UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended ~~September 30, 2019~~March 31, 2020

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

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 1-8957

ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.



Delaware						91-1292054
(State of Incorporation)						(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)



Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered	Ticker Symbol
Common stock, $0.01 par value	New York Stock Exchange	ALK



~~19300 International Boulevard,~~	~~Seattle,~~	WA	~~98188~~

19300 International Boulevard,

~~Telephone:~~Seattle,

~~(206)~~WA

~~392-5040~~

98188

Telephone:

(206)

392-5040

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

☒

Accelerated filer

☐

Non-accelerated filer

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

☐

Smaller reporting company

☐

Emerging growth company

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.): Yes ☐ No ☒

The registrant has ~~123,173,426~~122,585,372 common shares, par value $0.01, outstanding at ~~October 31, 2019~~.April 30, 2020.

This document is also available on our website at http://investor.alaskaair.com.

ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED ~~SEPTEMBER 30, 2019~~MARCH 31, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

As used in this Form 10-Q, the terms “Air Group,” the “Company,” “our,” “we” and "us" refer to Alaska Air Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. Alaska Airlines, Inc.~~, Virgin America Inc. (through July 20, 2018, at which point it was legally merged into Alaska Airlines, Inc),~~ and Horizon Air Industries, Inc. are referred to as ~~“Alaska,” “Virgin America”~~“Alaska” and “Horizon” and together as our “airlines.”

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are those that predict or describe future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. You can generally identify forward-looking statements as statements containing the words "believe," "expect," "will," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "project," "assume" or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience or the Company’s present expectations. ~~Some of the things that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations are:~~

~~the competitive environment in our industry;~~

~~changes in our operating costs, including fuel, which can be volatile;~~

~~our ability to meet our cost reduction goals;~~

~~our ability to achieve anticipated synergies and timing thereof in connection with our acquisition of Virgin America;~~

~~our ability to successfully integrate the Boeing and Airbus operations;~~

~~labor disputes and our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;~~

~~operational disruptions;~~

~~general economic conditions, including the impact of those conditions on customer travel behavior;~~

~~the concentration of our revenue from a few key markets;~~

~~an aircraft accident or incident;~~

~~actual or threatened terrorist attacks, global instability and potential U.S. military actions or activities;~~

~~our reliance on automated systems and the risks associated with changes made to those systems;~~

~~changes in laws and regulations.~~

You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements because the matters they describe are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our forward-looking statements are based on the information currently available to us and speak only as of the date on which this report was filed with the SEC. We expressly disclaim any obligation to issue any updates or revisions to our forward-looking statements, even if subsequent events cause our expectations to change regarding the matters discussed in those statements. Over time, our actual results, performance or achievements will likely differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, and such differences might be significant and materially adverse to our shareholders. For a discussion of ~~these and other~~our risk factors, see Item 1A. "Risk Factors” of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2018~~,2019, and as updated in our Form 8-K on May 5, 2020. The updated risk factors are also set forth herein in section Item 1A. "Risk ~~Factors" included herein.~~Factors." Please consider our forward-looking statements in light of those risks as you read this report.

PART I



ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)


(in millions)	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	811	$	221
Marketable securities	1,314		1,300
Total cash and marketable securities	2,125		1,521
Receivables - net	279		323
Inventories and supplies - net	68		72
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	100		121
Total Current Assets	2,572		2,037

Property and Equipment
Aircraft and other flight equipment	8,228		8,549
Other property and equipment	1,343		1,306
Deposits for future flight equipment	590		533
	10,161		10,388
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	3,307		3,486
Total Property and Equipment - Net	6,854		6,902

Operating lease assets	1,584		1,711
Goodwill	1,943		1,943
Intangible assets - net	110		122
Other noncurrent assets	300		278
Other Assets	3,937		4,054

Total Assets	$	13,363	$	12,993

(in millions) September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 237
$ 105
Marketable securities 1,382
1,131
Total cash and marketable securities 1,619
1,236
Receivables - net 377
366
Inventories and supplies - net 63
60
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 143
125
Total Current Assets 2,202
1,787

Property and Equipment

Aircraft and other flight equipment 8,492
8,221
Other property and equipment 1,272
1,363
Deposits for future flight equipment 463
439
10,227
10,023
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 3,393
3,242
Total Property and Equipment - Net 6,834
6,781

Operating lease assets 1,647
—
Goodwill 1,943
1,943
Intangible assets - net 123
127
Other noncurrent assets 234
274
Other Assets 3,947
2,344

Total Assets $ 12,983
$ 10,912

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)


(in millions, except share amounts)	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	119	$	146
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes	316		470
Air traffic liability	1,110		900
Other accrued liabilities	382		431
Deferred revenue	478		750
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	266		269
Current portion of long-term debt	1,059		235
Total Current Liabilities	3,730		3,201

Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion	1,203		1,264

Noncurrent Liabilities
Long-term operating lease liabilities, net of current portion	1,375		1,439
Deferred income taxes	665		715
Deferred revenue	1,545		1,240
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits	577		571
Other liabilities	253		232
	4,415		4,197
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 5,000,000 shares, none issued or outstanding	—		—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 400,000,000 shares, Issued: 2020 - 131,934,957 shares; 2019 - 131,812,173 shares, Outstanding: 2020 - 122,585,013 shares; 2019 - 123,000,307 shares	1		1
Capital in excess of par value	314		305
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2020 - 9,349,944 shares; 2019 - 8,811,866 shares	(674)		(643)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(482)		(465)
Retained earnings	4,856		5,133
	4,015		4,331
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	13,363	$	12,993

(in millions, except share amounts) September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable $ 120
$ 132
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes 391
415
Air traffic liability 1,032
788
Other accrued liabilities 476
416
Deferred revenue 794
705
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 268
—
Current portion of long-term debt 265
486
Total Current Liabilities 3,346
2,942

Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion 1,444
1,617

Noncurrent Liabilities

Long-term operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 1,376
—
Deferred income taxes 708
512
Deferred revenue 1,177
1,169
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits 467
503
Other liabilities 213
418
3,941
2,602
Commitments and Contingencies

Shareholders' Equity

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 5,000,000 shares, none issued or outstanding —
—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 400,000,000 shares, Issued: 2019 - 131,770,976 shares; 2018 - 130,813,476 shares, Outstanding: 2019 - 123,277,911 shares; 2018 - 123,194,430 shares 1
1
Capital in excess of par value 297
232
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2019 - 8,493,065 shares; 2018 - 7,619,046 shares (621 ) (568 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (421 ) (448 )
Retained earnings 4,996
4,534
4,252
3,751
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 12,983
$ 10,912

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions, except per share amounts)	2020		2019
Operating Revenues
Passenger revenue	$	1,481	$	1,716
Mileage Plan other revenue	109		110
Cargo and other	46		50
Total Operating Revenues	1,636		1,876
Operating Expenses
Wages and benefits	612		557
Variable incentive pay	7		35
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	384		420
Aircraft maintenance	115		120
Aircraft rent	81		83
Landing fees and other rentals	131		132
Contracted services	72		72
Selling expenses	55		72
Depreciation and amortization	108		106
Food and beverage service	49		49
Third-party regional carrier expense	37		41
Other	143		138
Special items - merger-related costs	3		26
Special items - impairment charges and other	160		—
Total Operating Expenses	1,957		1,851
Operating Income (Loss)	(321)		25
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	9		9
Interest expense	(13)		(22)
Interest capitalized	3		4
Other—net	5		(10)
Total Nonoperating Income (Expense)	4		(19)
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	(317)		6
Income tax (benefit) expense	(85)		2
Net Income (Loss)	$	(232)	$	4

Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share:	$	(1.89)	$	0.03
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share:	$	(1.87)	$	0.03
Shares used for computation:
Basic	122.818		123.291
Diluted	124.123		123.915

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except per share amounts) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Operating Revenues
Passenger revenue $ 2,211
$ 2,043
6,038
5,724
Mileage Plan other revenue 118
114
346
329
Cargo and other 60
55
169
147
Total Operating Revenues 2,389
2,212
6,553
6,200
Operating Expenses

Wages and benefits 608
549
1,732
1,629
Variable incentive pay 46
27
125
104
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses 486
513
1,408
1,397
Aircraft maintenance 106
107
341
320
Aircraft rent 82
82
247
233
Landing fees and other rentals 143
135
388
371
Contracted services 72
70
214
227
Selling expenses 77
79
236
245
Depreciation and amortization 106
99
317
290
Food and beverage service 57
53
159
158
Third-party regional carrier expense 42
38
125
114
Other 137
141
411
423
Special items - merger-related costs 5
22
39
67
Special items - other —
—
—
25
Total Operating Expenses 1,967
1,915
5,742
5,603
Operating Income 422
297
811
597
Nonoperating Income (Expense)

Interest income 11
11
31
29
Interest expense (18 ) (22 ) (60 ) (71 )
Interest capitalized 4
5
11
14
Other—net (3 ) (7 ) (20 ) (20 )
Total Nonoperating Income (Expense) (6 ) (13 ) (38 ) (48 )
Income Before Income Tax 416
284
773
549
Income tax expense 94
67
185
135
Net Income $ 322
$ 217
$ 588
$ 414

Basic Earnings Per Share: $ 2.61
$ 1.76
$ 4.76
$ 3.36
Diluted Earnings Per Share: $ 2.60
$ 1.75
$ 4.74
$ 3.34
Shares used for computation:
Basic 123.280
123.224
123.330
123.216
Diluted 124.067
123.864
124.051
123.804

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS (unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	2020		2019
Net Income (Loss)	$	(232)	$	4

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Related to marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period	(1)		14
Reclassification of (gain) loss into Other - net nonoperating income (expense)	(3)		2
Income tax effect	1		(4)
Total	(3)		12

Related to employee benefit plans:
Reclassification of net pension expense into Wages and benefits and Other - net nonoperating income (expense)	7		8
Income tax effect	(2)		(2)
Total	5		6

Related to interest rate derivative instruments:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period	(25)		(5)
Reclassification of loss into Aircraft rent	1		1
Income tax effect	5		1
Total	(19)		(3)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(17)		15

Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(249)	$	19

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Net Income $ 322
$ 217
$ 588
$ 414

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Related to marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period 4
(2 ) 31
(19 )
Reclassification of (gain) loss into Other - net nonoperating income (expense) (5 ) 2
(3 ) 5
Income tax effect —
1
(7 ) 4
Total (1 ) 1
21
(10 )

Related to employee benefit plans:
Reclassification of net pension expense into Wages and benefits and Other - net nonoperating income (expense) 8
7
24
21
Income tax effect (2 ) (2 ) (6 ) (5 )
Total 6
5
18
16

Related to interest rate derivative instruments:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period (5 ) —
(17 ) 8
Reclassification of loss into Aircraft rent 1
2
2
3
Income tax effect —
(1 ) 3
(3 )
Total (4 ) 1
(12 ) 8

Other Comprehensive Income 1
7
27
14

Comprehensive Income $ 323
$ 224
$ 615
$ 428

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)

(in millions) Common Stock Outstanding Common Stock Capital in Excess of Par Value Treasury Stock Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Total
Balances at December 31, 2018 123.194
$ 1
$ 232
$ (568 ) $ (448 ) $ 4,534
$ 3,751
Cumulative effect of accounting changes^(a)
—
—
—
—
—
3
3
Net income —
—
—
—
—
4
4
Other comprehensive income (loss) —
—
—
—
15
—
15
Common stock repurchase (0.215 ) —
—
(13 ) —
—
(13 )
Stock-based compensation —
—
12
—
—
—
12
Cash dividend declared
($0.35 per share) —
—
—
—
—
(43 ) (43 )
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan 0.391
—
20
—
—
. 20
Stock issued under stock plans 0.134
—
(3 ) —
—
—
(3 )
Balances at March 31, 2019 123.504
$ 1
$ 261
$ (581 ) $ (433 ) $ 4,498
$ 3,746
Net income —
—
—
—
—
262
262
Other comprehensive income (loss) —
—
—
—
11
—
11
Common stock repurchase (0.194 ) —
—
(12 ) —
—
(12 )
Stock-based compensation —
—
9
—
—
—
9
Cash dividend declared
($0.35 per share) —
—
—
—
—
(43 ) (43 )
Stock issued under stock plans 0.028
—
—
—
—
—
—
Balances at June 30, 2019 123.338
$ 1
$ 270
$ (593 ) $ (422 ) $ 4,717
$ 3,973
Net income —
—
—
—
—
322
322
Other comprehensive income (loss) —
—
—
—
1
—
1
Common stock repurchase (0.465 ) —
—
(28 ) —
—
(28 )
Stock-based compensation —
—
7
—
—
—
7
Cash dividend declared
($0.35 per share) —
—
—
—
—
(43 ) (43 )
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan 0.394
—
20
—
—
—
20
Stock issued under stock plans 0.011
—
—
—
—
—
—
Balances at September 30, 2019 123.278
$ 1
$ 297
$ (621 ) $ (421 ) $ 4,996
$ 4,252


~~(a)~~	~~Represents the opening balance sheet adjustment recorded as a result of the adoption of the new lease accounting standard.~~


(in millions)	Common Stock Outstanding	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Total
Balances at December 31, 2019	123.000	1	305	(643)	(465)	5,133	4,331
Net loss	—	—	—	—	—	(232)	(232)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—	—	—	—	(17)	—	(17)
Common stock repurchase	(0.538)	—	—	(31)	—	—	(31)
Stock-based compensation	—	—	9	—	—	—	9
Cash dividend declared ($0.375 per share)	—	—	—	—	—	(45)	(45)
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Stock issued under stock plans	0.123	—	—	—	—	—	—
Balances at March 31, 2020	122.585	1	314	(674)	(482)	4,856	4,015

~~CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY~~ ~~(unaudited)~~


(in millions)	Common Stock Outstanding	Common Stock		Capital in Excess of Par Value		Treasury Stock		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Retained Earnings		Total
Balances at December 31, 2018	123.194	$	1	$	232	$	(568)	$	(448)	$	4,534	$	3,751
Cumulative effect of accounting changes^(a)	—	—		—		—		—		3		3
Net income	—	—		—		—		—		4		4
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—	—		—		—		15		—		15
Common stock repurchase	(0.215)	—		—		(13)		—		—		(13)
Stock-based compensation	—	—		12		—		—		—		12
Cash dividend declared ($0.35 per share)	—	—		—		—		—		(43)		(43)
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan	0.391	—		20		—		—		—		20
Stock issued under stock plans	0.134	—		(3)		—		—		—		(3)
Balances at March 31, 2019	123.504	$	1	$	261	$	(581)	$	(433)	$	4,498	$	3,746

(a)Represents the opening balance sheet adjustment recorded as a result of the adoption of the new lease accounting standard.

(in millions) Common Stock Outstanding Common Stock Capital in Excess of Par Value Treasury Stock Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Total
Balances at December 31, 2017 123.061
$ 1
$ 164
$ (518 ) $ (380 ) $ 4,193
$ 3,460
Reclassification of tax effects to Retained Earnings —
—
—
—
(62 ) 62
—
Net income —
—
—
—
—
4
4
Other comprehensive income (loss) —
—
—
—
2
—
2
Common stock repurchase (0.186 ) —
—
(13 ) —
—
(13 )
Stock-based compensation —
—
12
—
—
—
12
Cash dividend declared
($0.32 per share) —
—
—
—
—
(40 ) (40 )
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan 0.312
—
17
—
—
—
17
Stock issued under stock plans 0.163
—
(3 ) —
—
—
(3 )
Balances at March 31, 2018 123.350
$ 1
$ 190
$ (531 ) $ (440 ) $ 4,219
$ 3,439
Net income —
—
—
—
—
193
193
Other comprehensive income (loss) —
—
—
—
5
—
5
Common stock repurchase (0.204 ) —
—
(13 ) —
—
(13 )
Stock-based compensation —
—
9
—
—
—
9
Cash dividend declared
($0.32 per share) —
—
—
—
—
(39 ) (39 )
Stock issued under stock plans 0.058
—
(1 ) —
—
—
(1 )
Balances at June 30, 2018 123.204
$ 1
$ 198
$ (544 ) $ (435 ) $ 4,373
$ 3,593
Net income —
—
—
—
—
217
217
Other comprehensive income (loss) —
—
—
—
7
—
7
Common stock repurchase (0.193 ) —
—
(12 ) —
—
(12 )
Stock-based compensation —
—
8
—
—
—
8
Cash dividend declared
($0.32 per share) —
—
—
—
—
(40 ) (40 )
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan 0.320
—
18
—
—
—
18
Stock issued under stock plans 0.030
—
—
—
—
—
—
Balances at September 30, 2018 123.361
$ 1
$ 224
$ (556 ) $ (428 ) $ 4,550
$ 3,791

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	2020		2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (Loss)	$	(232)	$	4
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	108		106
Stock-based compensation and other	9		11
Special items - impairment charges and other	160		—
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Changes in deferred tax provision	(44)		2
Increase in air traffic liability	210		328
Increase in deferred revenue	33		41
Other - net	(211)		(24)
Net cash provided by operating activities	33		468
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Property and equipment additions:
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits	(57)		(53)
Other flight equipment	(35)		(29)
Other property and equipment	(27)		(33)
Total property and equipment additions, including capitalized interest	(119)		(115)
Purchases of marketable securities	(527)		(351)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	511		275
Other investing activities	8		5
Net cash used in investing activities	(127)		(186)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	825		254
Long-term debt payments	(60)		(393)
Common stock repurchases	(31)		(13)
Dividends paid	(45)		(43)
Other financing activities	(5)		24
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	684		(171)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	590		111
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	232		114
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	$	822	$	225

Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized)	$	9	$	18
Income taxes	—		—

Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period
Cash and cash equivalents	$	811	$	215
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11		10
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	$	822	$	225

Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions) 2019 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 588
$ 414
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization 317
290
Stock-based compensation and other 20
34
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Changes in deferred tax provision 187
122
Increase in air traffic liability 244
144
Increase in deferred revenue 97
106
Pension contribution (65 ) —
Other—net (7 ) (124 )
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,381
986
Cash flows from investing activities:

Property and equipment additions:

Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits (286 ) (349 )
Other flight equipment (125 ) (76 )
Other property and equipment (116 ) (129 )
Total property and equipment additions, including capitalized interest (527 ) (554 )
Purchases of marketable securities (1,446 ) (672 )
Sales and maturities of marketable securities 1,228
857
Other investing activities 37
36
Net cash used in investing activities (708 ) (333 )
Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of debt 356
—
Long-term debt payments (752 ) (544 )
Common stock repurchases (53 ) (37 )
Dividends paid (129 ) (118 )
Other financing activities 40
33
Net cash used in financing activities (538 ) (666 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 135
(13 )
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 114
197
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period $ 249
$ 184

Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized) $ 48
$ 60
Income taxes, net of refunds received 2
—

Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period
Cash and cash equivalents $ 237
$ 174
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets 12
10
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period $ 249
$ 184

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

NOTE 1. GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization and Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Air Group, or the Company, and its primary subsidiaries, Alaska ~~(including Virgin America in 2018)~~ and Horizon. The condensed consolidated financial statements also include McGee Air Services, a ground services subsidiary of Alaska. The Company conducts substantially all of its operations through these subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information. Consistent with these requirements, this Form 10-Q does not include all the information required by GAAP for complete financial statements. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2018~~.2019. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of ~~September 30, 2019~~March 31, 2020 and the results of operations for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30, 2019~~March 31, 2020 and ~~2018~~.2019. Such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature.

