Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. (ULCC)
SIC breadcrumb: Transportation, Communications, Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services > SIC Major Group 45 > SIC 4512 Air Transportation, Scheduled
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1670076. Latest filing source: 0001670076-26-000020.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read ULCC's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read ULCC's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 3,724,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-18 |
| Net income | -137,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-18 |
| Assets | 7,220,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-18 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-18. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001670076.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 2,508,000,000 | 1,250,000,000 | 2,060,000,000 | 3,326,000,000 | 3,589,000,000 | 3,775,000,000 | 3,724,000,000 | |
| Net income | 251,000,000 | -225,000,000 | -102,000,000 | -37,000,000 | -11,000,000 | 85,000,000 | -137,000,000 | |
| Operating income | 309,000,000 | -365,000,000 | -117,000,000 | -45,000,000 | -3,000,000 | 58,000,000 | -149,000,000 | |
| Diluted EPS | 1.19 | -1.13 | -0.48 | -0.17 | -0.05 | 0.37 | -0.60 | |
| Operating cash flow | 171,000,000 | -557,000,000 | 216,000,000 | -78,000,000 | -261,000,000 | -82,000,000 | -525,000,000 | |
| Capital expenditures | 45,000,000 | 16,000,000 | 27,000,000 | 41,000,000 | 51,000,000 | 76,000,000 | 75,000,000 | |
| Dividends paid | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 0.00 | |||||
| Assets | 3,554,000,000 | 4,235,000,000 | 4,499,000,000 | 4,993,000,000 | 6,153,000,000 | 7,220,000,000 | ||
| Liabilities | 3,244,000,000 | 3,705,000,000 | 3,990,000,000 | 4,486,000,000 | 5,549,000,000 | 6,729,000,000 | ||
| Stockholders' equity | 280,000,000 | 542,000,000 | 310,000,000 | 530,000,000 | 509,000,000 | 507,000,000 | 604,000,000 | 491,000,000 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 378,000,000 | 918,000,000 | 761,000,000 | 609,000,000 | 740,000,000 | 671,000,000 | ||
| Free cash flow | 126,000,000 | -573,000,000 | 189,000,000 | -119,000,000 | -312,000,000 | -158,000,000 | -600,000,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 10.01% | -18.00% | -4.95% | -1.11% | -0.31% | 2.25% | -3.68% | |
| Operating margin | 12.32% | -29.20% | -5.68% | -1.35% | -0.08% | 1.54% | -4.00% | |
| Return on equity | 46.31% | -72.58% | -19.25% | -7.27% | -2.17% | 14.07% | -27.90% | |
| Return on assets | -6.33% | -2.41% | -0.82% | -0.22% | 1.38% | -1.90% | ||
| Liabilities / equity | 10.46 | 6.99 | 7.84 | 8.85 | 9.19 | 13.70 | ||
| Current ratio | 0.65 | 0.78 | 0.66 | 0.53 | 0.53 | 0.46 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
Operating margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001670076-26-000020; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001670076-26-000020; concept PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets | Free cash flow: accession 0001670076-26-000020; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001670076-26-000020; filed 2026-02-18. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001670076-26-000020; filed 2026-02-18. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001670076-26-000020; filed 2026-02-18. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001670076-26-000020; filed 2026-02-18. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001670076-26-000020; filed 2026-02-18. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001670076-26-000020; filed 2026-02-18. Concept: PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2024 ended 2024-12-31; accession 0001670076-25-000041; filed 2025-02-18. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001670076-26-000020; filed 2026-02-18. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001670076-26-000020; filed 2026-02-18. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001670076-26-000020; filed 2026-02-18. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001670076-26-000020; filed 2026-02-18. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001670076-26-000020; filed 2026-02-18. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-05. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001670076.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | 0.06 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | 0.13 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | -0.06 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-03-31 | -13,000,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 967,000,000 | 0.31 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-06-30 | 71,000,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 883,000,000 | -0.14 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 891,000,000 | -37,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 865,000,000 | -26,000,000 | -0.12 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-03-31 | -26,000,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 973,000,000 | 0.14 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-06-30 | 31,000,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 935,000,000 | 0.11 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 1,002,000,000 | 54,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 912,000,000 | -43,000,000 | -0.19 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-03-31 | -43,000,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 929,000,000 | -0.31 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-06-30 | -70,000,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 886,000,000 | -0.34 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 997,000,000 | 53,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 992,000,000 | -272,000,000 | -1.18 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001670076-26-000051; filed 2026-05-05. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001670076-26-000051; filed 2026-05-05. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001670076-26-000051; filed 2026-05-05. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001670076-26-000087.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on February 18, 2026 (the “2025 Annual Report”).
Recent Developments
Macroeconomic Conditions. Recent geopolitical tensions and military conflict in the Middle East, including developments involving Iran, have contributed to volatility in global energy markets. Higher crude oil prices can increase our jet fuel costs, which we experienced during the three and six months ended June 30, 2026. In addition, related instability may create supply chain challenges affecting aircraft parts and other operational inputs. Continued uncertainty or further escalation could pressure our operating costs and negatively affect our financial performance. We continue to monitor the situation and the related impacts to our business.
Financing. In June 2026, we amended our Credit Card Affinity Agreement with Barclays Bank Delaware (“Barclays”) to extend the term of both the co-branded credit card agreement and the pre-purchased miles facility from December 31, 2029 to June 30, 2037. The amendment also increased the pre-purchased miles facility from $200 million to $375 million. Please refer to “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — 2. Revenue Recognition” for additional information.
Labor. We are currently in negotiations with the unions which represent our pilots, flight attendants, and aircraft technicians regarding their next labor contracts. Please refer to “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — 8. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information.
Legal/Regulatory. During 2025, we obtained a revised preliminary assessment in the amount of $133 million related to the applicability of federal excise tax to certain optional ancillary products and services. We established reserves for certain fees subject to the assessment where we believe a loss for this matter is probable and estimable and we are contesting the assessment.
We previously received an immaterial audit assessment from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (the “TSA”) that covered the third quarter of 2016 through the fourth quarter of 2018 and related to the remittance of TSA fees where flight credits expired unused (the “2016-2018 Audit”). We appealed this assessment to the United States Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition, we are under audit by the TSA for the period from the fourth quarter of 2019 through the fourth quarter of 2022 (the “2019-2022 Audit”). In April 2026, we lost our appeal regarding the 2016-2018 Audit and received a preliminary assessment for the 2019-2022 Audit in the amount of $42 million, which mainly covered remittance of TSA fees where flight credits expired unused as well as for other passengers that purchased tickets and did not travel. During the six months ended June 30, 2026, we recorded a one-time charge related to prior periods of $73 million (the “TSA Reserve”) for the 2016-2018 Audit and 2019-2022 Audit periods, which is largely related to remittance of TSA fees for passengers that purchased tickets and did not travel and is included in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets and in passenger revenues within our condensed consolidated statements of operations. We could be subject to further TSA audit examinations and resulting assessments.
Product. In July 2026, we announced that the first Starlink-equipped aircraft will launch in 2027 and deployment of high-speed Wi-Fi to the rest of our fleet will follow. Starlink will be our first offering of Wi-Fi and enhance the inflight experience for our customers.
22
Fleet. In June 2026, we entered into an agreement with an existing lessor (the “Aircraft Sale Agreement”) to sell 11 A321neo aircraft at the time of delivery from our existing purchase agreement. The 11 aircraft include 3 deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of 2026 and 8 deliveries anticipated in the first half of 2027.
In March 2026, we entered into an agreement (the “Early Return Agreement”) to terminate the leases associated with 24 A320neo aircraft. As of June 30, 2026, all 24 aircraft have been returned and removed from the fleet. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, we recognized $70 million and $209 million, respectively, of operating expenses related to the Early Return Agreement, which includes one-time charges for lease return costs and costs related to the write-off of non-recoverable capitalized prepaid maintenance and accelerated depreciation of capitalized maintenance. Please refer to “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — 6. Operating Leases” for additional information.
Overview
The following table provides select financial and operational information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025 (in millions, except per share data):
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Total operating revenues | $ | 1,279 | $ | 929 | $ | 2,271 | $ | 1,841 | |||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 1,376 | $ | 1,004 | $ | 2,651 | $ | 1,962 | |||||||
| Pre-tax income (loss) | $ | (94) | $ | (70) | $ | (375) | $ | (110) | |||||||
| Adjusted pre-tax income (loss) | $ | (24) | $ | (70) | $ | (93) | $ | (110) | |||||||
| Available seat miles (“ASMs”) | 11,103 | 10,313 | 20,912 | 20,262 | |||||||||||
| Earnings (loss) per share, diluted | $ | (0.39) | $ | (0.31) | $ | (1.58) | $ | (0.50) |
Revenues
Total operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2026 totaled $1,279 million, an increase of 38% compared to the three months ended June 30, 2025. Revenue per available seat mile (“RASM”), increased by 28% driven by a 20% increase in total revenue per passenger as compared to the corresponding prior year period, alongside a 1.0-point increase in load factor. Capacity, as measured by ASMs, for the three months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2025, increased by 8%.
Total operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2026 totaled $2,271 million, an increase of 23% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025. This was primarily due to the 20% increase in RASM, driven by a 12% increase in total revenue per passenger and a 2.2-point increase in load factor for the six months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. Capacity, as measured by ASMs, for the six months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025, increased by 3%.
Adjusted RASM, a non-GAAP measure, increased from 9.08¢ during the six months ended June 30, 2025 to 11.21¢ during the six months ended June 30, 2026. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, this excludes the impact of $73 million related to the TSA Reserve associated with prior periods. There were no adjustments for the three months ended June 30, 2026 and the three and six months ended June 30, 2025.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses during the three months ended June 30, 2026 increased to $1,376 million, resulting in a cost per available seat mile (“CASM”) of 12.39¢, an increase of 27%, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2025. Fuel expense for the three months ended June 30, 2026 was $206 million higher than the corresponding prior year period. The 90% increase in fuel expense for the three months ended June 30, 2026 was driven by a 77% increase in fuel cost per gallon and an 8% increase in fuel gallons consumed.
23
Our non-fuel expenses increased by 21% during the three months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, driven primarily by expenses related to the Early Return Agreement to terminate the leases associated with 24 A320neo aircraft. The 21% increase was also driven by higher rent and maintenance expenses due to a larger fleet, and increased station operations expense due to increased airport operations, partially offset by an increase in sale-leaseback transactions. CASM (excluding fuel), a non-GAAP measure, increased 13% to 8.46¢, on an 8% increase in capacity, for the three months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, due to the aforementioned drivers of increased non-fuel expenses.
Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), a non-GAAP measure, increased from 7.50¢ for the three months ended June 30, 2025 to 7.84¢ for the three months ended June 30, 2026. For the three months ended June 30, 2026, this excludes the impact of $70 million in expenses relating to the Early Return Agreement. There were no adjustments for the three months ended June 30, 2025.
Total operating expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2026 increased to $2,651 million, resulting in a CASM of 12.68¢, an increase of 31% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025. Fuel expense for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $236 million higher than the corresponding prior year period. The 50% increase in fuel expense for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was driven by the 45% increase in fuel cost per gallon and a 4% increase in fuel gallons consumed.
Our non-fuel expenses increased by 30% during the six months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, driven primarily by expenses related to the Early Return Agreement, increased aircraft rent due to a larger fleet, and increased maintenance, employee and station costs. CASM (excluding fuel), a non-GAAP measure, increased 26% to 9.31¢, on a 3% increase in capacity, for the six months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the corresponding prior year due to the aforementioned drivers of increased non-fuel expenses.
Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), a non-GAAP measure, increased from 7.37¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2025 to 8.31¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2026. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, this excludes the impact of $209 million in expenses relating to the Early Return Agreement. There were no adjustments for the six months ended June 30, 2025.
Net Income (Loss)
We generated a net loss of $90 million during the three months ended June 30, 2026, compared to a net loss of $70 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025. Considering the aforementioned non-GAAP adjustments and related $2 million of tax impacts, our adjusted net loss, a non-GAAP measure, was $22 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026. There were no non-GAAP adjustments for the three months ended June 30, 2025.
We generated a net loss of $362 million during the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared to a net loss of $113 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025. Considering the aforementioned non-GAAP adjustments and related $10 million of tax impacts, our adjusted net loss, a non-GAAP measure, was $90 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026. There were no non-GAAP adjustments during the six months ended June 30, 2025.
For the reconciliation to the corresponding GAAP measures of the aforementioned non-GAAP adjusted measures, see “Results of Operations — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Data.”, “Reconciliation of Revenue to Adjusted Revenue”, and “Results of Operations — Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Pre-Tax Income (Loss) to Adju
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Latest 10-K MD&A
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our discussion and analysis of fiscal year 2025 compared to fiscal year 2024 is included herein. For a discussion of the results of operations for fiscal year 2023 and comparisons between fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2023, please refer to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 18, 2025.
Overview
The following table provides select financial and operational information for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in millions, except percentages):
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||
| Total operating revenues | $ | 3,724 | $ | 3,775 | (1) | % | ||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 3,873 | $ | 3,717 | 4 | % | ||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | (134) | $ | 86 | N/M | |||||
| Available seat miles (“ASMs”) | 39,754 | 39,871 | — | % | ||||||
| Earnings (loss) per share, diluted | $ | (0.60) | $ | 0.37 | N/M |
Revenues
Total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025 totaled $3,724 million, a decrease of 1% compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. Revenue per available seat mile (“RASM”) decreased by 1% driven by a 1% decrease in total revenue per passenger, as compared to the corresponding prior year period.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses during the year ended December 31, 2025 increased to $3,873 million, resulting in a cost per available seat mile (“CASM”) of 9.74¢, an increase of 5% compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. Fuel expense was $112 million lower, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. This 11% decrease in fuel expense for the year ended December 31, 2025 was primarily driven by a 10% decrease in fuel cost per gallon, as well as the 2% decrease in fuel gallons consumed.
Our non-fuel expenses increased by 10% during the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, driven primarily by increased aircraft rent due to a larger fleet, increased station costs due to station mix and rate inflation, increased employee costs, and the benefit from a legal settlement in the prior period, partially offset by lower lease return costs during the same period. CASM (excluding fuel), a non-GAAP measure, increased 10% to 7.41¢, while capacity remained consistent, for the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, due to the aforementioned drivers of increased non-fuel expenses.
Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), a non-GAAP measure, increased from 6.81¢ for the year ended December 31, 2024 to 7.41¢ for the year ended December 31, 2025. There were no adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2025. For the year ended December 31, 2024, Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) excludes the impact of $38 million related to a legal settlement.
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Net Income (Loss)
We generated a net loss of $137 million during the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to a net income of $85 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. There were no non-GAAP adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2025. Considering the aforementioned non-GAAP adjustments and the $5 million valuation allowance and the write-off of $1 million in unamortized deferred financing costs for the year ended December 31, 2024, our adjusted net income, a non-GAAP measure, was $53 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
For the reconciliation to the corresponding GAAP measures of the aforementioned non-GAAP adjusted measures, see “Results of Operations—Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest” and “Results of Operations — Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Pre-Tax Income (Loss) to Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (Loss), and Net Income (Loss) to EBITDA, EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDAR.”
Liquidity
As of December 31, 2025, our total available liquidity was $874 million, consisting of $654 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and availability of $220 million under our revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Loan Facility”).
Trends and Uncertainties Affecting Our Business
We believe our operating and business performance is driven by various factors that typically affect airlines and their markets, including trends which affect the broader travel industry, as well as trends which affect the specific markets and customer base that we target. The following key factors may affect our future performance:
Competition. The airline industry is highly competitive. The principal competitive factors in the airline industry are the fare and total price, flight schedules, number of routes served from a city, frequent flyer programs, product and passenger amenities, customer service, fleet type and reputation. The airline industry is particularly susceptible to price discounting as once a flight is scheduled, airlines incur only nominal incremental costs to provide service to passengers occupying otherwise unsold seats. Price competition occurs on a route-by-route basis through price discounts, changes in pricing structures, fare matching, target promotions and frequent flyer initiatives. Airlines typically use discount fares and other promotions to stimulate traffic during normally slower travel periods to generate cash flow and to maximize RASM. The prevalence of discount fares can be particularly acute when a competitor has excess capacity that it is under financial pressure to sell. A key element of our competitive strategy is to maintain very low unit costs in order to permit us to compete successfully in price-sensitive markets. In addition, some of the legacy network carriers match LCC and ULCC pricing on portions of their network, including through the selective deployment of so-called “basic economy” fares. We believe that fare discounts, along with more customer optionality over product offerings and enhancements to our frequent flyer program, have and will continue to stimulate demand for Frontier.
Our strategy is underpinned by our low-cost structure, and has significantly reduced our cost base by optimizing aircraft utilization to align capacity with expected travel demand patterns, transitioning to larger and more fuel-efficient aircraft, maximizing seat density, renegotiating the majority of our distribution agreements, realigning and simplifying our network, enhancing our website and mobile app, boosting employee productivity and contracting with leading specialists to provide us with select operating and other services.
We believe that we are well positioned to maintain our low unit operating costs relative to our competitors through on-going strategic initiatives, including continuing our cost optimization efforts, planned increases in aircraft utilization and further realizing economies of scale. To the extent that we are unable to maintain our low-cost structure, our ability to compete effectively may be impaired. In addition, if our competitors engage in fare wars or similar behavior, our financial performance could be adversely impacted.
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Aircraft Fuel. Fuel expense represents one of the single largest operating expense for most airlines, including ours. Aircraft fuel prices and availability are subject to market fluctuations, refining capacity, periods of market surplus and shortage and demand for heating oil, gasoline and other petroleum products, as well as meteorological, economic and political factors and events occurring throughout the world, which we can neither control nor accurately predict. The future cost and availability of aircraft fuel cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty.
Volatility. The air transportation business is volatile and highly affected by economic cycles and trends. Global pandemics and related health scares, consumer confidence and discretionary spending, fear of terrorism or war, weakening economic conditions, fare initiatives, fluctuations in fuel prices, labor actions, changes in governmental regulations on taxes and fees, weather and other factors have resulted in significant fluctuations in revenue and results of operations in the past.
Seasonality. Our results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of those for the entire year because the air transportation business and our route network are subject to seasonal fluctuations. We generally expect demand to be greater in the summer months and less in the winter months, apart from the holiday season. As we increase our routes in other markets, we have reduced our concentration in Denver to decrease the impact of seasonality in our business. During the year ended December 31, 2025, 21% of our flights had Denver International Airport as either their origin or destination, as compared to 23% of our flights during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Labor. The airline industry is heavily unionized. The wages, benefits and work rules of unionized airline industry employees are determined by collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”). Relations between air carriers and labor unions in the United States are governed by the United States Railway Labor Act (“RLA”). Under the RLA, CBAs generally contain “amendable dates” rather than expiration dates and the RLA requires that a carrier maintain the existing terms and conditions of employment following the amendable date through a multi-stage and usually lengthy series of bargaining processes overseen by the National Mediation Board (“NMB”). This process continues until either the parties have reached an agreement on a new CBA or the parties have been released to “self-help” by the NMB. In most circumstances, the RLA prohibits strikes. However, after release by the NMB, carriers and unions are free to engage in self-help measures such as lockouts and strikes.
We have seven union-represented employee groups comprising approximately 86% of our employees as of December 31, 2025. Our pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (“ALPA”); our flight attendants are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (“AFA-CWA”); our aircraft technicians, aircraft appearance agents, material specialists and maintenance controllers are all represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“IBT”); and our dispatchers are represented by the Transport Workers Union (“TWU”). We are currently in negotiations with the ALPA, AFA-CWA, and aircraft technicians represented by IBT regarding the next labor contract. Please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 11. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information.
Maintenance, Materials and Repairs and Maintenance Reserve Obligations. The amount of total maintenance costs and related depreciation of heavy maintenance expense is subject to variables such as estimated usage, government regulations, the size, age and makeup of the fleet in future periods, and the level of unscheduled maintenance events and their actual costs. Accordingly, we cannot reliably quantify future maintenance-related expenses for any significant period of time.
As of December 31, 2025, the average age of our aircraft was approximately five years and all of the aircraft in our fleet were financed with operating leases, the last of which is scheduled to expire in 2037. Please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 8. Operating Leases” for further discussion. We expect that these new aircraft will require less maintenance when they are first placed into service (sometimes called a “maintenance holiday”) because the aircraft will benefit from manufacturer warranties and also will be able to operate for a significant period of time, generally measured in years, before the most expensive scheduled maintenance obligations, known as heavy maintenance, are required. Once these maintenance holidays expire, these aircraft will require more maintenance as they age and our maintenance and repair expenses for each of our aircraft will be incurred at approximately the same intervals. When these more significant maintenance activities occur, this will
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result in out-of-service periods during which our aircraft are dedicated to maintenance activities and unavailable to generate revenue.
We account for heavy maintenance under the deferral method. Accordingly, heavy maintenance is depreciated over the shorter of either the remaining lease term or the period until the next estimated heavy maintenance event. As a result, maintenance events occurring closer to the end of the lease term will generally have shorter depreciation periods than those occurring earlier in the lease term. This will create higher depreciation expense specific to any aircraft related to heavy maintenance during the final years of the lease as compared to earlier periods.
Recent Developments
Macroeconomic Conditions. The U.S. government is in the process of expanding the scope of tariffs, which have significantly increased the rates on goods imported into the United States. In response, foreign governments have imposed, and are expected to impose, retaliatory measures against the United States. These or additional changes in U.S. or international trade policies, along with continued uncertainty surrounding such policies, could lead to further weakened business conditions for the transportation industry, which may adversely impact our operations through increased supply chain challenges, commodity price volatility and a decline in discretionary spending and consumer confidence, among other impacts.
During 2025, the United States and European Union reached a trade agreement. The agreement, among other changes, included an exemption on tariffs for aircrafts and aircraft parts. We continue to monitor the situation and the related impacts to our business.
Financing. During 2025, we entered into multiple transactions to provide additional cash available for general purposes. We issued approximately $105 million of class A-1 enhanced equipment trust certificates (“2025-1 EETCs”), which are secured by liens on substantially all of our spare parts and tooling. In addition, we amended our Revolving Loan Facility, which now provides for $220 million of total commitments. We continue to utilize sale-leaseback transactions related to our aircraft and engines which generated $441 million of cash proceeds in 2025.
Labor. During 2025, we entered into new contracts with our aircraft appearance agents, material specialists, and maintenance controllers, effective for five years, respectively. We are currently in negotiations with the unions which represent our pilots, flight attendants, and aircraft technicians regarding their next labor contracts. Please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 11. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information.
Legal/Regulatory. During 2025, we obtained a revised preliminary assessment in the amount of $133 million related to the applicability of federal excise tax to certain optional ancillary products and services. We established reserves for certain fees subject to the assessment where we believe a loss for this matter is probable and estimable. We are contesting the assessment.
Product. During 2025, we implemented various enhanced benefits related to our frequent flyer program including: free seat upgrades for Elite Gold members and above (including First Class Seating (“First Seats”), available in 2026), priority boarding for our loyalty members, options to redeem FRONTIER Miles for bundles, For Less price guarantee, and no change or cancel fees on bundles.
Pratt & Whitney. Since 2022, we have introduced aircraft into our fleet that use the Pratt & Whitney PW1100 Geared Turbo Fan (“GTF”) engine, and we have selected this engine for our planned future deliveries. During 2023, Pratt & Whitney announced the requirement, mandated by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, that certain engines be removed for inspection due to a possible condition in the powdered metal used to manufacture certain engine parts. This will require accelerated inspection of the PW1100 GTF engine, which we use for certain of our A320neo family aircraft, and could result in lengthy turnaround times to perform these inspections, including any resulting repairs or other modifications that may be identified. Although our operations have not been impacted as of December 31, 2025, this inspection program may have an adverse impact on our operations, particularly when we are required to temporarily take aircraft out of service. We do not anticipate this impacting our future capacity.
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Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2024
Operating Revenues
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| Operating revenues ($ in millions): | ||||||||||||
| Passenger | $ | 3,598 | $ | 3,683 | $ | (85) | (2) | % | ||||
| Other | 126 | 92 | 34 | 37 | % | |||||||
| Total operating revenues | $ | 3,724 | $ | 3,775 | $ | (51) | (1) | % | ||||
| Operating statistics: | ||||||||||||
| ASMs (millions) | 39,754 | 39,871 | (117) | — | % | |||||||
| Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (millions) | 31,187 | 30,630 | 557 | 2 | % | |||||||
| Average stage length (miles) | 919 | 894 | 25 | 3 | % | |||||||
| Load factor | 78.4 | % | 76.8 | % | 1.6 | pts | N/A | |||||
| RASM (¢) | 9.37 | 9.47 | (0.10) | (1) | % | |||||||
| Total ancillary revenue per passenger ($) | 67.57 | 70.29 | (2.72) | (4) | % | |||||||
| Total revenue per passenger ($) | 112.17 | 113.38 | (1.21) | (1) | % | |||||||
| Passengers (thousands) | 33,200 | 33,296 | (96) | — | % |
Total operating revenues decreased $51 million, or 1%, during the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. Revenue was unfavorably impacted by the 1% decrease in RASM, driven by 3% higher average stage length, supported by 5% fewer departures, and a 1% decrease in total revenue per passenger, partially offset by the 1.6-point increase in load factor compared to the corresponding prior year period. Capacity, as measured by ASMs, for the year ended December 31, 2025 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, remained consistent due to an 11% increase in average aircraft in service, offset by an 11% decrease in average daily aircraft utilization.
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Operating Expenses
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | Cost per ASM | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses ($ in millions):(a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | $ | 929 | $ | 1,041 | $ | (112) | (11) | % | 2.33 | ¢ | 2.61 | ¢ | (11) | % | ||||||||
| Salaries, wages and benefits | 1,016 | 954 | 62 | 6 | % | 2.56 | 2.39 | 7 | % | |||||||||||||
| Aircraft rent | 748 | 675 | 73 | 11 | % | 1.88 | 1.69 | 11 | % | |||||||||||||
| Station operations | 717 | 637 | 80 | 13 | % | 1.80 | 1.60 | 13 | % | |||||||||||||
| Maintenance, materials and repairs | 209 | 209 | — | — | % | 0.53 | 0.52 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 159 | 178 | (19) | (11) | % | 0.40 | 0.45 | (11) | % | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 91 | 72 | 19 | 26 | % | 0.23 | 0.18 | 28 | % | |||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 4 | (49) | 53 | N/M | 0.01 | (0.12) | N/M | |||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 3,873 | $ | 3,717 | $ | 156 | 4 | % | 9.74 | ¢ | 9.32 | ¢ | 5 | % | ||||||||
| Operating statistics: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASMs (millions) | 39,754 | 39,871 | (117) | — | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Average stage length (miles) | 919 | 894 | 25 | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Passengers (thousands) | 33,200 | 33,296 | (96) | — | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Departures | 205,622 | 216,374 | (10,752) | (5) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 7.41 | 6.71 | 0.70 | 10 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 7.41 | 6.81 | 0.60 | 9 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel cost per gallon ($) | 2.47 | 2.73 | (0.26) | (10) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 375,527 | 381,444 | (5,917) | (2) | % |
________________
N/M = Not meaningful
(a)Cost per ASM figures may not recalculate due to rounding.
(b)These metrics are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For the reconciliation to the corresponding GAAP measures of the aforementioned non-GAAP adjusted measures, see “Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest.”
Aircraft Fuel. Aircraft fuel expense decreased by $112 million, or 11%, during the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to a 10% decrease in fuel cost per gallon, as well as a 2% decrease in gallons consumed.
Salaries, Wages and Benefits. Salaries, wages and benefits expense increased by $62 million, or 6%, during the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher crew, employee benefits and incentives, and salary costs, as compared to the corresponding prior year period.
Aircraft Rent. Aircraft rent expense increased by $73 million, or 11%, during the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to a larger fleet, partially offset by lower aircraft lease return costs.
Station Operations. Station operations expense increased by $80 million, or 13%, during the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to increase in station mix and rate inflation, partially offset by 5% fewer departures.
Maintenance, Materials and Repairs. Maintenance, materials and repair expense remained consistent during the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. This was primarily due to the
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11% increase in average aircraft in service, which resulted in higher aircraft repair and materials costs, partially offset by lower engine repair costs from recognition of vendor credits.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expense decreased by $19 million, or 11%, during the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to decreases in third-party distribution channel fees, call center operation fees and credit card fees. The following table presents our distribution channel mix:
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution Channel | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| Our website, mobile app and other direct channels | 70 | % | 72 | % | (2) | pt | ||
| Third-party channels | 30 | % | 28 | % | 2 | pt |
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $19 million, or 26%, during the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to an increase in capitalized maintenance depreciation driven by our growing fleet.
Other Operating. Other operating resulted in an expense of $4 million during the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to a net gain of $49 million during the year ended December 31, 2024. This movement was primarily driven by a legal settlement gain of $40 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as increases to travel, taxes, insurance, and IT costs, partially offset by the increase in sale-leaseback gains compared to the corresponding prior year period.
Other Income (Expense). Other income decreased by $13 million, or 46%, during the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to increased interest expense, driven by higher principal balances on our debt and decreased interest income from lower interest-bearing cash accounts, partially offset by greater capitalized interest.
Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2025 was an expense of 2.2%, compared to an expense of 1.2% for the year ended December 31, 2024, on pre-tax loss and income, respectively. The primary difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate for the year ended December 31, 2025 was related to an increase in our valuation allowance relating to federal and state net operating losses (“NOLs”).
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Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | ($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | |||||||
| Non-GAAP financial data:(a) | ||||||||||
| CASM | 9.74 | 9.32 | ||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | (929) | (2.33) | (1,041) | (2.61) | ||||||
| CASM (excluding fuel)(b) | 7.41 | 6.71 | ||||||||
| Legal settlement(c) | — | — | 38 | 0.10 | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel)(b) | 7.41 | 6.81 | ||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | 929 | 2.33 | 1,041 | 2.61 | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM(d) | 9.74 | 9.42 | ||||||||
| Net interest expense (income) | (15) | (0.04) | (28) | (0.07) | ||||||
| Write-off of deferred financing costs(e) | — | — | (1) | — | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM + net interest(f) | 9.70 | 9.35 | ||||||||
| CASM | 9.74 | 9.32 | ||||||||
| Net interest expense (income) | (15) | (0.04) | (28) | (0.07) | ||||||
| CASM + net interest(f) | 9.70 | 9.25 |
__________________
(a)Cost per ASM figures may not recalculate due to rounding.
(b)CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe that excluding aircraft fuel is useful to investors as it provides an additional measure of management’s performance excluding the effects of a significant cost item over which management has limited influence. The price of fuel, over which we have limited control, impacts the comparability of period-to-period financial performance, and excluding the price of fuel allows management an additional tool to understand and analyze our non-fuel costs and core operating performance, and increases comparability with other airlines that also provide a similar metric. CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) are not determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
(c)We reached a legal settlement with a former lessor for breach of contract for a total of $40 million (please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 11. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information). $38 million of the settlement represents a one-time reimbursement of damages incurred and $2 million relates to the reimbursement of previously recorded legal expenses.
(d)Adjusted CASM is included as supplemental disclosure because we believe it is a useful metric to properly compare our cost management and performance to other peers, as derivations of Adjusted CASM are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by our management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in the airline industry. Additionally, we believe this metric is useful because it removes certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. Adjusted CASM is not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
(e)In September 2024, we reduced the capacity of the pre-delivery deposit payments (“PDPs”) Financing Facility from $365 million to $135 million. The downsize of the facility resulted in a one-time write-off of $1 million in unamortized deferred financing costs. This amount is a component of interest expense within our consolidated statements of operations.
(f)Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe they are useful metrics to properly compare our cost management and performance to other peers that may have different capital structures and financing strategies, particularly as it relates to financing primary operating assets such as aircraft and engines. Additionally, we believe these metrics are useful because they remove certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest are not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
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Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Pre-Tax Income (Loss) to Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (Loss) and Net Income (Loss) to EBITDA, EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDAR
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| Non-GAAP financial data (unaudited): | ||||||
| Adjusted pre-tax income (loss)(a) | $ | (134) | $ | 49 | ||
| Adjusted net income (loss)(a) | $ | (137) | $ | 53 | ||
| EBITDA(a) | $ | (58) | $ | 130 | ||
| EBITDAR(b) | $ | 690 | $ | 805 | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA(a) | $ | (58) | $ | 92 | ||
| Adjusted EBITDAR(b) | $ | 690 | $ | 767 |
__________________
(a)Adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe they are useful indicators of our operating performance. Derivations of pre-tax income (loss), net income (loss) and EBITDA are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by our management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in our industry.
Adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools. Some of the limitations applicable to these measures include: adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations; adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our indebtedness; although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and other companies in our industry may calculate adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because derivations of adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, derivations of pre-tax income (loss), net income (loss) and EBITDA, including adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA, as presented may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.
For the foregoing reasons, each of adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA has significant limitations which affect its use as an indicator of our profitability. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.
(b)EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR are included as a supplemental disclosure because we believe them to be useful solely as valuation metrics for airlines as their calculations isolate the effects of financing in general, the accounting effects of capital spending and acquisitions (primarily aircraft, which may be acquired directly, directly subject to acquisition debt, by capital lease or by operating lease, each of which is presented differently for accounting purposes), and income taxes, which may vary significantly between periods and for different airlines for reasons unrelated to the underlying value of a particular airline. However, EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR are not determined in accordance with GAAP, are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measure in the same manner. As a result, EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR, as presented, may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. In addition, EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR should not be viewed as a measure of overall performance since they exclude aircraft rent, which is a normal, recurring cash operating expense that is necessary to operate our business. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss) reconciliation (unaudited): | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (137) | $ | 85 | ||
| Non-GAAP Adjustments(a): | ||||||
| Legal settlement | — | (38) | ||||
| Write-off of deferred financing costs | — | 1 | ||||
| Pre-tax impact | — | (37) | ||||
| Tax benefit (expense) related to non-GAAP adjustments | — | — | ||||
| Valuation allowance(b) | — | 5 | ||||
| Net income (loss) impact | $ | — | $ | (32) | ||
| Adjusted net income (loss) | $ | (137) | $ | 53 | ||
| Adjusted pre-tax income (loss) reconciliation (unaudited): | ||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | (134) | $ | 86 | ||
| Pre-tax impact | — | (37) | ||||
| Adjusted pre-tax income (loss) | $ | (134) | $ | 49 |
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| EBITDA, EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR reconciliation (unaudited): | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (137) | $ | 85 | ||
| Plus (minus): | ||||||
| Interest expense | 46 | 36 | ||||
| Capitalized interest | (35) | (32) | ||||
| Interest income and other | (26) | (32) | ||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 3 | 1 | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 91 | 72 | ||||
| EBITDA | (58) | 130 | ||||
| Plus: Aircraft rent | 748 | 675 | ||||
| EBITDAR | $ | 690 | $ | 805 | ||
| EBITDA | $ | (58) | $ | 130 | ||
| Plus (minus)(a): | ||||||
| Legal settlement | — | (38) | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | (58) | 92 | ||||
| Plus: Aircraft rent | 748 | 675 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDAR | $ | 690 | $ | 767 |
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(a)See “Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest” above for discussion on adjusting items.
