ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC. - Quarter Report: 2020 June (Form 10-Q)

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 June 30, 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.)


19300 International Boulevard,			Seattle,			WA			98188

Telephone:

(206)

392-5040

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Ticker Symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common stock, $0.01 par value

ALK

New York Stock Exchange

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 123,639,730 common shares, par value $0.01, outstanding at July 31, 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 JUNE 30, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS


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	23
ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK	44
ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	45
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION	46
ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	46
ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS	46
ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	48
ITEM 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	48
ITEM 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	48
ITEM 5.	OTHER INFORMATION	48
ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS	49
	SIGNATURES	49

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. and Horizon Air Industries, Inc. are referred to as “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. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience or the Company’s present expectations.

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. For a discussion of our risk factors, see Item 1A. "Risk Factors” of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of Part II of this Form 10-Q. 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)	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,509	$	221
Marketable securities	1,294		1,300
Total cash and marketable securities	2,803		1,521
Receivables - net	280		323
Inventories and supplies - net	56		72
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	105		121
Total Current Assets	3,244		2,037

Property and Equipment
Aircraft and other flight equipment	8,257		8,549
Other property and equipment	1,381		1,306
Deposits for future flight equipment	591		533
	10,229		10,388
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	3,434		3,486
Total Property and Equipment - Net	6,795		6,902

Operating lease assets	1,568		1,711
Goodwill	1,943		1,943
Intangible assets - net	109		122
Other noncurrent assets	339		278
Other Assets	3,959		4,054

Total Assets	$	13,998	$	12,993

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)


(in millions, except share amounts)	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	102	$	146
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes	284		470
Air traffic liability	1,131		900
Deferred payroll support program grant	361		—
Other accrued liabilities	327		431
Deferred revenue	555		750
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	273		269
Current portion of long-term debt	1,087		235
Total Current Liabilities	4,120		3,201

Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion	1,549		1,264

Noncurrent Liabilities
Long-term operating lease liabilities, net of current portion	1,376		1,439
Deferred income taxes	619		715
Deferred revenue	1,519		1,240
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits	581		571
Other liabilities	373		232
	4,468		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 - 132,989,258 shares; 2019 - 131,812,173 shares, Outstanding: 2020 - 123,639,314 shares; 2019 - 123,000,307 shares	1		1
Capital in excess of par value	350		305
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2020 - 9,349,944 shares; 2019 - 8,811,866 shares	(674)		(643)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(458)		(465)
Retained earnings	4,642		5,133
	3,861		4,331
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	13,998	$	12,993

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)


	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions, except per share amounts)	2020		2019		2020		2019
Operating Revenues
Passenger revenue	$	309	$	2,111	1,790		3,827
Mileage Plan other revenue	73		118		182		228
Cargo and other	39		59		85		109
Total Operating Revenues	421		2,288		2,057		4,164
Operating Expenses
Wages and benefits	472		567		1,084		1,124
Variable incentive pay	16		44		23		79
Payroll support program grant wage offset	(362)		—		(362)		—
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	59		502		443		922
Aircraft maintenance	45		115		160		235
Aircraft rent	74		82		155		165
Landing fees and other rentals	83		113		214		245
Contracted services	30		70		102		142
Selling expenses	4		87		59		159
Depreciation and amortization	107		105		215		211
Food and beverage service	7		53		56		102
Third-party regional carrier expense	26		42		63		83
Other	78		136		221		274
Special items - merger-related costs	1		8		4		34
Special items - impairment charges and other	69		—		229		—
Total Operating Expenses	709		1,924		2,666		3,775
Operating Income (Loss)	(288)		364		(609)		389
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	7		11		16		20
Interest expense	(17)		(20)		(30)		(42)
Interest capitalized	1		3		4		7
Other—net	6		(7)		11		(17)
Total Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(3)		(13)		1		(32)
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	(291)		351		(608)		357
Income tax (benefit) expense	(77)		89		(162)		91
Net Income (Loss)	$	(214)	$	262	$	(446)	$	266

Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share:	$	(1.74)	$	2.12	$	(3.62)	$	2.15
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share:	$	(1.73)	$	2.11	$	(3.60)	$	2.14
Shares used for computation:
Basic	123.296		123.418		123.058		123.355
Diluted	123.965		124.301		123.685		124.179

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS (unaudited)


	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)	2020		2019		2020		2019
Net Income (Loss)	$	(214)	$	262	$	(446)	$	266

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Related to marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period	31		13		30		27
Reclassification of (gain) loss into Other - net nonoperating income (expense)	(6)		—		(9)		2
Income tax effect	(6)		(3)		(5)		(7)
Total	19		10		16		22

Related to employee benefit plans:
Reclassification of net pension expense into Wages and benefits and Other - net nonoperating income (expense)	8		8		15		16
Income tax effect	(2)		(2)		(4)		(4)
Total	6		6		11		12

Related to interest rate derivative instruments:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period	(2)		(7)		(27)		(12)
Reclassification of loss into Aircraft rent	—		—		1		1
Income tax effect	1		2		6		3
Total	(1)		(5)		(20)		(8)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	24		11		7		26

Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	(190)	$	273	$	(439)	$	292

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, 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 under stock plans	0.123	—		—		—		—		—		—
Balances at March 31, 2020	122.585	$	1	$	314	$	(674)	$	(482)	$	4,856	$	4,015
Net loss	—	—		—		—		—		(214)		(214)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—	—		—		—		24		—		24
Stock-based compensation	—	—		2		—		—		—		2
CARES Act warrant issuance	—	—		7		—		—		—		7
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan	1.000	—		27		—		—		—		27
Stock issued under stock plans	0.054	—		—		—		—		—		—
Balances at June 30, 2020	123.639	$	1	$	350	$	(674)	$	(458)	$	4,642	$	3,861


(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

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

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)


	Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)	2020		2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (Loss)	$	(446)	$	266
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	215		211
Stock-based compensation and other	7		16
Special items - impairment charges and other	229		—
Payroll support program grant wage offset	(362)		—
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Payroll support program grant funding	723		—
Changes in deferred tax provision	(98)		62
Increase in air traffic liability	231		385
Increase in deferred revenue	84		75
Other - net	(262)		18
Net cash provided by operating activities	321		1,033
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Property and equipment additions:
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits	(58)		(172)
Other flight equipment	(43)		(83)
Other property and equipment	(67)		(78)
Total property and equipment additions, including capitalized interest	(168)		(333)
Purchases of marketable securities	(1,004)		(885)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	1,038		663
Other investing activities	10		25
Net cash used in investing activities	(124)		(530)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	1,265		254
Common stock repurchases	(31)		(25)
Dividends paid	(45)		(86)
Long-term debt payments	(125)		(532)
Other financing activities	27		26
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,091		(363)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	1,288		140
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	232		114
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	$	1,520	$	254

Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized)	$	25	$	34
Income taxes	—		—

Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,509	$	244
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11		10
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	$	1,520	$	254

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 and Horizon. The condensed consolidated financial statements also include McGee Air Services (McGee), 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, 2019. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of June 30, 2020 and the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. Such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature.