~~Certain reclassifications and rounding adjustments have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to classifications used in the current year.~~

In preparing these statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and ~~expenses.~~expenses, including impairment charges. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business, these estimates and assumptions are more judgmental than they would be otherwise given the uncertainty of the future demand for air travel, among other considerations. Further, due to seasonal variations in the demand for air travel, the volatility of aircraft fuel prices, changes in global economic conditions, changes in the competitive environment and other factors, operating results for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30, 2019~~March 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments." The ASU requires the use of an "expected credit loss model" on certain financial instruments. The ASU also amends the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities, and requires the estimation of credit losses to be recorded as allowances instead of reductions to amortized cost. The ASU was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020, and was adopted prospectively, but it did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements and disclosures.

NOTE 2. COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The public health and economic crises resulting from the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the first quarter of 2020 has had an unprecedented impact on the Company. Travel restrictions, event cancellations and social distancing guidelines implemented throughout the country drove significant declines in demand beginning in February, and adversely impacted March revenues. It is likely that the financial impact to the second quarter will be more significant than the first quarter, and it is uncertain when, and at what rate, demand for air travel will return.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company implemented a "Peace-of-Mind" waiver, which allows travelers to book tickets for travel for a specified period of time that can be changed or canceled without incurring change fees. Cancellations and postponement of travel exceeded new bookings in March, and had a material impact on passenger revenues, air traffic liability, and cash position. Refer to Note 3 for further discussion.

The Company has also taken decisive action to reduce costs and preserve cash and liquidity. During the quarter, the Company implemented a company-wide hiring freeze, reduced salaries of senior management, suspended annual pay increases and solicited voluntary leaves of absence. In addition to these payroll saving measures, the Company has actively negotiated with vendor partners to reduce contractual minimums and spending in line with the reduction in demand.

With demand dramatically depressed, the Company has significantly reduced its planned flying capacity through at least June 2020. As a result, many aircraft have been parked or removed from service. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had decided to park 146 Mainline aircraft and 13 Horizon aircraft, and suspend flying for 8 SkyWest aircraft. Of these aircraft, 12 Airbus aircraft were deemed permanently parked and have been removed from the operating fleet. An additional 10 Mainline aircraft were identified for parking subsequent to March 31, 2020.

Valuation of long-lived assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that the total carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Given the temporary and permanent parking described above, the Company performed impairment tests on certain long-lived assets as of March 31, 2020.

The Company determined there were no indicators of impairment on long-lived assets outside of flight equipment. To determine if impairment exists, a recoverability test is performed comparing the sum of estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be directly generated by the assets to the asset carrying value. Assets are grouped at the individual fleet level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available. The Company developed estimates of future cash flows utilizing historical results, adjusted for the current operating environment, including the impact of parked aircraft. All individual fleets passed the recoverability test, except for the Q400 fleet and the permanently parked Airbus aircraft.

The Company recorded an impairment charge of $83 million for the 12 permanently parked Airbus aircraft, comprised of operating lease right of use assets, estimable return costs, and related leasehold improvements. To determine the total impairment charge for the Q400 fleet, the Company obtained fair market values from published pricing guides and evaluated recent sales. As a result of the analysis, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $58 million reflecting the amount for which carrying value exceeded fair value of the Q400 fleet. The Company also recorded an additional impairment of $4 million relating to 2 Q400 aircraft which are parked and held-for-sale.

A summary of the impairment charges recorded for aircraft and other flight equipment in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 is as follows (in millions):


	Airbus Aircraft		Q400 Aircraft		Total Impairment
Aircraft and other flight equipment, net	$	11	$	58	$	69
Operating lease assets	62		—		62
Inventory and supplies - net	2		—		2
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		4		4
Other accrued liabilities	8		—		8
Total impairment charges - Long-lived assets	$	83	$	62	$	145

As the Company continues to evaluate future demand and evolving market conditions, additional aircraft may be permanently parked resulting in incremental impairment charges.

Valuation of intangible assets and goodwill

The Company reviews definite- and indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter, or more frequently should events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. Given the current environment and significant decline in Alaska Air Group market capitalization as of March 31, 2020, there are indicators that an impairment loss may exist. The Company performed impairment analyses over all three asset types, considering market capitalization, future operating cash flows, future utilization and changes to the regulatory environment. As a result of this analysis, indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill were deemed recoverable, and no impairment charges were recorded.

The Company observed the potential for impairment relating to definite-lived intangibles, which consist of customer relationships and leased gates at Dallas-Love Field (DAL gates) acquired from Virgin America. A recoverability test was performed for these intangible assets, and only the DAL gates were deemed not recoverable. As a result, an impairment charge of $10 million was recorded as of March 31, 2020.

Other considerations

The Company also evaluated outstanding receivable balances as of March 31, 2020 for risk of non-payment. The Company identified a $5 million receivable from a vendor that filed for bankruptcy during the first quarter. The Company fully expects to file a bankruptcy claim but, as the note is unsecured, management determined that collectability is not probable as of March 31, 2020. Therefore, the full $5 million was reserved and charged to Special charges - impairment charges and other in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company concluded that the use of a year-to-date effective tax rate estimate was more appropriate than the annual effective tax rate method as estimates of the Company's full-year loss is not reliable at this time given the uncertainty of the travel demand environment.

Although it is not certain when the impacts of COVID-19 will subside and demand for air travel will return, the Company has implemented meaningful plans to reduce expenses, access liquidity and preserve cash. At March 31, 2020, given the balance of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, as well as anticipated access to liquidity and cash flows from future operations, the Company expects it will meet all cash obligations, as well as remain in compliance with the debt covenants in its existing financing arrangements, for the next 12 months. Refer to Note 5. Long-Term Debt and Note 10. Subsequent Events for further information regarding liquidity obtained in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

NOTE 3. REVENUE

Ticket revenue is recorded as Passenger revenue, and represents the primary source of the Company's revenue. Also included in Passenger revenue are passenger ancillary revenues, such as bag fees, on-board food and beverage, ticket change fees, and certain revenue from the frequent flyer program. Mileage Plan other revenue includes brand and marketing revenue from the Company's co-branded credit card and other partners and certain interline frequent flyer revenue, net of commissions. Cargo and other revenue includes freight and mail revenue, and to a lesser extent, other ancillary revenue products such as lounge membership and certain commissions.

The Company disaggregates revenue by segment in Note 9. The details within the Company’s statements of operations, segment disclosures, and in this footnote depict the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and how cash flows are affected by economic and other factors.

Passenger Ticket and Ancillary Services Revenue

Passenger revenue recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees	$	1,213	$	1,439
Passenger ancillary revenue	116		124
Mileage Plan passenger revenue	152		153
Total Passenger revenue	$	1,481	$	1,716

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees $ 1,868
$ 1,744
$ 5,099
$ 4,864
Passenger ancillary revenue 157
146
428
401
Mileage Plan passenger revenue 186
153
511
459
Total Passenger revenue $ 2,211
$ 2,043
$ 6,038
$ 5,724

Mileage Plan™ Loyalty Program

Mileage Plan™ revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Passenger revenue	$	152	$	153
Mileage Plan other revenue	109		110
Total Mileage Plan revenue	$	261	$	263

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
Passenger revenue $ 186
$ 153
$ 511
$ 459
Mileage Plan other revenue 118
114
346
329
Total Mileage Plan revenue $ 304
$ 267
$ 857
$ 788

Cargo and Other

Cargo and other revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Cargo revenue	$	24	$	30
Other revenue	22		20
Total Cargo and other revenue	$	46	$	50

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
Cargo revenue $ 36
$ 36
$ 104
$ 96
Other revenue 24
19
65
51
Total Cargo and other revenue $ 60
$ 55
$ 169
$ 147

Air Traffic Liability and Deferred Revenue

Passenger ticket and ancillary services liabilities

The Company recognized Passenger revenue of ~~$19~~ $489 million and ~~$27~~$474 million from the prior year-end air traffic liability balance for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2019~~March 31, 2020 and ~~2018,~~2019.

Given the ongoing reduction in demand for air travel stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has observed unprecedented declines in advance bookings and ~~$582~~associated cash receipts. The Company also saw significant cancellations beginning in March 2020, which has led to cash refunds or the issuance of credits for future travel. At March 31, 2020, such credits, which are included in the air traffic liability balance totaled $402 million, net of breakage. In April 2020, the Company announced updated expiration terms for these credits, extending to July 2021. At this time, the Company is unable to estimate how and ~~$540 million~~when the air traffic liability will be recognized in earnings given ongoing uncertainty around the return in demand for ~~the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.~~air travel.

Mileage Plan^TM assets and liabilities

The Company records a receivable for amounts due from the bank partner and from other partners as mileage credits are sold until the payments are collected. Consistent with the significant cancellation activity outlined above, the Company saw a substantial number of redeposits in March. Given the uncertainty around the return in demand for air travel, the Company is unable to determine how and when mileage credits will be recognized in earnings. The Company had ~~$103~~ $88 million of such receivables as of ~~September 30, 2019~~March 31, 2020 and ~~$119~~$105 million as of December 31, ~~2018.~~

2019.

The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions):

Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018
Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1 $ 1,874
$ 1,725
Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue (511 ) (459 )
Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue (84 ) (66 )
Increase in liability for mileage credits issued 692
631
Total Deferred Revenue balance at September 30 $ 1,971
$ 1,831


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1	$	1,990	$	1,874
Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue	(152)		(153)
Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue	(22)		(28)
Increase in liability for mileage credits issued	207		222
Total Deferred Revenue balance at March 31	$	2,023	$	1,915

NOTE 3.4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In determining fair value, there is a three-level hierarchy based on the reliability of the inputs used. Level 1 refers to fair values based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant other observable inputs and Level 3 refers to fair values estimated using significant unobservable inputs.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments on a Recurring Basis

As of ~~September 30, 2019,~~March 31, 2020, total cost basis for all marketable securities was ~~$1.4~~$1.3 billion. There were no significant differences between the cost basis and fair value of any individual class of marketable securities.

Fair values of financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):


	March 31, 2020										December 31, 2019
	Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total

Assets
Marketable securities
U.S. government and agency securities	$	305	$	—	$	305	$	330	$	—	$	330
Equity mutual funds	4		—		4		6		—		6
Foreign government bonds	—		26		26		—		31		31
Asset-backed securities	—		206		206		—		211		211
Mortgage-backed securities	—		213		213		—		176		176
Corporate notes and bonds	—		537		537		—		523		523
Municipal securities	—		23		23		—		23		23
Total Marketable securities	309		1,005		1,314		336		964		1,300
Derivative instruments
Fuel hedge—call options	—		1		1		—		11		11
Interest rate swap agreements	—		—		—		—		3		3
Total Assets	$	309	$	1,006	$	1,315	$	336	$	978	$	1,314

Liabilities
Derivative instruments

Interest rate swap agreements	—		(31)		(31)		—		(10)		(10)
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	(31)	$	(31)	$	—	$	(10)	$	(10)

September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total
Assets
Marketable securities
U.S. government and agency securities $ 379
$ —
$ 379
$ 293
$ —
$ 293
Equity mutual funds 5
—
5
—
—
—
Foreign government bonds —
25
25
—
26
26
Asset-backed securities —
201
201
—
190
190
Mortgage-backed securities —
142
142
—
92
92
Corporate notes and bonds —
609
609
—
520
520
Municipal securities —
21
21
—
10
10
Total Marketable securities 384
998
1,382
293
838
1,131
Derivative instruments
Fuel hedge—call options —
7
7
—
4
4
Interest rate swap agreements —
2
2
—
10
10
Total Assets $ 384
$ 1,007
$ 1,391
$ 293
$ 852
$ 1,145

Liabilities
Derivative instruments
Interest rate swap agreements —
(14 ) (14 ) —
(7 ) (7 )
Total Liabilities $ —
$ (14 ) $ (14 ) $ —
$ (7 ) $ (7 )

The Company uses both the market and income approach to determine the fair value of marketable securities. U.S. government securities and equity mutual funds are Level 1 as the fair value is based on quoted prices in active markets. Foreign government bonds, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate notes and bonds, and municipal securities are Level 2 as the fair value is based on standard valuation models that are calculated based on observable inputs such as quoted interest rates, yield curves, credit ratings of the security and other observable market information.

The Company uses the market approach and the income approach to determine the fair value of derivative instruments. The fair value for fuel hedge call options is determined utilizing an option pricing model based on inputs that are readily available in active markets or can be derived from information available in active markets. In addition, the fair value considers the exposure to credit losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties. Interest rate swap agreements are Level 2 as the fair value of these contracts is determined based on the difference between the fixed interest rate in the agreements and the observable LIBOR-based interest forward rates at period end multiplied by the total notional value.

Activity and Maturities for Marketable Securities

Unrealized losses from marketable securities are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates. Management does not believe any unrealized losses ~~represent other-than-temporary impairments~~are the result of expected credit losses based on its evaluation of available information as of ~~September 30, 2019.~~March 31, 2020.

Maturities for marketable securities (in millions):


March 31, 2020	Cost Basis		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	167	$	166
Due after one year through five years	1,092		1,102
Due after five years through 10 years	41		41

Total	$	1,300	$	1,309

September 30, 2019 Cost Basis Fair Value
Due in one year or less $ 244
$ 244
Due after one year through five years 1,105
1,118
Due after five years through 10 years 15
15
Total $ 1,364
$ 1,377

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to determine the fair value of financial instruments that are not recognized at fair value as described below.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash: Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, such as money market funds, commercial paper and certificates of deposit. They are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

The Company's restricted cash balances are primarily used to guarantee various letters of credit, self-insurance programs or other contractual rights. Restricted cash consists of highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less. They are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

Debt: Debt assumed in the acquisition of Virgin America was subject to a non-recurring fair valuation adjustment as part of purchase price accounting. The adjustment is amortized over the life of the associated debt. All other fixed-rate debt is carried at cost. To estimate the fair value of all fixed-rate debt as of ~~September 30, 2019,~~March 31, 2020, the Company uses the income approach by discounting cash flows using borrowing rates for comparable debt over the remaining life of the outstanding debt. The estimated fair value of the fixed-rate debt is Level 3 as certain inputs used are unobservable.

Fixed-rate debt on the consolidated balance sheet and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt is as follows (in millions):


	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Fixed-rate debt at cost	$	455	$	473
Non-recurring purchase price accounting fair value adjustment	2		2
Total fixed-rate debt	$	457	$	475

Estimated fair value	$	487	$	483

September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Fixed-rate debt at cost $ 567
$ 639
Non-recurring purchase price accounting fair value adjustment 2
3
Total fixed-rate debt $ 569
$ 642

Estimated fair value $ 584
$ 641

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets and liabilities are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including property, plant and equipment, operating lease assets, goodwill, and intangible assets. These assets are subject to fair valuation when there is evidence of impairment. Refer to Note 2 for discussion regarding impairment charges recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2020. No material impairment charges were ~~taken in~~recorded during the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018.~~March 31, 2019.

NOTE 4.5. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt obligations on the condensed consolidated balance sheet (in millions):


	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029	$	457		$	475
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029	1,816			1,032
Less debt issuance costs	(11)			(8)
Total debt	2,262			1,499
Less current portion	1,059			235
Long-term debt, less current portion	$	1,203		$	1,264

Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	3.3		%	3.3		%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate	2.4		%	2.9		%

September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029 $ 569
$ 642
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029 1,150
1,473
Less debt issuance costs (10 ) (12 )
Total debt 1,709
2,103
Less current portion 265
486
Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,444
$ 1,617

Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 3.4 % 4.1 %
Weighted-average variable-interest rate 3.2 % 3.9 %

Approximately ~~$745~~$694 million of the Company's total variable-rate notes payable are effectively fixed via interest rate swaps at ~~September 30, 2019.~~

March 31, 2020.

During the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September 30, 2019, the Company made debt payments of $752 million, including the prepayment of $532 million of debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019,~~March 31, 2020, the Company obtained additional secured debt financing of ~~$356~~$425 million from multiple lenders. The new debt is secured by a total of 1225 aircraft. The Company also made scheduled debt payments of $60 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

At ~~September 30, 2019~~March 31, 2020 long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions):


	Total
Remainder of 2020	$	577
2021	706
2022	243
2023	173
2024	153
Thereafter	418
Total	$	2,270

Total
Remainder of 2019 $ 63
2020 268
2021 313
2022 274
2023 234
Thereafter 565
Total $ 1,717

Subsequent to quarter end, the Company obtained additional secured debt financing of $50 million. The new debt is secured by 2 aircraft.

