JetBlue Airways on Tuesday posted a bigger-than-expected loss for the fourth quarter hurt by muted demand for economy seats, sending the carrier's shares down more than 8% in morning trade.

The airline posted an adjusted loss of 49 cents per share for the quarter ended December 31, compared with a year-ago loss of 21 cents per share. Analysts expected a loss of 45 cents apiece, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Chief Executive Joanna Geraghty said that macroeconomic uncertainty had impeded the carrier's return to profitability in 2025.

A JetBlue passenger jet lands with New York City as a backdrop, at Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey. REUTERS/Chris Helgren

JetBlue posted operating revenues of $2.24 billion for the October-to-December period, compared with analysts' estimates of $2.23 billion.

U.S. carriers are leaning on premium growth and loyalty programs to offset tepid main cabin demand and the resulting downward pressure on economy fares.

JetBlue forecast first-quarter revenue per available seat mile (RASM), an industry metric commonly known as unit revenue and a proxy for pricing power, between 0.0% to 4%, which excludes the impact of the winter storm that disrupted air travel across a wide swath of the country over the weekend.

JetBlue canceled nearly 600 flights on Sunday the worst day of disruptions.

The New-York based carrier expects mid-single digit average aircraft to be grounded in 2026 due to RTX's Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan engine issues.

Peer Alaska Airlines last week forecast full-year profit below analysts' expectations, citing seasonality, fuel-price volatility and economic uncertainty.