(b)During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a $5 million non-cash valuation allowance against our U.S. federal and state NOL deferred tax assets, which largely do not expire, mainly as a result of being in a three-year cumulative pre-tax loss position, which has no impact on cash taxes and is not reflective of our effective tax rate for deductible NOLs generated or actual cash tax obligations created. Please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 13. Income Taxes” for additional information.
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Comparative Operating Statistics
The following table sets forth our operating statistics for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. These operating statistics are provided because they are commonly used in the airline industry and, as such, allow readers to compare our performance against our results for the corresponding prior year period, as well as against the performance of our peers.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Change | ||||||
| Operating statistics (unaudited)(a) | ||||||||
| Available Seat Miles (“ASMs”) (millions) | 39,754 | 39,871 | — | % | ||||
| Departures | 205,622 | 216,374 | (5) | % | ||||
| Average stage length (miles) | 919 | 894 | 3 | % | ||||
| Block hours | 541,304 | 554,399 | (2) | % | ||||
| Average aircraft in service | 162 | 146 | 11 | % | ||||
| Aircraft – end of period | 176 | 159 | 11 | % | ||||
| Average daily aircraft utilization (hours) | 9.2 | 10.3 | (11) | % | ||||
| Passengers (thousands) | 33,200 | 33,296 | — | % | ||||
| Average seats per departure | 209 | 205 | 2 | % | ||||
| RPMs (millions) | 31,187 | 30,630 | 2 | % | ||||
| Load factor | 78.4 | % | 76.8 | % | 1.6 | pts | ||
| Fare revenue per passenger ($) | 44.60 | 43.09 | 4 | % | ||||
| Non-fare passenger revenue per passenger ($) | 63.79 | 67.50 | (5) | % | ||||
| Other revenue per passenger ($) | 3.78 | 2.79 | 35 | % | ||||
| Total ancillary revenue passenger ($) | 67.57 | 70.29 | (4) | % | ||||
| Total revenue per passenger ($) | 112.17 | 113.38 | (1) | % | ||||
| Total revenue per available seat mile (“RASM”) (¢) | 9.37 | 9.47 | (1) | % | ||||
| RASM, stage-length adjusted to 1,000 miles (¢) (c) | 8.98 | 8.95 | — | % | ||||
| Cost per available seat mile (“CASM”) (¢) | 9.74 | 9.32 | 5 | % | ||||
| CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 7.41 | 6.71 | 10 | % | ||||
| CASM + net interest (¢) (b) | 9.70 | 9.25 | 5 | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM (¢) (b) | 9.74 | 9.42 | 3 | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 7.41 | 6.81 | 9 | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), stage-length adjusted to 1,000 (¢)(b)(c) | 7.10 | 6.44 | 10 | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM + net interest (¢) (b) | 9.70 | 9.35 | 4 | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM + net interest, stage-length adjusted to 1,000 (¢)(b)(c) | 9.30 | 8.84 | 5 | % | ||||
| Fuel cost per gallon ($) | 2.47 | 2.73 | (10) | % | ||||
| Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 375,527 | 381,444 | (2) | % | ||||
| Full-time equivalent employees | 7,656 | 7,913 | (3) | % |
_________________
(a)Figures may not recalculate due to rounding. See “Glossary of Airline Terms” for definitions of terms used in this table.
(b)These metrics are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For the reconciliation to corresponding GAAP measures, see “Results of Operations—Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest.”
(c)Stage-Length Adjusted (“SLA”) to 1,000 miles: Applicable Operating Statistic * Square root (stage length / 1,000).
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
As of December 31, 2025, we had $874 million of total available liquidity, consisting of $654 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $220 million from the undrawn Revolving Loan Facility. We had $614 million of total debt, net, of which $301 million was short-term and consisted primarily of amounts outstanding under our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities. Our total debt, net was comprised of $348 million outstanding under our PDP Financing Facility, $105 million of 2025-1 EETCs, $101 million outstanding under our pre-purchased miles facility with Barclays Bank Delaware (“Barclays”), and $66 million in 10-year loans (collectively, the “PSP Promissory Notes”) from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”), partially offset by $6 million in deferred debt acquisition costs.
In connection with the term loan facility entered into with the Treasury in September 2020, which was repaid in full in February 2022, and the PSP Promissory Notes, we issued warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase 3,117,940 shares of FGHI common stock at a weighted-average price of $6.95 per share. In June 2024, the Treasury sold all such Warrants to a financial institution. During the year ended December 31, 2025, 1,244,608 Warrants were exercised. We settled the exercises through a net share settlement of 248,893 shares of FGHI common stock and cash of less than $1 million. During the year ended December 31, 2025 1,636,058 Warrants expired. As of December 31, 2025, Warrants to purchase 237,274 shares of FGHI common stock were outstanding and set to expire during 2026.
We continue to monitor our covenant compliance with various parties, including, but not limited to, our lenders and credit card processors. As of the date of this report, we are in compliance with all of our covenants.
The following table presents the major indicators of our financial condition and liquidity as of:
| December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 671 | $ | 740 | ||
| Total current assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents | $ | 287 | $ | 250 | ||
| Total current liabilities, excluding current maturities of long-term debt, net and operating leases | $ | 1,023 | $ | 927 | ||
| Current maturities of long-term debt, net | $ | 301 | $ | 261 | ||
| Long-term debt, net | $ | 313 | $ | 241 | ||
| Stockholders’ equity | $ | 491 | $ | 604 | ||
| Debt to capital ratio | 56 | % | 45 | % | ||
| Debt to capital ratio, including operating lease obligations | 92 | % | 88 | % |
Use of Cash and Future Obligations
We expect to meet our cash requirements for the next twelve months through use of our available cash and cash equivalents, our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities, and cash flows from operating activities. We expect to meet our long-term cash requirements with cash flows from operating and financing activities, including, but not limited to, potential future borrowings under the Pre-delivery Credit Facilities, our undrawn Revolving Loan Facility and/or potential issuances of debt or equity. The Revolving Loan Facility also permits us to enter into additional indebtedness secured by our loyalty program and brand-related assets, to the extent such indebtedness is pari passu with the Revolving Loan Facility. Our primary uses of cash are for working capital, aircraft PDPs, debt repayments and capital expenditures.
Our single largest capital commitment relates to the acquisition of aircraft. As of December 31, 2025, we operated all of our 176 aircraft under operating leases. PDPs relating to future deliveries under our agreement with
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Airbus are required at various times prior to each aircraft’s delivery date. As of December 31, 2025, our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities, which allow us to draw up to an aggregate of $391 million, had $348 million outstanding. As of December 31, 2025, we had $428 million of PDPs held by Airbus, which have been partially financed by our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities.
As of December 31, 2025, we had a firm obligation to purchase 168 A320neo family aircraft and 21 additional spare engines to be delivered by 2031. Of our aircraft commitments, 20 had committed operating leases for deliveries occurring between 2026 and 2027. We intend to evaluate financing options for the remaining aircraft.
The following table summarizes current and long-term material cash requirements as of December 31, 2025, which we expect to fund primarily with operating and financing cash flows (in millions):
| Material Cash Requirements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt obligations(a) | $ | 303 | $ | 63 | $ | 18 | $ | 102 | $ | 42 | $ | 92 | $ | 620 | ||||||||||||
| Interest commitments(b) | 32 | 19 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease obligations(c) | 806 | 799 | 754 | 681 | 648 | 2,784 | 6,472 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Flight equipment purchase obligations(d) | 1,426 | 2,093 | 2,133 | 2,374 | 1,821 | 943 | 10,790 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,567 | $ | 2,974 | $ | 2,920 | $ | 3,168 | $ | 2,518 | $ | 3,825 | $ | 17,972 |
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(a)Includes principal commitments only associated with our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities with borrowings as of December 31, 2025, our affinity card unsecured debt due through 2029,the PSP Promissory Notes through 2031, and our class A-1 enhanced equipment certificate through 2032. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 7. Debt.”
(b)Represents interest and commitment fees on debt obligations and our undrawn Revolving Loan Facility.
(c)Represents gross cash payments related to our operating fixed lease obligations that are not subject to discount as compared to the obligations measured on our consolidated balance sheets. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 8. Operating Leases.”
(d)Represents purchase commitments for aircraft and engines. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 11. Commitments and Contingencies.”
Cash Flows
The following table presents information regarding our cash flows in the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (525) | $ | (82) | ||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (99) | (75) | ||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 555 | 288 | ||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (69) | 131 | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 740 | 609 | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 671 | $ | 740 |
Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2025, net cash used in operating activities totaled $525 million, which was driven by $202 million of outflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities, non-cash adjustments of $186 million and $137 million of net loss.
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The $202 million of outflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities included:
•$257 million in increases in other long-term assets primarily driven by increases in capitalized maintenance and prepaid maintenance;
•$12 million in increases in accounts receivable;
•$1 million in decreases in accounts payable; and
•$1 million in decreases in other liabilities; partially offset by
•$58 million in increases in our air traffic liability driven by an increase in customer flight credits for non-refundable future travel, increased sales in our membership programs as well as increased bookings; and
•$11 million in decreases in supplies and other current assets.
Our net loss of $137 million was also adjusted by the following non-cash items to arrive at net cash used in operating activities:
•$302 million in gains recognized on sale-leaseback transactions; partially offset by
•$91 million in depreciation and amortization;
•$21 million in stock-based compensation expense;
•$3 million in deferred tax expense; and
•$1 million in amortization of cash flow hedges, net of tax.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash used in operating activities totaled $82 million, which was driven by non-cash adjustments totaling $204 million, partially offset by $85 million of net income and $37 million of inflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities.
The $37 million of inflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities included:
•$82 million in decreases in aircraft maintenance deposits;
•$77 million in other liabilities driven primarily by leased aircraft return accruals, passenger taxes payable and other operational related accruals;
•$41 million in increases in our air traffic liability driven by increased booking and related fares;
•$22 million in decreases in accounts receivable; and
•$20 million in decreases in supplies and other current assets; partially offset by
•$190 million in increases in other long-term assets primarily driven by increases in capitalized maintenance, prepaid maintenance and deferred purchase incentives; and
•$15 million in decreases in accounts payable.
Our net income of $85 million was also adjusted by the following non-cash items to arrive at net cash used in operating activities:
•$294 million in gains recognized on sale-leaseback transactions; partially offset by
•$72 million in depreciation and amortization;
•$16 million in stock-based compensation expense;
•$1 million loss on extinguishment of debt; and
•$1 million in amortization of cash flow hedges, net of tax.
Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2025, net cash used in investing activities totaled $99 million, driven by:
•$75 million in cash outflows for capital expenditures; and
•$24 million in net expenditures for PDP activity.
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During the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash used in investing activities totaled $75 million, driven by:
•$76 million in cash outflows for capital expenditures; and
•$2 million in cash outflows relating to other investing activity; partially offset by
•$3 million in net proceeds for PDP activity.
Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2025, net cash provided by financing activities was $555 million, primarily driven by:
•$492 million in cash proceeds from debt issuances, net of issuance costs, consisting of $205 million drawn on our Revolving Loan Facility, $181 million of net borrowings on our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities, $105 million of borrowings related to Class A-1 Equipment Certificates and $1 million drawn on our Barclays facility;
•$441 million in net proceeds received from sale-leaseback transactions; and
•$6 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options; partially offset by
•$380 million in cash outflows from principal repayments on debt, which include $205 million in Revolving Loan Facility payments, $163 million in Pre-delivery Credit Facilities payments and $12 million in payments pursuant to our previous building notes; and
•$4 million cash outflows for payments related to tax withholdings of share-based awards.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash provided by financing activities was $288 million, primarily driven by:
•$476 million in cash proceeds from debt issuances, consisting of $444 million of net borrowings on our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities, $20 million in draws on our Barclays facility and $12 million in new borrowings on our building notes;
•$264 million in net proceeds received from sale-leaseback transactions; and
•$1 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options; partially offset by
•$447 million in cash outflows from principal repayments on debt, which include $431 million in Pre-delivery Credit Facilities payments and $16 million in payments pursuant to our previous building note; and
•$6 million cash outflows for payments related to tax withholdings of share-based awards.
As of December 31, 2025, we did not have any other off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
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Commitments and Contractual Obligations
As of December 31, 2025, our contractual purchase commitments include future aircraft and spare engine acquisitions. The table below does not include commitments that are contingent on events or other factors that are uncertain or unknown at this time.
| A320neo | A321neo | TotalAircraft(a) | Engines | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ending | ||||||||||
| 2026 | 8 | 16 | 24 | 2 | ||||||
| 2027 | 8 | 26 | 34 | 3 | ||||||
| 2028 | 4 | 30 | 34 | 2 | ||||||
| 2029 | — | 36 | 36 | 5 | ||||||
| 2030 | — | 28 | 28 | — | ||||||
| Thereafter | — | 12 | 12 | 9 | ||||||
| Total | 20 | 148 | 168 | 21 |
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(a) While the schedule presented above reflects the contractual delivery dates as of December 31, 2025, we continue to experience delays in the deliveries of Airbus aircraft which may persist in future periods.
As of December 31, 2025, all 176 aircraft in our fleet were subject to operating leases. These leases expire between 2027 and 2037. Leases for 73 of our aircraft could generally be renewed for one to four years.
Separately, we have various leases with respect to real property as well as various agreements among airlines relating to fuel consortia or fuel farms at airports. Under some of these contracts, we are party to joint and several liability regarding damages. Under others, where we are a member of an LLC or other entity that contracts directly with the airport operator, liabilities are borne through the fuel consortia structure. Our aircraft, services, equipment lease and sale and financing agreements typically contain provisions requiring us, as the lessee, obligor or recipient of services, to indemnify the other parties to those agreements, including certain of those parties’ related persons, against virtually any liabilities that might arise from the use or operation of the aircraft or such other equipment. We believe that our insurance would cover most of our exposure to liabilities and related indemnities associated with the commercial real estate leases and aircraft, services, equipment lease and sale and financing agreements described above.
Certain of our aircraft and other financing transactions include provisions that require us to make payments to preserve an expected economic return to the lenders if that economic return is diminished due to certain changes in law or regulations. In certain of these financing transactions and other agreements, we also bear the risk of certain changes in tax laws that would subject payments to non-U.S. entities to withholding taxes.
Certain of these indemnities survive the length of the related financing or lease. We cannot reasonably estimate our potential future payments under the indemnities and related provisions described above because we cannot predict when and under what circumstances these provisions may be triggered and the amount that would be payable if the provisions were triggered because the amounts would be based on facts and circumstances existing at such time.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. In doing so, we make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, as well as related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial condition and results of operations could be affected. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. We refer to accounting estimates of this type as critical accounting estimates, which we discuss below. For a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies, please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”
Frequent Flyer Program
Our FRONTIER Miles program provides frequent flyer travel awards to program members based on accumulated miles. Miles are accumulated as a result of travel, purchases using the co-branded credit card, For Less price guarantee, and purchases from other participating partners. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, our total frequent flyer liability was $60 million and $49 million, respectively.
The contract to sell miles under the co-branded credit card partnership has multiple performance obligations. The agreement provides for joint marketing, and we account for this agreement consistently with the accounting method that allocates the consideration received to the individual products and services delivered based on relative stand-alone selling prices. We determined the best estimate of the selling prices by considering discounted cash flow analysis using multiple inputs and assumptions, including: (1) the expected number of miles awarded and number of miles redeemed, (2) equivalent ticket value (“ETV”) for the award travel obligation, (3) licensing of brand and access to member lists, (4) advertising and marketing efforts and (5) airline benefits. Any changes in the assumptions outlined above related to our co-branded credit card partnership at agreement inception or material modification would impact the allocation of consideration received and the resulting timing of when revenues from the each of the specific performance obligation would be recognized.
We estimate breakage (miles that are expected to expire unutilized) based on statistical models derived from historical redemption patterns. Breakage assumptions, including the period over which miles are expected to be redeemed, the actual redemption activity for miles, or the estimated fair value of miles expected to be redeemed, could have an impact on revenues in the year in which the change occurs and in future years. Additionally, we estimate ETV, which is used to determine the value per mile, based on the historical prices of the flights redeemed using miles and changes to these assumptions could impact the initial allocation of consideration in our co-branded credit card partnership or the amount of revenue recognized or deferred for miles accumulated as a result of travel.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, holding other factors constant, a 10% change in our estimated frequent flyer breakage rate would have resulted in a change to passenger revenues of approximately $4 million, or less than 1%.
Revenues from Customer’s Rights to Book Future Travel
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, our air traffic liability balance was $361 million and $303 million, respectively, of which $43 million and $19 million were related to customer rights to book future travel in the form of a flight credit, which mainly expire 12 months after issuance if not redeemed by the passenger. The amounts not expected to be redeemed are recognized as revenue over the historical pattern of rights exercised by customers. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we recognized $79 million, $37 million and $44 million, respectively, in passenger revenue within our consolidated statements of operations, related to expected and actual expiration of customer rights to book future travel.
We estimate amounts not expected to be redeemed (breakage) based on historical redemption patterns of such customer rights, which also considers any historical redemption activity that may not be indicative of future trends such as program modifications that may impact future expectations of breakage. Changes in breakage rate
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assumptions as a result of actual results differing from historical patterns or other factors, including the period over which these rights are expected to be redeemed, could have a material impact on revenues recognized in the year in which the change occurs and in future years.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, holding other factors constant, a 10% change in our estimated breakage related to customer’s rights to book future travel, which assumes no change in historical pattern of usage of such rights, would have resulted in a change to passenger revenues of approximately $14 million, or less than 1%.
Leased Aircraft Return Costs
Our aircraft operating lease agreements generally require us to return aircraft airframes and engines to the lessor in a certain condition or pay an amount to the lessor based on the airframe and engine’s actual return condition. These return provisions are evaluated at inception of the lease and throughout the lease terms and are accounted for as either fixed or variable lease payments (depending on the nature of the lease return condition). When such costs become both probable and estimable, they are accrued as a component of supplemental rent through the remaining lease term. Changes to the assumptions utilized in the estimation of these lease return costs are accounted for on a cumulative catch-up basis. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, our total leased aircraft return cost liability was $19 million and $49 million, respectively.
In 2025 and 2024, we extended the term for certain aircraft operating leases that were slated to expire between 2026 and 2027, and between 2025 and 2027, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we recorded a benefit of $27 million and $14 million, respectively, to aircraft rent in our consolidated statement of operations related to previously accrued lease return costs that were variable in nature and associated with the anticipated utilization and condition of the airframes at the original return date. Given the extension of these aircraft operating leases, such variable return costs are no longer probable of occurring.
In assessing the future potential lease return costs, we consider the future anticipated costs and scope of maintenance events (largely driven by projected number of flight hours and cycles estimated to be utilized on the aircraft and engines prior to return), estimated timing of such events including the timing since the last expected major maintenance event, the date the aircraft is due to be returned to the lessor, contractual terms of the lease and maintenance provider agreements, current condition of each aircraft, number of heavy maintenance events on engines, age of the aircraft at lease expiration, type of engine, projected number of hours and cycles run on the engines at the time of return and the number of projected cycles run on the airframe at the time of return, among other estimates.
If actual estimates vary materially from those utilized in the estimation of lease return costs we could incur more or less supplemental rent expense depending on the direction of the adjustments necessary. There can be no assurance that the projections utilized will not materially change in the future given the inherent difficulty in forecasting future utilization of aircraft over their lease terms, as well as the shop visit timing particularly considering new engine technology we deploy in our fleet; however, the estimates utilized are the best available at the time the financial statements were issued.
Income Tax Valuation Allowance
As of December 31, 2025, our total deferred tax assets, net of a $65 million valuation allowance, were $1,225 million, which included $124 million of deferred tax assets related to NOL carry forwards. These deferred tax assets are comprised of $93 million, $16 million and $15 million related to NOLs available to reduce future federal, state and foreign taxable income, respectively. We assess whether it is more likely than not that sufficient taxable income will be generated to realize deferred tax assets, and a valuation allowance is established if it is not likely that deferred income tax assets will be realized. We consider sources of taxable income from prior period carryback
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periods, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies and future taxable income when assessing the future utilization of deferred tax assets.
As part of our assessment of whether a valuation allowance is warranted, we consider all available positive and negative evidence in conjunction with evaluating the source and availability of taxable income to utilize such deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2023, a significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended December 31, 2023. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as our projections for future growth. As a result of our assessment, we concluded that as of December 31, 2023, it is more likely than not that the benefit from a portion of our federal and state deferred tax assets will not be realized and we recorded a valuation allowance of $37 million against our federal and state deferred tax assets.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, as a result of the change in the overall net deferred tax position and pre-tax income generated, we reduced the valuation allowance by $18 million and maintained a valuation allowance of $19 million against our federal and state NOL-related deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of future income to be generated. Furthermore, we maintained a valuation allowance related to our $11 million of foreign deferred tax assets.
During the year ended December 31, 2025, as a result of the change in the overall net deferred tax position and pre-tax loss generated, we increased the valuation allowance by $31 million and maintained a valuation allowance of $50 million against our federal and state NOL-related deferred tax assets due to our continued inability to utilize subjective evidence such as our projections for future income. Furthermore, we have a valuation allowance related to $15 million of our foreign deferred tax assets. The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight is given to subjective evidence such as our projections for taxable income.
Long-Term Maintenance Agreements
We have entered into maintenance agreements with both of our engine providers, CFM International and Pratt & Whitney, to cover the primary maintenance services of the engines for a majority of our fleet. The arrangements stipulate that we pay a baseline per-flight-hour rate based on monthly engine utilization over the life of the arrangement. Given that the accounting for the arrangement will follow our heavy maintenance accounting and is dependent on many projected factors such as flight hours, shop visit timing and scope, and the stand-alone value of certain maintenance services, there are significant estimates that impact the accounting of our per-flight-hour maintenance agreements including amounts capitalized as recoverable pre-paid maintenance, expensed and treated as capitalized maintenance as well as the timing of each.
As of December 31, 2025, we had capitalized $275 million of rate per hour payments considered pre-paid maintenance, included within other assets on our consolidated balance sheets, which are probable to be recovered via future shop visits.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
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GLOSSARY OF AIRLINE TERMS
Set forth below is a glossary of industry terms:
“A320 family” means, collectively, the Airbus series of single-aisle aircraft, including the A320ceo, A320neo, A321ceo and A321neo aircraft.
“A320neo family” means, collectively, the Airbus series of single-aisle aircraft that feature the new engine option, including the A320neo and A321neo aircraft.
“Adjusted CASM” is a non-GAAP measure and means operating expenses, excluding special items, divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Adjusted CASM including net interest” or “Adjusted CASM + net interest” is a non-GAAP measure and means the sum of Adjusted CASM and net interest expense (income) excluding special items divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel)” is a non-GAAP measure and means operating expenses less aircraft fuel expense, excluding special items, divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Air traffic liability” means the value of tickets, unearned membership fees, customer rights to book future travel, and other related fees sold in advance of travel.
“Ancillary revenue” means the sum of non-fare passenger revenue and other revenue.
“Available seat miles” or “ASMs” means seats (empty or full) multiplied by miles the seats are flown.
“Average aircraft in service” means the average number of aircraft used in flight operations, as calculated on a daily basis.
“Average daily aircraft utilization” means block hours divided by number of days in the period divided by average aircraft in service.
“Average stage length” means the average number of miles flown per flight segment.
“Block hours” means the number of hours during which the aircraft is in revenue service, measured from the time of gate departure before take-off until the time of gate arrival at the destination.
“CASM” or “unit costs” means operating expenses divided by ASMs.
“CASM (excluding fuel)” is a non-GAAP measure and means operating expenses less aircraft fuel expense, divided by ASMs.
“CASM including net interest” or “CASM + net interest” is a non-GAAP measure and means the sum of CASM and net interest expense (income) divided by ASMs.
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“DOT” means the United States Department of Transportation.
“EPA” means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
“Fare revenue” consists of base fares for air travel, including miles redeemed under our frequent flyer program, unused and expired passenger credits and revenue derived from charter flights.
“Fare revenue per passenger” means fare revenue divided by passengers.
“Load factor” means the percentage of aircraft seat miles actually occupied on a flight (RPMs divided by ASMs).
“Net interest expenses (income)” means interest expense, capitalized interest, interest income and other.
“Non-fare passenger revenue” consists of fees related to certain ancillary items such as baggage, service fees, seat selection, and other passenger-related revenue that is not included as part of base fares for travel.
“Non-fare passenger revenue per passenger” means non-fare passenger revenue divided by passengers.
“Other revenue” consists primarily of services not directly related to providing transportation, such as the advertising, marketing and brand elements of the FRONTIER Miles affinity credit card program and commissions revenue from the sale of items such as rental cars and hotels.
“Other revenue per passenger” means other revenue divided by passengers.
“Passengers” means the total number of passengers flown on all flight segments.
“Passenger revenue” consists of fare revenue and non-fare passenger revenue.
“PDP” means pre-delivery deposit payments, which are payments required by aircraft manufacturers in advance of delivery of the aircraft.
“RASM” or “unit revenue” means total revenue divided by ASMs.
“Revenue passenger miles” or “RPMs” means the number of miles flown by passengers.
“Total ancillary revenue per passenger” means ancillary revenue divided by passengers.
“Total revenue per passenger” means the sum of fare revenue, non-fare passenger revenue, and other revenue (collectively, “Total Revenue”) divided by passengers.
“VFR” means visiting friends and relatives.
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001670076-25-000041.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our discussion and analysis of fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 is included herein. For a discussion of the results of operations for fiscal year 2022 and comparisons between fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2022, please refer to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on February 20, 2024.
Overview
The following table provides select financial and operational information for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions, except percentages):
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Total operating revenues | $ | 3,775 | $ | 3,589 | 5 | % | ||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 3,717 | $ | 3,592 | 3 | % | ||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 86 | $ | 32 | 169 | % | ||||
| Available seat miles (“ASMs”) | 39,871 | 37,822 | 5 | % |
Revenues
Total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 totaled $3,775 million, an increase of 5% compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to the 5% increase in capacity, as measured by ASMs. Revenue per available seat mile (“RASM”) remained consistent for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, as the 5% decline in revenue per passenger and 4.6 point decrease in load factor was offset by an 11% decrease in average stage length as compared to the prior year period. The lower average stage length is primarily the result of a higher proportion of out-and-back flying in the current year to simplify our network and improve operational efficiency and recoverability.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses during the year ended December 31, 2024 increased to $3,717 million, resulting in a cost per available seat mile (“CASM”) of 9.32¢, a decrease of 2% compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. Fuel expense was $89 million lower, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. This 8% decrease in fuel expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily driven by the 12% decrease in fuel cost per gallon, partially offset by the 5% increase in fuel gallons consumed, as a result of our 5% capacity increase.
Our non-fuel expenses increased by 9% during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, driven primarily by higher capacity and a larger fleet size and the resulting increase in operations during the same period, partially offset by an increase in sale-leaseback gains, the cost benefit from our network simplification, and a legal settlement. CASM (excluding fuel), a non-GAAP measure, increased 3% to 6.71¢, on a 5% increase in capacity, for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, due to the aforementioned drivers of increased non-fuel expenses.
Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), a non-GAAP measure, increased from 6.50¢ for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 6.81¢ for the year ended December 31, 2024, and Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), SLA 1,000, a non-GAAP measure, decreased from 6.52¢ for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 6.44¢ for the year ended December 31, 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2024, Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) excludes the impact of $38 million related to the legal settlement, and for the year ended December 31, 2023, Adjusted CASM
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(excluding fuel) excludes $1 million in net transaction and merger-related costs incurred in connection with our terminated merger with Spirit Airlines, Inc. (“Spirit”) and $1 million in other operating costs associated with legal fees incurred due to the U.S. Department of Justice’s substantial requests for information and deposition testimony from us related to the contemplated merger of Spirit and JetBlue Airways (“JetBlue”).
Net Income (Loss)
We generated net income of $85 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net loss of $11 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. After giving effect to the aforementioned non-GAAP operating adjustments and related tax impacts, as well as the $5 million valuation allowance and the write-off of $1 million in unamortized deferred financing costs for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the $37 million valuation allowance in the year ended December 31, 2023, our adjusted net income, a non-GAAP measure, was $53 million and $28 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
For the reconciliation to the corresponding GAAP measures of the aforementioned non-GAAP adjusted measures, see “Results of Operations—Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest” and “Results of Operations — Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Pre-Tax Income (Loss) to Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (Loss), and Net Income (Loss) to EBITDA, EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDAR”.
As of December 31, 2024, our total available liquidity was $935 million, made up of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, including $205 million of funds available to be drawn under our revolving loan facility.
Trends and Uncertainties Affecting Our Business
We believe our operating and business performance is driven by various factors that typically affect airlines and their markets, including trends which affect the broader travel industry, as well as trends which affect the specific markets and customer base that we target. The following key factors may affect our future performance:
Competition. The airline industry is highly competitive. The principal competitive factors in the airline industry are the fare and total price, flight schedules, number of routes served from a city, frequent flyer programs, product and passenger amenities, customer service, fleet type and reputation. The airline industry is particularly susceptible to price discounting as once a flight is scheduled, airlines incur only nominal incremental costs to provide service to passengers occupying otherwise unsold seats. Price competition occurs on a route-by-route basis through price discounts, changes in pricing structures, fare matching, target promotions and frequent flyer initiatives. Airlines typically use discount fares and other promotions to stimulate traffic during normally slower travel periods to generate cash flow and to maximize RASM. The prevalence of discount fares can be particularly acute when a competitor has excess capacity that it is under financial pressure to sell. A key element of our competitive strategy is to maintain very low unit costs in order to permit us to compete successfully in price-sensitive markets. In addition, some of the legacy network carriers match LCC and ULCC pricing on portions of their network, including through the selective deployment of so-called “basic economy” fares. We believe that fare discounts, along with more customer optionality over product offerings, have and will continue to stimulate demand for Frontier due to our Low Fares Done Right strategy.
Our Low Fares Done Right strategy is underpinned by our low-cost structure, and has significantly reduced our cost base by optimizing aircraft utilization with disciplined capacity deployment across peak and off peak periods to align capacity with expected travel demand patterns, transitioning to larger and more fuel-efficient aircraft, maximizing seat density, renegotiating the majority of our distribution agreements, realigning and simplifying our network, enhancing our website and mobile app, boosting employee productivity and contracting with leading specialists to provide us with select operating and other services.
Our cost structure has generally allowed us to achieve strong results from operations relative to the rest of the industry during periods of competitive pricing and price discounts. We believe that we are well positioned to
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maintain our low unit operating costs relative to our competitors through on-going strategic initiatives, including continuing our cost optimization efforts and further realizing economies of scale. To the extent that we are unable to maintain our low-cost structure, our ability to compete effectively may be impaired. In addition, if our competitors engage in fare wars or similar behavior, our financial performance could be adversely impacted.
Aircraft Fuel. Fuel expense represents one of the single largest operating expense for most airlines, including ours. Aircraft fuel prices and availability are subject to market fluctuations, refining capacity, periods of market surplus and shortage and demand for heating oil, gasoline and other petroleum products, as well as meteorological, economic and political factors and events occurring throughout the world, which we can neither control nor accurately predict. The future cost and availability of aircraft fuel cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty.
Volatility. The air transportation business is volatile and highly affected by economic cycles and trends. Global pandemics and related health scares, consumer confidence and discretionary spending, fear of terrorism or war, weakening economic conditions, fare initiatives, fluctuations in fuel prices, labor actions, changes in governmental regulations on taxes and fees, weather and other factors have resulted in significant fluctuations in revenue and results of operations in the past.
Seasonality. Our results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of those for the entire year because the air transportation business and our route network are subject to seasonal fluctuations. We generally expect demand to be greater in the second and third quarters compared to the rest of the year. While we have, over recent years, reduced our concentration in Denver to decrease the impact of seasonality in our business, 23% of our flights during the year ended December 31, 2024 had Denver International Airport as either their origin or destination, as compared to 24% of our flights during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Labor. The airline industry is heavily unionized. The wages, benefits and work rules of unionized airline industry employees are determined by collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”). Relations between air carriers and labor unions in the United States are governed by the United States Railway Labor Act (“RLA”). Under the RLA, CBAs generally contain “amendable dates” rather than expiration dates and the RLA requires that a carrier maintain the existing terms and conditions of employment following the amendable date through a multi-stage and usually lengthy series of bargaining processes overseen by the National Mediation Board (“NMB”). This process continues until either the parties have reached an agreement on a new CBA or the parties have been released to “self-help” by the NMB. In most circumstances, the RLA prohibits strikes. However, after release by the NMB, carriers and unions are free to engage in self-help measures such as lockouts and strikes.
We have seven union-represented employee groups comprising approximately 87% of our employees as of December 31, 2024. Our pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (“ALPA”); our flight attendants are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (“AFA-CWA”); our aircraft technicians, aircraft appearance agents, material specialists and maintenance controllers are all represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“IBT”); and our dispatchers are represented by the Transport Workers Union (“TWU”). We are currently in negotiations with the ALPA, the AFA-CWA and the IBT regarding the next labor contract. Please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 12. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information.
Maintenance, Materials and Repairs and Maintenance Reserve Obligations. The amount of total maintenance costs and related depreciation of heavy maintenance expense is subject to variables such as estimated usage, government regulations, the size, age and makeup of the fleet in future periods, and the level of unscheduled maintenance events and their actual costs. Accordingly, we cannot reliably quantify future maintenance-related expenses for any significant period of time.
As of December 31, 2024, the average age of our aircraft was approximately five years and all of the aircraft in our fleet were financed with operating leases, the last of which is scheduled to expire in 2036. Please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 9. Operating Leases” for further discussion. We expect that these new aircraft will require less maintenance when they are first placed into service (sometimes called a “maintenance holiday”) because the aircraft will benefit from manufacturer warranties and also will be able to operate for a significant period of time, generally measured in years, before the most expensive scheduled maintenance
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obligations, known as heavy maintenance, are required. Once these maintenance holidays expire, these aircraft will require more maintenance as they age and our maintenance and repair expenses for each of our aircraft will be incurred at approximately the same intervals. When these more significant maintenance activities occur, this will result in out-of-service periods during which our aircraft are dedicated to maintenance activities and unavailable to generate revenue.
We account for heavy maintenance under the deferral method. Accordingly, heavy maintenance is depreciated over the shorter of either the remaining lease term or the period until the next estimated heavy maintenance event. As a result, maintenance events occurring closer to the end of the lease term will generally have shorter depreciation periods than those occurring earlier in the lease term. This will create higher depreciation expense specific to any aircraft related to heavy maintenance during the final years of the lease as compared to earlier periods.
Recent Developments
Financing. During 2024, we entered into a series of transactions to provide a revolving line of credit, available for general purposes, as well as increased our overall capacity for financing facilities to fund aircraft PDPs. Our revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Loan Facility”) provided $205 million of committed funding. We also amended our pre-delivery deposit (“PDP”) facility originally entered into in December 2014 (as amended from time to time, the “PDP Financing Facility”) and entered into new PDP facilities with additional lenders (the “Second PDP Financing Facility” and “Third PDP Financing Facility”, respectively, and together with the PDP Financing Facility, the “Pre-delivery Credit Facilities”), resulting in an overall increase to our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities from $365 million to $478 million.
