still faces a demanding test. JetBlue remains unprofitable, fuel costs have climbed sharply and leverage is high, leaving further upside dependent on revenue gains translating into a clearer margin recovery.

JBLU’s Three-Month Gain Comes With Better MomentumJBLU’s 12-week price change of 22.2% is backed by a 3.4% gain over the past four weeks. The stock also carries a Momentum Score of A, the strongest of its individual Zacks Style Scores.

The move has occurred while JetBlue’s commercial performance improved. Second-quarter revenue per available seat mile, or RASM, increased 10.9% year over year, while capacity rose 3.2%, showing that unit revenues advanced faster than available seat miles.

JetBlue’s Earnings Revisions Are Moving HigherThe current-fiscal-year earnings estimate increased 7.7% over four weeks and 21.9% over 12 weeks. That direction is relevant because the Zacks Rank is driven by earnings-estimate revisions, giving the recent price momentum a firmer estimate backdrop.

JetBlue also posted a 5.7% earnings surprise in the second quarter. The result was still a loss of 66 cents per share, however, so upward revisions should be viewed as an improvement in expectations rather than proof that profitability has returned.

JBLU’s Revenue Outlook Supports the Bull CaseManagement expects third-quarter RASM to rise 12.5-16.5% year over year on capacity growth of 3-6%. For full-year 2026, JetBlue forecasts RASM growth of 10-12.5% while capacity is expected to increase 1.5-3.5%.

Premium and loyalty demand also matter in the broader airline backdrop. Delta Air Lines (DAL - Free Report) reported 17% growth in second-quarter premium-product ticket revenues, while United Airlines Holdings (UAL - Free Report) reported 14% first-quarter premium revenue growth. JetBlue’s own premium RASM rose about 13% in the second quarter.

JetBlue Still Faces Fuel and Leverage RisksSecond-quarter aircraft fuel expense surged 80.7% year over year to $911 million as the average fuel cost per gallon increased 76.3% to $4.23. Total operating expenses rose 20.8%, contributing to a $141 million operating loss.

Debt and financing costs add another constraint. Total debt was about $8.48 billion at June 30, 2026, while 2026 interest expense is expected to be about $590 million. JetBlue still projects a negative adjusted operating margin of 2-5% for the year.

JBLU’s Mixed Scores Temper the Rally CaseThe rally has better support than it did earlier, but the investment picture remains mixed. Stronger unit-revenue growth, positive estimate revisions and JetForward progress can sustain interest in the shares, while fuel volatility, losses and debt leave little room for execution slippage.

JBLU currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

 Its Momentum Score of A contrasts with a Value Score of D, Growth Score of F and VGM Score of F. The combination favors patience: momentum is favorable, but the broader Style Score profile does not yet provide the kind of all-around confirmation associated with top-ranked stocks.

Posted by Defense World Staff on Aug 11th, 2026

JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ:JBLU – Get Free Report)’s share price was down 5.9% during mid-day trading on Monday after Citigroup downgraded the stock from a neutral rating to a sell rating. Citigroup now has a $5.30 price target on the stock, down from their previous price target of $6.60. JetBlue Airways traded as low as $5.71 and last traded at $5.7130. 2,375,889 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 91% from the average session volume of 27,170,203 shares. The stock had previously closed at $6.07.

Several other research firms also recently weighed in on JBLU. Wall Street Zen raised shares of JetBlue Airways from a “strong sell” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Saturday, May 23rd. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on JetBlue Airways from $6.00 to $6.75 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 29th. Bank of America increased their target price on JetBlue Airways from $3.50 to $4.00 and gave the company an “underperform” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on JetBlue Airways from $3.50 to $4.50 and gave the stock a “sell” rating in a research report on Thursday, July 2nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a “sell (d-)” rating on shares of JetBlue Airways in a research report on Friday, July 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and six have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, JetBlue Airways presently has an average rating of “Reduce” and an average price target of $5.40.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on JBLU

Insider Transactions at JetBlue Airways In related news, Director Vivek Sharma sold 32,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.41, for a total value of $173,120.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 35,479 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $191,941.39. This trade represents a 47.42% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CFO Ursula L. Hurley sold 77,253 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.76, for a total value of $444,977.28. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 211,099 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,215,930.24. This represents a 26.79% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Insiders sold 111,253 shares of company stock worth $629,597 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 2.41% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On JetBlue Airways A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in JBLU. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. raised its holdings in shares of JetBlue Airways by 157.3% during the fourth quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 5,517 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 3,373 shares in the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont purchased a new stake in JetBlue Airways in the second quarter worth $26,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd boosted its holdings in JetBlue Airways by 639.1% in the third quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 5,839 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 5,049 shares in the last quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in JetBlue Airways in the fourth quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Leonteq Securities AG purchased a new position in JetBlue Airways during the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. 83.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

JetBlue Airways Trading Down 7.1% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.04, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a current ratio of 0.70. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.13 billion, a PE ratio of -2.36 and a beta of 1.74. The stock’s 50-day simple moving average is $5.56 and its 200-day simple moving average is $5.24.

JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ:JBLU – Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 28th. The transportation company reported ($0.66) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.69) by $0.03. JetBlue Airways had a negative net margin of 9.32% and a negative return on equity of 45.92%. The firm had revenue of $2.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $2.69 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted ($0.21) EPS. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 14.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that JetBlue Airways Corporation will post -2.35 EPS for the current fiscal year.

JetBlue Airways Company Profile (Get Free Report)

JetBlue Airways Corporation is a low-cost scheduled passenger airline headquartered in Long Island City, New York. Since commencing service in 2000, the carrier has built a reputation for combining competitive fares with enhanced onboard amenities, including free in-flight entertainment, complimentary snacks and beverages, and onboard Wi-Fi. JetBlue operates a single fleet type of Airbus A320 family and Embraer 190 aircraft, which supports its focus on efficiency and operational consistency.

The airline’s core offerings include economy-class travel and a premium business-class product known as Mint, which features lie-flat seats, curated culinary options and elevated service on select transcontinental and international routes.

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Consumer-voted recognition highlights thoughtful design, elevated amenities and a distinctly New York experience as BlueHouse, JFK named #1 ‘Best Airport Lounge 2026’

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today proudly announced its BlueHouse lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has been voted #1 ‘Best Airport Lounge’ in Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice™ Awards 2026, a consumer-voted program recognizing standout travel and hospitality experiences. BlueHouse at JFK is JetBlue’s first ever airport lounge, opened in December 2025.

Located in JFK’s Terminal 5 – JetBlue’s flagship terminal – BlueHouse is a 9,000-square-foot, two-level lounge designed with an NYC apartment-style aesthetic, Art Deco details, curated artwork and playful nods to JetBlue’s history. The space offers fresh bites curated by Union Square Events, barista-made beverages and craft cocktails from New York partners including Joe Coffee, The Greats of Craft and Please Don’t Tell, as well as high-speed Wi-Fi, ample power outlets, open seating, quiet areas and a game room, giving customers space to socialize, work or relax before flying.

“BlueHouse was never meant to feel like just another airport lounge. We designed it to feel more like a home—a place where customers can settle in, enjoy something delicious and start their journey before they even board,” said Stephanie Evans Greene, senior vice president of marketing and brand, JetBlue. “Inspired by the character and charm of New York, BlueHouse delivers a distinctly JetBlue welcome from the moment customers arrive. We’re thrilled that Newsweek readers named BlueHouse JFK the best airport lounge and incredibly proud of the teams and partners who brought that vision to life.”

“Today’s travel experience is being redefined well before boarding—travelers now judge an airline by every hour of the journey, including the time spent on the ground,” said Ryan Kinney, Newsweek’s senior vice president, research, strategy, and revenue. “As JetBlue prepares to expand the BlueHouse experience to Boston, this recognition arrives at an especially meaningful moment. Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice™ Awards reflect the voices of readers who experience these brands firsthand, and in voting BlueHouse at JFK the #1 Best Airport Lounge, our readers delivered a powerful endorsement of JetBlue’s investment in the customer journey.”

The recognition underscores JetBlue’s continued investment in elevating the customer experience, both on the ground and in the air, and comes as JetBlue prepares to open its second BlueHouse location in Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) Terminal C, later this summer, further expanding the airline’s lounge offering. Complimentary access to BlueHouse is available to eligible JetBlue TrueBlue® Mosaic 4 members, JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard® cardmembers and transatlantic Mint® customers. For more information on BlueHouse, visit: jetblue.com/bluehouse.

The Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards recognize standout businesses, brands, and services across a wide range of consumer categories. Winners are determined through a public voting process in which readers select the companies and organizations they believe deliver exceptional quality, value, and customer experience.

The 2026 program highlights leading companies across numerous industries, including the Travel category, where BlueHouse at JFK was recognized as #1 Best Airport Lounge.

About JetBlue
JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline® and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.

About Newsweek
Newsweek is the global digital news organization built around the iconic 93-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people monthly with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. For more information, visit www.newsweek.com.

More News From JetBlue

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Key Takeaways JetBlue's Q2 loss beat estimates as revenues rose 14.5% and RASM increased 10.9%. Fuel expense surged 80.7%, driving a $141 million operating loss and negative 5.2% margin. JetForward delivered $470 million in incremental EBIT, supporting JetBlue's 2028 EPS target. JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU - Free Report) reported a second-quarter 2026 loss of 66 cents per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 70 cents. The result marked a 5.7% earnings surprise, though the loss widened from a year ago.

Operating revenues of $2.7 billion beat the consensus estimate by 0.1% and rose 14.5% year over year. Strong demand and commercial execution lifted revenue per available seat mile, or RASM, 10.9%.

JBLU's Traffic and Pricing Metrics ImprovePassenger revenues increased 14.1% year over year to $2.49 billion, just ahead of our estimate of $2.47 billion. Other revenues climbed 18.6% to $210 million, surpassing our estimate of $188 million. Revenue passengers rose 5.1% and revenue passenger miles advanced 4.1%.

Capacity, measured in available seat miles, increased 3.2%. Load factor (% of seats filled by passengers) improved 0.8 percentage points to 82.7%, matching our estimate, while the average fare rose 8.6% to $237.38. Yield per passenger mile increased 9.6% to 17.53 cents.

JetBlue's Costs Rise on Fuel PressureTotal operating expenses increased 20.8% year over year to $2.84 billion. Aircraft fuel expense surged 80.7% to $911 million as the average fuel cost per gallon climbed 76.3% to $4.23. Salaries, wages and benefits rose 2.7% to $875 million.

Operating expense per available seat mile increased 17% to 16.53 cents. Excluding fuel and other non-airline expenses, unit costs rose 2.4% to 11.12 cents. JBLU posted an operating loss of $141 million, compared with operating income of $6 million a year ago, while operating margin contracted 5.5 percentage points to negative 5.2%.

JBLU Builds Momentum Across Commercial InitiativesPremium RASM increased about 13%, while Main Cabin RASM grew 11%. Loyalty revenues rose 13%, supported by record co-brand account engagement, nearly 40% growth in new premium card acquisitions and a 21% increase in loyalty cash remuneration.

JetBlue also highlighted progress in Fort Lauderdale, where RASM rose 11% despite nearly 40% capacity growth. The carrier is restructuring schedules to improve connectivity and expects to operate more than 150 daily departures from the airport this winter.

JetBlue Advances JetForward ExecutionJetForward generated $470 million of cumulative incremental EBIT through June 2026. The company remains on track to deliver an annual incremental EBIT benefit of $850-$950 million by year-end 2027.

Operational initiatives also produced gains. On-time arrival performance within 14 minutes improved about 1 point, while Net Promoter Score increased 5 points year over year. JetBlue is using digital tools, predictive analytics and improved routing to raise productivity, fuel efficiency and disruption management.

JBLU Maintains Liquidity Amid Heavy ObligationsCash and cash equivalents totaled $1.66 billion at June 30, 2026, down from $1.95 billion at Dec. 31, 2025. Investment securities stood at $512 million. Total debt was $8.48 billion, while stockholders’ equity declined to $1.59 billion from $2.12 billion.

Second-quarter capital expenditures, including predelivery deposits, were $234 million. For the first six months of 2026, capital expenditures and predelivery deposits totaled $375 million, compared with $496 million in the prior-year period.

JetBlue Reestablishes 2026 OutlookFor the third quarter of 2026, JBLU expects capacity growth of 3-6% and RASM growth of 12.5-16.5%. CASM, excluding fuel, is projected to increase 2.5-4.5%, while fuel price per gallon is estimated at $3.49. Capital expenditures are forecasted at about $300 million.

For 2026, capacity is expected to rise 1.5-3.5%, with RASM growth of 10-12.5% and CASM ex-fuel rise of 2-4%. Adjusted operating margin is projected between negative 2% and negative 5%. Interest expense is expected to be about $590 million, with capital expenditures of roughly $850 million.

JBLU Sets a 2028 Earnings TargetJetBlue introduced a target of at least $1 in earnings per share for 2028. The goal assumes continued demand strength and an average jet fuel price of $3 per gallon.

The target is supported by expectations for JetForward to deliver about $1.2 billion in annual incremental EBIT in 2028. BlueFirst, the airline’s new domestic first-class product, is expected to begin sales in fall 2026, with most retrofit work scheduled for completion by year-end 2027.

JBLU currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Q2 Performance of Other Airline CompaniesDelta Air Lines (DAL - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 earnings (excluding 88 cents from non-recurring items) of $1.56 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.51. Earnings declined in double digits (% wise) from a year ago as sharply higher fuel costs pressured profitability.

Revenues rose on a year-over-year basis to $17.67 billion but missed the consensus estimate of $17.76 billion. Broad demand strength lifted adjusted total revenue per available seat mile (“TRASM”) by 12.4%, while premium and diversified revenue streams continued to expand.

United Airlines (UAL - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $1.99 per share, down 48.6% year over year but above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.92 by 3.7%.

Operating revenues rose 16% to $17.67 billion and were essentially in line with the $17.68-billion consensus mark. A 12.1% increase in TRASM and broad-based gains across premium, loyalty and cargo revenues supported the top line despite sharply higher fuel costs.