Category Archives: Atlas Air

Atlas Air-operated Boeing 747 Dreamlifter lands at the wrong Wichita airport

Atlas Air (New York-JFK) operates the fleet of four Boeing 747 Dreamlifters under contract for Boeing, ferrying parts for Boeing between its various supply points.

Last night (November 20) a Drealifter operated by Atlas Air was inbound for McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. However the modified Jumbo landed instead at the nearby Colonel James Jabara Airport run by the city of Wichita according to this report by Reuters.

The pilots had taken off from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport but mistook the GA airport for the air force base.

The Colonel James Jabara Airport (ICAO: KAAO, FAA LID: AAO) has only one runway that is 6,101 feet long with an ATC control tower and is about 9 miles (14 km) from McConnell.

Atlas Air has reassured airport officials the runway is of sufficient length to permit a safe departure today.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen/AirlinersGallery.com. The specially-modified Boeing 747-409LCF DreamLifter N780BA (msn 24130) is pictured on the ramp at New York (JFK).

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Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings reports 3Q net income of $28.6 million

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo) (New York-JFK) announced adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders of $28.6 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared with $33.4 million, or $1.26 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2012.

On a reported basis, third-quarter 2013 net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $23.7 million, or $0.94 per diluted share, compared with $33.9 million, or $1.27 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2012. Free cash flow of $73.8 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared with $98.9 million in the third quarter of 2012.

“Earnings in the third quarter of 2013 were below our expectations, reflecting market factors,” said William J. Flynn, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Demand in the commercial airfreight peak season through September was less than we anticipated. Airfreight yields remained under pressure, impacting our Commercial Charter segment. In addition, a decline in military charter demand led to a reduction in AMC volumes and fewer favorable one-way AMC missions.

“Results during the quarter were supported by strength in our core ACMI operations and growth in our Dry Leasing business. Led by our new 747-8 freighters in ACMI, we saw increasing contributions during the quarter from investments to diversify our business mix, including the addition of 777 freighters with predictable, long-term revenue and earnings streams in Dry Leasing; our expanding 767 service; growing CMI operations within ACMI; and ongoing continuous improvement initiatives.

“Reflecting our commitment to enhance stockholder value, we acquired a further 3.1% of our outstanding common stock through our share repurchase program from May through August. Combined with the shares that we bought through the end of April, we have repurchased approximately 6.5% of our shares for $72 million this year. In addition, our board of directors has increased our existing authority to repurchase shares from $9 million to $60 million.”

Third-Quarter Results

Revenue, volume and profitability growth in our core ACMI business during the third quarter were driven by our new 747-8Fs, with an average of 3.3 additional -8F aircraft in service compared with the third quarter of 2012, and the continued ramp up and expansion of CMI service.

Improved ACMI segment earnings during the period benefited from higher rates per block hour and lower maintenance expense for our 747-8Fs, partially offset by the redeployment of 747-400 aircraft to other business segments.

In Dry Leasing, revenue and profitability grew following the acquisition of one 777-200 LRF aircraft in March 2013 and two 777-200 LRF aircraft in July 2013. Each aircraft was acquired with a long-term customer lease already in effect.

In AMC Charter, a reduction in cargo and passenger block hours, as well as a reduced number of one-way AMC missions and a change in the proportion of those missions from outbound U.S. to inbound U.S., led to a significant decline in segment contribution. Higher average cargo and passenger revenue per block hour during the period stemmed from an increase in the average pegged fuel price set by the U.S. military.

Segment results in Commercial Charter primarily related to a reduction in yields driven by soft third-quarter global charter-market conditions. Results also reflected a reduction in return legs due to the change in the number and direction of one-way AMC missions.

Results in the third quarter were also affected by a reduction in capitalized interest on 747-8F aircraft that entered service.

Income Taxes

Reported earnings for the third quarter of 2013 included an effective income tax rate of 31.3%, reflecting both the ongoing beneficial impact of lower taxes for certain foreign subsidiaries in our Dry Leasing business and the net impact of the resolution of certain income tax liabilities.