Legal. During 2024, we agreed to settle a claim against a former aircraft lessor regarding a breach of contract, pursuant to which we received $40 million in damages. The settlement amount is final and may not be appealed by either party. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the $40 million was recognized within other operating expenses on our consolidated statements of operations and final cash proceeds were received in October 2024.
Product. During 2024, we launched BizFare, a new, cost-effective program for companies that includes benefits like a free carry-on, priority boarding, and Premium seating, with no fees for changes, cancellations, and same day standby. We also introduced UpFront Plus, offering extra legroom and a guaranteed empty middle seat in the first two rows for enhanced comfort and space. Further, The New Frontier introduced clear, upfront pricing along with expanded customer benefits and support. Starting in 2025, enhancements to The New Frontier will include First Class Seating, free seat upgrades for certain benefit holders, and unlimited free companion travel for top-tier benefit loyalty members.
Pratt & Whitney. Since 2022, we have introduced aircraft into our fleet that use the Pratt & Whitney PW1100 Geared Turbo Fan (“GTF”) engine, and we have selected this engine for most of our planned future deliveries. During 2023, Pratt & Whitney announced the requirement, mandated by the FAA, that certain engines be removed for inspection due to a possible condition in the powdered metal used to manufacture certain engine parts. This will require accelerated inspection of the PW1100 GTF engine, which we use for certain of our A320neo family aircraft, and could result in lengthy turnaround times to perform these inspections including any resulting repairs or other modifications that may be identified. Although our operations have not been impacted as of December 31, 2024, this inspection program may have an adverse impact on our operations, particularly when we are required to temporarily take aircraft out of service. We continue to assess the impact on our future capacity plans and we are in communication with Pratt & Whitney regarding compensation related to this matter.
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Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023
Operating Revenues
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||
| Operating revenues ($ in millions): | ||||||||||||
| Passenger | $ | 3,683 | $ | 3,509 | $ | 174 | 5 | % | ||||
| Other | 92 | 80 | 12 | 15 | % | |||||||
| Total operating revenues | $ | 3,775 | $ | 3,589 | $ | 186 | 5 | % | ||||
| Operating statistics: | ||||||||||||
| ASMs (millions) | 39,871 | 37,822 | 2,049 | 5 | % | |||||||
| Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (millions) | 30,630 | 30,798 | (168) | (1) | % | |||||||
| Average stage length (miles) | 894 | 1,007 | (113) | (11) | % | |||||||
| Load factor | 76.8 | % | 81.4 | % | (4.6) | pts | N/A | |||||
| RASM (¢) | 9.47 | 9.49 | (0.02) | — | % | |||||||
| Total ancillary revenue per passenger ($) | 70.29 | 76.51 | (6.22) | (8) | % | |||||||
| Total revenue per passenger ($) | 113.38 | 118.77 | (5.39) | (5) | % | |||||||
| Passengers (thousands) | 33,296 | 30,218 | 3,078 | 10 | % |
Total operating revenues increased $186 million, or 5%, during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. While capacity grew by 5%, as measured by ASMs, RASM remained consistent due to a 5% decline in revenue per passenger and a 5-point reduction in load factor, offset by a 10% increase in passengers on an 11% decrease in stage length. The increase in capacity was driven by the 16% increase in average aircraft in service during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, partially offset by a 9% decrease in average daily aircraft utilization for the corresponding prior year period due primarily to our disciplined capacity deployment focused on peak days of the week.
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Operating Expenses
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | Cost per ASM | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses ($ in millions):(a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | $ | 1,041 | $ | 1,130 | $ | (89) | (8) | % | 2.61 | ¢ | 2.99 | ¢ | (13) | % | ||||||||
| Salaries, wages and benefits | 954 | 858 | 96 | 11 | % | 2.39 | 2.27 | 5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Aircraft rent | 675 | 554 | 121 | 22 | % | 1.69 | 1.47 | 15 | % | |||||||||||||
| Station operations | 637 | 516 | 121 | 23 | % | 1.60 | 1.36 | 18 | % | |||||||||||||
| Maintenance, materials and repairs | 209 | 179 | 30 | 17 | % | 0.52 | 0.47 | 11 | % | |||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 178 | 164 | 14 | 9 | % | 0.45 | 0.43 | 5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 72 | 50 | 22 | 44 | % | 0.18 | 0.13 | 38 | % | |||||||||||||
| Transaction and merger-related costs | — | 1 | (1) | N/M | — | — | N/M | |||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | (49) | 140 | (189) | N/M | (0.12) | 0.38 | N/M | |||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 3,717 | $ | 3,592 | $ | 125 | 3 | % | 9.32 | ¢ | 9.50 | ¢ | (2) | % | ||||||||
| Operating statistics: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASMs (millions) | 39,871 | 37,822 | 2,049 | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Average stage length (miles) | 894 | 1,007 | (113) | (11) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Passengers (thousands) | 33,296 | 30,218 | 3,078 | 10 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Departures | 216,374 | 188,841 | 27,533 | 15 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 6.71 | 6.51 | 0.20 | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 6.81 | 6.50 | 0.31 | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel cost per gallon ($) | 2.73 | 3.10 | (0.37) | (12) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 381,444 | 364,606 | 16,838 | 5 | % |
________________
N/M = Not meaningful
(a)Cost per ASM figures may not recalculate due to rounding.
(b)These metrics are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For the reconciliation to the corresponding GAAP measures of the aforementioned non-GAAP adjusted measures, see “Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest”.
Aircraft Fuel. Aircraft fuel expense decreased by $89 million, or 8%, during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a 12% decrease in fuel cost per gallon, partially offset by the 5% increase in gallons consumed, driven by higher capacity.
Salaries, Wages and Benefits. Salaries, wages and benefits expense increased by $96 million, or 11%, during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was due to higher crew costs driven primarily by the growth in the business, as well as other employee benefit costs and increased salaried support staff costs, partially offset by efficiencies from our network simplification as compared to the corresponding prior year period.
Aircraft Rent. Aircraft rent expense increased by $121 million, or 22%, during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to a larger fleet and increased aircraft lease return costs.
Station Operations. Station operations expense increased by $121 million, or 23%, during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to increased airport operations as a result of the 15% increase in departures and 10% increase in passengers, partially offset by increased benefits from airport revenue and cost sharing arrangements.
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Maintenance, Materials and Repairs. Maintenance, materials and repair expense increased by $30 million, or 17%, during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. This increase was primarily due to a 16% increase in average aircraft in service, which resulted in higher aircraft repair and maintenance costs, partially offset by lower contract labor.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expense increased by $14 million, or 9%, during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to increases in customer reservation system fees and credit card fees, as a result of increased bookings year over year. The following table presents our distribution channel mix:
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution Channel | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Our website, mobile app and other direct channels | 72 | % | 72 | % | — | pt | ||
| Third-party channels | 28 | % | 28 | % | — | pt |
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $22 million, or 44%, during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to an increase in capitalized maintenance depreciation due to our growing fleet.
Other Operating. Other operating resulted in a net gain of $49 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to an expense of $140 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. This movement was primarily driven by the increase in sale-leaseback gains, as a result of 23 aircraft inductions subject to sale-leaseback transactions during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 11 aircraft inductions subject to sale-leaseback transactions in the corresponding prior year period, as well as a legal settlement gain of $40 million during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Other Income (Expense). Other income decreased by $7 million, or 20%, during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest income from lower balances in interest-bearing cash accounts and the increase in interest expense, net of capitalized interest.
Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2024 was an expense of 1.2%, compared to an expense of 134.4% for the year ended December 31, 2023, on pre-tax income for both periods. The primary difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate for the year ended December 31, 2024 was related to a decrease in our valuation allowance relating to federal and state net operating losses (“NOLs”).
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Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | ($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | |||||||
| Non-GAAP financial data:(a) | ||||||||||
| CASM | 9.32 | 9.50 | ||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | (1,041) | (2.61) | (1,130) | (2.99) | ||||||
| CASM (excluding fuel)(b) | 6.71 | 6.51 | ||||||||
| Legal settlement(c) | 38 | 0.10 | — | — | ||||||
| Transaction and merger-related costs(d) | — | — | (1) | (0.01) | ||||||
| Other operating costs - legal fees(e) | — | — | (1) | — | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel)(b) | 6.81 | 6.50 | ||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | 1,041 | 2.61 | 1,130 | 2.99 | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM(f) | 9.42 | 9.49 | ||||||||
| Net interest expense (income) | (28) | (0.07) | (35) | (0.09) | ||||||
| Write-off of deferred financing costs(g) | (1) | — | — | — | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM + net interest(h) | 9.35 | 9.40 | ||||||||
| CASM | 9.32 | 9.50 | ||||||||
| Net interest expense (income) | (28) | (0.07) | (35) | (0.10) | ||||||
| CASM + net interest(h) | 9.25 | 9.40 |
__________________
(a)Cost per ASM figures may not recalculate due to rounding.
(b)CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe that excluding aircraft fuel is useful to investors as it provides an additional measure of management’s performance excluding the effects of a significant cost item over which management has limited influence. The price of fuel, over which we have limited control, impacts the comparability of period-to-period financial performance, and excluding the price of fuel allows management an additional tool to understand and analyze our non-fuel costs and core operating performance, and increases comparability with other airlines that also provide a similar metric. CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) are not determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
(c)We reached a legal settlement with a former lessor for breach of contract for a total of $40 million (please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 12. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information). $38 million of the settlement represents a one-time reimbursement of damages incurred and $2 million relates to the reimbursement of previously recorded legal expenses.
(d)Represents $1 million in employee retention costs incurred in connection with the terminated merger with Spirit for the year ended December 31, 2023.
(e)Represents $1 million of legal fees incurred due to the U.S. Department of Justice’s substantial requests for information and deposition testimony from us related to the contemplated merger of Spirit and JetBlue.
(f)Adjusted CASM is included as supplemental disclosure because we believe it is a useful metric to properly compare our cost management and performance to other peers, as derivations of Adjusted CASM are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by our management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in the airline industry. Additionally, we believe this metric is useful because it removes certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. Adjusted CASM is not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
(g)In September 2024, we reduced the capacity of the PDP Financing Facility from $365 million to $135 million. The downsize of the facility resulted in a one-time write-off of $1 million in unamortized deferred financing costs. This amount is a component of interest expense within our consolidated statements of operations.
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(h)Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe they are useful metrics to properly compare our cost management and performance to other peers that may have different capital structures and financing strategies, particularly as it relates to financing primary operating assets such as aircraft and engines. Additionally, we believe these metrics are useful because they remove certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest are not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Pre-Tax Income (Loss) to Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (Loss) and Net Income (Loss) to EBITDA, EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDAR
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| Non-GAAP financial data (unaudited): | ||||||
| Adjusted pre-tax income (loss)(a) | $ | 49 | $ | 34 | ||
| Adjusted net income (loss)(a) | $ | 53 | $ | 28 | ||
| EBITDA(a) | $ | 130 | $ | 47 | ||
| EBITDAR(b) | $ | 805 | $ | 601 | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA(a) | $ | 92 | $ | 49 | ||
| Adjusted EBITDAR(b) | $ | 767 | $ | 603 |
__________________
(a)Adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe they are useful indicators of our operating performance. Derivations of pre-tax income (loss), net income (loss) and EBITDA are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by our management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in our industry.
Adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools. Some of the limitations applicable to these measures include: adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations; adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our indebtedness or possible cash requirements related to our warrants; although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and other companies in our industry may calculate adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because derivations of adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, derivations of pre-tax income (loss), net income (loss) and EBITDA, including adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA, as presented may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.
For the foregoing reasons, each of adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA has significant limitations which affect its use as an indicator of our profitability. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.
(b)EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR are included as a supplemental disclosure because we believe them to be useful solely as valuation metrics for airlines as their calculations isolate the effects of financing in general, the accounting effects of capital spending and acquisitions (primarily aircraft, which may be acquired directly, directly subject to acquisition debt, by capital lease or by operating lease, each of which is presented differently for accounting purposes), and income taxes, which may vary significantly between periods and for different airlines for reasons unrelated to the underlying value of a particular airline. However, EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR are not determined in accordance with GAAP, are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measure in the same manner. As a result, EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR, as presented, may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. In addition, EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR should not be viewed as a measure of overall performance since they exclude aircraft rent, which is a normal, recurring cash operating expense that is necessary to operate our business. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss) reconciliation (unaudited): | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 85 | $ | (11) | ||
| Non-GAAP Adjustments(a): | ||||||
| Legal settlement | (38) | — | ||||
| Transaction and merger-related costs | — | 1 | ||||
| Other operating costs - legal fees | — | 1 | ||||
| Write-off of deferred financing costs | 1 | — | ||||
| Pre-tax impact | (37) | 2 | ||||
| Tax benefit (expense) related to non-GAAP adjustments | — | — | ||||
| Valuation allowance(b) | 5 | 37 | ||||
| Net income (loss) impact | $ | (32) | $ | 39 | ||
| Adjusted net income (loss) | $ | 53 | $ | 28 | ||
| Adjusted pre-tax income (loss) reconciliation (unaudited): | ||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 86 | $ | 32 | ||
| Pre-tax impact | (37) | 2 | ||||
| Adjusted pre-tax income (loss) | $ | 49 | $ | 34 |
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| EBITDA, EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR reconciliation (unaudited): | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 85 | $ | (11) | ||
| Plus (minus): | ||||||
| Interest expense | 36 | 29 | ||||
| Capitalized interest | (32) | (28) | ||||
| Interest income and other | (32) | (36) | ||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 1 | 43 | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 72 | 50 | ||||
| EBITDA | 130 | 47 | ||||
| Plus: Aircraft rent | 675 | 554 | ||||
| EBITDAR | $ | 805 | $ | 601 | ||
| EBITDA | $ | 130 | $ | 47 | ||
| Plus (minus)(a): | ||||||
| Legal settlement | (38) | — | ||||
| Transaction and merger-related costs | — | 1 | ||||
| Other operating costs - legal fees | — | 1 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 92 | 49 | ||||
| Plus: Aircraft rent | 675 | 554 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDAR | $ | 767 | $ | 603 |
__________________
(a)See “Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest” above for discussion on adjusting items.
(b)During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recorded $5 million and $37 million non-cash valuation allowances, respectively, against our U.S. federal and state NOL deferred tax assets, which largely do not expire, mainly as a result of being in a three-year cumulative pre-tax loss position, which has no impact on cash taxes and is not reflective of our effective tax rate for deductible NOLs generated or actual cash tax obligations created. Please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 15. Income Taxes” for additional information.
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Comparative Operating Statistics
The following table sets forth our operating statistics for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. These operating statistics are provided because they are commonly used in the airline industry and, as such, allow readers to compare our performance against our results for the corresponding prior year period, as well as against the performance of our peers.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||
| Operating statistics (unaudited)(a) | ||||||||
| ASMs (millions) | 39,871 | 37,822 | 5 | % | ||||
| Departures | 216,374 | 188,841 | 15 | % | ||||
| Average stage length (miles) | 894 | 1,007 | (11) | % | ||||
| Block hours | 554,399 | 523,440 | 6 | % | ||||
| Average aircraft in service | 146 | 126 | 16 | % | ||||
| Aircraft – end of period | 159 | 136 | 17 | % | ||||
| Average daily aircraft utilization (hours) | 10.3 | 11.3 | (9) | % | ||||
| Passengers (thousands) | 33,296 | 30,218 | 10 | % | ||||
| Average seats per departure | 205 | 199 | 3 | % | ||||
| RPMs (millions) | 30,630 | 30,798 | (1) | % | ||||
| Load factor | 76.8 | % | 81.4 | % | (4.6) | pts | ||
| Fare revenue per passenger ($) | 43.09 | 42.26 | 2 | % | ||||
| Non-fare passenger revenue per passenger ($) | 67.50 | 73.85 | (9) | % | ||||
| Other revenue per passenger ($) | 2.79 | 2.66 | 5 | % | ||||
| Total ancillary revenue passenger ($) | 70.29 | 76.51 | (8) | % | ||||
| Total revenue per passenger ($) | 113.38 | 118.77 | (5) | % | ||||
| RASM (¢) | 9.47 | 9.49 | — | % | ||||
| CASM (¢) | 9.32 | 9.50 | (2) | % | ||||
| CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 6.71 | 6.51 | 3 | % | ||||
| CASM + net interest (¢) (b) | 9.25 | 9.40 | (2) | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM (¢) (b) | 9.42 | 9.49 | (1) | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 6.81 | 6.50 | 5 | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), SLA 1,000 (¢)(b)(c) | 6.44 | 6.52 | (1) | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM + net interest (¢) (b) | 9.35 | 9.40 | (1) | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM + net interest, SLA 1,000 (¢)(b)(d) | 8.84 | 9.43 | (6) | % | ||||
| Fuel cost per gallon ($) | 2.73 | 3.10 | (12) | % | ||||
| Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 381,444 | 364,606 | 5 | % | ||||
| Full-time equivalent employees | 7,913 | 7,214 | 10 | % |
_________________
(a)Figures may not recalculate due to rounding. See “Glossary of Airline Terms” for definitions of terms used in this table.
(b)These metrics are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For the reconciliation to corresponding GAAP measures, see “Results of Operations—Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest.”
(c)Stage Length Adjusted (SLA) to 1,000 miles: Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) * Square root (stage length / 1,000).
(d)Stage Length Adjusted (SLA) to 1,000 miles: Adjusted CASM + net interest * Square root (stage length / 1,000).
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
As of December 31, 2024, we had $935 million of total available liquidity, consisting of $730 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $205 million in total undrawn capacity on our Revolving Loan Facility. We had $502 million of total debt, net, of which $261 million was short-term and consisted primarily of amounts outstanding under our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities. Our total debt, net was comprised of $329 million outstanding under our PDP Financing Facility, $100 million outstanding under our pre-purchased miles facility with Barclays Bank Delaware (“Barclays”), $66 million in 10-year, low-interest loans (collectively, the “PSP Promissory Notes”) from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) and $12 million in secured indebtedness for our headquarters building, partially offset by $5 million in deferred debt acquisition costs.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we entered into a series of transactions designed to provide us with a revolving line of credit available for general corporate purposes, as well as increased capacity for financing facilities intended to fund aircraft PDPs. The new Pre-delivery Credit Facilities, which consist of the Second PDP Financing Facility and the Third PDP Financing Facility, in addition to the pre-existing PDP Financing Facility, increased overall borrowing capacity from $365 million to $478 million. We also entered into the Revolving Loan Facility, which provided $205 million of commitments secured by our loyalty program and brand-related assets and was undrawn as of December 31, 2024.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we increased our borrowings under the Barclays agreement by an additional $20 million. We also repaid the remaining outstanding balance, inclusive of any unpaid principal, interest and other amounts related to our previous headquarters note and subsequent to the payoff of the headquarters note, we entered into loan agreements in the total amount of $12 million with a different lender secured by our headquarters. Please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 8. Debt” for additional information.
On February 2, 2022, we repaid the term loan facility entered into with the Treasury (the Treasury Loan”), which included the $150 million principal balance along with accrued interest and associated fees of $1 million. As a result, we recognized a $7 million non-cash charge from the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the Treasury Loan for the year ended December 31, 2022.
In connection with the PSP Promissory Notes and the Treasury Loan, we issued warrants to purchase 3,117,940 shares of our common stock at a weighted-average price of $6.95 per share. We have the intent and ability to settle the warrants issued in common shares and we have classified the warrant liability to additional paid-in capital on our consolidated balance sheet. These warrants will expire between May 2025 and June 2026. No warrants have been exercised as of December 31, 2024.
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We continue to monitor our covenant compliance with various parties, including, but not limited to, our lenders and credit card processors. As of the date of this report, we are in compliance with all of our covenants.
The following table presents the major indicators of our financial condition and liquidity as of:
| December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 740 | $ | 609 | ||
| Total current assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents | $ | 250 | $ | 262 | ||
| Total current liabilities, excluding current maturities of long-term debt and operating leases | $ | 927 | $ | 858 | ||
| Current maturities of long-term debt, net | $ | 261 | $ | 251 | ||
| Long-term debt, net | $ | 241 | $ | 219 | ||
| Stockholders’ equity | $ | 604 | $ | 507 | ||
| Debt to capital ratio | 45 | % | 48 | % | ||
| Debt to capital ratio, including operating lease obligations | 88 | % | 87 | % |
Use of Cash and Future Obligations
We expect to meet our cash requirements for the next twelve months through use of our available cash and cash equivalents, our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities, and cash flows from operating activities. We expect to meet our long-term cash requirements with cash flows from operating and financing activities, including, but not limited to, potential future borrowings under the Pre-delivery Credit Facilities, our undrawn Revolving Loan Facility and/or potential issuances of debt or equity. The Revolving Loan Facility also permits us to enter into additional indebtedness secured by our loyalty program and brand-related assets, to the extent such indebtedness is pari passu to that of the Revolving Loan Facility. Our primary uses of cash are for working capital, aircraft PDPs, debt repayments and capital expenditures.
Our single largest capital commitment relates to the acquisition of aircraft. As of December 31, 2024, we operated all of our 159 aircraft under operating leases. PDPs relating to future deliveries under our agreement with Airbus are required at various times prior to each aircraft’s delivery date. As of December 31, 2024, our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities, which allow us to draw up to an aggregate of $478 million, had $329 million outstanding. As of December 31, 2024, we had $404 million of PDPs held by Airbus, which have been partially financed by our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities.
As of December 31, 2024, we had a firm obligation to purchase 187 A320neo family aircraft and 11 additional spare engines to be delivered by 2031. Of our aircraft commitments, 29 had committed operating leases for deliveries occurring between 2025 and 2026. We intend to evaluate financing options for the remaining aircraft.
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During the year ended December 31, 2024, we reached an agreement with one of our aircraft lessors which eliminated requirements to pay maintenance reserves held as collateral in advance of our required performance of major maintenance activities on its aircraft leases. As a result of the agreement, the lessor disbursed back to us previously paid aircraft maintenance deposits of approximately $104 million, resulting in us no longer having any aircraft maintenance deposits with any of our lessors as of December 31, 2024.
The following table summarizes current and long-term material cash requirements as of December 31, 2024, which we expect to fund primarily with operating and financing cash flows (in millions):
| Material Cash Requirements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt obligations(a) | $ | 261 | $ | 61 | $ | 7 | $ | 9 | $ | 92 | $ | 77 | $ | 507 | ||||||||||||
| Interest commitments(b) | 27 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 72 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease obligations(c) | 686 | 662 | 637 | 560 | 485 | 2,217 | 5,247 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Flight equipment purchase obligations(d) | 1,258 | 1,329 | 2,054 | 2,111 | 2,261 | 2,544 | 11,557 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,232 | $ | 2,066 | $ | 2,710 | $ | 2,689 | $ | 2,843 | $ | 4,843 | $ | 17,383 |
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(a)Includes principal commitments only associated with our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities with borrowings as of December 31, 2024, our affinity card unsecured debt due through 2029, our building notes through September 2031 and the PSP Promissory Notes through 2031. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 8. Debt”.
(b)Represents interest and commitment fees on debt obligations and our undrawn Revolving Loan Facility.
(c)Represents gross cash payments related to our operating fixed lease obligations that are not subject to discount as compared to the obligations measured on our consolidated balance sheets. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 9. Operating Leases”.
(d)Represents purchase commitments for aircraft and engines. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 12. Commitments and Contingencies”.
Cash Flows
The following table presents information regarding our cash flows in the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (82) | $ | (261) | ||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (75) | (90) | ||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 288 | 199 | ||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 131 | (152) | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 609 | 761 | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 740 | $ | 609 |
Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash used in operating activities totaled $82 million, which was driven by non-cash adjustments of $204 million, partially offset by $85 million of net income and $37 million of inflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities.
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The $37 million of inflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities included:
•$82 million in decreases in our aircraft maintenance deposits;
•$77 million in increases in other liabilities driven primarily by leased aircraft return accruals, passenger taxes payable and other operational related accruals;
•$41 million in increases in our air traffic liability driven by increased booking and related fares;
•$22 million in decreases in accounts receivable; and
•$20 million in decreases in supplies and other current assets; partially offset by
•$190 million in increases in other long-term assets primarily driven by increases in capitalized maintenance, prepaid maintenance and deferred purchase incentives; and
•$15 million in decreases in accounts payable.
Our net income of $85 million was also adjusted by the following non-cash items to arrive at cash used in operating activities:
•$294 million in gains recognized on sale-leaseback transactions; partially offset by
•$72 million in depreciation and amortization;
•$16 million in stock-based compensation expense;
•$1 million loss on extinguishment of debt; and
•$1 million in amortization of cash flow hedges, net of tax.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in operating activities totaled $261 million, which was driven by an $11 million net loss, $211 million of outflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities and non-cash adjustments totaling $39 million.
The $211 million of outflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities included:
•$163 million in increases in other long-term assets driven by increases in capitalized maintenance, prepaid maintenance, capitalized interest and forgivable loans, partially offset by a decreased deferred tax asset;
•$60 million in decreases in our air traffic liability;
•$45 million in decreases in other liabilities driven by leased aircraft return payments, partially offset by an increase in other operational related accruals;
•$16 million in increases in aircraft maintenance deposits; and
•$7 million in increases in supplies and other current assets; partially offset by
•$47 million in increases in accounts payable; and
•$33 million in decreases in accounts receivable.
Our net loss of $11 million was also adjusted by the following non-cash items to arrive at cash used in operating activities:
•$147 million in gains recognized on sale-leaseback transactions; partially offset by
•$50 million in depreciation and amortization;
•$43 million in deferred tax expense primarily due to the recognition of a valuation allowance;
•$14 million in stock-based compensation expense; and
•$1 million in amortization of cash flow hedges, net of tax.
Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash used in investing activities totaled $75 million, driven by:
•$76 million in cash outflows for capital expenditures; and
•$2 million in cash outflows relating to other investing activity; partially offset by
•$3 million in net proceeds for PDP activity.
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During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in investing activities totaled $90 million, driven by:
•$51 million in cash outflows for capital expenditures;
•$36 million in net outflows for PDP activity; and
•$3 million in cash outflows relating to other investing activity.
Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash provided by financing activities was $288 million, primarily driven by:
•$476 million in cash proceeds from debt issuances, consisting of $444 million of net borrowings on our Pre-delivery Credit Facilities, $20 million in draws on our Barclays facility and $12 million in new borrowings on our building note;
•$264 million in net proceeds received from sale-leaseback transactions; and
•$1 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options; partially offset by
•$447 million in cash outflows from principal repayments on debt, which include $431 million in Pre-delivery Credit Facilities payments and $16 million in payments pursuant to our previous building note; and
•$6 million cash outflows for payments related to tax withholdings of share-based awards.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by financing activities was $199 million, primarily driven by:
•$163 million in net proceeds received from sale-leaseback transactions;
•$171 million in cash proceeds from debt issuances, consisting of $162 million in draws on our PDP Financing Facility, net of issuance costs, and a $9 million draw on our Barclays facility; and
•$1 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options; partially offset by
•$131 million in cash outflows from principal repayments on debt, which include $130 million in PDP Financing Facility payments and $1 million in payments pursuant to our floating rate building note; and
•$5 million cash outflows for payments related to tax withholdings of share-based awards.
As of December 31, 2024, we did not have any other off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
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Commitments and Contractual Obligations
As of December 31, 2024, our contractual purchase commitments include future aircraft and spare engine acquisitions. Except to the extent set forth in the applicable notes to our consolidated financial statements, the table below does not include commitments that are contingent on events or other factors that are uncertain or unknown at this time.
| A320neo | A321neo | TotalAircraft(a) | Engines | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ending | ||||||||||
| 2025 | 8 | 13 | 21 | 2 | ||||||
| 2026 | 7 | 15 | 22 | 4 | ||||||
| 2027 | 8 | 26 | 34 | 3 | ||||||
| 2028 | 4 | 30 | 34 | 2 | ||||||
| 2029 | — | 36 | 36 | — | ||||||
| Thereafter | — | 40 | 40 | — | ||||||
| Total | 27 | 160 | 187 | 11 |
__________________
(a) While the commitments presented above reflect the agreed-upon delivery dates as of December 31, 2024, we have recently experienced delays in the deliveries of Airbus aircraft which may persist in future periods.
As of December 31, 2024, all 159 aircraft in our fleet were subject to operating leases. These leases expire between 2025 and 2036. Leases for 59 of our aircraft could generally be renewed based on market rates at the end of the lease term for extensions ranging from two years to four years.
Separately, we have various leases with respect to real property as well as various agreements among airlines relating to fuel consortia or fuel farms at airports. Under some of these contracts, we are party to joint and several liability regarding damages. Under others, where we are a member of an LLC or other entity that contracts directly with the airport operator, liabilities are borne through the fuel consortia structure. Our aircraft, services, equipment lease and sale and financing agreements typically contain provisions requiring us, as the lessee, obligor or recipient of services, to indemnify the other parties to those agreements, including certain of those parties’ related persons, against virtually any liabilities that might arise from the use or operation of the aircraft or such other equipment. We believe that our insurance would cover most of our exposure to liabilities and related indemnities associated with the commercial real estate leases and aircraft, services, equipment lease and sale and financing agreements described above.
Certain of our aircraft and other financing transactions include provisions that require us to make payments to preserve an expected economic return to the lenders if that economic return is diminished due to certain changes in law or regulations. In certain of these financing transactions and other agreements, we also bear the risk of certain changes in tax laws that would subject payments to non-U.S. entities to withholding taxes.
Certain of these indemnities survive the length of the related financing or lease. We cannot reasonably estimate our potential future payments under the indemnities and related provisions described above because we cannot predict when and under what circumstances these provisions may be triggered and the amount that would be payable if the provisions were triggered because the amounts would be based on facts and circumstances existing at such time.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. In doing so, we make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, as well as related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial condition and results of operations could be affected. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. We refer to accounting estimates of this type as critical accounting estimates, which we discuss below. For a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies, please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”
Frequent Flyer Program
Our FRONTIER Miles program provides frequent flyer travel awards to program members based on accumulated miles. Miles are accumulated as a result of travel, purchases using the co-branded credit card and purchases from other participating partners. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, our total frequent flyer liability was $49 million and $45 million, respectively.
The contract to sell miles under the co-branded credit card partnership has multiple performance obligations. The agreement provides for joint marketing, and we account for this agreement consistently with the accounting method that allocates the consideration received to the individual products and services delivered based on relative stand-alone selling prices. We determined the best estimate of the selling prices by considering discounted cash flow analysis using multiple inputs and assumptions, including: (1) the expected number of miles awarded and number of miles redeemed, (2) equivalent ticket value (“ETV”) for the award travel obligation, (3) licensing of brand and access to member lists, (4) advertising and marketing efforts and (5) airline benefits. Any changes in the assumptions outlined above related to our co-branded credit card partnership at agreement inception would impact the allocation of consideration received and the resulting timing of when revenues from the each of the specific performance obligation would be recognized.
We estimate breakage (miles that are expected to expire unutilized) based on statistical models derived from historical redemption patterns. Breakage assumptions, including the period over which miles are expected to be redeemed, the actual redemption activity for miles, or the estimated fair value of miles expected to be redeemed, could have an impact on revenues in the year in which the change occurs and in future years. Additionally, we estimate ETV, which is used to determine the value per mile, based on the historical prices of the flights redeemed using miles and changes to these assumptions could impact the initial allocation of consideration in our co-branded credit card partnership or the amount of revenue recognized or deferred for miles accumulated as a result of travel.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, holding other factors constant, a 10% change in our estimated frequent flyer breakage rate would have resulted in a change to passenger revenues of approximately $3 million, or less than 1%.
Leased Aircraft Return Costs
Our aircraft operating lease agreements generally require us to return aircraft airframes and engines to the lessor in a certain condition or pay an amount to the lessor based on the airframe and engine’s actual return condition. These return provisions are evaluated at inception of the lease and throughout the lease terms and are accounted for as either fixed or variable lease payments (depending on the nature of the lease return condition). When such costs become both probable and estimable, they are accrued as a component of supplemental rent through the remaining lease term. Changes to the assumptions utilized in the estimation of these lease return costs are accounted for on a cumulative catch-up basis. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, our total leased aircraft return cost liability was $49 million and $26 million, respectively.
In 2024 and 2023, we extended the term for certain aircraft operating leases that were slated to expire between 2025 and 2027, and between 2023 and 2024, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we
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recorded a benefit of $14 million and $53 million, respectively, to aircraft rent in our consolidated statement of operations related to previously accrued lease return costs that were variable in nature and associated with the anticipated utilization and condition of the airframes at the original return date. Given the extension of these aircraft operating leases, such variable return costs are no longer probable of occurring.
In assessing the future potential lease return costs we consider the future anticipated costs and scope of maintenance events (largely driven by projected number of flight hours and cycles estimated to be utilized on the aircraft and engines prior to return), estimated timing of such events including the timing since the last expected major maintenance event, the date the aircraft is due to be returned to the lessor, contractual terms of the lease and maintenance provider agreements, current condition of each aircraft, age of the aircraft at lease expiration, type of engine, projected number of hours and cycles run on the engines at the time of return and the number of projected cycles run on the airframe at the time of return, among other estimates.
If actual estimates vary materially from those utilized in the estimation of lease return costs we could incur more or less supplemental rent expense depending on the direction of the adjustments necessary. There can be no assurance that the projections utilized will not materially change in the future given the inherent difficulty in forecasting future utilization of aircraft over their lease terms; however, the estimates utilized are the best available at the time the financial statements were issued.
Income Tax Valuation Allowance
As of December 31, 2024, our total deferred tax assets, net of a $30 million valuation allowance, were $988 million, which included $67 million of deferred tax assets related to NOL carry forwards. These deferred tax assets are comprised of $45 million, $11 million and $11 million related to NOLs available to reduce future federal, state and foreign taxable income, respectively. We assess whether it is more likely than not that sufficient taxable income will be generated to realize deferred tax assets, and a valuation allowance is established if it is not likely that deferred income tax assets will be realized. We consider sources of taxable income from prior period carryback periods, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies and future taxable income when assessing the future utilization of deferred tax assets.
As part of our assessment of whether a valuation allowance is warranted, we consider all available positive and negative evidence in conjunction with evaluating the source and availability of taxable income to utilize such deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2023, a significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended December 31, 2023. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as our projections for future growth. As a result of our assessment, we concluded that as of December 31, 2023, it is more likely than not that the benefit from a portion of our federal and state deferred tax assets will not be realized and we recorded a valuation allowance of $37 million against our federal and state deferred tax assets.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, as a result of the change in the overall net deferred tax position net income generated, we reduced the valuation allowance by $18 million and maintained a valuation allowance of $19 million against our federal and state NOL related deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of future income to be generated. Furthermore, we have a valuation allowance related to our $11 million of foreign deferred tax assets. The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight is given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth.
Long-Term Maintenance Agreements
We have entered into maintenance agreements with both of our engine providers, CFM International and Pratt & Whitney, to cover the primary maintenance services of the engines for a majority of our fleet. The arrangements stipulate that we pay a baseline per-flight-hour rate based on monthly engine utilization over the life of the arrangement. Given that the accounting for the arrangement will follow our heavy maintenance accounting and is dependent on many projected factors such as flight hours, shop visit timing and scope, and the stand-alone value of
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certain maintenance services, there are significant estimates that impact the accounting of our per-flight-hour maintenance agreements including amounts capitalized, expensed and treated as capitalized maintenance as well as the timing of each.