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, including impairment charges. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business, these estimates and assumptions require more judgment 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 six months ended June 30, 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) beginning 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 revenues beginning in March. Consistent with expectations, the financial impact to the second quarter was more significant than the first quarter. There continue to be travel restrictions in place throughout the United States, and the resurgence in COVID-19 cases threatens to halt or reverse progress towards reopening in many states and cities. It is uncertain when these restrictions may lift and when demand may 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. In the second quarter, the waiver has been extended to cover all ticketed travel purchased through September 8, 2020. Cancellations and postponement of travel exceeded new bookings in March and April, and had a material impact on second quarter passenger revenues, air traffic liability, and cash position. Refer to Note 3 for further discussion.

The Company has taken decisive action to reduce costs and preserve cash and liquidity. In the first quarter, the Company implemented a company-wide hiring freeze, reduced salaries of senior management and hours for management employees, 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. As a result, many aircraft have been parked or removed from service. As of June 30, 2020, 101 mainline aircraft were temporarily grounded. The

Company made the decision in the first quarter of 2020 to permanently remove 12 Airbus aircraft from the operating fleet. As of June 30, 2020, all operating regional aircraft were in service.

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.

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.

Given the temporary and permanent parking of certain aircraft described above, the Company performed impairment tests on certain long-lived assets as of March 31, 2020 and again as of June 30, 2020. All individual fleets passed the recoverability test, except for the Q400 fleet and the permanently parked Airbus aircraft, which did not pass in the first quarter of 2020.

In the first quarter, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $83 million for the 12 permanently parked Airbus aircraft, which was comprised of operating lease right of use assets, estimable return costs, and related leasehold improvements. In the second quarter, the Company identified additional estimable return costs relating to those permanently parked aircraft, and recorded an additional $70 million charge.

Also in the first quarter, 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 additional impairment charges relating to two non-operating Q400 aircraft, which remain parked and held-for-sale, in the first quarter of 2020.

A summary of the impairment charges recorded for aircraft and other flight equipment in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 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	—		3		3
Other accrued liabilities	78		—		78
Total impairment charges - Long-lived assets	$	153	$	61	$	214

The Company will continue to evaluate the need for further impairment of long-lived assets as expectations of future demand, market conditions and fleet decisions evolve.

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 strain in the general economic environment and a significant decline in Alaska Air Group market capitalization, the Company performed impairment tests on all three asset types as of March 31, 2020 and again as of June 30, 2020. As a result of these analyses, indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill were deemed recoverable, and no impairment charges were recorded. Of the company’s definite-lived intangibles, leased gates at Dallas-Love Field (DAL Gates) were deemed not recoverable and an impairment charge of $10 million was recorded in the first quarter. No additional impairment charges were identified for definite-lived intangibles as a result of the June 30, 2020 impairment test.

Other considerations

The Company also evaluated outstanding receivable balances 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. Therefore, the full $5 million

was reserved and charged to Special charges - impairment charges and other in the condensed consolidated statement of operations in the first quarter.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 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, build liquidity and preserve cash. At June 30, 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 financial debt covenants in its existing financing arrangements, for the next 12 months. Refer to Note 5. Long-Term Debt for further information regarding liquidity obtained in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

CARES Act Funding

During the second quarter, Alaska, Horizon, and McGee finalized agreements with the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the payroll support program (PSP) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Under the PSP and associated agreements, Alaska and Horizon received $992 million in the second quarter. Similarly, McGee entered into an agreement to receive a total of $30 million, of which $15 million was received in the second quarter, with the remainder expected to be received in two installments in the third quarter.

The funds are to be used exclusively toward continuing to pay employee salaries, wages and benefits. Upon receipt of the funds, the Company is subject to various conditions, including, but not limited to, refraining from conducting involuntary furloughs or reducing employee rates of pay through September 30, 2020 and placing limits on executive compensation. Other conditions also prohibit the Company from repurchasing common stock and from paying dividends until September 30, 2021, and require the Company to continue to maintain essential air service as directed by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The funds received took the form of debt, warrants and a grant. The secured debt portion of $276 million was recorded at par. An additional $5 million of debt is expected to be issued in the third quarter as the remaining $15 million in funding is received by McGee. See Note 5 for further discussion. Warrants of $7 million were recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at fair value determined using the Black-Scholes model. The residual amount of $723 million was recorded as grant proceeds on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as a deferred wage offset. The grant will be recognized into earnings as eligible wages, salaries and benefits are incurred. During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recognized $362 million of the PSP grant proceeds as a wage offset.

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 June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees	$	222	$	1,792	$	1,435	$	3,231
Passenger ancillary revenue	31		147		147		271
Mileage Plan passenger revenue	56		172		208		325
Total Passenger revenue	$	309	$	2,111	$	1,790	$	3,827

Mileage Plan™ Loyalty Program

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


	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Passenger revenue	$	56	$	172	$	208	$	325
Mileage Plan other revenue	73		118		182		228
Total Mileage Plan revenue	$	129	$	290	$	390	$	553

Cargo and Other

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


	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Cargo revenue	$	28	$	38	$	52	$	68
Other revenue	11		21		33		41
Total Cargo and other revenue	$	39	$	59	$	85	$	109

Air Traffic Liability and Deferred Revenue

Passenger ticket and ancillary services liabilities

The Company recognized Passenger revenue of $484 million and $563 million from the prior year-end air traffic liability balance for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 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 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. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Company has issued cash refunds of $363 million and credits for future travel of $695 million. At June 30, 2020, such credits, which are included in the air traffic liability balance, totaled $568 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 when the air traffic liability will be recognized in earnings given ongoing uncertainty around the return in demand for 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. The Company had $42 million of such receivables as of June 30, 2020 and $105 million as of December 31, 2019. Consistent with the significant cancellation activity outlined above, the Company saw a substantial number of redeposits in the second quarter. 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 table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions):


	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020		2019
Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1	$	1,990	$	1,874
Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue	(208)		(325)
Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue	(21)		(51)
Increase in liability for mileage credits issued	313		451
Total Deferred Revenue balance at June 30	$	2,074	$	1,949

NOTE 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 June 30, 2020, total cost basis for all marketable securities was $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):


	June 30, 2020										December 31, 2019
	Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total

Assets
Marketable securities
U.S. government and agency securities	$	281	$	—	$	281	$	330	$	—	$	330
Equity mutual funds	5		—		5		6		—		6
Foreign government bonds	—		22		22		—		31		31
Asset-backed securities	—		197		197		—		211		211
Mortgage-backed securities	—		214		214		—		176		176
Corporate notes and bonds	—		546		546		—		523		523
Municipal securities	—		29		29		—		23		23
Total Marketable securities	286		1,008		1,294		336		964		1,300
Derivative instruments
Fuel hedge—call options	—		5		5		—		11		11
Interest rate swap agreements	—		—		—		—		3		3
Total Assets	$	286	$	1,013	$	1,299	$	336	$	978	$	1,314

Liabilities
Derivative instruments

Interest rate swap agreements	—		(33)		(33)		—		(10)		(10)
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	(33)	$	(33)	$	—	$	(10)	$	(10)

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 are the result of expected credit losses based on its evaluation of available information as of June 30, 2020.