Nine-Month Results

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $54.9 million, or $2.13 per diluted share, compared with $78.3 million, or $2.95 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

On a reported basis, nine-month 2013 net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $63.9 million, or $2.48 per diluted share, compared with $77.5 million, or $2.92 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2012.

Free cash flow in the first nine months of 2013 increased to $180.8 million from $154.1 million in the first nine months of 2012.

Cash and Short-Term Investments

At September 30, 2013, our cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash totaled $298.4 million, compared with $419.9 million at December 31, 2012.

The change in position at September 30 reflected cash provided by operating and financing activities offset by cash used for investing activities.

Net cash used for investing activities in the first nine months of 2013 primarily related to the purchase of two 747-8F aircraft as well as three 777-200 LRF aircraft for our Dry Leasing business.

Net cash provided by financing activities primarily reflected proceeds from the issuance of debt in connection with the acquisitions of these aircraft. Those proceeds were partially offset by payments on debt obligations and debt issuance costs.

Share Repurchases

Between mid-May and mid-August, we repurchased 820,276 shares of our common stock for $35.6 million. The shares were acquired pursuant to an accelerated share repurchase program with a financial institution that settled in August.

Through the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we repurchased a total of 1,723,577 shares, or 6.5%, of our outstanding common stock at December 31, 2012.

Future repurchases under our new $60 million authority may be made at our discretion, and the actual timing, form and amount will depend on company and market conditions.

Outlook

Looking to full-year 2013, we expect fully diluted earnings per share to total between $3.40 and $3.80 on an adjusted basis and $3.75 and $4.15 on a reported basis.

Our current outlook reflects a much less robust commercial airfreight peak season than previously anticipated. While commercial airfreight volumes are strengthening, airfreight yields remain volatile. In addition, military cargo volumes have declined at a more rapid rate. Together, these factors affected our third-quarter results and have reduced anticipated profitability for the fourth quarter.

Partially offsetting these challenges are increasing contributions from investments to diversify the company’s business mix, led by new 747-8 freighters in the company’s core ACMI business; the addition of 777 freighters with predictable, long-term revenue and earnings streams in Dry Leasing; an expanding 767 service platform; entry into military and commercial charter passenger operations; and continuing growth in the company’s non-asset-intensive CMI operations. Also contributing are ongoing continuous improvement productivity and efficiency initiatives.

Mr. Flynn added: “Airfreight remains a long-term growth industry despite current market challenges. We are focused on the long-term growth of our business, and we are well-positioned to capitalize on market improvements. Our business model is solid and is complemented by substantial operating leverage, strong customer relationships and a superior fleet. We continue to strengthen our competitive position and generate substantial free cash flow, which will enhance stockholder value.”

Copyright Photo: Bernhard Ross/AirlinersGallery.com. Atlas Air’s Boeing 767-38E ER N641GT (msn 25132) is pictured in action at Frankfurt.

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Polar Air Cargo:

Atlas Air to fly for Astral Aviation

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. today announced that its Atlas Air, Inc. (New York) unit has entered into a contract with Astral Aviation Limited (Nairobi), a Kenya-based cargo airline, to provide Boeing 747-400 Freighter service.

The contract is for one aircraft under an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) agreement, with service expected to begin in the next few weeks. This is the first 747-400F in Astral Aviation’s global network, and it will provide all-cargo operations between Europe and Africa.

Astral Aviation operates in partnership with UK-based ANA Airline Management Limited. ANA specializes in the development and operation of all-cargo aircraft across a wide range of scheduled routes as well as providing air charter capacity on a worldwide basis to the various airlines it works in partnership with. ANA was founded in 1985 and has offices throughout Europe, Africa and North America.

Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. Atlas Air’s Boeing 747-47UF N492MC (msn 29253) climbs beautifully away from Anchorage International Airport.

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Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings reports 2Q net income of $20.4 million

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Atlas Air) (New York-JFK) today announced second-quarter 2013 diluted earnings per share in line with expectations presented at the company’s investor-analyst day on May 30 and reaffirmed its full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share outlook of approximately $4.80.

For the three months ended June 30, 2013, adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $20.4 million, or $0.79 per diluted share, compared with $31.2 million, or $1.18 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2012.

On a reported basis, second-quarter 2013 net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $20.1 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, compared with $30.9 million, or $1.16 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2012.

Free cash flow increased to $64.6 million in the second quarter of 2013 from $54.2 million in the second quarter of 2012.

Second-Quarter Results

Revenue, volume and profitability growth in our core ACMI business during the second quarter were driven by our new 747-8Fs, with five additional -8F aircraft in service compared with the second quarter of 2012, as well as the continued ramp up of CMI flying for Boeing and DHL Express.

In AMC Charter, a reduction in cargo and passenger block hours, lower average cargo and passenger revenue per block hour, and a reduction in the number of one-way AMC missions led to a decline in segment contribution. Lower average passenger revenue per block hour during the period stemmed from a higher proportion of passenger flying on smaller-gauge 767 aircraft, which we added to supplement our wide-body 747-400 passenger service and enhance our share of military passenger business.

Segment results in Commercial Charter primarily related to a reduction in yields driven by soft second-quarter global charter-market conditions.

Results in the second quarter were also affected by a reduction in capitalized interest on 747-8F aircraft that entered service.

Income Taxes

Adjusted and reported earnings for the second quarter of 2013 included an effective income tax rate of 32.3%, reflecting the ongoing beneficial impact of lower taxes for certain foreign subsidiaries in our Dry Leasing business.

Half-Year Results

For the six months ended June 30, 2013, adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $26.3 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, compared with $44.9 million, or $1.69 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2012.

On a reported basis, first-half 2013 net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $40.1 million, or $1.54 per diluted share, compared with $43.7 million, or $1.65 per diluted share, in the first half of 2012.

Free cash flow in the first six months of 2013 increased to $107.0 million from $55.2 million in the first half of 2012.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

At June 30, 2013, our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $367.5 million, compared with $419.9 million at December 31, 2012.

The change in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments reflected cash provided by operating and financing activities offset by cash used for investing activities.

Net cash used for investing activities in the first six months of 2013 primarily related to the purchase of two 747-8F aircraft as well as a 777-200LRF aircraft for our Dry Leasing business.

Net cash provided by financing activities primarily reflected proceeds from the issuance of debt in connection with the acquisitions of these aircraft. These proceeds were partially offset by payments on debt obligations and net payments under accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) programs.

Share Repurchases

In mid-May, we entered into an ASR with a financial institution for the repurchase of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of a minimum of $35.0 million up to a maximum of $44.0 million. As of June 30, 2013, we received delivery of an initial 615,791 shares pursuant to the program. This ASR is expected to conclude no later than mid-October.

Through the first six months of 2013, we repurchased a total of 1,519,092 shares, or 5.7%, of our outstanding common stock.

Future repurchases may be made at our discretion, and the actual timing, form and amount will depend on company and market conditions.

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 747-47UF N408MC (msn 29261) taxies past the camera at Amsterdam.

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Atlas Air to operate a Boeing 767-200 for MLW Air

Atlas Air (New York) has signed an agreement to operate a VIP-configured Boeing 767-200 passenger aircraft in CMI service for MLW Air, LLC. Flights are expected to commence this summer.

Under the new CMI (Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) agreement, Atlas Air will operate MLW Air’s unique, all-first class, 102-seat Boeing aircraft, extending Atlas Air’s innovative CMI service solution and its growing 767 aircraft platform into very high-end passenger transport. The flights will be marketed as charters to sports teams, entertainers and other high-profile users.

MLW Air’s Boeing 767-277 N767MW (msn 22694) is the only all-first class 767 commercial charter aircraft with worldwide operations registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. The dual-aisle plane features first class seats with 60-inch pitch (the distance between a row of seats) in a two-by-two-by-two configuration. The seats recline to 156 degrees for maximum comfort and come with adjustable head and foot rests. The plane is ideal to meet the needs of heads of state, celebrities, diplomats, professional sports teams, entertainers, private parties, tour groups and other charter needs. The client list includes the Dallas Stars and Dallas Mavericks and such entertainers as Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones and Beyoncé.