As of December 31, 2024, we had capitalized $209 million of rate per hour payments which are probable to be recovered via future shop visits.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
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GLOSSARY OF AIRLINE TERMS
Set forth below is a glossary of industry terms:
“A320 family” means, collectively, the Airbus series of single-aisle aircraft, including the A320ceo, A320neo, A321ceo and A321neo aircraft.
“A320neo family” means, collectively, the Airbus series of single-aisle aircraft that feature the new engine option, including the A320neo and A321neo aircraft.
“Adjusted CASM” is a non-GAAP measure and means operating expenses, excluding special items, divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Adjusted CASM including net interest” or “Adjusted CASM + net interest” is a non-GAAP measure and means the sum of Adjusted CASM and net interest expense (income) excluding special items divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel)” is a non-GAAP measure and means operating expenses less aircraft fuel expense, excluding special items, divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Air traffic liability” means the value of tickets, unearned membership fees and other related fees sold in advance of travel.
“Ancillary revenue” means the sum of non-fare passenger revenue and other revenue.
“Available seat miles” or “ASMs” means seats (empty or full) multiplied by miles the seats are flown.
“Average aircraft in service” means the average number of aircraft used in flight operations, as calculated on a daily basis.
“Average daily aircraft utilization” means block hours divided by number of days in the period divided by average aircraft in service.
“Average stage length” means the average number of miles flown per flight segment.
“Block hours” means the number of hours during which the aircraft is in revenue service, measured from the time of gate departure before take-off until the time of gate arrival at the destination.
“CASM” or “unit costs” means operating expenses divided by ASMs.
“CASM (excluding fuel)” is a non-GAAP measure and means operating expenses less aircraft fuel expense, divided by ASMs.
“CASM including net interest” or “CASM + net interest” is a non-GAAP measure and means the sum of CASM and net interest expense (income) divided by ASMs.
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“DOT” means the United States Department of Transportation.
“EPA” means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
“Fare revenue” consists of base fares for air travel, including miles redeemed under our frequent flyer program, unused and expired passenger credits, other redeemed or expired travel credits and revenue derived from charter flights.
“Fare revenue per passenger” means fare revenue divided by passengers.
“Load factor” means the percentage of aircraft seat miles actually occupied on a flight (RPMs divided by ASMs).
“Net interest expenses (income)” means interest expense, capitalized interest, interest income and other.
“Non-fare passenger revenue” consists of fees related to certain ancillary items such as baggage, service fees, seat selection, and other passenger-related revenue that is not included as part of base fares for travel.
“Non-fare passenger revenue per passenger” means non-fare passenger revenue divided by passengers.
“Other revenue” consists primarily of services not directly related to providing transportation, such as the advertising, marketing and brand elements of the FRONTIER Miles affinity credit card program and commissions revenue from the sale of items such as rental cars and hotels.
“Other revenue per passenger” means other revenue divided by passengers.
“Passengers” means the total number of passengers flown on all flight segments.
“Passenger revenue” consists of fare revenue and non-fare passenger revenue.
“PDP” means pre-delivery deposit payments, which are payments required by aircraft manufacturers in advance of delivery of the aircraft.
“RASM” or “unit revenue” means total revenue divided by ASMs.
“Revenue passenger miles” or “RPMs” means the number of miles flown by passengers.
“Total ancillary revenue per passenger” means ancillary revenue divided by passengers.
“Total revenue per passenger” means the sum of fare revenue, non-fare passenger revenue, and other revenue (collectively, “Total Revenue”) divided by passengers.
“VFR” means visiting friends and relatives.
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001670076-24-000021.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our discussion and analysis of fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 is included herein. For discussion of results for the fiscal year 2021 and analysis of year-to-year comparisons between 2022 and 2021, please refer to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on February 22, 2023.
Overview
Frontier Airlines, Inc. (“Frontier”) is an ultra low-cost carrier whose business strategy is focused on Low Fares Done Right. We are headquartered in Denver, Colorado and offer flights throughout the United States and to select near international destinations in the Americas. Our unique strategy is underpinned by our low-cost structure and superior low-fare brand.
The following table provides select financial and operational information for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Total operating revenues | $ | 3,589 | $ | 3,326 | 8 | % | ||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 3,592 | $ | 3,371 | 7 | % | ||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 32 | $ | (45) | N/M | |||||
| Available seat miles (“ASMs”) | 37,822 | 31,746 | 19 | % |
Total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 totaled $3,589 million, an increase of 8% compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This was primarily due to a 19% increase in capacity, as measured by ASMs, partially offset by the 9% decrease in revenue per available seat mile (“RASM”). This RASM movement was driven by a decrease in total revenue per passenger driven by lower fares, partially offset by the favorable increase in load factor, as compared to the corresponding period in 2022.
Total operating expenses during the year ended December 31, 2023 totaled $3,592 million, resulting in a cost per available seat mile (“CASM”) of 9.50¢, compared to 10.62¢ for the year ended December 31, 2022. Fuel expense was 3% lower during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The $30 million decrease in fuel expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the corresponding period in 2022, was primarily driven by a 17% decrease in fuel prices, largely offset by the 17% increase in fuel gallons consumed during the year ended December 31, 2023, as a result of our 19% increase in capacity. Our non-fuel expenses increased by 11% during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the corresponding prior year period, driven primarily by higher capacity and a larger fleet size and the resulting increase in operations during the same period, partly offset by increased sale-leaseback gains. While non-fuel expenses increased, CASM (excluding fuel), a measure that is not prepared using generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), decreased 6% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 6.51¢ on 19% capacity growth. The improvement was largely due to increased utilization, the decrease in aircraft rent resulting from lease extensions and an increase in sale-leaseback gains, partly offset by an increase in airport costs.
Adjusted (non-GAAP) CASM (excluding fuel), decreased from 6.90¢ for the year ended December 31, 2022 to 6.50¢ for the year ended December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Adjusted (non-GAAP) CASM (excluding fuel) excludes the impact of $1 million in net transaction and merger-related costs incurred in connection with our terminated merger with Spirit Airlines, Inc. (“Spirit”) and $1 million in other operating costs associated
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with legal fees incurred due to the U.S. Department of Justice’s substantial requests for information and deposition testimony from us related to the contemplated merger of Spirit and JetBlue Airways. For the year ended December 31, 2022, Adjusted (non-GAAP) CASM (excluding fuel) excludes the impact of the $10 million in net transaction and merger-related costs, $7 million in asset impairment charges, and $2 million in collective bargaining contract ratification costs. For the reconciliation to corresponding GAAP measures, see “Results of Operations—Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest.”
We generated a net loss of $11 million and $37 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Considering the aforementioned non-GAAP operating adjustments along with the $37 million valuation allowance, primarily against our U.S. federal and state net operating loss deferred tax assets, recorded during the year ended December 31, 2023, our adjusted (non-GAAP) net income was $28 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Considering the aforementioned non-GAAP operating adjustments along with the $7 million non-operating write-off of deferred financing costs during the year ended December 31, 2022, due to the repayment of the CARES Act loan and the related tax impacts of these adjustments, our adjusted (non-GAAP) net loss was $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. For the reconciliation to corresponding GAAP measures, see “Results of Operations—Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Pre-Tax Income (Loss) to Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (Loss) and Net Income to EBITDA, EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDAR.”
As of December 31, 2023, our total available liquidity was $609 million, made up of cash and cash equivalents. On February 2, 2022, we repaid the $150 million outstanding under our term loan facility (the “Treasury Loan”) with the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”). The repayment of this loan unencumbered our co-branded credit card program and related brand assets that secured the Treasury Loan obligation.
Trends and Uncertainties Affecting Our Business
We believe our operating and business performance is driven by various factors that typically affect airlines and their markets, including trends which affect the broader travel industry, as well as trends which affect the specific markets and customer base that we target. The following key factors may affect our future performance:
Competition. The airline industry is highly competitive. The principal competitive factors in the airline industry are the fare and total price, flight schedules, number of routes served from a city, frequent flyer programs, product and passenger amenities, customer service, fleet type and reputation. The airline industry is particularly susceptible to price discounting as once a flight is scheduled, airlines incur only nominal incremental costs to provide service to passengers occupying otherwise unsold seats. Price competition occurs on a route-by-route basis through price discounts, changes in pricing structures, fare matching, target promotions and frequent flyer initiatives. Airlines typically use discount fares and other promotions to stimulate traffic during normally slower travel periods to generate cash flow and to maximize RASM. The prevalence of discount fares can be particularly acute when a competitor has excess capacity that it is under financial pressure to sell. A key element of our competitive strategy is to maintain very low unit costs in order to permit us to compete successfully in price-sensitive markets. In addition, some of the legacy network carriers match LCC and ULCC pricing on portions of their network, including through the selective deployment of so-called “basic economy” fares. We believe that fare discounts, along with unbundled product offerings, have and will continue to stimulate demand for Frontier due to our Low Fares Done Right strategy.
Our Low Fares Done Right strategy is underpinned by our low-cost structure, and has significantly reduced our cost base by increasing aircraft utilization, transitioning to larger and more fuel-efficient aircraft, maximizing seat density, renegotiating the majority of our distribution agreements, realigning our network, migrating to a self-service customer service model, enhancing our website and mobile app, boosting employee productivity and contracting with leading specialists to provide us with select operating and other services.
Our cost structure has generally allowed us to achieve strong results from operations relative to the rest of the industry during periods of competitive pricing and price discounts. We believe that we are well positioned to
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maintain our low unit operating costs relative to our competitors through on-going strategic initiatives, including continuing our cost optimization efforts and further realizing economies of scale. To the extent that we are unable to maintain our low-cost structure, our ability to compete effectively may be impaired. In addition, if our competitors engage in fare wars or similar behavior, our financial performance could be adversely impacted.
Aircraft Fuel. Fuel expense represents one of the single largest operating expense for most airlines, including ours. Aircraft fuel prices and availability are subject to market fluctuations, refining capacity, periods of market surplus and shortage and demand for heating oil, gasoline and other petroleum products, as well as meteorological, economic and political factors and events occurring throughout the world, which we can neither control nor accurately predict. The future cost and availability of aircraft fuel cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty.
Volatility. The air transportation business is volatile and highly affected by economic cycles and trends. Global pandemics and related health scares, consumer confidence and discretionary spending, fear of terrorism or war, weakening economic conditions, fare initiatives, fluctuations in fuel prices, labor actions, changes in governmental regulations on taxes and fees, weather and other factors have resulted in significant fluctuations in revenue and results of operations in the past.
Seasonality. Our results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of those for the entire year because the air transportation business and our route network are subject to seasonal fluctuations. We generally expect demand to be greater in the second and third quarters compared to the rest of the year. While we have, over recent years, reduced our concentration in Denver to decrease the impact of seasonality in our business, 24% of our flights during the year ended December 31, 2023 had Denver International Airport as either their origin or destination, as compared to 26% of our flights during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Labor. The airline industry is currently experiencing certain shortages of qualified personnel. The airline industry is also heavily unionized. The wages, benefits and work rules of unionized airline industry employees are determined by collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”). Relations between air carriers and labor unions in the United States are governed by the United States Railway Labor Act (“RLA”). Under the RLA, CBAs generally contain “amendable dates” rather than expiration dates and the RLA requires that a carrier maintain the existing terms and conditions of employment following the amendable date through a multi-stage and usually lengthy series of bargaining processes overseen by the National Mediation Board (“NMB”). This process continues until either the parties have reached an agreement on a new CBA or the parties have been released to “self-help” by the NMB. In most circumstances, the RLA prohibits strikes. However, after release by the NMB, carriers and unions are free to engage in self-help measures such as lockouts and strikes.
We have seven union-represented employee groups comprising approximately 86% of our employees as of December 31, 2023. Our pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (“ALPA”); our flight attendants are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (“AFA-CWA”); our aircraft technicians, aircraft appearance agents, material specialists and maintenance controllers are all represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“IBT”); and our dispatchers are represented by the Transport Workers Union (“TWU”).
Maintenance, Materials and Repairs and Maintenance Reserve Obligations. The amount of total maintenance costs and related depreciation of heavy maintenance expense is subject to variables such as estimated usage, government regulations, the size, age and makeup of the fleet in future periods, and the level of unscheduled maintenance events and their actual costs. Accordingly, we cannot reliably quantify future maintenance-related expenses for any significant period of time.
As of December 31, 2023, the average age of our aircraft was approximately four years and all of the aircraft in our fleet were financed with operating leases, the last of which is scheduled to expire by the end of 2035. Please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—9. Operating Leases” for further discussion. We expect that these new aircraft will require less maintenance when they are first placed in service (sometimes called a “maintenance holiday”) because the aircraft will benefit from manufacturer warranties and also will be able to operate for a significant period of time, generally measured in years, before the most expensive scheduled maintenance obligations, known as heavy maintenance, are required. Once these maintenance holidays expire, these
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aircraft will require more maintenance as they age and our maintenance and repair expenses for each of our aircraft will be incurred at approximately the same intervals. When these more significant maintenance activities occur, this will result in out-of-service periods during which our aircraft are dedicated to maintenance activities and unavailable to generate revenue.
We account for heavy maintenance events under the deferral method. Accordingly, heavy maintenance is depreciated over the shorter of either the remaining lease term or the period until the next estimated heavy maintenance event. As a result, maintenance events occurring closer to the end of the lease term will generally have shorter depreciation periods than those occurring earlier in the lease term. This will create higher depreciation expense specific to any aircraft related to heavy maintenance during the final years of the lease as compared to earlier periods.
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022
Operating Revenues
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||
| Operating revenues ($ in millions): | ||||||||||||
| Passenger | $ | 3,509 | $ | 3,248 | $ | 261 | 8 | % | ||||
| Other | 80 | 78 | 2 | 3 | % | |||||||
| Total operating revenues | $ | 3,589 | $ | 3,326 | $ | 263 | 8 | % | ||||
| Operating statistics: | ||||||||||||
| ASMs (millions) | 37,822 | 31,746 | 6,076 | 19 | % | |||||||
| Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (millions) | 30,798 | 25,669 | 5,129 | 20 | % | |||||||
| Average stage length (miles) | 1,007 | 991 | 16 | 2 | % | |||||||
| Load factor | 81.4 | % | 80.9 | % | 0.5 | pts | N/A | |||||
| RASM (¢) | 9.49 | 10.48 | (0.99) | (9) | % | |||||||
| Total ancillary revenue per passenger ($) | 76.51 | 76.28 | 0.23 | — | % | |||||||
| Total revenue per passenger ($) | 118.77 | 130.50 | (11.73) | (9) | % | |||||||
| Passengers (thousands) | 30,218 | 25,486 | 4,732 | 19 | % |
Total operating revenue increased $263 million, or 8%, during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, as we experienced continued demand related to leisure travel through most of the year, which was moderated by lower fares. Revenue was favorably impacted by 19% capacity growth, as measured by ASMs, during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase was driven by a 13% increase in average aircraft in service during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as a 2% increase in average daily aircraft utilization to 11.3 hours per day for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the 11.1 hours per day for the corresponding prior year period. RASM decreased 9% during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, driven by a 9% decrease in total revenue per passenger due to fare, as well as the 2% increase in stage length, partially offset by the 0.5 point increase in load factor.
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Operating Expenses
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | Cost per ASM | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses ($ in millions):(a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | $ | 1,130 | $ | 1,160 | $ | (30) | (3) | % | 2.99 | ¢ | 3.66 | ¢ | (18) | % | ||||||||
| Salaries, wages and benefits | 858 | 715 | 143 | 20 | % | 2.27 | 2.25 | 1 | % | |||||||||||||
| Aircraft rent | 554 | 556 | (2) | — | % | 1.47 | 1.75 | (16) | % | |||||||||||||
| Station operations | 516 | 422 | 94 | 22 | % | 1.36 | 1.33 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||
| Maintenance, materials and repairs | 179 | 146 | 33 | 23 | % | 0.47 | 0.46 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 164 | 164 | — | — | % | 0.43 | 0.52 | (17) | % | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 50 | 45 | 5 | 11 | % | 0.13 | 0.14 | (7) | % | |||||||||||||
| Transaction and merger-related costs, net | 1 | 10 | (9) | (90) | % | — | 0.03 | N/M | ||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 140 | 153 | (13) | (8) | % | 0.38 | 0.48 | (21) | % | |||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 3,592 | $ | 3,371 | $ | 221 | 7 | % | 9.50 | ¢ | 10.62 | ¢ | (11) | % | ||||||||
| Operating statistics: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASMs (millions) | 37,822 | 31,746 | 6,076 | 19 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Average stage length (miles) | 1,007 | 991 | 16 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Passengers (thousands) | 30,218 | 25,486 | 4,732 | 19 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Departures | 188,841 | 165,447 | 23,394 | 14 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 6.51 | 6.96 | (0.45) | (6) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 6.50 | 6.90 | (0.40) | (6) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel cost per gallon ($) | 3.10 | 3.72 | (0.62) | (17) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 364,606 | 312,115 | 52,491 | 17 | % |
________________
N/M = Not meaningful
(a)Cost per ASM figures may not recalculate due to rounding.
(b)These metrics are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. See the reconciliation to corresponding GAAP measures provided below.
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Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | ($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | |||||||
| Non-GAAP financial data:(a) | ||||||||||
| CASM | 9.50 | 10.62 | ||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | (1,130) | (2.99) | (1,160) | (3.66) | ||||||
| CASM (excluding fuel)(b) | 6.51 | 6.96 | ||||||||
| Transaction and merger-related costs, net(c) | (1) | (0.01) | (10) | (0.03) | ||||||
| Other operating costs - legal fees (d) | (1) | — | — | — | ||||||
| Asset impairment(e) | — | — | (7) | (0.02) | ||||||
| Collective bargaining contract ratification(f) | — | — | (2) | (0.01) | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel)(b) | 6.50 | 6.90 | ||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | 1,130 | 2.99 | 1,160 | 3.66 | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM(g) | 9.49 | 10.56 | ||||||||
| Net interest expense (income) | (35) | (0.09) | — | — | ||||||
| CARES Act - write-off of deferred financing costs due to paydown of loan(h) | — | — | (7) | (0.02) | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM + net interest(i) | 9.40 | 10.54 | ||||||||
| CASM | 9.50 | 10.62 | ||||||||
| Net interest expense (income) | (35) | (0.10) | — | — | ||||||
| CASM + net interest(i) | 9.40 | 10.62 |
__________________
(a)Cost per ASM figures may not recalculate due to rounding.
(b)CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe that excluding aircraft fuel is useful to investors as it provides an additional measure of management’s performance excluding the effects of a significant cost item over which management has limited influence. The price of fuel, over which we have limited control, impacts the comparability of period-to-period financial performance, and excluding the price of fuel allows management an additional tool to understand and analyze our non-fuel costs and core operating performance, and increases comparability with other airlines that also provide a similar metric. CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) are not determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
(c)Represents $1 million in employee retention costs incurred in connection with the terminated merger with Spirit for the year ended December 31, 2023. Represents $19 million in employee retention costs and $16 million in transaction costs, including banking, legal and accounting fees, incurred in connection with the terminated merger with Spirit, partially offset by $25 million received from Spirit for the reimbursement of incurred merger-related expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022.
(d)Represents $1 million of legal fees incurred due to the U.S. Department of Justice’s substantial requests for information and deposition testimony from us related to the contemplated merger of Spirit and JetBlue Airways.
(e)Represents a write-off of $7 million in capitalized software development costs as a result of a termination of a vendor arrangement.
(f)Represents $2 million of costs related to a one-time incentive bonus and related payroll adjustments resulting from the May 2022 contract ratification with the union representing our aircraft technicians.
(g)Adjusted CASM is included as supplemental disclosure because we believe it is a useful metric to properly compare our cost management and performance to other peers, as derivations of Adjusted CASM are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by our management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in the airline industry. Additionally, we believe this metric is useful because it removes certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. Adjusted CASM is not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
(h)On February 2, 2022, we repaid the Treasury Loan, which resulted in a one-time write-off of the remaining $7 million in unamortized deferred financing costs related to the Treasury Loan. This amount is a component of interest expense.
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(i)Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe they are useful metrics to properly compare our cost management and performance to other peers that may have different capital structures and financing strategies, particularly as it relates to financing primary operating assets such as aircraft and engines. Additionally, we believe these metrics are useful because they remove certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest are not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
Aircraft Fuel. Aircraft fuel expense decreased by $30 million, or 3%, during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a 17% decrease in fuel cost per gallon, substantially offset by the 17% increase in gallons consumed, driven by higher capacity.
Salaries, Wages and Benefits. Salaries, wages and benefits expense increased by $143 million, or 20%, during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to growth in our fleet, higher crew costs, driven by elevated credit hours on higher capacity and other benefit costs, and an increased headcount of salaried support staff.
Aircraft Rent. Aircraft rent expense decreased slightly by $2 million, during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to the reversal of $53 million of previously accrued lease return costs due to lease extensions of six of our aircraft and five engines, partially offset by a larger fleet.
Station Operations. Station operations expense increased by $94 million, or 22%, during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to a 14% increase in departures and a 19% increase in passengers, partially offset by lower passenger reaccommodation expenses.
Maintenance, Materials and Repairs. Maintenance, materials and repair expense increased by $33 million, or 23%, during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This was primarily due to more average aircraft in service and higher average daily utilization per aircraft, which resulted in higher maintenance costs, including higher airframe check and materials expenses, as well as associated contract labor costs.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expense remained consistent during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to higher credit card fees, resulting from an 8% increase in revenue, offset by a decrease in customer reservation system fees, as well as a reduction in media advertising. The following table presents our distribution channel mix:
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution Channel | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Our website, mobile app and other direct channels | 72 | % | 70 | % | 2 | pts | ||
| Third-party channels | 28 | % | 30 | % | (2) | pts |
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $5 million, or 11%, during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to an increase in capitalized maintenance, partially offset by a $7 million asset impairment recorded during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Transaction and Merger-Related Costs, Net. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we incurred $1 million in merger-related costs, as compared to $10 million in net costs during the year ended December 31, 2022, which included $19 million in employee retention costs and $16 million in transaction costs, primarily related to legal and other professional fees, partially offset by the $25 million received from Spirit for the reimbursement of incurred merger-related expenses.
Other Operating Expenses. Other operating expenses decreased by $13 million, or 8%, during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily driven by the
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increases in gains from sale-leaseback transactions compared to the corresponding prior period, partially offset by increases to travel expenses relating to crew accommodations, driven by an increase in capacity, as well as increases to IT, supplies and general and administrative costs.
Other Income (Expense). Other income (expense) was $35 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to no other income (expense) for the year ended December 31, 2022. Higher interest rates and increased balances in our interest-bearing cash accounts contributed to an increase in interest income. Additionally, higher interest rates and the increase in PDP balances contributed to greater capitalized interest. Interest expense increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 due to increased rates and balances as compared to the prior period and interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 was unfavorably impacted by a $7 million non-cash charge from the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the repayment of the Treasury Loan.
Income Taxes. Our income tax expense was $43 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to an $8 million benefit for the year ended December 31, 2022. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 134.4%, primarily due to a $37 million valuation allowance recorded in December 2023 against our U.S. federal and state net operating loss deferred tax assets, which expire from one year to having no expiration, as a result of being in a three-year cumulative pre-tax loss position and limitations on compensation provided to certain executives pursuant to Internal Revenue Code section 162(m), partially offset by benefits recognized on the exercise of expiring stock options. Please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—15. Income Taxes” for additional information.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Pre-Tax Income (Loss) to Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (Loss) and Net Income to EBITDA, EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDAR
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| Non-GAAP financial data (unaudited): | ||||||
| Adjusted pre-tax income (loss)(a) | $ | 34 | $ | (19) | ||
| Adjusted net income (loss)(a) | $ | 28 | $ | (17) | ||
| EBITDA(a) | $ | 47 | $ | — | ||
| EBITDAR(b) | $ | 601 | $ | 556 | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA(a) | $ | 49 | $ | 12 | ||
| Adjusted EBITDAR(b) | $ | 603 | $ | 568 |
__________________
(a)Adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe they are useful indicators of our operating performance. Derivations of pre-tax income (loss), net income and EBITDA are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by our management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in our industry.
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Adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools. Some of the limitations applicable to these measures include: adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations; adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our indebtedness or possible cash requirements related to our warrants; although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and other companies in our industry may calculate adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because derivations of adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, derivations of pre-tax income (loss), net income (loss) and EBITDA, including adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA, as presented may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.
For the foregoing reasons, each of adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA has significant limitations which affect its use as an indicator of our profitability. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.
(b)EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR are included as a supplemental disclosure because we believe them to be useful solely as valuation metrics for airlines as their calculations isolate the effects of financing in general, the accounting effects of capital spending and acquisitions (primarily aircraft, which may be acquired directly, directly subject to acquisition debt, by capital lease or by operating lease, each of which is presented differently for accounting purposes), and income taxes, which may vary significantly between periods and for different airlines for reasons unrelated to the underlying value of a particular airline. However, EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR are not determined in accordance with GAAP, are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measure in the same manner. As a result, EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR, as presented, may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. In addition, EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR should not be viewed as a measure of overall performance since they exclude aircraft rent, which is a normal, recurring cash operating expense that is necessary to operate our business. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss) reconciliation (unaudited): | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (11) | $ | (37) | ||
| Non-GAAP Adjustments(a): | ||||||
| Transaction and merger-related costs, net | 1 | 10 | ||||
| Other operating costs - legal fees | 1 | — | ||||
| Asset impairment | — | 7 | ||||
| Collective bargaining contract ratification | — | 2 | ||||
| CARES Act - write-off of deferred financing costs due to paydown of loan | — | 7 | ||||
| Pre-tax impact | 2 | 26 | ||||
| Tax benefit (expense) related to non-GAAP adjustments | — | (6) | ||||
| Valuation allowance(b) | 37 | — | ||||
| Net income (loss) impact | $ | 39 | $ | 20 | ||
| Adjusted net income (loss) | $ | 28 | $ | (17) | ||
| Adjusted pre-tax income (loss) reconciliation (unaudited): | ||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 32 | $ | (45) | ||
| Pre-tax impact | 2 | 26 | ||||
| Adjusted pre-tax income (loss) | $ | 34 | $ | (19) |
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| EBITDA, EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR reconciliation (unaudited): | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (11) | $ | (37) | ||
| Plus (minus): | ||||||
| Interest expense | 29 | 21 | ||||
| Capitalized interest | (28) | (11) | ||||
| Interest income and other | (36) | (10) | ||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 43 | (8) | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 50 | 45 | ||||
| EBITDA | 47 | — | ||||
| Plus: Aircraft rent | 554 | 556 | ||||
| EBITDAR | $ | 601 | $ | 556 | ||
| EBITDA | $ | 47 | $ | — | ||
| Plus (minus)(a): | ||||||
| Transaction and merger-related costs, net | 1 | 10 | ||||
| Other operating costs - legal fees | 1 | — | ||||
| Collective bargaining contract ratification | — | 2 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 49 | 12 | ||||
| Plus: Aircraft rent | 554 | 556 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDAR | $ | 603 | $ | 568 |
(a)See “Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest” above for discussion on adjusting items.
(b)In December 2023, we recorded a $37 million non-cash valuation allowance against our U.S. federal and state net operating loss deferred tax assets, which largely don't expire, mainly as a result of being in a three-year cumulative pre-tax loss position, which has no impact on cash taxes and is not reflective of our effective tax rate for deductible net operating losses generated or actual cash tax obligations created.
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Comparative Operating Statistics
The following table sets forth our operating statistics for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. These operating statistics are provided because they are commonly used in the airline industry and, as such, allow readers to compare our performance against our results for the corresponding prior year period, as well as against the performance of our peers.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | ||||||
| Operating statistics (unaudited)(a) | ||||||||
| ASMs (millions) | 37,822 | 31,746 | 19 | % | ||||
| Departures | 188,841 | 165,447 | 14 | % | ||||
| Average stage length (miles) | 1,007 | 991 | 2 | % | ||||
| Block hours | 523,440 | 451,156 | 16 | % | ||||
| Average aircraft in service | 126 | 112 | 13 | % | ||||
| Aircraft – end of period | 136 | 120 | 13 | % | ||||
| Average daily aircraft utilization (hours) | 11.3 | 11.1 | 2 | % | ||||
| Passengers (thousands) | 30,218 | 25,486 | 19 | % | ||||
| Average seats per departure | 199 | 193 | 3 | % | ||||
| RPMs (millions) | 30,798 | 25,669 | 20 | % | ||||
| Load Factor | 81.4 | % | 80.9 | % | 0.5 | pts | ||
| Fare revenue per passenger ($) | 42.26 | 54.22 | (22) | % | ||||
| Non-fare passenger revenue per passenger ($) | 73.85 | 73.21 | 1 | % | ||||
| Other revenue per passenger ($) | 2.66 | 3.07 | (13) | % | ||||
| Total ancillary revenue passenger ($) | 76.51 | 76.28 | — | % | ||||
| Total revenue per passenger ($) | 118.77 | 130.50 | (9) | % | ||||
| RASM (¢) | 9.49 | 10.48 | (9) | % | ||||
| CASM (¢) | 9.50 | 10.62 | (11) | % | ||||
| CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 6.51 | 6.96 | (6) | % | ||||
| CASM + net interest (¢) (b) | 9.40 | 10.62 | (11) | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM (¢) (b) | 9.49 | 10.56 | (10) | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 6.50 | 6.90 | (6) | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), SLA 1,000 (¢)(b)(c) | 6.52 | 6.87 | (5) | % | ||||
| Adjusted CASM + net interest (¢) (b) | 9.40 | 10.54 | (11) | % | ||||
| Fuel cost per gallon ($) | 3.10 | 3.72 | (17) | % | ||||
| Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 364,606 | 312,115 | 17 | % | ||||
| Full-time equivalent employees | 7,214 | 6,450 | 12 | % |
_________________
(a)Figures may not recalculate due to rounding. See “Glossary of Airline Terms” for definitions of terms used in this table.
(b)These metrics are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For the reconciliation to corresponding GAAP measures, see “Results of Operations—Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest.”
(c)Stage Length Adjusted (SLA) to 1,000 miles: Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) * Square root (stage length / 1,000).
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Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position
Overview
As of December 31, 2023, we had $609 million in total available liquidity, made up of cash and cash equivalents. We had $470 million of total debt, net, of which $251 million was short-term and consisted of amounts outstanding under our pre-delivery deposit payment facility (“PDP Financing Facility”) and secured indebtedness related to our headquarters building. Our total debt, net was comprised of $312 million outstanding under our PDP Financing Facility, $80 million outstanding under our pre-purchased miles facility with Barclays Bank Delaware (“Barclays”), $66 million in 10-year, low-interest loans from the Treasury (collectively, the “PSP Promissory Notes”) and $16 million in secured indebtedness for our headquarters building, partially offset by $4 million in deferred debt acquisition costs.
On February 2, 2022, we repaid the Treasury Loan, which included the $150 million principal balance along with accrued interest and associated fees of $1 million. As a result, we recognized a $7 million non-cash charge from the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the Treasury Loan for the year ended December 31, 2022. By repaying the amounts outstanding under the Treasury Loan, our co-branded credit card program and related brand assets that collateralized the Treasury Loan are now unencumbered.
In connection with the PSP Promissory Notes and Treasury Loan, we issued to the Treasury warrants to purchase 3,117,940 shares of FGHI common stock at a weighted-average price of $6.95 per share. We have the intent and ability to settle the warrants issued to the Treasury in common shares and we have classified the warrant liability to additional paid-in capital on our consolidated balance sheet. The Treasury has not exercised any warrants as of December 31, 2023.
We continue to monitor our covenant compliance with various parties, including, but not limited to, our lenders and credit card processors. As of the date of this report, we are in compliance with all of our covenants.
The following table presents the major indicators of our financial condition and liquidity:
| December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 609 | $ | 761 | ||
| Total current assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents | $ | 262 | $ | 259 | ||
| Total current liabilities, excluding current maturities of long-term debt and operating leases | $ | 858 | $ | 933 | ||
| Current maturities of long-term debt, net | $ | 251 | $ | 157 | ||
| Long-term debt, net | $ | 219 | $ | 272 | ||
| Stockholders’ equity | $ | 507 | $ | 509 | ||
| Debt to capital ratio | 48 | % | 46 | % | ||
| Debt to capital ratio, including operating lease obligations | 87 | % | 85 | % |
Use of Cash and Future Obligations
We expect to meet our cash requirements for the next twelve months through use of our available cash and cash equivalents, our PDP Financing Facility and cash flows from operating activities. We expect to meet our long-term cash requirements with cash flows from operating and financing activities, including, but not limited to, potential future borrowings on our credit facility and/or potential issuances of debt or equity. We also have unencumbered
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loyalty and brand-related assets which we believe could generate significant additional liquidity, if desired. Our primary uses of cash are for working capital, aircraft PDPs, debt repayments and capital expenditures.
Our single largest capital commitment relates to the acquisition of aircraft. As of December 31, 2023, we operated all of our 136 aircraft under operating leases. PDPs relating to future deliveries under our agreement with Airbus are required at various times prior to each aircraft’s delivery date. As of December 31, 2023, we had $407 million of PDPs held by Airbus which have been partially financed by our PDP Financing Facility. As of December 31, 2023 our PDP Financing Facility, which allows us to draw up to an aggregate of $365 million, had $312 million outstanding. As of December 31, 2023, we had a firm obligation to purchase 210 A320neo family aircraft and 15 additional spare engines to be delivered by 2029. Of our aircraft commitments, four had committed operating leases for 2024 deliveries, and 12 were subject to non-binding letters of intent to provide operating lease financing for 2024 deliveries. We intend to evaluate financing options for the remaining aircraft.
Additionally, we are required by some of our aircraft lease agreements to pay maintenance reserves to our respective aircraft lessors in advance of the performance of major maintenance activities; these payments act as collateral for the lessors to ensure aircraft are returned in the agreed upon condition at the end of the lease period. Qualifying payments that are expected to be recovered from lessors are recorded as aircraft maintenance deposits on our consolidated balance sheets. A portion of our cash is, therefore, unavailable until after we have completed the scheduled maintenance in accordance with the terms of the operating leases. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we made $16 million and $18 million, respectively, in maintenance deposit payments, net to our lessors. As of December 31, 2023, we had $96 million in recoverable aircraft maintenance deposits on our consolidated balance sheets, of which $12 million was included in accounts receivable because the eligible maintenance had been performed and the remaining $84 million was included within net aircraft maintenance deposits.
The following table summarizes current and long-term material cash requirements as of December 31, 2023, which we expect to fund primarily with operating and financing cash flows (in millions):
| Material Cash Requirements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt obligations(a) | $ | 252 | $ | 76 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 66 | $ | 80 | $ | 474 | ||||||||||||
| Interest commitments(b) | 22 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 52 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease obligations(c) | 566 | 563 | 500 | 434 | 352 | 1,417 | 3,832 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Flight equipment purchase obligations(d) | 1,391 | 2,500 | 2,358 | 2,448 | 2,403 | 1,356 | 12,456 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Maintenance deposit obligations(e) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,234 | $ | 3,150 | $ | 2,868 | $ | 2,893 | $ | 2,830 | $ | 2,857 | $ | 16,832 |
__________________
(a)Includes principal commitments only associated with our PDP Financing Facility with borrowings as of December 31, 2023 pertaining to aircraft with deliveries through 2025, our floating rate building note through June 2024, our affinity card unsecured debt due through 2029 and the PSP Promissory Notes through 2031. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 8. Debt”.
