JetBlue Chief Sees Brighter Skies After Turbulent Years

Joanna Geraghty, the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline, outlines JetBlue's path forward in Boston address.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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In a speech in Boston, JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty acknowledged the airline has faced a "rough couple of years" but expressed optimism about the industry's outlook for 2026. Geraghty, the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline, discussed JetBlue's commitment to Boston, the impact of tariffs, and the importance of supporting smaller carriers.

Why it matters

Geraghty's comments provide insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the airline industry as it navigates the post-pandemic landscape. JetBlue's position in the Boston market is also noteworthy, as the carrier has ceded the top spot at Logan Airport to rival Delta Airlines.

The details

Geraghty acknowledged that JetBlue has had to deal with a "rough couple of years," including having to transport 20,000 travelers in the Caribbean whose flights were briefly grounded. However, she expressed optimism about the industry's outlook for 2026, citing healthy demand across the board. Geraghty also discussed the impact of tariffs, which she said are making it harder for JetBlue to achieve profitability by increasing costs on everything from replacement parts to uniforms.

  • Geraghty spoke in Boston this week.
  • JetBlue has now relinquished the top spot at Boston's Logan Airport to Delta Airlines for the fiscal 2026 schedule.

The players

Joanna Geraghty

The CEO of JetBlue, the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline.

Marty St. George

The president of JetBlue, who is from Boston.

Steve Davey

The CEO of the New York City Transit Authority who was considering returning to Boston to become the CEO of Massport.

Lisa Wieland

The former CEO of Massport who left the job in late 2023.

Delta Airlines

The airline that has now surpassed JetBlue as the top carrier at Boston's Logan Airport.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a rough couple of years for JetBlue. We're now emerging from some”

— Joanna Geraghty, CEO, JetBlue (Boston Globe)

“Boston is our second home. We really want to be part of Boston's community. We want to be authentically Boston. ... We're going to fight for Boston.”

— Joanna Geraghty, CEO, JetBlue (Boston Globe)

“When you're really trying to turn something around, that's a big hit [when] we just want stability.”

— Joanna Geraghty, CEO, JetBlue (Boston Globe)

“My friends from Holy Cross are like, you're the last person we thought would end up in a job like this. I think I fell into JetBlue. It's a great culture. We have a great team.”

— Joanna Geraghty, CEO, JetBlue (Boston Globe)

“Please fly us. If you don't throw your money behind smaller carriers, they may not exist. ... They're really great counterbalances to the bigger guys.”

— Joanna Geraghty, CEO, JetBlue (Boston Globe)

What’s next

Geraghty's comments suggest that JetBlue will continue to fight to maintain its presence in the Boston market, even as it cedes the top spot at Logan Airport to Delta Airlines.

The takeaway

Geraghty's candid remarks about the challenges facing JetBlue, combined with her optimism about the industry's outlook and commitment to Boston, provide a glimpse into the strategic decisions and leadership required to navigate the turbulent airline industry in the post-pandemic era.