JetBlue may add flights in California

JetBlue Airways Corp. is considering a California expansion as Southwest Airlines Co. returns to San Francisco, Delta Air Lines Inc. adds flights from Los Angeles and Virgin America Inc. prepares to enter the market.

JetBlue may add flights from L.A., San Diego, Burbank and Ontario, Chief Executive David Neeleman said Wednesday at the company’s annual shareholders meeting in New York.

The airline sees opportunities in California because fares are now higher on the West Coast than on the East Coast, a reversal of the previous situation, Neeleman said.

New York-based JetBlue posted a $22-million first-quarter loss on costs related to winter storms and cut its full-year profit forecast last month for a second time amid slower travel demand.

Neeleman reiterated Wednesday that JetBlue would be profitable in the second quarter and the full year, “making up the difference from the first quarter.”

JetBlue flies only in the U.S. and Caribbean and hasn’t benefited from the growth in international demand and fares that has helped larger competitors. The carrier has posted annual losses for the last two years.