Unlock stock picks and a broker-level newsfeed that powers Wall Street. Upgrade Now
Wheels Up Reports Third Quarter Results

In This Article:

Improvement in financial performance driven by operating initiatives over past year

Fleet modernization plan represents next phase of strategic journey to profitability 

New credit facility expected to strengthen balance sheet; credit support from Delta Air Lines underscores commitment to strategic partnership

ATLANTA, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wheels Up Experience Inc. (NYSE:UP) today announced financial results for the third quarter, which ended September 30, 2024.

Wheels Up (PRNewsfoto/Wheels Up)
Wheels Up (PRNewsfoto/Wheels Up)

Third Quarter 2024 Highlights1

  • Revenue was $194 million, stabilizing at levels consistent with the first and second quarters of 2024, though down year over year due primarily to the sale of non-core businesses and focus on profitable flying

  • Adjusted Contribution Margin was 14.8%, the highest as a public company, and an increase of 380 basis points year over year and 700 basis points sequentially

  • Net loss was $58 million for the quarter, an improvement of $87 million year over year and $39 million sequentially

  • Adjusted EBITDA loss was $20 million, an improvement of $17 million sequentially and slightly worse year over year on lower revenues

  • Net cash used in operating activities improved to an outflow of $15 million, a 94% improvement versus $250 million last year

"After seven consecutive quarters of revenue contraction leading into 2024, the intentional improvements we have made to our business over the last year have stabilized our top line, expanded margins to record levels, and positioned us for growth," said George Mattson, Chief Executive Officer. "We expect our next phase of financial and operational improvement to be driven by the positive impact of our fleet transition, both immediately and over the next several years."

"This quarter's Adjusted Contribution Margin was the highest in our history as a public company," said Eric Cabezas, Interim Chief Financial Officer. "We have made significant progress in reducing our operating cash burn and expect to achieve positive Adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2025, positioning the company for future profitability and long-term success. We expect the closing of our new revolving credit facility will enhance our access to capital and bolster our liquidity position, allowing us to expedite the modernization of our fleet and scale our business."

Recent Initiatives

  • Detailed a fleet modernization strategy for the replacement of the Company's existing jet fleet across four aircraft types with two of the most preferred and successful aircraft in the industry: Embraer's Phenom 300 series and Bombardier's Challenger 300 series platforms.

  • Announced plans to acquire the GrandView Aviation fleet of 17 Phenom 300 and 300E aircraft, which is expected to establish Wheels Up as the largest on-demand charter operator of Phenom 300 series aircraft in the world.

  • Agreed to sell all 13 owned Citation X aircraft, and expect to lease a portion of the sold aircraft and amend existing Citation X leases to provide lease flexibility that will ease the transition to the Challenger 300 series aircraft.

  • Secured up to $332 million commitment from Bank of America for new senior secured revolving credit facility. Credit support from Delta Air Lines expected to provide enhanced access to capital and on more attractive terms than the Company's existing aircraft facility.

  • Anticipated funding under the new facility will be used to acquire the GrandView Aviation fleet, refinance existing aircraft debt, and provide a funding source for future aircraft acquisition as part of the Company's fleet modernization strategy. Additionally, in combination with proceeds from aircraft sales under contract, the refinancing is expected to add up to $115 million of cash to the balance sheet.

  • Signed a letter of intent to equip anticipated Phenom and Challenger aircraft with Gogo's best-in-class Galileo HDX satellite-based WiFi, delivering high bandwidth, low latency, and universal coverage capable of live streaming and voice telephony.