Maturities for marketable securities (in millions):


June 30, 2020	Cost Basis		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	133	$	134
Due after one year through five years	1,063		1,094
Due after five years through 10 years	60		61

Total	$	1,256	$	1,289

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 June 30, 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):


	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Fixed-rate debt at cost	$	444	$	473
Non-recurring purchase price accounting fair value adjustment	2		2
Total fixed-rate debt	$	446	$	475

Estimated fair value	$	463	$	483

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 and six months ended June 30, 2020. No material impairment charges were recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.

NOTE 5. LONG-TERM DEBT

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


	June 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029	$	446		$	475
Fixed-rate PSP notes payable due through 2030	276			—
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029	1,925			1,032
Less debt issuance costs	(11)			(8)
Total debt	2,636			1,499
Less current portion	1,087			235
Long-term debt, less current portion	$	1,549		$	1,264

Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	2.4		%	3.3		%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate	2.0		%	2.9		%

Approximately $666 million of the Company's total variable-rate notes payable are effectively fixed via interest rate swaps at June 30, 2020.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company obtained additional secured debt financing of $589 million from multiple lenders. The new debt is secured by a total of 32 aircraft. The Company also made scheduled debt payments of $125 million during the six months ended June 30, 2020.

The $276 million PSP note is 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. Alaska and Horizon 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.

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


	Total
Remainder of 2020	$	529
2021	742
2022	281
2023	245
2024	153
Thereafter	695
Total	$	2,645

Subsequent to quarter end, the Company obtained $1.2 billion in private funding through the issuance of Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETC). The EETCs are collateralized by 42 Boeing 737 aircraft and 19 Embraer E175 aircraft.

Bank Lines of Credit

The Company has three credit facilities with capacity totaling $516 million, and availability of $509 million, as of June 30, 2020. All three 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 with capacity of $150 million and availability of $143 million expires in March 2022 and is secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment. The third credit facility for $116 million expires in July 2020, with a mechanism for annual renewal, and is secured by aircraft.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company drew $400 million on the first two existing facilities. In the second quarter, the Company repaid $7 million on the second credit facility. The Company has drawn the full availability of both facilities, and the outstanding balance is classified as short-term on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company also has secured letters of credit against the $116 million facility. All three credit facilities have a requirement to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash and marketable securities balance of $500 million. The Company was in compliance with this covenant at June 30, 2020.

NOTE 6. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

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


	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Service cost	$	13	$	10	$	26	$	21
Pension expense included in Wages and benefits	13		10		26		21

Interest cost	19		22		38		44
Expected return on assets	(27)		(23)		(55)		(47)
Recognized actuarial loss	8		9		17		18
Pension expense included in Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$	—	$	8	$	—	$	15

NOTE 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Future minimum payments for commitments as of June 30, 2020 (in millions):


	Aircraft Commitments^(a)		Capacity Purchase Agreements ^(b)		Aircraft Maintenance Deposits
Remainder of 2020	$	335	$	36	$	12
2021	554		166		53
2022	337		174		45
2023	186		179		24
2024	18		184		6
Thereafter	25		880		2
Total	$	1,455	$	1,619	$	142

(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. In the second quarter, Alaska entered into an agreement with SkyWest to defer a portion of 2020 payments and eliminate contractual minimums through September 30, 2020.

In the second quarter, the Company renegotiated scheduled payments with certain lessors and vendor partners, including the reduction of minimum obligations and rates. The impact of those negotiations on our leases was not material to the operating lease liability. The Company has also deferred the payment of remaining 2020 contractual 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 June 30, 2020, Alaska had commitments to purchase 32 B737 MAX9 aircraft, with contracted deliveries between 2020 and 2023. As a result of the grounding order mandated by the FAA on March 13, 2019, the delivery schedule for these MAX aircraft is subject to change. Future minimum contractual payments for these aircraft have been updated to reflect the possible delivery timing, but are also subject to change. Horizon also has commitments to purchase three E175 aircraft with deliveries in 2023. Alaska has cancelable purchase commitments for 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft with deliveries from 2024 through 2026. In addition, Alaska has options to purchase 37 B737 MAX aircraft, and Horizon has options to purchase 30 E175 aircraft. Alaska also has the option to increase capacity flown by SkyWest with eight additional E175 aircraft with deliveries 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 June 30, 2020, the Company has repurchased 7.6 million shares for $544 million under this program. In March 2020, the Company suspended the share repurchase program indefinitely.

CARES Act Warrant Issuance

As additional taxpayer protection required under the PSP, the Company granted the Treasury Department 874,344 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. Additional warrants to purchase 14,327 shares of Air Group common stock will be issued to Treasury in connection with McGee's receipt of the remaining second and third installments of PSP funds in the third quarter.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

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


	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Related to marketable securities	$	25	$	9
Related to employee benefit plans	(458)		(469)
Related to interest rate derivatives	(25)		(5)
Total	$	(458)	$	(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 six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, 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 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, 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 three 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.

