Tag Archives: Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings

Atlas Air awarded extension of Air Force One pilot training agreement

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. has announced that the United States Air Force (USAF) has extended its agreement with Atlas Air to train pilots and flight engineers for Air Force One.

Under the five-year extension of the agreement, which Atlas Air has held since 2007, crews for the Air Force’s VC-25, a modified version of the Boeing 747-200B, will receive ground and flight-simulator training at Atlas Air’s world-class training center in Miami, Florida.

“Air Force One,” the designated call sign of the aircraft when the President is on board, consists of two specially configured Boeing 747-200B aircraft.

The past four U.S. presidents have been flown to locations throughout the world by Atlas-trained pilots and flight engineers who received their 747 certification from Atlas Air.

Top Copyright Photo: United States of America (U.S. Air Force) Boeing VC-25A (747-2G4B) 28000 (82-8000) (msn 23824) JFK (TMK Photography). Image: 934999.

United States of America aircraft photo gallery:

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.

Atlas Air aircraft photo gallery:

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.*

Atlas Air airfcraft photo gallery:

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.

Atlas Air aircraft photo gallery:

Atlas Air aircraft slide show:

Atlas Air Worldwide acquires two ex-LATAM Boeing 777 freighters for ACMI service for DHL Express

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. has announced the acquisition of two Boeing 777F Freighters from LATAM Airlines.

Both 777 aircraft will operate in ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) service for DHL Express through Atlas’ Southern Air subsidiary, with the first starting service this month and the second expected to begin service at the end of the second quarter of 2018.

The first of the two aircraft was previously operated on a CMI (crew, maintenance and insurance) basis for DHL Express by Southern Air. The second aircraft will increase the number of 777 freighters owned or operated by the company to 12.

The expected financial and operating impacts of the two 777 freighters in 2018 were incorporated in the company’s earnings growth framework announced on February 22, 2018. As indicated, the company anticipates that its full-year 2018 adjusted net income will grow by a mid-twenty-percent level compared with 2017.

DHL-Southern Air aircraft slide show:

Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo are granted an injunction against its pilots

Atlas Air has issued this statement:

Atlas Air, Inc. and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc., subsidiaries of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, have learned that their request for a preliminary injunction against the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Airline Division, and Local Union No. 1224 has been granted.

The decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia requires the IBT to meet its obligations under the Railway Labor Act and stop its illegal and intentional work slowdown.

In granting the Company’s request, the Court further ordered the IBT to take affirmative action to prevent and to refrain from continuing any form of interference with the Company’s operations or any other concerted refusal to perform normal pilot operations consistent with the status quo, in violation of the RLA.

The Company continues to negotiate with the IBT for a joint contract for Atlas and Southern Air crewmembers in connection with the pending merger. The Company remains committed to completing the bargaining process in a timely manner and in the best interests of all parties.

Copyright Photo: Atlas Air is operating for Amazon’s Prime Air. Prime Air (Atlas Air) Boeing 767-306 ER (F) N1321A (msn 27957) ONT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 939323.

Prime Air:

Atlas Air Worldwide reports second quarter adjusted net income of $29.4 million

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo) (New York) today announced adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders of $29.4 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared with $15.9 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

On a reported basis, net income attributable to common stockholders in the second quarter of 2015 totaled $28.4 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, compared with $29.6 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter.

Free cash flow of $68.5 million in the second quarter of 2015 compared with $59.2 million in the second quarter of 2014.

“Earnings in the second quarter were driven by contribution and margin strength in ACMI, Charter and Dry Leasing,” said William J. Flynn, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We are seeing good demand for our aircraft and services as we enter the second half of 2015, as many of our customers are outperforming the overall market. We are working closely with our customers to provide them with the most efficient aircraft and effective operating services for their needs.

“As we gather additional insight into second-half demand, yields and military requirements, we continue to look forward to a strong year and a significant increase in earnings compared with 2014.”

Responding to market demand and customer requirements, we are implementing several previously announced fleet initiatives that are incorporated in our framework outlook for the year: placing an additional 747-400 freighter in ACMI service with DHL Express at the start of the third quarter; acquiring a new 747-8 freighter scheduled to be delivered to us in November; returning an owned, unencumbered 747-400 converted freighter to active service to meet additional Charter demand; securing a short-term operating lease on a second 747-400 converted freighter in Charter with more favorable terms; and expanding our Titan Dry Leasing portfolio by acquiring and converting two 767 passenger aircraft into freighter configuration. The freighters will be leased to DHL on a long-term basis when they are delivered in the fourth quarter.

