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EX-10.51 - AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT - AIRTRAN HOLDINGS INCex10-51.htm
EX-32.1 - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 - AIRTRAN HOLDINGS INCex32-1.htm



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from              to             
 
Commission file number 1-15991
 
 
AIRTRAN HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
NEVADA
 
58-2189551
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
   
9955 AirTran Boulevard, Orlando, Florida
 
32827
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (407) 318-5600
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes    x      No    ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).      Yes  x        No   o       N/A   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes   ¨     No   x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the close of business on July 19, 2010: 135,421,111 par value $0.001
 
 

 

AIRTRAN HOLDINGS, INC.
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
     
PAGE
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements (unaudited)
       
 
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
   
1
 
 
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009
   
2
 
 
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
   
4
 
 
      Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity – Six months ended June 30, 2010
   
5
 
 
   Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
   
6
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
   
24
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
   
40
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
   
43
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
       
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
   
44
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
   
44
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
   
44
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
   
44
 
Item 5.
Other Information
   
45
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
   
45
 
           
 
Signatures
       
 
Exhibit Listing
       
 
Ex – 10.51 (Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Revolving Line of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2010, by and among Bank of Utah, not in its individual capacity, but solely as trustee, the Lender, and AirTran Airways, Inc., as Borrower)
       
 
Ex – 31.1 (Exhibit 31.1 CEO Certification)
       
 
Ex – 31.2 (Exhibit 31.2 CFO Certification)
       
 
Ex – 32.1 (Exhibit 32.1 CEO and CFO Certifications)
       


 

 
 

 
 
AirTran Holdings, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

 
  
Three months ended
June 30,
   
Six months ended
June 30,
 
 
  
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Operating Revenues:
  
                             
Passenger
  
$
634,061
   
$
536,971
   
$
1,175,765
   
$
1,023,072
 
Other
  
 
66,496
     
66,682
     
129,933
     
122,536
 
Total operating revenues
  
 
700,557
     
603,653
     
1,305,698
     
1,145,608
 
Operating Expenses:
  
                             
Aircraft fuel
  
 
228,881
     
159,903
     
429,049
     
292,773
 
Salaries, wages and benefits
  
 
131,310
     
122,784
     
261,411
     
240,732
 
Aircraft rent
  
 
60,565
     
60,558
     
121,146
     
120,989
 
Maintenance, materials and repairs
  
 
57,743
     
49,468
     
117,083
     
95,911
 
Distribution
  
 
29,051
     
25,019
     
54,412
     
45,234
 
Landing fees and other rents
  
 
42,484
     
37,365
     
78,956
     
71,149
 
Aircraft insurance and security services
  
 
5,718
     
5,244
     
11,650
     
10,316
 
Marketing and advertising
  
 
8,884
     
10,237
     
18,463
     
21,598
 
Depreciation and amortization
  
 
14,866
     
14,104
     
29,721
     
28,221
 
Loss on asset dispositions
  
 
     
2,384
     
     
3,306
 
Other operating
  
 
52,828
     
50,421
     
112,533
     
101,506
 
Total operating expenses
  
 
632,330
     
537,487
     
1,234,424
     
1,031,735
 
Operating Income
  
 
68,227
     
66,166
     
71,274
     
113,873
 
Other (Income) Expense:
  
                             
Interest income
  
 
(613
)
   
(699
)
   
(1,140
)
   
(1,377
)
Interest expense
  
 
22,985
     
19,749
     
45,972
     
40,979
 
Capitalized interest
  
 
(522
)
   
(725
)
   
(1,033
)
   
(1,065
)
Net (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments
  
 
33,997
  
   
(27,335
)
   
27,120
     
(28,225
)
(Gain) on extinguishment of debt
   
     
(3,974
)
   
     
(4,296
)
Other (income) expense, net
  
 
55,847
  
   
(12,984
)
   
70,919
     
6,016
 
Income Before Income Taxes
  
 
12,380
     
79,150
     
355
     
107,857
 
Income tax expense
  
 
     
712
     
     
712
 
Net Income
  
$
12,380
   
$
78,438
   
$
355
   
$
107,145
 
Earnings per Common Share
  
                             
Basic
  
$
0.09
   
$
0.65
   
$
0.00
   
$
0.89
 
Diluted
  
$
0.09
   
$
0.56
   
$
0.00
   
$
0.78
 
Weighted-average Shares Outstanding
  
                             
Basic
  
 
135,319
     
120,155
     
135,173
     
119,993
 
Diluted
  
 
172,729
     
149,113
     
135,577
     
149,220
 
 
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

 
1

 
 
AirTran Holdings, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

   
June 30, 
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
535,346
   
$
542,619
 
Short-term investments
   
     
1,663
 
Restricted cash
   
53,816
     
52,390
 
Deposits held by counterparties to derivative financial instruments
   
3,440
     
 
Accounts receivable, net
   
46,324
     
27,067
 
Spare parts, materials and supplies, net
   
19,264
     
16,133
 
Prepaid and stored fuel
   
32,077
     
34,338
 
Derivative financial instruments
   
16,399
     
47,037
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
38,213
     
31,970
 
Deferred income taxes
   
4,206
     
4,206
 
Total current assets
   
749,085
     
757,423
 
Property and Equipment:
               
Flight equipment
   
1,392,718
     
1,384,529
 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
(185,987
)
   
(165,694
)
     
1,206,731
     
1,218,835
 
Purchase deposits for flight equipment
   
54,655
     
49,720
 
Other property and equipment
   
121,861
     
119,150
 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
(69,938
)
   
(67,666
)
     
51,923
     
51,484
 
Total property and equipment
   
1,313,309
     
1,320,039
 
Other Assets:
               
Trademarks and trade names
   
21,567
     
21,567
 
Debt issuance costs
   
15,351
     
16,017
 
Prepaid aircraft rent
   
78,925
     
82,062
 
Derivative financial instruments
   
5,362
     
14,783
 
Other assets
   
73,572
     
72,281
 
Total Assets
 
$
2,257,171
   
$
2,284,172
 
 
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

 
2

 
 
AirTran Holdings, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)
(In thousands)
 
   
June 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
           
Current Liabilities:
           
Accounts payable
 
$
43,627
   
$
57,482
 
Accrued and other liabilities
   
170,127
     
145,174
 
Air traffic liability
   
332,505
     
226,891
 
Derivative financial instruments
   
17,622
     
14,903
 
Current maturities of capital lease obligations
   
2,908
     
1,085
 
Borrowing under revolving line of credit
   
     
125,000
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
151,771
     
156,004
 
Total current liabilities
   
718,560
     
726,539
 
Long-term capital lease obligations
   
17,165
     
  14,806
 
Long-term debt 
   
901,699
     
 917,122
 
Other liabilities 
   
110,829
     
111,760
 
Deferred income taxes 
   
4,206
     
4,206
 
Derivative financial instruments 
   
20,632
     
 7,796
 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Preferred stock
   
     
 
Common stock
   
135
     
135
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
590,418
     
586,727
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(83,034
   
(83,389
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(23,439
   
(1,530
Total stockholders' equity
   
484,080
     
501,943
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
$
2,257,171
   
$
2,284,172
 

 See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
3

 
AirTran Holdings, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands) (Unaudited)

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Operating activities:
           
Net income
 
$
355
  
 
$
107,145
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
34,809
     
33,848
 
Amortization of deferred gains from sales/leaseback of aircraft
   
(2,620
   
(2,573
Amortization of debt discount
   
3,632
     
3,773
 
Provision for uncollectible accounts
   
398
     
384
 
Deferred income taxes
   
     
712
 
Loss on asset dispositions
   
451
     
3,131
 
Gain on debt extinguishment
   
     
(4,296
Other
   
3,359
     
2,970
 
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
               
Restricted cash
   
(1,426
)
   
13,448
  
Derivative financial instruments
   
33,754
     
(93,728
Accounts receivable
   
(19,655
   
(8,140
)
Spare parts, materials and supplies
   
(3,568
)
   
(789
)
Prepaid and stored fuel
   
2,261
     
(8,327
)
Deposits held by counterparties to derivative financial instruments
   
(3,440
   
48,820
 
Prepaid aircraft rent
   
3,119
     
(795
Other assets
   
(11,765
   
(5,864
)
Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities
   
9,818
     
(3,701
)
Air traffic liability
   
105,614
     
23,969
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
155,096
     
109,987
 
Investing activities:
               
Sale of available-for-sale securities
   
1,696
     
12,472
 
Purchases of property and equipment
   
(9,380
   
(11,215
Return (payment) of aircraft purchase deposits, net
   
(4,935
   
4,384
 
Other
   
     
2,155
 
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
   
(12,619
   
7,796
 
Financing activities:
               
Issuance of long-term debt
   
51,845
     
 
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
   
(76,894
   
(57,415
)
Borrowings under revolving line of credit facility
   
     
645,000
 
Repayment of borrowings under revolving line of credit facility
   
(125,000
   
(645,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of stock for exercise of options and under employee stock purchase plan
   
658
     
1,091
 
Other
   
(359
   
(205
)
Net cash used for financing activities
   
(149,750
)
   
(56,529
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
(7,273
)
   
61,254
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
542,619
     
315,078
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
535,346
   
$
376,332
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Activities:
               
Non-cash investing activities:
               
       Acquisition under capital leases
 
$
5,287
   
$
 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
4

 

AirTran Holdings, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
 
 
Common Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Accumulated Deficit
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
Stockholders’ Equity
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
 
Balance at January 1, 2010
   
134,726
   
$
135
   
$
586,727
   
$
(83,389
)
 
$
(1,530
)
$
501,943
 
Net income
   
     
     
     
355
 
   
   
355
 
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of $0 million
   
     
     
     
     
(21,861
)
 
(21,861
)
Other
   
     
     
     
     
(48
)
 
(48
)
Total comprehensive loss
                                         
(21,554
)
Issuance of common stock for exercise of options
   
19
     
     
80
     
     
   
80
 
Stock-based compensation
   
559
     
     
3,060
     
     
   
3,060
 
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
   
114
     
     
578
     
     
   
578
 
Other
   
     
     
(27
)
   
     
   
(27
)
Balance at June 30, 2010
   
135,418
   
$
135
   
$
590,418
   
$
(83,034
)
 
(23,439
)
484,080
 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

 
5

 

 AirTran Holdings, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
Note 1 –Accounting Policies and Business

Basis of Presentation
 
Our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (the Company, AirTran, or Holdings) and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, including our principal subsidiary, AirTran Airways, Inc. (AirTran Airways or Airways) (collectively, we, our, or us). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation for all periods presented. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments, which, except as otherwise disclosed, are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for the periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for reports on Form 10-Q. These unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

The preparation of the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and such differences may be material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

We manage our operations on a system-wide basis due to the interdependence of our route structure in the various markets we serve. Most of our revenues are earned in the United States. Because we offer only one service (i.e., air transportation), management has concluded that we only have one segment of business.

Business
 
Through AirTran Airways, we offer scheduled airline services, using Boeing B717-200 aircraft (B717) and Boeing B737-700 aircraft (B737), to 71 locations throughout the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Approximately half of our flights originate or terminate at our largest hub in Atlanta, Georgia and we serve a number of markets with non-stop service from our focus cities of Baltimore, Maryland; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Orlando, Florida. Air travel in our markets tends to be seasonal, with the highest levels occurring during the winter months to Florida and the summer months to the Northeastern and Western United States. The second quarter tends to be our strongest revenue quarter.
 
Reclassification
 
Certain 2009 amounts have been reclassified to conform to 2010 presentation. These reclassifications have no material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows or Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity.

 
6

 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU No. 2009-13) pertaining to multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements. The new guidance will affect accounting and reporting for companies that enter into multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements with their customers when those arrangements are within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605-25 “Revenue Recognition - Multiple-Element Arrangements”. The new guidance will eliminate the residual method of allocation and require that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. The new guidance will be effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Early adoption is permitted and the guidance may be applied retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact that ASU No. 2009-13 will have on our condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06 “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”. ASU 2010-06 requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements including transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and more disaggregation for the different types of financial instruments. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009 for most of the new disclosures and for periods beginning after December 15, 2010 for the new Level 3 disclosures. Comparative disclosures are not required in the first year the disclosures are required. We did not have any significant transfers in or out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.
 
