Better get one airline on your radar. The company - and the stock – could be preparing for takeoff.
We're talking about JetBlue . The airline posted a first quarter profit that beat expectations earning $12 million, or 5 cents per share, compared with a loss of $10 million, or 5 cents per share a year earlier.
That’s impressive because the first-quarter is typically a seasonally weak period for airlines. In fact, it was the first time JetBlue made a profit in the first three months of the year since 2005.
But that’s not all. JetBlue was also able to navigate its way through the extreme turbulence generated by oil prices.
Jet Blue paid 31 percent less for fuel in the period than it did a year ago. The carrier restructured its fuel hedges last year so it wasn't tied to as many contracts this year as fuel got cheaper.
Of course, it’s not going to be a smooth ride entirely. Margins could suffer.
Chief Executive Dave Barger says he will "aggressively defend" the airline against growing low-cost competition and will offer fares starting at $39 — $10 cheaper than rival SouthWest.