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 June 30, 2020
	Mainline		Regional		Horizon		Consolidating & Other^(a)		Air Group Adjusted^(b)		Special Items^(c)		Consolidated
Operating Revenues
Passenger revenues	$	225	$	84	$	—	$	—	$	309	$	—	$	309
CPA revenues	—		—		81		(81)		—		—		—
Mileage Plan other revenue	56		17		—		—		73		—		73
Cargo and other	39		—		—		—		39		—		39
Total Operating Revenues	320		101		81		(81)		421		—		421
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	746		210		68		(82)		942		(292)		650
Economic fuel	45		20		—		—		65		(6)		59
Total Operating Expenses	791		230		68		(82)		1,007		(298)		709
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	11		—		—		(4)		7		—		7
Interest expense	(18)		—		(5)		6		(17)		—		(17)
Interest capitalized	1		—		—		—		1		—		1
Other - net	6		—		—		—		6		—		6
Total Nonoperating Income (Expense)	—		—		(5)		2		(3)		—		(3)
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	$	(471)	$	(129)	$	8	$	3	$	(589)	$	298	$	(291)

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
	Mainline		Regional		Horizon		Consolidating & Other^(a)		Air Group Adjusted^(b)		Special Items^(c)		Consolidated
Operating Revenues
Passenger revenues	$	1,767	$	344	$	—	$	—	$	2,111	$	—	$	2,111
CPA revenues	—		—		112		(112)		—		—		—
Mileage Plan other revenue	105		13		—		—		118		—		118
Cargo and other	57		—		—		2		59		—		59
Total Operating Revenues	1,929		357		112		(110)		2,288		—		2,288
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,167		268		95		(116)		1,414		8		1,422
Economic fuel	422		77		—		—		499		3		502
Total Operating Expenses	1,589		345		95		(116)		1,913		11		1,924
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	17		—		—		(6)		11		—		11
Interest expense	(19)		—		(7)		6		(20)		—		(20)
Interest capitalized	3		—		—		—		3		—		3
Other - net	(7)		—		—		—		(7)		—		(7)
Total Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(6)		—		(7)		—		(13)		—		(13)
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	$	334	$	12	$	10	$	6	$	362	$	(11)	$	351


	Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
	Mainline	Regional	Horizon	Consolidating & Other^(a)	Air Group Adjusted^(b)	Special Items^(c)	Consolidated
Operating Revenues
Passenger revenues	1,459	331	—	—	1,790	—	1,790
CPA revenues	—	—	186	(186)	—	—	—
Mileage Plan other revenue	154	28	—	—	182	—	182
Cargo and other	83	—	—	2	85	—	85
Total Operating Revenues	1,696	359	186	(184)	2,057	—	2,057
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,905	479	160	(192)	2,352	(129)	2,223
Economic fuel	358	82	—	—	440	3	443
Total Operating Expenses	2,263	561	160	(192)	2,792	(126)	2,666
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	25	—	—	(9)	16	—	16
Interest expense	(30)	—	(10)	10	(30)	—	(30)
Interest capitalized	4	—	—	—	4	—	4
Other - net	12	—	—	(1)	11	—	11
Total Nonoperating Income (Expense)	11	—	(10)	—	1	—	1
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	(556)	(202)	16	8	(734)	126	(608)

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
	Mainline	Regional	Horizon	Consolidating & Other^(a)	Air Group Adjusted^(b)	Special Items^(c)	Consolidated
Operating Revenues
Passenger revenues	3,189	638	—	—	3,827	—	3,827
CPA revenues	—	—	228	(228)	—	—	—
Mileage Plan other revenue	205	23	—	—	228	—	228
Cargo and other	105	1	1	2	109	—	109
Total Operating Revenues	3,499	662	229	(226)	4,164	—	4,164
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	2,319	542	192	(234)	2,819	34	2,853
Economic fuel	780	143	—	—	923	(1)	922
Total Operating Expenses	3,099	685	192	(234)	3,742	33	3,775
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	33	—	—	(13)	20	—	20
Interest expense	(40)	—	(15)	13	(42)	—	(42)
Interest capitalized	7	—	—	—	7	—	7
Other - net	(17)	—	—	—	(17)	—	(17)
Total Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(17)	—	(15)	—	(32)	—	(32)
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	383	(23)	22	8	390	(33)	357

(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 payroll support program grant wage offsets, special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments.

Total assets were as follows (in millions):


	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Mainline	$	20,261	$	19,207
Horizon	1,199		1,266
Consolidating & Other	(7,462)		(7,480)
Consolidated	$	13,998	$	12,993


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, 2019, and in Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of Part II of this Form 10-Q. This overview summarizes the MD&A, which includes the following sections:

•Second Quarter Review—highlights from the second quarter of 2020 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 six months ended June 30, 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.

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

SECOND 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. 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 beginning in March 2020, and continuing through to June 2020, has driven demand for air travel to historic lows.

As we entered the second quarter, passenger counts were approximately 5% of prior year levels. Throughout the quarter, we began to see slight improvements in demand and new bookings, with daily passenger counts peaking around 20% of prior year levels, primarily driven by leisure travelers.

Currently, we are planning a capacity reduction of about 50% in the third quarter and about 35% in the fourth quarter, although that is subject to change based on demand. Given the significant reduction to capacity, it is critical that we take action to address the size of our workforce. In an effort to mitigate the need for involuntary furloughs, we have initiated various early-out and voluntary furlough programs for most frontline workers and provided incentive leave options to our pilots. To date, we have had approximately 4,000 volunteers for these programs. In addition, we made the difficult decision to reduce our non-union management positions by approximately 300 management positions. In total these changes are expected to result in a cost of $250 million to $300 million, which will be recognized in the third quarter. We sent WARN notices on August 1 to approximately 4,000 employees, who may be potentially impacted if we determine furloughs are needed to adjust the workforce to fit the new size of the business.

Changes to our workforce is one of the ways we will reduce costs as we restructure our business. These and other cost reduction measures are critical to reaching our monthly cash burn goals. In the second quarter, we reduced our cash burn rate from approximately $400 million as we exited March to $120 million in June. We remain focused on our goal to achieve cash break-even by year end. To reach this goal, our planning assumption is that cash bookings will recover to 40% to 60% of prior year levels by December. Our capacity and cash bookings planning assumptions do not represent guidance, and we will adjust our plans if demand trends don't support these assumptions.

Maintaining a significant liquidity balance is also paramount to preserving our financial strength. In addition to the $1 billion in CARES Act funding obtained in the second quarter of 2020, we have also sourced $589 million in secured financing, drawn $400 million from our existing credit facilities, and issued $1.2 billion in EETCs which were finalized on July 2, 2020. We also have available to us an additional $1.1 billion in CARES Act loans, should we choose to participate. As of August 4, 2020, our cash and marketable securities balance was approximately $3.8 billion.

Our commitment to the health and safety of our guests and employees remains our top priority. In response to the crisis, we have partnered with experts to build our Next-Level Care initiative. In doing so, we have added layers of safety with over 100 safety measures through all stages of travel. Some examples of measures that are helping our guests build confidence include:

•Making the pre-flight experience as contactless as possible, including the addition of a health agreement during check-in;

•Requiring masks for both guests aged 12 and older and employees, and empowering our crews to enforce the policy with the ability to issue a formal warning to any guest who refuses to do so;

•Using the latest air filtration technology and hospital grade filters to remove particulates and fully recycle air in the cabin every 2 to 3 minutes;

•Exceeding CDC cleaning guidelines and using high grade disinfectants to reduce the risk of transmission on board, and;

•Providing for adequate social distancing in our airports and on-board, including blocking middle seats on mainline aircraft through September 30, 2020.

oneworld Invitation

In July 2020, we received our formal invitation to join the oneworld alliance. Upon entrance to the alliance, Alaska guests will be able to access the full range of customer services and benefits, and Mileage Plan members will be able to earn and redeem rewards on all oneworld member airlines. The Company is working to accelerate its timeline for entrance into the alliance, with a focus on completion as early as the end of 2020.

Financial Overview

Our consolidated pretax loss was $291 million during the second quarter of 2020, compared to pretax profit of $351 million in the second quarter of 2019. The shift to pretax loss was driven primarily by a decrease in operating revenues of $1.9 billion stemming from the sharp decline in demand and $69 million in special charges from asset impairment, offset by a decrease in non-fuel operating expenses of $772 million, including wage offsets from the payroll support program of the CARES Act of $362 million. Pretax loss was also offset by a decrease in fuel expense of $443 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. A glossary of financial terms can be found at the end of this Item 2.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

We believe disclosure of earnings excluding the impact of the payroll support program grant wage offset, 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 the payroll support program grant wage offset, 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 the payroll support program grant wage offset, 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 the payroll support program grant wage offset, 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 June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020	2019	Change	2020	2019	Change
Consolidated Operating Statistics:^(a)
Revenue passengers (000)	1,485	12,026	(87.7)%	10,417	22,442	(53.6)%
RPMs (000,000) "traffic"	1,654	14,638	(88.7)%	12,310	27,087	(54.6)%
ASMs (000,000) "capacity"	4,307	16,980	(74.6)%	19,612	32,487	(39.6)%
Load factor	38.4%	86.2%	(47.8) pts	62.8%	83.4%	(20.6) pts
Yield	18.68¢	14.43¢	29.5%	14.54¢	14.13¢	2.9%
RASM	9.77¢	13.48¢	(27.5)%	10.49¢	12.82¢	(18.2)%
CASM excluding fuel and special items^(b)	21.87¢	8.33¢	162.5%	12.00¢	8.68¢	38.2%
Economic fuel cost per gallon^(b)	$1.20	$2.27	(47.1)%	$1.77	$2.20	(19.5)%
Fuel gallons (000,000)	54	220	(75.5)%	248	419	(40.8)%
ASMs per fuel gallon	79.8	77.2	3.4%	79.1	77.5	2.1%
Average full-time equivalent employees (FTEs)	15,836	21,921	(27.8)%	19,155	21,876	(12.4)%
Mainline Operating Statistics:
Revenue passengers (000)	905	9,206	(90.2)%	7,580	17,070	(55.6)%
RPMs (000,000) "traffic"	1,276	13,207	(90.3)%	10,858	24,379	(55.5)%
ASMs (000,000) "capacity"	3,363	15,241	(77.9)%	17,060	29,114	(41.4)%
Load factor	37.9%	86.7%	(48.8) pts	63.6%	83.7%	(20.1) pts
Yield	17.63¢	13.38¢	31.8%	13.44¢	13.08¢	2.8%
RASM	9.52¢	12.66¢	(24.8)%	9.94¢	12.02¢	(17.3)%
CASM excluding fuel and special items^(b)	22.19¢	7.65¢	190.1%	11.17¢	7.96¢	40.3%
Economic fuel cost per gallon^(b)	$1.20	$2.26	(46.9)%	$1.78	$2.19	(18.7)%
Fuel gallons (000,000)	38	187	(79.7)%	201	356	(43.5)%
ASMs per fuel gallon	88.5	81.5	8.6%	84.9	81.8	3.8%
Average FTEs	12,340	16,551	(25.4)%	14,579	16,504	(11.7)%
Aircraft utilization	5.6	11.1	(49.5)%	8.8	10.7	(17.8)%
Average aircraft stage length	1,144	1,311	(12.7)%	1,270	1,308	(2.9)%
Operating fleet^(d)	225	238	(13) a/c	225	238	(13) a/c
Regional Operating Statistics:^(c)
Revenue passengers (000)	580	2,820	(79.4)%	2,837	5,372	(47.2)%
RPMs (000,000) "traffic"	378	1,431	(73.6)%	1,452	2,708	(46.4)%
ASMs (000,000) "capacity"	945	1,739	(45.7)%	2,552	3,373	(24.3)%
Load factor	40.0%	82.3%	(42.3 pts)	56.9%	80.3%	(23.4 pts)
Yield	22.12¢	24.06¢	(8.1)%	22.80¢	23.57¢	(3.3)%
RASM	10.63¢	20.51¢	(48.2)%	14.07¢	19.62¢	(28.3)%
Operating fleet	94	94	— a/c	94	94	— 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.

COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019

Our consolidated net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was $214 million, or $1.73 per diluted share, compared to net income of $262 million, or $2.11 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2019.

Excluding the impact of the payroll support program grant wage offset, special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments, our adjusted net loss for the second quarter of 2020 was $439 million, or $3.54 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $270 million, or $2.17 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 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 June 30,
	2020						2019
(in millions, except per share amounts)	Dollars		Diluted EPS		Dollars		Diluted EPS
GAAP net income (loss) and diluted EPS	$	(214)	$	(1.73)	$	262	$	2.11
Payroll support program grant wage offset	(362)		(2.92)		—		—
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments	(6)		(0.05)		3		0.02
Special items - impairment charges and other	69		0.56		—		—
Special items - merger-related costs	1		0.01		8		0.06

Income tax effect of reconciling items above	73		0.59		(3)		(0.02)
Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) and diluted EPS	$	(439)	$	(3.54)	$	270	$	2.17

CASM reconciliation is summarized below:


	Three Months Ended June 30,
(in cents)	2020		2019		% Change
Consolidated:
CASM	16.46	¢	11.33	¢	45	%
Less the following components:
Payroll support program grant wage offset	(8.40)		—		NM
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	1.37		2.96		(54)	%
Special items - merger-related costs	0.02		0.04		(50)	%
Special items - impairment charges and other	1.60		—		NM

CASM excluding fuel and special items	21.87	¢	8.33	¢	163	%

Mainline:
CASM	15.79	¢	10.50	¢	50	%
Less the following components:
Payroll support program grant wage offset	(9.69)		—		NM
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	1.16		2.79		(58)	%
Special items - merger-related costs	0.02		0.06		(67)	%

Special items - impairment charges and other	2.11		—		NM
CASM excluding fuel and special items	22.19	¢	7.65	¢	190	%

OPERATING REVENUES

Total operating revenues decreased $1.9 billion, or 82%, during the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The changes are summarized in the following table:


	Three Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)	2020		2019		% Change
Passenger revenue	$	309	$	2,111	(85)	%
Mileage Plan other revenue	73		118		(38)	%
Cargo and other	39		59		(34)	%
Total operating revenues	$	421	$	2,288	(82)	%

Passenger Revenue

On a consolidated basis, Passenger revenue for the second quarter of 2020 decreased by $1.8 billion, or 85%, on an 89% decline in traffic. Decreased revenue year-over-year is primarily due to the near complete loss of demand, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which began significantly impacting revenues in March 2020 and continued throughout the second quarter. In response to the decline in demand we reduced capacity 75%, and experienced a 48-point decrease in load factor.