Note 2 – Commitments and Contingencies
 
Aircraft Related Commitments, Financing Arrangements and Transactions
 
We have agreed to purchase 51 B737 aircraft. During June 2010, we entered into amendments to our aircraft purchase agreements with The Boeing Company to defer delivery dates for nine B737 aircraft originally scheduled for delivery between 2011 and 2014 to delivery dates between 2015 and 2017.

During June 2010, we agreed to lease two used B717 aircraft for a term of 10 years commencing in 2011.

The table below summarizes, as of June 30, 2010, all scheduled aircraft fleet additions:
 
   
B737 Aircraft Purchases
   
B717 Aircraft Leases
   
Total Aircraft Additions
 
Remainder of 2010
   
     
     
 
2011
   
4
     
2
     
6
 
2012
   
6
     
     
6
 
2013
   
6
     
     
6
 
2014
   
8
     
     
8
 
2015
   
12
     
     
12
 
2016
   
10
     
     
10
 
2017
   
5
     
     
5
 
Total
   
51
     
2
     
53
 


 
7

 
As of June 30, 2010, our aircraft purchase commitments for the remainder of 2010 and for the next five years and thereafter, in aggregate, are (in millions): 2010—$20; 2011—$140; 2012—$270; 2013—$280; 2014—$370; 2015—$510; and thereafter—$580. These amounts include payment commitments, including payment of pre-delivery deposits, for aircraft on firm order. Aircraft purchase commitments include the forecasted impact of contractual price escalations. Our intention is to finance the aircraft on order through either debt financing, lease financing, or a mix thereof. We have financing commitments from a lender to finance a majority of the acquisition price of two B737 aircraft scheduled for delivery to us in 2011 or 2012. We have not yet arranged for aircraft financing for any of the other aircraft deliveries.

There are multiple variables including capital market conditions, asset valuations, and our own operating performance that could affect the availability of satisfactory financing for our future B737 aircraft deliveries.  While there was limited availability of satisfactory aircraft financing in early 2009, it is our view that the aircraft financing market has improved. While we cannot provide assurance that sufficient financing will be available, we expect to be able to obtain acceptable financing for future deliveries. Our view is based upon our discussions with prospective lenders and lessors, the consummation of aircraft financing transactions by other airlines, our own operating performance, and our recent ability to refinance two B737 aircraft.

Our B737 contract with Boeing requires us to make pre-delivery deposits to Boeing. Although we typically have financed a significant portion of our pre-delivery deposit requirements with debt from banks or other financial institutions, we currently have no such financing in place for future deliveries.

Credit Card Processing Arrangements

We have agreements with organizations that process credit card transactions arising from purchases of air travel by customers of Airways. Each of our agreements with our credit card processors allows, under specified conditions, the processor to retain cash related to future travel that such processor otherwise would remit to us (i.e., a holdback). Holdbacks are classified as restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets. Our exposure to credit card holdbacks consists of advanced ticket sales that customers purchase with credit cards. Once the customer travels, any related holdback is remitted to us.

Each agreement with our two largest credit card processors provides that a processor may holdback amounts that would otherwise be remitted to us in the event that a processor reasonably determines that there has been a material adverse occurrence or certain other events occur. Our agreement with our largest credit card processor also provides that the processor may holdback amounts that would otherwise be remitted to us in the event that our aggregate unrestricted cash and investments (as defined) falls below agreed upon levels. Should the processor be entitled in the future to withhold amounts that would otherwise be remitted to us, we retain the contractual right to eliminate or reduce the amounts withheld by providing the processor with letters of credit. As of June 30, 2010, a $50 million letter of credit had been issued under our letter of credit facility for the benefit of our largest credit card processor. Drawings may be made by the processor only if we do not satisfy our obligations to reimburse the processor for chargebacks.
 
As of June 30, 2010, we had advance ticket sales of $341.8 million related to all credit card sales, we were in compliance with our credit card processing agreements, and our two largest processors were holding back no cash remittances from us. Our maximum potential exposure to cash holdbacks by our two largest credit card processors, based upon advance ticket sales as of June 30, 2010, was $272.0 million (after considering the $50 million letter of credit issued in favor of our largest credit card processor). Even had there been no letter of credit issued for the benefit of our largest credit card processor, as of June 30, 2010, neither of our two largest credit card processors would have been entitled to holdback any cash remittances from us.

 
8

 
Taxes
 
We remit a variety of taxes and fees to various governmental authorities, including income taxes, transportation fees and taxes collected from our customers, property taxes, sales and use taxes, payroll taxes, and fuel taxes. The taxes and fees remitted by us are subject to review and audit by the applicable governmental authorities which could result in liability for additional assessments. Contingencies for taxes, which are not based on income, are accounted for in accordance with the ASC Contingencies Topic. Uncertain income tax positions taken on income tax returns are accounted for in accordance with the ASC Income Taxes Topic. Although management believes that the positions taken on previously filed tax returns are reasonable, we nevertheless have recorded accrued liabilities in recognition that various taxing authorities may challenge certain of the positions we have taken, which may also potentially result in additional liabilities for taxes and interest in excess of accrued liabilities. These accrued liabilities are reviewed periodically and are adjusted as events occur that affect the estimates, such as the availability of new information, the lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations, the conclusion of tax audits, the measurement of additional estimated liability based on current calculations, the identification of new tax contingencies, or the rendering of relevant court decisions.

Litigation

A complaint alleging violations of federal antitrust laws and seeking certification as a class action was filed against Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Delta) and AirTran in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta on May 22, 2009. The complaint alleges, among other things, that AirTran conspired with Delta in imposing $15-per-bag fees for the first item of checked luggage. The initial complaint sought treble damages on behalf of a putative class of persons or entities in the United States who directly paid Delta and/or AirTran such fees on domestic flights beginning December 5, 2008. Subsequent to the filing of the May 2009 complaint, various other nearly identical complaints also seeking certification as class actions were filed in federal district courts in Atlanta, Georgia; Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Oakland, California. All of the cases were consolidated before a single judge in Atlanta. An amended complaint filed in February 2010 in the consolidated action broadened the allegations to add claims that Delta and AirTran also cut capacity on competitive routes and raised prices. The amended complaint seeks injunctive relief against a broad range of alleged anticompetitive activities and attorneys fees. AirTran denies all allegations of wrongdoing, including those in the amended complaint, and intends to defend vigorously any and all such allegations.

In addition to the above litigation, AirTran is a party to other claims, and litigation incidental to its business, for which it is not currently possible to determine the ultimate liability, if any. While the outcome of such claims and litigation is subject to uncertainty, based on an evaluation of information currently available and consultation with legal counsel, management believes that resolution of such claims, and litigation is not likely to have a material effect on the financial position, cash flows, or results of operations of the Company. The Company expenses legal costs as they are incurred.

Restricted Cash and Letters of Credit

Restricted cash consists primarily of amounts escrowed related to aircraft leases, letters of credit for airports and insurance, credit card holdbacks for advance ticket sales, derivative financial instruments, and cash escrowed for future interest payments. As of June 30, 2010, $17.2 million of restricted cash relates to outstanding letters of credit, primarily for airport facilities and insurance.

We provide counterparties to our derivative financial instrument arrangements with collateral when the fair value of our obligation exceeds specified amounts. The collateral is classified as restricted cash if the funds are held in our name. The collateral, when applicable, is classified as deposits held by counterparty to derivative financial instruments if the funds are held by the counterparty. 
 
 
9

 
We have a letter of credit facility which provides for a financial institution to issue letters of credit for the benefit of our credit card processors. The letter of credit facility is supported by a variety of assets. As of June 30, 2010, no amount was drawn against the $50 million letter of credit.
 
Note 3 – Financial Instruments
 
The estimated fair value of financial instruments, excluding debt, approximates their financial statement carrying amount.

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable, and derivative financial instruments (including deposits held by counterparties). We maintain cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments in what we believe are high-credit-quality financial institutions or in what we believe are in short-duration, high-quality debt securities. Investments are stated at fair value. We periodically evaluate the relative credit standing of those financial institutions that are considered in our investment strategy. We use specific identification of securities for determining gains and losses. All of our investments are available for sale securities. As of June 30, 2010, we had no short-term investments.

The majority of our receivables result from the sale of tickets to individuals, mostly through the use of major credit cards. These receivables are generally settled shortly after sale subject to any applicable holdbacks.

We enter into various derivative financial instruments with financial institutions to seek to reduce the variability of the ultimate cash flows associated with fluctuations in jet fuel prices. From time to time, we enter into fuel-related swap and option derivative financial arrangements. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Under jet fuel swap arrangements, we pay a fixed rate per gallon and receive the monthly average price of Gulf Coast jet fuel. The fuel-related option arrangements may include collars, purchased call options, and sold call options. Depending on market conditions at the time a derivative contract is entered into, we generally use jet fuel, heating oil, or crude oil as the underlying commodity. Additionally, from time to time, we enter into refinery-margin swap agreements pursuant to which we pay a fixed rate per gallon and receive the monthly average price of jet fuel refinery costs.

As of June 30, 2010, we had entered into fuel-related option agreements which pertain to 122 million gallons or 64 percent of our projected July through December 2010 fuel requirements, 169 million gallons or 43 percent of our projected 2011 fuel requirements, and 20 million gallons or 5 percent of our projected 2012 fuel requirements. As of June 30, 2010, we had no swap agreements or refinery-margin swap agreements.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives that are not designated as hedges for financial accounting purposes or that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized in Other (Income) Expense. In order to simplify the financial reporting for fuel-related derivatives, effective January 1, 2009, we ceased designating new fuel-related derivative financial instruments as accounting hedges. As of January 1, 2010, all of our fuel-related derivative financial instruments accounted for as hedges have expired and no additional amounts remain in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“OCI”). For our fuel-related derivative financial instruments entered into prior to January 1, 2009, a substantial portion did not qualify to be accounted for as hedges. Consequently, a majority of the gains and losses on such fuel-related derivative financial instruments were classified as Other (Income) Expense based on changes in estimated fair value. Realized gains and losses on other fuel-related derivative financial instruments, previously designated as hedges for financial accounting purposes, were classified as a component of fuel expense.

 
10

 
We have interest-rate swap agreements that effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis for the remaining life of the debt, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future interest expense and cash flows. Under these agreements, which expire between 2016 and 2020, we pay fixed rates between 2.95 percent and 5.085 percent and receive either three-month or six-month USD London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) on the notional values. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we entered into three interest-rate swap arrangements pertaining to $65.0 million notional amount of outstanding debt. The notional amount of outstanding debt related to interest-rate swaps as of June 30, 2010 was $497.5 million. The primary objective for our use of interest-rate swaps is to reduce the impact of the volatility of interest rates on our operating results. These interest-rate swap arrangements are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of each derivative is recognized in Other (Income) Expense, and the effective portion of the change in fair value is recorded as a component of OCI. The effective portion is reclassified to interest expense during the period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The differences to be paid or received under the swap agreements are reflected as an adjustment to interest expense.
 

 
 
11

 
The following table summarizes the fair value of our derivative financial instruments (in thousands):

     
Derivative Assets
   
Derivative Liabilities
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
June 30, 
2010
 
December 31,
2009
   
June 30,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
                     
   Interest-rate contracts
Current
$
-
$
-
 
$
 (13,519)
$
 (13,902)
 
   Interest-rate contracts
Noncurrent
 
-
 
11,492
   
 (19,045)
 
   (7,796)
 
   Jet fuel swaps and options
Current
 
-
 
    147
   
-
 
      (108)
 
Total
 
 
-
 
11,639
   
 (32,564)
 
 (21,806)
 
                       
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
                     
   Crude swaps and options
Current
 
12,021
 
35,970
   
      (916)
 
      (833)
 
   Crude swaps and options
Noncurrent
 
5,362
 
-
   
   (1,587)
 
-
 
   Heating oil options
Current
 
4,378
 
10,775
   
   (3,187)
 
-
 
   Heating oil options
Noncurrent
 
     -
 
  3,291
   
-
 
-
 
   Other
Current
 
     -
 
     145
   
-
 
       (60)
 
Total
   
21,761
 
50,181
   
   (5,690)
 
      (893)
 
Total derivatives
 
$
21,761
$
61,820
 
$
 (38,254)
$
 (22,699)
 
                       
Fair value includes any premiums paid or received, unrealized gains and losses, and any amounts receivable or payable from or to counterparties. Fair value does not include collateral provided to counterparties.
                       
