Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan: We expect higher jet fuel prices for the remainder of the year

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  April 23, 2026 at 13:18  |  4:17  |  CNBC
Speakers
Bob Jordan — CNBC host

Summary

Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan discusses Q1 earnings, expects higher jet fuel prices for the rest of the year, but remains bullish on demand and margin expansion. He confirms strong demand across all sectors and no interest in acquiring Spirit Airlines.

  • Southwest reported strong Q1 with operating margin up 8% year-over-year.
  • CEO expects higher jet fuel prices for remainder of 2024.
  • Company is focusing on cost control and redeploying capacity to higher-margin routes.
  • Demand is strong across leisure and business sectors.
  • Business revenues were up 16% in Q1 and 25% in March.
  • CEO says transformation is working and margins will continue to expand.
  • No interest in Spirit Airlines acquisition.
  • Forward curve used for fuel planning.
Trade Ideas
Bob Jordan CNBC host 0:37
Southwest's transformation driving margin expansion.
Southwest Airlines is experiencing strong demand, margin expansion, and earnings growth despite a $1 billion fuel headwind; the transformation is working, with stellar Q1 results and a positive Q2 forecast.
Bob Jordan CNBC host 2:29
Expect higher jet fuel all year.
Bob Jordan expects jet fuel prices to remain higher for the remainder of the year, impacting airline costs but the company plans accordingly using the forward curve and focusing on cost control.
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This CNBC video, published April 23, 2026, features Bob Jordan discussing LUV, CRAK. 2 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Bob Jordan  · Tickers: LUV, CRAK