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Southwest Secures Trump Waiver, Ships Week’s Fuel, Earnings Forecast Cut

7/24/2026

42 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Southwest Airlines shipped 12.6 million gallons of jet fuel from Houston to Los Angeles, arriving May 28 2026 under a Jones Act waiver from President Donald Trump.
CFO Tom Doxey said the cargo provided roughly one week’s supply, about 2.23 % of Southwest’s 564 million gallons used in Q2 2026.
Analysts expect Q3 earnings of $0.50-$0.75 per share, below the $0.82 forecast, as Q2 fuel costs rose $900 million while profit grew 9 % and revenue 16.4 %.

History

Historical Context

Since the Jones Act’s 1940 expansion allowed wartime waivers, the Department of Homeland Security has repeatedly lifted the rule during emergencies—e.g., after Hurricane Katrina in September 2005 and Hurricane Sandy in November 2012. In March 2026 the Trump administration announced a 60-day suspension, later extended by 90 days on April 25, paving the way for Southwest Airlines’ May 2026 fuel-transport waiver.

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Story summary

Southwest Airlines shipped 12.6 million gallons of jet fuel from Houston to Los Angeles, arriving May 28 2026 under a Jones Act waiver from President Donald Trump.
CFO Tom Doxey said the cargo provided roughly one week’s supply, about 2.23 % of Southwest’s 564 million gallons used in Q2 2026.
Analysts expect Q3 earnings of $0.50-$0.75 per share, below the $0.82 forecast, as Q2 fuel costs rose $900 million while profit grew 9 % and revenue 16.4 %.

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