Back to GetFilings.com



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[Ö ]


QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004

OR

[   ]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ____________ to ______________


AirTran Holdings, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
State of Incorporation: Nevada





9955 AirTran Boulevard, Orlando, Florida  32827
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)

(407) 251-5600
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Commission file number: 1-15991     I.R.S. Employer Identification No: 58-2189551


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    Ö             No        

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes    Ö       No        

As of July 30, 2004 there were approximately 85,558,000 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.

AIRTRAN HOLDINGS, INC.

Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2004

INDEX

   

Page

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

   Item 1.

   Financial Statements

 

 

      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
         - Three months and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)


3

 

      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
         - June 30, 2004 (unaudited) and December 31, 2003


4

 

      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
         - Six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)


6

 

      Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

7

   Item 2.

   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
      and Results of Operations


13

   Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

22

   Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures

22

     

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

   Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings

23

   Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

23

   Item 6.

   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

23

 

   Signatures

24


2

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


AirTran Holdings, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

         

Three months ended

   

Six months ended

 
         

June 30,

   

June 30,

 
         

   2004  

   

   2003   

   

   2004  

   

   2003  

 

Operating Revenues:

                       
 

Passenger

$

265,944

 

$

226,872

 

$

499,447

 

$

428,772

 
 

Cargo

 

--

   

332

   

--

   

715

 
 

Other

 

      9,060

   

       6,697

   

     16,963

   

     12,416

 
   

Total operating revenues

 

275,004

   

233,901

   

516,410

   

441,903

 

Operating Expenses:

                       
 

Salaries, wages and benefits

 

66,312

   

57,584

   

129,154

   

112,175

 
 

Aircraft fuel

 

54,914

   

41,034

   

106,454

   

88,178

 
 

Aircraft rent

 

36,099

   

29,857

   

72,035

   

56,276

 
 

Maintenance, materials and repairs

 

18,215

   

15,556

   

37,225

   

30,635

 
 

Distribution

 

13,401

   

11,996

   

25,349

   

22,768

 
 

Landing fees and other rents

 

16,201

   

13,274

   

30,074

   

24,758

 
 

Aircraft insurance and security services

 

5,818

   

3,692

   

11,132

   

9,242

 
 

Marketing and advertising

 

6,633

   

5,911

   

14,235

   

12,988

 
 

Depreciation

 

3,303

   

3,301

   

6,187

   

6,623

 
 

Other operating

 

     23,090

   

    20,993

   

    43,271

   

     39,179

 
   

Total operating expenses

 

   243,986

   

  203,198

   

  475,116

   

   402,822

 

Operating Income

 

31,018

   

30,703

   

41,294

   

39,081

 

Other (Income) Expense:

                       
 

Interest income

 

(1,134)

   

(748

)

 

(2,138

)

 

(1,275

)

 

Interest expense

 

5,077

   

8,922

   

9,724

   

15,791

 
 

Payment received under the Emergency
  Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act,
  2003

 



- --



 

 

(38,061



)

 



- --



 

 

(38,061



)

 

Convertible debt discount amortization

 

            --

   

      1,812

   

           --

   

      1,812

 
   

Other (income) expense, net

 

      3,943

   

   (28,075

)

 

     7,586

   

   (21,733

)

                         

Income Before Income Taxes

 

27,075

   

58,778

   

33,708

   

60,814

 
 

Income tax expense

 

    10,289

   

      1,587

   

    12,809

   

       1,587

 

Net Income

$

16,786

 

$

57,191

 

$

20,899

 

$

59,227

 
   

=======

   

=======

   

=======

   

=======

 

Earnings per Common Share

                       

     Basic

$

0.20

 

$

0.79

 

$

0.25

 

$

0.82

 

     Diluted

$

0.18

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.78

 
                         

Weighted-average Shares Outstanding

                       

     Basic

 

84,930

   

72,202

   

84,607

   

71,864

 

     Diluted

 

101,137

   

77,682

   

89,214

   

76,589

 


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


3

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

June 30,

December 31,

     2004    

     2003    

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

378,620

$

338,707

Restricted cash

8,693

9,798

Accounts receivable, less allowance of $694 and $603 at

June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively

24,934

17,454

Spare parts, materials and supplies, less allowance for

obsolescence of $844 and $733 at June 30, 2004

and December 31, 2003, respectively

18,553

19,345

Deferred income taxes

52,054

52,054

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

      20,074

      15,209

Total current assets

502,928

452,567

Property and Equipment:

Flight equipment

253,355

229,927

Less: Accumulated depreciation

     (30,366

)

    (26,610

)

222,989

203,317

Purchase deposits for flight equipment

67,476

49,991

Other property and equipment

54,166

45,425

Less: Accumulated depreciation

    (24,916

)

     (22,272

)

      29,250

      23,153

Total property and equipment

319,715

276,461

Other Assets:

Intangibles resulting from business acquisition

8,350

8,350

Trade names

21,567

21,567

Debt issuance costs

6,916

7,293

Other assets

     46,641

     42,126

Total other assets

     83,474

     79,336

Total assets

$

906,117

$

808,364

=======

=======


(Continued on next page)

4

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

June 30,

December 31,

     2004     

     2003     

(Unaudited)

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Accounts payable

$

24,648

$

18,498

Accrued liabilities

92,953

69,233

Air traffic liability

109,501

78,746

Current portion of long-term debt

         4,971

        5,015

Total current liabilities

232,073

171,492

Long-term debt, less current portion

253,914

241,821

Deferred income taxes

26,100

26,100

Other liabilities

64,546

66,738

Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders' Equity:

Preferred stock

--

--

Common stock

85

84

Additional paid-in-capital

343,342

337,145

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(97

)

(271

)

Accumulated deficit

     (13,846

)

      (34,745

)

Total stockholders' equity

     329,484

     302,213

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

906,117

$

808,364

========

========


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

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

Six months ended June 30,

     2004     

     2003     

Operating activities:

     Net income

$

20,899

$

59,227

       Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by

         operating activities:

      Depreciation and amortization

6,932

8,314

      Amortization of deferred gains from sale/leaseback of aircraft

(2,192

)

(2,336

)

      Provisions for uncollectible accounts

(316

)

142

      Amortization of debt discount upon conversion of debt to equity

--

1,812

      Deferred income taxes

--

1,587

      Other

593

317

      Changes in current operating assets and liabilities:

          Restricted cash

1,105

(24,811

)

          Accounts receivable

(7,164

)

(3,929

)

          Fuel

1,053

(224

)

          Spare parts, materials and supplies

(382

)

(3,081

)

          Other assets

(11,557

)

(12,928

)

          Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities

29,870

14,940

          Air traffic liability

        30,755

       36,342

Net cash provided by operating activities

69,596

75,372

Investing activities:

Purchases of property and equipment

(14,491

)

(12,687

)

(Payment) refund of aircraft purchase deposits

       (17,485

)

         2,244

Net cash used for investing activities

(31,976

)

(10,443

)

Financing activities:

Issuance of long-term debt

--

125,000

Debt issuance costs

--

(3,750

)

Payments of long-term debt

(3,495

)

(8,506

)

Proceeds from sale of common stock

         5,788

         2,699

Net cash provided by financing activities

2,293

115,443

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

39,913

180,372

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     338,707

     104,151

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

378,620

$

284,523

========

========

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Activities:

Non-cash investing and financing activities

Purchase and sale-leaseback of equipment

$

--

$

22,359

Gain on sale-leaseback of aircraft and payment of debt

$

--

$

3,000

Acquisition of equipment under capital lease

$

15,513

$

--

Conversion of debt to equity

$

--

$

5,500


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


6

AirTran Holdings, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation:
Our accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (Holdings) and our-wholly owned subsidiaries, including our principal subsidiary, AirTran Airways, Inc. (Airways). 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 are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for reports on Form 10-Q. It is suggested that these unaudited interim fina ncial statements 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, 2003.

The preparation of the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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.

Business:
AirTran Airways, Inc. offers low-fare, scheduled air transportation of passengers, serving 45 destinations across the United States.

Reclassification:
Certain 2003 amounts have been reclassified to conform to 2004 classifications.

Stock-Based Employee Compensation:
We grant stock options and restricted stock awards to certain officers, directors, and key employees. We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related interpretations and accordingly recognize compensation expense when the exercise price of an award is less than the fair value of our common stock on the grant date. Approximately 1,177,000 shares of common stock were issued pursuant to stock option exercises during 2004.

7

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per common share if we had applied the fair value based method to measure stock-based employee compensation, as required under the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by SFAS No. 148:

   

Three months ended

     

Six months ended

 
   

June 30,

     

June 30,

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)        

 

   2004   

   

   2003   

     

   2004   

   

   2003   

 
                           

Net income, as reported

$

16,786

 

$

57,191

   

$

20,899

 

$

59,227

 

Add: Stock-based employee compensation

                 

 

     

    expense included in reported income,

         

    net of related tax effects

152

--

 

254

--

Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation

                         

    expense determined under the fair value

                 

    based method, net of related tax effects

     (1,014

)

     (1,378

)

 

     (1,917

)

     (2,746

)

Pro forma net income

$

15,924

 

$

55,813

   

$

19,236

 

$

56,481

 
   

=======

   

=======

     

=======

   

=======

 

EARNINGS PER SHARE:

                         

    Basic, as reported

$

0.20

 

$

0.79

   

$

0.25

 

$

0.82

 

    Basic, pro forma

$

0.19

$

0.77

$

0.23

$

0.78

    Diluted, as reported

$

0.18

 

$

0.74

   

$

0.23

 

$

0.78

 

    Diluted, pro forma

$

0.16

 

$

0.72

   

$

0.22

 

$

0.74

 


As required, the pro forma disclosures in the previous table include options granted since January 1, 1995. Consequently, the effects of applying SFAS No. 123 for providing pro forma disclosures may not be representative of the effects on reported net income for future years until all options outstanding are included in the pro forma disclosures. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of stock-based compensation plans and other options is amortized to expense primarily over the vesting period.

Stock awards have been granted to our officers and key employees pursuant to our 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Stock awards are grants that entitle the holder to shares of our common stock as the award vests. During the first six months of 2004, we granted approximately 135,000
stock awards and recorded deferred compensation related to such awards of approximately $1.8 million. Approximately $0.4 million of deferred compensation was amortized as compensation expense during the first six months of 2004.

8

Note 2 - Earnings Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

   

Three months ended
June 30,

   

Six months ended
June 30,

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)        

   2004  

   2003   

   2004   

   2003   

NUMERATOR:

    Net income available to common stockholders

$

16,786

$

57,191

$

20,899

$

59,227

    Plus income effect of assumed conversion-interest
        on convertible debt

      1,356


         120

           --

          317

    Income before assumed conversion, diluted

$

18,142

$

57,311

$

20,899

$

59,544

=======

=======

=======

=======

DENOMINATOR:

    Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic

84,930

72,202

84,607

71,864

    Effect of dilutive securities:

        Stock options

4,310

3,256

3,965

2,780

        Convertible debt

11,241

948

--

981

        Stock warrants

         656

      1,276

         642

         964

    Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding,
      diluted


101,137


77,682


89,214


76,589

=======

=======

=======

=======

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

        Basic

$

0.20

$

0.79

$

0.25

$

0.82

=======

=======

=======

=======

        Diluted

$

0.18

$

0.74

$

0.23

$

0.78

=======

=======

=======

=======

Excluded from the computation of adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were 11.2 million shares related to our convertible debt because the effect of including these shares would have been anti-dilutive.


Note 3 - Comprehensive Income


Comprehensive income encompasses net income and "other comprehensive income," which includes all other non-owner transactions and events that change stockholders' equity. Other comprehensive income is composed of reclassifications to earnings of deferred gains and losses related to derivative financial instruments that qualified for hedge accounting. These derivative instruments were terminated in March 2002. Amounts are reclassified to earnings as the related fuel is used. Comprehensive income was $16.9 million and $57.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $21.0 million and $59.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The differences between net income and comprehensive income for each of these periods are as follows:

   

Three months ended
June 30,

   

Six months ended
June 30,

 

(in thousands)                                                  

   2004  

   2003   

   2004   

   2003   

Net income:

$

16,786

$

57,191

$

20,899

$

59,227

    Unrealized income on derivative instruments,
        net of taxes*

           62

         146

         126

         317

Comprehensive income

$

16,848

$

57,337

$

21,025

$

59,544

=======

=======

=======

=======

* Amounts are net of taxes of $23 and $0 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $48 and $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.


Because net deferred tax assets were offset in full by a valuation allowance during 2003 there was no tax effect on the unrealized loss for 2003.

9

An analysis of the amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss shown below:

 

(in thousands)                         

 

    Decrease    

 
 

Balance at December 31, 2003

$

(271

)

 

Reclassification to earnings

 

            174

 
 

Balance at June 30, 2004

$

(97

)

     

========

 


Note 4 - Fuel Risk Management

Aircraft fuel is a significant expenditure because our operations are inherently dependent on the use of petroleum products. Aircraft fuel represented approximately 22.5 percent and 20.2 percent of total operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and 22.4 percent and 21.9 percent of total operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Increases in fuel prices or a shortage of supply could have a material effect on our operations and operating results.

Our efforts to reduce exposure to increases in the price and availability of aviation fuel include the utilization of fixed-price fuel contracts and fuel cap contracts. Fixed-price fuel contracts consist of an agreement to purchase defined quantities of aviation fuel from a third party at defined prices. Fuel cap contracts consist of an agreement to purchase defined quantities of aviation fuel from a third party at a price not to exceed a defined price, thereby, limiting our exposure to increases in the price of aviation fuel. As of June 30, 2004, utilizing fixed-price fuel contracts and fuel cap contracts, we agreed to purchase approximately 52 percent and 12 percent of our fuel needs through the end of December 2004 and 2005, respectively, at an average price no higher than $0.85 and $0.78 per gallon of aviation fuel including delivery to our operations hub in Atlanta and other locations for 2004 and 2005, respectively.

Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies

Aircraft Purchase Commitments:
Our future commitments primarily consist of obligations to acquire aircraft. During the second quarter of 2004, we finalized an agreement for six additional B717 aircraft to be delivered in 2005. The following table details our firm orders and options for aircraft acquisitions as of June 30, 2004.

                 
     

B737 Deliveries

 

B717 Deliveries

 
     

  Firm  

 Options 

 

  Firm  

 Options 

 
 

2004

 

6

--

 

3

--

 
 

2005

 

13

--

 

8

--

 
 

2006

 

13

6

 

--

--

 
 

2007

 

12

5

 

--

--

 
 

2008

 

4

14

 

--

--

 
     

--------

--------

 

--------

--------

 
 

Total*

 

48

25

 

11

--

 
     

=====

=====

 

=====

=====

 
                 
 

* We have purchase rights to acquire up to 25 B737 aircraft in addition to the totals shown above. See Note 11 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding options converted to firm orders subsequent to June 30, 2004.

 

Pursuant to our agreement with an aircraft leasing company we have lease-financing commitments for 20 of the remaining B737 deliveries. Additionally, we have obtained financing commitments from an affiliate of The Boeing Company (Boeing) for up to 80 percent of the purchase price for 16 of the B737 firm orders in the event we are unable to secure financing from the financial markets on acceptable terms. There can be no assurance that sufficient financing will be available for all B737 aircraft and other capital expenditures not covered by firm financing commitments.

10

During the first six months of 2004, in connection with Airways' agreement with Boeing, Airways was refunded $5.3 million in previously paid aircraft deposits. We paid $22.8 million to Boeing in aircraft deposits for the acquisition of B717 and B737 aircraft.

Credit Agreement:
During 2002, we entered into a $15 million credit agreement with a term of one year, which was further extended during the first quarter of 2004 to June 30, 2004. The agreement allows us to obtain letters of credit and enter into hedge agreements with the bank. The agreement contains certain covenant requirements, including liquidity tests. We are in compliance with these covenants. At June 30, 2004, we had approximately $12.0 million in letters of credit drawn against the credit agreement. We are in the final stage of documentation regarding a new credit agreement and expect a definitive agreement forthcoming in the third quarter of 2004.

Other:
During 2002, we entered into a cancelable agreement with a regional jet contractor to provide regional jet service between pre-determined pairs of cities. We pay the contractor to operate the flights and we are entitled to all revenues associated with these flights. These payments are recorded on a net basis as a reduction to passenger revenues. During 2004, we reached an agreement to phase out this regional jet service by August 2004.

During 2003, we entered into an agreement with an air carrier to provide jet service between pre-determined pairs of cities. The air carrier provides its own aircraft, crew, maintenance, and hull and liability insurance in exchange for a fixed block hour rate for flights operated on our behalf. These payments are recorded on a net basis as a reduction of passenger revenues. During 2004, we reached an agreement to phase out this jet service by November 2004.

Note 6 - Income Taxes

At December 31, 2003, we had net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards for income tax purposes of approximately $118.4 million that begin to expire in 2016. We previously carried a valuation allowance on a significant portion of our deferred tax assets, including our NOL carryforwards. During 2003, as a result of profitable results in 2003 and 2002 and expectations of future profitability, we released the valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset related to our NOL carryforwards. Therefore, beginning in 2004, we are recording our provision for income taxes at an annualized effective rate of 38 percent. Income tax expense was $10.3 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $12.8 million and $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Note 7 - Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act

On April 16, 2003, Congress approved and the President signed into law the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2003 (Wartime Act) which provided, among other things, for certain financial relief to the United States airline industry, including (i) $100 million to compensate U.S. air carriers for certain costs associated with strengthening flight deck doors and locks on aircraft and (ii) approximately $2.3 billion to be remitted to U.S. air carriers in the proportional share each such carrier has paid or collected in passenger security and air carrier security fees to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). We were paid approximately $38.1 million as our share of the security fee reimbursement; the reimbursement was recorded in "Other (Income) Expense-Payment received under the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003" on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Compensation for the direct costs associated with strengthening flight deck doors and locks was recorded as a reduction to capitalized flight equipment when received.

Note 8 - Impairment/Lease Termination

During the second quarter of 2001, we announced our intention to retire our fleet of four Boeing 737-200 (B737-200) aircraft later that year. In connection with our retirement of these aircraft, we recorded an impairment loss and lease termination charge of $18.1 million.

11

In June 2004, upon final lease termination of a B737-200, we reversed the remaining accrual of approximately $1.2 million related to the disposition of the lease. This was offset by a write-down of the asset costs of a B737-200 for $1.1 million to reflect the current fair market value of the aircraft. These amounts have been included as "Operating Expenses-Other operating" in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Note 9 - Long-term Debt

In June 2003, Boeing Capital Corporation (Boeing Capital) exercised its remaining conversion rights related to Holdings' 7.75% Series B Senior Convertible Notes. The conversion resulted in a decrease in Holdings' overall debt of $5.5 million. In connection with the conversion, Holdings issued approximately 1.0 million shares of its common stock to Boeing Capital. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, Holdings expensed $1.6 million of debt discount and $0.2 million of debt issuance costs that had not been amortized. These amounts are shown on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as "Other (Income) Expense-Convertible debt discount amortization".

Note 10 - Indemnifications and Guarantees

We are party to many routine contracts under which we indemnify third parties for various risks. We have not accrued any liability for any of these indemnities, as the likelihood of payment in each case is considered remote. These indemnities consist of the following:

Certain of Airways' debt agreements related to certain aircraft-secured notes payable through 2014 and 2017 contain language whereby we have agreed to indemnify certain holders of certificates evidencing the debt associated with such notes, as necessary, to compensate them for any costs incurred by, or any reduction in receivables due to such certificate holders resulting from broadly defined regulatory changes that impose or modify any reserve, special deposit or similar requirements relating to any extensions of credit or other assets of, or any deposits with or other liabilities of such certificate holders. Additionally, if it becomes unlawful for such certificate holders to make or maintain the investment or credit evidenced by the certificates, we have agreed to pay such certificate holders an amount necessary to cause the interest rate with respect to the certificates to be a rate per annum equal to 4.88% over the rate specified by such certificate holders as the cost to them of obtaining funds in dol lars in the United States in an amount equal to the pool balance of the certificates. The maximum potential payment under these indemnities cannot be determined.

Airways' aircraft lease transaction documents contain customary indemnities concerning withholding taxes under which we are responsible in some circumstances, should withholding taxes be imposed, for paying such amounts of additional rent as is necessary to ensure that the lessor still receives, after taxes, the rent stipulated in the lease agreements. These provisions apply on leases expiring through 2022. The maximum potential payment under these indemnities cannot be determined.

We have various leases with respect to real property, and various agreements among airlines relating to fuel consortia or fuel farms at airports, under which we have agreed to standard language indemnifying the lessor against environmental liabilities associated with the real property covered under the agreement, even if we are not the party responsible for the environmental damage. In the case of fuel consortia at the airports, these indemnities are generally joint and several among the airlines. We cannot quantify the maximum potential exposure under these indemnities, and we do not currently have liability insurance that protects us against environmental damages.

Under certain contracts with third parties, we indemnify the third party against legal liability arising out of an action by a third party. The terms of these contracts vary and the potential exposure under these indemnities cannot be determined. Generally, we have liability insurance protecting us from obligations undertaken under these indemnities.

Note 11 - Subsequent Event

During July 2004, we converted options to firm orders for two new Boeing 737 aircraft. Delivery of the two new aircraft is scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2006.

12

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The information contained in this section: (i) 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, in addition to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; and (ii) is not a comprehensive discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations, but rather updates disclosures made in the aforementioned filing. 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 matt ers, 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 investigations. Our forward-looking statements 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. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


GENERAL INFORMATION

Our net income was $16.8 million and $57.2 million for the second quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively. We posted our ninth consecutive quarterly profit in the second quarter of 2004. Our results for the current period are indicative of fuel prices that remained at historically high levels during the period and growing pressure faced by the airline industry with respect to efforts to raise passenger fares. As discussed in Note 7 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, our 2003 results include the receipt of $38.1 million as a government reimbursement pursuant to the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2003 (Wartime Act). As discussed in Note 9 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, our 2003 results include a pre-tax non-cash charge of $1.8 million related to the conversion to equity of the remaining portion of a convertible note.


The growth of our operations continued during the second quarter as we acquired our first two new Boeing 737 (B737) aircraft. Last year we placed a firm order for 50 of these aircraft with options and purchase rights to acquire up to 50 additional aircraft. We anticipate that the 50 firm aircraft ordered will be delivered by 2008. During this quarter we also acquired one new Boeing 717 (B717) aircraft. We are the world's largest operator of the B717 aircraft type, in addition to operating the youngest domestic all-Boeing aircraft fleet. Our expectation is that these new aircraft will play an important role in our effort to continue providing our customers with a mix of low fares and excellent customer service while also improving our financial results by lowering our per unit cost of doing business.

Our financial and operating results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of those for the entire year. Air travel in our markets tends to be seasonal with the highest level of travel occurring during the winter months to Florida and the summer months to the northeastern United States.


13

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The tables below set forth selected financial and operating data for the indicated periods:

 

Three months ended
June 30,

   


Percent

 
 

        2004        

   

      2003        

   

change

 

  Revenue passengers

 

3,427,809

       

2,962,307

     

15.7

   

  Revenue passenger miles (RPM) (000s)

 

2,175,046

       

1,791,622

     

21.4

   

  Available seat miles (ASM) (000s)

 

2,884,874

       

2,447,794

     

17.9

   

  Passenger load factor

 

75.4

 

%

   

73.2

 

%

 

2.2

 

pts.

  Break-even load factor

 

67.7

 

%

   

54.2

 

%

 

13.5

 

pts.

  Average fare

$

77.58

     

$

76.59

     

1.3

   

  Average yield per RPM

 

12.23

 

¢

   

12.66

 

¢

 

(3.4

)

 

  Passenger revenue per ASM

 

9.22

 

¢

   

9.27

 

¢

 

(0.5

)

 

  Operating cost per ASM

 

8.46

 

¢

   

8.30

 

¢

 

1.9

   

  Average stage length (miles)

 

626

       

591

     

5.9

   

  Average cost of aircraft fuel per gallon,

                         

    including fuel taxes

 

110.00

 

¢

   

91.16

 

¢

 

20.7

   

  Average cost of aircraft fuel per gallon,

                         

    excluding fuel taxes

 

107.66

 

¢

   

81.12

 

¢

 

32.7

   

  Average daily utilization (hours:minutes)

 

11:00

       

10:48

     

1.9

   

  Number of operating aircraft in fleet at end of

                         

    period

 

78

       

71

     

9.9

   
 

Six months ended
June 30,

   


Percent

 
 

        2004        

   

      2003       

   

change

 

  Revenue passengers

 

6,404,894

       

5,522,467

     

16.0

   

  Revenue passenger miles (RPM) (000s)

 

4,093,583

       

3,359,034

     

21.9

   

  Available seat miles (ASM) (000s)

 

5,683,654

       

4,759,756

     

19.4

   

  Passenger load factor

 

72.0

 

%

   

70.6

 

%

 

1.4

 

pts.

  Break-even load factor

 

67.2

 

%

   

60.6

 

%

 

6.6

 

pts.

  Average fare

$

77.98

     

$

77.64

     

0.4

   

  Average yield per RPM

 

12.20

 

¢

   

12.76

 

¢

 

(4.4

)

 

  Passenger revenue per ASM

 

8.79

 

¢

   

9.01

 

¢

 

(2.4

)

 

  Operating cost per ASM

 

8.36

 

¢

   

8.46

 

¢

 

(1.2

)

 

  Average stage length (miles)

 

627

       

589

     

6.5

   

  Average cost of aircraft fuel per gallon,

                         

    including fuel taxes

 

108.79

 

¢

   

99.25

 

¢

 

9.6

   

  Average cost of aircraft fuel per gallon,

                         

    excluding fuel taxes

 

106.69

 

¢

   

87.77

 

¢

 

21.6

   

  Average daily utilization (hours:minutes)

 

11:06

       

10:54

     

1.8

   

  Number of operating aircraft in fleet at end of

                         

    period

 

78

       

71

     

9.9

   


14

For the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

Summary
We recorded operating income of $31.0 million, net income of $16.8 million and diluted earnings per common share of $0.18 for the three months ended June 30, 2004. For the comparative period in 2003, we recorded operating income of $30.7 million, net income of $57.2 million and diluted earnings per common share of $0.74.

Operating Revenues

Our operating revenues for the quarter increased $41.1 million (17.6 percent) primarily due to an increase in passenger revenues. The increase in passenger revenues was primarily due to a 21.4 percent increase in traffic, as measured by RPMs.

As part of the order we placed with The Boeing Company (Boeing) in 2003 for up to 110 aircraft, we added 14 new aircraft to our operations since June 30, 2003. During the same period we retired 7 DC-9 aircraft. As a result, our capacity, as measured by ASMs, increased 17.9 percent. Our ASM growth, combined with our RPM growth of 21.4 percent increased our passenger load factor by 2.2 percentage points to 75.4 percent.

Our average yield per RPM decreased by 3.4 percent to 12.23 cents per RPM. The reduction in yield resulted from a 4.9 percent increase in our average passenger trip length, as measured by RPMs divided by revenue passengers, to 635 miles, offset by a 1.3 percent increase in our average fare to $77.58. This decline in yield, when combined with our 2.2 percentage point increase in passenger load factor, resulted in a 0.5 percent decrease in passenger unit revenues, or passenger RASM, to 9.22 cents per ASM.

Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses for the quarter increased $40.8 million (20.1 percent) on ASM growth of 17.9 percent. In general, our operating expenses are significantly affected by changes in our capacity, as measured by ASMs. The following table presents our unit costs, defined as operating expenses per ASM, for the indicated period:

   

Three months ended
June 30,

 


Percent

 
   

  2004  

 

  2003  

 

 change 

 

Salaries, wages and benefits

 

2.30

¢

2.35

¢

(2.1

)

Aircraft fuel

 

1.90

 

1.68

 

13.1

 

Aircraft rent

 

1.25

 

1.22

 

2.5

 

Maintenance, materials and repairs

 

0.63

 

0.64

 

(1.6

)

Distribution

 

0.46

 

0.49

 

(6.1

)

Landing fees and other rents

 

0.56

 

0.54

 

3.7

 

Aircraft insurance and security services

 

0.20

 

0.15

 

33.3

 

Marketing and advertising

 

0.23

 

0.24

 

(4.2

)

Depreciation

 

0.11

 

0.13

 

(15.4

)

Other operating

 

         0.82

 

         0.86

 

(4.7

)

    Total CASM

 

8.46

¢

8.30

¢

1.9

 
   

=======

 

=======

     


Salaries, wages and benefits
increased $8.7 million (15.2 percent) primarily due to the addition of flight crews and ground support personnel hired to operate and support the growth of our aircraft fleet, including new destinations opened during 2003 and additional frequencies added to our route system, as well as contractual wage increases and higher costs associated with our employee benefit programs. On a cost per ASM basis these costs decreased 2.1 percent to 2.30 cents. We employed approximately 5,600 employees (full-time equivalents) as of June 30, 2004, representing a 1.7 percent increase over the comparative period in 2003.

15

Aircraft fuel increased $13.9 million (33.8 percent) primarily due to historically high fuel prices. Our average cost of aircraft fuel for the current quarter was $1.10 per gallon, an increase of 20.7 percent over the second quarter of 2003. Our expanded level of flight operations generated by the growth of our aircraft fleet further increased our consumption of aircraft fuel. The level of our flight operations, as measured by block hours flown, increased 12.6 percent while our fuel consumption decreased 1.5 percent to 664 gallons per block hour. We currently operate an aircraft fleet consisting entirely of fuel-efficient B737 and B717 aircraft. As we replaced our DC-9 aircraft with the B717 aircraft type, we realized cost savings in the form of reduced fuel consumption per block hour. We retired our last DC-9 aircraft during January 2004. Aircraft fuel represented 22.5 percent and 20.2 percent of our operating expenses for the second quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively. Based on our 200 4 projected fuel consumption, a 10 percent increase in the average price per gallon of aircraft fuel would increase fuel expense for the remainder of the year by approximately $10.0 million, including the effects of our fixed-price fuel contracts and fuel cap contracts. Increases in fuel prices or a shortage of supply could have a material effect on our operations and operating results.

Aircraft rent increased $6.2 million (20.9 percent) primarily due to our leasing of a greater number of aircraft during the period. Two B737 aircraft and twelve B717 aircraft were delivered during the period, all of which were lease-financed. Of the nine aircraft scheduled for delivery the remainder of this year, we have lease-financing commitments in place for four B737 aircraft and three B717 aircraft. During the second quarter of 2004, we took delivery of two B737 aircraft and one B717 aircraft that were lease-financed in accordance with our commitments.

Maintenance, materials and repairs increased $2.7 million (17.1 percent). On a block hour basis, maintenance costs increased 4.0 percent to $242 per block hour. As the original manufacturer warranties expire on our B717 aircraft the maintenance, repair and overhaul of major aircraft engine, parts and components become covered by previously negotiated agreements with FAA-approved maintenance contractors. Contractually, we pay monthly fees based on the level of our operations, as measured by either the number of flight hours flown or the number of landings. Our increased level of our operations during the period and the related costs associated with our maintenance agreements predominantly account for the overall increase in this area.

Distribution costs increased $1.4 million (11.7 percent) primarily due to the overall growth of our passenger revenues derived from travel agency sales. Although total distribution costs have increased, these costs as a percentage of passenger revenues have decreased as more of our passengers have shifted their bookings directly onto our website. We recognize significant cost savings when our sales are booked directly through our website as opposed to more traditional methods, such as travel agents.

Landing fees and other rents
increased $2.9 million (22.1 percent) primarily due to the growth in the number of flights we operated, landing fee rate increases, and the leasing of facilities at new destinations that were added to our route network during 2003.

Aircraft insurance and security services increased $2.1 million (57.6 percent). The addition of fourteen new Boeing aircraft to our fleet during the period increased our total insured hull value and related insurance premiums.

Marketing and advertising increased $0.7 million (12.2 percent) primarily reflecting our promotional efforts associated with the development of our new destinations opened during 2003 and efforts to stimulate demand in all the markets that we serve.

Depreciation remained flat for the period. Our significant asset additions during the period, consisting of new Boeing aircraft, were lease-financed rather than purchased.

Other operating expenses increased $2.1 million (10.0 percent) primarily from added passenger-related costs associated with the higher level of operations, contractual costs related to the opening of new destinations and routes, and the costs associated with our reservations system and other automation projects.

16

Nonoperating (Income) Expense
Other expense, net increased $32.0 million primarily due to the receipt in 2003 of $38.1 million as a government reimbursement pursuant to the Wartime Act. See Note 7 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the Wartime Act. During 2003, we also recognized a non-cash charge of $1.8 million related to the conversion of the remaining portion of a convertible note. See Note 9 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding this charge.


Income Tax Expense
At December 31, 2003, we had net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards for income tax purposes of approximately $118.4 million that begin to expire in 2016. We previously carried a valuation allowance on a significant portion of our deferred tax assets, including our NOL carryforwards. During 2003, as a result of profitable results in 2003 and 2002 and expectations of future profitability, we released the valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset related to our NOL carryforwards. Therefore, beginning in 2004, we are recording our provision for income taxes at an annualized effective rate of 38 percent. Income tax expense was $10.3 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.


For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

Summary
We recorded operating income of $41.3 million, net income of $20.9 million and diluted earnings per common share of $0.23 for the six months ended June 30, 2004. For the comparative period in 2003, we recorded operating income of $39.1 million, net income of $59.2 million and diluted earnings per common share of $0.78.

Operating Revenues
Our operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased $74.5 million (16.9 percent) primarily due to an increase in passenger revenues. The increase in passenger revenues was primarily due to a 21.9 percent increase in traffic, as measured by RPMs.

As part of the order we placed with Boeing in 2003 for up to 110 aircraft we added 14 new aircraft to our operations since June 30, 2003. During the same period we retired 7 McDonnell Douglas DC-9 (DC-9) aircraft. As a result, our capacity, as measured by ASMs, increased 19.4 percent. Our ASM growth, combined with our RPM growth of 21.9 percent increased our passenger load factor 1.4 percentage points to 72.0 percent.

Our average yield per RPM decreased 4.4 percent to 12.20 cents per RPM. The reduction in yield resulted from a 5.1 percent increase in our average passenger trip length, as measured by RPMs divided by revenue passengers, to 639 miles, offset by a 0.4 percent increase in our average fare to $77.98. This decline in yield, when combined with our 1.4 percentage point increase in passenger load factor, resulted in a 2.4 percent decrease in passenger unit revenues, or passenger RASM, to 8.79 cents per ASM.

17

Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased $72.3 million (17.9 percent) on ASM growth of 19.4 percent. In general, our operating expenses are significantly affected by changes in our capacity, as measured by ASMs. The following table presents our unit costs, defined as operating expenses per ASM, for the indicated period:

   

Six months ended
June 30,

 


Percent

 

  2004  

  2003  

 change 

Salaries, wages and benefits

 

2.27

¢

2.36

¢

(3.8

)

Aircraft fuel

 

1.87

 

1.85

 

1.1

 

Aircraft rent

 

1.27

 

1.18

 

7.6

 

Maintenance, materials and repairs

 

0.65

 

0.64

 

1.6

 

Distribution

 

0.45

 

0.48

 

(6.3

)

Landing fees and other rents

 

0.53

 

0.52

 

1.9

 

Aircraft insurance and security services

 

0.20

 

0.20

 

--

 

Marketing and advertising

 

0.25

 

0.27

 

(7.4

)

Depreciation

 

0.11

 

0.14

 

(21.4

)

Other operating

 

         0.76

 

         0.82

 

(7.3

)

    Total CASM

 

8.36

¢

8.46

¢

(1.2

)

   

=======

 

=======

     


Salaries, wages and benefits
increased $17.0 million (15.1 percent) primarily due to the addition of flight crews and ground support personnel hired to operate and support the growth of our aircraft fleet, including new destinations opened during 2003 and additional frequencies added to our route system, as well as contractual wage increases and higher costs associated with our employee benefit programs. On a cost per ASM basis these costs decreased 3.8 percent to 2.27 cents. We employed approximately 5,600 employees (full-time equivalents) as of June 30, 2004, representing a 1.7 percent increase over the comparative period in 2003.

Aircraft fuel increased $18.3 million (20.7 percent) primarily due to historically high fuel costs. Our average cost of aircraft fuel for the period was $1.09 per gallon, an increase of 9.6 percent over the six months ended June 2003. Our expanded level of flight operations generated by the growth of our aircraft fleet further increased our consumption of aircraft fuel. The level of our flight operations, as measured by block hours flown, increased 13.9 percent while our fuel consumption decreased 3.4 percent to 652 gallons per block hour. We currently operate an aircraft fleet consisting entirely of fuel-efficient B737 and B717 aircraft. As we replaced our DC-9 aircraft with the B717 aircraft type, we realized cost savings in the form of reduced fuel consumption per block hour. We retired our last DC-9 aircraft during January 2004. Aircraft fuel represented 22.4 percent and 21.9 percent of our operating expenses for the six months ended 2004 and 2003, respectively. Based on our 2004 projected fuel consumption, a 10 percent increase in the average price per gallon of aircraft fuel would increase fuel expense for the remainder of the year by approximately $10.0 million, including the effects of our fixed-price fuel contracts and fuel cap contracts. Increases in fuel prices or a shortage of supply could have a material effect on our operations and operating results.

Aircraft rent increased $15.8 million (28.0 percent) primarily due to our leasing of a greater number of aircraft during the period. Two B737 aircraft and twelve B717 aircraft were delivered during the period, all of which were lease-financed. Of the nine aircraft scheduled for delivery the remainder of this year, we have lease-financing commitments in place for four B737 aircraft and three B717 aircraft. During the six months ended June 30, 2004, we took delivery of two B737 aircraft and three B717 aircraft that were lease-financed in accordance with our commitments.

18

Maintenance, materials and repairs increased $6.6 million (21.5 percent). On a block hour basis, maintenance costs increased 6.7 percent to $248 per block hour. As the original manufacturer warranties expire on our B717 aircraft the maintenance, repair and overhaul of major aircraft engine, parts and components become covered by previously negotiated agreements with FAA-approved maintenance contractors. Contractually, we pay monthly fees based on the level of our operations, as measured by either the number of flight hours flown or the number of landings. Our increased level of our operations during the period and the related costs associated with our maintenance agreements predominantly account for the overall increase in this area.

Distribution costs increased $2.6 million (11.3 percent) primarily due to the overall growth of our passenger revenues derived from travel agency sales. Although total distribution costs have increased, these costs as a percentage of passenger revenues have decreased as more of our passengers have shifted their bookings directly onto our website. We recognize significant cost savings when our sales are booked directly through our website as opposed to more traditional methods, such as travel agents.

Landing fees and other rents
increased $5.3 million (21.5 percent) primarily due to the growth in the number of flights we operated, landing fee rate increases, and the leasing of facilities at new destinations that were added to our route network during 2003.

Aircraft insurance and security services increased $1.9 million (20.5 percent). The addition of fourteen new Boeing aircraft to our fleet during the period increased our total insured hull value and related insurance premiums.

Marketing and advertising increased $1.2 million (9.6 percent) primarily reflecting our promotional efforts associated with the development of our new destinations opened during 2003 and efforts to stimulate demand in all the markets that we serve.

Depreciation decreased $0.4 million (6.6 percent). Our significant asset additions during the period, consisting of new Boeing aircraft, were lease-financed rather than purchased.

Other operating expenses increased $4.1 million (10.4 percent) primarily from added passenger-related costs associated with the higher level of operations, contractual costs related to the opening of new destinations and routes, and the costs associated with our reservations system and other automation projects.

Nonoperating (Income) Expense
Other expense, net increased $29.3 million primarily due to the receipt in 2003 of $38.1 million as a government reimbursement pursuant to the Wartime Act. See Note 7 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the Wartime Act. During 2003, we also recognized a non-cash charge of $1.8 million related to the conversion of the remaining portion of a convertible note. See Note 9 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding this charge.

Income Tax Expense
At December 31, 2003, we had NOL carryforwards for income tax purposes of approximately $118.4 million that begin to expire in 2016. We previously carried a valuation allowance on a significant portion of our deferred tax assets, including our NOL carryforwards. During 2003, as a result of profitable results in 2003 and 2002 and expectations of future profitability, we released the valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset related to our NOL carryforwards. Therefore, beginning in 2004, we are recording our provision for income taxes at an annualized effective rate of 38 percent. Income tax expense was $12.8 million and $1.6 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

19

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of June 30, 2004, our cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, totaled $387.3 million compared to $343.5 million at June 30, 2003. Operating activities for the first six months of 2004 generated $69.6 million of cash compared to $75.4 million for 2003. The decrease was primarily due to higher net income in 2003, a significant portion of which was due to the receipt of $38.1 million pursuant to the Wartime Act, in addition to the timing and volume of accounts payable activities. See Note 7 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the Wartime Act. Investing activities used $32.0 million in cash compared to $10.4 million in 2003. Investing activities for 2004 required a more significant use of cash for the payment of aircraft purchase deposits, while the purchase of spare parts and equipment provisioning for our aircraft fleet occurred during both years. Financing activities generated $2.3 million and $115.4 million durin g the first six months of 2004 and 2003, respectively. During 2003, we issued new convertible debt of $125 million.

Aircraft Purchase Commitments:
Our future commitments primarily consist of obligations to acquire aircraft. During the second quarter of 2004, we finalized an agreement for six additional B717 aircraft to be delivered in 2005. The following table details our firm orders and options for aircraft acquisitions as of June 30, 2004.

                 
     

B737 Deliveries

 

B717 Deliveries

 
     

  Firm  

 Options 

 

  Firm  

 Options 

 
 

2004

 

6

--

 

3

--

 
 

2005

 

13

--

 

8

--

 
 

2006

 

13

6

 

--

--

 
 

2007

 

12

5

 

--

--

 
 

2008

 

4

14

 

--

--

 
     

--------

--------

 

--------

--------

 
 

Total*

 

48

25

 

11

--

 
     

=====

=====

 

=====

=====

 
                 
 

* We have purchase rights to acquire up to 25 B737 aircraft in addition to the totals shown above. See Note 11 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding options converted to firm orders subsequent to June 30, 2004.

 

Pursuant to our agreement with an aircraft leasing company we have lease-financing commitments for 20 of the remaining B737 deliveries. Additionally, we have obtained financing commitments from an affiliate of Boeing for up to 80 percent of the purchase price for 16 of the B737 firm orders in the event we are unable to secure financing from the financial markets on acceptable terms. There can be no assurance that sufficient financing will be available for all B737 aircraft and other capital expenditures not covered by firm financing commitments.

During the first six months of 2004, in connection with Airways' agreement with Boeing, Airways was refunded $5.3 million in previously paid aircraft deposits. We paid $22.8 million to Boeing in aircraft deposits for the acquisition of B717 and B737 aircraft.

Credit Agreement:
During 2002, we entered into a $15 million credit agreement with a term of one year, which was further extended during the first quarter of 2004 to June 30, 2004. The agreement allows us to obtain letters of credit and enter into hedge agreements with the bank. The agreement contains certain covenant requirements including liquidity tests. We are currently in compliance with these covenants. At June 30, 2004, we had approximately $12.0 million in letters of credit drawn against the credit agreement. We are in the final stage of documentation regarding a new credit agreement and expect a definitive agreement forthcoming in the third quarter of 2004.

Other:
During 2002, we entered into a cancelable agreement with a regional jet contractor to provide regional jet service between pre-determined pairs of cities. We pay the contractor to operate the flights and we are entitled to all revenues associated with these flights. These payments are recorded on a net basis as a reduction to passenger revenue. During 2004, we reached an agreement to phase out this regional jet service by August 2004.

20

During 2003, we entered into an agreement with an air carrier to provide jet service between pre-determined pairs of cities. The air carrier provides its own aircraft, crew, maintenance, and hull and liability insurance in exchange for a fixed block hour rate for flights operated on our behalf. These payments are recorded on a net basis as a reduction to passenger revenues. During 2004, we reached an agreement to phase out this jet service by November 2004.

21

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, 2003, other than those discussed below.

Aviation Fuel
Our efforts to reduce exposure to increases in the price and availability of aviation fuel include the utilization of fixed-price fuel contracts and fuel cap contracts. Fixed-price fuel contracts are agreements to purchase defined quantities of aviation fuel from a third party at defined prices. Fuel cap contracts are agreements to purchase defined quantities of aviation fuel from a third party at a price not to exceed a defined price, thereby, limiting our exposure to increases in the price of aviation fuel. As of June 30, 2004, utilizing fixed-price fuel contracts and fuel cap contracts, we agreed to purchase approximately 52 percent and 12 percent of our fuel needs through the end of December 2004 and 2005, respectively, at an average price no higher than $0.85 and $0.78 per gallon of aviation fuel, including delivery to our operations hub in Atlanta and other locations for 2004 and 2005, respectively.

Aircraft fuel represented 22.4 percent and 21.9 percent of our operating expenses for the first six months of 2004 and 2003, respectively. Based on our 2004 projected fuel consumption, a 10 percent increase in the average price per gallon of aircraft fuel would increase fuel expense for the remainder of the year by approximately $10.0 million, including the effects of our fixed-price fuel contracts and fuel cap contracts. Increases in fuel prices or a shortage of supply could have a material effect on our operations and operating results.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, based on their evaluation as of June 30, 2004, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective for gathering, analyzing, and disclosing the information we are required to disclose in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls during the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

22

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we are engaged in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that any such pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Our annual meeting of stockholders was held on May 20, 2004. We solicited proxies for the meeting pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Management's nominees for election to our Board of Directors as listed in our proxy statement were elected for three-year terms, with the results of the voting as follows (there were no broker non-votes on this matter):

 

            Nominee            

 

       Votes For       

 

   Votes Withheld   

 

 

Robert L. Fornaro

 

76,182,318

 

1,299,091

 
 

J. Veronica Biggins

 

76,182,318

 

1,299,091

 
 

Robert L. Priddy

 

76,182,318

 

1,299,091

 


As indicated in the table above, Robert L. Fornaro, J. Veronica Biggins and Robert L. Priddy were elected as Class III Directors for terms expiring at the 2007 annual meeting of stockholders. The terms of the following Class II Directors will continue until the annual meeting in 2005: Jere A. Drummond, John F. Fiedler and William J. Usery, Jr. The terms of the following Class I Directors will continue until the annual meeting in 2006: Don L. Chapman, Lewis H. Jordan and Joseph B. Leonard.

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)

Exhibits:

 

31.1 - CEO certification pursuant to Rule 13(a)-14 or 15(d)-14

 

31.2 - CFO certification pursuant to Rule 13(a)-14 or 15(d)-14

 

32.1 - CEO certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 

32.2 - CFO certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

   

(b)

Current Reports on Form 8-K:

Date of Report

Subject of Report

 

June 28, 2004

Press release regarding industry yield conditions.

April 27, 2004

Press release announcing our financial results for the first quarter of 2004.


23

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.





Date:  August 6, 2004

                  AirTran Holdings, Inc.                  
(Registrant)


                      /s/ Stanley J. Gadek                  
Stanley J. Gadek
Senior Vice President, Finance,
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

   


24