Mileage Plan other revenue

On a consolidated basis, Mileage Plan other revenue decreased $45 million, or 38%, as compared to the same prior-year period primarily on a reduction in miles purchased by our affinity card partner, consistent with an overall reduction in consumer spending.

Cargo and Other Revenue

On a consolidated basis, Cargo and other revenue for the second quarter of 2020 decreased by $20 million, or 34%, as compared to the same prior-year period. The decrease is primarily due to reduced belly cargo activity driven by the schedule reductions for passenger aircraft, as well as continued capacity limitations in our freighters.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenses decreased $1.2 billion, or 63%, compared to the second quarter of 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 June 30,
(in millions)	2020		2019		% Change
Fuel expense	$	59	$	502	(88)	%
Non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items	942		1,414		(33)	%
Payroll support program grant wage offset	(362)		—		NM
Special items - merger-related costs	1		8		(88)	%

Special items - impairment charges and other	69		—		NM
Total operating expenses	$	709	$	1,924	(63)	%

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 $443 million, or 88%, compared to the second quarter of 2019. The elements of the change are illustrated in the following table:


	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2020						2019
(in millions, except for per gallon amounts)	Dollars		Cost/Gal		Dollars		Cost/Gal
Raw or "into-plane" fuel cost	$	60	$	1.11	$	495	$	2.25
Losses on settled hedges	5		0.09		4		0.02
Consolidated economic fuel expense	65		1.20		$	499	$	2.27
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments	(6)		(0.11)		3		0.01
GAAP fuel expense	$	59	$	1.09	$	502	$	2.28
Fuel gallons	54				220

Raw fuel expense per gallon for the three months ended June 30, 2020 decreased by approximately 51% 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 second quarter of 2020 was primarily driven by a 53% decrease in crude oil prices and a 75% decrease in refining margins, when compared to the prior year. Crude oil prices have been dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the related reduction in demand. The decrease is also due to a year-over-year decline in consumption of 166 million gallons, or 75%, primarily on a significant reduction to flight time and block hours.

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 second quarter were $5 million in 2020, compared to losses of $4 million in the same period in 2019. These amounts represent cash received from hedges at settlement, offset by cash paid for premium expense.

Non-fuel Expenses

The table below provides the reconciliation of the operating expense line items, excluding fuel, the payroll support program grant wage offset and special items. Significant operating expense variances from 2019 are more fully described below.


	Three Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)	2020		2019		% Change
Wages and benefits	$	472	$	567	(17)	%
Variable incentive pay	16		44		(64)	%
Aircraft maintenance	45		115		(61)	%
Aircraft rent	74		82		(10)	%
Landing fees and other rentals	83		113		(27)	%
Contracted services	30		70		(57)	%
Selling expenses	4		87		(95)	%
Depreciation and amortization	107		105		2	%
Food and beverage service	7		53		(87)	%
Third-party regional carrier expense	26		42		(38)	%
Other	78		136		(43)	%
Total non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items	$	942	$	1,414	(33)	%

Wages and Benefits

Wages and benefits decreased during the second quarter of 2020 by $95 million, or 17%, compared to 2019. The primary components of Wages and benefits are shown in the following table:


	Three Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)	2020		2019		% Change
Wages	$	350	$	421	(17)	%
Pension - Defined benefit plans service cost	13		11		18	%
Defined contribution plans	30		35		(14)	%
Medical and other benefits	54		69		(22)	%
Payroll taxes	25		31		(19)	%
Total wages and benefits	$	472	$	567	(17)	%

Wages decreased $71 million, or 17%, on a 28% reduction in FTEs. The decrease is primarily due to voluntary leaves of absence accepted by more than 6,000 employees, as well as reduction in executive pay and hours for management employees, and reducing represented employees work hours to minimums.

Medical and other benefits expense decreased $15 million, or 22%, primarily due to a significant reduction in elective procedures and adjustments to reserves for high-dollar value medical claims.

Variable Incentive Pay

Variable incentive pay expense decreased $28 million, or 64%, during the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, due to the expectation that key financial metrics will not be achieved under the performance based pay program.

Aircraft Maintenance

Aircraft maintenance expense decreased by $70 million, or 61%, during the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The decrease is primarily due to fewer engine events and heavy checks as compared to the prior year, as well as lower power-by-the-hour expense on reduced second quarter utilization of covered aircraft. These decreases were offset by costs incurred in the temporary grounding of certain aircraft.

Landing fees and other rentals

Landing fees and other rentals decreased by $30 million, or 27%, during the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 on a 67% decrease in departures. Decreased departure-related costs were offset by rate increases at many of our airports.

Contracted Services

Contracted services decreased by $40 million, or 57%, during the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 driven primarily by decreased departures and passengers as compared to the prior-year period as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Selling Expense

Selling expense decreased by $83 million, or 95%, during the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily driven by a significant reduction in distribution costs and credit card commissions. Reduced marketing spend and sponsorship costs also contributed to the year-over-year decline given COVID-19 related delays in professional sports seasons.

Food and Beverage Service

Food and beverage service decreased by $46 million, or 87%, during the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. This decrease is in-line with the overall reduction in revenue passengers as compared to the prior-year period, as well as the temporary closure of the majority of our airport lounges.

Third-party Regional Carrier Expense

Third-party regional carrier expense, which represents payments made to SkyWest under our CPA, decreased by $16 million, or 38%, during the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The reduction in expense is primarily due to a 41% reduction in departures flown by SkyWest as compared to the prior-year period, a reduction in departure-related contractual rates, and the elimination of PenAir flying.

Special Items - Impairment and other charges

We recorded impairment and other charges of $69 million in the second quarter of 2020, consisting of our updated estimate of costs required to return leased Airbus aircraft that were permanently parked in the first quarter.

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 recorded a pretax loss of $471 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to a pretax profit of $334 million in the second quarter of 2019. The $805 million shift to pretax loss was primarily driven by a $1.5 billion decrease in Passenger revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, offset by a $421 million decrease in non-fuel operating costs and a $377 million decrease in economic fuel cost.

The decrease in Mainline passenger revenue for the second quarter of 2020 was primarily driven by a 90% decline in traffic on a 78% decrease in capacity. The overall decrease in both traffic and capacity are driven by the significant reduction in demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Non-fuel operating expenses decreased significantly on cost savings driven by reduced variable costs on reduced capacity, as well as decreased wages and benefits expense from voluntary leaves of absence and a reduction in hours for management employees. Lower raw fuel prices, combined with a 80% decrease in gallons consumed, drove the decline in Mainline fuel expense.

Regional

Regional operations generated a pretax loss of $129 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to a pretax profit of $12 million in the second quarter of 2019. The increase in the pretax loss was attributable to a $256 million decline in operating revenues, partially offset by a $57 million decrease in fuel costs and an $58 million decrease in non-fuel operating expenses.

Regional passenger revenue decreased 76% compared to the second quarter of 2019, primarily driven by a 74% decline in traffic on a 46% decrease in capacity. The overall decrease in both traffic and capacity are driven by the significant reduction in demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decrease in non-fuel operating expenses is primarily due to the 46% decline in capacity, as well as elimination of costs for PenAir flying in the state of Alaska.

Horizon

Horizon achieved a pretax profit of $8 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to a pretax profit of $10 million in the second quarter of 2019. Profit recorded by Horizon in the second quarter is primarily the result of incremental flying as a proportion of overall Air Group capacity as compared to the prior year. Horizon revenues are recorded based upon purchased capacity, and are not impacted by changes to ticket prices and customer demand. Horizon profit is also the result of significant cost reduction efforts implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COMPARISON OF SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019

Our consolidated net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $446 million, or $3.60 per diluted share, compared to net income of $266 million, or $2.14 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Our adjusted net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $541 million, or $4.37 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $291 million, or $2.34 per diluted share, in the six months ended June 30, 2019. The following tables reconcile our adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS to amounts as reported in accordance with GAAP:


	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020						2019
(in millions, except per share amounts)	Dollars		Diluted EPS		Dollars		Diluted EPS
Reported GAAP net income (loss) and diluted EPS	$	(446)	$	(3.60)	$	266	$	2.14
Payroll support program grant wage offset	(362)		(2.93)		—		—
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments	3		0.03		(1)		(0.01)
Special items - merger-related costs	4		0.03		34		0.27
Special items - impairment charges and other	229		1.85		—		—
Income tax effect of reconciling items above	31		0.25		(8)		(0.06)
Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) and diluted EPS	$	(541)	$	(4.37)	$	291	$	2.34

Our operating costs per ASM are summarized below:


	Six Months Ended June 30,
(in cents)	2020		2019		% Change
Consolidated:
CASM	13.59	¢	11.62	¢	17	%
Less the following components:
Payroll support program grant wage offset	(1.85)		—		NM
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	2.26		2.84		(20)	%
Special items - merger-related costs	0.01		0.10		(90)	%
Special items - impairment charges and other	1.17		—		NM
CASM excluding fuel and special items	12.00	¢	8.68	¢	38	%

Mainline:
CASM	12.39	¢	10.76	¢	15	%
Less the following components:
Payroll support program grant wage offset	(1.91)		—		NM
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	2.12		2.68		(21)	%
Special items - merger-related costs	0.02		0.12		(83)	%
Special items - impairment charges and other	0.99		—		NM
CASM excluding fuel and special items	11.17	¢	7.96	¢	40	%

OPERATING REVENUES

Total operating revenues decreased $2.1 billion, or 51%, during the first six months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The changes are summarized in the following table:


	Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)	2020		2019		% Change
Passenger revenue	$	1,790	$	3,827	(53)	%
Mileage Plan other revenue	182		228		(20)	%
Cargo and other	85		109		(22)	%
Total operating revenues	$	2,057	$	4,164	(51)	%

Passenger Revenue

On a consolidated basis, Passenger revenue for the first six months of 2020 decreased by $2 billion, or 53%, on a 40% decrease in capacity, and a 21 point decrease in load factor. Decreased revenue year-over-year is primarily due to the near complete loss of demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Load factors and unit revenues in the first two months of 2020 were in-line with our original expectations. In March 2020, demand deteriorated at an unprecedented level, and in response we reduced April 2020 and May 2020 capacity to approximately 80% below prior year levels. Although a moderate recovery was observed in June 2020, the resurgence of cases throughout the United States is expected to continue to have significant impacts to our revenue throughout 2020.

Mileage Plan other revenue

On a consolidated basis, Mileage Plan other revenue decreased $46 million, or 20%, in the first six months of 2020 compared to the first six months of 2019, due largely to a reduction in purchased miles and decreased commissions received from our affinity card partner, consistent with fewer new affinity card holders in 2020 and an overall reduction in consumer spending.

Cargo and other

On a consolidated basis, Cargo and other revenue decreased $24 million, or 22%, in the first six months of 2020 compared to the first six months of 2019. The decrease is primarily due to reduced belly cargo activity driven by the schedule reductions for passenger aircraft, as well as continued capacity limitations in our freighters.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenses decreased $1.1 billion, or 29%, compared to the first six months of 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:


	Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)	2020		2019		% Change
Fuel expense	$	443	$	922	(52)	%
Non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items	2,352		2,819		(17)	%
Payroll support program grant wage offset	(362)		—		NM
Special items - merger-related costs	4		34		(88)	%
Special items - impairment charges and other	229		—		NM
Total operating expenses	$	2,666	$	3,775	(29)	%

Fuel Expense

Aircraft fuel expense decreased $479 million, or 52%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019. The elements of the change are illustrated in the following table:


	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2020						2019
(in millions, except for per gallon amounts)	Dollars		Cost/Gal		Dollars		Cost/Gal
Raw or "into-plane" fuel cost	$	430	$	1.73	$	916	$	2.18
Losses on settled hedges	10		0.04		7		0.02
Consolidated economic fuel expense	440		1.77		$	923	$	2.20
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments	3		0.01		(1)		—
GAAP fuel expense	$	443	$	1.78	$	922	$	2.20
Fuel gallons	248				419

The raw fuel price per gallon decreased 21% 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 six months of 2020 was driven by a 36% decrease in crude oil prices and a 56% decrease in refining margins.

Losses recognized for hedges that settled in the first six months of 2020 were $10 million, compared to losses of $7 million in the same period in 2019. These amounts represent cash received from settled hedges, offset by cash paid for premium expense.

We expect our economic fuel cost per gallon in the third quarter to range between $1.35 and $1.40 per gallon on a significant decrease in consumption as compared to the prior-year period.

