JetBlue Projects Profitability for Coming Quarters

JetBlue Airways has indicated that airline´s “return to profitability” program may show results in forthcoming quarters.

“Nothing is assured until the books are closed,” company chairman David Neeleman reportedly said at the shareholders´ meeting. “But we expect to make money in the second quarter and in the third quarter and the fourth quarter as well.”

However, Mr. Neeleman did not change JetBlue´s forecast of a full-year loss. JetBlue lost $32 million in the first quarter, following a loss of $42 million in the fourth quarter of 2005. JetBlue said it does not expect to eliminate jobs, but may raise fares. Its average fare of $105 each way “needs to move up,” Neeleman reportedly said.

JetBlue has been able to keep business steady by using creativity and solid customer service, according to Tim Claydon, JetBlue´s senior vice president of sales and marketing.