JetBlue Airways updated its second-quarter 2026 outlook on Monday, lifting both its fuel cost forecast and its revenue growth estimate ahead of an industry conference.
The carrier now expects to pay between $4.26 and $4.36 per gallon for fuel in the quarter ending June 30, compared with a prior forecast of $4.13 to $4.28, the company said. The revision reflects rising Brent crude prices during the quarter. Prices have climbed sharply since the conflict began, with industry data showing jet fuel near $142 per barrel in late May, compared with an average of roughly $85 to $90 a barrel before the strikes on Iran earlier in the year.
Despite the higher fuel costs, JetBlue raised its forecast for revenue per available seat mile — a measure of pricing power — to a range of 9% to 12% year-over-year growth, up from a prior range of 7% to 11%, the company said. The airline said it expects to recapture 40% or more of increased fuel costs in the quarter, helped by consistent operational performance.
JetBlue attributed the stronger revenue outlook to sustained travel demand across cabin types and geographies. The company also noted that routes previously served by Spirit Airlines have produced results above expectations following Spirit's shutdown, the company said. JetBlue added that while it is still early in the third-quarter booking window, it is encouraged that current trends may continue.
