Investing.com -- David Neeleman, the founder of JetBlue Airways, said he believes the airline is headed for bankruptcy during a conversation with pilots at Breeze Airways, his latest airline venture, on Thursday.

Neeleman, serial airline entrepreneur who founded JetBlue in 1999 and served as CEO until 2007, discussed the airline's financial challenges in a chat that was circulated on X.

"JetBlue's in a really tough spot. I think I told you this last week, but when Jamie Baker, who is an analyst for JP Morgan, came out with his estimates for all the airlines based on $4.50 fuel, it showed JetBlue losing $1.3 billion this year. That would probably put them into bankruptcy, I would assume," Neeleman said.

He noted that such losses would bring the airline's debt to $9 billion, up from current interest payments of over $600 million annually to $800 million.

Neeleman said United Airlines is concerned about JetBlue's debt level and is not interested in acquiring the carrier. He added that Southwest Airlines and Alaska Air Group are also not interested in a potential deal.

"I want nothing but the best for JetBlue, but they're in a very tough position right now," Neeleman said.

Neeleman has not been involved with JetBlue for nearly 18 years, having stepped down as CEO in May 2007 and departed as Chairman in May 2008.