Second-Quarter Results

Revenue and direct contribution in ACMI in the second quarter benefited from an increase in block hour volumes, driven by the start-up of four additional 767 CMI aircraft and an improvement in 747 cargo aircraft utilization. Segment contribution also benefited from lower heavy maintenance expense. These were partially offset by a reduction in revenue per block hour, which reflected the impact of payments received from a customer in 2014 in connection with the return of an aircraft as well as an increase in CMI flying in 2015.

In Charter, significantly higher segment revenues reflected an increase in commercial cargo demand and improvements in military passenger and cargo demand. In addition, segment contribution benefited from those higher flying levels and a reduction in heavy maintenance expense. The decrease in revenue per block hour was primarily driven by the impact of lower fuel prices.

In Dry Leasing, revenue and profitability grew as we realized revenue from maintenance payments related to the scheduled return of a 757-200 cargo aircraft in April. This aircraft was subsequently leased to DHL Express on a long-term basis during the quarter.

Reported earnings for the second quarter of 2015 included an effective income tax rate of 31.0%, which reflected our continued reinvestment of the net earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries outside of the U.S.

Half-Year Results

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $55.2 million, or $2.20 per diluted share, compared with $27.1 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

On a reported basis, first-half 2015 net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $57.6 million, or $2.29 per diluted share, compared with $37.5 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, in the first half of 2014.

Free cash flow totaled $148.8 million in the first six months of 2015 compared with $96.1 million in the first six months of 2014.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At June 30, 2015, our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments totaled $554.9 million, compared with $330.7 million at December 31, 2014.

The change in position reflected net cash of $171.1 million provided by operating activities; net cash of $104.4 million provided by financing activities, which included $99.1 million of debt payments; and net cash of $59.4 million used for investing activities.

In June 2015, we issued $224.5 million of convertible senior notes due June 2022 with a cash coupon of 2.25%. We used a portion of the approximately $218 million of net proceeds from the offering in June to fund the $16.6 million net cost of convertible note hedges and warrants related to the notes. These transactions are intended to offset any actual dilution from the conversion of the notes and to effectively increase the overall conversion price from $74.05 to $95.01 per share.

During the third quarter of 2015, we expect to use approximately $113 million of the net proceeds to retire higher-rate Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETCs) related to five of our 747-400 freighter aircraft. The redemption amount gives effect to the company’s ownership interests in the EETCs being retired, which have an average cash coupon of 8.1%.

We expect to use the remaining net proceeds from the convertible note issuance for working capital and capital expenditures, repayment or refinancing of debt, and general corporate purposes.

Outlook

We are encouraged by our strong first-half performance. We are seeing good demand for our aircraft and services this quarter and for the remainder of the year. And we continue to anticipate significant growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share in 2015.

On a sequential basis, we expect earnings per share in the third quarter of 2015 to be slightly better than our second-quarter 2015 adjusted earnings, followed by further earnings improvement in the fourth quarter.

Taking our first-half 2015 earnings strength into account, we continue to expect approximately 55% of our earnings to occur in the second half.

In addition, we anticipate that block-hour volumes this year will increase approximately 10% compared with 2014, including the impact of the 747-8 freighter scheduled to be delivered in November and 747-400BCF that we returned to service at the end of the second quarter. More than 70% of our total block hours should be in ACMI and the balance in Charter. Our ACMI outlook reflects expected growth in both 747 freighter operations as well as CMI flying. Our Charter outlook reflects our strong presence in the global charter market and military demand that is holding up well compared with 2014 levels.

In Dry Leasing, our portfolio is expected to include our recent acquisition and subsequent conversion of two 767 passenger aircraft to freighter configuration. Following their conversion, which should be completed during the fourth quarter of this year, the aircraft will be leased to DHL Express.

Given the flying levels that we anticipate, we continue to expect that aircraft maintenance expense in 2015 should total approximately $190 million. In addition, depreciation should be approximately $125 million. We also anticipate an effective income tax rate of approximately 30%. Core capital expenditures, excluding aircraft and engine purchases, are expected to total approximately $45 million, mainly for spare parts for our fleet. Expenditures for additional aircraft and engines should total approximately $240 million.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Polar Air Cargo’s Boeing 747-46NF N454PA (msn 30812) in DHL colors departs from scenic Anchorage, Alaska.