Bank Lines of Credit

The Company has 3 credit facilities with ~~availability~~capacity totaling $516 million as of ~~September 30, 2019.~~March 31, 2020. All 3 facilities have variable interest rates based on LIBOR plus a specified margin. One credit facility for $250 million expires in June 2021 and is secured by aircraft. A second credit facility for $150 million expires in March 2022 and is secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment. The ~~second~~third credit facility for $116 million expires in July 2020, with a mechanism for annual renewal, and is secured by aircraft. ~~A third credit facility for~~

~~$150 million~~ ~~expires in~~

During the three months ended March ~~2022~~ ~~and~~31, 2020, the Company drew $400 million on the first 2 existing facilities. The outstanding amount on both facilities is ~~secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment.~~classified as short-term on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company also has secured letters of credit against the $116 million ~~facility, but has no plans to borrow using either of the two other facilities.~~facility. All 3 credit facilities have a requirement to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash and marketable securities balance of ~~$500 million~~.$500 million. The Company was in compliance with this covenant at ~~September 30, 2019.~~March 31, 2020.

~~NOTE 5. LEASES~~

In 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for certain operating leases. Under the new standard, a lessee must recognize a liability on the balance sheet representing the lease payments owed, and a lease asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. In 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, "Targeted Improvements - Leases (Topic 842)," which amended Topic 842 to provide a transition method that would not require adjusting comparative period financial information.

The Company transitioned to the new lease accounting standard effective January 1, 2019 utilizing the alternative transition method. Upon transition, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings of $3 million. The new standard eliminated build-to-suit lease accounting guidance and resulted in the derecognition of build-to-suit assets and liabilities of approximately $150 million each.

The Company elected certain practical expedients under the standard, including the practical expedient allowing a policy election to exclude from recognition short-term lease assets and lease liabilities for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less. Such expense was not material for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Additionally, the Company elected the available package of practical expedients allowing for no reassessment of lease classification for existing leases, no reassessment of expired contracts, and no reassessments of initial direct costs for existing leases.

The Company has five asset classes for operating leases: aircraft, capacity purchase arrangements with aircraft (CPA aircraft), airport and terminal facilities, corporate real estate and other equipment. All capitalized lease assets have been recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 as Operating lease assets, with the corresponding liabilities recorded as Operating lease liabilities. Consistent with past accounting, operating rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

~~At September 30, 2019, the Operating lease assets balance by asset class was as follows (in millions):~~

Operating lease assets
Aircraft $ 974
CPA aircraft 609
Airport and terminal facilities 18
Corporate real estate and other 46
Total Operating lease assets $ 1,647

~~Aircraft~~

At September 30, 2019, the Company had operating leases for 10 Boeing 737 (B737), 62 Airbus, and 8 Bombardier Q400 aircraft. Additionally, the Company operates 32 Embraer 175 (E175) aircraft through its capacity purchase arrangement with SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (SkyWest). Remaining lease terms for these aircraft extend up to 12 years, with options to extend, subject to negotiation at the end of the term. As extension is not certain, and rates are highly likely to be renegotiated, the extended term is only capitalized when it is reasonably determinable. While aircraft rent is primarily fixed, certain leases contain rental adjustments throughout the lease term which would be recognized as variable expense as incurred. Variable lease expense for aircraft was $1 million and $4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

~~Capacity purchase agreements with aircraft (CPA aircraft)~~

At September 30, 2019, Alaska had CPAs with three carriers, including the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Horizon. Horizon sells 100% of its capacity under a CPA with Alaska. Alaska also has CPAs with SkyWest to fly certain routes in the Lower 48 and Canada, and with Peninsula Aviation Services, Inc., (PenAir) to fly certain routes in the state of Alaska. Under these agreements, Alaska pays the carriers an amount which is based on a determination of their cost of operating those flights and other factors intended to approximate market rates for those services. As Horizon is a wholly-owned subsidiary, intercompany leases between Alaska and Horizon have not been recognized under the standard. The agreement with PenAir does not contain a leasing arrangement, resulting in no asset or liability recognized.

Remaining lease terms for CPA aircraft range from 8 years to 11 years. Financial arrangements of the CPAs include a fixed component, representing the costs to operate each aircraft and is capitalized under the new lease accounting standard. CPAs also include variable rent based on actual levels of flying, which is expensed as incurred. Variable lease expense for CPA aircraft for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was not material.

~~Airport and terminal facilities~~

The Company leases ticket counters, gates, cargo and baggage space, ground equipment, office space and other support areas at numerous airports. For this asset class, the Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components. The majority of airport and terminal facility leases are not capitalized because they do not meet the definition of controlled assets under the standard, or because the lease payments are entirely variable. For airports where leased assets are identified, and where the contract includes fixed lease payments, operating lease assets and lease liabilities have been recorded. The Company is also commonly responsible for maintenance, insurance and other facility-related expenses and services under these agreements. These costs are recognized as variable expense in the period incurred. Airport and terminal facilities variable lease expense was $86 million and $231 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

In 2018, the Company leased 12 airport slots at LaGuardia Airport and eight airport slots at Reagan National Airport to a third party. For these leases, the Company recorded $3 million and $9 million of lease income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

~~Corporate real estate and other leases~~

Leased corporate real estate is primarily for office space in hub cities, data centers, land leases, and reservation centers. For this asset class, the Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components under the standard. Other leased assets are comprised of other ancillary contracts and items including leased flight simulators and spare engines. Variable lease expense related to corporate real estate and other leases for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $8 million.

~~Components of Lease Expense~~

~~The impact of leases, including variable lease cost, on earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was as follows (in millions):~~

Classification Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Expense
Aircraft Aircraft rent $ 62
$ 186
CPA aircraft Aircraft rent 20
61
Airport and terminal facilities Landing fees and other rentals 87
233
Corporate real estate and other Landing fees and other rentals 5
14
Total lease expense $ 174
$ 494
Revenue
Lease income Cargo and other revenues (3 ) (9 )
Net lease impact $ 171
$ 485

~~Total rent expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $165 million and $455 million, respectively.~~

~~Supplemental Cash Flow Information~~

~~Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in millions):~~

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Cash paid for capitalized operating leases $ 259
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations $ 47

~~Lease Term and Discount Rate~~

As most leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, the Company generally utilizes the incremental borrowing rate (IBR) based on information available at the commencement date of the lease to determine the present value of lease payments. The weighted average IBR and weighted average remaining lease term (in years) for all asset classes were as follows at September 30, 2019:

Weighted Average IBR Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Aircraft 4.1 % 6.7
CPA aircraft 4.3 % 9.5
Airports and terminal facilities 4.1 % 10.2
Corporate real estate and other 4.3 % 36.4

~~Maturities of Lease Liabilities~~

~~Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of September 30, 2019 (in millions):~~

Aircraft CPA Aircraft Airport and Terminal Facilities Corporate Real Estate & Other
Remainder of 2019 $ 63
$ 20
1
$ 2
2020 234
79
3
7
2021 196
79
3
6
2022 171
79
2
4
2023 116
79
2
4
Thereafter 330
408
12
77
Total lease payments $ 1,110
$ 744
$ 23
$ 100
Less: Imputed interest (140 ) (135 ) (4 ) (54 )
Total operating lease liabilities $ 970
$ 609
$ 19
$ 46

~~All future lease contracts have remaining non-cancelable lease terms ranging from 2019 to 2031.~~

NOTE 6. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Net periodic benefit costs for qualified defined-benefit plans include the following (in millions):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Service cost	$	13	$	11
Pension expense included in Wages and benefits	13		11

Interest cost	19		22
Expected return on assets	(28)		(24)
Recognized actuarial loss	9		9
Pension expense included in Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$	—	$	7

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
Service cost $ 11
$ 12
$ 32
$ 36
Pension expense included in Wages and benefits 11
12
32
36

Interest cost 23
20
67
59
Expected return on assets (24 ) (27 ) (71 ) (80 )
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) (1 )
Recognized actuarial loss 9
9
27
25
Pension expense included in Nonoperating Income (Expense) $ 7
$ 1
$ 22
$ 3

~~The Company made a voluntary contribution of $65 million to three defined-benefit pension plans during the three months ended September 30, 2019.~~

NOTE 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Future minimum payments for commitments ~~excluding operating leases,~~ as of ~~September 30, 2019~~March 31, 2020 (in millions):


	Aircraft Commitments^(a)		Capacity Purchase Agreements ^(b)		Aircraft Maintenance Deposits
Remainder of 2020	$	416	$	108	$	38
2021	556		166		55
2022	340		174		47
2023	200		179		24
2024	27		184		6
Thereafter	26		880		2
Total	$	1,565	$	1,691	$	172

Aircraft Commitments^(a)

Capacity Purchase Agreements ^(b)
Aircraft Maintenance Deposits
Remainder of 2019 $ 111
$ 34
$ 16
2020 504
145
73
2021 475
166
63
2022 333
174
54
2023 194
179
29
Thereafter 36
1,065
10
Total $ 1,653
$ 1,763
$ 245
(a)Includes non-cancelable contractual commitments for aircraft and engines, aircraft maintenance and parts management.

(b)Includes all non-aircraft lease costs associated with capacity purchase agreements. Subsequent to quarter end, Alaska entered into an agreement with SkyWest to defer a portion of 2020 payments.


~~(a)~~	~~Includes non-cancelable contractual commitments for aircraft and engines, buyer furnished equipment, and aircraft maintenance and parts management.~~


~~(b)~~	~~Includes all non-aircraft lease costs associated with capacity purchase agreements.~~

Subsequent to March 31, 2020, the Company renegotiated scheduled payments with certain lessors and vendor partners, including the reduction of minimum obligations and rates. The Company has also deferred the majority of remaining 2020 aircraft commitments, including those related to the B737 MAX9, to periods beyond 2020.

Aircraft Commitments

Aircraft purchase commitments include non-cancelable contractual commitments for aircraft and engines. As of ~~September 30, 2019, the Company~~March 31, 2020, Alaska had commitments to purchase 32 B737 MAX9 aircraft, with contracted deliveries inbetween 2020 and 2023. As a result of the ~~remainder of~~grounding order mandated by the FAA on March 13, 2019, ~~through 2023.~~the delivery schedule for these MAX aircraft is subject to change. Future minimum contractual payments for these aircraft have been updated to reflect the ~~most current anticipated~~possible delivery timing, ~~for B737 MAX9 aircraft, which has been delayed as a result of the grounding order mandated by the FAA on March 13, 2019. The Company~~but are also subject to change. Horizon also has commitments to purchase 3 E175 aircraft with deliveries in ~~2023 and~~2023. Alaska has cancelable purchase commitments for 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft with deliveries from 2023 through 2025. In addition, ~~the Company~~Alaska has options to purchase 37 B737 MAX aircraft, ~~from 2021 through 2024~~ and Horizon has options to purchase 30 E175 ~~aircraft from 2021 through 2023. The Company~~aircraft. Alaska also has the option to increase capacity flown by SkyWest with 8 additional E175 aircraft with deliveries ~~after 2021.~~ in 2022.

The cancelable purchase commitments and option payments are not reflected in the table above. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Company is in discussion with aircraft manufacturers regarding these purchase commitments and delivery timelines.

Contingencies

The Company is a party to routine litigation matters incidental to its business and with respect to which no material liability is expected. Liabilities for litigation related contingencies are recorded when a loss is determined to be probable and estimable.

In 2015, three flight attendants filed a class action lawsuit seeking to represent all Virgin America flight attendants for damages based on alleged violations of California and City of San Francisco wage and hour laws. The court certified a class of approximately 1,800 flight attendants in November 2016. The Company believes the claims in this case are without factual and legal merit.

In July 2018, the Court granted in part Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment, finding Virgin America, and Alaska Airlines, as a successor-in-interest to Virgin America, responsible for various damages and penalties sought by the class members. On February 4, 2019, the Court entered final judgment against Virgin America and Alaska Airlines in the amount of approximately $78 million. It did not award injunctive relief against Alaska Airlines.

The Company is seeking an appellate court ruling that the California laws on which the judgment is based are invalid as applied to national airlines pursuant to the U.S. Constitution and federal law and for other employment law and improper class certification reasons. The Company remains confident that a higher court will respect the federal preemption principles that were enacted to shield inter-state common carriers from a patchwork of state and local wage and hour regulations such as those at issue in this case and agree with the Company's other bases for appeal. For these reasons, no loss has been accrued.

The Company is involved in other litigation around the application of state and local employment laws, like many air carriers. Our defenses are similar to those identified above, including that the state and local laws are preempted by federal law and are unconstitutional because they impede interstate commerce. None of these additional disputes are material.

This forward-looking statement is based on management's current understanding of the relevant law and facts, and it is subject to various contingencies, including the potential costs and risks associated with litigation and the actions of judges and juries.

NOTE 8. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common Stock Repurchase

In August 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program. As of ~~September 30, 2019,~~March 31, 2020, the Company has repurchased ~~6.7~~7.6 million shares for ~~$491~~$544 million under this program. In March 2020, the Company suspended the share repurchase program indefinitely.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in millions):


	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018				March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Related to marketable securities	$	10		$	(11	)	Related to marketable securities	$	6	$	9
Related to employee benefit plans	(422		)	(440		)	Related to employee benefit plans	(464)		(469)
Related to interest rate derivatives	(9		)	3			Related to interest rate derivatives	(24)		(5)
Total	$	(421	)	$	(448	)	Total	$	(482)	$	(465)

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding assuming the exercise of in-the-money stock options and restricted stock units, using the treasury-stock method. For the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2020 and 2019, ~~and~~ ~~2018~~, anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of EPS were not material.

NOTE 9. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

Alaska Air Group has two operating airlines—Alaska ~~(including Virgin America after the single operating certificate was received in January 2018)~~ and Horizon. Each is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration. Alaska has CPAs for regional capacity with Horizon, as well as with third-party carriers, ~~SkyWest and PenAir,~~ under which Alaska receives all passenger revenues.

Under U.S. GAAP, operating segments are defined as components of a business for which there is discrete financial information that is regularly assessed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) in making resource allocation decisions. Financial performance for the operating airlines and CPAs is managed and reviewed by the Company's CODM as part of 3 reportable operating segments:

•

•Mainline - includes scheduled air transportation on Alaska's Boeing or Airbus jet aircraft for passengers and cargo throughout the U.S., and in parts of Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

•Regional - includes Horizon's and other third-party carriers’ scheduled air transportation for passengers across a shorter distance network within the U.S. under a CPA. This segment includes the actual revenues and expenses associated with regional flying, as well as an allocation of corporate overhead incurred by Air Group on behalf of the regional operations.

•Horizon - includes the capacity sold to Alaska under CPA. Expenses include those typically borne by regional airlines such as crew costs, ownership costs and maintenance costs.

~~- includes scheduled air transportation on Alaska's Boeing or Airbus jet aircraft for passengers and cargo throughout the U.S., and in parts of Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica.~~


•	~~Regional~~ - includes Horizon's and other third-party carriers’ scheduled air transportation for passengers across a shorter distance network within the U.S. under CPAs. This segment includes the actual revenues and expenses associated with regional flying, as well as an allocation of corporate overhead incurred by Air Group on behalf of the regional operations.


•	~~Horizon~~ ~~- includes the capacity sold to Alaska under CPA. Expenses include those typically borne by regional airlines such as crew costs, ownership costs and maintenance costs.~~

The CODM makes resource allocation decisions for these reporting segments based on flight profitability data, aircraft type, route economics and other financial information.

The "Consolidating and Other" column reflects Air Group parent company activity, McGee Air Services, consolidating entries and other immaterial business units of the company. The “Air Group Adjusted” column represents a non-GAAP measure that is

used by the Company's CODM to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Adjustments are further explained below in reconciling to consolidated GAAP results.