(b)Represents interest on debt obligations.
(c)Represents gross cash payments related to our operating lease obligations that are not subject to discount as compared to the obligations measured on our consolidated balance sheets. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 9. Operating Leases”.
(d)Represents purchase commitments for aircraft and engines. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 12. Commitments and Contingencies”.
(e)Represents fixed maintenance reserve payments for aircraft including estimated amounts for contractual price escalations. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 9. Operating Leases”.
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Cash Flows
The following table presents information regarding our cash flows in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (261) | $ | (78) | ||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (90) | (154) | ||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 199 | 75 | ||||
| Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (152) | (157) | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 761 | 918 | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 609 | $ | 761 |
Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in operating activities totaled $261 million, which was driven by an $11 million net loss, $211 million of outflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities and non-cash adjustments totaling $39 million.
The $211 million of outflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities includes:
•$163 million in increases in other long-term assets driven by increases in capitalized maintenance, prepaid maintenance, capitalized interest and forgivable loans, partially offset by a decreased deferred tax asset;
•$60 million in decreases in our air traffic liability;
•$45 million in decreases in other liabilities driven by leased aircraft return payments, partially offset by an increase in other operational related accruals;
•$16 million in increases in aircraft maintenance deposits; and
•$7 million in increases in supplies and other current assets; partially offset by
•$47 million in increases in accounts payable; and
•$33 million in decreases in accounts receivable.
Our net loss of $11 million was also adjusted by the following non-cash items to arrive at cash used in operating activities:
•$147 million in gains recognized on sale-leaseback transactions; partially offset by
•$50 million in depreciation and amortization;
•$43 million in deferred tax expense primarily due to the recognition of a valuation allowance;
•$14 million in stock-based compensation expense; and
•$1 million in amortization of cash flow hedges, net of tax.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in operating activities totaled $78 million, which was driven by a $37 million net loss, $14 million of outflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities and non-cash adjustments totaling $27 million.
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The $14 million of outflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities includes:
•$94 million in increases in other long-term assets driven by increases in prepaid maintenance and capitalized maintenance;
•$40 million in increases in supplies from increased consumable and fuel inventory balances as well as increases to other current assets driven by swaption derivative premiums;
•$28 million in increases in accounts receivable;
•$18 million in increases in aircraft maintenance deposits; and
•$4 million in decreases in accounts payable; partially offset by
•$130 million in increases in other liabilities driven by growth in the business primarily through increased leased aircraft return costs, aircraft maintenance costs, and other related accruals; and
•$40 million in increases in our air traffic liability as a result of increased bookings.
Our net loss of $37 million was also adjusted by the following non-cash items to arrive at cash used in operating activities:
•$87 million in gains recognized on sale-leaseback transactions;
•$8 million in deferred tax benefits; partially offset by
•$45 million in depreciation and amortization;
•$15 million in stock-based compensation expense;
•$7 million in losses on extinguishment of debt; and
•$1 million in amortization of cash flow hedges, net of tax.
As of December 31, 2023, we did not have any other off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in investing activities totaled $90 million, driven by:
•$51 million in cash outflows for capital expenditures;
•$36 million in net outflows for PDP activity; and
•$3 million in cash outflows relating to other investing activity.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities totaled $154 million, driven by:
•$111 million in net payments for pre-delivery deposit activity;
•$41 million in cash outflows for capital expenditures; and
•$2 million in cash outflows relating to other investing activity.
Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by financing activities was $199 million, primarily driven by:
•$163 million in net proceeds received from sale-leaseback transactions;
•$171 million in cash proceeds from debt issuances, consisting of $162 million in draws on our PDP Financing Facility, net of issuance costs, and a $9 million draw on our Barclays facility; and
•$1 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options; partially offset by
•$131 million in cash outflows from principal repayments on debt, which include $130 million in PDP Financing Facility payments and $1 million in payments pursuant to our floating rate building note; and
•$5 million cash outflows for payments related to tax withholdings of share-based awards.
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During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash provided by financing activities was $75 million, primarily driven by:
•$273 million in cash proceeds from debt issuances, consisting of $217 million in draws on our PDP Financing Facility, net of issuance costs, and $56 million draw on our Barclays facility;
•$71 million in net proceeds received from sale-leaseback transactions; and
•$1 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options; partially offset by
•$266 million in cash outflows from principal repayments on debt, which include the paydown of the $150 million Treasury Loan, $115 million in PDP Financing Facility payments and $1 million in payments pursuant to our floating rate building note; and
•$4 million of payments for tax withholdings related to vesting of share-based awards.
Commitments and Contractual Obligations
Our contractual purchase commitments as of December 31, 2023 include future aircraft and spare engine acquisitions. Except to the extent set forth in the applicable notes to our consolidated financial statements, the table below does not include commitments that are contingent on events or other factors that are uncertain or unknown at this time.
| A320neo | A321neo | TotalAircraft(a) | Engines | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ending | |||||||||||
| 2024 | — | 23 | 23 | 2 | |||||||
| 2025 | 17 | 25 | 42 | 4 | |||||||
| 2026 | 19 | 22 | 41 | 4 | |||||||
| 2027 | 21 | 21 | 42 | 3 | |||||||
| 2028 | 10 | 30 | 40 | 2 | |||||||
| Thereafter | — | 22 | 22 | — | |||||||
| Total | 67 | 143 | 210 | 15 |
__________________
(a) While the commitments presented above reflect the agreed-upon delivery dates as of December 31, 2023, we have recently experienced delays in the deliveries of Airbus aircraft which may persist in future periods.
During October 2019, we entered into an amendment with Airbus that allows us the option to convert 18 A320neo aircraft to A321XLR aircraft. This conversion right is not reflected in the table above as this option has not been exercised.
As of December 31, 2023, all 136 aircraft in our fleet were subject to operating leases. These leases expire between 2025 and the end of 2035. Leases for 42 of our aircraft could generally be renewed at rates based on fair market value at the end of a lease term for extensions ranging from two years to four years.
Separately, we have various leases with respect to real property as well as various agreements among airlines relating to fuel consortia or fuel farms at airports. Under some of these contracts, we are party to joint and several liability regarding damages. Under others, where we are a member of an LLC or other entity that contracts directly with the airport operator, liabilities are borne through the fuel consortia structure. Our aircraft, services, equipment lease and sale and financing agreements typically contain provisions requiring us, as the lessee, obligor or recipient of services, to indemnify the other parties to those agreements, including certain of those parties’ related persons, against virtually any liabilities that might arise from the use or operation of the aircraft or such other equipment. We believe that our insurance would cover most of our exposure to liabilities and related indemnities associated with the commercial real estate leases and aircraft, services, equipment lease and sale and financing agreements described above.
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Certain of our aircraft and other financing transactions include provisions that require us to make payments to preserve an expected economic return to the lenders if that economic return is diminished due to certain changes in law or regulations. In certain of these financing transactions and other agreements, we also bear the risk of certain changes in tax laws that would subject payments to non-U.S. entities to withholding taxes.
Certain of these indemnities survive the length of the related financing or lease. We cannot reasonably estimate our potential future payments under the indemnities and related provisions described above because we cannot predict when and under what circumstances these provisions may be triggered and the amount that would be payable if the provisions were triggered because the amounts would be based on facts and circumstances existing at such time.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. In doing so, we make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, as well as related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial condition and results of operations could be affected. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. We refer to accounting estimates of this type as critical accounting estimates, which we discuss below. For a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies, please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”
Frequent Flyer Program
Our FRONTIER Miles program provides frequent flyer travel awards to program members based on accumulated miles. Miles are accumulated as a result of travel, purchases using the co-branded credit card and purchases from other participating partners. As of each of December 31, 2023 and 2022, our total frequent flyer liability was $45 million.
The contract to sell miles under the co-branded credit card partnership has multiple performance obligations. The agreement provides for joint marketing, and we account for this agreement consistently with the accounting method that allocates the consideration received to the individual products and services delivered based on relative stand-alone selling prices. We determined the best estimate of the selling prices by considering discounted cash flow analysis using multiple inputs and assumptions, including: (1) the expected number of miles awarded and number of miles redeemed, (2) equivalent ticket value (“ETV”) for the award travel obligation, (3) licensing of brand and access to member lists and (4) advertising and marketing efforts. Any changes in the assumptions outlined above related to our co-branded credit card partnership at agreement inception would impact the allocation of consideration received and the resulting timing of when revenues from the each of the specific performance obligation would be recognized.
We estimate breakage (miles that are expected to expire unutilized) based on statistical models derived from historical redemption patterns. Breakage assumptions, including the period over which miles are expected to be redeemed, the actual redemption activity for miles, or the estimated fair value of miles expected to be redeemed, could have an impact on revenues in the year in which the change occurs and in future years. Additionally, we estimate ETV, which is used to determine the value per mile, based on the historical prices of the flights redeemed using miles and changes to these assumptions could impact the initial allocation of consideration in our co-branded credit card partnership or the amount of revenue recognized or deferred for miles accumulated as a result of travel.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, holding other factors constant, a 10% change in our estimated frequent flyer breakage rate would have resulted in a change to passenger revenues of approximately $3 million, or less than 1%.
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Leased Aircraft Return Costs
Our aircraft operating lease agreements generally require us to return aircraft airframes and engines to the lessor in a certain condition or pay an amount to the lessor based on the airframe and engine’s actual return condition.These return provisions are evaluated at inception of the lease and throughout the lease terms and are accounted for as either fixed or variable lease payments (depending on the nature of the lease return condition). When such costs become both probable and estimable, they are accrued as a component of supplemental rent through the remaining lease term. Changes to the assumptions utilized in the estimation of these lease return costs are accounted for on a cumulative catch-up basis. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, our total leased aircraft return cost liability was $26 million and $102 million, respectively.
In 2023, we extended the term for certain aircraft and spare engine operating leases that were slated to return in 2023 and 2024. As a result of the six aircraft and five engine extension events, for the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a benefit of $53 million to aircraft rent in our consolidated statement of operations related to previously accrued lease return costs that were variable in nature and associated with the anticipated utilization and condition of the airframes and engines at the original return date. Given the extension of these aircraft operating leases, such variable return costs are no longer probable of occurring.
In assessing the future potential lease return costs we consider the future anticipated costs and scope of maintenance events (largely driven by projected number of flight hours and cycles estimated to be utilized on the aircraft and engines prior to return), estimated timing of such events including the timing since the last expected major maintenance event, the date the aircraft is due to be returned to the lessor, contractual terms of the lease and maintenance provider agreements, current condition of each aircraft, age of the aircraft at lease expiration, type of engine, projected number of hours and cycles run on the engines at the time of return and the number of projected cycles run on the airframe at the time of return, among other estimates.
If actual estimates vary materially from those utilized in the estimation of lease return costs we could incur more or less supplemental rent expense depending on the direction of the adjustments necessary. There can be no assurance that the projections utilized will not materially change in the future given the inherent difficulty in forecasting future utilization of aircraft over their lease terms; however, the estimates utilized are the best available at the time the financial statements were issued.
Income Tax Valuation Allowance
As of December 31, 2023, our total deferred tax assets, net of a $48 million valuation allowance, were $757 million, which included $75 million of deferred tax assets related to net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards. These deferred tax assets are comprised of $53 million, $11 million and $11 million related to NOLs available to reduce future federal, state and foreign taxable income, respectively. We assess whether it is more likely than not that sufficient taxable income will be generated to realize deferred tax assets, and a valuation allowance is established if it is not likely that deferred income tax assets will be realized. We consider sources of taxable income from prior period carryback periods, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies and future taxable income when assessing the future utilization of deferred tax assets.
As part of our assessment of whether a valuation allowance is warranted, we consider all available positive and negative evidence in conjunction with evaluating the source and availability of taxable income to utilize such deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended December 31, 2023. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as our projections for future growth.
As a result of our assessment, we concluded that as of December 31, 2023, it is more likely than not that the benefit from a portion of our federal and state deferred tax assets will not be realized. Accordingly, we recorded a valuation allowance of $37 million against our federal and state NOL related deferred tax assets, which reflects the impact of expected income generated as a result of future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. Furthermore, we have a valuation allowance related to our $11 million of foreign deferred tax assets. The amount of
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the deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight is given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth.
Long-Term Maintenance Agreements
We have entered into maintenance agreements with both of our engine providers, CFM International and Pratt & Whitney, to cover the primary maintenance services of the engines for a majority of our fleet. The arrangements stipulate that we pay a baseline per-flight-hour rate based on monthly engine utilization over the life of the arrangement. Given that the accounting for the arrangement will follow our heavy maintenance accounting and is dependent on many projected factors such as flight hours, shop visit timing and scope, and the stand-alone value of certain maintenance services, there are significant estimates that impact the accounting of our per-flight-hour maintenance agreements including amounts capitalized, expensed and treated as capitalized maintenance as well as the timing of each.
As of December 31, 2023, we had capitalized $141 million of rate per hour payments which are probable to be recovered via future shop visits.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
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GLOSSARY OF AIRLINE TERMS
Set forth below is a glossary of industry terms:
“A320 family” means, collectively, the Airbus series of single-aisle aircraft, including the A320ceo, A320neo, A321ceo and A321neo aircraft.
“A320neo family” means, collectively, the Airbus series of single-aisle aircraft that feature the new engine option, including the A320neo and A321neo aircraft.
“Adjusted CASM” is a non-GAAP measure and means operating expenses, excluding special items, divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Adjusted CASM including net interest” or “Adjusted CASM + net interest” is a non-GAAP measure and means the sum of Adjusted CASM and net interest expense (income) excluding special items divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel)” is a non-GAAP measure and means operating expenses less aircraft fuel expense, excluding special items, divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Air traffic liability” means the value of tickets, unearned membership fees and other related fees sold in advance of travel.
“Ancillary revenue” means the sum of non-fare passenger revenue and other revenue.
“Available seat miles” or “ASMs” means the number of seats available for passengers multiplied by the number of miles the seats are flown.
“Average aircraft in service” means the average number of aircraft used in flight operations, as calculated on a daily basis.
“Average daily aircraft utilization” means block hours divided by number of days in the period divided by average aircraft in service.
“Average stage length” means the average number of miles flown per flight segment.
“Block hours” means the number of hours during which the aircraft is in revenue service, measured from the time of gate departure before take-off until the time of gate arrival at the destination.
“CASM” or “unit costs” means operating expenses divided by ASMs.
“CASM (excluding fuel)” is a non-GAAP measure and means operating expenses less aircraft fuel expense, divided by ASMs.
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“CASM including net interest” or “CASM + net interest” is a non-GAAP measure and means the sum of CASM and net interest expense (income) divided by ASMs.
“CBA” means a collective bargaining agreement.
“CBP” means the United States Customs and Border Protection.
“DOT” means the United States Department of Transportation.
“EPA” means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
“FAA” means the United States Federal Aviation Administration.
“Fare revenue” consists of base fares for air travel, including miles redeemed under our frequent flyer program, unused and expired passenger credits, other redeemed or expired travel credits and revenue derived from charter flights.
“Fare revenue per passenger” means fare revenue divided by passengers.
“GDSs” means Global Distribution Systems such as Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport, used by travel agencies and corporations to purchase tickets on participating airlines.
“LCC” means low-cost carrier.
“Load factor” means the percentage of aircraft seat miles actually occupied on a flight (RPMs divided by ASMs).
“Net interest expenses (income)” means interest expense, capitalized interest, interest income and other.
“NMB” means the National Mediation Board.
“Non-fare passenger revenue” consists of fees related to certain ancillary items such as baggage, service fees, seat selection, and other passenger-related revenue that is not included as part of base fares for travel.
“Non-fare passenger revenue per passenger” means non-fare passenger revenue divided by passengers.
“OTA” means Online Travel Agent.
“Other revenue” consists primarily of services not directly related to providing transportation, such as the advertising, marketing and brand elements of the FRONTIER Miles affinity credit card program and commissions revenue from the sale of items such as rental cars and hotels.
“Other revenue per passenger” means other revenue divided by passengers.
“Passengers” means the total number of passengers flown on all flight segments.
“Passenger revenue” consists of fare revenue and non-fare passenger revenue.
“PDP” means pre-delivery deposit payments, which are payments required by aircraft manufacturers in advance of delivery of the aircraft.
“RASM” or “unit revenue” means total revenue divided by ASMs.
“Revenue passenger miles” or “RPMs” means the number of miles flown by passengers.
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“RLA” means the United States Railway Labor Act.
“Total ancillary revenue per passenger” means ancillary revenue divided by passengers.
“Total revenue per passenger” means the sum of fare revenue, non-fare passenger revenue, and other revenue (collectively, “Total Revenue”) divided by passengers.
“Treasury” means the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
“TSA” means the United States Transportation Security Administration.
“ULCC” means ultra low-cost carrier.
“VFR” means visiting friends and relatives.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001670076-23-000019.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our discussion and analysis of fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 is included herein. For discussion of results for the fiscal year 2020 and analysis of year-to-year comparisons between 2021 and 2020, please refer to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed with the SEC on February 23, 2022.
Overview
Frontier Airlines is an ultra low-cost carrier whose business strategy is focused on Low Fares Done Right. We are headquartered in Denver, Colorado and offer flights throughout the United States and to select near international destinations in the Americas. Our unique strategy is underpinned by our low-cost structure and superior low-fare brand.
The following table provides select financial and operational information for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | ||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||
| Total operating revenues | $ | 3,326 | $ | 2,060 | 61 | % | ||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 3,371 | $ | 2,177 | 55 | % | ||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | (45) | $ | (144) | (69) | % | ||||
| Available seat miles (ASMs) | 31,746 | 26,867 | 18 | % |
Total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022 totaled $3,326 million, an increase of 61% compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to a 37% increase in RASM as compared to the corresponding period in 2021, along with an 18% increase in capacity, as measured by ASMs, as the demand for leisure travel continued to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Total operating expenses during the year ended December 31, 2022 totaled $3,371 million, resulting in a cost per available seat mile (“CASM”) of 10.62¢, compared to 8.10¢ for the year ended December 31, 2021. Fuel expense was 102% higher during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, with the $585 million increase in fuel expense driven by a 71% increase in fuel rates and an 18% increase in fuel consumption associated with the 18% increase in our capacity. Our non-fuel expenses increased by 38% compared to the corresponding prior year period, driven primarily by the cessation of grant funding received under the CARES Act in the fourth quarter of 2021, resulting in no credits being recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to a $278 million benefit we recorded from this funding under PSP2 and PSP3, in addition to $17 million in CARES Act employee retention credits received during the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was further driven by higher capacity and a larger fleet size and the resulting increase in operations during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the corresponding prior year period as well as $10 million in net transaction and merger-related costs during the year ended December 31, 2022. These increases, mainly due to the cessation of CARES Act credits, resulted in a 17% increase in CASM (excluding fuel), a non-GAAP measure, from 5.96¢ for the year ended December 31, 2021 to 6.96¢ for the year ended December 31, 2022. Adjusted (non-GAAP) CASM (excluding fuel), which excludes the impact of $10 million in transaction and merger-related costs, $7 million in asset impairment and $2 million in collective bargaining contract ratification costs for the year ended December 31, 2022, and excludes the $295 million impact of the CARES Act credits and $11 million in costs incurred with the early lease termination of our A319 leased aircraft for the year ended December 31, 2021,
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decreased from 7.02¢ for the year ended December 31, 2021 to 6.90¢ for the year ended December 31, 2022. For the reconciliation to corresponding GAAP measures, see “—Results of Operations—Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, CASM including net interest and Adjusted CASM including net interest.”
We generated a net loss of $37 million and $102 million during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Our results for the year ended December 31, 2022 included $10 million of net transaction and merger-related costs, $7 million of asset impairment costs and $2 million of collective bargaining contract ratification costs within operating expenses, as well as $7 million in other non-operating expenses from the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs due to the paydown of the Treasury Loan. Our results for the year ended December 31, 2021 included $295 million in CARES Act credits and $11 million in early lease termination costs within operating expenses, and $22 million in other non-operating expenses related to mark to market adjustments associated with the warrants issued pursuant to the loans taken under the CARES Act. Considering these aforementioned non-GAAP adjustments and the related tax impacts, our adjusted (non-GAAP) net loss was $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to an adjusted (non-GAAP) net loss of $299 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. For the reconciliation to corresponding GAAP measures, see “—Results of Operations—Reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted net income (loss) and to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR.”
As of December 31, 2022, our total available liquidity was $761 million, made up of cash and cash equivalents. On February 2, 2022, we repaid the $150 million outstanding under the Treasury Loan pursuant to the secured loan program established under the CARES Act. The repayment of this loan unencumbered our co-branded credit card program and related brand assets that secured the Treasury Loan obligation.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic had a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Although we have continued to experience a significant and sustained recovery during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, we are unable to predict the future spread and impact of COVID-19, or the efficacy and adherence rates of vaccines and other therapeutics and the resulting measures that may be introduced by governments or other parties and what the overall impact may be to consumer behavior and the resulting demand for air travel.
We received significant financial assistance from the Treasury under the CARES Act and the PSP, PSP2 and PSP3 (collectively, the “PSPs”). Please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 2. Impact of COVID-19” for additional detail on the CARES Act and the PSPs, and “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 9. Debt” for further information on the promissory notes entered into with the Treasury in connection with our participation in the PSPs (collectively, the “PSP Promissory Notes”). The impact on our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
On September 28, 2020, we entered into a loan agreement with the Treasury for a term loan facility of up to $574 million pursuant to the secured loan program established under the CARES Act. As of December 31, 2021, we had borrowed $150 million under the Treasury Loan, for which the right to draw any further funds lapsed in May 2021. On February 2, 2022, we repaid the Treasury Loan which included the $150 million principal balance along with accrued interest and associated fees of $1 million. Additionally, we recognized a $7 million loss on the extinguishment of debt during the year ended December 31, 2022 from the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the Treasury Loan.
On January 15, 2021, we entered into an agreement with the Treasury for installment funding under the PSP2 (the “PSP2 Agreement”), pursuant to which we received $161 million, comprised of a $143 million grant (the “PSP2 Grant”) for the continuation of payroll support through March 31, 2021, and an $18 million unsecured 10-year, low-interest loan (the “PSP2 Promissory Note”), all of which was received during the year ended December 31, 2021. The PSP2 Grant was recognized over the period it was intended to support payroll. We recognized the full $143
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million of PSP2 Grant proceeds, net of deferred financing costs, during the year ended December 31, 2021, within CARES Act credits in our consolidated statements of operations.
On April 29, 2021, we entered into an agreement with the Treasury for installment funding under the PSP3 (the “PSP3 Agreement”), pursuant to which we received $150 million, comprised of a $135 million grant (the “PSP3 Grant”) for the continuation of payroll support through September 30, 2021, and a $15 million unsecured 10-year, low-interest loan (the “PSP3 Promissory Note”), all of which was received during the year ended December 31, 2021. The PSP3 Grant was recognized over the period it was intended to support payroll. We recognized the full $135 million of PSP3 Grant proceeds, net of deferred financing costs, during the year ended December 31, 2021, within CARES Act credits in our consolidated statements of operations.
In connection with our participation in the PSPs and the Treasury Loan, we have been subject to certain restrictions and limitations related to our operations, our use of the grant funds, our ability to terminate or furlough employees and executive compensation and dividends, of which we have been compliant with through December 31, 2022, as applicable. While most of the restriction periods have lapsed, as of the date of this filing we are still subject to additional reporting and recordkeeping requirements as well as subject to limitations on certain executive compensation, including limiting pay increases and severance pay or other benefits upon terminations, until April 1, 2023.
In connection with the PSP Promissory Notes and the Treasury Loan, we issued to the Treasury warrants to purchase 3,117,940 shares of our common stock at a weighted-average price of $6.95 per share. The initial fair value of these warrants upon issuance was treated as a loan discount, which reduced the carrying value of the related Treasury Loan and PSP Promissory Notes, and is amortized utilizing the effective interest method as interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations over the term of each loan. These awards were originally classified as liability-based awards within other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, with periodic mark to market remeasurements being included in interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations given we only had the option of settling in cash prior to being publicly traded. As a result of our initial public offering of our common stock (the “IPO”), we have the intent and ability to settle the warrants issued to the Treasury in shares, and as a result, as of April 6, 2021, we reclassified the warrant liability to additional paid-in capital on our consolidated balance sheet and are no longer required to mark to market the warrants. We recorded no mark to market adjustments during the year ended December 31, 2022, and recorded $22 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, to interest expense within our consolidated statements of operations. The Treasury has not exercised any warrants as of December 31, 2022.
The CARES Act also provided for an employee retention credit (the “CARES Employee Retention Credit”), which is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes that we qualified for beginning on April 1, 2020. In December 2020, the CARES Employee Retention Credit program was extended and enhanced through June 30, 2021. The American Rescue Plan Act, enacted on March 11, 2021, further extended the availability of the CARES Employee Retention Credit through December 31, 2021. As a result of the increase in revenues after the first quarter of 2021, we were no longer eligible for future credits due to the provisions of the gross receipt test applicable to this program. During the year ended December 31, 2021 we recognized $17 million related to the CARES Employee Retention Credit within CARES Act credits in our consolidated statements of operations.
The Proposed Merger with Spirit Airlines, Inc.
On February 5, 2022, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Top Gun Acquisition Corp. (“Merger Sub”), a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of ours, and Spirit Airlines, Inc. (“Spirit”). The Merger Agreement provided that, among other things, the Merger Sub would be merged with and into Spirit (the “Merger”), with Spirit surviving the Merger and continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours. On July 27, 2022, we and Spirit mutually terminated the Merger Agreement.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded $10 million in net expenses related to the proposed Merger within transaction and merger-related costs, net in our consolidated statement of operations. Costs related to the proposed Merger included $19 million in retention bonus expense, which included an acceleration of 50% of
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Merger-related retention costs for all eligible employees who were not subject to CARES Act compensation restrictions, and $16 million in transaction costs, which are made up of banking, legal and accounting fees, among others, offset by $25 million received from Spirit for reimbursement of incurred Merger-related expenses in accordance with the termination provisions set forth in the Merger Agreement.
In the event that Spirit, within twelve months following the termination of the Merger Agreement, consummates an acquisition with another acquiror or enters into a definitive written agreement providing for an acquisition with another acquiror, which is ultimately consummated, we will be owed an additional $69 million, as provided for in the Merger Agreement.
Trends and Uncertainties Affecting Our Business
We believe our operating and business performance is driven by various factors that typically affect airlines and their markets, including trends which affect the broader travel industry, as well as trends which affect the specific markets and customer base that we target. The following key factors may affect our future performance:
Competition. The airline industry is highly competitive. The principal competitive factors in the airline industry are the fare and total price, flight schedules, number of routes served from a city, frequent flyer programs, product and passenger amenities, customer service, fleet type and reputation. The airline industry is particularly susceptible to price discounting as once a flight is scheduled, airlines incur only nominal incremental costs to provide service to passengers occupying otherwise unsold seats. Price competition occurs on a route-by-route basis through price discounts, changes in pricing structures, fare matching, target promotions and frequent flyer initiatives. Airlines typically use discount fares and other promotions to stimulate traffic during normally slower travel periods to generate cash flow and to maximize RASM. The prevalence of discount fares can be particularly acute when a competitor has excess capacity that it is under financial pressure to sell. A key element of our competitive strategy is to maintain very low unit costs in order to permit us to compete successfully in price-sensitive markets. In addition, some of the legacy network carriers match LCC and ULCC pricing on portions of their network. We believe that fare discounts have and will continue to stimulate demand for Frontier due to our Low Fares Done Right strategy.
Our Low Fares Done Right strategy is underpinned by our low-cost structure, and has significantly reduced our cost base by increasing aircraft utilization (with the exception of the impacts of COVID-19), transitioning to larger and more fuel-efficient aircraft, maximizing seat density, renegotiating the majority of our distribution agreements, realigning our network, migrating to a self-service customer service model, enhancing our website and mobile app, boosting employee productivity and contracting with leading specialists to provide us with select operating and other services.
Our cost structure has generally allowed us to achieve strong results from operations relative to the rest of the industry during periods of competitive pricing and price discounts and has helped our ability to manage through the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have already completed the substantial majority of strategic initiatives to reduce our unit operating costs, we believe that we are well positioned to maintain our low unit operating costs relative to our competitors through on-going strategic initiatives, including continuing our cost optimization efforts and further realizing economies of scale. To the extent that we are unable to maintain our low-cost structure, our ability to compete effectively may be impaired. In addition, if our competitors engage in fare wars or similar behavior, our financial performance could be adversely impacted.
Aircraft Fuel. Fuel expense represents one of the single largest operating expense for most airlines, including ours. Aircraft fuel prices and availability are subject to market fluctuations, refining capacity, periods of market surplus and shortage and demand for heating oil, gasoline and other petroleum products, as well as meteorological, economic and political factors and events occurring throughout the world, which we can neither control nor accurately predict. The future cost and availability of aircraft fuel cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty.
Volatility. The air transportation business is volatile and highly affected by economic cycles and trends. Global pandemics and related health scares, consumer confidence and discretionary spending, fear of terrorism or war, weakening economic conditions, fare initiatives, fluctuations in fuel prices, labor actions, changes in governmental
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regulations on taxes and fees, weather and other factors have resulted in significant fluctuations in revenue and results of operations in the past.
Seasonality. Our results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of those for the entire year because the air transportation business and our route network are subject to seasonal fluctuations. We generally expect demand to be greater in the second and third quarters compared to the rest of the year. While we have, over recent years, reduced our concentration in Denver to decrease the impact of seasonality in our business, 26% of our flights during the year ended December 31, 2022 had Denver International Airport as either their origin or destination, as compared to 29% of our flights during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Labor. The airline industry is currently experiencing certain shortages of qualified personnel, especially as more pilots approach mandatory retirement age. The airline industry is also heavily unionized. The wages, benefits and work rules of unionized airline industry employees are determined by collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”). Relations between air carriers and labor unions in the United States are governed by the United States Railway Labor Act (“RLA”). Under the RLA, CBAs generally contain “amendable dates” rather than expiration dates and the RLA requires that a carrier maintain the existing terms and conditions of employment following the amendable date through a multi-stage and usually lengthy series of bargaining processes overseen by the National Mediation Board (“NMB”). This process continues until either the parties have reached an agreement on a new CBA or the parties have been released to “self-help” by the NMB. In most circumstances, the RLA prohibits strikes. However, after release by the NMB, carriers and unions are free to engage in self-help measures such as lockouts and strikes.
We have seven union-represented employee groups comprising approximately 87% of our employees as of December 31, 2022. Our pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (“ALPA”); our flight attendants are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (“AFA-CWA”); our aircraft technicians, aircraft appearance agents, material specialists and maintenance controllers are all represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“IBT”); and our dispatchers are represented by the Transport Workers Union (“TWU”).
Maintenance, Materials and Repairs and Maintenance Reserve Obligations. The amount of total maintenance costs and related depreciation of heavy maintenance expense is subject to variables such as estimated usage, government regulations, the size, age and makeup of the fleet in future periods, and the level of unscheduled maintenance events and their actual costs. Accordingly, we cannot reliably quantify future maintenance-related expenses for any significant period of time.
As of December 31, 2022, the average age of our aircraft was approximately four years and all of the aircraft in our fleet were financed with operating leases, the last of which is scheduled to expire by the end of 2034. As of December 31, 2022, we had a firm obligation to purchase 221 A320neo family aircraft by the end of 2029 and to acquire another ten A321neo aircraft through direct leases, all to be delivered in 2023. Please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—14. Commitments and Contingencies” for further discussion. We expect that these new aircraft will require less maintenance when they are first placed in service (sometimes called a “maintenance holiday”) because the aircraft will benefit from manufacturer warranties and also will be able to operate for a significant period of time, generally measured in years, before the most expensive scheduled maintenance obligations, known as heavy maintenance, are required. Once these maintenance holidays expire, these aircraft will require more maintenance as they age and our maintenance and repair expenses for each of our aircraft will be incurred at approximately the same intervals. When these more significant maintenance activities occur, this will result in out-of-service periods during which our aircraft are dedicated to maintenance activities and unavailable to generate revenue.
We account for heavy maintenance events under the deferral method. Accordingly, heavy maintenance is depreciated over the shorter of either the remaining lease term or the period until the next estimated heavy maintenance event. As a result, maintenance events occurring closer to the end of the lease term will generally have shorter depreciation periods than those occurring earlier in the lease term. This will create higher depreciation expense specific to any aircraft related to heavy maintenance during the final years of the lease as compared to earlier periods.
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The terms of certain of our aircraft lease agreements require us to post deposits for future maintenance, also known as maintenance reserves, to the lessor in advance of and as collateral for the performance of heavy maintenance events, resulting in us recording significant prepaid deposits on our consolidated balance sheet. As a result, for leases requiring maintenance reserves, the cash costs of scheduled heavy maintenance events are paid in advance of the recognition of the maintenance event in our results of operations. Please see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—10. Operating Leases—Aircraft Rent Expense and Maintenance Obligations."
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). In doing so, we make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, as well as related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial condition and results of operations could be affected. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. We refer to accounting estimates of this type as critical accounting estimates, which we discuss below. For a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies, please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”
Frequent Flyer Program
Our Frontier Miles frequent flyer program provides frequent flyer travel awards to program members based on accumulated mileage credits. Mileage credits are accumulated as a result of travel, purchases using the co-branded credit card and purchases from other participating partners. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, our total frequent flyer liability was $45 million and $54 million, respectively.
The contract to sell mileage credits under the co-branded credit card partnership has multiple performance obligations. The agreement provides for joint marketing, and we account for this agreement consistently with the accounting method that allocates the consideration received to the individual products and services delivered based on relative stand-alone selling prices. We determined the best estimate of the selling prices by considering discounted cash flow analysis using multiple inputs and assumptions, including: (1) the expected number of miles awarded and number of miles redeemed, (2) equivalent ticket value (“ETV”) for the award travel obligation, (3) licensing of brand and access to member lists and (4) advertising and marketing efforts. Any changes in the assumptions outlined above related to our co-branded credit card partnership at agreement inception would impact the allocation of consideration received and the resulting timing of when revenues from the each of the specific performance obligation would be recognized.
We estimate breakage (mileage credits that are expected to expire unutilized) based on statistical models derived from historical redemption patterns. Breakage assumptions, including the period over which mileage credits are expected to be redeemed, the actual redemption activity for mileage credits, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or the estimated fair value of mileage credits expected to be redeemed, could have an impact on revenues in the year in which the change occurs and in future years. Additionally, we estimate ETV, which is used to determine the value per mileage credit, based on the historical prices of the flights redeemed using mileage credits and changes to these assumptions could impact the initial allocation of consideration in our co-branded credit card partnership or the amount of revenue recognized or deferred for miles accumulated as a result of travel.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, holding other factors constant, a 10% change in our estimated frequent flyer breakage rate would have resulted in a change to passenger revenues of approximately $4 million, or less than 1%.
Leased Aircraft Return Costs
Our aircraft operating lease agreements generally require us to return aircraft airframes and engines to the lessor in a certain condition or pay an amount to the lessor based on the airframe and engine’s actual return condition.
