JetBlue Profit Falls 43% in 2nd Quarter

Low-fare carrier JetBlue Airways Corp. said its second-quarter profit fell 43% from a year earlier. It also said higher fuel prices would push down profit margins for the year.

Net income was $21.5 million, or 19 cents a share, down from $38 million, or 36 cents. The New York-based airline benefited from U.S. government aid for security costs in the 2002 quarter. Revenue rose 31% to $319.7 million.

Separately, Alaska Air Group Inc., parent of Alaska Airlines, reported a second-quarter loss of $1.7 million, or 6 cents a share, contrasted with a profit of $45.2 million, or $1.70, a year earlier. Sales climbed 14% to $698.7 million.