JetBlue has announced its financial results for the first quarter, revealing a net loss of $716 million primarily attributed to the failed merger with Spirit Airlines. Despite the substantial loss, JetBlue’s Chief Executive Officer, Joanna Geraghty, expressed that the results exceeded expectations.
The airline’s capacity during Q1 2024 decreased by 2.7% compared to the previous year, resulting in a 5.1% decline in operating revenue. Expenses surged by 14%, compounded by the fallout from the failed merger, including a payout to Spirit Airlines and aircraft groundings.
Following a federal judge’s ruling against the merger in January, JetBlue incurred significant breakup costs exceeding $530 million during the quarter. Despite these challenges, Geraghty emphasized the airline’s commitment to its stand-alone plan and expressed confidence in its effectiveness moving forward.
JetBlue’s operations in Latin America faced additional pressure due to rising capacity, leading to fare reductions in the region. As a result, the airline made strategic decisions to exit certain South American markets, focusing instead on more profitable routes.
Looking ahead, JetBlue anticipates ongoing challenges in its Latin American operations, impacting revenue expectations for the full year. However, the airline remains steadfast in its commitment to its refocused stand-alone strategy, aiming to return to profitability in the future.