JetBlue pilots express frustration after carrier’s widening Q4 loss

JetBlue Airways pilots have responded to the carrier’s weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter 2025 financial results, calling for progress toward a long-delayed collective bargaining agreement as the airline looks ahead to a potential recovery in 2026. 

JetBlue reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $177 million, or 48 cents per share, widening from a $44 million loss a year earlier, as capacity declined and operating revenue slipped 1.5% to $2.24 billion. The airline cited macroeconomic uncertainty and uneven demand as factors that delayed a return to profitability in 2025, though executives said booking trends have begun to stabilize heading into the new year. 

In response to the results, pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) issued a public statement calling on management to take advantage of strong employee performance by delivering improved financial results. Contract negotiations between JetBlue and ALPA have been ongoing since April 2024. 

“JetBlue pilots are the reliable backbone of this airline,” said Capt. Wayne Scales, chairman of the JetBlue pilots’ Master Executive Council. “Our commitment to our craft, our passengers, and the long-term viability of JetBlue has been consistent and unwavering.” 

Scales added that while pilots remain invested in the airline’s future, continued financial underperformance should not be treated as inevitable. He said lasting success depends on management reaching an agreement that provides career progression and long-term security for pilots. 

JetBlue executives struck a cautiously optimistic tone during their earnings call, saying the airline expects improved performance in 2026 as demand normalizes and capacity growth resumes. JetBlue President Marty St. George said booking patterns now resemble a “very normal demand year,” a shift from the volatility that characterized much of 2025. 

The airline said it expects seat miles to grow between 2.5% and 4.5% in 2026, following a 1.6% capacity decline in the fourth quarter. JetBlue also said first-quarter results will be affected by winter storm disruptions and recent Caribbean airspace closures tied to US security events. 

Shares of JetBlue fell more than 8% following the earnings release and are down over 40% year over year, reflecting investor skepticism about the pace of the carrier’s turnaround. Analysts have pointed to ongoing cost pressures, competitive intensity in key markets, and labor uncertainty as challenges for the airline. 

Labor relations remain a key issue as JetBlue works to stabilize operations and restore profitability. ALPA represents nearly 4,700 JetBlue pilots and is the largest airline pilot union in the world, with more than 80,000 members across the United States and Canada. 

JetBlue management has not publicly commented on specific contract timelines, but pilots have increasingly linked their bargaining position to the airline’s broader strategy. The carrier is attempting to strengthen its network in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where gate availability has improved following capacity reductions by Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy in 2025. 

Executives said JetBlue moved quickly to take advantage of new opportunities in the South Florida market, particularly for international flying. Spirit’s pullback has eased competitive pressure in certain routes, offering JetBlue potential upside if demand continues to firm. 

Still, pilots say long-term stability will require more than network adjustments. In their statement, ALPA leaders emphasized that workforce engagement and contractual certainty remain essential components of a sustainable recovery. 

“As committed as we are to the future of JetBlue, lasting success depends on management bringing its pilots forward with a contract that provides career advancement and security,” Scales said.The post JetBlue pilots express frustration after carrier’s widening Q4 loss appeared first on AeroTime.

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