By Robb M. Stewart

JetBlue Airways expects demand will continue to improve through the end of the year after it logged a widened loss in the latest quarter.

The carrier's recorded a net loss of $143 million, or 39 cents a share, in the third quarter against a loss of $60 million, or 17 cents, in the same period last year. The result was slightly stronger than the 41-cent-a-share loss analysts polled by FactSet had penciled in.

Operating revenue slipped 1.8% on a year earlier to $2.32 billion from $2.37 billion, in line with the consensus forecast of analysts.

Operating expenses for the quarter nudged up 0.8% to $2.442 billion, with costs up for items including maintenance, salaries and wages and landing fees and other rents.

"JetBlue's progress toward profitability is gaining momentum as a result of the swift actions we've taken to implement our JetForward strategy and set a strong foundation for 2026," Chief Executive Joanna Geraghty said. "Revenue and costs came in at the better half of their respective guidance ranges, significantly improving our financial performance throughout the quarter."

JetBlue's system capacity increased 0.9% year-over-year in the quarter, toward the higher end of its target for up to 1% growth. Available seat miles, an industry measure of carrying capacity, rose 0.9% in the third quarter, but passenger revenue per available seat mile was down 3.7% from last year.

The airline said it expects available seat miles for the final quarter of the year to range between a drop of 0.75% and a rise of 2.25%. For the year, it forecast between a 2% drop and a flat result.

The airline said it plans to launch 17 new routes and increase frequency on 12 higher-demand routes from Fort Lauderdale this year. It expects to offer its largest ever schedule at Fort Lauderdale, up 35% year-over-year.

Write to Robb M. Stewart at robb.stewart@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 28, 2025 07:43 ET (11:43 GMT)

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