Operating segment information is as follows (in millions):


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019																					Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
	Mainline			Regional		Horizon			Consolidating & Other^(a)			Air Group Adjusted^(b)			Special Items^(c)			Consolidated				Mainline		Regional		Horizon		Consolidating & Other^(a)		Air Group Adjusted^(b)		Special Items^(c)		Consolidated
Operating revenues																					Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	1,850		$	361	$	—		$	—		$	2,211		$	—		$	2,211		Passenger revenues	$	1,234	$	247	$	—	$	—	$	1,481	$	—	$	1,481
CPA revenues	—			—		112			(112		)	—			—			—			CPA revenues	—		—		105		(105)		—		—		—
Mileage Plan other revenue	107			11		—			—			118			—			118			Mileage Plan other revenue	98		11		—		—		109		—		109
Cargo and other	58			1		—			1			60			—			60			Cargo and other	44		—		—		2		46		—		46
Total operating revenues	2,015			373		112			(111		)	2,389			—			2,389			Total operating revenues	1,376		258		105		(103)		1,636		—		1,636
Operating expenses																					Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,226			275		94			(119		)	1,476			5			1,481			Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,159		269		92		(110)		1,410		163		1,573
Economic fuel	411			75		—			—			486			—			486			Economic fuel	313		62		—		—		375		9		384
Total operating expenses	1,637			350		94			(119		)	1,962			5			1,967			Total operating expenses	1,472		331		92		(110)		1,785		172		1,957
Nonoperating income (expense)																					Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	17			—		—			(6		)	11			—			11			Interest income	14		—		—		(5)		9		—		9
Interest expense	(18		)	—		(7		)	7			(18		)	—			(18		)	Interest expense	(12)		—		(5)		4		(13)		—		(13)
Interest capitalized	4			—		—			—			4			—			4			Interest capitalized	3		—		—		—		3		—		3
Other - net	(3		)	—		—			—			(3		)	—			(3		)	Other - net	6		—		—		(1)		5		—		5
Total nonoperating income (expense)	—			—		(7		)	1			(6		)	—			(6		)	Total nonoperating income (expense)	11		—		(5)		(2)		4		—		4
Income (loss) before income tax	$	378		$	23	$	11		$	9		$	421		$	(5	)	$	416		Income (loss) before income tax	$	(85)	$	(73)	$	8	$	5	$	(145)	$	(172)	$	(317)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Mainline Regional Horizon
Consolidating & Other^(a)

Air Group Adjusted^(b)

Special Items^(c)
Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues $ 1,727
$ 316
$ —
$ —
$ 2,043
$ —
$ 2,043
CPA revenues —
—
128
(128 ) —
—
—
Mileage Plan other revenue 104
10
—
—
114
—
114
Cargo and other 53
—
2
—
55
—
55
Total operating revenues 1,884
326
130
(128 ) 2,212
—
2,212
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,126
267
118
(131 ) 1,380
22
1,402
Economic fuel 438
70
—
—
508
5
513
Total operating expenses 1,564
337
118
(131 ) 1,888
27
1,915
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income 15
—
—
(4 ) 11
—
11
Interest expense (20 ) —
(6 ) 4
(22 ) —
(22 )
Interest capitalized 4
—
1
—
5
—
5
Other - net (5 ) (2 ) —
—
(7 ) —
(7 )
Total nonoperating income (expense) (6 ) (2 ) (5 ) —
(13 ) —
(13 )
Income (loss) before income tax $ 314
$ (13 ) $ 7
$ 3
$ 311
$ (27 ) $ 284


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
	Mainline		Regional		Horizon		Consolidating & Other^(a)		Air Group Adjusted^(b)		Special Items^(c)		Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	1,422		294		—		—		1,716		—		1,716
CPA revenues	—		—		116		(116)		—		—		—
Mileage Plan other revenue	100		10		—		—		110		—		110
Cargo and other	48		1		1		—		50		—		50
Total operating revenues	1,570		305		117		(116)		1,876		—		1,876
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,152		274		97		(118)		1,405		26		1,431
Economic fuel	358		66		—		—		424		(4)		420
Total operating expenses	1,510		340		97		(118)		1,829		22		1,851
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	16		—		—		(7)		9		—		9
Interest expense	(21)		—		(8)		7		(22)		—		(22)
Interest capitalized	4		—		—		—		4		—		4
Other - net	(10)		—		—		—		(10)		—		(10)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(11)		—		(8)		—		(19)		—		(19)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	49	$	(35)	$	12	$	2	$	28	$	(22)	$	6

(a)Includes consolidating entries, Air Group parent company, McGee Air Services, and other immaterial business units.

(b)The Air Group Adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocations and excludes certain income and charges.

(c)Includes merger-related costs, impairment charges associated with the impact of COVID-19 and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Mainline Regional Horizon
Consolidating & Other^(a)

Air Group Adjusted^(b)

Special Items^(c)
Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues $ 5,039
$ 999
$ —
$ —
$ 6,038
$ —
$ 6,038
CPA revenues —
—
340
(340 ) —
—
—
Mileage Plan other revenue 312
34
—
—
346
—
346
Cargo and other 163
2
1
3
169
—
169
Total operating revenues 5,514
1,035
341
(337 ) 6,553
—
6,553
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel 3,545
817
286
(353 ) 4,295
39
4,334
Economic fuel 1,191
218
—
—
1,409
(1 ) 1,408
Total operating expenses 4,736
1,035
286
(353 ) 5,704
38
5,742
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income 50
—
—
(19 ) 31
—
31
Interest expense (58 ) —
(22 ) 20
(60 ) —
(60 )
Interest capitalized 11
—
—
—
11
—
11
Other - net (20 ) —
—
—
(20 ) —
(20 )
Total nonoperating income (expense) (17 ) —
(22 ) 1
(38 ) —
(38 )
Income (loss) before income tax $ 761
$ —
$ 33
$ 17
$ 811
$ (38 ) $ 773

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Mainline Regional Horizon
Consolidating & Other^(a)

Air Group Adjusted^(b)

Special Items^(c)
Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues $ 4,879
$ 845
$ —
$ —
$ 5,724
$ —
$ 5,724
CPA revenues —
—
375
(375 ) —
—
—
Mileage Plan other revenue 301
28
—
—
329
—
329
Cargo and other 142
1
4
—
147
—
147
Total operating revenues 5,322
874
379
(375 ) 6,200
—
6,200
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel 3,392
755
345
(378 ) 4,114
92
4,206
Economic fuel 1,237
190
—
—
1,427
(30 ) 1,397
Total operating expenses 4,629
945
345
(378 ) 5,541
62
5,603
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income 39
—
—
(10 ) 29
—
29
Interest expense (64 ) —
(16 ) 9
(71 ) —
(71 )
Interest capitalized 12
—
2
—
14
—
14
Other - net (9 ) (11 ) —
—
(20 ) —
(20 )
Total nonoperating income (expense) (22 ) (11 ) (14 ) (1 ) (48 ) —
(48 )
Income (loss) before income tax $ 671
$ (82 ) $ 20
$ 2
$ 611
$ (62 ) $ 549


~~(a)~~	~~Includes consolidating entries, Air Group parent company, McGee Air Services, and other immaterial business units.~~


~~(b)~~	The Air Group Adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocations and excludes certain income and charges.


~~(c)~~	~~Includes merger-related costs, mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting adjustments, and other special items.~~

Total assets were as follows (in millions):


	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Mainline	$	19,677	$	19,207
Horizon	1,183		1,266
Consolidating & Other	(7,497)		(7,480)
Consolidated	$	13,363	$	12,993

September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Mainline $ 19,129
$ 16,853
Horizon 1,231
1,229
Consolidating & Other (7,377 ) (7,170 )
Consolidated $ 12,983
$ 10,912

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 23, 2020, Alaska and Horizon finalized agreements with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and accepted full disbursement of funds through the Payroll Support Program (PSP) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. McGee Air Services has also applied for PSP support but has yet to come to an agreement or received funds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Under the PSP and associated agreements, Alaska and Horizon received $992 million to be used exclusively toward continuing to pay employee salaries, wages and benefits. Of this amount, $267 million takes the form of an unsecured senior term loan with a 10-year term, bearing an interest rate of 1% in years 1 through 5, and an interest rate equal to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 2% in years 6 through 10. The loan is prepayable at par at any time. The PSP proceeds were deposited into an account which will be drawn down over time for payroll expenses. That account and the balance of the proceeds will serve as the only collateral for the loan. As additional taxpayer protection required under the PSP, the Company granted the Treasury Department 846,748 warrants to purchase Alaska Air Group (ALK) common stock at a strike price of $31.61, based on the closing price on April 9, 2020. The warrants are non-voting, freely transferable, may be settled as net shares or in cash at Alaska's option, and have a five year term.

As a condition to receiving PSP funds, Alaska and Horizon agreed to the following conditions:

•The Company must refrain from conducting involuntary furloughs or reducing employee rates of pay or benefits for non-officer employees through September 30, 2020;

•The Company is subject to maximum limitations on executive compensation for officers and employees who earned more than $425,000 in total compensation in 2019, extending through March 24, 2022;

•The Company is prohibited from repurchasing its common stock and from paying dividends on its common stock until September 30, 2021;

•Alaska and Horizon must maintain air service to markets they served as of March 1, 2020, through March 1, 2022 unless exempted by the Department of Transportation; and

•The Company must maintain certain internal controls and records, and provide any additional reporting required by the U.S. government, relating to PSP funding.

PSP funding will be recorded upon initial receipt as cash and cash equivalents, and subsequently reclassified as a contra-wage expense relative to the wages and benefits incurred by Alaska and Horizon. The Company will allocate the proceeds received from the Treasury in accordance with applicable accounting guidance and based on the consideration provided in the transaction.

In April, the Company also applied for loan funding available under the CARES Act. The Company expects to be eligible to access up to $1.1 billion in incremental funding, and is currently evaluating participation under the program.



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

OVERVIEW

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to help the reader understand our company, segment operations and the present business environment. MD&A is provided as a supplement to – and should be read in conjunction with – our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. All statements in the following discussion that are not statements of historical information or descriptions of current accounting policy are forward-looking statements. Please consider our forward-looking statements in light of the risks referred to in this report’s introductory cautionary note and the risks mentioned in "Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2018~~.2019, and as updated in our Form 8-K on May 5, 2020. The updated risk factors are also set forth herein in section Item 1A. "Risk Factors." This overview summarizes the MD&A, which includes the following sections:

•First Quarter Review—highlights from the first quarter of 2020 outlining some of the major events that happened during the period and how they affected our financial performance.

•

~~Third~~

•Results of Operations—an in-depth analysis of our revenues by segment and our expenses from a consolidated perspective for the three months ended March 31, 2020. To the extent material to the understanding of segment profitability, we more fully describe the segment expenses per financial statement line item. Financial and statistical data is also included here. This section includes forward-looking statements regarding our view of the remainder of 2020. ~~Quarter Review—highlights from the~~ ~~third~~ ~~quarter of~~ ~~2019~~ ~~outlining some of the major events that happened during the period and how they affected our financial performance.~~

•

~~Results of Operations—an in-depth analysis of our revenues by segment and our expenses from a consolidated perspective for the~~ ~~three and nine~~ ~~months ended~~ ~~September 30, 2019~~. To the extent material to the understanding of segment profitability, we more fully describe the segment expenses per financial statement line item. Financial and statistical data is also included here. This section includes forward-looking statements regarding our view of the remainder of 2019.


•	~~Liquidity and Capital Resources—an overview of our financial position, analysis of cash flows, and relevant contractual obligations and commitments.~~

~~THIRD~~

•Liquidity and Capital Resources—an overview of our financial position, analysis of cash flows, and relevant contractual obligations and commitments.

FIRST QUARTER REVIEW

COVID-19 Impacts and Response

The impacts of COVID-19 on our business have been unprecedented, and have presented us with some of the greatest challenges in our 88 year history. We experienced strong demand in January and February 2020. However, in March 2020 the cancellation of large public events, suspension of business travel, closure of popular tourist destinations and implementation of stay-at-home orders throughout the country drove demand for air travel to historic lows.

We are uncertain when, and at what rate, demand may return. Flown capacity for April was more than 80% below prior year, and cuts for May will also exceed 80%. Reductions in June are expected to be similar. Capacity reductions for the remainder of the year will be evaluated and shared as we monitor trends in demand. As a result of reduced capacity, we have parked 156 Mainline and 13 Horizon aircraft, including the permanent parking of 12 Mainline aircraft. We have also worked with SkyWest to suspend flying for eight aircraft and reduce minimum flying commitments for those aircraft that remain in service.

We have taken action to reduce costs and our overall cash burn. In March, we implemented a company-wide hiring freeze, reduced salaries of senior management, reduced management hours by 10%, and offered voluntary short-term and incentive leave programs to all employees. To date, over 5,000 employees have taken voluntary leave. We have reduced our monthly cash burn rate from approximately $400 million in March to $260 million in April. We are committed to reducing monthly cash burn to $200 million by June, and to break-even by the end of 2020. This will require difficult decisions for cost reduction and relies on some demand returning as well.

Throughout the crisis, our focus on safety has remained unchanged. In response to COVID-19, we have evaluated the many ways in which our guests and employees interact, and have implemented the following measures to ensure health and safety for all traveling:

•Implemented enhanced cleaning procedures on aircraft, including the use of high-grade, EPA-registered disinfectants and electrostatic sanitizing spray. Additionally, all planes are equipped with hospital-grade HEPA filters.

•Provided guests with a "Peace-of-Mind" waiver, allowing changes to ticketed travel without change or cancellation fees.

•Taken additional steps to ensure guest health and safety including limiting load factors and seat availability, and suspending or reducing most in-flight services.

•Announced a requirement for our employees to wear masks when they are working and unable to practice appropriate social distancing and for our guests while traveling on our aircraft, in line with Centers for Disease Control recommendations.

Subsequent to quarter end, we received $992 million in funding from the Payroll Support Program under the CARES Act. Of this total, more than $700 million is in the form of a grant which will be used to directly offset payroll expenses incurred through September 30, 2020.

We have also obtained financing of $875 million since the end of 2019. As of May 12, 2020, our cash and marketable securities balance was approximately $2.8 billion.

Financial Overview

Our consolidated pretax ~~income~~loss was ~~$416~~$317 million during the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2019,~~2020, compared to ~~$284~~pretax profit of $6 million in the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2018.~~2019. The ~~increase in~~shift to pretax ~~profit~~loss was driven primarily by ~~an increase~~a decrease in operating revenues of ~~$177~~$240 million ~~and a decrease~~stemming from the sharp decline in ~~fuel expense of $27 million, offset by~~demand and an increase in non-fuel operating expenses of ~~$79~~$142 million, including $160 million in special charges from asset impairment, offset by a decrease in fuel expense of $36 million.

See “Results of Operations” below for further discussion of changes in revenues and operating expenses and our reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

~~Shareholder Return~~

~~During the~~ ~~third~~ ~~quarter of~~ ~~2019, we paid cash dividends of $43 million and repurchased 465,354 shares for $28 million.~~

~~Labor Update~~

In June 2019, we reached a tentative agreement with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) to integrate Airbus technicians into the collective bargaining agreement with Boeing technicians, as well as extend the term by two years. This tentative agreement was subsequently ratified by our technicians in July 2019. Also in June 2019, we reached a tentative agreement with the International Association of Machinists (IAM) for new five-year contracts for clerical, office, passenger service, ramp service and stores agents employees, which was subsequently ratified in September 2019. Both the IAM and AMFA agreements included signing bonuses and wage rate increases that were implemented in the third quarter. The annual impact of these contracts thereafter is expected to be approximately $50 million. During the third quarter, we recognized $24 million in one-time costs for both the AMFA and IAM agreements.

~~Income Taxes~~

In September 2019, the Internal Revenue Service clarified certain tax laws relating to bonus depreciation. The result of this clarification was a $10 million one-time decrease to our income tax expense in the third quarter.

~~Outlook~~

With the integration largely behind us, we are focused on improving our returns with the long-term goal of achieving 13% to 15% pretax margins over the business cycle. Current year revenue initiatives, including our Saver Fare product, are providing meaningful revenue growth. We continue to benefit from the full synergies expected as a result of the merger, with the full run rate expected by 2021. Through cross-fleeting we have moved larger gauge, lower unit cost aircraft into markets with high demand, which we anticipate will continue to benefit our results into 2020. This flexibility with our fleet allows us to evaluate all existing and potential new routes, including aircraft type, so that we can maximize our margins and provide the best network utility for our guests.

As we move through 2019, we continue to work on a number of notable guest experience projects. By year-end, we expect that more than half of our Mainline fleet will be equipped with high-speed satellite Wi-Fi, and that more than half of our Airbus fleet will be retrofitted with updated cabin interiors. These important projects will provide our guests with a more cohesive and connected Alaska experience. In July, we opened our new flagship lounge in the North Satellite of Sea-Tac Airport, and are working closely with the Port of Seattle to open a state-of-the-art 20-gate North Satellite Concourse by Summer 2021. During the third quarter, we also began work on our new lounge at San Francisco International Airport, which is expected to open in early 2020. These projects, along with our ongoing rotation of on-board menu offerings, refreshed aircraft interiors, and expanded and updated airport lounges, demonstrates our commitment to providing our guests more options and significant value. Combined, we expect our revenue initiatives and synergies will contribute $330 million of revenue in 2019.

We expect to grow our combined network capacity by approximately 2.1% in 2019, and approximately 3% - 4% in 2020. Current schedules indicate competitive capacity will increase by approximately 2% in the fourth quarter of 2019, and increase approximately 4% in the first quarter of 2020. We believe that our product, operation, engaged employees, award-winning service, and competitive Mileage Plan™ program, combined with our strong balance sheet and focus on low costs, give us a competitive advantage in our markets.

~~Other events~~

On November 6, 2019, the Board of Directors of Horizon Air elected Joseph A. Sprague to serve as President of Horizon Air, effective immediately. Mr. Sprague previously retired from Alaska Airlines after serving at the company for 17 years in a variety of key leadership positions, including senior vice president of external relations, vice president of marketing and vice president of Alaska Air Cargo. Mr. Sprague will succeed Gary L. Beck who has been elected by the Board of Directors of Alaska Airlines to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Alaska, effective immediately. Prior to his time at Horizon Air, Mr. Beck was vice president of Alaska’s flight operations division from 2008 to 2015. Mr. Beck will report to Ben Minicucci, who will continue to serve as Alaska’s President. Both Mr. Sprague and Mr. Beck will serve on the Company’s Executive Committee.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ADJUSTED (NON-GAAP) RESULTS AND PER-SHARE AMOUNTS

We believe disclosure of earnings excluding the impact of impairment and other charges, merger-related costs, mark-to-market gains or losses or other individual special revenues or expenses is useful information to investors because:

•By excluding fuel expense and certain special items (including impairment charges and merger-related costs) from our unit metrics, we believe that we have better visibility into the results of operations and our non-fuel cost initiatives. Our industry is highly competitive and is characterized by high fixed costs, so even a small reduction in non-fuel operating costs can lead to a significant improvement in operating results. In addition, we believe that all domestic carriers are similarly impacted by changes in jet fuel costs over the long run, so it is important for management (and thus investors) to understand the impact of (and trends in) company-specific cost drivers, such as labor rates and productivity, airport costs, maintenance costs, etc., which are more controllable by management.

•Cost per ASM (CASM) excluding fuel and certain special items, such as impairment charges and merger-related costs, is one of the most important measures used by management and by the Air Group Board of Directors in assessing quarterly and annual cost performance.

•Adjusted income before income tax and CASM excluding fuel (and other items as specified in our plan documents) are important metrics for the employee annual cash incentive plan, which covers the majority of employees within the Air Group organization.

•CASM excluding fuel and certain special items is a measure commonly used by industry analysts and we believe it is an important metric by which they compare our airlines to others in the industry. The measure is also the subject of frequent questions from investors.

•Disclosure of the individual impact of certain noted items provides investors the ability to measure and monitor performance both with and without these special items. We believe that disclosing the impact of certain items, such as impairment charges, merger-related costs, and mark-to-market hedging adjustments, is important because it provides information on significant items that are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Industry analysts and investors consistently measure our performance without these items for better comparability between periods and among other airlines.