Liability and asset amounts with one counterparty are netted against each other for financial reporting purposes for derivative contracts entered into as one trade and for derivatives entered into for the purpose of effectively settling open positions.


 
12

 
The following tables summarize the effects of derivative financial instruments on the Statements of Operations and on Other Comprehensive Income (in thousands):

 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
Effective Portion of Hedges
 
Ineffective Portion of Hedges
 
 
(Gain) loss reclassified from OCI into income
 
(Gain) loss recognized in OCI
 
(Gain) loss recognized in Other
(Income) Expense
 
 
Location
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
                                     
Interest-rate contracts
Interest expense
  $ 129     $ 163     $ 17,112     $ (13,839   $     $  
Jet fuel swaps and options
Aircraft fuel
          2,032             (373           57  
      $ 129     $ 2,195     $ 17,112     $ (14,212           57  
                                                   
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
   
Net (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments recognized
in Other (Income) Expense
 
    Jet fuel options
                                            (70 )
Crude swaps and options
                                      23,290       (26,958 )
Heating oil options
                                      10,707        
   Other
                                            (364
                                        33,997       (27,392
Total net (gain) loss recognized as a component of Other (Income) Expense
                                    $ 33,997     $ (27,335 )

 

 
13

 

 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
Effective Portion of Hedges
 
Ineffective Portion of Hedges
 
 
(Gain) loss reclassified from OCI into income
 
(Gain) loss recognized in OCI
 
(Gain) loss recognized in Other
(Income) Expense
 
 
Location
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
                                     
Interest-rate contracts
Interest expense
  $ 233     $ 381     $ 22,094     $ (9,401   $     $  
Jet fuel swaps and options
Aircraft fuel
          5,524             627       39       12  
      $ 233     $ 5,905     $ 22,094     $ (8,774     39       12  
                                                   
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
   
Net (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments recognized
in Other (Income) Expense
 
    Jet fuel options
                                            (471 )
Crude swaps and options
                                      13,067       (30,322 )
Heating oil options
                                      14,004        
   Other
                                      10       2,556  
                                        27,081       (28,237
Total net (gain) loss recognized as a component of Other (Income) Expense
                                    $ 27,120     $ (28,225 )

 
Based on fair values as of June 30, 2010, we do not expect to reclassify any material net (gains) losses on derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the next twelve months.

Outstanding financial derivative instruments expose us to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the agreements. However, we do not expect any of the counterparties to fail to meet their obligations. Our credit exposure related to these financial instruments is represented by the fair value of contracts reported as assets. To manage credit risk, we select and periodically review counterparties based on credit ratings. We provide the counterparties with collateral when the fair value of our obligation exceeds specified amounts. The collateral is classified as restricted cash if the funds are held in our name. The collateral is classified as deposits held by counterparty to derivative financial instruments if the funds are held by the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, we do not offset the collateral provided to counterparties against the fair value of our obligation. Any outstanding collateral is released to us upon settlement of the related derivative financial instrument liability. As of June 30, 2010, we provided the counterparties with collateral aggregating $25.1 million, of which $21.7 million was classified as restricted cash.


 
14

 
Note 4 –Debt

The components of debt were (in thousands):

   
June 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
B737 Aircraft Purchase Financing Facilities:
               
   Floating-rate aircraft notes payable through 2021, 2.06 percent weighted-average interest rate as of June 30, 2010 (1)
 
$
648,019
   
$
665,694
 
   Fixed-rate aircraft notes payable through 2018, 7.02 percent weighted-average interest rate as of June 30, 2010
   
49,208
     
52,901
 
Fixed-rate B717 aircraft notes payable through 2017, 10.21 percent weighted-average interest rate as of June 30, 2010
   
75,908
     
76,708
 
7.0% convertible senior notes
   
95,835
     
95,835
 
5.5% convertible senior notes due 2015
   
69,500
     
69,500
 
5.25% convertible senior notes due 2016
   
115,000
     
115,000
 
Other
   
     
1,120
 
Total long-term debt
   
1,053,470
     
1,076,758
 
Less unamortized debt discount
   
     
(3,632
)
     
1,053,470
     
1,073,126
 
Less current maturities of long-term debt
   
(151,771
   
(156,004
Long-term debt less current maturities
 
$
901,699
   
$
917,122
 
                 
Borrowing under revolving line of credit facility
 
$
   
$
125,000
 

(1)
The notional amount of outstanding floating-rate debt for which we have entered into interest-rate swap agreements at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $497.5 million and $447.0 million, respectively. These swaps expire between 2016 and 2020. The interest-rate swaps effectively result in us paying a fixed rate of interest on a portion of our floating-rate debt securities through the expiration of the swaps. Consequently, as of June 30, 2010, we had $497.5 million of floating rate debt (1.86% weighted average floating interest rate) for which we had entered into interest-rate swap agreements that effectively fixed interest rates on this debt (weighted average fixed interest rate of 5.01%).

As discussed below, we have a combined Credit Facility consisting of a letter of credit facility and a revolving line of credit facility.

Maturities of debt for the remainder of 2010 and for the next four years and thereafter, in aggregate, are (in millions): 2010-$124; 2011-$66; 2012-$63; 2013-$73; 2014-$72; thereafter-$655. As of June 30, 2010, no amounts were outstanding under the revolving line of credit facility. Holders of 94% of our 7.0% convertible notes aggregating $90.4 million principal amount exercised their right to require us to repurchase the notes in July 2010. We elected to pay the repurchase price in cash in July 2010. The $90.4 million principal of the 7.0% convertible notes which we were required to repurchase is included in the 2010 maturity amount and is classified as a current liability as of June 30, 2010. Maturities of debt for the remainder of 2010, excluding the repayment of the 7.0% convertible notes, aggregate $34.0 million.


 
15

 
As of June 30, 2010, the following assets served as collateral for outstanding debt:

· 
Assets (consisting primarily of flight equipment) with a net book value of $1.1 billion served as collateral for the B737 and B717 aircraft notes payable.

· 
Assets consisting primarily of aircraft pre-delivery deposits, accounts receivable, ground equipment, aircraft parts, certain inventory, residual interests in owned B717 aircraft, certain real property assets, and certain other assets, including various contract rights which include but are not limited to rights under certain purchase and sale agreements for aircraft and hedging agreements, serve -- directly or indirectly -- as collateral for Airways’ obligations under the Credit Facility.

Airways’ obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by AirTran. Airways’ obligations and the related AirTran guarantee rank senior in right of payment to the subordinated indebtedness of the applicable company and rank equally with senior indebtedness of the applicable company.

B737 Aircraft Purchase Financing

During the first quarter of 2010, we refinanced the debt borrowed to acquire two B737 aircraft that were delivered to Airways in 2009. Under the refinancings, we repaid $49.0 million of existing aircraft indebtedness and borrowed $52.5 million of new aircraft debt. Each note issued is secured by a first mortgage on the B737 aircraft to which it relates. Each note has a stated maturity of 10 years and bears interest at a floating rate per annum above the three-month LIBOR in effect at the commencement of each three-month period. Principal and interest under each note is payable every three months.

Credit Facility

We have a combined secured letter of credit facility and a revolving line of credit facility. We refer to the combined letter of credit facility and revolving line of credit facility as the Credit Facility, and we refer to its components as the letter of credit facility and the revolving line of credit facility, respectively. The terms of the Credit Facility were amended effective July 1, 2010. The following discussion summarizes the terms of the amended Credit Facility.

We and the lender have agreed to extend the term of the Credit Facility to December 31, 2012 subject to our satisfaction of a condition precedent which the Company expects to satisfy prior to December 31, 2010. Under the revolving line of credit facility, we are permitted to borrow, upon two business days notice, up to $50 million for general corporate purposes. Under the letter of credit facility, we are entitled to the issuance by a financial institution of letters of credit up to a maximum aggregate amount of $50 million for the benefit of one or more of our credit card processors. Amounts borrowed under the revolving line of credit facility bear interest at a rate of 12 percent per annum and must be repaid within three business days to the extent that our aggregate unrestricted cash and investment amount exceeds $450 million at any time. We may borrow once a month and are permitted to repay amounts borrowed at any time without penalty. As of December 31, 2009, we had $125 million in outstanding borrowings under the revolving line of credit facility. We had no borrowings outstanding as of either June 30, 2010 or July 19, 2010. As of June 30, 2010, the stated amount of the letter of credit issued for the benefit of our largest credit card processor was $50 million.

The aggregate of amounts borrowed and outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Facility is not permitted to exceed the estimated value of the collateral securing such facility. Drawings under any letter of credit may be made only to satisfy our obligation to a beneficiary credit card processor to cover chargebacks arising from tickets sold during the period of exposure to be covered by the letter of credit. Drawings may be made by the processor only if we do not satisfy our obligations to reimburse the credit card processor for chargebacks. A letter of credit issued under the letter of credit facility has never been drawn.
 
 
 
16

 
7.0% Convertible Notes

Holders of 94% of our 7.0% convertible notes, aggregating $90.4 million principal amount, exercised their right to require us to repurchase the notes in July 2010. We elected to pay the repurchase price in cash in July 2010.  An aggregate of $5.4 million of our 7.0% convertible notes remain outstanding.

Our 7.0% convertible notes bear interest at seven percent, payable semi-annually on January 1 and July 1. The 7.0% convertible notes are convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion rate of 89.9281 shares per $1,000 in principal amount of the notes which equal an initial conversion price of approximately $11.12 per share. We may redeem the 7.0% convertible notes, in whole or in part, for cash, beginning July 5, 2010, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest. The holders of the 7.0% convertible notes have the right to require us to repurchase the notes on July 1, 2013 and 2018 at a repurchase price of 100 percent of principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest. We may, at our option, elect to pay the repurchase price in cash, in shares of our common stock, or in any combination of the two. If we elect to pay the repurchase price, in whole or in part in shares of our common stock, the number of shares to be delivered in exchange for the portion of the repurchase price to be paid in our common stock will be equal to that portion of the repurchase price divided by 97.5% of the closing sale price of our common stock for the five trading days ending on the third business day prior to the applicable repurchase date. If the holders of the 7.0% convertible notes require us to repurchase the notes, it is our policy to pay the repurchase price in cash.

We separately account for the debt and equity components of the 7.0% convertible notes in a manner that reflects our estimated non-convertible debt borrowing rate of 15% as of May 2003. The principal amount, unamortized discount, net carrying amount of the debt, and equity components are (in thousands):

   
June 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
Principal amount
 
$
95,835
   
$
95,835
 
Unamortized discount
   
     
 (3,567
Net carrying amount
 
95,835
   
92,268
 
Additional paid-in capital, net of tax
 
26,441
   
$
26,441
 

We recorded contractual interest expense of $1.7 million and $3.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and $1.7 million and $3.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. We also recorded interest expense related to debt discount amortization of $1.8 million and $3.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively and $1.7 million and $3.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. At June 30, 2010, the discount had been fully amortized.

In 2009, our Board of Directors authorized, at management’s discretion, the repurchase, from time-to-time, of up to $50 million of our 7.0% convertible notes in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated purchases. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we repurchased $29.2 million of our 7.0% convertible notes resulting in a gain of $4.3 million classified as Other (Income) Expense.


 
17

 
Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements

The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or a nonrecurring basis. The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic states that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1- observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2- inputs, other than the quoted market prices in active markets, which are observable, either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3- unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

Assets and liabilities are to be measured at fair value and are based on one or more of the three valuation techniques. The valuation techniques are as follows:

 
(a)
Market approach. Prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets;
 
 
(b)
Cost approach. Amount that would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost); and
 
 
(c)
Income approach. Techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount based on expectations (including present value techniques, option-pricing and excess earnings models)

Assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the period were as follows (in thousands):

 
  
Fair Value at
 June 30, 2010
   
Quoted Prices in
 Active Markets
 for Identical
 Assets (Level 1)
  
Other
 Observable
 Inputs (Level 2)
   
Fair Value
 Measurements
 Using
 Unobservable
 Inputs (Level 3)
   
Valuation
 Technique
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
535,346
   
$
535,346
 
$
—  
   
$
—  
   
Market
Interest rate derivatives, net
  
 
(32,564
)
   
—  
  
 
(32,564
)
   
—  
   
Market
Fuel derivatives, net
  
 
16,071
     
—  
  
 
—  
     
16,071
   
Market


 
18

 
The financial statement carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our debt at June 30, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):

   
Carrying
Value
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
B737 Aircraft Purchase Financing Facilities:
               
   Floating-rate aircraft notes payable through 2021, 2.06 percent
        weighted-average interest rate as of June 30, 2010
 
$
648,019
   
531,329
 
   Fixed-rate aircraft notes payable through 2018, 7.02 percent
        weighted-average interest rate as of June 30, 2010
   
49,208
     
45,661
 
Fixed-rate B717 aircraft notes payable through 2017, 10.21 percent weighted-average interest rate as of June 30, 2010
 
  
75,908
     
71,761
 
7.0% convertible notes
   
95,835
     
95,835
 
5.5% convertible senior notes due 2015
   
69,500
     
103,377
 
5.25% convertible senior notes due 2016
   
115,000
     
120,624
 
   
$
1,053,470
   
$
968,587
 

The fair value of our debt was estimated using quoted market prices where available. For long-term debt not actively traded, the fair value was estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on our current borrowing rates for instruments with similar terms. The fair values of our other financial instruments and borrowings under our revolving line of credit facility approximate their respective carrying values. Given the current volatility in the credit markets, there is an atypical element of uncertainty associated with valuing debt securities, including our debt securities.

The reconciliation of our fuel derivatives that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the period January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010 is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
  
Fair Value
 Measurements Using Significant
 Unobservable
 Inputs (Level 3)
 
Fuel-related derivative asset (liability):
  
     
Balance at January 1, 2010
  
$
49,327
 
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
  
     
Included in earnings
  
 
(27,120
Included in other comprehensive income
  
 
 
Purchases, issuances, and settlements
  
 
(6,136
Balance at June 30, 2010
  
$
16,071
 
         
The amount of total gains (losses) for the six months ended June 30, 2010, included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2010
 
$
(25,692


 
19

 
Note 6 – Income Taxes

We reported income before income taxes during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010; however, we did not recognize income tax expense because the tax effect of the pre-tax income was offset by a corresponding decrease in the valuation allowance. Our effective rate was 0.9 percent and 0.7 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009. Our effective tax rate can differ from the 37.2 percent composite statutory tax rate (35 percent federal statutory rate plus the 2.2 percent state composite statutory rate) due to changes in the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, certain expenses which are not deductible for income tax purposes and non-recurring discrete items related to restricted stock vesting. Non-deductible expense items and discrete items tend to increase the effective tax rate when pre-tax income is reported and tend to decrease the effective tax rate when a pre-tax loss is reported.

Income tax benefits recorded on losses result in deferred tax assets for financial reporting purposes. We are required to provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets to the extent management determines that it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will ultimately not be realized. We expect to realize a portion of our deferred tax assets (including the deferred tax asset associated with loss carry-forwards) through the reversal of existing temporary differences. However, we have determined that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets in excess of our deferred tax liabilities will not ultimately be realized, in part due to our cumulative losses in recent years. Therefore, we are required to provide a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets in excess of our deferred tax liabilities. As a result, beginning with the third quarter of 2008, our losses were not reduced by any tax benefit. As of June 30, 2010, we had recorded a $4.1 million valuation allowance applicable to our net deferred tax assets and our deferred tax assets net of the valuation allowance equaled our gross deferred tax liabilities. During the three months ended June 30, 2009, we recognized $0.7 million of income tax expense related to our repurchase of our 7% convertible notes. Regardless of the financial accounting for income taxes, our net operating loss carry-forwards currently are available for use on our income tax returns to offset future taxable income.


 
20

 
Note 7 – Earnings Per Common Share
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in thousands, except per share amounts): 

   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
NUMERATOR:
                       
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
12,380
   
$
78,438
   
$
355
   
$
107,145
 
Plus income effect of assumed-conversion interest on 7.0% convertible debt
   
     
3,448
     
     
7,664
 
Plus income effect of assumed-conversion interest on 5.5% convertible notes
   
956
     
956
     
     
1,911
 
Plus income effect of assumed-conversion interest on 5.25% convertible notes
   
1,509
     
n/a
     
     
n/a
 
Income after assumed conversion, diluted
 
$
14,845
   
$
82,842
   
$
355
   
$
116,720
 
DENOMINATOR:
                               
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic
   
135,319
     
120,155
     
135,173
     
119,993
 
Effect of 7.0% convertible notes
   
     
8,981
     
     
10,110
 
Effect of 5.5% convertible notes
   
18,099
     
18,099
     
     
18,099
 
Effect of 5.25% convertible notes
   
18,865
     
n/a
     
     
n/a
 
Effect of dilutive stock options
   
103
     
171
     
90
     
88
 
Effect of dilutive restricted shares
   
343
     
418
     
314
     
286
 
Effect of warrants to purchase common stock
   
n/a
     
1,289
     
n/a
     
644
 
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted
   
172,729
     
149,113
     
135,577
     
149,220
 
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.09
   
$
0.65
   
$
0.00
   
$
0.89
 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.09
   
$
0.56
   
$
0.00
   
$
0.78
 
             n/a – not applicable because the security was not outstanding during the period

Excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months ended June 30, 2010 are the impacts on the weighted average shares outstanding of the following which would have been anti-dilutive for the period in 2010 totaling 12.6 million shares: 8.6 million shares related to our 7.0% convertible notes that would have been issuable upon conversion because the effect of including these shares would have been anti-dilutive for the period; 1.9 million shares related to our outstanding stock options; and 2.1 million shares related to our unvested restricted stock and unvested performance share awards.

Excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the six months ended June 30, 2010 are the impacts on the weighted average shares outstanding of the following which would have been anti-dilutive for the period in 2010 totaling 49.7 million shares: 8.6 million shares related to our 7.0% convertible notes that would have been issuable upon conversion; 18.1 million shares related to our 5.5% convertible notes that are issuable upon conversion; 18.9 million shares related to our 5.25% convertible notes that are issuable upon conversion; 1.9 million shares related to our outstanding stock options; and 2.2 million shares related to our unvested restricted stock and unvested performance share awards.

Excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculations for the three months ended June 30, 2009 are the impacts on the weighted average shares outstanding of the following which would have been anti-dilutive for the period in 2009 totaling 3.5 million shares: 1.9 million shares related to our outstanding stock options; and 1.6 million shares related to our unvested restricted stock and unvested performance share awards. The 5.25% convertible notes were issued in the fourth quarter of 2009.

 
21

 
Excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 are the impacts on the weighted average shares outstanding of the following which would have been anti-dilutive for the period in 2009 totaling 3.7 million shares: 2.0 million shares related to our outstanding stock options; and 1.7 million shares related to our unvested restricted stock and unvested performance share awards. The 5.25% convertible notes were issued in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Note 8 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) is composed of changes in the fair value of certain of our derivative financial instruments and the funded status of our postemployment obligations. The components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Unrealized  gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments
   
Post-employment
obligations
   
Accumulated other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Balance at January 1, 2010
 
$
(4,499
)
 
$
2,969
   
$
(1,530
Changes in fair value, net of income taxes
   
(22,094
)
   
     
(22,094
)
Reclassification to earnings, net of income taxes
   
233
     
(48
)
   
185
 
Balance at June 30, 2010
 
$
(26,360
)
 
$
2,921
   
$
(23,439
)
 
                   
Balance at January 1, 2009
 
$
(25,569
)
 
$
(191
 
$
(25,760
Changes in fair value, net of income taxes
   
8,774
     
     
8,774
 
Reclassification to earnings, net of income taxes
   
5,905
     
38
     
5,943
 
Balance at June 30, 2009
 
$
(10,890
)
 
$
(153
 
$
(11,043
)

Total comprehensive income (loss) was $(4.7) million and $(21.6) million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and $94.9 million and $121.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.

Note 9 – Stock Option Awards and Restricted Stock Awards
 
Restricted stock awards, market-based (performance stock) awards, and stock options have been granted to certain of our officers, directors and key employees. Restricted stock awards are grants of shares of our common stock, which typically vest over time (generally three years). Our market-based awards are grants of our common stock that vest, if at all, at the end of the specified performance period (currently three years) in amounts that are largely dependent on the achievement of specified goals which are expressed in terms of threshold, target, and maximum award achievement levels. During the first six months of 2010 and 2009, we granted restricted stock awards for approximately 619,000 and 664,000 shares, respectively, and approximately 633,000 and 528,000 shares, respectively, of restricted stock vested. During the first six months of 2010 and 2009, we granted market-based awards for up to 640,006 and 360,360 shares, respectively, of our common stock. The estimated fair value of the market-based share awards at the date of grant will be recognized ratably as compensation expense over the three-year service period. No stock options were granted in either period.
 
 
22

 
Compensation expense for our restricted stock grants was $1.4 million and $2.9 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and $1.4 million and $2.9 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. As of June 30, 2010, we have $5.9 million in total unrecognized future compensation expense that will be recognized over the next three years relating to awards for approximately 1.5 million restricted shares which were outstanding at such date, but which had not yet vested. Unvested restricted shares are not included in reported common shares outstanding amounts. As shares vest, restricted shares are transferred to common shares.

Compensation expense for our performance stock awards was $0.3 million and $0.5 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and $0.1 million and $0.1 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. As of June 30, 2010, we have $2.1 million in total unrecognized future compensation expense that will be recognized over the next two years relating to awards for up to approximately 1.0 million performance stock awards which were outstanding at such date, but which had not yet vested. 
 
As of June 30, 2010, options to purchase 2.0 million shares of common stock, at exercise prices between $3.90 and $13.80 per share were outstanding. All outstanding options to purchase common shares were exercisable as of June 30, 2010.


 
23

 
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
The information contained in this section has been derived from our historical financial statements and should be read together with our historical financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this document. The discussion below contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to: consumer demand and acceptance of services offered by us, our ability to achieve and maintain acceptable cost levels, fare levels and actions by competitors, regulatory matters, general economic conditions, commodity prices, and changing business strategies. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expressed or implied expectations, including, but not limited to: our performance in future periods, our ability to generate working capital from operations, our ability to take delivery of and to finance aircraft, the adequacy of our insurance coverage, and the results of litigation or investigation. Our forward-looking statements often can be identified by the use of terminology such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “believes,” “will” or the negative thereof, or variations thereon or comparable terminology. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
 
OVERVIEW

All of the flight operations of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (the Company, AirTran, or Holdings) are conducted by our wholly-owned subsidiary, AirTran Airways, Inc. (AirTran Airways or Airways) (collectively we, our, or us). AirTran Airways is one of the largest low cost scheduled airlines in the United States in terms of departures and seats offered. We operate scheduled airline service throughout the United States and to selected international locations. Approximately half of our flights originate or terminate at our largest hub in Atlanta, Georgia and we serve a number of markets with non-stop service from our focus cities of Baltimore, Maryland; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Orlando, Florida. As of July 19, 2010, we operated 86 Boeing B717-200 aircraft (B717) and 52 Boeing B737-700 aircraft (B737) offering approximately 730 scheduled flights per day to 71 locations in the United States, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; as well as to Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Nassau, The Bahamas; and Orangestad, Aruba. The traditional elements of our success include: competitive fares; superior service; an attractive network; product value; low unit costs; adaptability; flexibility; innovation; and the enthusiasm and skills of our employees.

Key Initiatives to Respond to High Fuel Costs and Weak Economic Conditions

Prior to 2008, we positioned ourselves as a growth airline. In 2008, to respond to the challenges of a volatile fuel cost environment, a weak macroeconomic environment, and adverse capital market conditions, we recast our plans which resulted in a more conservative growth plan.

By adjusting our business strategy, implementing and managing ancillary fees, controlling employment levels, and reducing other capital expenditures, we positioned AirTran to more effectively deal with a volatile fuel-cost environment and reduced demand for air travel due to weak macroeconomic conditions. As a result of our actions, our capacity growth slowed to 4.9 percent in 2008, and we reduced capacity by 2.2 percent in 2009. During 2009, we continued to develop and diversify our route network by: substantially increasing our presence in Orlando, Baltimore, and Milwaukee; initiating service to seven domestic locations; and initiating service to three international destinations.

