GE Aerospace raises 2026 profit forecast on services demand strength
Rising fuel costs are pressuring airlines to protect fares and schedules, but GE Aerospace is signalling resilience in its aftermarket business. The company says contracted engine shop visits and tight spare-parts supply are helping support earnings even as the wider aviation sector faces uncertainty.
Highlights
- GE Aerospace raised its 2026 adjusted profit per share forecast to $8–$8.10, up from $7.65–$7.85, citing strong aftermarket demand.
- Over 70% of GE Aerospace's commercial engine revenue comes from parts and services, with 2026 shop-visit activity largely under contract, limiting downside this year.
- Commercial engine and services quarterly revenue rose 21% to $10.34 billion, and adjusted profit reached $2.25 per share versus $1.66 per share a year earlier.
Forecast lifted as aftermarket demand holds up
As reported by Reuters, GE Aerospace on Tuesday raised its 2026 adjusted profit per share forecast to a range of $8 to $8.10, up from its earlier outlook of $7.65 to $7.85. The jet-engine manufacturer is relying on continued demand for maintenance work and replacement parts to cushion any fallout from higher airline fuel bills.GE Aerospace says any hit to services revenue and profit this year should remain limited because much of its 2026 engine shop-visit activity is already under contract. Finance chief Rahul Ghai said last month that the company has seen no change in airlines' fleet plans, while the number of parked aircraft remains low.
Through CFM International, its joint venture with France's Safran, GE Aerospace remains a major supplier of engines for narrowbody aircraft and also holds a significant position in the widebody market. Parts and services generate more than 70% of its commercial engine revenue, underscoring the importance of the aftermarket business to its earnings profile.
Aviation cost pressure meets strong quarterly growth
Airlines worldwide are cutting costs and trimming capacity to defend ticket prices after the war in Iran disrupted oil shipping routes and drove up jet fuel costs. With no end to the conflict in sight, higher fuel prices are testing carriers' ability to maintain schedules and margins, increasing the risk of fewer flights and softer maintenance demand over time.Even so, GE Aerospace reports strong recent operating momentum. Quarterly revenue from its commercial engine and services unit rises 21% to $10.34 billion from a year earlier, while adjusted profit for the quarter through September comes in at $2.25 per share, compared with $1.66 per share a year earlier.
In our earlier article on the surge in crude oil shipping costs, we explained how conflict-related risks and rerouted tanker traffic sharply lifted freight and insurance rates, making transport a much larger part of the oil price. We also noted that these added costs can filter into higher fuel prices for consumers and businesses, with import-dependent markets and spot buyers feeling the impact most immediately.