Overview
- JetBlue Airways shares soared more than 11% in intraday trading Thursday after the airline lowered its full-year loss guidance due to booming demand for tickets.
- The carrier reduced its forecast for its 2023 loss to $0.40 to $0.50 from a loss of $0.45 to $0.65, and boosted the low end of its revenue outlook, which it now sees rising 4% to 5% compared to the earlier 3% to 5%.
- JetBlue noted that since late October, close-in bookings have outperformed expectations for both holiday peak and non-holiday travel periods.
- The airline's operational performance was strong, with 99.9% of its flights completed during November, and 100% for the Thanksgiving peak period.
- JetBlue is currently in a legal battle with the Department of Justice that could impact JetBlue's $3.8 billion acquisition of rival low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines.