Delta Air Lines has stepped in to take over almost complete financial control of Wheels Up with $500 million in funding, assuming 95 percent ownership of the charter/fractional ownership company. Wheels Up, which currently ranks as the third-largest private aviation provider after NetJets and Flexjet, has faced financial headwinds. Yesterday (Aug. 14), it reported a working capital deficit of $720.8 million in a Form 10-Q filing with the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company also self-reported recurring losses in the first two quarters of this year.
According to online information source Private Jet Card Comparisons, the non-binding agreement with Delta includes “a $400 million term loan and a $100 million liquidity facility from Delta, totaling $500 million to Wheels Up.”
Delta sold its Delta Private Jets unit to Wheels Up in 2020. Prior to the current agreement, the airline was Wheels Up’s largest shareholder, controlling a 20 percent interest. Under terms of the new deal, according to Private Jet Card Comparisons, Wheels Up members can use money they’ve put toward deposits to purchase tickets on Delta flights. Wheels Up customers also earn additional credits in the airline’s SkyMiles frequent flyer program. This can serve Delta, in that it brings a substantial population of sought-after high-end travelers into its customer base.
Conversely, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said, “The partnership will create new opportunities for Wheels Up to drive strategic, operational, and financial improvements for its customers in the months and years ahead.”
I hope this saves them. A lot of good people working there.
Yes, I hope it goes well for all involved. However, they can’t all be good if they are losing $720,000,000.
Delta should buy a refinery next.. oh, wait, nvm.
“This can serve Delta, in that it brings a substantial population of sought-after high-end travelers into its customer base.” Uhmmm, aren’t these the same clients who chose a fractional to begin with to AVOID the airlines? Brilliant move by Delta: bring the clients back in-house then dissolve the fractional and write if off. Geez, I should’ve started my own long ago!
Wow, we have a real business genius here. Do you have a Harvard MBA or Wharton?
Good guesses but neither actually. Just good common sense, a keen eye for the obvious, and gifted with the ability to provoke ignorant douchebags. Good luck with your GED!