American Airlines Reports Record Revenue and $269 Million Loss Due to Fuel Costs
American Airlines reported record revenue of $16.3 billion, but a 67.5% increase in fuel costs drove it to a net loss of $269 million.
American Airlines reported record revenue of $16.3 billion in the third quarter of 2026, up 19.3% from last year, but rising fuel costs pushed it into a net loss.
Fuel expenses jumped 67.5% to $4.635 billion, averaging $3.85 per gallon, leading to a GAAP net loss of $269 million.
The company expects fuel prices to remain near $4.70 per gallon in the fourth quarter and projects an adjusted loss per share ranging between $0.50 and $1.10.
The company reported that its network growth in 2027 will slow down compared to 2026 levels, following a third-quarter loss despite record revenues, reflecting the magnitude of pressure fuel costs place on the sector.
What Do These Terms Mean?
US Accounting Standards (GAAP): A set of accounting rules used by US companies to prepare their financial statements, differing from adjusted figures that exclude exceptional items.
Adjusted Loss Per Share: A loss calculated after excluding non-recurring items, used to compare performance between periods.
Gallon: A unit of liquid measurement equivalent to about 3.79 liters in the US system, used to price jet fuel in the United States.
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