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These return provisions are evaluated at inception of the lease and throughout the lease terms and are accounted for as either fixed or variable lease payments (depending on the nature of the lease return condition). When such costs become both probable and estimable, they are accrued as a component of supplemental rent through the remaining lease term. Changes to the assumptions utilized in the estimation of these lease return costs are accounted for on a cumulative catch-up basis. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, our total leased aircraft return cost liability was $102 million and $49 million, respectively.
In assessing the future potential lease return costs we consider the future anticipated costs and scope of maintenance events (largely driven by projected number of flight hours and cycles estimated to be utilized on the aircraft and engines prior to return), estimated timing of such events including the timing since the last expected major maintenance event, the date the aircraft is due to be returned to the lessor, contractual terms of the lease and maintenance provider agreements, current condition of each aircraft, age of the aircraft at lease expiration, type of engine, projected number of hours and cycles run on the engines at the time of return and the number of projected cycles run on the airframe at the time of return, among other estimates.
If actual estimates vary materially from those utilized in the estimation of lease return costs we could incur more or less supplemental rent expense depending on the direction of the adjustments necessary. There can be no assurance that the projections utilized will not materially change in the future given the inherent difficulty in forecasting future utilization of aircraft over their lease terms; however, the estimates utilized are the best available at the time the financial statements were issued.
Income Tax Valuation Allowance
As of December 31, 2022, our total deferred tax assets, net of an $8 million valuation allowance, were $677 million, which included $50 million of deferred tax assets related to NOL carry forwards. These deferred tax assets are comprised of $32 million, $11 million and $7 million related to NOLs available to reduce future federal, state and foreign taxable income, respectively. We assess whether it is more likely than not that sufficient taxable income will be generated to realize deferred tax assets, and a valuation allowance is established if it is not likely that deferred income tax assets will be realized. We consider sources of taxable income from prior period carryback periods, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies and future taxable income when assessing the future utilization of deferred tax assets.
As part of our assessment of whether a valuation allowance is warranted, we consider all available positive and negative evidence in conjunction with evaluating the source and availability of taxable income to utilize such deferred tax assets. We updated this assessment as of December 31, 2022, noting that, in part as a result of the significant impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly prior to the wide availability of vaccines, we were in a cumulative three-year loss position. Conversely, prior to the pandemic, we have had a consistent history of generating significant earnings and resulting taxable income and have typically utilized significant deferred tax assets such as those related to NOLs prior to expiration. The main source of taxable income that supports realization of our deferred tax assets was from projected future taxable income. Our projections of future taxable income considered the general business environment, our recent history of profitability outside of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic including the last three consecutive quarters of profitability, industry wide consensus on air travel outlook and post-December 31, 2022 booking trends. These factors were considered in conjunction with other evidence such as our cumulative three-year loss position. Given the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on our results for which we continue to recover from post vaccine availability, we don’t believe the factors that caused our cumulative three-year loss to be indicative of future performance. Based on the factors outlined above, we concluded that as a result of projected future income, our deferred tax assets are likely to be realized, exclusive of those which have a valuation allowance established.
Additionally, under current tax law, our federal NOL carryforwards do not expire and our state NOLs will expire, if not utilized, from one year to having no expiration depending on the state the NOL is attributed to. As a result of our assessment, we maintained our valuation allowance on our foreign deferred tax assets of $7 million and on certain state deferred tax assets of $1 million, as we concluded this $8 million in benefits related to NOLs will
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most likely not be realized, primarily due to short expiry periods combined with significant income required to utilize these deferred tax assets.
If we are unable to achieve our projected operating income targets or actual results are not in line with those utilized in the judgments listed above, an adjustment to our conclusion on the recoverability of our future deferred tax assets may occur and, therefore, may result in either the creation of a valuation allowance being recorded against some or all of our net deferred tax assets in future periods or the reversal of the previously recorded valuation allowance. An increase in our valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense, while a release of a valuation allowance in future periods, if those deferred tax assets become realizable, would reduce our income tax expense. There can be no assurance that an additional valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets will not be required and such valuation allowance could be material.
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021
Operating Revenues
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | ||||||||||
| Operating revenues ($ in millions): | ||||||||||||
| Passenger | $ | 3,248 | $ | 2,000 | $ | 1,248 | 62 | % | ||||
| Other | 78 | 60 | 18 | 30 | % | |||||||
| Total operating revenues | $ | 3,326 | $ | 2,060 | $ | 1,266 | 61 | % | ||||
| Operating statistics: | ||||||||||||
| Available seat miles (millions) | 31,746 | 26,867 | 4,879 | 18 | % | |||||||
| Revenue passenger miles (millions) | 25,669 | 20,380 | 5,289 | 26 | % | |||||||
| Average stage length (miles) | 991 | 968 | 23 | 2 | % | |||||||
| Load factor | 80.9 | % | 75.9 | % | 5.0 | pts | N/A | |||||
| RASM (¢) | 10.48 | 7.67 | 2.81 | 37 | % | |||||||
| Total revenue per passenger ($) | 130.50 | 99.49 | 31.01 | 31 | % | |||||||
| Passengers (thousands) | 25,486 | 20,709 | 4,777 | 23 | % |
Total operating revenue increased $1,266 million, or 61%, during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, as we experienced increased demand for leisure travel on strong pricing. Revenue was favorably impacted by the 37% increase in RASM during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, due to a 31% increase in total revenue per passenger, including a 39% increase in fare revenue per passenger and a 26% increase in ancillary revenue per passenger, alongside a 5.0 point increase in load factor as compared to the corresponding prior year period. In addition, total operating revenue was favorably impacted by an 18% capacity growth, as measured by ASMs. This was driven by an increase in average daily aircraft utilization to 11.1 hours per day for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to 9.8 hours per day for the year ended December 31, 2021, as well as a 6% increase in average aircraft in service during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the corresponding prior year period.
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Operating Expenses
| Year Ended December 31, | Cost per ASM | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses ($ in millions):(a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | $ | 1,160 | $ | 575 | $ | 585 | 102 | % | 3.66 | ¢ | 2.14 | ¢ | 71 | % | ||||||||
| Salaries, wages and benefits | 715 | 616 | 99 | 16 | % | 2.25 | 2.29 | (2) | % | |||||||||||||
| Aircraft rent | 556 | 530 | 26 | 5 | % | 1.75 | 1.97 | (11) | % | |||||||||||||
| Station operations | 422 | 384 | 38 | 10 | % | 1.33 | 1.43 | (7) | % | |||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 164 | 109 | 55 | 50 | % | 0.52 | 0.41 | 27 | % | |||||||||||||
| Maintenance, materials and repairs | 146 | 119 | 27 | 23 | % | 0.46 | 0.44 | 5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 45 | 38 | 7 | 18 | % | 0.14 | 0.14 | — | % | |||||||||||||
| CARES Act credits | — | (295) | 295 | N/M | — | (1.10) | N/M | |||||||||||||||
| Transaction and merger-related costs | 10 | — | 10 | N/M | 0.03 | — | N/M | |||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 153 | 101 | 52 | 51 | % | 0.48 | 0.38 | 26 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 3,371 | $ | 2,177 | $ | 1,194 | 55 | % | 10.62 | ¢ | 8.10 | ¢ | 31 | % | ||||||||
| Operating statistics: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available seat miles (millions) | 31,746 | 26,867 | 4,879 | 18 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Average stage length (miles) | 991 | 968 | 23 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Departures | 165,447 | 143,476 | 21,971 | 15 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 6.96 | 5.96 | 1.00 | 17 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 6.90 | 7.02 | (0.12) | (2) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel cost per gallon ($) | 3.72 | 2.17 | 1.55 | 71 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 312,115 | 265,558 | 46,557 | 18 | % |
__________________
N/M = Not meaningful
(a)Cost per ASM figures may not recalculate due to rounding.
(b)These metrics are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. See the reconciliation to corresponding GAAP measures provided below.
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Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, CASM including net interest and Adjusted CASM including net interest
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | ($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | |||||||
| Non-GAAP financial data (unaudited):(a) | ||||||||||
| CASM | 10.62 | 8.10 | ||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | (1,160) | (3.66) | (575) | (2.14) | ||||||
| CASM (excluding fuel)(b) | 6.96 | 5.96 | ||||||||
| Transaction and merger-related costs, net(c) | (10) | (0.03) | — | — | ||||||
| Asset impairment(d) | (7) | (0.02) | — | — | ||||||
| Collective bargaining contract ratification(e) | (2) | (0.01) | — | — | ||||||
| Early lease termination costs(f) | — | — | (11) | (0.04) | ||||||
| CARES Act – grant recognition and employee retention credits(g) | — | — | 295 | 1.10 | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel)(b) | 6.90 | 7.02 | ||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | 1,160 | 3.66 | 575 | 2.14 | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM(h) | 10.56 | 9.16 | ||||||||
| Net interest expense (income) | — | — | 27 | 0.11 | ||||||
| CARES Act - write-off of deferred financing costs due to paydown of loan(i) | (7) | (0.02) | — | — | ||||||
| CARES Act – mark to market impact for warrants(j) | — | — | (22) | (0.09) | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM + net interest(k) | 10.54 | 9.18 | ||||||||
| CASM | 10.62 | 8.10 | ||||||||
| Net interest expense (income) | — | — | 27 | 0.11 | ||||||
| CASM + net interest(k) | 10.62 | 8.21 |
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(a)Cost per ASM figures may not recalculate due to rounding.
(b)CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe that excluding aircraft fuel is useful to investors as it provides an additional measure of management’s performance excluding the effects of a significant cost item over which management has limited influence. The price of fuel, over which we have limited control, impacts the comparability of period-to-period financial performance, and excluding the price of fuel allows management an additional tool to understand and analyze our non-fuel costs and core operating performance, and increases comparability with other airlines that also provide a similar metric. CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) are not determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
(c)Represents $19 million in employee retention costs and $16 million in transaction costs, including banking, legal and accounting fees, incurred in connection with the proposed Merger with Spirit, offset by $25 million received from Spirit for the reimbursement of incurred Merger-related expenses.
(d)Represents a write-off of $7 million in capitalized software development costs as a result of a termination of a vendor arrangement.
(e)Represents $2 million of costs related to a one-time contract ratification incentive, plus payroll-related taxes earned through May 2023 and committed to by us as part of an agreement with the union representing our aircraft technicians that was ratified and became effective in May 2022.
(f)As a result of an early termination and buyout agreement executed in May 2021 with one of our lessors, we were able to accelerate the removal of the remaining four A319 aircraft from our fleet. These aircraft were originally scheduled to return in December 2021 and were instead returned during the second and third quarters of 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we incurred $10 million in aircraft rent costs and $1 million in depreciation relating to the acceleration and resulting changes to our lease return obligations.
(g)Represents the recognition of the $278 million of grant funding received from the U.S. government for payroll support in addition to $17 million in employee retention credits we qualified for under the CARES Act during the year ended December 31, 2021.
(h)Adjusted CASM is included as supplemental disclosure because we believe it is a useful metric to properly compare our cost management and performance to other peers, as derivations of Adjusted CASM are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry
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that are frequently used by our management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in the airline industry. Additionally, we believe this metric is useful because it removes certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. Adjusted CASM is not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
(i)On February 2, 2022, we repaid the Treasury Loan, which resulted in a one-time write-off of the remaining $7 million in unamortized deferred financing costs related to the Treasury Loan. This amount is a component of interest expense.
(j)Represents the mark to market adjustment to the value of the warrants issued as part of the funding provided under the CARES Act. This amount is a component of interest expense. As a result of our IPO and the resulting reclassification of warrants from liability-based awards to equity based awards, as of April 6, 2021, we no longer mark to market the warrants.
(k)CASM including net interest and Adjusted CASM including net interest are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe they are useful metrics to properly compare our cost management and performance to other peers that may have different capital structures and financing strategies, particularly as it relates to financing primary operating assets such as aircraft and engines. Additionally, we believe these metrics are useful because they remove certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. CASM including net interest and Adjusted CASM including net interest are not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
Aircraft Fuel. Aircraft fuel expense increased by $585 million, or 102%, during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase was primarily due to a 71% increase in fuel rate and a 18% increase in fuel gallons consumed due to increased capacity.
Salaries, Wages and Benefits. Salaries, wages and benefits expense increased by $99 million, or 16%, during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was due to higher crew costs, primarily from pilots, driven by elevated credit hours as well as pilot benefit costs and expansion in salaried support staff costs for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2022, we incurred $2 million in expenses related to a one-time ratification incentive bonus and related payroll adjustments as a result of a contract ratification with IBT, the union representing our aircraft technicians, in May 2022.
Aircraft Rent. Aircraft rent expense increased by $26 million, or 5%, during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to the increase in our fleet period-over-period and higher costs associated with anticipated lease returns, which was partially offset by the payback of $31 million of lease deferrals from 2020 recognized in 2021, while no lease deferrals were paid for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Station Operations. Station operations expense increased by $38 million, or 10%, during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to a 15% increase in departures and the related increases in our airport support operations and higher passenger reaccommodation expenses. In addition, we experienced a $3 million unfavorable impact during the year ended December 31, 2022 related to deferral agreements on certain leases with our airport facilities that were negotiated to manage liquidity during the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared to a favorable impact of $9 million during the year ended December 31, 2021. These increases were partially offset by favorable airport costs as a result of lower rates and revenue sharing arrangements.
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Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expense increased by $55 million, or 50%, during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to higher credit card fees resulting from the 61% increase in revenue, in addition to increased sales support and advertising expenses.
The following table presents our distribution channel mix:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution Channel | 2022 | 2021 | Change | |||||
| Our website, mobile app and other direct channels | 70 | % | 71 | % | (1) | pts | ||
| Third-party channels | 30 | % | 29 | % | 1 | pts |
Maintenance, Materials and Repairs. Maintenance, materials and repair expense increased by $27 million, or 23%, during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. This was primarily due to higher average daily utilization per aircraft and more average aircraft in service compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, which resulted in higher maintenance including associated contract labor costs as well as higher aircraft materials expenses. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in volume and extent of planned maintenance checks during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $7 million, or 18%, during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to a $7 million asset impairment as a result of a write-off of certain capitalized software development costs.
CARES Act Credits. CARES Act credits decreased by $295 million, during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we did not recognize any CARES Act credits due to the cessation of the program in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Transaction and Merger-Related Costs, Net. As a result of the proposed Merger with Spirit, we incurred $10 million in related net costs during the year ended December 31, 2022, including $19 million in employee retention costs and $16 million in transaction costs, which are made up of banking, legal and accounting fees, among others, charged in connection with the Merger, offset by $25 million received from Spirit for the reimbursement of incurred merger-related expenses upon the termination of the Merger agreement.
Other Operating Expenses. Other operating expenses increased by $52 million, or 51%, during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The change was driven by increases in travel expenses relating to crew accommodations, higher supplies and general and administrative costs, including IT and professional services, and escalation in other operating costs during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to an increase in capacity as demand continues to recover from COVID-19 pandemic. These increases were partly offset by $27 million in additional sale-leaseback gains during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.
Other Income (Expense). Other expenses decreased by $27 million, or 100%, during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to $22 million in interest expense related to the mark to market adjustments of warrants issued in conjunction with the PSP Promissory Notes and the Treasury Loan during the year ended December 31, 2021. Additionally, a growth in interest rates contributed to an increase in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2022. This decrease in other expenses was partially offset by a $7 million loss from the extinguishment of debt related to the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the Treasury Loan during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2022 was a benefit of 17.8%, compared to a benefit of 29.2% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2022 was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to the non-deductibility of certain executive compensation costs and other employee benefits, coupled with return to provision adjustments. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 was higher than the statutory rate primarily attributable to the release of reserves related to
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uncertain tax positions for which the statute of limitations has expired and excess tax benefit associated with our stock-based compensation arrangements, offset by the non-deductible interest from the mark to market adjustments of the warrants issued to the Treasury as part of our participation in the PSPs and the Treasury Loan.
Reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted net income (loss) and to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| Non-GAAP financial data (unaudited): | ||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss)(a) | $ | (17) | $ | (299) | ||
| EBITDA(a) | $ | — | $ | (79) | ||
| EBITDAR(b) | $ | 556 | $ | 451 | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA(a) | $ | 12 | $ | (364) | ||
| Adjusted EBITDAR(b) | $ | 568 | $ | 156 |
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(a)Adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe they are useful indicators of our operating performance. Derivations of net income and EBITDA are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by our management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in our industry.
Adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools. Some of the limitations applicable to these measures include: Adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations; Adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our indebtedness or possible cash requirements related to our warrants; although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Because of these limitations, Adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because derivations of Adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, derivations of Net income and EBITDA, including Adjusted net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA, as presented may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.
For the foregoing reasons, each of Adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA has significant limitations which affect its use as an indicator of our profitability. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.
(b)EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR are included as a supplemental disclosure because we believe them to be useful solely as valuation metrics for airlines as their calculations isolate the effects of financing in general, the accounting effects of capital spending and acquisitions (primarily aircraft, which may be acquired directly, directly subject to acquisition debt, by capital lease or by operating lease, each of which is presented differently for accounting purposes), and income taxes, which may vary significantly between periods and for different airlines for reasons unrelated to the underlying value of a particular airline. However, EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR are not determined in accordance with GAAP, are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measure in the same manner. As a result, EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR, as presented, may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. In addition, EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR should not be viewed as a measure of overall performance since they exclude aircraft rent, which is a normal, recurring cash operating expense that is necessary to operate our business. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss) reconciliation (unaudited): | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (37) | $ | (102) | ||
| Non-GAAP Adjustments(a): | ||||||
| Transaction and merger-related costs, net | 10 | — | ||||
| Asset impairment | 7 | — | ||||
| Collective bargaining contract ratification | 2 | — | ||||
| Early lease termination costs | — | 11 | ||||
| CARES Act – grant recognition and employee retention credits | — | (295) | ||||
| CARES Act – write-off of deferred financing costs due to paydown of loan | 7 | — | ||||
| CARES Act – mark to market impact for warrants | — | 22 | ||||
| Pre-tax impact | 26 | (262) | ||||
| Tax benefit (expense) related to non-GAAP adjustments | (6) | 65 | ||||
| Adjusted net income (loss) | $ | (17) | $ | (299) | ||
| EBITDA, EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR reconciliation (unaudited): | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (37) | $ | (102) | ||
| Plus (minus): | ||||||
| Interest expense | 21 | 33 | ||||
| Capitalized interest | (11) | (4) | ||||
| Interest income and other | (10) | (2) | ||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | (8) | (42) | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 45 | 38 | ||||
| EBITDA | — | (79) | ||||
| Plus: Aircraft rent | 556 | 530 | ||||
| EBITDAR | $ | 556 | $ | 451 | ||
| EBITDA | $ | — | $ | (79) | ||
| Plus (minus)(a): | ||||||
| Transaction and merger-related costs, net | 10 | — | ||||
| Collective bargaining contract ratification | 2 | — | ||||
| Early lease termination costs | — | 10 | ||||
| CARES Act – grant recognition and employee retention credits | — | (295) | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 12 | (364) | ||||
| Plus: Aircraft rent(b) | 556 | 520 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDAR | $ | 568 | $ | 156 |
__________________
(a)See “Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, CASM including net interest and Adjusted CASM including net interest” above for discussion on adjusting items.
(b)Represents aircraft rent expense included in Adjusted EBITDA. Excludes aircraft rent expense of $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 for costs incurred due to the early termination of our A319 leased aircraft. See footnote (f) under the caption “Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, CASM including net interest and Adjusted CASM including net interest”.
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Comparative Operating Statistics
The following table sets forth our operating statistics for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. These operating statistics are provided because they are commonly used in the airline industry and, as such, allow readers to compare our performance against our results for the corresponding prior year periods, as well as against the performance of our peers.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | ||||||||
| Operating statistics (unaudited)(a) | ||||||||||
| Available seat miles (ASMs) (millions) | 31,746 | 26,867 | 18 | % | ||||||
| Departures | 165,447 | 143,476 | 15 | % | ||||||
| Average stage length (miles) | 991 | 968 | 2 | % | ||||||
| Block hours | 451,156 | 381,018 | 18 | % | ||||||
| Average aircraft in service | 112 | 106 | 6 | % | ||||||
| Aircraft – end of period | 120 | 110 | 9 | % | ||||||
| Average daily aircraft utilization (hours) | 11.1 | 9.8 | 13 | % | ||||||
| Passengers (thousands) | 25,486 | 20,709 | 23 | % | ||||||
| Average seats per departure | 193 | 193 | — | % | ||||||
| Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (millions) | 25,669 | 20,380 | 26 | % | ||||||
| Load Factor | 80.9 | % | 75.9 | % | 5.0 | pts | ||||
| Fare revenue per passenger ($) | 54.22 | 38.94 | 39 | % | ||||||
| Non-fare passenger revenue per passenger ($) | 73.21 | 57.65 | 27 | % | ||||||
| Other revenue per passenger ($) | 3.07 | 2.90 | 6 | % | ||||||
| Total ancillary revenue passenger ($) | 76.28 | 60.55 | 26 | % | ||||||
| Total revenue per passenger ($) | 130.50 | 99.49 | 31 | % | ||||||
| Total revenue per available seat mile (RASM) (¢) | 10.48 | 7.67 | 37 | % | ||||||
| Cost per available seat mile (CASM) (¢) | 10.62 | 8.10 | 31 | % | ||||||
| CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 6.96 | 5.96 | 17 | % | ||||||
| CASM + net interest (¢) (b) | 10.62 | 8.21 | 29 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM (¢) (b) | 10.56 | 9.16 | 15 | % | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 6.90 | 7.02 | (2) | % | ||||||
| Adjusted CASM + net interest (¢) (b) | 10.54 | 9.18 | 15 | % | ||||||
| Fuel cost per gallon ($) | 3.72 | 2.17 | 71 | % | ||||||
| Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 312,115 | 265,558 | 18 | % | ||||||
| Full-Time Equivalent Employees (FTEs) | 6,450 | 5,481 | 18 | % |
_________________
(a)See “Glossary of Airline Terms” for definitions of terms used in this table.
(b)These metrics are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For the reconciliation to corresponding GAAP measures, see “—Results of Operations—Reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, CASM including net interest and Adjusted CASM including net interest.”
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Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position
Overview
As of December 31, 2022, we had $761 million in total available liquidity, made up of cash and cash equivalents. We had $429 million of total debt, net, of which $157 million was short-term. Our total debt, net is comprised of our $277 million pre-delivery deposit payment facility (“PDP Financing Facility”), $71 million pre-purchased miles facility with Barclays Bank Delaware (“Barclays”), $66 million in PSP Promissory Notes and $17 million in secured indebtedness for our headquarters building, partly offset by $2 million in deferred debt acquisition costs and other discounts.
On February 2, 2022, we repaid the Treasury Loan, which included the $150 million principal balance along with accrued interest and associated fees of $1 million. As a result, we recognized a $7 million non-cash charge from the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the Treasury Loan for the year ended December 31, 2022. By repaying the amounts outstanding under the Treasury Loan, our co-branded credit card program and related brand assets that collateralized the Treasury Loan are now unencumbered.
We continue to monitor our covenant compliance with various parties, including, but not limited to, our lenders and credit card processors. As of the date of this report, we are in compliance with all of our covenants.
The following table presents the major indicators of our financial condition and liquidity:
| December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 761 | $ | 918 | ||
| Total current assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents | $ | 259 | $ | 119 | ||
| Total current liabilities, excluding current maturities of long-term debt and operating leases | $ | 933 | $ | 755 | ||
| Current maturities of long-term debt, net | $ | 157 | $ | 127 | ||
| Long-term debt, net | $ | 272 | $ | 287 | ||
| Stockholders’ equity | $ | 509 | $ | 530 | ||
| Debt to capital ratio | 46 | % | 44 | % | ||
| Debt to capital ratio, including operating lease obligations | 85 | % | 84 | % |
Use of Cash and Future Obligations
We expect to meet our cash requirements for the next twelve months through use of our available cash and cash equivalents, our PDP Financing Facility and cash flows from operating activities. We expect to meet our long-term cash requirements with cash flows from operating and financing activities, including, but not limited to, potential future borrowings on our credit facility and/or potential issuance of debt or equity. Our primary uses of cash are for working capital, aircraft PDPs, debt repayments and capital expenditures.
Our single largest capital commitment relates to the acquisition of aircraft. As of December 31, 2022, we operated all of our 120 aircraft under operating leases. PDPs relating to future deliveries under our agreement with Airbus are required at various times prior to each aircraft’s delivery date. As of December 31, 2022, we had $371 million of PDPs held by Airbus which have been partially financed by our PDP Financing Facility. As of December 31, 2022 our PDP Financing Facility, which allows us to draw up to an aggregate of $290 million, had $277 million outstanding. As of December 31, 2022, we had a firm obligation to purchase 221 A320neo family
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aircraft and 19 additional spare engines to be delivered by 2029. Of our aircraft commitments, eight had committed operating leases for 2023 deliveries, and we are evaluating financing options for the remaining aircraft.
Additionally, we are required by some of our aircraft lease agreements to pay maintenance reserves to our respective aircraft lessors in advance of the performance of major maintenance activities; these payments act as collateral for the lessors to ensure aircraft are returned in the agreed upon condition at the end of the lease period. Qualifying payments that are expected to be recovered from lessors are recorded as aircraft maintenance deposits on our consolidated balance sheets. A portion of our cash is, therefore, unavailable until after we have completed the scheduled maintenance in accordance with the terms of the operating leases. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we made $18 million and $20 million, respectively, in maintenance deposit payments to our lessors. As of December 31, 2022, we had $117 million in recoverable aircraft maintenance deposits on our consolidated balance sheets, of which $12 million was included in accounts receivable because the eligible maintenance had been performed and the remaining $105 million was included within aircraft maintenance deposits.
The following table summarizes current and long-term material cash requirements as of December 31, 2022, which we expect to fund primarily with operating and financing cash flows (in millions):
| Material Cash Requirements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt obligations(a) | $ | 157 | $ | 137 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 137 | $ | 431 | ||||||||||||
| Interest commitments(b) | 20 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease obligations(c) | 478 | 462 | 447 | 383 | 317 | 1,005 | 3,092 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Flight equipment purchase obligations(d) | 760 | 1,974 | 1,767 | 2,358 | 2,448 | 3,758 | 13,065 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Maintenance deposit obligations(e) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,418 | $ | 2,583 | $ | 2,222 | $ | 2,750 | $ | 2,775 | $ | 4,911 | $ | 16,659 |
__________________
(a)Includes principal commitments only associated with our PDP Financing Facility pertaining to deliveries through 2024, our floating rate building note through 2023, our affinity card unsecured debt due through 2029 and the PSP Promissory Notes through 2031. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 9. Debt”.
(b)Represents interest on debt obligations.
(c)Represents gross cash payments related to our operating lease obligations that are not subject to discount as compared to the obligations measured on our consolidated balance sheets. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 10. Operating Leases”.
(d)Represents purchase commitments for aircraft and engines. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 14. Commitments and Contingencies”.
(e)Represents fixed maintenance reserve payments for aircraft including estimated amounts for contractual price escalations. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 10. Operating Leases”.
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Cash Flows
The following table presents information regarding our cash flows in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | (78) | $ | 216 | ||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (154) | (67) | ||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 75 | 391 | ||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (157) | 540 | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 918 | 378 | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 761 | $ | 918 |
Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in operating activities totaled $78 million, which was driven by a $37 million net loss, $14 million of outflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities and non-cash adjustments totaling $27 million.
The $14 million of outflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities includes:
•$94 million in increases in other long-term assets driven by increases in prepaid maintenance and capitalized maintenance;
•$40 million in increases in supplies from increased consumable and fuel inventory balances as well as increases to other current assets driven by swaption derivative premiums;
•$28 million in increases in accounts receivable;
•$18 million in increases in aircraft maintenance deposits; and
•$4 million in decreases in accounts payable; partially offset by
•$130 million in increases in other liabilities driven by growth in the business primarily through increased leased aircraft return costs, aircraft maintenance costs, and other related accruals; and
•$40 million in increases in our air traffic liability as a result of increased bookings.
Our net loss of $37 million was also adjusted by the following non-cash items to arrive at cash used in operating activities:
•$87 million in gains recognized on sale-leaseback transactions; and
•$8 million in deferred tax benefits; partly offset by
•$45 million in depreciation and amortization;
•$15 million in stock-based compensation expense;
•$7 million in losses on extinguishment of debt; and
•$1 million in amortization of cash flow hedges, net of tax.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $216 million, which was driven by $338 million of inflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities partly offset by a $102 million net loss resulting from the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on our operations and non-cash adjustments totaling $20 million.
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The $338 million of inflows from changes in operating assets and liabilities includes:
•$174 million of cash inflows from supplies and other current assets due primarily to the decrease in other current assets, $158 million of which is related to the receipt of our 2020 federal income tax receivable;
•$138 million in increases in our air traffic liability as a result of increased bookings; and
•$84 million in increases in other liabilities and $13 million in increases in accounts payable as our operational related accruals increased during 2021 in line with demand, capacity and overall departure increases.
These cash inflows due to changes in our operating assets and liabilities were partly offset by an increase to our other long-term assets as well as higher maintenance and credit card receivables and increases to our aircraft maintenance deposits.
Our net loss of $102 million includes the following significant items that were adjusted in arriving at cash provided by operating activities:
•$60 million in gains recognized on sale-leaseback transactions;
•$32 million in deferred tax benefits; partly offset by
•$38 million in depreciation and amortization;
•$22 million in unrealized losses on the mark to market adjustments of our warrant liability with the Treasury;
•$11 million in stock-based compensation expense; and
•$1 million in amortization of cash flow hedges, net of tax.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in 2020, we were granted payment deferrals on leases included in our right-of-use assets for certain aircraft and engines from lessors along with airport facilities and other vendors that are not included in our right-of-use assets. As these deferred payments are made, they are recognized in aircraft rent or station operations, as applicable, in our consolidated statements of operations. The payback of all previous aircraft and engine rent deferrals was completed as of December 31, 2021, and, therefore, there was no impact to operating cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022. The payback of station deferrals during the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased operating cash flows by $3 million. The deferrals for the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased operating cash flows and unfavorably impacted our results of operations by $22 million, including a $31 million unfavorable impact to aircraft rent, partially offset by a $9 million favorable impact to station operations. As of December 31, 2022, we had $8 million in station deferrals which will be recognized to station operations within our consolidated statements of operations in future periods as the deferrals are repaid.
As of December 31, 2022, we did not have any other off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities totaled $154 million, driven by:
•$111 million in net payments for pre-delivery deposit activity;
•$41 million in cash outflows for capital expenditures; and
•$2 million in cash outflows relating to other investing activity.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in investing activities totaled $67 million, driven by:
•$36 million in net payments for pre-delivery deposit activity;
•$27 million in cash outflows for capital expenditures; and
•$4 million in cash outflows relating to other investing activity.
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Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash provided by financing activities was $75 million, primarily driven by:
•$273 million in cash proceeds from debt issuances, consisting of $217 million in draws on our PDP Financing Facility, net of issuance costs, and a $56 million draw on our Barclays facility;
•$71 million in net proceeds received from sale-leaseback transactions; and
•$1 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options; partially offset by
•$266 million in cash outflows from principal repayments on debt, which include the paydown of the $150 million Treasury Loan, $115 million in PDP Financing Facility payments and $1 million in payments pursuant to our floating rate building note; and
•$4 million of payments for tax withholdings related to vesting of share-based awards.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by financing activities was $391 million, primarily driven by:
•$266 million aggregate net proceeds from our IPO;
•$66 million in proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt net of principal repayments due to $33 million of proceeds from the PSP2 and PSP3 Promissory Notes in addition to $33 million in net borrowings under our PDP Financing Facility;
•$59 million in net proceeds received from sale-leaseback transactions; and
•$3 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options; partially offset by
•$3 million of payments for tax withholdings related to vesting of share-based awards.
Commitments and Contractual Obligations
Our contractual purchase commitments as of December 31, 2022 include future aircraft and engine acquisitions. Except to the extent set forth in the applicable notes to our consolidated financial statements, the table below does not include commitments that are contingent on events or other factors that are uncertain or unknown at this time.
| A320neo | A321neo | TotalAircraft(a) | Engines | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ending | |||||||||||
| 2023 | — | 13 | 13 | 4 | |||||||
| 2024 | — | 33 | 33 | 2 | |||||||
| 2025 | 17 | 13 | 30 | 4 | |||||||
| 2026 | 19 | 22 | 41 | 4 | |||||||
| 2027 | 21 | 21 | 42 | 3 | |||||||
| Thereafter | 10 | 52 | 62 | 2 | |||||||
| Total | 67 | 154 | 221 | 19 |
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(a) While the commitments presented above reflect the agreed-upon delivery dates as of December 31, 2022, we have recently experienced delays in the deliveries of Airbus aircraft which may persist in future periods.
During October 2019, we entered into an amendment with Airbus that allows us the option to convert 18 A320neo aircraft to A321XLR aircraft. This conversion right is available until June 2023, per the latest amendment, and is not reflected in the table above as this option has not been exercised.
In November 2021, we entered into an amendment with Airbus to add an additional 91 A321neo aircraft to the committed purchase agreement, which are expected to be delivered starting in 2024 and continuing through 2029 per the latest delivery schedule, all of which are reflected in the table above.
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In April 2022, the agreement with Pratt & Whitney, a provider of engines for us, was amended to include additional spare engine commitments and adjust the timing of remaining deliveries, which has been reflected in the table above.
As of December 31, 2022, all 120 aircraft in our fleet were subject to operating leases. These leases expire between 2023 and the end of 2034. Leases for 21 of our aircraft could generally be renewed at rates based on fair market value at the end of a lease term for extensions ranging from less than one year to four years.
As of December 31, 2022, we had signed lease agreements with two of our leasing partners to add ten additional A321neo aircraft through direct leases, with deliveries beginning in the first quarter of 2023 continuing into the third quarter of 2023 based on the latest delivery schedule. None of these ten aircraft are reflected in the table above given they are not committed purchase agreements.
Separately, we have various leases with respect to real property as well as various agreements among airlines relating to fuel consortia or fuel farms at airports. Under some of these contracts, we are party to joint and several liability regarding damages. Under others, where we are a member of an LLC or other entity that contracts directly with the airport operator, liabilities are borne through the fuel consortia structure. Our aircraft, services, equipment lease and sale and financing agreements typically contain provisions requiring us, as the lessee, obligor or recipient of services, to indemnify the other parties to those agreements, including certain of those parties’ related persons, against virtually any liabilities that might arise from the use or operation of the aircraft or such other equipment. We believe that our insurance would cover most of our exposure to liabilities and related indemnities associated with the commercial real estate leases and aircraft, services, equipment lease and sale and financing agreements described above.
Certain of our aircraft and other financing transactions include provisions that require us to make payments to preserve an expected economic return to the lenders if that economic return is diminished due to certain changes in law or regulations. In certain of these financing transactions and other agreements, we also bear the risk of certain changes in tax laws that would subject payments to non-U.S. entities to withholding taxes.
