JetBlue posts small Q2 profit but faces falling passenger numbers and reduced workforce

JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty commented on the results:

"Despite facing an uncertain economic backdrop, we met or exceeded our financial targets, delivering a modest operating profit for the quarter. The momentum we have built since launching our multi-year strategy last summer reinforces our conviction that JetForward is the right plan to return JetBlue to sustained profitability."

The airline saw a decrease in passenger numbers during Q2 2025, carrying 9.973 million passengers—down 3.9% from Q2 of 2024—and revenue passenger miles fell by 4%. Available seat miles dropped by 1.5%, while load factor decreased by two percentage points to 81.9%. Aircraft utilization declined slightly due in part to "eight aircraft impacted by the Pratt & Whitney engine groundings," according to JetBlue.

JetBlue’s workforce also contracted by 5.7% year-on-year, with full-time equivalent crewmembers decreasing from 20,097 to 18,956 in Q2 of this year. Flight operations fell by about 3%, although average fares rose marginally.

Looking ahead, Geraghty highlighted improvements in operational reliability and customer satisfaction: "drove significant reliability improvements, with on-time performance up three points year-over-year." She added that "customer satisfaction also increased considerably over the first half of this year," noting JetBlue's continued popularity among U.S travelers.

For the third quarter of 2025, JetBlue expects available seat mile capacity could remain flat or see a slight increase of up to 2%. Revenue per available seat mile (RASM) is projected to decline between 2% and 6%, while costs per available seat mile excluding fuel are expected to rise by as much as 6%.

JetBlue operates hubs at Boston Logan International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, New York JFK Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Joanna Geraghty serves as CEO of JetBlue.