Los costes de combustible acaban con los beneficios AerolíneasAlaska Aerolíneas: casi 500 millones de dólares en pérdidas

Key Points

• Alaska lost nearly $500 million in H1 and $76 million in Q2, driven by an 85% jump in fuel costs to $1.3 billion; its West Coast exposure meant it paid more per gallon ($4.43) than Delta ($3.93) or United ($4.19).
• Loyalty and corporate travel are key growth levers: active loyalty members rose 15% (aided by Starlink Wi-Fi sign-ups), credit card revenue hit $633 million, and corporate revenue climbed 40%.
• Executives see improved pricing power with mid-teens unit revenue growth for peak periods and are expanding premium and international service post-Hawaiian merger to close the profit gap with legacy carriers—though they remain cautious about whether fare gains will hold.

Summary

Alaska Airlines posted losses of nearly $500 million in the first half of the year, driven primarily by an 85% surge in fuel costs that pushed second-quarter fuel spending to $1.3 billion and produced a $76 million quarterly loss. The carrier was disproportionately affected due to its heavy West Coast presence, where fuel is costlier owing to limited pipeline access—Alaska paid $4.43 per gallon versus $3.93 at Delta and $4.19 at United. Despite the shortfall, CEO Ben Minicucci projected the second half would be a "complete mirror image" of the first, citing durable travel demand and potential fuel relief. Growth engines include a 15% rise in active loyalty members (boosted by Starlink Wi-Fi sign-ups), $633 million in credit card revenue, 40% higher corporate revenue, and expanding premium and international service out of Seattle following the Hawaiian Airlines merger. Executives noted improved pricing power, with unit revenue up in the mid-teens for peak summer and fall, but cautioned it is too early to declare the fare gains permanent.