 
24

 
During 2009, we returned to solid profitability from the substantial loss we incurred in 2008. The pronounced reduction in jet fuel price levels during 2009 compared to 2008, coupled with the actions that we undertook to reduce and redeploy capacity, increase ancillary revenues, and control costs produced the improved operating results. For 2009, we reported net income of $134.7 million. The 2009 results include a non-operating gain on derivative financial instruments of $30.6 million.

In 2010, we are continuing to develop and diversify our route network. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we commenced service to six new destinations. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2010, SkyWest Airlines Inc., with whom we have a marketing agreement to support our Milwaukee hub, expanded its presence in Milwaukee. Under this agreement, SkyWest Airlines now offers regional jet service between Milwaukee and six destinations. We, together with our marketing partner, currently serve 23 non-stop destinations to and from Milwaukee.

Second Quarter 2010 Operating Results

Our second quarter 2010 operating income increased by $2.1 million compared to the second quarter of 2009, as the favorable impact of an increase in our total unit revenue exceeded the unfavorable impact of the 37.2 percent increase in our average cost of jet fuel per gallon. Our total operating revenue increased $96.9 million to $700.6 million. The increase in our total operating revenue was driven by a 4.9 percent increase in capacity (as measured by available seat miles) and a 10.7 percent increase in total revenue per available seat mile to 11.19 cents. The increase in our average cost of jet fuel per gallon resulted in a $62.2 million increase in our aircraft fuel expense during the second quarter of 2010 compared to what fuel expense would have been had jet fuel prices been at the average level we experienced during the second quarter of 2009.

Due largely to net losses on derivative financial instruments, our net income for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was unfavorable compared to the analogous period in 2009. During the second quarter 2010, we reported operating income of $68.2 million, net income of $12.4 million, and diluted earnings per common share of $0.09. Included in our second quarter 2010 results is a non-operating loss on derivative financial instruments of $34.0 million. The non-operating loss on derivative financial instruments was largely attributable to unrealized declines in the fair value of our fuel-related derivative assets. During the three months ended June 30, 2009, we reported operating income of $66.2 million, net income of $78.4 million, and diluted earnings per common share of $0.56. Included in our second quarter 2009 results is a non-operating gain on derivative financial instruments of $27.3 million and a non-operating gain on extinguishment of debt of $4.0 million.

2010 Year to Date Accomplishments

In January 2010, AirTran Airways was awarded the prestigious 2009 Market Leadership Award from a leading industry publication, Air Transport World, for AirTran’s innovative combination of low-cost, high-quality service and response to the global financial crisis.

In April 2010, AirTran Airways was selected as the top low-cost carrier for the third consecutive year in the prestigious Airline Quality Rating (AQR). Our rating is the highest of all low-cost carriers and significantly higher than our legacy airline competitors. This independent rating is conducted by professors at Purdue University’s Department of Aviation Technology and the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University. The AQR evaluates airlines in four major areas: on-time performance, denied boardings, mishandled baggage, and customer complaints.

During July 2010, we repurchased $90.4 million of our 7.0% convertible notes pursuant to the terms of such notes. The repurchase price was paid in cash.

 
25

 
During the first six months of 2010, we also:

· 
Carried 12.1 million revenue passengers;

· 
Initiated service to Des Moines, Iowa; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Huntsville/Decatur, Alabama; Lexington, Kentucky; Tunica, Mississippi and Montego Bay, Jamaica;

· 
Launched 23 other new non-stop routes;

· 
Completed a four year collective bargaining agreement with our dispatchers, who are represented by the Transport Workers Union;

· 
Opened pilot and flight attendant crew bases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The opening of the bases allows us to continue to expand our operations at General Mitchell International Airport, a key strategic location in the Midwest for us;

· 
Were chosen as the SmarterTravel Editors’ Choice for Best Value Airline in 2010;

· 
Announced that our in-flight publication, Go magazine, had been honored by the North American Travel Journalists Association for being the best in-flight magazine in 2009;

· 
Partnered with American Express OPEN™ and the OPEN Savings™ program whereby American Express OPEN card holders are eligible for a discount on all of our more than 700 daily flights;

· 
Unveiled two new special livery Boeing 717 aircraft highlighting our partnership with the Milwaukee Brewers and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando; and

· 
Successfully transitioned to a new, state-of-the-art System Operations Control Center in Orlando. This new, 16,000-square foot facility serves as the 24-hour command center for our airline operations.

2010 Outlook

We expect to face challenges during the remainder of 2010. Managing costs and increasing unit revenues in the face of volatile fuel costs and a slow economic recovery will continue to be a primary focus. Fuel prices remain volatile and may again increase during the remainder of 2010. While we have been able to effectively manage costs and increase unit revenues, the pace and extent of the continuing recovery and growth of airline industry revenue are uncertain in the context of improving but still generally unfavorable macroeconomic conditions.

Our pilots’ collective bargaining agreement became amendable in 2005 and is currently in mediation. Our flight attendants’ collective bargaining agreement became amendable in December 2008 and is currently the subject of negotiation. The impact on our operating results of any new collective bargaining agreements is not known.

Compared to the analogous period of 2009, we expect our capacity, as measured by available seat miles (ASMs), to increase approximately one percent for the third quarter. We also expect our third quarter passenger revenue per ASM and total revenue per ASM to increase by 14.5 to 16.5 percent and 12.5 to 14.5 percent, respectively, compared to the third quarter of 2009. We project our unit non-fuel costs per ASM to increase by four to five percent for the third quarter and for 2010 as a whole.

 
26

 
We anticipate that our 2010 non-fuel unit operating costs will increase due to: increases in aircraft maintenance costs, higher employee compensation costs due to higher wage rates attributable to higher average employee seniority and wage scales, increased revenue related costs, and higher airport rents and landing fees. We expect our aircraft maintenance costs to increase due to the aging of each of our aircraft types.

Air travel in our markets tends to be seasonal, with the highest levels occurring during the winter months to Florida and the summer months to the Northeastern and Western United States. The second quarter tends to be our strongest revenue quarter.


 
27

 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The table below sets forth selected financial and operating data for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009: 

   
Three Months Ended
 June 30,
   
Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)
   
   
2010
   
2009
       
Revenue passengers
   
6,534,974
     
6,208,390
     
 5.3
   
Revenue passenger miles (RPM) (000s) (1)
   
5,201,339
     
4,818,428
     
7.9
   
Available seat miles (ASM) (000s) (2)
   
6,258,635
     
5,968,902
     
 4.9
   
Passenger load factor (3)
   
83.1 percent
     
80.7 percent
     
 2.4
 pts
 
Departures
   
65,186
     
64,058
     
 1.8
   
Average aircraft stage length (miles) (4)
   
765
     
743
     
 3.0
   
Average fare (excluding transportation taxes) (5)
 
$
97.03
   
$
86.49
     
 12.2
   
Average yield per RPM (6)
   
12.19
¢
   
11.14
¢
   
 9.4
   
Passenger revenue per ASM (RASM) (7)
   
10.13
¢
   
9.00
¢
   
 12.6
   
Total revenue per ASM (TRASM) (8)
   
11.19
¢
   
10.11
¢
   
 10.7
   
Operating cost per ASM (CASM) (9)
   
10.10
¢
   
9.00
¢
   
 12.2
   
Non-fuel operating cost per ASM (10)
   
6.45
¢
   
6.33
¢
   
1.9
   
Average cost of aircraft fuel per gallon (11)
 
$
2.36
   
$
1.72
     
 37.2
   
Gallons of fuel burned (000’s)
   
97,127
     
92,813
     
 4.6
   
Operating aircraft in fleet at end of period
   
138
     
136
     
1.5
   
Completion factor (12)
   
99.5 percent
     
99.3 percent
     
0.2
 pts 
 
Average daily utilization (hours: minutes) (13)
   
11:18
     
11:12
     
0.9
   
Full-time equivalent employees at end of period
   
8,083
     
8,200
     
 (1.4
)
 

   
Six Months Ended
 June 30,
   
Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)
   
   
2010
   
2009
       
Revenue passengers
   
12,061,382
     
11,553,073
     
 4.4
   
Revenue passenger miles (RPM) (000s) (1)
   
9,592,140
     
8,904,609
     
7.7
   
Available seat miles (ASM) (000s) (2)
   
11,943,095
     
11,327,284
     
 5.4
   
Passenger load factor (3)
   
80.3 percent
     
78.6 percent
     
 1.7
 pts 
 
Departures
   
125,152
     
123,017
     
 1.7
   
Average aircraft stage length (miles) (4)
   
761
     
735
     
 3.5
   
Average fare (excluding transportation taxes) (5)
 
$
97.48
   
$
88.55
     
 10.1
   
Average yield per RPM (6)
   
12.26
¢
   
11.49
¢
   
 6.7
   
Passenger revenue per ASM (RASM) (7)
   
9.84
¢
   
9.03
¢
   
 9.0
   
Total revenue per ASM (TRASM) (8)
   
10.93
¢
   
10.11
¢
   
 8.1
   
Operating cost per ASM (CASM) (9)
   
10.34
¢
   
9.11
¢
   
 13.5
   
Non-fuel operating cost per ASM (10)
   
6.74
¢
   
6.52
¢
   
 3.4
   
Average cost of aircraft fuel per gallon (11)
 
$
2.32
   
$
1.66
     
 39.8
   
Gallons of fuel burned (000’s)
   
185,163
     
176,166
     
 5.1
   
Operating aircraft in fleet at end of period
   
138
     
136
     
1.5
   
Completion factor (12)
   
98.5 percent
     
99.2 percent
     
 (0.7
) pts
 
Average daily utilization (hours: minutes) (13)
   
11:06
     
10:54
     
1.8
   
Full-time equivalent employees at end of period
   
8,083
     
8,200
     
 (1.4
)
 
 
 
28

 
 
(1)
The number of scheduled revenue miles flown by passengers 
(2)
The number of seats available for passengers multiplied by the number of miles the seats are flown
(3)
The percentage of aircraft seating capacity that is actually utilized (RPMs divided by ASMs) 
(4)
Total aircraft miles flown divided by departures
(5)
Passenger revenue divided by total passengers 
(6)
The average amount one passenger pays to fly one mile 
(7)
Passenger revenue divided by ASMs 
(8)
Total revenue divided by ASMs
(9)
Operating expenses divided by ASMs
(10)
Total operating expenses less aircraft fuel expense divided by ASMs. Non-fuel operating cost per ASM (non-fuel CASM) is a measure of unit operating costs which is not determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Both the cost and availability of fuel are subject to many factors which are out of our control; therefore, we believe that non-fuel CASM provides a useful measure of an airline’s unit operating expense which facilitates an understanding of operating costs over time.
(11)
Total fuel expense divided by gallons of fuel burned
(12)
The percentage of flights that are completed (total number of flights completed divided by total number of flights scheduled)
(13)
The average amount of time per day that an aircraft flown is operated in revenue service

For the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009

Summary

Our second quarter 2010 operating income increased by $2.1 million compared to the second quarter of 2009, as the favorable impact of an increase in our total unit revenue exceeded the unfavorable impact of the 37.2 percent increase in our average cost of jet fuel per gallon.

Due largely to net losses on derivative financial instruments, our net income for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was unfavorable compared to the analogous period in 2009. During the second quarter 2010, we reported operating income of $68.2 million, net income of $12.4 million, and diluted earnings per common share of $0.09. Included in our second quarter 2010 results is a non-operating loss on derivative financial instruments of $34.0 million. The non-operating loss on derivative financial instruments was largely attributable to unrealized declines in the fair value of our fuel-related derivative assets. During the three months ended June 30, 2009, we reported operating income of $66.2 million, net income of $78.4 million, and diluted earnings per common share of $0.56. Included in our second quarter 2009 results is a non-operating gain on derivative financial instruments of $27.3 million and a non-operating gain on extinguishment of debt of $4.0 million.

Operating Revenues
 
Our operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2010, increased $96.9 million (16.1 percent) due to the net impact of a $97.1 million increase in passenger revenues and a $0.2 million decrease in other revenues compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009. We were able to increase our total unit revenue in the context of improving but still generally unfavorable macroeconomic conditions. Our total revenue per available seat mile for the second quarter of 2010 was 11.19 cents, an increase of 10.7 percent compared to the second quarter of 2009. 
 