Certain of these indemnities survive the length of the related financing or lease. We cannot reasonably estimate our potential future payments under the indemnities and related provisions described above because we cannot predict when and under what circumstances these provisions may be triggered and the amount that would be payable if the provisions were triggered because the amounts would be based on facts and circumstances existing at such time.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
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GLOSSARY OF AIRLINE TERMS
Set forth below is a glossary of industry terms:
“A320 family” means, collectively, the Airbus series of single-aisle aircraft, including the A319ceo, A320ceo, A320neo, A321ceo and A321neo aircraft.
“A320neo family” means, collectively, the Airbus series of single-aisle aircraft that feature the new engine option, including the A320neo and A321neo aircraft.
“Adjusted CASM” is a non-GAAP measure and means operating expenses, excluding special items, divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, CASM including net interest and Adjusted CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Adjusted CASM including net interest” or “Adjusted CASM + net interest” is a non-GAAP measure and means the sum of Adjusted CASM and Net interest expense (income) excluding special items divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, CASM including net interest and Adjusted CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel)” is a non-GAAP measure and means operating expenses less aircraft fuel expense, excluding special items, divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), Adjusted CASM, CASM including net interest and Adjusted CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Air traffic liability” means the value of tickets, unearned membership fees and other related fees sold in advance of travel.
“Ancillary revenue” means the sum of non-fare passenger revenue and other revenue.
“Available seat miles” or “ASMs” means the number of seats available for passengers multiplied by the number of miles the seats are flown.
“Average aircraft in service” means the average number of aircraft used in flight operations, as calculated on a daily basis.
“Average daily aircraft utilization” means block hours divided by number of days in the period divided by average aircraft.
“Average stage length” means the average number of miles flown per flight segment.
“Block hours” means the number of hours during which the aircraft is in revenue service, measured from the time of gate departure before take-off until the time of gate arrival at the destination.
“CASM” or “unit costs” means operating expenses divided by ASMs.
“CASM (excluding fuel)” is a non-GAAP measure and means CASM less fuel expenses divided by ASMs.
“CASM including net interest” or “CASM + net interest” is a non-GAAP measure and means the sum of CASM and Net interest expense (income) divided by ASMs.
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“CBA” means a collective bargaining agreement.
“CBP” means the United States Customs and Border Protection.
“DOT” means the United States Department of Transportation.
“EPA” means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
“FAA” means the United States Federal Aviation Administration.
“Fare revenue” consists of base fares for air travel, including mileage credits redeemed under our frequent flyer program, unused and expired passenger credits, other redeemed or expired travel credits and revenue derived from charter flights.
“Fare revenue per passenger” means fare revenue divided by passengers.
“FTE” means full-time equivalent employee.
“GDSs” means Global Distribution Systems such as Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport, used by travel agencies and corporations to purchase tickets on participating airlines.
“LCC” means low-cost carrier.
“Load factor” means the percentage of aircraft seat miles actually occupied on a flight (RPMs divided by ASMs).
“Net interest expenses (income)” means interest expense, capitalized interest, interest income and other.
“NMB” means the National Mediation Board.
“Non-fare passenger revenue” consists of fees related to certain ancillary items such as baggage, service fees, seat selection, and other passenger-related revenue that is not included as part of base fares for travel.
“Non-fare passenger revenue per passenger” means non-fare passenger revenue divided by passengers.
“OTA” means Online Travel Agent.
“Other revenue” consists primarily of services not directly related to providing transportation, such as the advertising, marketing and brand elements of the Frontier Miles affinity credit card program and commissions revenue from the sale of items such as rental cars and hotels.
“Other revenue per passenger” means other revenue divided by passengers.
“Passengers” means the total number of passengers flown on all flight segments.
“Passenger revenue” consists of fare revenue and non-fare passenger revenue.
“PDP” means pre-delivery deposit payments, which are payments required by aircraft manufacturers in advance of delivery of the aircraft.
“RASM” or “unit revenue” means total revenue divided by ASMs.
“Revenue passenger miles” or “RPMs” means the number of miles flown by passengers.
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“RLA” means the United States Railway Labor Act.
“Total ancillary revenue per passenger” means ancillary revenue divided by passengers.
“Total Revenue per passenger” means the sum of fare revenue, non-fare passenger revenue, and other revenue (collectively, “Total Revenue”) divided by passengers.
“Treasury” means the United States Department of the Treasury.
“TSA” means the United States Transportation Security Administration.
“ULCC” means ultra low-cost carrier.
“VFR” means visiting friends and relatives.
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001670076-22-000016.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our discussion and analysis of fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 is included herein. Unless expressly stated otherwise, for discussion and analysis of fiscal year 2019 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019, please refer to in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Prospectus filed with the SEC April 2, 2021.
Overview
Frontier Airlines is an ultra low-cost carrier whose business strategy is focused on Low Fares Done Right. We are headquartered in Denver, Colorado and offer flights throughout the United States and to select near international destinations in the Americas. Our unique strategy is underpinned by our low-cost structure and superior low-fare brand.
We are managed as a single business unit that primarily provides air transportation for passengers. Management has concluded there is only one reportable segment.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Beginning in March 2020, the rapid spread of coronavirus (“COVID-19”), along with government-mandated restrictions on travel, required stay-in-place orders, and other social distancing measures, resulted in a drastic decline in near-term air travel demand in the United States, and caused reductions in revenues and income levels as compared to corresponding pre-pandemic periods. The decline in demand for air travel has had a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Although we have seen significant recovery of demand through the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the corresponding prior year period, we are unable to predict the future spread and impact of COVID-19, including future variants of the virus such as the recent Delta and Omicron variants, nor the efficacy and adherence rates of vaccines and other therapeutics and the resulting measures that may be introduced by governments or other parties and what impact those measures may have on the demand for air travel.
Beginning in December 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued emergency use authorizations for various vaccines for COVID-19. Widespread distribution of the vaccines led to increased confidence in travel, particularly in the domestic leisure market on which our business is focused. While we have experienced a meaningful increase in passenger volumes as well as bookings since the vaccines became widely available, demand recovery slowed during the second half of the third quarter and into the fourth quarter of 2021 due to the rise in cases from the Delta and Omicron variants. We continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to adjust capacity and deploy other operational and cost-control measures as necessary to preserve short-term liquidity needs and ensure long-term viability of our business and our strategies. Any anticipated adjustments to capacity and other cost-savings initiatives implemented by us may vary from actual demand and capacity needs. We continue to focus on positioning the airline to be an industry leader in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and as of December 31, 2021 we have returned all of our aircraft and employees into service across all of our stations.
COVID-19 Relief Funding
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) became law on March 27, 2020 and includes various provisions to protect the U.S. airline industry, its employees, and many other stakeholders. The CARES Act is a relief package intended to assist many aspects of the American economy, including providing the
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airline industry with up to $25 billion for a Payroll Support Program (“PSP”) to be used for employee wages, salaries, and benefits and up to $25 billion in loans. On April 30, 2020, we reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) under which we received $211 million of installment funding comprised of a $178 million grant (the “PSP Grant”) for payroll support for the period from April 2020 through September 2020, and a $33 million unsecured 10-year, low-interest loan (the “PSP Promissory Note”), all of which was received as of December 31, 2020. In conjunction with the PSP Promissory Note, we issued to the Treasury warrants to purchase up to 522,576 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.36 per share.
On January 15, 2021, as a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “PSP Extension Law”), which extended the PSP provisions of the CARES Act, we entered into an agreement with the Treasury for installment funding under a second Payroll Support Program (“PSP2”), under which we received $161 million, comprised of a $143 million grant (the “PSP2 Grant”) for the continuation of payroll support through March 31, 2021, and an $18 million unsecured 10-year, low-interest loan (the “PSP2 Promissory Note”), all of which has been received as of December 31, 2021. In conjunction with the PSP2 Promissory Note, we issued to the Treasury warrants to purchase up to 157,313 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $11.65 per share.
The American Rescue Plan Act (“ARP”), enacted on March 11, 2021, provided for additional assistance to passenger air carriers that received financial relief under PSP2. On April 29, 2021, we entered into an agreement with the Treasury for installment funding under a third Payroll Support Program (“PSP3”), under which we received $150 million, comprised of a $135 million grant (the “PSP3 Grant”) for the continuation of payroll support through September 30, 2021, and a $15 million unsecured 10-year, low-interest loan (the “PSP3 Promissory Note” and, together with the PSP Promissory Note and the PSP2 Promissory Note, the “PSP Promissory Notes”), all of which has been received as of December 31, 2021. In conjunction with the PSP3 Promissory Note, we issued to the Treasury warrants to purchase up to 79,961 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $18.85 per share.
On September 28, 2020, we entered into a loan agreement with the Treasury for a term loan facility of up to $574 million pursuant to the secured loan program established under the CARES Act (the “Treasury Loan”). In conjunction with the Treasury Loan, we issued to the Treasury warrants to purchase up to 2,358,090 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.36 per share. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had borrowed $150 million under the Treasury Loan for which the right to draw any further funds lapsed in May 2021.
On February 2, 2022, we repaid the Treasury Loan which included the $150 million principal balance along with accrued interest of $1 million. The repayment terminated the loan agreement with the Treasury and unencumbered our co-branded credit card program and related brand assets that secured the loan. Certain limitations, including restrictions on stock repurchases and the payment of dividends, will continue to apply for one year after repayment, as described below.
In connection with our participation in the PSP, PSP2, PSP3 and the Treasury Loan, we have been and will continue to be subject to certain restrictions and limitations, including, but not limited to:
•restrictions on repurchases of equity securities listed on a national securities exchange or payment of dividends until February 2, 2023;
•requirements to maintain certain levels of scheduled services through March 31, 2022 (including to destinations where there may currently be significantly reduced or no demand);
•a prohibition on involuntary terminations or furloughs of employees (except for health, disability, cause, or certain disciplinary reasons) through September 30, 2021;
•a prohibition on reducing the salary, wages or benefits of our employees (other than our executive officers or independent contractors, or as otherwise permitted under the terms of the PSP, PSP2 and PSP3) through September 30, 2021;
•limits on certain executive compensation, including limiting pay increases and severance pay or other benefits upon terminations, until April 1, 2023;
•limitations on the use of the grant funds exclusively for the continuation of payment of employee wages, salaries and benefits; and
•additional reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
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The CARES Act also provided for an employee retention credit (“CARES Employee Retention Credit”), which is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes that we qualified for beginning on April 1, 2020. In December 2020, the CARES Employee Retention Credit program was extended and enhanced through June 30, 2021. Further, in March 2021, the ARP further extended the availability of the CARES Employee Retention Credit through December 31, 2021. The ARP increased the credit from 50% to 70% of qualified wages, increased the maximum wages per employee from $10,000 for the entire period to $10,000 per quarter, and expanded the gross receipts test for eligible employers from a 50% to an 80% decline in gross receipts as compared to the same calendar quarter in 2019. If the gross receipts test is met in any quarter, wages earned in the following quarter automatically qualify for the credit and as a result of the increase in revenues after the first quarter of 2021, we did not qualify for any additional CARES Employee Retention Credits. During the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recognized $17 million and $16 million, respectively, related to the CARES Employee Retention Credit within CARES Act credits in our consolidated statements of operations and other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
Initial Public Offering
On March 31, 2021, our registration statement on Form S-1 relating to our initial public offering (“IPO”) was declared effective by the SEC, and our common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on April 1, 2021 under the symbol “ULCC”. We completed our IPO on April 6, 2021 at an offering price of $19.00 per share. We issued and sold 15 million shares of common stock and our selling stockholders sold 15 million shares of common stock in the IPO. The underwriters were granted an over-allotment option to purchase up to 4.5 million additional shares of common stock from the selling shareholders, at the IPO price of $19.00 per share, less the underwriting discount, for 30 days from the date of the prospectus, which was exercised in full in April 2021. We did not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by our selling stockholders. In April 2021, we received net proceeds of $266 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $14 million and offering costs of $5 million, which consisted of direct incremental legal, accounting, consulting and other fees relating to the IPO, and exclusive of any income tax benefits from the transaction.
Trends and Uncertainties Affecting Our Business
We believe our operating and business performance is driven by various factors that typically affect airlines and their markets, including trends which affect the broader travel industry, as well as trends which affect the specific markets and customer base that we target. The following key factors may affect our future performance:
Competition. The airline industry is highly competitive. The principal competitive factors in the airline industry are the fare and total price, flight schedules, number of routes served from a city, frequent flyer programs, product and passenger amenities, customer service, fleet type and reputation. The airline industry is particularly susceptible to price discounting as once a flight is scheduled airlines incur only nominal incremental costs to provide service to passengers occupying otherwise unsold seats. Price competition occurs on a market-by-market basis through price discounts, changes in pricing structures, fare matching, target promotions and frequent flyer initiatives. Airlines typically use discount fares and other promotions to stimulate traffic during normally slower travel periods to generate cash flow and to maximize RASM. The prevalence of discount fares can be particularly acute when a competitor has excess capacity that it is under financial pressure to sell. A key element of our competitive strategy is to maintain very low unit costs in order to permit us to compete successfully in price-sensitive markets. In addition, some of the legacy network carriers match low-cost carrier and ultra low-cost carrier pricing on portions of their network. We believe that fare discounts have and will continue to stimulate demand for Frontier due to our Low Fares Done Right strategy.
Our Low Fares Done Right strategy is underpinned by our low-cost structure, and has significantly reduced our cost base by increasing aircraft utilization (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic), transitioning to larger and more fuel-efficient aircraft, maximizing seat density, renegotiating the majority of our distribution agreements, realigning our network, replacing our call center, enhancing our website and mobile app, boosting employee productivity and contracting with leading specialists to provide us with select operating and other services.
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Our cost structure has generally allowed us to achieve strong results from operations relative to the rest of the industry during periods of competitive pricing and price discounts and has helped our ability to manage through the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have already completed the substantial majority of strategic initiatives to reduce our unit operating costs, we believe that we are well positioned to maintain our low unit operating costs relative to our competitors through on-going strategic initiatives, including continuing our cost optimization efforts and further realizing economies of scale. To the extent that we are unable to maintain our low-cost structure, our ability to compete effectively may be impaired, even if demand does return to pre-pandemic levels. In addition, if our competitors engage in fare wars or similar behavior, our financial performance could be adversely impacted.
We continue to monitor the impact of the pandemic on our operations and financial condition, and to implement and adapt mitigation strategies while working to preserve our cash and protect our long-term sustainability. For more detailed information on the impact of COVID-19, please refer to "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—2. Impact of COVID-19."
Aircraft Fuel. Fuel expense represents one of the single largest operating expense for most airlines, including ours. Aircraft fuel prices and availability are subject to market fluctuations, refining capacity, periods of market surplus and shortage and demand for heating oil, gasoline and other petroleum products, as well as meteorological, economic and political factors and events occurring throughout the world, which we can neither control nor accurately predict. The future cost and availability of aircraft fuel cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty.
We have historically hedged our exposure to aircraft fuel prices using call options and collar structures, although we have in the past and may in the future utilize other instruments such as swaps on aircraft fuel or highly correlated commodities and fixed forward price instruments, which allow us to lock in the price of aircraft fuel for specific quantities and at specified locations in future periods.
Although the use of collar structures and swap agreements can reduce the overall cost of hedging, these instruments carry more risk than call options in that we could end up in a liability position when the collar structure or swap agreement settles. Our fuel hedging policy considers many factors, including our assessment of market conditions for fuel, competitor hedging activity, our access to the capital necessary to purchase coverage and support margin requirements, the pricing of hedges and other derivative products in the market and applicable regulatory policies. As of December 31, 2021, we had no fuel cash flow hedges for future fuel consumption.
Volatility. The air transportation business is volatile and highly affected by economic cycles and trends. Global pandemics and related health scares, consumer confidence and discretionary spending, fear of terrorism or war, weakening economic conditions, fare initiatives, fluctuations in fuel prices, labor actions, changes in governmental regulations on taxes and fees, weather and other factors have resulted in significant fluctuations in revenue and results of operations in the past.
Seasonality. Our results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of those for the entire year because the air transportation business and our route network are subject to seasonal fluctuations. We generally expect demand to be greater in the second and third quarters compared to the rest of the year. While we have, over recent years, reduced our concentration in Denver to decrease the impact of seasonality in our business, 29% of our flights during the year ended December 31, 2021 had Denver International Airport as either their origin or destination.
Labor. The airline industry is heavily unionized. The wages, benefits and work rules of unionized airline industry employees are determined by collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”). Relations between air carriers and labor unions in the United States are governed by the United States Railway Labor Act (“RLA”). Under the RLA, CBAs generally contain “amendable dates” rather than expiration dates and the RLA requires that a carrier maintain the existing terms and conditions of employment following the amendable date through a multi-stage and usually lengthy series of bargaining processes overseen by the National Mediation Board (“NMB”). This process continues until either the parties have reached agreement on a new CBA or the parties have been released to “self-help” by the NMB. In most circumstances, the RLA prohibits strikes. However, after release by the NMB, carriers and unions are free to engage in self-help measures such as lockouts and strikes.
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We have seven union-represented employee groups comprising approximately 88% of our employees as of December 31, 2021. Our pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (“ALPA”); our flight attendants are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (“AFA-CWA”); our aircraft technicians, aircraft appearance agents, material specialists and maintenance control employees are all represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“IBT”); and our dispatchers are represented by the Transport Workers Union, (“TWU”).
During September 2020, and in anticipation of the lapse of the provisions set forth in the PSP under the CARES Act as described below, we reached agreement with the labor unions for our pilots and flight attendants to provide for voluntary paid leave of absence programs. Under the arrangements, the pilots and flight attendants were granted paid leave of absence periods of either one, three or six-month time frames. In exchange for accepting a voluntary leave of absence, the pilots and flight attendants received minimum monthly pay and continued to accrue certain benefits with no requirement to work. As employees covered under such paid voluntary programs were still considered active employees, the costs of such programs were recognized as period expenses.
Maintenance Materials and Repairs and Maintenance Reserve Obligations. The amount of total maintenance costs and related depreciation of heavy maintenance expense is subject to variables such as estimated usage, government regulations, the size, age and makeup of the fleet in future periods, and the level of unscheduled maintenance events and their actual costs. Accordingly, we cannot reliably quantify future maintenance-related expenses for any significant period of time.
As of December 31, 2021, the average age of our aircraft was approximately four years and all of the aircraft in our fleet are financed with operating leases, the last of which is scheduled to expire by the end of 2033. As of December 31, 2021, we had a firm obligation to purchase 234 aircraft by the end of 2029. We expect that these new aircraft will require less maintenance when they are first placed in service (sometimes called a “maintenance holiday”) because the aircraft will benefit from manufacturer warranties and also will be able to operate for a significant period of time, generally measured in years, before the most expensive scheduled maintenance obligations, known as heavy maintenance, are required. Once these maintenance holidays expire, these aircraft will require more maintenance as they age and our maintenance and repair expenses for each of our aircraft will be incurred at approximately the same intervals. When these more significant maintenance activities occur, this will result in out-of-service periods during which our aircraft are dedicated to maintenance activities and unavailable to generate revenue.
We account for heavy maintenance events under the deferral method. Accordingly, heavy maintenance is depreciated over the shorter of either the remaining lease term or the period until the next estimated heavy maintenance event. As a result, maintenance events occurring closer to the end of the lease term will generally have shorter depreciation periods than those occurring earlier in the lease term. This will create higher depreciation expense specific to any aircraft related to heavy maintenance during the final years of the lease as compared to earlier periods.
The terms of certain of our aircraft lease agreements require us to post deposits for future maintenance, also known as maintenance reserves, to the lessor in advance of and as collateral for the performance of heavy maintenance events, resulting in us recording significant prepaid deposits on our consolidated balance sheet. As a result, for leases requiring maintenance reserves, the cash costs of scheduled heavy maintenance events are paid in advance of the recognition of the maintenance event in our results of operations. Please see “—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Aircraft maintenance including maintenance reserves and leased aircraft return costs.”
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). In doing so, we make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, as well as related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial condition or results of operations would be affected. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. We refer to accounting estimates of this type as critical accounting estimates, which we discuss below. For a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies, please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”
Frequent Flyer Program
Our Frontier Miles frequent flyer program provides frequent flyer travel awards to program members based on accumulated mileage credits. Mileage credits are accumulated as a result of travel, purchases using the co-branded credit card and purchases from other participating partners. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our total frequent flyer liability was $54 million and $63 million, respectively.
The contract to sell mileage credits under the co-branded credit card partnership has multiple performance obligations. The agreement provides for joint marketing, and we account for this agreement consistently with the accounting method that allocates the consideration received to the individual products and services delivered based on relative stand-alone selling prices. We determined the best estimate of the selling prices by considering discounted cash flow analysis using multiple inputs and assumptions, including: (1) the expected number of miles awarded and number of miles redeemed, (2) equivalent ticket value (“ETV”) for the award travel obligation, (3) licensing of brand and access to member lists and (4) advertising and marketing efforts. Any changes in the assumptions outlined above related to our co-branded credit card partnership at agreement inception would impact the allocation of consideration received and the resulting timing of when revenues from the each of the specific performance obligation would be recognized.
We estimate breakage (mileage credits that are expected to expire unutilized) based on statistical models derived from historical redemption patterns. Breakage assumptions, including the period over which mileage credits are expected to be redeemed, the actual redemption activity for mileage credits, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, or the estimated fair value of mileage credits expected to be redeemed, could have an impact on revenues in the year in which the change occurs and in future years. Additionally, we estimate ETV, which is used to determine the value per mileage credit, based on the historical prices of the flights redeemed using mileage credits and changes to these assumptions could impact the initial allocation of consideration in our co-branded credit card partnership or the amount of revenue recognized or deferred for miles accumulated as a result of travel.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, holding other factors constant, a 10% change in our estimated frequent flyer breakage rate would have resulted in a change to passenger revenues of approximately $3 million, or less than 1%.
Revenues from Customer’s Rights to Book Future Travel
As of December 31, 2021, our current air traffic liability was $273 million, of which $59 million was related to customer rights to book future travel, which generally expire 12 months after issuance if not redeemed by the passenger. The amounts not expected to be redeemed are recognized as revenue over the historical pattern of rights exercised by customers. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we recognized $58 million, $126 million and $26 million, respectively, in passenger revenue within the consolidated statements of operations, related to expected and actual expiration of customer rights to book future travel.
We estimate amounts not expected to be redeemed (breakage) based on historical redemption patterns of such customer rights, which also considers any historical redemption activity that may not be indicative of future trends
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such as COVID-19 or program modifications that may impact future expectations of breakage. Changes in breakage rate assumptions as a result of actual results differing from historical patterns or other factors, including the period over which these rights are expected to be redeemed, could have a material impact on revenues recognized in the year in which the change occurs and in future years.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, holding other factors constant, a 10% change in our estimated breakage related to customer’s rights to book future travel, which assumes no change in historical pattern of usage of such rights, would have resulted in a change to passenger revenues of approximately $9 million, or less than 1%.
Aircraft Leases - Maintenance Reserves and Aircraft Return Costs
Under our aircraft operating lease agreements and United States Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) regulations, we are obligated to perform all required maintenance activities on our fleet, including component repairs, scheduled air frame checks and major engine restoration events. Certain of our aircraft lease agreements provide that we pay maintenance reserves to aircraft lessors to be held as collateral in advance of our required performance of heavy maintenance events. Recoverable maintenance reserve payments are reflected as aircraft maintenance deposits on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Additionally, our aircraft lease agreements generally require us to return aircraft airframes and engines to the lessor in a certain condition or pay an amount to the lessor based on the airframe and engine’s actual return condition. These return provisions are evaluated at inception of the lease and throughout the lease terms and are accounted for as either fixed or variable lease payments (depending on the nature of the lease return condition). When such costs become both probable and estimable, they are accrued as a component of supplemental rent through the remaining lease term. Changes to the assumptions utilized in the estimation of these lease return costs are accounted for on a cumulative catch-up basis.
In assessing the future potential lease return costs and the recoverability of our maintenance reserves we consider the future anticipated costs and scope of maintenance events (driven by projected number of flight hours and cycles estimated to be utilized on the aircraft prior to its return), estimated timing of such events including the timing since the last expected major maintenance event, the date the aircraft is due to be returned to the lessor, contractual terms of the lease agreements, current condition of each aircraft, age of the aircraft at lease expiration, projected number of hours and cycles run on the engines at the time of return, and the number of projected cycles run on the airframe at the time of return, among other estimates.
If actual estimates vary materially from those utilized in the assessment of the recoverability of maintenance deposits we may determine that some or all of the maintenance deposit is not recoverable and, therefore, could incur incremental supplemental rent. Conversely, a maintenance deposit previously expensed could be considered reimbursable. If actual estimates vary materially from those utilized in the estimation of lease return costs we could incur more or less supplemental rent expense depending on the direction of the adjustments necessary. There can be no assurance that the projections utilized won’t materially change in the future given the inherent difficulty in forecasting future utilization of aircraft over their lease terms, especially in light of the impact COVID-19 has had on forecast compared to actual utilization, however, the estimates utilized are the best available at the time the financial statements were issued.
Income Tax Valuation Allowance
As of December 31, 2021, our total net deferred tax assets were $646 million, which includes an $8 million valuation allowance, as well as $47 million of gross net operating loss carry forwards. These net operating loss carryforwards are comprised of $30 million of federal net operating losses, $10 million of state net operating losses and $7 million of foreign net operating losses. We assess whether it is more likely than not that sufficient taxable income will be generated to realize deferred tax assets, and a valuation allowance is established if it is not likely that deferred income tax assets will be realized. We consider sources of taxable income from prior period carryback
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periods, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies and future taxable income when assessing the future utilization of deferred tax assets.
As part of our assessment of whether a valuation allowance is warranted, we consider all available positive and negative evidence in conjunction with evaluating the source and availability of taxable income to utilize such deferred tax assets. We updated this assessment as of December 31, 2021, noting that in part as a result of the significant impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic particularly prior to the wide availability of vaccines, we were in a cumulative three-year loss position. Conversely, prior to the pandemic, we had a consistent history of generating significant earnings and resulting taxable income and had typically utilized significant deferred tax assets such as net operating losses prior to expiration. The main sources of taxable income that supported realization of our deferred tax assets were from the projected reversal of existing temporary differences and our projected future taxable income. There are significant estimates inherent in the reversal of taxable temporary differences such as projecting the timing of such reversals as well as nature and character of the taxable income created as to whether it can be appropriately utilized for the deferred tax assets subject to evaluation. Most of our operations are domestic and the majority of taxable income created from reversal of temporary differences was appropriate to utilize against our federal net operating losses. A significant portion of taxable income used to support the realization of our remaining deferred tax assets was based on projections of our future taxable income. Our projections of future taxable income considered the general business environment, our recent history of profitability outside of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the extended tenure of the COVID-19 recovery which has been longer than originally anticipated, industry wide consensus on air travel outlook and post-December 31, 2021 booking trends. These factors were considered in conjunction with other evidence such as our cumulative three-year loss position. Given the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on our results for which we continue to recover from post vaccine availability, we don’t believe the factors that caused our cumulative three-year loss to be indicative of future performance. Based on the factors outlined above, we concluded that as a result of taxable income generated from reversal of taxable temporary differences and projected future income that the majority of our deferred tax assets were likely to be realized.
Additionally, under current tax law, our federal net operating losses do not expire and most state net operating losses have a carry forward period of ten years or greater. As a result of our assessment, we recorded a valuation allowance on certain state deferred tax assets of $1 million and a valuation allowance on our foreign deferred tax assets of $7 million as we concluded this $8 million of net operating losses will more likely than not be realized primarily due to short expiry periods combined with significant income required to utilize these deferred tax assets. The $7 million valuation allowance recorded on our foreign net operating losses was fully offset by a corresponding reversal of a U.S. federal deferred tax liability.
If we are unable to achieve our projected operating income targets or actual results are not in line with those utilized in the judgments listed above an adjustment to our conclusion on the recoverability of our future deferred tax assets may occur and, therefore, may result in either the creation of a valuation allowance being recorded against some or all of our net deferred tax assets in future periods or the reversal of the recorded valuation allowance. An increase in our valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense and a subsequent release of a valuation allowance in future periods, if those deferred tax assets become realizable, would reduce our income tax expense. There can be no assurance that an additional valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets will not be required and such valuation allowance could be material.
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
Total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021 totaled $2,060 million, an increase of 65% compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, as the demand for leisure travel continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. We had 31% more average aircraft in service during the year ended December 31, 2021 as
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compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, with a 23% increase in average daily aircraft utilization, which resulted in an increase to capacity of 58% compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.
Total operating expenses during the year ended December 31, 2021 totaled $2,177 million, including $295 million of CARES Act credits and $11 million of early lease termination costs. Fuel expense was 70% higher during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, with the $237 million increase in fuel expense driven by the 64% increase in fuel consumption associated with the 58% increase in our capacity and the 4% increase in fuel rates. The increase in fuel rates was partially offset by the $82 million in losses associated with fuel hedges during the year ended December 31, 2020. We had no fuel hedges (and no fuel hedge gains or losses) in the year ended December 31, 2021. Our non-fuel expenses increased by 25%, driven primarily by higher capacity and the resulting increase in operations during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. Aircraft rent during the year ended December 31, 2021 was also unfavorably impacted by the payback of vendor deferrals granted in 2020, the impact of a larger fleet, increased lease return costs and costs related to early termination of the leases related to our remaining A319 aircraft. These increases in non-fuel expenses were partly offset by a $102 million increase in benefits from CARES Act credits. CASM (excluding fuel) decreased by 21%, from 7.53¢ for the year ended December 31, 2020 to 5.96¢ for the year ended December 31, 2021, driven largely by the significant growth in capacity coupled with the fixed nature of certain operating costs such as aircraft rent as well as salaries, wages and benefits in part due to the CARES Act restrictions. Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), which excludes the impact of the CARES Act credits, early lease termination costs for the remaining A319 aircraft and the one-time write-off of deferred registration statement costs due to the uncertainty in the capital markets caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased from 8.63¢ for the year ended December 31, 2020 to 7.02¢ for the year ended December 31, 2021. See the reconciliation to corresponding GAAP measures provided below.
We generated a net loss of $102 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 and a net loss of $225 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, as a result of the significant reduction in demand beginning in March 2020 caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results for the year ended December 31, 2021 include CARES Act credits and other charges that reduced our operating expenses by $284 million, including $295 million related to funding recognized from the PSP2 and PSP3 Grants and the recognition of CARES Employee Retention Credits offset by $11 million in costs incurred with the early termination of our A319 leased aircraft. The results for the year ended December 31, 2021 also include $22 million in other non-operating expenses related to mark to market adjustments associated with the warrants issued as part of the Treasury Loan and PSP Promissory Notes. As a result of our IPO and the resulting reclassification of warrants from liability based awards to equity based awards, as of April 6, 2021, we no longer mark to market the warrants. Our results for the year ended December 31, 2020 include certain items that reduced our operating expenses by $134 million and include $193 million related to funding recognized from the PSP Grant and the recognition of CARES Employee Retention Credits partly offset by $52 million in expenses resulting from the de-designation of certain derivative contracts as a result of the estimated future fuel consumption for gallons subjected to fuel hedges no longer deemed probable due to the decline in demand from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent mark to market adjustments and $7 million relating to a one-time write-off of deferred registration statement costs due to the uncertainty in the capital markets caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The results for the year ended December 31, 2020 also include $9 million in other non-operating expenses related to mark to market adjustments associated with the warrants issued as part of the Treasury Loan and PSP Promissory Note. Excluding these credits and charges and the related tax benefit of $65 million and $49 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, our adjusted net loss was $299 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to an adjusted net loss of $301 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
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As comparisons of our 2021 results to 2020 may reflect disproportionate changes due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also provided analysis of certain revenue and expense line items to 2019 results where helpful to understand trends in our performance.
Operating Revenues
| Year Ended December 31, | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 vs. 2020 | 2021 vs. 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Operating revenues ($ in millions): | |||||||||||||||||
| Passenger | $ | 2,000 | $ | 1,207 | $ | 2,445 | 66 | % | (18) | % | |||||||
| Other | 60 | 43 | 63 | 40 | % | (5) | % | ||||||||||
| Total operating revenues | $ | 2,060 | $ | 1,250 | $ | 2,508 | 65 | % | (18) | % | |||||||
| Operating statistics: | |||||||||||||||||
| Available seat miles (millions) | 26,867 | 16,955 | 28,120 | 58 | % | (4) | % | ||||||||||
| Revenue passenger miles (millions) | 20,380 | 11,443 | 24,203 | 78 | % | (16) | % | ||||||||||
| Average stage length (statute miles) | 968 | 999 | 1,051 | (3) | % | (8) | % | ||||||||||
| Load factor (%) | 75.9% | 67.5% | 86.1% | 8.4 | pts | (10.2) | pts | ||||||||||
| Total revenue per available seat mile (RASM) (¢) | 7.67 | 7.37 | 8.92 | 4 | % | (14) | % | ||||||||||
| Total revenue per passenger ($) | 99.49 | 111.23 | 109.91 | (11) | % | (9) | % | ||||||||||
| Passengers (thousands) | 20,709 | 11,238 | 22,823 | 84 | % | (9) | % |
Total operating revenue increased $810 million, or 65%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, as we experienced increased demand for leisure travel as COVID-19 vaccines were available and widely utilized as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. Revenue was favorably impacted by the 58% capacity growth, as measured by ASMs, as well as the increase in our load factor from 67.5% during year ended December 31, 2020 to 75.9% for the year ended December 31, 2021. Additionally, our total revenue per passenger was lower during the year ended December 31, 2021 due primarily to the decrease in expected and actual expiration of customer rights to book future travel recognized in 2021 as compared to the corresponding prior year period.
Total operating revenue decreased $448 million, or 18%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to a lower revenue per passenger as well as the decrease in our load factor from 86.1% during the year ended December 31, 2019 to 75.9% for the year ended December 31, 2021, which resulted in RASM decreasing 14%. In addition, revenue was unfavorably impacted by the 4% capacity decline, as measured by ASMs caused by lower utilization per aircraft offset by a 20% increase of aircraft in service.
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Operating Expenses
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | Cost per ASM | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 vs 2020 | 2021 vs 2019 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 vs 2020 | 2021 vs 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses ($ in millions):(a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | $ | 575 | $ | 338 | $ | 640 | 70 | % | (10) | % | 2.14 | ¢ | 2.00 | ¢ | 2.27 | ¢ | 7 | % | (6) | % | ||||||||||||
| Salaries, wages and benefits | 616 | 533 | 529 | 16 | % | 16 | % | 2.29 | 3.14 | 1.88 | (27) | % | 22 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Aircraft rent | 530 | 396 | 368 | 34 | % | 44 | % | 1.97 | 2.34 | 1.31 | (16) | % | 50 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Station operations | 384 | 257 | 336 | 49 | % | 14 | % | 1.43 | 1.52 | 1.19 | (6) | % | 20 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 109 | 78 | 130 | 40 | % | (16) | % | 0.41 | 0.46 | 0.46 | (11) | % | (11) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Maintenance materials and repairs | 119 | 83 | 86 | 43 | % | 38 | % | 0.44 | 0.49 | 0.31 | (10) | % | 42 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 38 | 33 | 46 | 15 | % | (17) | % | 0.14 | 0.19 | 0.16 | (26) | % | (13) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| CARES Act credits | (295) | (193) | — | 53 | % | N/M | (1.10) | (1.14) | — | (4) | % | N/M | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 101 | 90 | 64 | 12 | % | 58 | % | 0.38 | 0.53 | 0.24 | (28) | % | 58 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 2,177 | $ | 1,615 | $ | 2,199 | 35 | % | (1) | % | 8.10 | ¢ | 9.53 | ¢ | 7.82 | ¢ | (15) | % | 4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Operating statistics: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available seat miles (millions) | 26,867 | 16,955 | 28,120 | 58 | % | (4) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average stage length (statute miles) | 968 | 999 | 1,051 | (3) | % | (8) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Departures | 143,476 | 88,642 | 138,570 | 62 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) | 5.96 | 7.53 | 5.55 | (21) | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) | 7.02 | 8.63 | 5.44 | (19) | % | 29 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel cost per gallon ($) | 2.17 | 2.08 | 2.22 | 4 | % | (2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 265,558 | 162,241 | 288,510 | 64 | % | (8) | % |
__________________
(a)Cost per ASM figures may not recalculate due to rounding.