Atlas Air aircraft slide show:

Polar Air Cargo aircraft slide show:

DHL-Polar Air Cargo aircraft slide show:

Atlas Air Worldwide to acquire another Boeing 747-800F freighter, provides a fleet update

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo) (New York) has agreed to acquire a new 747-8 freighter from Boeing with delivery scheduled for November 2015. Prior to its expected placement in longer-term ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) service, the company intends to deploy the aircraft in profitable charter operations, taking advantage of the aircraft’s superior fuel efficiency, range, capacity and loading capabilities.

To meet additional charter demand, Atlas Air Worldwide is also returning an owned and unencumbered 747-400 converted freighter to active service. The aircraft is resuming operations this month. At the same time, the company has entered into a short-term operating lease expected to begin in late June for a second 747-400 converted freighter. This lease is intended to replace a similar aircraft, with a lease that expires this month, on terms that are more favorable to the company.

In addition, the company has expanded its Titan Dry Leasing portfolio by acquiring two Boeing 767 aircraft. These will be leased to DHL Express following their conversion from passenger to freighter configuration in the fourth quarter of this year. They complement a Boeing 757 Freighter recently dry leased to DHL by Titan following the conclusion of a previous customer lease.

Fleet Plan Update

By year-end 2015, Atlas Air Worldwide’s cargo operations are expected to include ten 747-800Fs and 23 747-400 freighters. It also expects to have two 747-400s and three 767-300s providing passenger service to the U.S. military and other charter customers.

In addition, the company expects to operate at least 18 customer-owned aircraft in its CMI (crew, maintenance and insurance) operations. These operations include four 747 Large Cargo Freighters for Boeing, two VIP-configured 747-400 passenger aircraft for SonAir, eleven 767 freighters for DHL Express, and one VIP-configured 767 passenger aircraft for MLW Air.

In Dry Leasing, the company anticipates its portfolio to include at least 11 aircraft, including six 777 freighters, two 767 freighters, one 757 freighter, one 737 freighter, and one 737 passenger aircraft.

In other news, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings announced the placement of an additional Boeing 747-400 freighter into ACMI service.

The aircraft will be operated by Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. to expand its express network for the benefit of DHL Express. Operations are scheduled to begin on July 1, 2015.

When the new service begins, Polar’s express network will consist of six 747-8Fs and seven 747-400Fs in ACMI on behalf of DHL and Polar’s other customers. Atlas also will continue to operate a fleet of eleven Boeing 767 Freighters in CMI service for DHL, including nine in North America and two in the Asia-Pacific region.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 747-87UF N852GT (msn 37571) of Atlas Air taxies at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

Atlas Air aircraft slide show:

Polar Air Cargo aircraft slide show:

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings reports adjusted net income of $27.4 million for the third quarter

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo) (New York) has issued this financial statement for the third quarter:

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. announced adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders of $27.4 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared with $28.6 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2013.

On a reported basis, net income attributable to common stockholders in the third quarter of 2014 totaled $27.6 million, or $1.10 per diluted share, compared with $23.7 million, or $0.94 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter.

AAWH recently placed three incremental Boeing 747 freighters, a 747-8F and two 747-400Fs, into ACMI service for the benefit of DHL Express and Etihad Cargo, the fast-growing freight division of Etihad Airways. The placements increase the number of our aircraft in ACMI to 22 from 19.

In addition, AAWH recently announced the expansion of our 767 CMI service in North America for DHL Express. This expansion covers four incremental 767-200 freighter aircraft owned by DHL that we expect to begin flying during the first quarter of 2015.

Adjusted earnings in the third quarter of 2014 excluded a tax adjustment of $0.1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, related to the company’s Global Supply Systems Limited subsidiary. Adjusted earnings in the third quarter of 2013 excluded an after-tax loss of $4.5 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, on the early extinguishment of debt, and a loss of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, on the disposal of aircraft.

Third-Quarter Results

Profitability in our ACMI business during the third quarter reflected an increase in 747-8F revenue and an increase in CMI flying, offset by an increase in maintenance expense on our -8F aircraft and lower 747-400 flying by certain ACMI customers.

In Dry Leasing, revenue and profitability grew following the addition of three 777F aircraft in January 2014 and two in July 2013, which raised our 777F fleet count to six. Each of these aircraft are leased to customers on a long-term basis.

Results in AMC Charter benefited from an increase in block hours and aircraft utilization, partially offset by a decrease in revenue per block hour due to a reduction of the average “pegged” fuel price set by the AMC. Stronger than expected demand for cargo flying and incremental passenger flying as a result of former competitors exiting the AMC Charter market drove contribution growth in the third quarter.

Profitability in Commercial Charter primarily reflected an increase in volumes and improvement in aircraft utilization compared with the third quarter of 2013. Charter operations during the quarter benefited from the broad-based uptick in demand, partially offset by additional travel and ground handling expenses from flying to high-cost locations.

Reported earnings for the period included an effective income tax rate of 29.1%, reflecting the ongoing beneficial impact of lower taxes for certain foreign subsidiaries in our Dry Leasing business.

Nine-Month Results

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $54.7 million, or $2.17 per diluted share, compared with $54.9 million, or $2.13 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

On a reported basis, nine-month 2014 net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $65.1 million, or $2.59 per diluted share, compared with $63.9 million, or $2.48 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2013.

Cash and Short-Term Investments

At September 30, 2014, our cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash totaled $287.7 million, compared with $339.2 million at December 31, 2013.

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

Net cash used for investing activities during the first nine months of 2014 primarily related to the purchase of three 777F 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

During the third quarter, we repurchased 458,937 shares of our common stock for $15.0 million, or 1.8% of our outstanding common stock at June 30, 2014.

Future repurchases under our remaining $45.0 million authority may be made at our discretion, and the actual timing, form and amount will depend on company and market conditions.

Outlook

Airfreight volumes continue to improve, and recent industry reports suggest that airfreight demand will grow by several percentage points in 2014 – outpacing supply and driving the first real growth since 2010. We are seeing a general increase in demand across all regions, with the greatest growth in the transpacific market. An increase in online shopping and several new high-tech product launches during peak season also continue to favor airfreight.

As a result, AAWH anticipates adjusted and reported fully diluted earnings per share of approximately $1.33 to $1.43 in the fourth quarter. AAWH is also raising its full-year 2014 adjusted earnings outlook to approximately $3.50 to $3.60 per diluted share, and our reported earnings outlook to approximately $3.92 to $4.02.

For the full year, the company expects to fly approximately 160,000 block hours, with more than 70% in ACMI, approximately 10% in AMC Charter, and the balance in Commercial Charter. The Dry Leasing segment should show dramatic growth compared with 2013. While our share of military flying, mainly in passenger service, has increased due to our ability to capitalize on additional flying opportunities and a reduction in the number of carriers serving the market, we expect an overall decline in military demand in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared with 2013.

The company also expects aircraft maintenance expense to total approximately $190 to $195 million in 2014, primarily due to performing several conditions-based engine overhauls for our 747-400 fleet during the fourth quarter. Depreciation this year is anticipated to total approximately $120 million, and core capital expenditures are expected to total about $30 to $35 million, mainly for spare parts for our expanded fleet.

Copyright Photo: The relationship with DHL continues to expand. Polar Air Cargo’s Boeing 747-47UF N416MC (msn 32838) taxies at Los Angeles.

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Polar Air Cargo:

DHL-Polar Air Cargo:

Polar Air Cargo to operate two additional Boeing 747s for DHL Express

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (New York) today announced the placement of two incremental Boeing 747 freighters into ACMI service with DHL Express.

The two aircraft, a Boeing 747-800F and a 747-400F, will be operated in Polar Air Cargo Worldwide’s express network under an ACMI arrangement for the benefit of DHL Express. Operations are scheduled to begin on October 26, 2014.

When the new ACMI service begins, Polar’s express network will total twelve 747 freighters, consisting of five Boeing 747-800Fs and seven 747-400Fs, in ACMI on behalf of DHL and Polar’s other customers. Atlas also will continue to operate a fleet of Boeing 767 Freighters in CMI service for DHL, with 11 aircraft in operation by the end of January 2015.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Polar Air Cargo’s Boeing 747-46NF N451PA (msn 30809) arrives in Los Angeles.

DHL-Polar Air Cargo: