Category Archives: Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings

Atlas Air Worldwide and Wings Over the Rockies address aviation workforce readiness

Wings Over the Rockies (Wings) is honored to announce an investment and partnership with Atlas Air Worldwide (Atlas Air) to support Wings’ education program Wings Aerospace Pathways (WAP) that allows students in grades 6-12 to immerse themselves in the aerospace industry. As a global leader in outsourced aviation providing air cargo, charter, leasing, and passenger operations, Atlas Air has been involved with Wings for several years. Atlas Air recently stepped up significantly with a $30,000 donation to magnify WAP’s offering of hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for young people.

The International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO) estimates that global passenger and cargo air traffic is slated to double over the next two decades, illustrating the pressing need for talent. Pilots, engineers, planners, mechanics, technicians, and operation managers are all needed to make the global aviation system work. As the nation’s 2^nd largest aerospace economy, Colorado is well positioned to prepare youth for these career opportunities.

“As a leader in global airfreight, our partnership with Wings is a wonderful way to inspire the next generation of aviation colleagues as we highlight the wide variety of great careers Atlas Air offers,” said Patricia Goodwin-Peters, Senior Vice President Human Resources at Atlas Air Worldwide and leader of its initiative to help address the growing workforce readiness needs in aviation.

“We’ve been gathering momentum around WAP during what’s now become a critical need from the industry,” said Wings President and CEO, Maj Gen John Barry, USAF (Ret). “Atlas Air shares our mission to educate and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals and is leading a growing list of aviation industry companies addressing workforce readiness globally. We thank them for making a significant investment in doing so right here in Colorado.”

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Atlas Air Worldwide to be acquired by an investor group led by Apollo together with J.F. Lehman and Company and Hill City Capital for $5.2 billion

Atlas Air Worldwide has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an investor group led by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo (NYSE: APO) together with investment affiliates of J.F. Lehman & Company and Hill City Capital in an all-cash transaction with an enterprise valuation of approximately $5.2 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, Atlas Air Worldwide shareholders will receive $102.50 per share in cash, representing a 57% premium to the 30-day volume-weighted average trading price per share of Atlas Air Worldwide common stock as of July 29, 2022¹. Upon completion of the transaction, Atlas Air Worldwide will become a privately held company and shares of Atlas Air Worldwide common stock will no longer be listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. Atlas Air Worldwide will continue operating under the Atlas Air Worldwide name, be led by John Dietrich and the current executive team and maintain its global presence.

¹July 29, 2022 represents the last full trading day prior to market speculation regarding a potential sale of the Company.

Approvals and Timing

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter 2022 or first quarter 2023, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Atlas Air Worldwide shareholders and receipt of regulatory approvals.

In other news, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. today announced second quarter 2022 net income of $88.3 million, or $2.65 per diluted share, compared with net income of $107.1 million, or $3.53 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2021.

On an adjusted basis, EBITDA totaled $215.6 million in the second quarter this year compared with $243.7 million in the second quarter of 2021. Adjusted net income in the second quarter of 2022 totaled $97.3 million, or $3.36 per diluted share, compared with $121.8 million, or $4.10 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2021.

Fleet

During the second quarter, we took delivery of the first of our four new Boeing 747-8Fs. The remaining three aircraft are expected to be delivered throughout the balance of this year. As announced in February 2022, all four of these aircraft are placed with customers under attractive long-term agreements.

In addition, we look forward to the deliveries and placements of the four new Boeing 777-200LRFs, for which we are in advanced negotiations. We expect the first aircraft to be delivered late in the fourth quarter of this year and three more throughout 2023.

As previously disclosed, we are purchasing five of our existing 747-400Fs at the end of their leases during the course of this year, the first of which was acquired in March and the second in May. We expect to complete the remaining three aircraft acquisitions between August and December 2022.

Acquiring these widebody freighters underscores our confidence in the demand for international airfreight capacity, particularly in express, e-Commerce and fast-growing global markets, and will drive strong returns for Atlas in the years ahead.

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Atlas Air takes delivery of first of four new Boeing 747-8 Freighters

Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., has announced it has taken delivery of a Boeing 747-8 freighter, which will operate on behalf of its customer Cainiao, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, as part of a previously announced long-term agreement.

The aircraft will increase capacity on routes between China and the Americas. This aircraft is the first of four new 747-8 freighters that Atlas expects to receive from Boeing this year.

The addition of this 747-8F expands service for Cainiao between China, the United States, Brazil and Chile aboard the most capable, technologically advanced and environmentally-friendly widebody freighter, providing 20% higher payload capacity and 16% lower fuel consumption than the very capable 747-400F.

As previously announced, Atlas’s investment in these new aircraft underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship through the reduction of aircraft emissions, resource consumption and noise. The iconic Boeing 747 program has been in operation for over 50 years and will continue to play a critical role in keeping global supply chains moving for decades to come. The 747-8 is the only factory-built freighter with nose-loading capability in production, which will serve the long-term needs of the airfreight market.

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Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings reports first quarter net income of $81.5 million

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Atlas Air) today announced first quarter 2022 net income of $81.5 million, or $2.38 per diluted share, compared with $89.9 million, or $3.05 per diluted share, in 2021 (which included $40.9 million, $31.9 million after tax, of CARES Act grant income).

On an adjusted basis, EBITDA totaled $202.8 million in the first quarter of 2022 compared with $181.3 million in the prior-year period. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, adjusted net income totaled $88.8 million, or $2.99 per diluted share, compared with $72.2 million, or $2.45 per diluted share, in 2021.

“We are off to an excellent start in 2022. We delivered strong earnings, despite the pandemic-related operational challenges we continue to navigate,” said Atlas Air Worldwide President and Chief Executive Officer John W. Dietrich. “I would like to thank the entire Atlas team for their ongoing commitment to deliver this great performance.”

He added: “Atlas continues to demonstrate the value of airfreight as a vital component of the global supply chain. We are seeing a sustaining shift in long-term customer demand for Atlas’ dedicated aircraft, and the speed and reliability airfreight provides. During the first quarter, our customers continued to enter and enhance long-term contracts with Atlas for dedicated freighter capacity.

“We are expanding and diversifying our customer base, and increasing flying under long-term contracts with attractive rates and guaranteed levels of flying. To meet customer demand, we are also investing in our world-class fleet by adding four new 747-8F and four new 777 freighter aircraft.

All four of our new 747-8Fs have been placed with customers under long-term contracts, and we have strong interest for the new 777Fs as well.”

Mr. Dietrich concluded: “We are very well positioned for the years ahead. We have significantly strengthened our balance sheet and have a healthy cash balance. This provides us the financial flexibility to opportunistically deploy capital, including investing in our business and returning capital to shareholders.”

First-Quarter Results

Revenue grew to $1.0 billion in the first quarter of 2022 compared with $861.3 million in the prior-year quarter. Volumes in the first quarter of 2022 totaled 82,626 block hours compared with 88,523 in the first quarter of 2021.

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, our reported net income totaled $81.5 million, or $2.38 per diluted share, compared with net income of $89.9 million, or $3.05 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2021 (which included $40.9 million, $31.9 million after tax, of CARES Act grant income).

On an adjusted basis, EBITDA was $202.8 million in the first quarter this year compared with $181.3 million in the first quarter of 2021. Adjusted net income in the first quarter of 2022 totaled $88.8 million, or $2.99 per diluted share, compared with $72.2 million, or $2.45 per diluted share, in the prior-year period.

Reported earnings also included an effective income tax rate of 22.8%. On an adjusted basis, our results reflected an effective income tax rate of 22.3%.

Higher Airline Operations revenue primarily reflected an increase in the average rate per block hour, partially offset by a reduction in block hours. The higher average rate per block hour was primarily due to higher yields (net of fuel), including the impact of new and extended long-term contracts, as well as higher fuel prices. Block-hour volumes reflected a reduction in less profitable smaller gauge CMI service flying as well as operational disruptions due to the spike in Omicron cases globally.

Higher Airline Operations segment contribution in the first quarter of 2022 was primarily driven by higher yields (net of fuel), including the impact of new and extended long-term contracts. These improvements were partially offset by increased pilot costs related to our new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and higher premium pay for pilots operating in certain areas significantly impacted by COVID-19.

In Dry Leasing, segment revenue and contribution increased from the prior-year period primarily due to $5.0 million of revenue received from maintenance payments related to the scheduled return of an aircraft, which was subsequently sold during the quarter. Dry Leasing contribution also benefited from lower interest expense related to the scheduled repayment of debt.

Unallocated income and expenses, net, increased during the quarter, primarily due to $40.9 million in CARES Act grant income recognized in 2021 (which was excluded from our adjusted results).

Share Repurchases

As previously announced in February 2022, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing up to $200.0 million of our common stock, which we began by entering into a $100.0 million accelerated share repurchase program (ASR). In total, we repurchased 1,234,144 shares under the ASR, which was completed in April.

Additional purchases may be made at our discretion in the form of open market repurchase programs, ASRs, privately negotiated transactions, or a combination of these methods.

Fleet

As previously disclosed, we are purchasing five of our existing 747-400Fs at the end of their leases during the course of this year, one of which was acquired in March. We expect to complete the remaining four aircraft acquisitions between May and December 2022.

Acquiring these widebody freighters underscores our confidence in the demand for international airfreight capacity, particularly in express, e-Commerce and fast-growing global markets. Keeping these aircraft in our fleet ensures continuity of capacity for our customers, which will drive strong returns for Atlas in the years ahead.

Cash

At March 31, 2022, our cash, including cash equivalents and restricted cash, totaled $740.9 million compared with $921.0 million at December 31, 2021.

The change in position resulted from cash used for investing and financing activities, including $115.0 million for pre-delivery payments for our new aircraft and $100.0 million for our ASR, partially offset by cash provided by operating activities.

Net cash used for investing activities during the first quarter of 2022 primarily related to payments for flight equipment and modifications, including aircraft pre-delivery payments, as well as capital expenditures and spare engines.

Net cash used for financing activities during the period primarily related to payments on debt obligations and the ASR.

2022 Outlook*

For the second quarter of 2022, we expect revenue to exceed $1.1 billion from flying more than 85,000 block hours. We also anticipate adjusted EBITDA of approximately $215.0 million, and adjusted net income to grow by a high-single-digit percentage compared with adjusted net income of $88.8 million in the first quarter of 2022.

For the full year, we expect to fly more than 350,000 block hours, with revenue of approximately $4.6 billion, and adjusted EBITDA of about $1.0 billion. In addition, we anticipate adjusted net income in the second half of 2022 to improve approximately 60% compared with adjusted net income in the first half of this year.

We expect aircraft maintenance expense in 2022 to be similar to 2021, and depreciation and amortization to total about $300 million. In addition, core capital expenditures, which exclude aircraft and engine purchases, are projected to total approximately $135 to $145 million, mainly for parts and components for our fleet.

We also expect our full-year 2022 adjusted effective tax rate will be approximately 23.0%.

This outlook includes the contribution from numerous new or enhanced long-term customer contracts, as well as higher pilot costs from our new CBA. We also expect second-quarter results to continue to be impacted by premium pay for pilots operating in certain locations significantly impacted by COVID-19.

Other than with regard to revenue, we provide guidance on an adjusted basis because we are unable to predict with reasonable certainty and without unreasonable effort the effects on future gains and losses on asset sales, special charges and other unanticipated items that could be material to our reported results.*

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Atlas Air and Cainiao expand partnership with the addition of a new Boeing 747-8 freighter linking China and the Americas

Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. and Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, today announced the expansion of their strategic partnership by adding a new Boeing 747-8 Freighter under a long-term agreement to increase capacity on routes between China and the Americas.

This expansion builds upon Atlas Air’s partnership with Cainiao, and the new aircraft will enter service for Cainiao in the second quarter of 2022, linking China with the United States, Brazil and Chile.

This 747-8F aircraft is among the last 747s ever to be produced by Boeing. As previously announced, Atlas ordered the last four 747 production aircraft to capitalize on strong demand and deliver value for its customers, while also bolstering its commitment to environmental stewardship through the reduction of aircraft emissions, resource consumption and noise. The iconic Boeing 747 program has been in operation for over 50 years and will continue to play a critical role in keeping global supply chains moving for decades to come.

The Boeing 747-8 Freighter is the most capable, technologically advanced and environmentally friendly widebody freighter. The 747-8F provides 20% higher payload capacity and 16% lower fuel consumption than the very capable 747-400F.

In November 2021, Cainiao expanded its partnership with Atlas Air to include daily charter flights operated between China and Latin America in response to the growth of cross-border trade between China and Latin America.

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Atlas Air extends long-term agreement with SF Group

Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., today announced the extension of a long-term aircraft transportation services agreement to operate a Boeing 747-400 Freighter for SF Group (SF Airlines), China’s leading express service provider, between China and the United States.

The agreement, which has been in place since 2018, enhances the operating capability of SF and extends its fast-growing global network.

SF, based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, is one of the world’s largest express providers and one of China’s leading couriers.

Top Copyright Photo: SF Airlines Boeing 747-4EVF ER B-2422 (msn 35173) LGG (Ton Jochems). Image: 951326.

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Southern Air is merged into Atlas Air, the end of an era

Southern Air is officially merged into Atlas Air.

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. on November 17 announced that the transition to bring operations of Southern Air, Inc. under a Single Operating Certificate (SOC) with Atlas Air, Inc. is now complete.

With the addition of Southern Air, Atlas Air was able to add 777 and 737 aircraft operating platforms, resulting in a more diversified company offering customers access to a wider range of aircraft, a broader array of services, greater scale and an expanded global footprint.

Southern Air was established on March 5, 1999, by James Neff from the assets of original Southern Air Transport (SAT) and commenced operations in November 1999.

Atlas Air Worldwide is now composed of three companies.

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Atlas Air teams up with Cainiao to operate daily Asia-Latin America chartered flights with cargo volume rising by 144%

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. has announced its Atlas Air, Inc. subsidiary has expanded its partnership with Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, to enhance overall shipping efficiency in response to the growth of cross-border trade between China and Latin America. With the launch of daily flights, Cainiao’s weekly cargo volume from China to Latin America has increased 144% compared to last October when there were only three chartered flights per week.

Under the expanded agreement, Atlas has added an additional Boeing 747-400F to fly between Hong Kong, China and Santiago, Chile. This brings the total dedicated fleet that Atlas operates for Cainiao to five aircraft.

This expanded fleet builds upon the successful collaboration between Atlas and Cainiao, which was launched in October 2020, with Atlas operating three weekly charter flights dedicated to Cainiao, linking Hong Kong with Brazil and Chile. The current upgraded Atlas-Cainiao partnership has enhanced overall warehouse distribution and air freight efficiency by over 40%.

According to Cainiao, the number of parcels shipped to Brazil in September 2021 increased by 200% as compared to the same month last year. In response to the robust growth, Cainiao rolled out “12-day delivery service” in Brazil’s core metropolitan areas. In addition, Cainiao also plans to establish a distribution center in Brazil to offer next-day or even same-day delivery in partnership with local delivery firms.

Cainiao-Atlas Asia-Latin America Chartered Flight

Top Copyright Photo: Atlas Air Boeing 747-47UF N418MC (msn 32840) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 955860.

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Atlas Air now operates two Boeing 747-400Fs for FedEx Express

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. has announced its subsidiary Atlas Air, Inc. has entered into a long-term agreement with FedEx to provide two 747-400 freighter aircraft on a full-time aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) basis. This new agreement is in addition to the company’s existing multi-year peak season contract that provides FedEx with a minimum of five aircraft during the fourth quarter.

Both 747-400 freighters have entered service and are flying on behalf of FedEx to support their growing express and e-commerce network.

“We are pleased to grow our long-term relationship with FedEx. This agreement reflects the continued strong demand for airfreight capacity, particularly in the express and e-commerce markets,” said John W. Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide. “Atlas is a leader in supporting express networks, with a focus on operating the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to deliver high levels of on-time performance for our customers.”

Atlas Air Worldwide orders four new Boeing 747-8 freighters, the last Boeing will build

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. announced today it has ordered four new Boeing 747-8 freighters in a transaction that furthers the company’s strategic growth plan. The aircraft will enable the company to meet strong customer demand in the airfreight market, particularly the fast-growing e-commerce and express sectors.

The company’s business model provides the flexibility to operate these new aircraft for customers or take advantage of dry-leasing opportunities through its Titan Aviation Leasing subsidiary.

The Boeing 747-8 freighter is the most capable, technologically advanced and environmentally conscious widebody freighter. The 747-8F provides 20% higher payload capacity and 16% lower fuel consumption than the very capable 747-400F, and has 25% higher capacity than the new-technology 777-200LRF. It is also the only factory-built freighter with nose-loading capability in production, which will serve the long-term needs of the airfreight market. Atlas is the world’s largest operator of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft, with a total of 53 in its current fleet, including 10 747-8Fs, 34 747-400Fs, five passenger 747-400s, and four Large Cargo Freighters (LCFs).

Atlas’ investment in these new aircraft underscores its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship through the reduction of noise, aircraft emissions and resource consumption. The 747-8F meets or exceeds the strictest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) emissions standards and meets global noise regulations with unlimited deployment. The advanced engines on the 747-8F reduce noise by approximately 30% compared to the previous generation of aircraft.

The new 747-8F order will also provide the company with enhanced flexibility to balance future capacity needs with customer demand, as a number of its legacy 747-400F aircraft leases will be up for renewal over the next several years.

The 747-8Fs are expected to be delivered from May through October 2022. These aircraft are the last four 747-8Fs that Boeing plans to produce.

Atlas Air has 53 747s in its current fleet, making it the largest 747 operator in the world.

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