 
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The $97.1 million (18.1 percent) increase in passenger revenue was due to increased capacity, traffic, and yield. During the three months ended June 30, 2010, we increased our capacity by 4.9 percent compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009. The increase in capacity was attributable to two B737 aircraft added to our fleet during the third quarter of 2009. The increased capacity coupled with a 7.9 percent increase in revenue passenger miles produced an average passenger load factor of 83.1 percent, which was a 2.4 percentage point increase compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009. Our average fare was $97.03, 12.2 percent higher than the analogous period in 2009. The increase in average fare was attributable to changes in our network routes and improved air travel demand. During the three months ended June 30, 2010, our average length of passenger haul increased 2.6 percent; an increase in average length of passenger haul tends to increase average fare and reduce average yield. Nonetheless, our average yield per revenue passenger mile increased 9.4 percent versus 2009 to 12.19 cents.

Other revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2010, decreased $0.2 million (0.3 percent) compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009. Other revenues include change and cancellation fees, direct booking fees, revenues derived from the sale of frequent flyer credits, baggage fees, preferred seat assignments and other miscellaneous revenues.

Operating Expenses
 
Our operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2010, increased $94.8 million (17.6 percent) and increased 12.2 percent on a unit cost basis, as measured by operating cost per ASM (CASM) compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009. Our financial results were significantly affected by the price of fuel and volatility of the price of fuel during the three months ended June 30, 2010. The increase in total operating costs per ASM was the composite result of a 36.6 percent increase in fuel cost per ASM and a 1.9 percent increase in non-fuel operating cost per ASM.

In general, our operating expenses are significantly affected by changes in our capacity, as measured by available seat miles (ASMs). The following table summarizes our unit costs, as defined by CASM, for the indicated periods:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Percent
Increase
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
 
Aircraft fuel
   
3.66
¢
   
2.68
¢
   
36.6
 
Salaries, wages and benefits
   
2.10
     
2.06
     
1.9
 
Aircraft rent
   
0.97
     
1.01
     
(4.0
Maintenance, materials and repairs
   
0.92
     
0.83
     
10.8
 
Distribution
   
0.46
     
0.42
     
9.5
 
Landing fees and other rents
   
0.68
     
0.63
     
7.9
 
Aircraft insurance and security services
   
0.09
     
0.09
     
 
Marketing and advertising
   
0.14
     
0.17
     
(17.6
Depreciation and amortization
   
0.24
     
0.24
     
 
Loss on asset dispositions
   
     
0.04
     
(100.0
Other operating
   
0.84
     
0.83
     
1.2
 
Total CASM
   
10.10
¢
   
9.00
¢
   
12.2
 
 
 
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Aircraft fuel increased 36.6 percent on a cost per ASM basis because jet fuel cost per gallon increased. For the three months ended June 30, 2010, our average fuel cost per gallon, including taxes and into-plane fees, increased 37.2 percent from $1.72 during the second quarter of 2009 to $2.36 during the second quarter of 2010. The increase in the average cost of jet fuel per gallon resulted in a $62.2 million increase in our aircraft fuel expense during the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to what fuel expense would have been had jet fuel prices been at the average level experienced during the three months ended June 30, 2009.

Maintenance, materials and repairs expense increased 10.8 percent on a cost per ASM basis primarily due to the aging of our aircraft fleet.

Distribution expense increased 9.5 percent on a cost per ASM basis primarily due to higher credit card commissions and fees paid to global distribution systems and participants in other distribution channels. Credit card commissions increased in large part due to increased unit revenue. Fees paid increased because there was a modest increase in tickets sold via global distribution systems and other channels.

Landing fees and other rents increased 7.9 percent on a cost per ASM basis primarily due to increased landing fees, higher rental rates at various airports for gate and certain terminal space, and increases in our share of gate and terminal space at certain airports.

Marketing and advertising costs decreased 17.6 percent on a cost per ASM basis due to planned decreases in advertising and other marketing costs.

Other (Income) Expense
 
Other (income) expense, net was $55.8 million expense, net for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to ($13.0) million income, net for the three months ended June 30, 2009. Other (income) expense, net includes: interest income; interest expense; capitalized interest; net (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments; and (gain) on extinguishment of debt.

Interest expense, including amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs, increased by $3.2 million from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to $23.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. The increase was due to the following: interest on our 5.25% convertible senior notes issued in October 2009; two new aircraft notes related to aircraft delivered in September 2009; three new interest-rate swap agreements; and interest associated with our Credit Facility.

We reported net losses on derivative financial instruments of $34.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to net (gains) of ($27.3) million for the three months ended June 30, 2009. Net (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments consist primarily of realized and unrealized gains and losses on fuel-related derivatives which were not designated as hedges for financial accounting purposes. The fuel-related derivative financial instrument losses for the three months ended June 30, 2010 were largely unrealized and resulted in a reduction of the financial statement carrying value of our fuel-related derivative assets.

During the three months ended June 30, 2009, we repurchased $27.7 million of our 7.0% convertible notes resulting in a gain of $4.0 million.

Income Tax Expense

We reported income before income taxes during the three months ended June 30, 2010; however, we did not recognize income tax expense because the tax effect of the pre-tax income was offset by a corresponding decrease in the valuation allowance. Our effective rate was 0.9 percent for the three months ended June 30, 2009. Our effective tax rate can differ from the 37.2 percent composite statutory tax rate (35 percent federal statutory rate plus the 2.2 percent state composite statutory rate) due to changes in the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, certain expenses which are not deductible for income tax purposes and non-recurring discrete items related to restricted stock vesting. Non-deductible expense items and discrete items tend to increase the effective tax rate when pre-tax income is reported and tend to decrease the effective tax rate when a pre-tax loss is reported.
 
 
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Income tax benefits recorded on losses result in deferred tax assets for financial reporting purposes. We are required to provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets to the extent management determines that it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will ultimately not be realized. We expect to realize a portion of our deferred tax assets (including a portion of the deferred tax asset associated with loss carryforwards) through the reversal of existing temporary differences. However, we have determined that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets in excess of our deferred tax liabilities will not ultimately be realized, in part due to our cumulative losses in recent years, and that we are therefore required to provide a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets in excess of our deferred tax liabilities. As a result, beginning with the third quarter of 2008, our losses were not reduced by any tax benefit. We reported income before income taxes during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009; however, we did not recognize material tax expense in any period due to reductions in the valuation allowance which largely offset income tax expense for the periods. During the three months ended June 30, 2009, we recognized $0.7 million of income tax expense related to our repurchase of our 7% convertible notes.

Regardless of the financial accounting for income taxes, our net operating loss carryforwards are currently available for use on our income tax returns to offset future taxable income.

For the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
 
Summary
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we reported operating income of $71.3 million, net income of $0.4 million, and diluted earnings per common share of $0. Included in our results is a non-operating loss on derivative financial instruments of $27.1 million. Due to an increase in average jet fuel prices, higher non-fuel unit operating costs, and cancelled flights due to adverse winter weather, our operating income for the first six months of 2010 was unfavorable compared to the first six months of 2009 despite an increase in average unit revenue. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we reported operating income of $113.9 million, net income of $107.1 million, and diluted earnings per common share of $0.78. Included in our operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2009 is a non-operating gain on derivative financial instruments of $28.2 million and a non-operating gain on extinguishment of debt of $4.3 million.

Operating Revenues
 
Our operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2010 increased $160.1 million (14.0 percent) due to the effects of a $152.7 million increase in passenger revenues and a $7.4 million increase in other revenues compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009. We were able to increase our total unit revenue in the context of improving but still generally unfavorable macroeconomic conditions. Our total revenue per available seat mile for the first six months of 2010 was 10.93 cents, an increase of 8.1 percent compared to the first six months of 2009. 
 
 
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The $152.7 million (14.9 percent) increase in passenger revenue was due to increased capacity, traffic, and yield. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we increased our capacity by 5.4 percent compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009. The increase in capacity was attributable to two B737 aircraft added to our fleet during the third quarter of 2009. The increased capacity coupled with a 7.7 percent increase in revenue passenger miles produced an average passenger load factor of 80.3 percent, which was a 1.7 percentage point increase compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009. Our average fare was $97.48, which was 10.1 percent higher than the analogous period in 2009. The increase in average fare was attributable to changes in our network routes and improved air travel demand. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, our average length of passenger haul increased 3.2 percent; an increase in average length of passenger haul tends to increase average fare and reduce average yield. Nonetheless, our average yield per revenue passenger mile increased 6.7 percent versus 2009 to 12.26 cents.

Our operating performance was adversely affected by unusually severe weather during January and February 2010. We estimate that the severe weather adversely impacted our operating revenues by more than $10 million.

Other revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2010, increased $7.4 million (6.0 percent) compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009. Other revenues include change and cancellation fees, direct booking fees, revenues derived from the sale of frequent flyer credits, baggage fees, preferred seat assignments and other miscellaneous revenues.

Operating Expenses
 
Our operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2010, increased $202.7 million (19.6 percent) and increased 13.5 percent on a unit cost basis, as measured by operating cost per ASM (CASM). Our financial results were significantly affected by the price of fuel and volatility of the price of fuel during the six months ended June 30, 2010. The increase in total operating costs per ASM was the composite result of a 39.1 percent increase in fuel cost per ASM and a 3.4 percent increase in non-fuel operating cost per ASM.

In general, our operating expenses are significantly affected by changes in our capacity, as measured by available seat miles (ASMs). The following table summarizes our unit costs, as defined by CASM, for the indicated periods:
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
   
Percent
Increase
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
 
Aircraft fuel
   
3.59
¢
   
2.58
¢
   
39.1
 
Salaries, wages and benefits
   
2.19
     
2.13
     
2.8
 
Aircraft rent
   
1.02
     
1.07
     
(4.7
Maintenance, materials and repairs
   
0.98
     
0.85
     
15.3
 
Distribution
   
0.46
     
0.40
     
15.0
 
Landing fees and other rents
   
0.66
     
0.63
     
4.8
 
Aircraft insurance and security services
   
0.10
     
0.09
     
11.1
 
Marketing and advertising
   
0.15
     
0.19
     
(21.1
Depreciation and amortization
   
0.25
     
0.25
     
 
Loss on asset dispositions
   
     
0.03
     
(100.0
Other operating
   
0.94
     
0.89
     
5.6
 
Total CASM
   
10.34
¢
   
9.11
¢
   
13.5
 
 
Aircraft fuel increased 39.1 percent on a cost per ASM basis because jet fuel cost per gallon increased. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, our average fuel cost per gallon, including taxes and into-plane fees, increased 39.8 percent from $1.66 during the six months ended June 30, 2009 to $2.32 during the analogous period of 2010. The increase in the average cost of jet fuel per gallon resulted in a $122.2 million increase in our aircraft fuel expense during the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to what fuel expense would have been had jet fuel prices been at the average level experienced during the six months ended June 30, 2009.

 
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Maintenance, materials and repairs expense increased 15.3 percent on a cost per ASM basis primarily due to the aging of our aircraft fleet.

Distribution expense increased 15.0 percent on a cost per ASM basis primarily due to higher credit card commissions and fees paid to global distribution systems and participants in other distribution channels. Credit card commissions increased in large part due to increased unit revenue. Fees paid increased because there was a modest increase in tickets sold via global distribution systems and other channels.

Aircraft insurance and security services expense increased 11.1 percent on a cost per ASM basis due to increased cost of security services and an increase in hull and liability insurance rates.

Marketing and advertising costs decreased 21.1 percent on a cost per ASM basis due to planned decreases in advertising and other marketing costs.

Other operating expense increased 5.6 percent on a cost per ASM basis primarily due to increases in ground handling, contracted services costs, and professional fees.

Other (Income) Expense
 
Other (income) expense, net increased by $64.9 million to $70.9 million expense, net for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $6.0 million expense, net for the six months ended June 30, 2009. Other (income) expense, net includes: interest income; interest expense; capitalized interest; net (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments; and (gain) on extinguishment of debt.

Interest expense, including amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs, increased by $5.0 million from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to $46.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. The increase was due to the following: interest on our 5.25% convertible senior notes issued in October 2009; two new aircraft notes related to aircraft delivered in September 2009; three new interest-rate swap agreements; and interest associated with our Credit Facility.