•Although we disclose our unit revenues, we do not (nor are we able to) evaluate unit revenues excluding the impact that changes in fuel costs have had on ticket prices. Fuel expense represents a large percentage of our total operating expenses. Fluctuations in fuel prices often drive changes in unit revenues in the mid-to-long term. Although we believe it is useful to evaluate non-fuel unit costs for the reasons noted above, we would caution readers of these financial statements not to place undue reliance on unit costs excluding fuel as a measure or predictor of future profitability because of the significant impact of fuel costs on our business.

Although we are presenting these non-GAAP amounts for the reasons above, investors and other readers should not necessarily conclude that these amounts are non-recurring, infrequent, or unusual in nature.

OPERATING STATISTICS SUMMARY (unaudited)

Below are operating statistics we use to measure operating performance. We often refer to unit revenues and adjusted unit costs, which are non-GAAP measures.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020	2019	Change
Consolidated Operating Statistics:^(a)
Revenue passengers (000)	8,932	10,417	(14.3)%
RPMs (000,000) "traffic"	10,656	12,449	(14.4)%
ASMs (000,000) "capacity"	15,304	15,508	(1.3)%
Load factor	69.6%	80.3%	(10.7) pts
Yield	13.90¢	13.78¢	0.9%
RASM	10.69¢	12.10¢	(11.7)%
CASM excluding fuel and special items^(b)	9.22¢	9.06¢	1.8%
Economic fuel cost per gallon^(b)	$1.93	$2.13	(9.4)%
Fuel gallons (000,000)	194	199	(2.5)%
ASMs per fuel gallon	78.9	77.9	1.3%
Average full-time equivalent employees (FTEs)	22,473	21,832	2.9%
Mainline Operating Statistics:
Revenue passengers (000)	6,675	7,864	(15.1)%
RPMs (000,000) "traffic"	9,582	11,172	(14.2)%
ASMs (000,000) "capacity"	13,697	13,874	(1.3)%
Load factor	70.0%	80.5%	(10.5) pts
Yield	12.88¢	12.73¢	1.2%
RASM	10.05¢	11.31¢	(11.1)%
CASM excluding fuel and special items^(b)	8.46¢	8.30¢	1.9%
Economic fuel cost per gallon^(b)	$1.92	$2.12	(9.4)%
Fuel gallons (000,000)	163	169	(3.6)%
ASMs per fuel gallon	84.0	82.1	2.3%
Average FTEs	16,818	16,457	2.2%
Aircraft utilization	10.1	10.4	(2.9)%
Average aircraft stage length	1,306	1,304	0.2%
Operating fleet^(d)	225	237	(12) a/c
Regional Operating Statistics:^(c)
Revenue passengers (000)	2,257	2,553	(11.6)%
RPMs (000,000) "traffic"	1,074	1,277	(15.9)%
ASMs (000,000) "capacity"	1,607	1,634	(1.7)%
Load factor	66.8%	78.2%	(11.4 pts	)
Yield	23.04¢	23.03¢	—%
RASM	16.09¢	18.68¢	(13.9)%
Operating fleet	94	93	1 a/c

(a)Except for FTEs, data includes information related to third-party regional capacity purchase flying arrangements.

(b)See reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the most directly related GAAP measure in the accompanying pages.

(c)Data presented includes information related to flights operated by Horizon and third-party carriers.

(d)Excludes 12 aircraft permanently parked in March 2020.

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
Consolidated Operating Statistics:^(a)

Revenue passengers (000) 12,574 12,128 3.7% 35,018 34,685 1.0%
RPMs (000,000) "traffic" 15,026 14,386 4.4% 42,113 41,272 2.0%
ASMs (000,000) "capacity" 17,519 16,943 3.4% 50,006 49,256 1.5%
Load factor 85.8% 84.9% 0.9 pts 84.2% 83.8% 0.4 pts
Yield 14.71¢ 14.20¢ 3.6% 14.34¢ 13.87¢ 3.4%
RASM 13.64¢ 13.05¢ 4.5% 13.10¢ 12.59¢ 4.1%
CASM excluding fuel and special items^(b)
8.43¢ 8.15¢ 3.4% 8.59¢ 8.35¢ 2.9%
Economic fuel cost per gallon^(b)
$2.13 $2.33 (8.6)% $2.18 $2.26 (3.5)%
Fuel gallons (000,000) 227 218 4.1% 646 631 2.4%
ASMs per fuel gallon 77.2 77.7 (0.6)% 77.4 78.1 (0.9)%
Average full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) 22,247 21,804 2.0% 22,000 21,575 2.0%
Mainline Operating Statistics:
Revenue passengers (000) 9,655 9,435 2.3% 26,725 27,107 (1.4)%
RPMs (000,000) "traffic" 13,538 13,096 3.4% 37,917 37,677 0.6%
ASMs (000,000) "capacity" 15,702 15,343 2.3% 44,816 44,730 0.2%
Load factor 86.2% 85.4% 0.8 pts 84.6% 84.2% 0.4 pts
Yield 13.66¢ 13.18¢ 3.6% 13.29¢ 12.95¢ 2.6%
RASM 12.83¢ 12.28¢ 4.5% 12.30¢ 11.90¢ 3.4%
CASM excluding fuel and special items^(b)
7.81¢ 7.34¢ 6.4% 7.91¢ 7.58¢ 4.4%
Economic fuel cost per gallon^(b)
$2.13 $2.32 (8.2)% $2.17 $2.25 (3.6)%
Fuel gallons (000,000) 193 189 2.1% 549 549 —%
ASMs per fuel gallon 81.4 81.2 0.2% 81.6 81.5 0.1%
Average FTEs 16,789 16,499 1.8% 16,599 16,330 1.6%
Aircraft utilization 11.3 11.4 (0.9)% 10.9 11.4 (4.4)%
Average aircraft stage length 1,281 1,291 (0.8)% 1,298 1,293 0.4%
Operating fleet 238 231 7 a/c 238 231 7 a/c
Regional Operating Statistics:^(c)

Revenue passengers (000) 2,919 2,693 8.4% 8,293 7,578 9.4%
RPMs (000,000) "traffic" 1,488 1,290 15.3% 4,196 3,595 16.7%
ASMs (000,000) "capacity" 1,817 1,600 13.6% 5,190 4,526 14.7%
Load factor 81.9% 80.6% 1.3 pts 80.8% 79.4% 1.4 pts
Yield 24.23¢ 24.50¢ (1.1)% 23.81¢ 23.49¢ 1.4%
RASM 20.51¢ 20.41¢ 0.5% 19.93¢ 19.32¢ 3.2%
Operating fleet 94 89 5 a/c 94 89 5 a/c


~~(a)~~	~~Except for FTEs, data includes information related to third-party regional capacity purchase flying arrangements.~~


~~(b)~~	~~See reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the most directly related GAAP measure in the accompanying pages.~~


~~(c)~~	~~Data presented includes information related to flights operated by Horizon and third-party carriers.~~

COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED ~~SEPTEMBER 30, 2019~~MARCH 31, 2020 TO THREE MONTHS ENDED ~~SEPTEMBER 30, 2018~~MARCH 31, 2019

Our consolidated net ~~income~~loss for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2019~~March 31, 2020 was ~~$322~~$232 million, or ~~$2.60~~$1.87 per diluted share, compared to net income of ~~$217~~$4 million, or ~~$1.75~~$0.03 per diluted share, for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2018.~~

March 31, 2019.

Excluding the impact of impairment and other charges, merger-related costs and mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments, our adjusted net ~~income~~loss for the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 was ~~$326~~$102 million, or ~~$2.63~~$0.82 per diluted share, compared to an adjusted net income of ~~$237~~$21 million, or ~~$1.91~~$0.17 per diluted share, in the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2018.~~2019. The following tables reconcile our adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per diluted share (EPS) to amounts as reported in accordance with GAAP:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020						2019
(in millions, except per share amounts)	Dollars		Diluted EPS		Dollars		Diluted EPS
GAAP net income (loss) and diluted EPS	$	(232)	$	(1.87)	$	4	$	0.03
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments	9		0.07		(4)		(0.03)
Special items - impairment charges and other	160		1.29		—		—
Special items - merger-related costs	3		0.02		26		0.21

Income tax effect of reconciling items above	(42)		(0.33)		(5)		(0.04)
Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) and diluted EPS	$	(102)	$	(0.82)	$	21	$	0.17

Three Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018
(in millions, except per share amounts) Dollars Diluted EPS Dollars Diluted EPS
GAAP net income and diluted EPS $ 322
$ 2.60
$ 217
$ 1.75
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments —
—
5
0.04
Special items - merger-related costs 5
0.04
22
0.18
Income tax effect of reconciling items above (1 ) (0.01 ) (7 ) (0.06 )
Non-GAAP adjusted net income and diluted EPS $ 326
$ 2.63
$ 237
$ 1.91

CASM reconciliation is summarized below:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in cents)	2020		2019		% Change
Consolidated:
CASM	12.79	¢	11.94	¢	7	%
Less the following components:
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	2.51		2.71		(7)	%
Special items - merger-related costs	0.02		0.17		(88)	%
Special items - impairment charges and other	1.04		—		NM

CASM excluding fuel and special items	9.22	¢	9.06	¢	2	%

Mainline:
CASM	11.55	¢	11.04	¢	5	%
Less the following components:
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	2.35		2.55		(8)	%
Special items - merger-related costs	0.02		0.19		(89)	%

Special items - impairment charges and other	0.72		—		NM
CASM excluding fuel and special items	8.46	¢	8.30	¢	2	%

Three Months Ended September 30,
(in cents) 2019 2018 % Change
Consolidated:
CASM
11.23 ¢
11.30 ¢ (1 )%
Less the following components:

Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses 2.77
3.02
(8 )%
Special items - merger-related costs 0.03
0.13
(77 )%
CASM excluding fuel and special items
8.43 ¢
8.15 ¢ 3 %

Mainline:
CASM
10.46 ¢
10.37 ¢ 1 %
Less the following components:

Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses 2.62
2.89
(9 )%
Special items - merger-related costs 0.03
0.14
(79 )%
CASM excluding fuel and special items
7.81 ¢
7.34 ¢ 6 %

OPERATING REVENUES

Total operating revenues ~~increased~~ ~~$177~~decreased $240 million, or 8%13%, during the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2018.~~2019. The changes are summarized in the following table:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	2020		2019		% Change
Passenger revenue	$	1,481	$	1,716	(14)	%
Mileage Plan other revenue	109		110		(1)	%
Cargo and other	46		50		(8)	%
Total operating revenues	$	1,636	$	1,876	(13)	%

Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions) 2019 2018 % Change
Passenger revenue $ 2,211
$ 2,043
8 %
Mileage Plan other revenue 118
114
4 %
Cargo and other 60
55
9 %
Total operating revenues $ 2,389
$ 2,212
8 %

Passenger Revenue

On a consolidated basis, Passenger revenue for the ~~third~~first quarter of 2020 decreased by $235 million, or 14%, on a 14% decline in traffic. Decreased revenue year-over-year is primarily due to the near complete loss of demand and unprecedented close-in cancellations in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. January and February 2020 unit revenues and load factors of 80% and 81%, respectively, were in-line with our original expectations. The loss of demand in March 2020, however, led to a decrease in load factor of 38 points as compared to March 2019 ~~increased~~on a 12% year-over-year capacity reduction.

Cargo and Other Revenue

On a consolidated basis, Cargo and other revenue for the first quarter of 2020 decreased by ~~$168~~$4 million, or 8%, ~~on a 3.6% increase in yield and a 3.4% increase in traffic.~~as compared to the same prior year period. The ~~increase in yield~~decrease is primarily ~~a result of current year revenue initiatives, implemented~~due to freighter outages in January 2020, as a broader plan to drive revenue growth, realized synergies from our acquisition of Virgin America, and a 16% increase in premium seat revenue, including First and Premium class product offerings. Increased traffic was driven by new routes andwell as schedule reductions on passenger aircraft, ~~added to our fleet since the third quarter of 2018.~~reducing total belly cargo capacity.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenses increased ~~$52~~$106 million, or 3%6%, compared to the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2018.~~2019. We believe it is useful to summarize operating expenses as follows, which is consistent with the way expenses are reported internally and evaluated by management:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	2020		2019		% Change
Fuel expense	$	384	$	420	(9)	%
Non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items	1,410		1,405		—	%
Special items - merger-related costs	3		26		(88)	%

Special items - impairment charges and other	160		—		NM
Total operating expenses	$	1,957	$	1,851	6	%

Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions) 2019 2018 % Change
Fuel expense $ 486
$ 513
(5 )%
Non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items 1,476
1,380
7 %
Special items - merger-related costs 5
22
(77 )%
Total operating expenses $ 1,967
$ 1,915
3 %

Fuel Expense

Aircraft fuel expense includes raw fuel expense (as defined below) plus the effect of mark-to-market adjustments to our fuel hedge portfolio as the value of that portfolio increases and decreases. Our aircraft fuel expense can be volatile because it includes these gains or losses in the value of the underlying instrument as crude oil prices and refining margins increase or decrease. Raw fuel expense is defined as the price that we generally pay at the airport, or the “into-plane” price, including taxes and fees. Raw fuel prices are impacted by world oil prices and refining costs, which can vary by region in the U.S. Raw fuel expense approximates cash paid to suppliers and does not reflect the effect of our fuel hedges.

Aircraft fuel expense decreased ~~$27~~$36 million, or 5%9%, compared to the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2018.~~2019. The elements of the change are illustrated in the following table:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020						2019
(in millions, except for per gallon amounts)	Dollars		Cost/Gal		Dollars		Cost/Gal
Raw or "into-plane" fuel cost	$	370	$	1.91	$	421	$	2.11
(Gains) losses on settled hedges	5		0.02		3		0.02
Consolidated economic fuel expense	375		1.93		$	424	$	2.13
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments	9		0.05		(4)		(0.02)
GAAP fuel expense	$	384	$	1.98	$	420	$	2.11
Fuel gallons	194				199

Three Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018
(in millions, except for per gallon amounts) Dollars Cost/Gal Dollars Cost/Gal
Raw or "into-plane" fuel cost $ 481
$ 2.11
$ 520
$ 2.38
(Gains) losses on settled hedges 5
0.02
(12 ) (0.05 )
Consolidated economic fuel expense 486
2.13
$ 508
$ 2.33
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments —
—
5
0.02
GAAP fuel expense $ 486
$ 2.13
$ 513
$ 2.35
Fuel gallons 227
218

Raw fuel expense per gallon for the three months ended ~~September 30, 2019~~March 31, 2020 decreased by approximately ~~11%~~9% due to lower West Coast jet fuel prices. West Coast jet fuel prices are impacted by both the price of crude oil and refining margins associated with the conversion of crude oil to jet fuel. The decrease in raw fuel price per gallon during the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 was primarily driven by a ~~19%~~17% decrease in crude oil prices ~~partially offset by~~and a ~~4% increase~~37% decrease in refining margins, when compared to the prior year. ~~Fuel gallons consumed increased~~Crude oil prices have been dramatically impacted by 9the COVID-19 pandemic and the related reduction in demand. The decrease is also due to a year-over-year decline in consumption of 5 million gallons, or 4%3%, primarily ~~due to increased capacity.~~on reduced March 2020 flying.

We also evaluate economic fuel expense, which we define as raw fuel expense adjusted for the cash we receive from, or pay to, hedge counterparties for hedges that settle during the period, and for the premium expense that we paid for those contracts. A key difference between aircraft fuel expense and economic fuel expense is the timing of gain or loss recognition on our hedge portfolio. When we refer to economic fuel expense, we include gains and losses only when they are realized for those contracts that were settled during the period based on their original contract terms. We believe this is the best measure of the effect that fuel prices are currently having on our business as it most closely approximates the net cash outflow associated with purchasing

fuel for our operations. Accordingly, many industry analysts evaluate our results using this measure, and it is the basis for most internal management reporting and incentive pay plans.

Losses recognized for hedges that settled during the ~~third~~first quarter were $5 million in ~~2019,~~2020, compared to ~~gains~~losses of ~~$12~~$3 million in the same period in ~~2018.~~2019. These amounts represent cash received from hedges at settlement, offset by cash paid for premium expense. We expect our economic fuel cost per gallon in the second quarter to range between $1.10 and $1.15 per gallon on a significant decrease in consumption as compared to the prior year period.

Non-fuel Expenses

The table below provides the reconciliation of the operating expense line items, excluding fuel and special items. Significant operating expense variances from ~~2018~~2019 are more fully described below.


	Three Months Ended September 30,							Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	2019		2018		% Change		(in millions)	2020		2019		% Change
Wages and benefits	$	608	$	549	11	%	Wages and benefits	$	612	$	557	10	%
Variable incentive pay	46		27		70	%	Variable incentive pay	7		35		(80)	%
Aircraft maintenance	106		107		(1	)%	Aircraft maintenance	115		120		(4)	%
Aircraft rent	82		82		—	%	Aircraft rent	81		83		(2)	%
Landing fees and other rentals	143		135		6	%	Landing fees and other rentals	131		132		(1)	%
Contracted services	72		70		3	%	Contracted services	72		72		—	%
Selling expenses	77		79		(3	)%	Selling expenses	55		72		(24)	%
Depreciation and amortization	106		99		7	%	Depreciation and amortization	108		106		2	%
Food and beverage service	57		53		8	%	Food and beverage service	49		49		—	%
Third-party regional carrier expense	42		38		11	%	Third-party regional carrier expense	37		41		(10)	%
Other	137		141		(3	)%	Other	143		138		4	%
Total non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items	$	1,476	$	1,380	7	%	Total non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items	$	1,410	$	1,405	—	%

Wages and Benefits

Wages and benefits increased during the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 by ~~$59~~$55 million, or ~~11%~~10%, compared to ~~2018.~~2019. The primary components of Wages and benefits are shown in the following table:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	2020		2019		% Change
Wages	$	453	$	424	7	%
Pension - Defined benefit plans service cost	13		10		30	%
Defined contribution plans	38		31		23	%
Medical and other benefits	76		63		21	%
Payroll taxes	32		29		10	%
Total wages and benefits	$	612	$	557	10	%

Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions) 2019 2018 % Change
Wages $ 460
$ 412
12 %
Pension—Defined benefit plans service cost 10
12
(17 )%
Defined contribution plans 34
30
13 %
Medical and other benefits 71
65
9 %
Payroll taxes 33
30
10 %
Total wages and benefits $ 608
$ 549
11 %

Wages increased ~~$48~~$29 million, or ~~12%~~7%, on a 2%3% growth in FTEs. The increase is primarily due ~~to the recognition of approximately $24 million during the quarter in one-time costs following the ratification of the AMFA and IAM contracts, as well as the impact of~~ increased wage rates following the mid-2019 ratification of new contracts for ~~our labor groups as compared to~~employees represented by the ~~prior year period.~~Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association and International Association of Machinists.