Atlas Air currently operates 10 Boeing 767s, including three passenger aircraft and seven freighters. Its modern, efficient fleet also includes two VIP-configured Boeing 747-400 passenger aircraft, 37Boeing 747 freighters and a recently acquired Boeing 777 freighter.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Pictured arriving at Washington (Dulles) with the Manchester United team on July 28, 2011 when it leased to Swift Air, the former Ansett Australia (VH-RMF) and Gadair European Airlines (N767AT) wide body 767-277 will now be operated by Atlas Air for MLW Air as N767MW.

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Atlas Air starts operating a Boeing 747-800F freighter for Etihad Cargo, Miami becomes part of the round-the-world cargo route

Atlas Air (New York) on May 30 started operating its newest Boeing 747-800F for Etihad Cargo (formerly Etihad Crystal Cargo) (Etihad Airways) (Abu Dhabi). The fully-painted freighter will operate twice-weekly cargo services to and from Miami.

Etihad Airways announced its new round-the-world cargo flight:

The jointly operated routing began on May 30, connecting Etihad Cargo’s Abu Dhabi hub with destinations in Asia, the United States, South America and Europe.

Miami (US), Viracopos (Brazil), and Quito (Ecuador) will become part the round-the-world Abu Dhabi-Hong Kong-Chicago O’Hare-Miami-Viracopos-Quito-Amsterdam-Abu Dhabi freighter service offered with an Etihad Cargo-liveried Boeing 747-8F Freighter.

Earlier this month, Etihad Cargo signed a signed a multi-year Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreement with Atlas Air to provide the Boeing 747-8F Freighter with its 138-ton cargo capacity to operate the new schedule.

The three new freighter destinations in the Americas will see Etihad Cargo’s network extend to 92 points across the globe. The carrier’s eight freighters operate to 28 of these destinations.

The Boeing 747-8F Freighter is the largest in Etihad Cargo’s current freighter fleet. The airline also operates three Boeing 777Fs, one Boeing 747-400ERF, one Boeing 747-400F and two Airbus A330-200Fs.

Etihad Cargo will take delivery of two additional freighters in 2013 and 2014, comprising two Airbus A330-200Fs.

Atlas Air previously made this announcement in May:

The 8th Boeing 747-800F freighter will fly on behalf of Etihad Cargo, the cargo arm of Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, pursuant to a multi-year aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance agreement that commences in May 2013.

The new contract between the companies follows a letter of intent announced on April 1, 2013, and complements an existing Boeing 747-400F ACMI arrangement between Atlas and Etihad. The aircraft will be operated in full Etihad Cargo livery.

Copyright Photo: Michael Bolden. The pictured Boeing 747-87UF N855GT (msn 37567) was delivered to Atlas Air on May 18, 2013. The Jumbo Freighter prepares to depart from Miami on its twice-weekly round-the-world cargo route.

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Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings reports 1Q net income of $5.9 million

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Atlas Air) (New York-JFK) today announced adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders of $5.9 million, or $0.22 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2013 compared with adjusted earnings of $13.6 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2012.

On a reported basis, net income attributable to common stockholders in the first quarter totaled $20.1 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, compared with $12.8 million, or $0.48 per diluted share in the year-ago quarter.

Adjusted earnings in the first quarter of 2013 exclude an income tax benefit of $14.2 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, related to the tax treatment of extraterritorial income from the offshore leasing of certain aircraft. Adjusted earnings in the first quarter of 2012 exclude fleet retirement costs of $0.9 million, or $0.03 per diluted share.

First-quarter revenue grew 5% to $377.3 million, with operating income increasing 10% to $22.6 million and operating margin expanding slightly. Free cash flow for the period totaled $42.4 million compared with $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2012.

“Our first-quarter results and initiatives demonstrate the benefits of a modern, efficient fleet, diversified business mix and solid balance sheet in a challenging business environment,” said William J. Flynn, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Operating income during the quarter reflected the strength of our ACMI operations, especially our new 747-8 freighters. It also gained from new organizational capabilities and the evolution of our business, such as our expanding 767 service and growing CMI operations. We also realized operating efficiencies through our continuous improvement initiatives.

“Capitalizing on our financial strength, we acquired an immediately profitable 777 freighter under long-term customer lease for our Dry Leasing business. We also implemented an immediately accretive share repurchase program that acquired 3.4% of our outstanding stock for a total of $36.5 million through late April.

“Earnings in the first quarter were in line with our expectations and our outlook for the year. As a result, we are affirming previous guidance for 2013 but we are raising our expected adjusted earnings per share to $4.80 from $4.65 to reflect our actual and anticipated share repurchases.”

First-Quarter Results

Revenue, volume and profitability growth in our core ACMI business during the first quarter were driven by our new 747-8Fs, with four additional -8F aircraft in service compared with the first quarter of 2012, as well as the continued ramp up of CMI flying for Boeing and DHL Express.

Improved ACMI segment earnings during the period also benefited from higher rates per block hour and lower maintenance expense for our 747-8Fs, partially offset by the redeployment of 747-400 aircraft to other business segments.

In AMC Charter, strong growth in passenger service volumes partially offset a 41% reduction in cargo block hours, a reduction in the number of one-way AMC missions, and lower average cargo revenue per block hour, which led to a decline in segment contribution. Lower average passenger revenue per block hour during the period stemmed from an increase in flying on smaller-gauge 767 aircraft added to supplement our wide-body 747-400 passenger service and enhance our share of military passenger business.

Segment results in Commercial Charter reflected the seasonal nature of this business and were primarily related to a reduction in yields driven by soft first-quarter global charter-market conditions.

Results in the first quarter were also affected by higher non-operating expenses, primarily due to a reduction in capitalized interest on 747-8F aircraft that entered service.

Income Taxes

Reported earnings for the first quarter of 2013 included an effective income tax rate benefit of 97.4%, reflecting a federal income tax benefit of $14.2 million related to the tax treatment of extraterritorial income from the offshore leasing of certain of our aircraft.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

At March 31, 2013, our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $343.9 million, compared with $419.9 million at December 31, 2012.

The change in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments was primarily driven by an increase in cash provided by operating and financing activities, offset by cash used for investing activities.

Net cash used for investing activities in the first quarter of 2013 primarily related to the purchase of a 747-8F aircraft for our ACMI operations and a 777-200 LRF aircraft for our Dry Leasing business.

Net cash provided by financing activities primarily reflected proceeds from the issuance of debt in connection with the acquisitions of these aircraft. These proceeds were partially offset by payments on debt obligations and a prepayment under an accelerated share repurchase program agreement (“ASR”).

Share Repurchase Activity

Between mid-February and late April 2013, we repurchased 903,301 shares of our common stock for $36.5 million at an average cost of $40.40 per share. The shares were acquired pursuant to an ASR with an investment bank that settled on April 25, 2013.

We acquired 427,168 of these shares during the period ended March 31, 2013, which added $0.01 per diluted share to our adjusted and reported earnings for the first quarter.

Future repurchases may be made at our discretion, and the actual timing, form and amount will depend on company and market conditions.

Outlook

We expect to generate strong earnings and cash flow in 2013. Led by ACMI, each of our business segments is expected to be profitable for the year.

Incorporating our share repurchase activity, we anticipate that our adjusted fully diluted earnings per share this year will total approximately $4.80, an increase from prior guidance of approximately $4.65. Including the extraterritorial income tax benefit of $0.54 per share, our reported fully diluted earnings per share in 2013 should be approximately $5.34.

Both adjusted and reported full-year 2013 EPS guidance assume the repurchase of $50.0 million of our outstanding stock during the year.

Our expectation for full year 2013 operating performance is unchanged from the outlook we issued last quarter. We now expect to fly fewer block hours in our Commercial Charter segment in 2013 than we previously forecast. We also expect lower operating expenses as a result of continuous improvement initiatives that drive productivity improvements and operating efficiencies. These initiatives target all aspects of our business, including engine overhauls, procurement efforts, passenger catering, ground travel, and crew scheduling.

Similar to the first quarter, adjusted and reported full-year earnings in 2013 will reflect strong growth from the company’s 747-8Fs in ACMI, driven by an increase in the number of -8F aircraft in ACMI service compared with 2012, including the incremental placement with Etihad Airways we announced today.

Market growth during 2013 should be seasonal and second-half weighted. We continue to anticipate a sequential increase in our quarterly earnings throughout the year, with approximately 75% of adjusted earnings per share and 66% of reported earnings per share occurring in the second half.

Based on our revised view, block-hour volumes in 2013 are now expected to total approximately 175,000 hours. ACMI segment flying should account for about 135,000, or 77%, of expected 2013 block hours, with about 22,000, or 13%, in Commercial Charter and 18,000, or 10%, in AMC Charter. Passenger charter flying should account for more than 10,000 AMC Charter block hours in 2013.

Based on anticipated deliveries of 747-8Fs in our outstanding order, the average number of -8Fs in service in 2013 should increase to more than eight from 4.3 in 2012.

In addition, we now anticipate that maintenance expense will total approximately $172 million in 2013, about 60% of which should be incurred in the first half of the year.

Mr. Flynn concluded: “In an environment of continuing global uncertainty, we are well-positioned to serve our customers and the airfreight markets. We have performed well. We are ready to capitalize on market improvements. And we are executing a strategic plan that leverages our core competencies, provides a basis for returning capital to our investors through share repurchases, and will enable us to grow over the long term.”

In other news, Atlas Air has confirmed the placement of its eighth Boeing 747-8 Freighter into ACMI service.

The aircraft will fly on behalf of Etihad Cargo, the cargo arm of Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, pursuant to a multi-year aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance agreement that commences in May 2013.

Copyright Photo: Pedro Pics. Atlas Air operates this Boeing 747-87UF N850GT (msn 37570) for Panalpina Air and Ocean in their colors.

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Panalpina:

Atlas Air takes delivery of its eighth Boeing 747-800F freighter

Atlas Air (New York) has taken delivery of its eighth Boeing 747-8F Freighter.

Pursuant to a letter of intent (LOI) with an undisclosed customer, the new aircraft is expected to enter ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) service during the first half of the second quarter of 2013, which will allow the customer time to integrate the capacity into its scheduled network.

Prior to beginning in ACMI, the aircraft will be operated in short-term, revenue-generating service.

Atlas Air expects to receive one additional 747-8F by the end of the second quarter of 2013, completing the delivery of its order program for nine aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Boeing 747-87UF N854FT (msn 37566) was handed over in the full Atlas Air livery on April 1. N854FT climbs away from Paine Field near Everett.

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Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings reports 4Q adjusted net income is up 23% to $48.7 million, 2012 net income rose 17% to $127.0 million

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo) (New York) today announced a 23% increase in adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders for the fourth quarter of 2012, with adjusted net income rising to $48.7 million, or $1.83 per diluted share. For the full year, adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders rose 17% to $127.0 million, or $4.78 per share.

On a reported basis, net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $52.4 million, or $1.97 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter, and $129.9 million, or $4.89 per diluted share, for the year.

Adjusted earnings exclude net gains in the fourth quarter and for the full year that primarily reflected an insurance gain of $0.15 per diluted share related to flood damage at an aircraft parts warehouse during Superstorm Sandy.

Revenues grew 17% to $452.8 million in the fourth quarter and 18% to $1.65 billion for the year. Free cash flow for 2012 totaled $208.5 million.

Fourth-Quarter Results

Revenue and profitability growth in our core ACMI business during the fourth quarter were driven by our new 747-8Fs, which began to enter service late in the fourth quarter of 2011. Volume growth was primarily due to the continued ramp up of CMI flying for Boeing and DHL Express. ACMI results during the period benefited from higher rates per block hour and lower maintenance expense for our 747-8Fs, partially offset by the redeployment of 747-400 aircraft to other business segments. ACMI customers flew 4.3% above contractual minimums during the quarter.

In AMC Charter, strong growth in our passenger service and rate premiums earned on flying more efficient 747-400 cargo aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared with less efficient 747-200 aircraft in 2011 partially offset a 48% reduction in cargo block hours and a reduction in the number of one-way AMC missions.

In Commercial Charter, increased revenues and volumes reflected the deployment of 747-400 cargo aircraft in lieu of retired 747-200s, the deployment of an additional 747-400 cargo aircraft to support increased demand in South America, and 747-400 aircraft from ACMI during remarketing periods. Commercial Charter results were affected by a reduction in yields driven by softer charter-market conditions compared with the fourth quarter of 2011, and a reduction in return legs due to fewer one-way AMC Charter missions.

Fourth-quarter results in each segment were affected by increased crew costs, with AMC Charter and Commercial Charter incurring other volume-driven operating expenses and higher aircraft ownership costs related to the deployment of 747-400 aircraft in lieu of 747-200 aircraft.

Unallocated income and expenses during the quarter reflected a pretax insurance gain of $6.3 million (equivalent to $0.15 per fully diluted share on an after-tax basis) related to flood damage incurred at an aircraft parts warehouse during Superstorm Sandy.

Income Taxes

Adjusted and reported earnings for the fourth quarter of 2012 included an effective income tax rate of 35.9%, reflecting an adjustment to reserves related to U.S. federal income tax benefits claimed in prior periods that totaled $0.06 per fully diluted share.

Adjusted and reported earnings for the full year of 2012 included an effective income tax rate of 36.8%, relating to the adjustment to U.S. federal income tax reserves and the settlement of income tax examinations in Hong Kong that totaled $0.09 per fully diluted share.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

At December 31, 2012, our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $419.9 million, compared with $195.2 million at December 31, 2011.

The growth in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments in 2012 was primarily driven by an increase in cash provided by operating and financing activities, partially offset by an increase in cash used for investing activities.

Net cash used for investing activities in 2012 primarily related to the purchase of four 747-8F aircraft for our ACMI operations, a third 767-300ER passenger aircraft for our AMC Charter operations, and a 737-300 cargo aircraft for our Dry Leasing business.

Net cash provided by financing activities primarily reflected proceeds from the issuance of debt in connection with the delivery of the four 747-8Fs. These proceeds were partially offset by payments on debt obligations and debt issuance costs. Both the proceeds from our issuance of debt and the payments on our debt obligations reflect the refinancing of a total of $571 million of floating-rate term loans with fixed-rate notes issued in the capital markets.

Atlas Air Worldwide is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc. (Atlas Air) and Titan Aviation Leasing (Titan), and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. (Polar Air Cargo). Through Atlas and Polar, Atlas Air Worldwide operates the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft.

Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 747-47UF N492MC (msn 29253) climbs away from Bangkok while operating for QANTAS Airways.

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Bottom Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 747-47UF N416MC (msn 32838) of Polar Air Cargo in DHL colors climbs away from Los Angeles International Airport.

Atlas Air to operate two Boeing 767-300 freighters for DHL in Asia

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (New York) has announced its Atlas Air, Inc. (New York-JFK) unit will provide operating service on intra-Asian routes for two new Boeing 767-300 ERF aircraft owned by DHL Express beginning in the latter part of the first quarter 2013. Atlas Air will operate the aircraft for its sister company, Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc., linking the intra-Asian flights with Polar’s existing transpacific, all-cargo services for DHL and other customers.

The new operation represents a continued expansion of Atlas Air’s asset-light CMI (Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) service solution, which was launched in 2010. CMI is expected to be a strategic driver of company revenues and earnings and improved business mix over the next few years and beyond.

With the addition of the new aircraft to the company’s operating certificate, Atlas Air’s fleet of Boeing 767s will increase to 10 aircraft.

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