We reported net losses on derivative financial instruments of $27.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to net (gains) of ($28.2) million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. Net (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments consist primarily of realized and unrealized gains and losses on fuel-related derivatives which were not designated as hedges for financial accounting purposes. The fuel-related derivative financial instrument losses for the six months ended June 30, 2010 were largely unrealized and resulted in a reduction of the financial statement carrying value of our fuel-related derivative assets.

During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we repurchased $29.2 million of our 7.0% convertible notes resulting in a gain of $4.3 million.

Income Tax Expense

We reported income before income taxes during the six months ended June 30, 2010; however, we did not recognize income tax expense because the tax effect of the pre-tax income was offset by a corresponding decrease in the valuation allowance. Our effective rate was 0.7 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2009. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we recognized $0.7 million of income tax expense related to our repurchase of our 7% convertible notes.

 
34

 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
At June 30, 2010, we had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $535.3 million, and we also had $53.8 million of restricted cash. At June 30, 2010, we had no borrowings outstanding under our revolving line of credit facility. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, our primary sources of cash were cash provided by operating activities and borrowings to refinance aircraft related debt. Our primary uses of cash were repayment of debt, including repayment of borrowings under our revolving line of credit facility, and expenditures for the acquisition of property and equipment. As of July 19, 2010, we had no borrowings outstanding under our revolving line of credit facility and a $50 million letter of credit had been issued under our letter of credit facility. The letter of credit beneficiary was not entitled to draw any amounts as of June 30, and July 19, 2010.

Year to Date 2010 Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities

Operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2010 provided $155.1 million of cash flow compared to $110.0 million provided during the analogous period in 2009. Cash flow from operating activities is related to both the level of our profitability and changes in working capital and other assets and liabilities. Operating cash inflows are largely attributable to revenues derived from the transportation of passengers. Operating cash outflows are largely attributable to recurring expenditures for fuel, labor, aircraft rent, aircraft maintenance, marketing, and other activities. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, we reported net income of $0.4 million compared to net income of $107.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009.

Changes in the components of our working capital impact cash flow from operating activities. Changes in the air traffic liability balance and the related accounts receivable balance have had a significant impact on our net cash flow from operating activities. We have a liability to provide future air travel because travelers tend to purchase air transportation in advance of their intended travel date. Advance ticket sales, which are recorded as air traffic liability, fluctuate seasonally and also provide cash when we grow and consequently receive additional cash for future travel. This historical source of cash will decline or change to a use to the extent our growth slows or reverses or the amounts held back by our credit card processors increase. During the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, our air traffic liability balance increased $105.6 million and $24.0 million, respectively, contributing favorably to our net cash flow from operating activities. During the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, our accounts receivable increased $19.7 million and $8.1 million, respectively, negatively impacting net cash provided by operating activities. Changes in accounts payable, accrued, and other current and non-current liabilities also impact our cash flow from operating activities. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the $9.8 million increase in accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities contributed favorably to net cash provided by operating activities. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the $3.7 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities negatively impacted net cash provided by operating activities.

Our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow for the six months ended June 30, 2010 includes a $33.8 million increase in cash flow provided by operating activities pertaining to derivative financial instruments. This item is comprised largely of unrealized non-operating losses on fuel-related derivative financial instruments. The non-operating losses pertained primarily to decreases in the fair value of our fuel-related derivative financial instrument assets during the period. The $33.8 million increase in cash flow provided by operating activities also includes $6.1 million net cash received from counterparties related to purchases, issuance and settlement of fuel-related derivative financial instruments. We also provided deposits to counterparties to our derivative financial instruments aggregating $3.4 million which required the use of cash.

 
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Our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow for the six months ended June 30, 2009 includes a $93.7 million decrease in cash flow provided by operating activities related to derivative financial instruments. This item is comprised largely of $72.4 million net payments to counterparties for purchases, issuances and settlements of fuel-related derivative financial instruments. The payments to counterparties included amounts paid to unwind certain fuel-related derivative financial instruments which we believed were unlikely to provide benefit in 2009. Counterparties to our derivative financial instrument arrangements released deposits held by them as consequences of the unwinding of fuel-related derivatives and the reduction of the value of our fuel-related derivative financial instrument obligations. The amount of deposits received from counterparties, net of deposits paid to counterparties, aggregated $48.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2009.

We used cash to increase other assets by $11.8 million and $5.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Other assets include prepaid aircraft maintenance and other deposits, prepaid insurance, and prepaid distribution costs. Additionally, cash was provided as we decreased prepaid and stored fuel by $2.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2010. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, cash was used as we increased prepaid and stored fuel by $8.3 million.

Investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2010 used $12.6 million in cash compared to the $7.8 million cash provided during the similar period in 2009. Sales of available-for-sale securities are classified as investing activities. During the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, we sold $1.7 million and $12.5 million of available-for-sale securities, respectively. Investing activities also include expenditures for aircraft deposits and the purchase of aircraft and other property and equipment.

Aircraft purchase contracts typically require that the purchaser make pre-delivery deposits to the manufacturer. These deposits are refunded at the time of aircraft delivery. We may invest a portion or all of the refunded deposits in the aircraft. During the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, we paid $4.9 million and $10.9 million in deposits, respectively. In 2009, we also received $15.2 million in previously paid deposits. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we expended $9.4 million in cash for the acquisition of rotable parts, buyer-furnished equipment, and other property and equipment. Acquisitions of other property and equipment included additions to leasehold improvements and the purchase of ground and computer equipment. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we expended $11.2 million in cash for the acquisition of rotable parts, buyer-furnished equipment, and other property and equipment.

Financing activities used $149.8 million of cash during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to using cash of $56.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2009. 

During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we repaid $125.0 million under our revolving line of credit facility. We have made no new borrowings under the revolving line of credit facility so far this year. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we repaid $74.7 million of aircraft debt financing, including debt repaid in the refinancing of two B737 aircraft.

In 2010, we refinanced debt borrowed to acquire two B737 aircraft that were delivered to Airways in 2009. Under the refinancings, we repaid $49.0 million of existing aircraft indebtedness and borrowed $52.5 million of new aircraft debt. Each note issued is secured by a first mortgage on the B737 aircraft to which it relates. Each note has a stated maturity of 10 years and bears interest at a floating rate per annum above the three-month LIBOR in effect at the commencement of each three-month period.

In 2009, our Board of Directors authorized, at management’s discretion, the repurchase, from time-to-time, of up to $50 million of our 7.0% convertible notes in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated purchases. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we repurchased $29.2 million of our 7.0% convertible notes resulting in a gain of $4.3 million.

 
36

 
During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we borrowed $645 million and repaid $645 million under our revolving line of credit facility. Also during the six months ended June 30, 2009, we repaid $33.0 million of aircraft debt financing, including $9.1 million for repayments of pre-delivery deposit financing.
 
See ITEM 1. “FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) – Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 4 – Debt” for additional information regarding our outstanding debt.

Year 2010 Cash Requirements and Potential Sources of Liquidity

Our cash flows, for the remainder of 2010, will be impacted by a variety of factors including our operating results, payments of our debt and capital lease obligations, and capital expenditure requirements.

Expenditures for acquisition of property and equipment, other than aircraft and aircraft parts, are anticipated to be approximately $5 million to $10 million during the remainder of 2010. Additionally, during the remainder of 2010, we currently have scheduled payments of $20 million related to aircraft purchase commitments. Payments of current maturities of existing debt and capital lease obligations are expected to aggregate $126 million during the remainder of 2010. Holders of 94% of our 7.0% convertible notes aggregating $90.4 million principal amount exercised their right to require us to repurchase the notes in July 2010. We elected to pay the repurchase price in cash in July 2010. The $90.4 million principal of the 7% convertible notes is included in the 2010 maturity amount.

We may need cash resources to fund increases in collateral provided to counterparties to our derivative financial arrangements and our cash flows may be adversely impacted in the event that one or more credit card processors withholds amounts that would otherwise be remitted to us. We provide counterparties to our derivative financial instrument arrangements with collateral when the fair value of our obligation exceeds specified amounts. Our obligation to provide collateral pursuant to fuel-related derivative financial instrument arrangements tends to be inversely related to fuel prices; consequently, to the extent fuel prices decrease, we will experience lower fuel expense and higher collateral requirements. Because we hedge significantly less than 100 percent of our fuel requirements, over time, a sustained decrease in fuel prices tends to produce a net cash benefit even though a significant decrease in fuel prices may cause a net use of cash in the period when prices decrease. As of June 30, 2010, we provided interest-rate swap counterparties with collateral aggregating $25.1 million.

Each agreement with our two largest credit card processors allows, under specified conditions, the processor to retain cash related to future travel that such processor otherwise would remit to us (a holdback). As of June 30, 2010, we were in compliance with our processing agreements and our two largest credit card processors were holding back no cash remittances from us. Our potential cash exposure to holdbacks by our largest two credit card processors, based on advance ticket sales as of June 30, 2010, was up to a maximum of $272.0 million (after considering the $50 million letter of credit issued in favor of our largest credit card processor). Even had there been no letter of credit issued for the benefit of our largest credit card processor, as of June 30, 2010, neither of our two largest credit card processors would have been entitled to holdback any cash remittances from us. While we may be subject to holdbacks in the future in accordance with the terms of our credit card processing agreements, based on our current liquidity and current forecast, we do not expect that our two largest credit card processors would be entitled to holdback cash amounts during the remainder of 2010.

We believe we have options available to meet our debt repayment, capital expenditure needs, and operating commitments; such options may include internally generated funds as well as various financing or leasing options, including the sale, lease, or sublease of our aircraft or other assets. Additionally, we have a $50 million revolving line of credit facility, under which no borrowings were outstanding as of either June 30, 2010 or July 19, 2010. However, our future financing options may be limited because our owned aircraft are pledged to the lenders that provided financing to acquire such aircraft, and we have pledged, directly or indirectly, a significant portion of our owned assets, other than aircraft and engines, to collateralize our obligations under our Credit Facility. The counterparty to the Credit Facility has agreed to release its lien on certain specified assets securing that facility in the event we seek to re-pledge those assets in order to secure a new financing so long as the aggregate collateral value of the assets pledged under the Credit Facility is at least equal to the amount then available under the Credit Facility.

 
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We believe that our existing liquidity and forecasted 2010 cash flows will be sufficient to fund our operations and other financial obligations during the remainder of 2010. While we believe our 2010 forecast is reasonable, a combination of one or more material and significant adverse events, most of which are outside of our direct control, could, depending on the severity and duration thereof, have significant unfavorable impacts on our future cash flows. Such adverse events could include: significant increases in fuel prices for an extended period of time, significant sustained declines in unit revenues as a consequence of unfavorable macroeconomic or other conditions, or an increase in the percentage of advance ticket sales held back by our credit card processors.

Credit Facility

We have a combined secured letter of credit facility and a revolving line of credit facility. We refer to the combined letter of credit facility and revolving line of credit facility as the Credit Facility, and we refer to its components as the letter of credit facility and the revolving line of credit facility, respectively. The terms of the Credit Facility were amended effective July 1, 2010. The following discussion summarizes the terms of the amended Credit Facility.

We and the lender have agreed to extend the term of the Credit Facility to December 31, 2012 subject to our satisfaction of a condition precedent which the Company expects to satisfy prior to December 31, 2010. Under the revolving line of credit facility, we are permitted to borrow, upon two business days notice, up to $50 million for general corporate purposes. Under the letter of credit facility, we are entitled to the issuance by a financial institution of letters of credit up to a maximum aggregate amount of $50 million for the benefit of one or more of our credit card processors. Amounts borrowed under the revolving line of credit facility bear interest at a rate of 12 percent per annum and must be repaid within three business days to the extent that our aggregate unrestricted cash and investment amount exceeds $450 million at any time. We may borrow once a month and are permitted to repay amounts borrowed at any time without penalty. As of December 31, 2009, we had $125 million in outstanding borrowings under the revolving line of credit facility. We had no borrowings outstanding as of either June 30, 2010 or July 19, 2010. As of June 30, 2010, the stated amount of the letter of credit issued for the benefit of our largest credit card processor was $50 million. A letter of credit issued under the letter of credit facility has never been drawn.