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Reconciliation of CASM to Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM including net interest
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | ($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | ($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | |||||||||||
| Non-GAAP financial data (unaudited):(a) | ||||||||||||||||
| CASM | 8.10 | 9.53 | 7.82 | |||||||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | (575) | (2.14) | (338) | (2.00) | (640) | (2.27) | ||||||||||
| CASM (excluding fuel) | 5.96 | 7.53 | 5.55 | |||||||||||||
| Early lease termination costs(b) | (11) | (0.04) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Cares Act – grant recognition and employee retention credits(c) | 295 | 1.10 | 193 | 1.14 | — | — | ||||||||||
| Write-off of deferred registration statement costs due to significant market uncertainty(d) | — | — | (7) | (0.04) | — | — | ||||||||||
| Pilot phantom equity(e) | — | — | — | — | (5) | (0.02) | ||||||||||
| Collective bargaining contract ratification(f) | — | — | — | — | (22) | (0.07) | ||||||||||
| Flight attendant early out program(g) | — | — | — | — | (5) | (0.02) | ||||||||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) | 7.02 | 8.63 | 5.44 | |||||||||||||
| Aircraft fuel | 575 | 2.14 | 338 | 2.00 | 640 | 2.27 | ||||||||||
| Derivative de-designation and mark to market adjustment(h) | — | — | (52) | (0.31) | — | — | ||||||||||
| Adjusted CASM | 9.16 | 10.32 | 7.71 | |||||||||||||
| Net interest expense (income) | 27 | 0.11 | 7 | 0.04 | (16) | (0.06) | ||||||||||
| CARES Act – mark to market impact for warrants(i) | (22) | (0.09) | (9) | (0.05) | — | — | ||||||||||
| Adjusted CASM + net interest | 9.18 | 10.31 | 7.65 | |||||||||||||
| CASM | 8.10 | 9.53 | 7.82 | |||||||||||||
| Net interest expense (income) | 27 | 0.11 | 7 | 0.04 | (16) | (0.06) | ||||||||||
| CASM + net interest | 8.21 | 9.57 | 7.76 |
__________________
(a)Figures may not recalculate due to rounding.
(b)As a result of an early termination and buyout agreement executed in May 2021 with one of our lessors, we were able to accelerate the removal of the remaining four A319 aircraft from our fleet. These aircraft were originally scheduled to return in December 2021 and were instead returned during the second and third quarters of 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we incurred $10 million in aircraft rent costs and $1 million in depreciation relating to the acceleration and resulting changes to our lease return obligations.
(c)Represents (i) the recognition of $278 million of the grant funding received from the Treasury for payroll support during the year ended December 31, 2021 as part of the PSP2 and PSP3 Agreements under the CARES Act along with $17 million of CARES Employee Retention Credits and (ii) the recognition of $177 million of net grant funding received from the Treasury for payroll support during the year ended December 31, 2020 as part of the PSP Agreement under the CARES Act, along with $16 million of CARES Employee Retention Credits.
(d)Represents the write-off of our deferred IPO preparation costs during the first quarter of 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting uncertainty on our ability to access the capital markets.
(e)Represents the impact of the change in value and vesting of phantom equity units pursuant to the Pilot Phantom Equity Plan. In accordance with the amended and restated phantom equity agreement, the remaining phantom equity obligation became fixed as of December 31, 2019 and is no longer subject to valuation adjustments.
(f)Represents $15 million of costs related to a one-time contract ratification incentive, plus $3 million in payroll-related taxes and certain other compensation and benefits-related accruals earned through March 31, 2019 and committed to by us as part of a tentative agreement with the union representing our flight attendants that was reached in March 2019 for a contract that was ratified and became effective in May 2019, in addition to $4 million in pilot vacation accrual adjustments as a result of the ratified agreement with the union representing our pilots specifically tied to the implementation of a preferred bidding system.
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(g)Represents expenses associated with an early out program agreed to in 2019 with our flight attendants, payable throughout 2019, 2020 and 2021.
(h)Due to the significant reduction in demand resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, our future anticipated consumption of fuel dropped significantly and we therefore de-designated hedge accounting in March 2020 on the derivative positions where the future consumption was not deemed probable, which primarily related to our written put options on our costless collars. The $52 million charge is the result of the de-designation and the resulting mark to market impact on the quantities where consumption was not deemed probable.
(i)Represents the mark to market adjustment to the value of the warrants issued as part of the funding provided under the CARES Act. This amount is a component of interest expense. As a result of our IPO and the resulting reclassification of warrants from liability based awards to equity based awards, as of April 6, 2021, we no longer mark to market the warrants.
Aircraft Fuel. Aircraft fuel expense increased by $237 million, or 70%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase was primarily due to the 64% increase in fuel gallons consumed due to the higher capacity and a 4% increase in fuel rates. The increase in fuel rates was partially offset by the $82 million in losses associated with fuel hedges during the year ended December 31, 2020. We had no fuel hedges (and no fuel hedge gains or losses) in the year ended December 31, 2021.
Aircraft fuel expense decreased by $65 million, or 10%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was due to a 8% decrease in fuel gallons consumed due to lower load factor and capacity, a 2% decrease in fuel rates and $17 million in losses associated with fuel hedges during the year ended December 31, 2019. We had no fuel hedges in the year ended December 31, 2021.
Salaries, Wages and Benefits. Salaries, wages and benefits expense increased by $83 million, or 16%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. We did not reduce headcount during either period and have operated in accordance with the provisions of the CARES Act, which began in March 2020 and ended in September 2021. The increase was primarily due to increased crew expenses caused by higher credit hours and rates as a result of increased capacity, as well as higher employee benefit costs for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.
Salaries, wages and benefits expense increased by $87 million, or 16%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to increased crew expenses caused by higher rates, higher employee benefit costs, stock based compensation and an 11% increase in FTEs for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019.
Aircraft Rent. Aircraft rent expense increased by $134 million, or 34%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a $62 million net unfavorable impact from the $31 million in vendor deferrals granted in 2020 that were paid and expensed during the year ended December 31, 2021. Further increases were due to the impact of a larger fleet, higher costs associated with anticipated lease returns and the early termination costs of the leases related to our remaining A319 aircraft.
Aircraft rent expense increased by $162 million, or 44%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to the impact of a larger fleet. In addition, further increases were due to $31 million in vendor deferrals expensed during 2021 related to 2020 and higher costs associated with anticipated lease returns for tails in 2021 as compared to 2019.
Station Operations. Station operations expense increased by $127 million, or 49%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, due to a 62% increase in departures and an 84% increase in passengers as demand continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. These increases were partially offset by the fixed nature of certain charges as well as a $7 million net favorable impact of additional deferral agreements in 2021 related to certain leases with our airport facilities that were negotiated to manage liquidity during recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Station operations expense increased by $48 million, or 14%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, due to rate increases and a 4% increase in departures. These increases were partially offset by a $9 million net favorable impact of payment deferral agreements related to certain
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leases with our airport facilities based on negotiations with our vendors to manage liquidity as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic persisted.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expense increased by $31 million, or 40%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to higher credit card fees resulting from the 65% increase in revenue and an increase in booking fees due to greater volume as demand continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sales and marketing expense decreased by $21 million, or 16%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to lower credit card fees resulting from the 18% decrease in revenue, reduced sales support and paid media advertising.
The following table presents our distribution channel mix:
| Year Ended December 31, | Change | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution Channel | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 vs 2020 | 2021 vs 2019 | |||||||||
| Our website, mobile app and other direct channels | 71 | % | 76 | % | 73 | % | (5) | pts | (2) | pts | ||||
| Third-party channels | 29 | % | 24 | % | 27 | % | 5 | pts | 2 | pts |
Maintenance Materials and Repairs. Maintenance materials and repair expense increased by $36 million, or 43%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, due to higher flight hours due to the 31% increase in aircraft in service as compared to the highly constrained capacity during the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase in maintenance checks performed during 2021 and the impact of inflationary pressures.
Maintenance materials and repair expense increased by $33 million, or 38%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, due to increased costs in maintaining a larger fleet mainly caused by a 20% increase in average aircraft in service during the year ended December 31, 2021, increases relating to the timing and mix of maintenance events and the impact of inflationary pressures.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $5 million, or 15%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, due to losses on asset disposal and an increase in capitalized maintenance.
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $8 million, or 17%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to a decrease in capitalized maintenance due to return of leased aircraft.
CARES Act Credits. CARES Act credits increased by $102 million, or 53%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized $278 million in net grant funding received from the Treasury under the PSP2 and PSP3 Agreements and $17 million in CARES Employee Retention Credits, as compared to $177 million in net PSP grant funding and $16 million in CARES Employee Retention Credits recognized during year ended December 31, 2020.
Other Operating Expenses. Other operating expenses increased by $11 million, or 12%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was driven primarily by increases in travel expenses relating to crew accommodations as well as higher other general and administrative costs due to increased capacity as demand continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. These increases were partially offset by increased sale-leaseback gains of $60 million due to higher aircraft deliveries during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to $48 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, as well as the $7 million write off of our deferred registration costs in 2020.
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Other operating expenses increased by $37 million, or 58%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was driven primarily by decreased sale-leaseback gains, as well as higher other general administrative costs. These increases were partially offset by decrease in travel expenses relating to crew accommodations.
Other Income (Expense). Other expenses increased by $20 million, or 286%, during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to $22 million in interest expense related to the mark to market adjustments of warrants issued in conjunction with the PSP Promissory Notes and the Treasury Loan, as compared to $9 million in the corresponding prior year, in addition to decreases in interest income resulting from lower interest rates. Further increases in interest expense relate to increased principal balances from CARES Act funding outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2021.
We incurred $27 million in other expenses during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to $16 million in other income for the year ended December 31, 2019. The change was primarily due to $22 million in interest expense related to the mark to market adjustments of warrants issued in conjunction with the PSP Promissory Notes and the Treasury Loan, in addition to decreases in interest income resulting from lower principal balances and interest rates as well as a reduction in capitalized interest as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019.
Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 was a benefit of 29.2%, compared to a benefit of 39.5% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 is higher than the statutory rate primarily due to the release of the reserves related to uncertain tax positions for which the statute of limitations has expired and excess tax benefits associated with our stock-based compensation arrangements which was partially offset by non-deductible interest from the mark to market adjustments from the warrants issued to the Treasury as part of our participation in the PSP, PSP2, PSP3, and the Treasury Loan. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was favorably impacted by the CARES Act benefit which allowed the 2020 net operating loss to be carried back to tax years in which a federal 35% tax rate applied, resulting in a 14% permanent rate benefit. In addition, the prior year rate was also favorably impacted by the inclusion of the tax deduction for the payments made to FAPAInvest, LLC, as described further in Note 11, in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
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Reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted net income, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||
| Non-GAAP financial data (unaudited): | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss)(a) | $ | (299) | $ | (301) | $ | 276 | ||||
| EBITDA(a) | $ | (79) | $ | (332) | $ | 355 | ||||
| EBITDAR(b) | $ | 451 | $ | 64 | $ | 723 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA(a) | $ | (364) | $ | (466) | $ | 387 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDAR(b) | $ | 156 | $ | (70) | $ | 755 |
__________________
(a)Adjusted net income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe they are useful indicators of our operating performance. Derivations of net income and EBITDA are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by our management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in our industry.
Adjusted net income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools. Some of the limitations applicable to these measures include: Adjusted net income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations; Adjusted net income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our indebtedness or possible cash requirements related to our warrants; although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted net income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Because of these limitations, Adjusted net income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because derivations of Adjusted net income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, derivations of Net income and EBITDA, including Adjusted net income and Adjusted EBITDA, as presented may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.
For the foregoing reasons, each of Adjusted net income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA has significant limitations which affect its use as an indicator of our profitability. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.
(b)EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR are included as a supplemental disclosure because we believe them to be useful solely as valuation metrics for airlines as their calculations isolate the effects of financing in general, the accounting effects of capital spending and acquisitions (primarily aircraft, which may be acquired directly, directly subject to acquisition debt, by capital lease or by operating lease, each of which is presented differently for accounting purposes), and income taxes, which may vary significantly between periods and for different airlines for reasons unrelated to the underlying value of a particular airline. However, EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR are not determined in accordance with GAAP, are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measure in the same manner. As a result, EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR, as presented, may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. In addition, EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR should not be viewed as a measure of overall performance since they exclude aircraft rent, which is a normal, recurring cash operating expense that is necessary to operate our business. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.
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| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss) reconciliation (unaudited): | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (102) | $ | (225) | $ | 251 | ||||
| Non-GAAP Adjustments: | ||||||||||
| Early lease termination costs | 11 | — | — | |||||||
| Cares Act – grant recognition and employee retention credits | (295) | (193) | — | |||||||
| Write-off of deferred registration statement costs due to significant market uncertainty | — | 7 | — | |||||||
| Derivative de-designation and mark to market adjustment | — | 52 | — | |||||||
| Pilot phantom equity | — | — | 5 | |||||||
| Collective bargaining contract ratification | — | — | 22 | |||||||
| Flight attendant early out program | — | — | 5 | |||||||
| CARES Act – mark to market impact for warrants | 22 | 9 | — | |||||||
| Pre-tax impact | (262) | (125) | 32 | |||||||
| Tax benefit (expense) related to non-GAAP adjustments | 65 | 49 | (7) | |||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss) | $ | (299) | $ | (301) | $ | 276 | ||||
| EBITDA, EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR reconciliation (unaudited): | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (102) | $ | (225) | $ | 251 | ||||
| Plus (minus): | ||||||||||
| Interest expense | 33 | 18 | 11 | |||||||
| Capitalized interest | (4) | (6) | (11) | |||||||
| Interest income and other | (2) | (5) | (16) | |||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | (42) | (147) | 74 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 38 | 33 | 46 | |||||||
| EBITDA | (79) | (332) | 355 | |||||||
| Plus: Aircraft rent | 530 | 396 | 368 | |||||||
| EBITDAR | $ | 451 | $ | 64 | $ | 723 | ||||
| EBITDA | $ | (79) | $ | (332) | $ | 355 | ||||
| Plus (minus)(a): | ||||||||||
| Early lease termination costs | 10 | — | — | |||||||
| Cares Act – grant recognition and employee retention credits | (295) | (193) | — | |||||||
| Write-off of deferred registration statement costs due to significant market uncertainty | — | 7 | — | |||||||
| Derivative de-designation and mark to market adjustment | — | 52 | — | |||||||
| Pilot phantom equity | — | — | 5 | |||||||
| Collective bargaining contract ratification | — | — | 22 | |||||||
| Flight attendant early out program | — | — | 5 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | (364) | (466) | 387 | |||||||
| Plus: Aircraft rent(b) | 520 | 396 | 368 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDAR | $ | 156 | $ | (70) | $ | 755 |
__________________
(a)See “Reconciliation of CASM to Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM including net interest” above for discussion on adjusting items.
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(b)Represents aircraft rent expense included in Adjusted EBITDA. Excludes aircraft rent expense of $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 for costs incurred due to the early termination of our A319 leased aircraft. See footnote (b) under the caption “Reconciliation of CASM to Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM including net interest”.
Comparative Operating Statistics
The following table sets forth our operating statistics for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. These operating statistics are provided because they are commonly used in the airline industry and, as such, allow readers to compare our performance against our results for the prior year periods, as well as against the performance of our peers.
| Year Ended December 31, | Percent Change | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 vs. 2020 | 2021 vs. 2019 | ||||||||||
| Operating statistics (unaudited)(a) | ||||||||||||||
| Available seat miles (ASMs) (millions) | 26,867 | 16,955 | 28,120 | 58 | % | (4) | % | |||||||
| Departures | 143,476 | 88,642 | 138,570 | 62 | % | 4 | % | |||||||
| Average stage length (statute miles) | 968 | 999 | 1,051 | (3) | % | (8) | % | |||||||
| Block hours | 381,018 | 235,974 | 389,476 | 61 | % | (2) | % | |||||||
| Average aircraft in service | 106 | 81 | 88 | 31 | % | 20 | % | |||||||
| Aircraft – end of period | 110 | 104 | 98 | 6 | % | 12 | % | |||||||
| Average daily aircraft utilization (hours) | 9.8 | 8.0 | 12.2 | 23 | % | (20) | % | |||||||
| Passengers (thousands) | 20,709 | 11,238 | 22,823 | 84 | % | (9) | % | |||||||
| Average seats per departure | 193 | 191 | 192 | 1 | % | 1 | % | |||||||
| Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (millions) | 20,380 | 11,443 | 24,203 | 78 | % | (16) | % | |||||||
| Load Factor (%) | 75.9 | % | 67.5 | % | 86.1 | % | 8.4 | pts | (10.2) | pts | ||||
| Fare revenue per passenger ($) | 38.94 | 48.78 | 52.80 | (20) | % | (26) | % | |||||||
| Non-fare passenger revenue per passenger ($) | 57.65 | 58.66 | 54.33 | (2) | % | 6 | % | |||||||
| Other revenue per passenger ($) | 2.90 | 3.79 | 2.78 | (23) | % | 4 | % | |||||||
| Total revenue per passenger ($) | 99.49 | 111.23 | 109.91 | (11) | % | (9) | % | |||||||
| Total revenue per available seat mile (RASM) (¢) | 7.67 | 7.37 | 8.92 | 4 | % | (14) | % | |||||||
| Cost per available seat mile (CASM) (¢) | 8.10 | 9.53 | 7.82 | (15) | % | 4 | % | |||||||
| CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) | 5.96 | 7.53 | 5.55 | (21) | % | 7 | % | |||||||
| CASM + net interest (¢) | 8.21 | 9.57 | 7.76 | (14) | % | 6 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted CASM (¢) (b) | 9.16 | 10.32 | 7.71 | (11) | % | 19 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 7.02 | 8.63 | 5.44 | (19) | % | 29 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted CASM + net interest (¢) (b) | 9.18 | 10.31 | 7.65 | (11) | % | 20 | % | |||||||
| Fuel cost per gallon ($) | 2.17 | 2.08 | 2.22 | 4 | % | (2) | % | |||||||
| Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 265,558 | 162,241 | 288,510 | 64 | % | (8) | % | |||||||
| Employees (FTE) | 5,481 | 4,974 | 4,935 | 10 | % | 11 | % |
__________________
(a)See “Glossary of Airline Terms” for definitions of terms used in this table.
(b)For a reconciliation of CASM to Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM including net interest, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
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Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position
As of December 31, 2021, we had $918 million of total available liquidity made up of cash and cash equivalents, $127 million of net short-term debt and $287 million of net long-term debt. The $414 million of total net debt is comprised of our $150 million Treasury Loan, $174 million pre-delivery payment facility (“PDP Financing Facility”), $66 million PSP Promissory Notes, $18 million in secured indebtedness for our headquarters building, and a $15 million pre-purchased miles facility with Barclays, partly offset by $9 million in deferred debt acquisition costs and other discounts.
We completed our IPO on April 6, 2021, at an offering price of $19.00 per share. We issued and sold 15 million shares of common stock and our selling stockholders sold 15 million shares of common stock in the IPO. We did not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by our selling stockholders. In April 2021, we received net proceeds of $266 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $14 million and offering costs of $5 million, which consisted of direct incremental legal, accounting, consulting and other fees relating to the IPO exclusive of any income tax benefits from the transaction.
On December 3, 2013, to give effect to the reorganization of our corporate structure, an agreement was reached to amend and restate a phantom equity agreement with our pilots. Under the terms of this agreement, pilots received phantom equity units which became fully vested in 2016. Each unit constituted the right to receive the cash value of a share of our common stock or, in certain circumstances, a share of common stock in connection with certain events. As of December 31, 2019, the final associated liability agreed to by FAPAInvest, LLC became fixed and the associated liability was $137 million, of which $111 million was paid in March 2020 and the remaining $26 million is to be paid in March 2022 and, as such, is presented within other long-term liabilities and other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
On February 5, 2022, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Top Gun Acquisition Corp., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of ours (“Merger Sub”) and Spirit Airlines, Inc. (“Spirit”). The Merger Agreement provides that, among other things, the Merger Sub will be merged with and into Spirit (the “Merger”), with Spirit surviving the Merger and continuing as a wholly owned subsidiary of ours.
We continue to monitor our covenant compliance with various parties, including, but not limited to, our lenders and credit card processors. As of December 31, 2021, we are in compliance with all of our covenants, except we have obtained a waiver of relief for the covenant provisions through the second quarter of 2022 related to one of our credit card processors that represents less than 10% of total revenues, which may require future waivers or an amendment to existing covenants to reflect the downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following table presents the major indicators of our financial condition and liquidity.
| December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 918 | $ | 378 | ||
| Total current assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents | $ | 119 | $ | 272 | ||
| Total current liabilities, excluding current maturities of long-term debt and operating leases | $ | 755 | $ | 486 | ||
| Current maturities of long-term debt, net | $ | 127 | $ | 101 | ||
| Long-term debt, net | $ | 287 | $ | 247 | ||
| Stockholders’ equity | $ | 530 | $ | 310 | ||
| Debt to capital ratio | 44 | % | 53 | % | ||
| Debt to capital ratio, including operating lease obligations | 84 | % | 89 | % |
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Use of Cash
Our cash requirements, and ability to generate the cash flow, have been and continue to be, adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we expect to meet our cash requirements for the next twelve months through use of our available cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operating activities. We expect to meet our long-term cash requirements with cash flows from operating and financing activities, including, but not limited to, potential future borrowings on our credit facility and/or potential issuance of debt or equity. Our primary uses of cash are for working capital, aircraft pre-delivery payments, debt repayments, capital expenditures, and maintenance reserve deposits.
Our single largest capital commitment relates to the acquisition of aircraft. As of December 31, 2021, we operated all of our 110 aircraft under operating leases. Pre-delivery payments relating to future deliveries under our agreement with Airbus are required at various times prior to each aircraft’s delivery date. As of December 31, 2021, we had $260 million of pre-delivery payments held by Airbus which has been partially financed by our PDP Financing Facility. As of December 31, 2021 our PDP Financing Facility had $174 million outstanding which we have the ability to draw up to an aggregate of $200 million on. As of December 31, 2021, we had a firm obligation to purchase 234 A320neo family aircraft by 2029, none of which had a committed operating lease. We intend to evaluate financing options for the aircraft on order.
Additionally, we are required by some of our aircraft leases to pay maintenance reserves to our respective aircraft lessors in advance of our performance of major maintenance activities; these payments act as collateral for the lessors to ensure aircraft are returned in the agreed upon condition at the end of the lease period. Qualifying payments that are expected to be recovered from lessors are recorded as aircraft maintenance deposits on our consolidated balance sheets. A portion of our cash is, therefore, unavailable until after we have completed the scheduled maintenance in accordance with the terms of the operating leases. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we made $20 million and $15 million, respectively, in maintenance deposit payments to our lessors. As of December 31, 2021, we had $108 million in recoverable aircraft maintenance deposits on our consolidated balance sheets, of which $10 million was included in accounts receivable because the eligible maintenance had been performed.
On February 2, 2022, we repaid the Treasury Loan which included the $150 million principal balance along with accrued interest of $1 million to settle the liability with the Treasury. By repaying the amounts outstanding under our Treasury Loan facility we consequently unencumbered our co-brand credit card program that collateralized the facility. We believe that our loyalty program, encompassing our co-brand credit card program and Discount Den subscription program, together with the Frontier brand could act as collateral for debt financing that could generate substantial liquidity should the need arise.
Additionally, upon completion of the Merger, we will have a cash requirement of $2.13 per each share of outstanding Spirit common stock. Based on the number of outstanding shares disclosed in Spirit’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on February 8, 2022, our cash requirement will be approximately $231 million in the aggregate, payable at the closing of the Merger.
The following table summarizes current and long-term material cash requirements as of December 31, 2021, which we expect to fund primarily with operating cash flows (in millions):
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| Material Cash Requirements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt(1) | $ | 127 | $ | 61 | $ | 4 | $ | 150 | (4) | $ | — | $ | 81 | $ | 423 | |||||||||||
| Interest commitments(2) | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 31 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease obligations | 456 | 435 | 419 | 396 | 332 | 915 | 2,953 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Flight equipment purchase obligations | 784 | 1,215 | 1,450 | 1,754 | 2,345 | 6,218 | 13,766 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Maintenance deposit obligations(3) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 24 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,378 | $ | 1,720 | $ | 1,881 | $ | 2,307 | $ | 2,682 | $ | 7,229 | $ | 17,197 |
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(1)Includes principal only associated with our PDP Financing Facility due through 2024, our floating rate building note through 2023, the Treasury Loan through 2025, our affinity card unsecured debt due through 2029, and the PSP Promissory Notes through 2031. See Note 9, Debt, in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
(2)Represents interest on long-term debt.
(3)Represents fixed maintenance reserve payments for aircraft including estimated amounts for contractual price escalations.
(4)Represents the Treasury Loan repaid on February 2, 2022.
Cash Flows
The following table presents information regarding our cash flows in the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| (in millions) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 216 | $ | (557) | ||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (67) | 11 | ||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 391 | 156 | ||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 540 | (390) | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 378 | 768 | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 918 | $ | 378 |
Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $216 million, which was primarily driven by $338 million inflows from changes in net operating assets and liabilities partly offset by $102 million net loss resulting from the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on our operations.
The $338 million of inflows from other net operating assets and liabilities includes:
•$174 million cash inflow from supplies and other current assets due primarily to the decrease in other current assets, $158 million of which is related to the receipt of our 2020 federal income tax receivable;
•$138 million increase in our air traffic liability as a result of increased bookings;
•$13 million increase in accounts payable and $84 million increase in other liabilities as our operational related accruals increased during 2021 in line with demand, capacity and overall departure increases.
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These cash inflows due to changes in our operating assets and liabilities were partly offset by an increase to our other long-term assets as well as higher maintenance and credit card receivables and increases to our aircraft maintenance deposits.
Our net loss of $102 million includes the following significant items that were adjusted in arriving at cash provided by operating activities:
•$60 million of gains recognized on sale-leaseback transactions;
•$32 million deferred tax benefit partly offset by;
•$38 million depreciation and amortization;
•$22 million unrealized loss on the mark to market of our warrant liability with the Treasury;
•$11 million stock-based compensation expense; and
•$1 million amortization of swaption cash flow hedges, net of tax.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were granted rent payment deferrals totaling a net favorable impact of $31 million and $2 million which were not included within aircraft rent expense or station operations, respectively, within the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. The impact of the deferrals decreased operating cash flows and unfavorably impacted our results of operations by $22 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The deferral impact included a $31 million unfavorable impact to aircraft rent for the year ended December 31, 2021 which was partially offset by additional station deferrals granted during the year ended December 31, 2021 which resulted in a $9 million favorable impact for the year ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, we had paid back all of our aircraft rent deferrals, and had $11 million in station deferrals yet to be recognized. The remaining deferrals will be recognized throughout future years as such amounts are paid.
Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in investing activities totaled $67 million, driven by:
•$36 million net payments for pre-delivery deposit activity;
•$27 million cash outflows for capital expenditures; and
•$4 million cash outflows relating to other investing activity.
Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by financing activities was $391 million, primarily driven by:
•$266 million aggregate net proceeds from our IPO;
•$66 million in proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt net of principal repayments due to $33 million of proceeds from the PSP2 and PSP3 Promissory Notes in addition to net borrowings under our PDP Financing Facility;
•$59 million in net proceeds received from sale-leaseback transactions; and
•$3 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options; partially offset by
•$3 million of payments for tax withholdings related to vesting of share-based awards.
Commitments and Contractual Obligations
Our contractual purchase commitments as of December 31, 2021 include future aircraft and engine acquisitions. Except to the extent set forth in the applicable notes to our consolidated financial statements, the table below does not include commitments that are contingent on events or other factors that are uncertain or unknown at this time. Due to uncertainty surrounding the timing of delivery of certain aircraft, the amounts in this table represent our
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current best estimate; however, the actual delivery schedule may differ from the table below.
| A320neo | A321neo | Total Aircraft | Engines | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ending | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 9 | 5 | 14 | 5 | |||||||
| 2023 | — | 21 | 21 | 2 | |||||||
| 2024 | — | 24 | 24 | 2 | |||||||
| 2025 | 17 | 13 | 30 | 3 | |||||||
| 2026 | 19 | 22 | 41 | 3 | |||||||
| Thereafter | 31 | 73 | 104 | 6 | |||||||
| Total | 76 | 158 | 234 | 21 |
During October 2019, we entered into an amendment with Airbus that allows us the option to convert 18 A320neo aircraft to A321XLR aircraft. This conversion right is available until December 31, 2022 and is not reflected in the table above as this option has not been exercised.
During July 2021, we signed a letter of intent with two of our leasing partners to add ten additional A321neo aircraft through direct leases, with deliveries beginning in the second half of 2022 and continuing into the first half of 2023. As of December 31, 2021, we entered into a signed direct lease agreement for seven of the additional aircraft, while the remaining three are covered under a non-binding letter of intent. None of these ten aircraft that will be acquired through direct leases are reflected in the table above given these are not committed purchase agreements.
In November 2021, we entered into an amendment with Airbus to add an additional 91 A321neo aircraft to the committed purchase agreement, which are expected to be delivered starting in 2023 and continuing through 2029, all of which are reflected in the table above.
As of December 31, 2021, all 110 aircraft in our fleet were subject to operating leases. These leases expire between 2022 and the end of 2033. Leases for eight of our aircraft could generally be renewed at rates based on fair market value at the end of a lease term for a four-year extension.
Separately, we have various leases with respect to real property as well as various agreements among airlines relating to fuel consortia or fuel farms at airports. Under some of these contracts, we are party to joint and several liability regarding damages. Under others, where we are a member of an LLC or other entity that contracts directly with the airport operator, liabilities are borne through the fuel consortia structure. Our aircraft, services, equipment lease and sale and financing agreements typically contain provisions requiring us, as the lessee, obligor or recipient of services, to indemnify the other parties to those agreements, including certain of those parties’ related persons, against virtually any liabilities that might arise from the use or operation of the aircraft or such other equipment. We believe that our insurance would cover most of our exposure to liabilities and related indemnities associated with the commercial real estate leases and aircraft, services, equipment lease and sale and financing agreements described above.
Certain of our aircraft and other financing transactions include provisions that require us to make payments to preserve an expected economic return to the lenders if that economic return is diminished due to certain changes in law or regulations. In certain of these financing transactions and other agreements, we also bear the risk of certain changes in tax laws that would subject payments to non-U.S. entities to withholding taxes.
Certain of these indemnities survive the length of the related financing or lease. We cannot reasonably estimate our potential future payments under the indemnities and related provisions described above because we cannot predict when and under what circumstances these provisions may be triggered and the amount that would be payable
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if the provisions were triggered because the amounts would be based on facts and circumstances existing at such time.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
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GLOSSARY OF AIRLINE TERMS
Set forth below is a glossary of industry terms:
“A320 family” means, collectively, the Airbus series of single-aisle aircraft, including the A319ceo, A320ceo, A320neo, A321ceo and A321neo aircraft.
“A320neo family” means, collectively, the Airbus series of single-aisle aircraft that feature the new engine option, including the A320neo and A321neo aircraft.
“Adjusted CASM” means operating expenses, excluding special items, divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Adjusted CASM including net interest” or “Adjusted CASM + net interest” means the sum of Adjusted CASM and Net interest expense (income) excluding special items divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel)” means operating expenses less aircraft fuel expense, excluding special items, divided by ASMs. For a discussion of such special items and a reconciliation of CASM to Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM including net interest, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations.”
“Air traffic liability” or “ATL” means the value of tickets and other related fees sold in advance of travel.
“Ancillary revenue” means the sum of non-fare passenger revenue and other revenue.
“Available seat miles” or “ASMs” means the number of seats available for passengers multiplied by the number of miles the seats are flown.
“Average aircraft in service” means the average number of aircraft used in flight operations, as calculated on a daily basis.
“Average daily aircraft utilization” means block hours divided by number of days in the period divided by average aircraft.
“Average stage length” means the average number of statute miles flown per flight segment.
“Block hours” means the number of hours during which the aircraft is in revenue service, measured from the time of gate departure before take-off until the time of gate arrival at the destination.
“CASM” or “unit costs” means operating expenses divided by ASMs.
“CBA” means a collective bargaining agreement.
“CASM including net interest” means the sum of CASM and Net interest expense (income) divided by ASMs.
“DOT” means the United States Department of Transportation.
“EPA” means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
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“FAA” means the United States Federal Aviation Administration.
“Fare revenue” consists of base fares for air travel, including mileage credits redeemed under our frequent flyer program, unused and expired passenger credits, other redeemed or expired travel credits and revenue derived from charter flights.
“Fare revenue per passenger” means fare revenue divided by passengers.
“FTE” means full-time equivalent employee.
“GDS” means a Global Distribution System such as Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport, used by travel agencies and corporations to purchase tickets on participating airlines.
“LCC” means low-cost carrier.
“Load factor” means the percentage of aircraft seat miles actually occupied on a flight (RPMs divided by ASMs).
“Net interest expenses (income)” means interest expense, capitalized interest, interest income and other.
“NMB” means the National Mediation Board.
“Non-fare passenger revenue” consists of fees related to certain ancillary items such as baggage, service fees, seat selection, and other passenger-related revenue that is not included as part of base fares for travel.
“Non-fare passenger revenue per passenger” means non-fare passenger revenue divided by passengers.
“Other revenue” consists primarily of services not directly related to providing transportation, such as the advertising, marketing and brand elements of the Frontier Miles affinity credit card program and commissions revenue from the sale of items such as rental cars and hotels.
“Other revenue per passenger” means other revenue divided by passengers.
“Passengers” means the total number of passengers flown on all flight segments.
“Passenger revenue” consists of fare revenue and non-fare passenger revenue.
“PDP” means pre-delivery deposit payments, which are payments required by aircraft manufacturers in advance of delivery of the aircraft.
“RASM” or “unit revenue” means total revenue divided by ASMs.
“Revenue passenger miles” or “RPMs” means the number of miles flown by passengers.
“RLA” means the United States Railway Labor Act.
“Total Revenue per passenger” means the sum of fare revenue, non-fare passenger revenue, and other revenue (collectively, “Total Revenue”) divided by passengers.
“Treasury” means the United States Department of the Treasury
“TSA” means the United States Transportation Security Administration.
“ULCC” means ultra low-cost carrier.
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“VFR” means visiting friends and relatives.