"I'd be interested in learning."

If only because he's curious. Scientist first and all. Maybe there's some sort of alternate energy source that is more cost effective. Given time, Jetfire likely could find something. However, that is not his primary goal. An increase in their population isn't the solution to aiding Cybertron at this point in time.

"I am Jetfire, by the way," he mentions. It's not as if he knows this jet. "I don't believe I recognize you at all."