Aircraft Related Commitments, Financing Arrangements and Transactions
 
We have agreed to purchase 51 B737 aircraft. During June 2010, we entered into amendments to our aircraft purchase agreements with The Boeing Company to defer delivery dates for nine B737 aircraft originally scheduled for delivery between 2011 and 2014 to delivery dates between 2015 and 2017.

During June 2010, we agreed to lease two used B717 aircraft for a term of 10 years commencing in 2011.

 
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The table below summarizes, as of June 30, 2010, all scheduled aircraft fleet additions:
 
   
B737 Aircraft Purchases
   
B717 Aircraft Leases
   
Total Aircraft Additions
 
Remainder of 2010
   
     
     
 
2011
   
4
     
2
     
6
 
2012
   
6
     
     
6
 
2013
   
6
     
     
6
 
2014
   
8
     
     
8
 
2015
   
12
     
     
12
 
2016
   
10
     
     
10
 
2017
   
5
     
     
5
 
Total
   
51
     
2
 
   
53
 

As of June 30, 2010, our aircraft purchase commitments for the remainder of 2010 and for the next five years and thereafter, in aggregate, are (in millions): 2010—$20; 2011—$140; 2012—$270; 2013—$280; 2014—$370; 2015—$510; and thereafter—$580. These amounts include payment commitments, including payment of pre-delivery deposits, for aircraft on firm order. Aircraft purchase commitments include the forecasted impact of contractual price escalations. Our intention is to finance the aircraft on order through either debt financing, lease financing, or a mix thereof. We have financing commitments from a lender to finance a majority of the acquisition price of two B737 aircraft scheduled for delivery to us in 2011 or 2012. We have not yet arranged for aircraft financing for any of the other aircraft deliveries.

There are multiple variables including capital market conditions, asset valuations, and our own operating performance that could affect the availability of satisfactory financing for our future B737 aircraft deliveries.  While there was limited availability of satisfactory aircraft financing in early 2009, it is our view that the aircraft financing market has improved. While we cannot provide assurance that sufficient financing will be available, we expect to be able to obtain acceptable financing for future deliveries. Our view is based upon our discussions with prospective lenders and lessors, the consummation of aircraft financing transactions by other airlines, our own operating performance, and our recent ability to refinance two B737 aircraft.

Our B737 contract with Boeing requires us to make pre-delivery deposits to Boeing. Although we typically have financed a significant portion of our pre-delivery deposit requirements with debt from banks or other financial institutions, we currently have no such financing in place for future deliveries.

 
39

 
ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided in Part II, Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, other than those discussed below.

Market Risk-Sensitive Instruments and Positions
 
We are subject to certain market risks, including changes in interest rates and commodity prices (i.e., aircraft fuel). The adverse effects of changes in these markets pose a potential loss as discussed below. The sensitivity analyses do not consider the effects that such adverse changes may have on overall economic activity, nor do they consider additional actions we may take to mitigate our exposure to such changes. Actual results may differ. See the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
 
Interest Rates
 
We had approximately $648.0 million and $665.7 million of variable-rate debt as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. We have mitigated our exposure on certain variable-rate debt by entering into interest-rate swap agreements. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we entered into three interest-rate swap arrangements pertaining to $65.0 million notional amount of outstanding debt. The notional amount of the outstanding debt related to interest-rate swaps at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $497.5 and $447.0 million, respectively. These swaps expire between 2016 and 2020. The interest-rate swaps effectively result in us paying a fixed rate of interest on a portion of our floating-rate debt securities through the expiration of the swaps. As of June 30, 2010, the fair market value of our interest-rate swaps was a liability of $32.6 million. If average interest rates increased by 100 basis points during 2010, as compared to 2009, our projected 2010 interest expense would increase by approximately $0.8 million.
 
Aviation Fuel
 
Our results of operations can be significantly impacted by changes in the price and availability of aircraft fuel. Aircraft fuel expense for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 represented 36.2 percent and 29.8 percent of our operating expenses, respectively. Aircraft fuel expense for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 represented 34.8 percent and 28.4 percent of our operating expenses, respectively.

We enter into fuel-related derivative financial instruments with financial institutions to reduce the ultimate variability of cash flows associated with fluctuations in jet fuel prices. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The financial accounting for fuel-related derivatives is discussed in ITEM 1. “FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) – Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 3 – Financial Instruments”.

We enter into various derivative financial instruments with financial institutions to seek to reduce the variability of the ultimate cash flows associated with fluctuations in jet fuel prices. From time to time, we enter into fuel-related swap and option derivative financial arrangements. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Under jet fuel swap arrangements, we pay a fixed rate per gallon and receive the monthly average price of Gulf Coast jet fuel. The fuel-related option arrangements may include collars, purchased call options, and sold call options. Depending on market conditions at the time a derivative contract is entered into, we generally use jet fuel, heating oil, or crude oil as the underlying commodity. Additionally, from time to time, we enter into refinery-margin swap agreements pursuant to which we pay a fixed rate per gallon and receive the monthly average price of jet fuel refinery costs.

 
40

 
We provide counterparties to our derivative financial instrument arrangements with collateral when the fair value of our obligation exceeds specified amounts. As of June 30, 2010, we were not required to provide counterparties to fuel-related derivative financial instruments with any collateral. Any collateral is classified as restricted cash, if the funds are held in our name. The collateral is classified as deposits held by counterparties to derivative financial instruments if the funds are held by the counterparty. Any future increases in the fair value of our obligations under derivative financial instruments may obligate us to provide collateral to counterparties, which would reduce our unrestricted cash and investments. Any future decreases in the fair value of our obligations would result in the release of collateral to us and consequently would increase our unrestricted cash and investments. Any outstanding collateral is released to us upon settlement of the related derivative financial instrument liability. Our obligation to provide collateral pursuant to fuel-related derivative financial instrument arrangements tends to be inversely related to fuel prices; consequently, to the extent fuel prices decrease, we will experience lower fuel expense and higher collateral requirements. Because we hedge significantly less than 100 percent of our fuel requirements, over time, a sustained decrease in fuel prices tends to produce a net cash benefit even though a significant decrease in fuel prices may cause a net use of cash in the period when prices decrease.

In summary, our fuel-related derivative financial instruments impacted our financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 as follows:
 
 
 
We recorded a non-operating net loss on fuel-related derivative financial instruments of $34.0 million and $27.1 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. During the three months ended June 30, 2010, we realized losses related to derivative financial instruments of $1.3 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we realized gains related to derivative financial instruments of $0.9 million.
 
 
 
As of June 30, 2010, the estimated fair value of our fuel-related derivative financial instruments was a net asset of $16.1 million. The fair value of our fuel-related derivatives is in large part a function of the current market and futures prices of the underlying commodities. Consequently, changes in the current market and futures prices tend to have a substantial impact on the fair value of the fuel-related derivatives.
 
As of June 30, 2010, we had entered into fuel-related option agreements which pertain to 122 million gallons or 64 percent of our projected July through December 2010 fuel requirements, 169 million gallons or 43 percent of our projected 2011 fuel requirements, and 20 million gallons or 5 percent of our projected 2012 fuel requirements. As of June 30, 2010, we had no swap agreements or outstanding refinery-margin swap agreements.

For every dollar increase per barrel in crude oil or refining costs, our fuel expense (including taxes and into-plane fees) for the remainder of 2010, before the impact of our derivative financial instruments, would increase approximately $4.9 million based on projected operations.

 
41

 
The (1) estimated total ultimate cash benefit (use) of our fuel-related derivatives scheduled to settle during the remainder of 2010 and (2) the expected difference in aggregate fuel cost compared to jet fuel cost based on crude oil at $80 per barrel are estimated as follows at the specified crude per barrel prices (in millions, except per barrel amounts which are in dollars):

     
 
Estimated Total Ultimate Cash Benefit (Use) of Our Fuel-Related Derivative Financial Instruments Held as of
June 30, 2010
 
Estimated Lower (Higher) Aggregate Jet Fuel Cost (Prior to Impact of
Derivative Financial Instruments) Compared to Jet Fuel Cost Based on
Crude Oil of $80 per Barrel
 
Six Months Ending December 31, 2010
  
             
Assumed average market crude price:
               
$ 60 per barrel
   
$
(35.6
)
$
105.2
 
$ 80 per barrel
  
   
(11.6
)
 
 
$ 100 per barrel
  
   
25.6
 
 
(105.2
)

Notes:

1.
The total ultimate derivative financial instrument related cash amounts include all estimated payments and receipts during the period that the derivatives are outstanding. The ultimate cash benefit (use) includes any premiums paid to counterparties at the inception of the arrangements, any obligation for us to provide counterparties with collateral prior to final settlement, and the cash benefit or use at the time of final settlement. Any collateral held by counterparties at the time a derivative financial instrument settles reduces any cash required from us at time of settlement.
2.
As of June 30, 2010 and July 19, 2010, we had provided no collateral for fuel-related derivatives to counterparties.
 
3.
Changes in the refining margin may also impact the cost of jet fuel. The refining margin assumption included in the table above is 10% of the assumed average market crude price.
 


 
42

 
ITEM 4.           CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We maintain controls and procedures designed to ensure that we are able to collect the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file with the SEC, and to process, summarize and disclose this information within the time periods specified in the rules of the SEC. Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of June 30, 2010, our controls and procedures were effective to ensure that we are able to collect, process, and disclose the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file with the SEC within the required time periods.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2010, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
43

 

 
PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

A complaint alleging violations of federal antitrust laws and seeking certification as a class action was filed against Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Delta) and AirTran in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta on May 22, 2009. The complaint alleges, among other things, that AirTran conspired with Delta in imposing $15-per-bag fees for the first item of checked luggage. The initial complaint sought treble damages on behalf of a putative class of persons or entities in the United States who directly paid Delta and/or AirTran such fees on domestic flights beginning December 5, 2008. Subsequent to the filing of the May 2009 complaint, various other nearly identical complaints also seeking certification as class actions were filed in federal district courts in Atlanta, Georgia; Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Oakland, California. All of the cases were consolidated before a single judge in Atlanta. An amended complaint filed in February 2010 in the consolidated action broadened the allegations to add claims that Delta and AirTran also cut capacity on competitive routes and raised prices. The amended complaint seeks injunctive relief against a broad range of alleged anticompetitive activities and attorneys fees. AirTran denies all allegations of wrongdoing, including those in the amended complaint, and intends to defend vigorously any and all such allegations.

In addition to the above litigation, AirTran is a party to other claims, and litigation incidental to its business, for which it is not currently possible to determine the ultimate liability, if any. While the outcome of such claims and litigation is subject to uncertainty, based on an evaluation of information currently available and consultation with legal counsel, management believes that resolution of such claims, and litigation is not likely to have a material effect on the financial position, cash flows, or results of operations of the Company. The Company expenses legal costs as they are incurred.
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors

Information regarding risk factors appears in “MD&A — Forward-Looking Statements,” in Part I — Item 2 of this Form 10-Q and in “Risk Factors” in Part I — Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. We believe there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in such Annual Report. You should carefully consider, in addition to the other information set forth in this report, the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, or future results. Such risk factors are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The risks described in our Annual Report are not the only risks facing our Company. In addition to risks and uncertainties inherent in forward looking statements contained in this Report on Form 10-Q, additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and/or operating results.
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None

 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

 
44

 
 
Item 5.
Other Information

None
 
Item 6.
Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed with this report:
 
(a)
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
   
10.51 -
 
Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Revolving Line of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2010, by and among Bank of Utah, not in its individual capacity, but solely as trustee, the Lender, and AirTran Airways, Inc., as Borrower
   
31.1 -
 
Rule 13(a)-14 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
   
31.2 -
 
Rule 13(a)-14 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
   
32.1 -
 
Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 
45

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
   
AirTran Holdings, Inc.
   
(Registrant)
Date: July 23, 2010
 
/s/ Arne G. Haak
   
Arne G. Haak
Senior Vice President of Finance, Treasurer,
and Chief Financial Officer


 
 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
  
   
Description
10.51
  
 
Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Revolving Line of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2010, by and among Bank of Utah, not in its individual capacity, but solely as trustee, the Lender, and AirTran Airways, Inc., as Borrower
31.1
  
 
Rule 13(a)-14 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2
  
 
Rule 13(a)-14 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32.1
  
 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350