Medical and other benefits expense increased $6$13 million, or 9%21%, primarily due to ~~increased volume of high-dollar value medical claims as compared to the prior-year period, and an overall cost~~continued increase in ~~medical services and products.~~

~~Variable Incentive Pay~~

~~Variable incentive pay expense increased $19 million, or 70%, during~~ the third quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The increase is primarily the result of adjustments taken in the third quarter of 2018 to revise the estimate of full year performance-based pay based on tracking in relation to 2018 goals.

~~Landing fees and other rentals~~

Landing fees and other rental expense increased by $8 million, or 6%, during the third quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The increase is primarily due to an increase in capacity of 3.4% as compared to the prior year period, as well as rate increases at many of our West Coast airports, including our hub airports.

~~Depreciation and Amortization~~

~~Depreciation and amortization increased by~~ ~~$7 million~~, or 7%, during the third quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to the addition of 14 owned E175s and six owned B737-900ERs to our fleet since the third quarter of 2018.

~~Special Items - Merger-related Costs~~

We recorded special items of $5 million in the third quarter of 2019 for merger-related costs associated with our acquisition of Virgin America, compared to $22 million in the same period of 2018. Costs incurred in the third quarter of 2019 are primarily a result of certain technology integration costs.

~~ADDITIONAL SEGMENT INFORMATION~~

~~Refer to Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements for a detailed description of each segment. Below is a summary of each segment's profitability.~~

~~Mainline~~

Mainline recorded pretax profit of $378 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to $314 million in the third quarter of 2018. The $64 million increase in pretax profit was primarily driven by a $123 million increase in Passenger revenues and a $27 million decrease in economic fuel cost, partially offset by a $100 million increase in non-fuel operating expenses.

The increase in Mainline passenger revenue for the third quarter of 2019 was primarily driven by the impact of our revenue initiatives and synergies, as well as continued improvement in our trans-con markets as compared to the prior year.

Lower raw fuel prices, partially offset by a slight increase in gallons consumed, drove the decrease in Mainline fuel expense. Non-fuel operating expenses increased due to higher wages and benefits as a result of new wage rates and signing bonuses following the ratification of the AMFA and IAM contracts, increased variable pay expense as described further above, and higher aircraft ownership costs as we continue to add to our Mainline fleet.

~~Regional~~

Regional operations generated a pretax profit of $23 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to a pretax loss of $13 million in the third quarter of 2018. The shift to pretax profit was attributable to a $47 million increase in operating revenues, partially offset by a $5 million increase in fuel costs and an $8 million increase in non-fuel operating expenses.

Regional passenger revenue increased 14% compared to the third quarter of 2018, primarily driven by a 14% increase in capacity. The increase in capacity is due to an increase in departures from new E175 deliveries, and an increase in average aircraft stage length.

~~The increase in non-fuel operating expenses is primarily due to the 14% increase in capacity.~~

~~Horizon~~

Horizon achieved a pretax profit of $11 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to a pretax profit of $7 million in the third quarter of 2018. Increased profit is primarily due to a reduction in operating costs on higher productivity, combined with increased flying over the prior year.

~~COMPARISON OF~~ ~~NINE~~ ~~MONTHS ENDED~~ ~~SEPTEMBER 30, 2019~~ TO ~~NINE~~ ~~MONTHS ENDED~~ ~~SEPTEMBER 30, 2018~~

Our consolidated net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $588 million, or $4.74 per diluted share, compared to net income of $414 million, or $3.34 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Our adjusted net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $617 million, or $4.97 per diluted share, compared to an adjusted net income of $461 million, or $3.72 per diluted share, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The following tables reconcile our adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS to amounts as reported in accordance with GAAP:

Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018
(in millions, except per share amounts) Dollars Diluted EPS Dollars Diluted EPS
Reported GAAP net income and diluted EPS $ 588
$ 4.74
$ 414
$ 3.34
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments (1 ) (0.01 ) (30 ) (0.24 )
Special items - merger-related costs 39
0.31
67
0.54
Special items - other^(a)
—
—
25
0.20
Income tax effect of reconciling items above (9 ) (0.07 ) (15 ) (0.12 )
Non-GAAP adjusted net income and diluted EPS $ 617
$ 4.97
$ 461
$ 3.72

~~Our operating costs per ASM are summarized below:~~

Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in cents) 2019 2018 % Change
Consolidated:
CASM
11.48 ¢
11.38 ¢ 1 %
Less the following components:
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses 2.82
2.84
(1 )%
Special items - merger-related costs 0.07
0.14
(49 )%
Special items - other^(a)
—
0.05
(100 )%
CASM excluding fuel and special items
8.59 ¢
8.35 ¢ 3 %

Mainline:
CASM
10.65 ¢
10.49 ¢ 2 %
Less the following components:
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses 2.65
2.70
(2 )%
Special items - merger-related costs 0.09
0.15
(40 )%
Special items - other^(a)
—
0.06
(100 )%
CASM excluding fuel and special items
7.91 ¢
7.58 ¢ 4 %


~~(a)~~	~~Special items - other is the employee tax reform bonus awarded in January 2018~~.

~~OPERATING REVENUES~~

~~Total operating revenues~~ ~~increased$353 million, or~~ 6%~~, during the first~~ ~~nine~~ ~~months of~~ ~~2019~~ ~~compared to the same period in~~ ~~2018. The changes are summarized in the following table:~~

Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions) 2019 2018 % Change
Passenger revenue $ 6,038
$ 5,724
5 %
Mileage Plan other revenue 346
329
5 %
Cargo and other 169
147
15 %
Total operating revenues $ 6,553
$ 6,200
6 %

~~Passenger Revenue~~

On a consolidated basis, Passenger revenue for the first nine months of 2019 increased by $314 million, or 5%, on a 2% increase in capacity, 3% higher ticket yields and a slight increase in load factor. The increase in capacity was driven by our continued network expansion and fleet growth. Increased yields are largely the result of current year revenue initiatives implemented as a broader plan to drive revenue growth and the realization of synergies from our acquisition of Virgin America.

~~Mileage Plan other revenue~~

On a consolidated basis, Mileage Plan other revenue increased $17 million, or 5%, in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the first nine months of 2018, due largely to increased commissions received from our affinity card partner from growth in overall cardholders.

~~Cargo and other~~

On a consolidated basis, Cargo and other revenue increased $22 million, or 15%, in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the first nine months of 2018. The increase is primarily attributable to increased freight and mail volumes on our freighters as a result of new contracts entered into in late 2018 and revenue from our subleased slots at LaGuardia and Reagan National airports.

~~OPERATING EXPENSES~~

~~Total operating expenses increased $139 million, or 2%, compared to the first nine months of~~ ~~2018. We believe it is useful to summarize operating expenses as follows, which is consistent with the way expenses are reported internally and evaluated by management:~~

Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions) 2019 2018 % Change
Fuel expense $ 1,408
$ 1,397
1 %
Non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items 4,295
4,114
4 %
Special items - merger-related costs 39
67
(42 )%
Special items - other —
25
NM
Total operating expenses $ 5,742
$ 5,603
2 %

~~Fuel Expense~~

~~Aircraft fuel expense increased $11 million, or 1%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The elements of the change are illustrated in the following table:~~

Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018
(in millions, except for per gallon amounts) Dollars Cost/Gal Dollars Cost/Gal
Raw or "into-plane" fuel cost $ 1,397
$ 2.16
$ 1,450
$ 2.30
(Gains) losses on settled hedges 12
0.02
(23 ) (0.04 )
Consolidated economic fuel expense 1,409
2.18
$ 1,427
$ 2.26
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments (1 ) —
(30 ) (0.05 )
GAAP fuel expense $ 1,408
$ 2.18
$ 1,397
$ 2.21
Fuel gallons 646
631

The raw fuel price per gallon decreased 6% due to lower West Coast jet fuel prices. West Coast jet fuel prices are impacted by both the price of crude oil, as well as refining margins associated with the conversion of crude oil to jet fuel. The decrease in raw fuel price per gallon during the first nine months of 2019 was driven by a 15% decrease in crude oil prices, partially offset by a 15% increase in refining margins.

Losses recognized for hedges that settled in the first nine months of 2019 were $12 million, compared to gains of $23 million in the same period in 2018. These amounts represent cash received from settled hedges, offset by cash paid for premium expense.

We currently expect our economic fuel price per gallon to be approximately 8% lower in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the fourth quarter of 2018 due to our current estimate of lower crude prices, partially offset by increased refining margins.

~~Non-fuel Expense and Non- special items~~

Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions) 2019 2018 % Change
Wages and benefits $ 1,732
$ 1,629
6 %
Variable incentive pay 125
104
20 %
Aircraft maintenance 341
320
7 %
Aircraft rent 247
233
6 %
Landing fees and other rentals 388
371
5 %
Contracted services 214
227
(6 )%
Selling expenses 236
245
(4 )%
Depreciation and amortization 317
290
9 %
Food and beverage service 159
158
1 %
Third-party regional carrier expense 125
114
10 %
Other 411
423
(3 )%
Total non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items $ 4,295
$ 4,114
4 %

~~Wages and Benefits~~

~~Wages and benefits~~ ~~increased~~ ~~during the first~~ ~~nine~~ ~~months of~~ ~~2019~~ by ~~$103 million, or~~ 6%~~. The primary components of wages and benefits are shown in the following table:~~

Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions) 2019 2018 % Change
Wages $ 1,305
$ 1,230
6 %
Pension—Defined benefit plans service cost 31
36
(14 )%
Defined contribution plans 100
88
14 %
Medical and other benefits 203
186
9 %
Payroll taxes 93
89
4 %
Total wages and benefits $ 1,732
$ 1,629
6 %

Wages increased $75 million, or 6%, on a 2% increase in FTEs. The increase is primarily due to the recognition of approximately $24 million during the third quarter in one-time costs following the ratification of the AMFA and IAM contracts, as well as the impact of increased wage rates for our labor groups as compared to the prior year period.

Costs associated with our defined contribution plans increased $12 million, or 14%, primarily due to a step increase in employer contributions for our pilot workgroup, as well an overall increase to the eligible wage base.

~~Medical and other benefits expense increased $17 million, or 9%, primarily due to increased~~ volume of high-dollar value medical claims as compared to the prior-year period, as well as ~~FTE growth.~~increases in the cost associated with our pilot long-term disability plan.

For the full year, we expect wages and benefits will decline compared to ~~increase at a rate greater than capacity growth, due to higher wage rates for certain labor groups~~the prior year as we reduce scheduled flying and ~~higher medical~~executive salaries, and ~~defined-contribution costs.~~realize savings generated by our employees that have accepted voluntary leaves of absence.

Variable Incentive Pay

Variable incentive pay expense ~~increased $21~~decreased $28 million, or ~~20%~~80%, during the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2019 as~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2018. The increase is primarily~~2019, due to the ~~result of a higher wage base and~~ expectation ~~of a higher payout rate for our annual bonus in 2019 as compared to 2018.~~that key financial metrics will not be achieved under the performance based pay program.

Aircraft Maintenance

Aircraft maintenance expense ~~increased~~decreased by ~~$21~~$5 million, or 7%4%, during the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2019~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2018.~~2019. The ~~increase~~decrease is primarily due to ~~heavier volumes from the timing of maintenance~~fewer engine events ~~specifically from our Airbus aircraft,~~ as compared to the ~~prior-year period.~~prior year, as well as lower power-by-the-hour expense on reduced March 2020 utilization of covered aircraft.

~~For~~We expect lower aircraft maintenance expense for the full year ~~we expect~~on reduced aircraft ~~maintenance~~utilization and parking of certain aircraft.

Selling Expense

Selling expense ~~to be approximately 2 - 3% higher than in 2018, for the reasons mentioned above.~~

~~Aircraft Rent~~

~~Aircraft rent expense increased~~decreased by ~~$14~~$17 million, or 6%24%, during the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2019~~2020 compared to the same period in ~~2018,~~2019, primarily due to ~~the annualization of expense for our leased E175s under our CPA agreement with SkyWest,~~decreased media, advertising and ~~leased A321neos delivered in 2018 and 2019.~~

~~For the full year, we expect aircraft rent expense to be approximately 5 - 6% higher than in 2018, for the reasons mentioned above.~~

~~Contracted Services~~

~~Contracted services decreased by $13 million, or 6%, during the first nine months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. This decrease is primarily a result of lower contractor and consulting~~sponsorship spend ~~due to the timing of certain project work and an overall reduction in pricing from many of our vendor partners.~~

~~For the full year, we expect contracted services expense to be approximately 6 - 7% lower than in 2018, for the reasons mentioned above.~~

~~Depreciation and Amortization~~

Depreciation and amortization increased $27 million, or 9%, during the first nine months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to the addition of 14 owned E175s and six owned B737-900ERs to our fleet since the third quarter of 2018.

~~For the full year, we expect depreciation and amortization to be approximately 8 - 9% higher than 2018 for the reasons mentioned above.~~

~~Third-party Regional Carrier Expense~~

Third-party regional carrier expense, which represents payments made to SkyWest and PenAir under our CPAs, increased $11 million, or 10%, during the first nine months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The increase is primarily due to a 6.4% increase in capacity flown by SkyWest as compared to the prior year. Additionally, we had lower distribution costs in-line with the overall reduced bookings cause by the COVID-19 pandemic.

~~For~~We expect full year selling expense will decrease in-line with the reduction to revenue as a result of reduced distribution costs on lower bookings, as well as reduced sponsorship costs.

Special Items - Impairment and other charges

We recorded impairment and other charges of $160 million in the first quarter of 2020, driven by our current expectation of decreased future cash flows stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Impairment and other charges primarily consist of the full ~~year,~~write-down of the operating lease asset and related spare inventory and parts for certain Airbus aircraft which were permanently parked, the write-down of our owned Q400 fleet to fair value, and the full write-off of gate assets at Dallas Love Field.

Additional impairment charges may be recorded as we ~~expect third-party regional carrier expense to be higher than 2018 due to increased flying by our regional partners.~~execute further capacity reductions beyond those already scheduled and potentially permanently park additional aircraft.

Special ~~Items—Merger-Related~~Items - Merger-related Costs

We recorded special items of ~~$39~~$3 million in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2019~~2020 for merger-related costs associated with our acquisition of Virgin America, compared to ~~$67~~$26 million in the ~~first nine months~~same period of ~~2018.~~2019. Costs incurred in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2019 are~~2020 consist primarily ~~a result~~ of ~~expenses associated with Airbus flight attendant and pilot vacation balances, which were subject to a one-time true-up in accordance with the integrated labor agreements, as well as~~ certain technology integration costs. ~~We expect to incur merger-related costs for the remainder of 2019, although at a lesser rate.~~

ADDITIONAL SEGMENT INFORMATION

Refer to Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements for a detailed description of each segment. Below is a summary of each segment's profitability.

Mainline

Mainline ~~adjusted~~recorded a pretax ~~profit was $761~~loss of $85 million in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2019,~~2020, compared to ~~$671~~a pretax profit of $49 million in the ~~same period in 2018.~~first quarter of 2019. The ~~$90~~$134 million ~~increase in~~shift to pretax ~~profit~~loss was primarily driven by a ~~$192~~$188 million decrease in Passenger revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a slight increase in ~~Mainline~~non-fuel operating ~~revenue and~~expenses, offset by a ~~$46~~$45 million decrease in economic fuel cost.

The decrease in Mainline passenger revenue for the first quarter of 2020 was primarily driven by a 14% decline in traffic on a 1% decrease in capacity. The overall decrease in both traffic and capacity are driven by the significant reduction in demand and close-in cancellations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lower raw fuel prices, combined with a slight decrease in gallons consumed, drove the decline in Mainline fuel expense. ~~These improvements were primarily offset by a $153 million increase in Mainline non-fuel operating expenses.~~

~~As compared to the prior year, increased Mainline revenues are primarily attributable to a 3% increase in yields, driven by our revenue initiatives and pricing improvements in many of our markets.~~ Non-fuel operating expenses increased ~~primarily~~slightly due to ~~increased aircraft ownership,~~higher wages and benefits as a result of new wage rates following the mid-2019 ratification of new contracts for certain labor groups. Increased wages were offset by decreased variable pay, maintenance ~~costs~~and selling expenses as ~~compared to the prior year. Lower raw fuel prices drove the decrease in Mainline fuel expense.~~described further above.

Regional

~~Our~~ Regional operations ~~broke even~~generated a pretax loss of $73 million in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2019,~~2020, compared to a pretax loss of ~~$82~~$35 million in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2018.~~2019. The ~~improvement~~increase in the pretax loss was attributable to a ~~$161~~$47 million ~~increase~~decline in operating revenues, partially offset by a ~~$28~~$4 million ~~increase~~decrease in fuel costs and ~~a $62~~an $5 million ~~increase~~decrease in non-fuel operating expenses.

Regional passenger revenue decreased 16% compared to the first quarter of 2019, primarily driven by a 16% decline in traffic on a 2% decrease in capacity. The ~~increase~~overall decrease in both traffic and capacity are driven by the significant reduction in demand and close-in cancellations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decrease in non-fuel operating expenses is primarily due to the ~~15% increase~~2% decline in ~~capacity.~~capacity, as well as elimination of costs for PenAir flying in the state of Alaska.

