US airline CEOs address fuel prices, operational reliability

In an interview with Bloomberg, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes called on all sectors of the industry to optimize resources amid high travel demand and seasonal disruptions. “The aviation ecosystem is still suffering from the same challenges we are seeing in other sectors too,” Hayes said. “We have to act now … we have to do our best to make sure when we operate, we can do so reliably.” United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby also urged government support for building a more resilient air traffic system as the airline industry faces continued operational challenges. “We almost need the government more than we need ourselves to help … We need the help to rebuild a resilient system to support this industry,” Kirby said. He also cited ongoing pilot supply concerns for the industry: “Regional airlines and low-cost airlines are going to very much struggle to hire enough pilots.” Kirby also addressed skyrocketing jet fuel prices, explaining that fuel prices for United Airlines, if they stay at today’s level, are causing a “$12 billion incremental expense compared to 2019 … That’s 100% of what is driving inflation in our business,” he added.