Horizon

Horizon achieved a pretax profit of ~~$33~~$8 million in the first ~~nine months~~quarter of ~~2019,~~2020, compared to a pretax profit of ~~$20~~$12 million in the ~~same period in 2018,~~first quarter of 2019. Decreased profit is primarily driven by decreased passenger revenues due to ~~improved cost management through better productivity~~a reduction in flying resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, offset by lower maintenance and ~~improved operational performance.~~other operating costs as compared to the prior year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

~~Our primary sources~~As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken, and will continue to take action to reduce costs, increase liquidity ~~are:~~and help to preserve the relative strength of our balance sheet. During the first quarter, we took the following actions:

~~Our~~•Drew $400 million on our existing ~~cash~~line of credit facilities, and ~~marketable securities balance~~raised $425 million from a 364-day term loan facility;

•Suspended our share repurchase program and quarterly dividend indefinitely;

•Reduced planned capital expenditures by nearly $600 million for 2020, including suspension of ~~$1.6 billion,~~pre-delivery payments and deferral of non-essential capital projects;

The Company has significant remaining borrowing capacity, supported by its 106 unencumbered aircraft, real estate and slot assets, and our ~~expected cash~~loyalty program. Although we have no plans to access equity markets at this time, we believe our equity would be of high interest to investors. In April 2020, we obtained additional secured debt financing of $50 million, which is secured by two aircraft.

Subsequent to quarter end, the Company obtained funds from ~~operations;~~

~~Our 123 unencumbered aircraft that could~~the Payroll Support Program (PSP). Under the PSP, we received $992 million on April 23, 2020, which will be ~~financed, if necessary;~~

~~Our combined bank line-of-credit facilities, with no outstanding borrowings,~~used to cover wages and benefits at Alaska and Horizon. The CARES Act also allows for the deferral of ~~$400 million.~~

~~During~~payment for the ~~nine months ended September 30, 2019, we took free~~employer portion of social security taxes through the end of 2020, and ~~clear delivery of four B737-900ER and four E175 aircraft. We made net debt payments totaling $396 million, including the prepayment~~a waiver of certain transportation taxes on air travel.

In April 2020, we applied for additional loans ~~offset~~available to us under the CARES Act, which enables Alaska and Horizon to access up to $1.1 billion of additional financing should we so choose.

To preserve liquidity, we are focused on reducing cash burn as quickly as possible. We have successfully reduced our monthly cash burn rate from $400 million at the end of March, to $260 million in April, with the goal of reaching $200 million by June. We define cash burn as all cash flows, excluding the impact of any CARES Act funding or proceeds from new borrowings, undertaken as part of our broader plan of reducing balance sheet leverage and lowering interest expense. We also continued to return capital to our shareholders by paying dividends totaling $129 million and repurchasing $53 million of our common stock.borrowings.

The table below presents the major indicators of financial condition and liquidity:


(in millions)	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019			Change
Cash and marketable securities	$	2,125		$	1,521		40 %
Cash, marketable securities, and unused lines of credit as a percentage of trailing twelve months' revenue	30		%	22		%	8 pts
Total debt	2,262			1,499			51 %
Shareholders’ equity	$	4,015		$	4,331		(7)%

(in millions) September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Change
Cash and marketable securities $ 1,619
$ 1,236
31 %
Cash, marketable securities, and unused lines of credit as a percentage of trailing twelve months' revenue 23 % 20 % 3 pts
Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 1,444
$ 1,617
(11)%
Shareholders’ equity $ 4,252
$ 3,751
13%


Debt-to-capitalization, adjusted for operating leases
(in millions)	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019			Change
Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	1,203		$	1,264		(5)%
Capitalized operating leases	1,641			1,708			(4)%
COVID-19 related borrowings^(a)	825			—			NM
Adjusted debt	$	3,669		$	2,972		23%
Shareholders' equity	4,015			4,331			(7)%
Total invested capital	$	7,684		$	7,303		5%

Debt-to-capitalization, including operating leases	48		%	41		%	7 pts

(a)To best reflect our leverage at March 31, 2020, we included the borrowings stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic in the above calculation, although these borrowings are classified as current in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Debt-to-capitalization, adjusted for operating leases
(in millions) September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Change
Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 1,444
$ 1,617
(11)%
Capitalized operating leases^(a)
1,644
1,768

^(a)
Adjusted debt $ 3,088
$ 3,385
(9)%
Shareholders' equity 4,252
3,751
13%
Total invested capital $ 7,340
$ 7,136
3%

Debt-to-capitalization, including operating leases 42 % 47 % (5) pts


Net adjusted debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, special items and rent
(in millions)	March 31, 2020
Adjusted debt	$	3,669
Current portion of long-term debt, net of COVID-19 related borrowings	234
Total adjusted debt	3,903
Less: Cash and marketable securities	(2,125)
Net adjusted debt	$	1,778

~~(a)~~(in millions)	Following the adoption of the new lease accounting standard on January 1, 2019, this represents the total capitalized Operating lease liability, whereas prior year periods were calculated utilizing the present value of aircraft lease payments. This change had no meaningful impact to the ratio.

~~We expect our debt-to-capitalization ratio to be approximately 41% by December.~~

Net adjusted debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, special items and rent
(in millions) September 30, 2019
Adjusted debt $ 3,088
Current portion of long-term debt 265
Total adjusted debt 3,353
Less: Cash and marketable securities (1,619 )
Net adjusted debt $ 1,734

(in millions) Last Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2019
GAAP Operating Income^(a)
$ 857
Adjusted for:

Special items 79
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments 51
Depreciation and amortization 425
Aircraft rent 329
EBITDAR $ 1,741

Net adjusted debt to EBITDAR 1.0x

	Last Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2020
GAAP Operating Income^(a)		~~Operating income can be reconciled using the trailing twelve month operating income as filed quarterly with the SEC.~~$	717
Adjusted for:
Special items		181
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments		7
Depreciation and amortization		425
Aircraft rent		329
EBITDAR		$	1,659
Net adjusted debt to EBITDAR		1.1x

(a)Operating income can be reconciled using the trailing twelve month operating income as filed quarterly with the SEC.

The following discussion summarizes the primary drivers of the increase in our cash and marketable securities balance and our expectation of future cash requirements.

ANALYSIS OF OUR CASH FLOWS

Cash ~~Provided by~~Used in Operating Activities

For the first ~~nine~~three months of ~~2019,~~2020, net cash provided by operating activities was ~~$1.4 billion,~~$33 million, compared to ~~$986~~$468 million during the same period in ~~2018.~~2019. The ~~$395~~$435 million ~~increase~~decrease in our operating cash flows is primarily attributable to a ~~$174~~$236 million ~~increase~~decline in net income, as well as significant cash refund activity during the quarter, and a ~~greater increase~~decline in ~~our air traffic liability and higher depreciation and amortization expense in 2019~~advance bookings as compared to the same period in ~~2018. These increases were offset by~~the prior year, both as a ~~$65 million voluntary pension contribution made in~~result of the ~~third quarter of 2019.~~COVID-19 pandemic.

~~We typically generate positive cash flows from operations and expect to use that cash flow to purchase aircraft and capital equipment, make scheduled debt payments, and return capital to shareholders.~~

Cash Used in Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was ~~$708~~$127 million during the first ~~nine~~three months of ~~2019,~~2020, compared to ~~$333~~$186 million during the same period of ~~2018. Our capital expenditures were $527 million~~2019. The decrease to cash used in ~~the first nine months of 2019, a decrease of $27 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018. This~~investing activities is primarily ~~driven by lower cash outlays for deliveries of and advance deposits on aircraft~~due to a reduction in ~~2019 as compared to the same period of 2018. Our~~ net purchases of marketable securities, which were ~~$218~~$16 million in the first ~~nine~~three months of ~~2019,~~2020, compared to ~~net sales of $185~~$76 million in the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~September 30, 2018.~~March 31, 2019. The ~~shift to~~decrease in net purchases is primarily driven by ~~stronger operating~~the need to utilize previously invested cash ~~flows as compared~~ to ~~2018. Internally, we analyze~~fund operations and ~~manage our cash and marketable securities balance in the aggregate.~~provide customer refunds.

The table below reflects our full-year expectation for capital expenditures based on our current intentions. It does not reflect our actual contractual obligations at this time, nor does it reflect the capital expenditures that would be incurred if we exercised options or cancelable purchase commitments that are available to us. We have options to acquire 37 B737 aircraft with deliveries from 2021 through 2024, and options to acquire 30 E175 aircraft with deliveries in 2021 to 2023. Options will be exercised only if we believe return on invested capital targets can be met. The table below excludes any associated capitalized interest.

(in millions) 2019 2020
Expected capital expenditures $ 700
$ 775

Cash Used in Financing Activities

Cash ~~used in~~from financing activities was ~~$538~~$684 million during the first ~~nine~~three months of ~~2019~~2020 compared to ~~$666~~cash used for financing activities of $171 million during the same period in ~~2018.~~2019. During the first ~~nine~~three months of ~~2019,~~2020, we ~~made~~had proceeds from debt issuances of $825 million. These proceeds were partially offset by debt payments of ~~$752~~$60 million, ~~including the prepayment of $532 million of debt,~~ dividend payments totaling ~~$129~~$45 million, and ~~had $53~~$31 million in common stock repurchases. ~~These payments were partially offset by the receipt of funds from new secured debt financing of $356 million in the first nine months of 2019.~~

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

Aircraft Commitments

As of ~~September 30, 2019,~~March 31, 2020, we have firm orders to purchase ~~or lease 36~~35 aircraft. WeAlaska also ~~have~~has cancelable purchase commitments for 30 Airbus A320neo with deliveries from 2023 through 2025. We could incur a loss of pre-delivery payments and credits as a cancellation fee. WeAlaska also ~~have~~has options to acquire 37 B737 aircraft with deliveries from 2021 through 2024, and Horizon has options to acquire 30 E175 aircraft with deliveries from 2021 through 2023. In addition to the 32 E175 aircraft currently operated by SkyWest in our regional fleet, ~~we have~~Alaska has options in future periods to add regional capacity by having SkyWest operate up to eight more E175 aircraft. Options will be exercised only if we believe return on invested capital targets can be met.

~~The following~~Given the drastically reduced demand for air travel as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently evaluating our overall fleet strategy and long-term plan. It is probable that the current outlook as stated below will change significantly. This table ~~summarizes expected~~represents anticipated fleet activity by year as of ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2020:


	Actual Fleet	Anticipated Fleet Activity
Aircraft	March 31, 2020	2020 Additions	2020 Removals	December 31, 2020	2021 Changes	December 31, 2021
B737 Freighters	3	—	—	3	—	3
B737 Passenger Aircraft^(a)	163	3	—	166	14	180
Airbus Passenger Aircraft^(b)	59	—	—	59	(7)	52
Total Mainline Fleet	225	3	—	228	7	235
Q400 operated by Horizon	32	—	—	32	—	32
E175 operated by Horizon	30	—	—	30	—	30
E175 operated by third party	32	—	—	32	—	32
Total Regional Fleet	94	—	—	94	—	94
Total	319	3	—	322	7	329

(a)The three B737 MAX9 aircraft reflected in 2020 were originally contracted for delivery in 2019 and ~~are subject~~delayed due to ~~change:~~the MAX grounding. Seven B737 MAX9 deliveries originally contracted for 2020 have been shifted to 2021 based on our current estimate of expected delivery dates.

(b)Actual fleet at March 31, 2020, excludes 12 Airbus aircraft permanently parked in response to COVID-19 capacity reductions.

Actual Fleet Expected Fleet Activity
Aircraft September 30, 2019 2019 Additions 2019 Removals December 31, 2019 2020 Changes December 31, 2020
B737 Freighters 3
—
—
3
—
3
B737 Passenger Aircraft^(a)
163
1
—
164
9
173
Airbus Passenger Aircraft 72
1
(2 ) 71
(1 ) 70
Total Mainline Fleet 238
2
(2 ) 238
8
246
Q400 operated by Horizon^(b)
32
2
(1 ) 33
(1 ) 32
E175 operated by Horizon 30
—
—
30
—
30
E175 operated by third party 32
—
—
32
—
32
Total Regional Fleet 94
2
(1 ) 95
(1 ) 94
Total 332
4
(3 ) 333
7
340


~~(a)~~	Two of the three B737 MAX9 aircraft that were originally scheduled for delivery in 2019 have been shifted to 2020 in light of the MAX grounding, based on our current estimate of the expected delivery dates.


~~(b)~~	~~Two Q400 aircraft that were previously removed from our operating fleet will be returning to revenue service. We expect these additions to occur in late 2019.~~

For future firm orders and option exercises, we may finance the aircraft through cash flow from operations, long-term debt, or lease arrangements.

Fuel Hedge Positions

All of our future oil positions are call options, which are designed to effectively cap the cost of the crude oil component of our jet fuel purchases. With call options, we are hedged against volatile crude oil price increases. During a period of decline in crude oil prices, we only forfeit cash previously paid for hedge premiums. We typically hedge up to 50% of our expected consumption. However, given the sharp decline in demand and our capacity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently overhedged relative to our target of 50% of consumption through the remainder of 2020. Our crude oil positions are as follows:


	Approximate Gallons Hedged (in millions)	Weighted-Average Crude Oil Price per Barrel	Average Premium Cost per Barrel


Second Quarter 2020	115	$67	$2
Third Quarter 2020	115	$66	$2
Fourth Quarter 2020	85	$64	$2
Full Year 2020	315	$66	$2
First Quarter 2021	60	$62	$2
Second Quarter 2021	45	$63	$2
Third Quarter 2021	25	$61	$2
Total 2021	130	$62	$2

Approximate % of Expected Fuel Requirements Weighted-Average Crude Oil Price per Barrel Average Premium Cost per Barrel
Remainder 2019 50 % $ 74
$ 2
First Quarter 2020 50 % 70
2
Second Quarter 2020 40 % 68
2
Third Quarter 2020 30 % 68
2
Fourth Quarter 2020 20 % 66
2
Full Year 2020 35 % $ 68
$ 2
First Quarter 2021 10 % 63
2
Full Year 2021 2 % $ 63
$ 2

Contractual Obligations

The following table provides a summary of our contractual obligations as of ~~September 30, 2019~~.March 31, 2020. For agreements with variable terms, amounts included reflect our minimum obligations.


(in millions)	Remainder of 2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		Beyond 2024		Total
Current and long-term debt obligations	$	577	$	706	$	243	$	173	$	153	$	418	$	2,270
Aircraft lease commitments	243		295		269		212		160		660		1,839
Facility lease commitments	8		8		7		7		7		85		122
Aircraft maintenance deposits	38		55		47		24		6		2		172
Aircraft purchase commitments	416		556		340		200		27		26		1,565
Interest obligations ^(a)	45		36		25		20		15		22		163
Other obligations ^(b)	115		173		181		186		193		885		1,733
Total	$	1,442	$	1,829	$	1,112	$	822	$	561	$	2,098	$	7,864

(a)For variable-rate debt, future obligations are shown above using forecasted interest rates as of March 31, 2020.

(b)Primarily comprised of non-aircraft lease costs associated with capacity purchase agreements.

(in millions) Remainder of 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Beyond 2023 Total
Current and long-term debt obligations $ 63
$ 268
$ 313
$ 274
$ 234
$ 565
$ 1,717
Aircraft lease commitments 83
313
275
250
195
738
1,854
Facility lease commitments 3
10
9
6
6
89
123
Aircraft maintenance deposits 16
73
63
54
29
10
245
Aircraft purchase commitments 111
504
475
333
194
36
1,653
Interest obligations ^(a)
14
48
39
29
23
38
191
Other obligations ^(b)
34
152
173
181
186
1,079
1,805
Total $ 324
$ 1,368
$ 1,347
$ 1,127
$ 867
$ 2,555
$ 7,588


~~(a)~~	~~For variable-rate debt, future obligations are shown above using forecasted interest rates as of September 30, 2019.~~


~~(b)~~	~~Primarily comprised of non-aircraft lease costs associated with capacity purchase agreements.~~

Subsequent to March 31, 2020, the Company renegotiated scheduled payments with certain lessors and vendor partners, including the reduction of minimum obligations. The Company has also deferred 2020 aircraft payments, including those related to the B737 MAX9, to periods beyond 2020.

Credit Card Agreements

We have agreements with a number of credit card companies to process the sale of tickets and other services. Under these agreements, there are material adverse change clauses that, if triggered, could result in the credit card companies holding back a reserve from our credit card receivables. Under one such agreement, we could be required to maintain a reserve if our credit rating is downgraded to or below a rating specified by the agreement or our cash and marketable securities balance fell below ~~$500 million~~.$500 million. Under another such agreement, we could be required to maintain a reserve if our cash and marketable securities balance fell below ~~$500 million~~.$500 million. We are not currently required to maintain any reserve under these agreements, but if we were, our financial position and liquidity could be materially harmed.

Deferred Income Taxes

For federal income tax purposes, the majority of our assets are fully depreciated over a seven-year life using an accelerated depreciation method or bonus depreciation, if available. For financial reporting purposes, the majority of our assets are depreciated over 15 to 25 years to an estimated salvage value using the straight-line basis. This difference has created a significant deferred tax liability. At some point in the future the depreciation basis will reverse, potentially resulting in an increase in income taxes paid.

While it is possible that we could have material cash obligations for this deferred liability at some point in the future, we cannot estimate the timing of long-term cash flows with reasonable accuracy. Taxable income and cash taxes payable in the short-term

are impacted by many items, including the amount of book income generated (which can be volatile depending on revenue and fuel prices), usage of net operating losses, whether "bonus depreciation" provisions are available, any future tax reform efforts at the federal level, as well as other legislative changes that are beyond our control. We ~~believe~~expect that weour 2020 cash tax rate will ~~have~~be close to zero, given our current expectation of operating losses for the ~~liquidity available to make our future tax payments.~~remainder of the year.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting estimates during the three months ended ~~September 30, 2019.~~March 31, 2020. For information on our critical accounting estimates, see Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2018.~~2019 and Note 2, "COVID-19," for discussion about the estimates used in the Company's impairment analyses.

GLOSSARY OF AIRLINE TERMS

Aircraft Utilization - block hours per day; this represents the average number of hours per day our aircraft are in transit

Aircraft Stage Length - represents the average miles flown per aircraft departure

ASMs - available seat miles, or “capacity”; represents total seats available across the fleet multiplied by the number of miles flown

CASM - operating costs per ASM, or "unit cost"; represents all operating expenses including fuel and special items

CASMex - operating costs excluding fuel and special items per ASM; this metric is used to help track progress toward reduction of non-fuel operating costs since fuel is largely out of our control

Debt-to-capitalization ratio - represents adjusted debt (long-term debt plus capitalized operating leases) divided by total equity plus adjusted debt

Diluted Earnings per Share - represents earnings per share (EPS) using fully diluted shares outstanding

Diluted Shares - represents the total number of shares that would be outstanding if all possible sources of conversion, such as stock options, were exercised

Economic Fuel - best estimate of the cash cost of fuel, net of the impact of settled fuel-hedging contracts in the period

Free Cash Flow - total operating cash flow generated less cash paid for capital expenditures

Load Factor - RPMs as a percentage of ASMs; represents the number of available seats that were filled with paying passengers

Mainline - represents flying Boeing 737, Airbus 320 family and Airbus 321neo jets and all associated revenues and costs

Net adjusted debt - long-term debt, including current portion, plus capitalized operating leases, less cash and marketable securities

Net adjusted debt to EBITDAR - represents net adjusted debt divided by EBITDAR (trailing twelve months earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, special items and rent)

Productivity - number of revenue passengers per full-time equivalent employee

RASM - operating revenue per ASMs, or "unit revenue"; operating revenue includes all passenger revenue, freight & mail, Mileage Plan™ and other ancillary revenue; represents the average total revenue for flying one seat one mile

Regional - represents capacity purchased by Alaska from Horizon, SkyWest and PenAir. In this segment, Regional records actual on-board passenger revenue, less costs such as fuel, distribution costs, and payments made to Horizon, SkyWest and PenAir under the respective capacity ~~purchase~~purchased arrangement ~~(CPAs)~~(CPA). Additionally, Regional includes an allocation of corporate overhead such as IT, finance, and other administrative costs incurred by Alaska and on behalf of Horizon.

RPMs - revenue passenger miles, or "traffic"; represents the number of seats that were filled with paying passengers; one passenger traveling one mile is one RPM

Yield - passenger revenue per RPM; represents the average revenue for flying one passenger one mile



ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided in Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2018~~.2019.



ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of ~~September 30, 2019~~,March 31, 2020, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer (collectively, our “certifying officers”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in our periodic reports filed with or submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC's rules and forms, and includes, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our certifying officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our certifying officers concluded, based on their evaluation, that disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of ~~September 30, 2019~~.March 31, 2020.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended ~~September 30, 2019~~,March 31, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

Our internal control over financial reporting is based on the 2013 framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO Framework).

PART II



ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are a party to routine litigation matters incidental to our business. Management believes the ultimate disposition of these matters is not likely to materially affect our financial position or results of operations. This forward-looking statement is based on management’s current understanding of the relevant law and facts, and it is subject to various contingencies, including the potential costs and risks associated with litigation and the actions of judges and juries.



ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

~~There~~Except for the additional risk factors below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors affecting our business, financial condition or future results from those set forth in Item 1A."Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2018~~2019.

The global pandemic caused by COVID-19, and related measures implemented to combat its spread has had, and is expected to continue to have, a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations, financial position and liquidity.

In late 2019, an outbreak of novel coronavirus and its resulting disease (COVID-19) was detected in Wuhan, China. Since that time, COVID-19 has spread rapidly throughout the globe, including within the United States, where over one million cases have been positively diagnosed to date. In March 2020, the President of the United States declared a national emergency in response to the rapid spread, and all markets we serve have implemented some measure of travel restriction or stay-at-home order. These orders, combined with a wariness among the public of travel by aircraft due to perceived risk of infection, have resulted in an unprecedented decline in business and leisure travel. Cancellations of conventions and conferences, sporting events, concerts and other similar events, as well as the closure of popular tourist destinations, have contributed to this decline. This reduction in demand has materially negatively impacted our revenues and results of operations. As there is no indication of when these restrictions may be lifted or when demand may return, we expect to continue to see negative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on our business.

In response to the pandemic, we have implemented and continue to implement a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the impacts on our business. This strategy may itself have negative impacts on our business and operations. One such action is the waiver of change fees and the ability to rebook travel for an extended period beyond standard rebooking terms. The loss of change fee revenue, combined with ongoing significant ticket cancellation activity, has adversely impacted our revenues and liquidity, and we expect such impacts to continue if governmental authorities extend existing travel restriction or stay-at-home orders or

impose new orders or other restrictions intended to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, if businesses continue to restrict nonessential travel for their employees, or if the perceived risk of infection persists.

We have also implemented significant cash preservation and cost reduction strategies in response to the impacts of COVID-19. These strategies include, but are not limited to, capital expenditure reductions, hiring freezes, solicitation of voluntary leaves of absence and renegotiation of contractual terms and conditions. These measures, while helpful in slowing the rate at which we utilize our cash, are not expected to fully recover the loss of cash as a result of decreased ticket sales.

The Company may also experience significant supply chain disruptions as the COVID-19 pandemic may also adversely impact our suppliers. See “Item 1A., Risk Factors – We are dependent on a limited number of suppliers for aircraft and parts” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of risks related to the Company’s dependence on a limited number of suppliers. Should COVID-19 cause our limited vendors to have performance problems, reduced or ceased operations, or bankruptcies, or other events causing them to be unable to fulfill their commitments to us, our operations and business could be materially adversely affected.

At this time, we are unable to predict what impact the pandemic will have on future customer behavior. Future business travel may be impacted by widespread use of videoconferencing or the reduction of business travel budgets. Travelers may also become more reluctant in general to travel. In addition, the Company has incurred, and will continue to incur COVID-19 related costs for enhanced aircraft cleaning and additional procedures to limit transmission among employees and guests. Although these procedures are elective, the industry may in the future be subject to further cleaning and safety measures, which may be costly and take a significant amount of time to implement. These contingencies, individually and combined, could have a material adverse impact on our business. See “Item 1A., Risk Factors – Economic uncertainty, or another recession, would likely impact demand for our product and could harm our financial condition and results of operations.” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of the Company’s vulnerability to a general economic downturn or recession.

We have a significant amount of debt and fixed obligations and have incurred substantial incremental debt in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These obligations could lead to liquidity restraints and have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

We carry, and will continue to carry for the foreseeable future, a substantial amount of debt related to aircraft lease and financing commitments, as well as non-cancelable commitments for airport and facility leases, maintenance and other obligations. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have incurred and continue to seek new financing sources to fund our operations while demand remains at an unprecedented low level and for the unknown duration of any economic recovery period. Further, as we incur incremental obligations, issuers may require future debt agreements to contain more restrictive covenants or require additional collateral beyond historical market terms which may further restrict our ability to successfully access capital.

Although we have historically been able to generate sufficient cash flow from our operations to pay our debt and other fixed obligations when they become due, the impacts of COVID-19, or from other risks as described in “Item 1A., Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, may prohibit us from doing so in the future and may adversely affect our overall liquidity.

We have accepted certain conditions by accepting funding under the Payroll Support Program of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law and provides the Company with the ability to access liquidity in the form of grants, loans, loan guarantees and other investments by the U.S. government.

In April 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air entered agreements with the United States Department of the Treasury (the Treasury) to secure funding under the Payroll Support Program (PSP) of the CARES Act. Alaska and Horizon agreed to use PSP funds exclusively for employee payroll and benefits expenses through at least September 30, 2020. Our aggregate receipts from the PSP total approximately $992 million, of which $267 million is in the form of an unsecured senior term loan payable over ten years.Additionally, the government received warrants to purchase 846,748 non-voting shares of the Company’s common stock. On April 23, 2020, the Company received full disbursement of the PSP funds.

Our PSP funding is subject to the following conditions:

•Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air must refrain from conducting involuntary furloughs or reducing employee rates of pay or benefits for non-officer employees through September 30, 2020;

•Executive compensation for officers and employees who earned more than $425,000 in total compensation in 2019 will be subject to maximum limitations through March 24, 2022;

•The Company is prohibited from repurchasing its common stock and from paying dividends on its common stock until September 30, 2021;

•Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air must maintain air service to markets they served as of March 1, 2020, unless exempted by the Department of Transportation, through March 1, 2022; and

•We must maintain certain internal controls and records, and provide any additional reporting required by the U.S. government, relating to PSP funding.

These conditions may affect the profitability of the Company, including through increased compliance costs, and affect retention of key personnel.

In April 2020, the Company and its airline subsidiaries applied for loans under a separate provision of the CARES Act.If we accept funds under the loan program, we will be required to provide additional compensation to the U.S. government and may be subject to conditions beyond those stated above.



ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

This table provides certain information with respect to our purchases of shares of our common stock during the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2019.~~

2020.

Total Number of
Shares Purchased

Average Price
Paid per Share

Maximum remaining
dollar value of shares
that can be purchased
under the plan
(in millions)
July 1, 2019 - July 31, 2019 68,509
$ 64.05

August 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019 279,370
58.99

September 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019 117,475
64.26

Total 465,354
$ 61.06
$ 509


	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Maximum remaining dollar value of shares that can be purchased under the plan (in millions)
January 1, 2020 - January 31, 2020	95,062	$	66.27
February 1, 2020 - February 29, 2020	246,489	61.32
March 1, 2020 - March 31, 2020	196,527	46.96
Total	538,078	$	56.95	$	456

The shares were purchased pursuant to a $1 billion repurchase plan authorized by the Board of Directors in August 2015. In March 2020, the Company suspended the share repurchase program indefinitely.



ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.



ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.



ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.



ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following documents are filed as part of this report:


1.	~~Exhibits:~~ ~~See Exhibit Index.~~

1.Exhibits: See Exhibit Index.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.

~~ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.~~

/s/ CHRISTOPHER M. BERRY
Christopher M. Berry
Vice President Finance and Controller

~~November 7, 2019~~May 14, 2020

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit
Description

Form

Date of First Filing

Exhibit Number

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant

10-Q

August 3, 2017

3.1

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant

8-K

December 9, 2015

3.2

4.1†

Description of Capital Stock

10-Q

4.2†

Closing Date Warrant to Purchase Common Stock, dated April 23, 2020

10-Q

4.3†

Promissory Note, dated April 23, 2020 by Alaska Airlines, Inc., issuer, and each of Alaska Air Group, Inc. and Horizon Air Industries, Inc., as guarantors

10-Q

10.1†

Payroll Support Program Agreement, dated April 23, 2020, between Alaska Airlines, Inc. and the United States Department of the Treasury

10-Q

10.2†

Joinder Agreement to the Payroll Support Program Agreement, dated April 23, 2020, between Horizon Air Industries, Inc. and the United States Department of the Treasury

10-Q

10.3†

Warrant Agreement, dated April 23, 2020, between Alaska Air Group, Inc. and the United States Department of the Treasury

10-Q

10.4†

$425,000,000 364-Day Term Loan Agreement among Alaska Airlines, Inc., the Banks party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and BofA Securities, Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as Sole Bookrunner, dated March 25, 2020

10-Q

10.5†

Alaska Air Group, Inc. Non-Employee Director Form of Deferred Stock Unit Agreement

10-Q

10.6†

Alaska Air Group Operational Performance Rewards Plan Description, adopted January 3, 2005; Amended May 7, 2020

10-Q

31.1†

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

10-Q

31.2†

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

10-Q

32.1†

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

10-Q

32.2†

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

10-Q

101.INS†

XBRL Instance Document - The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.

101.SCH†

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL†

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF†

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB†

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE†

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

†

Filed herewith

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan arrangement

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
Description
Form Date of First Filing Exhibit Number
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant
10-Q August 3, 2017 3.1
31.1†
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
10-Q
31.2†
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
10-Q
32.1†
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
10-Q
32.2†
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
10-Q
101.INS† XBRL Instance Document - The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.
101.SCH† XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL† XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF† XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB† XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE† XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

† Filed herewith
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan arrangement



PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	4
ITEM 1.	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	4
ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	2321
ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK	4136
ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	4237
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION	4338
ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	4338
ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS	4338
ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	4340
ITEM 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	4340
ITEM 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	4440
ITEM 5.	OTHER INFORMATION	4440
ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS	4441
	SIGNATURES	4441



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except per share amounts)	2019			2018			2019			2018
Operating Revenues
Passenger revenue	$	2,211		$	2,043		6,038			5,724
Mileage Plan other revenue	118			114			346			329
Cargo and other	60			55			169			147
Total Operating Revenues	2,389			2,212			6,553			6,200
Operating Expenses
Wages and benefits	608			549			1,732			1,629
Variable incentive pay	46			27			125			104
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	486			513			1,408			1,397
Aircraft maintenance	106			107			341			320
Aircraft rent	82			82			247			233
Landing fees and other rentals	143			135			388			371
Contracted services	72			70			214			227
Selling expenses	77			79			236			245
Depreciation and amortization	106			99			317			290
Food and beverage service	57			53			159			158
Third-party regional carrier expense	42			38			125			114
Other	137			141			411			423
Special items - merger-related costs	5			22			39			67
Special items - other	—			—			—			25
Total Operating Expenses	1,967			1,915			5,742			5,603
Operating Income	422			297			811			597
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	11			11			31			29
Interest expense	(18		)	(22		)	(60		)	(71		)
Interest capitalized	4			5			11			14
Other—net	(3		)	(7		)	(20		)	(20		)
Total Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(6		)	(13		)	(38		)	(48		)
Income Before Income Tax	416			284			773			549
Income tax expense	94			67			185			135
Net Income	$	322		$	217		$	588		$	414

Basic Earnings Per Share:	$	2.61		$	1.76		$	4.76		$	3.36
Diluted Earnings Per Share:	$	2.60		$	1.75		$	4.74		$	3.34
Shares used for computation:
Basic	123.280			123.224			123.330			123.216
Diluted	124.067			123.864			124.051			123.804



	Total
Remainder of 2019	$	63
2020	268
2021	313
2022	274
2023	234
Thereafter	565
Total	$	1,717



	Operating lease assets
Aircraft	$	974
CPA aircraft	609
Airport and terminal facilities	18
Corporate real estate and other	46
Total Operating lease assets	$	1,647



	Classification	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Expense
Aircraft	Aircraft rent	$	62		$	186
CPA aircraft	Aircraft rent	20			61
Airport and terminal facilities	Landing fees and other rentals	87			233
Corporate real estate and other	Landing fees and other rentals	5			14
Total lease expense		$	174		$	494
Revenue
Lease income	Cargo and other revenues	(3		)	(9		)
Net lease impact		$	171		$	485



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Cash paid for capitalized operating leases	$	259
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$	47



	Weighted Average IBR		Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Aircraft	4.1	%	6.7
CPA aircraft	4.3	%	9.5
Airports and terminal facilities	4.1	%	10.2
Corporate real estate and other	4.3	%	36.4



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating & Other^(a)			Air Group Adjusted^(b)			Special Items^(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	1,727		$	316		$	—		$	—		$	2,043		$	—		$	2,043
CPA revenues	—			—			128			(128		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	104			10			—			—			114			—			114
Cargo and other	53			—			2			—			55			—			55
Total operating revenues	1,884			326			130			(128		)	2,212			—			2,212
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,126			267			118			(131		)	1,380			22			1,402
Economic fuel	438			70			—			—			508			5			513
Total operating expenses	1,564			337			118			(131		)	1,888			27			1,915
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	15			—			—			(4		)	11			—			11
Interest expense	(20		)	—			(6		)	4			(22		)	—			(22		)
Interest capitalized	4			—			1			—			5			—			5
Other - net	(5		)	(2		)	—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(6		)	(2		)	(5		)	—			(13		)	—			(13		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	314		$	(13	)	$	7		$	3		$	311		$	(27	)	$	284



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating & Other^(a)			Air Group Adjusted^(b)			Special Items^(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	4,879		$	845		$	—		$	—		$	5,724		$	—		$	5,724
CPA revenues	—			—			375			(375		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	301			28			—			—			329			—			329
Cargo and other	142			1			4			—			147			—			147
Total operating revenues	5,322			874			379			(375		)	6,200			—			6,200
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	3,392			755			345			(378		)	4,114			92			4,206
Economic fuel	1,237			190			—			—			1,427			(30		)	1,397
Total operating expenses	4,629			945			345			(378		)	5,541			62			5,603
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	39			—			—			(10		)	29			—			29
Interest expense	(64		)	—			(16		)	9			(71		)	—			(71		)
Interest capitalized	12			—			2			—			14			—			14
Other - net	(9		)	(11		)	—			—			(20		)	—			(20		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(22		)	(11		)	(14		)	(1		)	(48		)	—			(48		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	671		$	(82	)	$	20		$	2		$	611		$	(62	)	$	549



	Actual Fleet	Expected Fleet Activity
Aircraft	September 30, 2019	2019 Additions	2019 Removals		December 31, 2019	2020 Changes		December 31, 2020
B737 Freighters	3	—	—		3	—		3
B737 Passenger Aircraft^(a)	163	1	—		164	9		173
Airbus Passenger Aircraft	72	1	(2	)	71	(1	)	70
Total Mainline Fleet	238	2	(2	)	238	8		246
Q400 operated by Horizon^(b)	32	2	(1	)	33	(1	)	32
E175 operated by Horizon	30	—	—		30	—		30
E175 operated by third party	32	—	—		32	—		32
Total Regional Fleet	94	2	(1	)	95	(1	)	94
Total	332	4	(3	)	333	7		340