Non-fuel Expense and Non- special items


	Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)	2020		2019		% Change
Wages and benefits	$	1,084	$	1,124	(4)	%
Variable incentive pay	23		79		(71)	%
Aircraft maintenance	160		235		(32)	%
Aircraft rent	155		165		(6)	%
Landing fees and other rentals	214		245		(13)	%
Contracted services	102		142		(28)	%
Selling expenses	59		159		(63)	%
Depreciation and amortization	215		211		2	%
Food and beverage service	56		102		(45)	%
Third-party regional carrier expense	63		83		(24)	%
Other	221		274		(19)	%
Total non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items	$	2,352	$	2,819	(17)	%

Wages and Benefits

Wages and benefits decreased during the first six months of 2020 by $40 million, or 4%. The primary components of wages and benefits are shown in the following table:


	Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)	2020		2019		% Change
Wages	$	803	$	845	(5)	%
Pension—Defined benefit plans service cost	26		21		24	%
Defined contribution plans	68		66		3	%
Medical and other benefits	130		132		(2)	%
Payroll taxes	57		60		(5)	%
Total wages and benefits	$	1,084	$	1,124	(4)	%

Wages decreased $42 million, or 5%, on a 12% decrease in FTEs. The decrease is primarily due to voluntary leaves of absence accepted by more than 6,000 employees, as well as reduction in executive pay and hours for management employees. These decreases were offset by increased wage rates following the mid-2019 ratification of new contracts for employees represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association and the International Association of Machinists.

For the full year, we expect wages and benefits will decline compared to the prior year as we reduce scheduled flying and executive salaries, and realize savings generated from our reduction in workforce necessary to align with our expectation of demand.

Variable Incentive Pay

Variable incentive pay expense decreased $56 million, or 71%, during the first six months of 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019. The decrease is primarily due to the expectation that key financial metrics will not be achieved under the performance based pay program.

Aircraft Maintenance

Aircraft maintenance expense decreased by $75 million, or 32%, during the first six months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The decrease is primarily due to a significant reduction in engine events and heavy checks, as well as reduced power-by-the-hour expense on reduced utilization in covered aircraft.

We expect full year aircraft maintenance expense to be lower than 2019 on reduced aircraft utilization and parking of certain aircraft.

Landing fees and other rentals

Landing fees and other rentals decreased by $31 million, or 13%, during the first six months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to a 35% decrease in departures, offset by increased rates at certain of our airports.

For the full year, we expect landing fees and other rentals to decrease as compared to 2019, however, not at the same rate as decreased departures. We expect to see continued rate increases at many of our airports, as well as negative net settlements to cover airport operating costs.

Contracted Services

Contracted services decreased by $40 million, or 28%, during the first six months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. This decrease is primarily a result of reduced vendor spend directly correlating to reduced year-over-year departures and passengers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the full year, we expect contracted services expense to be significantly lower than in 2019, given our ongoing cost reduction efforts and significant reduction in departures.

Selling Expense

Selling expense decreased by $100 million, or 63%, during the first six months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. primarily driven by a significant reduction in distribution costs and credit card commissions. Reduced marketing spend and sponsorship costs given the continued delay in professional sports also contributed to the year-over-year decline.

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.

Food and beverage service

Food and beverage service decreased by $46 million, or 45%, during the first six months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. This decrease is primarily due to the 55% decrease in revenue passengers as compared to the prior-year period, as well as the temporary closure of the majority of our airport lounges in the second quarter of 2020.

We expect food and beverage service to decrease as compared to 2019, consistent with our expectation of reduced passengers throughout 2020.

Third-party Regional Carrier Expense

Third-party regional carrier expense, which represents payments made to SkyWest under our CPA, decreased $20 million, or 24%, during the first six months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The decrease is primarily due to a 30% decrease in capacity flown by SkyWest as compared to the prior year.

For the full year, we expect third-party regional carrier expense to be lower than 2019 due to decreased flying and reduced contractual rates.

Special Items—Merger-Related Costs

We recorded special items of $4 million in the first six months of 2020 for merger-related costs associated with our acquisition of Virgin America, compared to $34 million in the first six months of 2019. Costs incurred in the first six months of 2020 are primarily comprised of certain technology integration costs. We expect 2020 will be the final year in which we incur integration related charges.

Special Items - Impairment and other charges

We recorded impairment and other charges of $229 million in the second 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 write-down of the operating lease assets and related spare inventory and parts, as well as estimated lease return costs 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 execute further capacity reductions beyond those already scheduled and potentially permanently park additional aircraft.

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 pretax loss was $556 million in the first six months of 2020, compared to pretax profit of $383 million in the same period in 2019. The $939 million shift to pretax loss was driven by a $1.8 billion decrease in Mainline operating revenues, offset by a $414 million decrease in Mainline non-fuel operating expense and a $422 million decrease in Mainline fuel expense.

As compared to the prior year, lower Mainline revenues are primarily attributable to a 55% decrease in traffic and a 20 point decrease in capacity, driven by the significant reduction in demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-fuel operating expenses decreased significantly on cost savings driven by reduced variable costs on reduced capacity, as well as decreased wages and benefits expense from voluntary leaves of absence and a reduction in hours for management employees. Lower raw fuel prices, combined with decreased consumption from the reduction in flying, drove the decrease in Mainline fuel expense.

Regional

Regional operations generated a pretax loss of $202 million in the first six months of 2020, compared to a pretax loss of $23 million in the first six months of 2019. The increase in the pretax loss was attributable to a $303 million decrease in operating revenues, partially offset by a $61 million decrease in fuel costs and a $63 million decrease in non-fuel operating expenses. The decrease in regional revenues is primarily due to the 24% decrease in capacity, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Horizon

Horizon achieved a pretax profit of $16 million in the first six months of 2020, compared to pretax profit of $22 million in the same period in 2019, primarily due to significant cost reduction efforts implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken, and will continue to take action to reduce costs, increase liquidity and help to preserve the relative strength of our balance sheet. From the onset of the pandemic, we have taken the following key actions to enhance and preserve our liquidity:

•Obtained $1 billion in CARES Act funding to offset wage and benefit expense;

•Raised $589 million in secured financing collateralized by 32 aircraft;

•Drew $400 million from existing credit facilities;

•Suspended our share repurchase program and quarterly dividend indefinitely, and;

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

Subsequent to quarter end, we obtained $1.2 billion in financing through the issuance of EETCs in July 2020. The EETCs are collateralized by 42 Boeing 737 aircraft and 19 Embraer E175 aircraft.

We have significant remaining borrowing capacity, supported by our remaining 33 unencumbered aircraft, real estate and slot assets, and our 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 the second quarter, we notified the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) of Alaska and Horizon’s intent to apply for loans under the CARES Act, which enables us to access up to $1.1 billion of additional financing. In July 2020, we signed a non-binding letter of intent with the Treasury, anticipating that Mileage Plan assets may be used as loan collateral, and that definitive terms would be negotiated before September 30, 2020. As we continue our negotiations with Treasury, we are also considering other possible sources of liquidity

To preserve liquidity, we have continued our focus on reducing cash burn. We have successfully reduced our monthly cash burn rate from $400 million as we exited March to $120 million in June. We define cash burn as all cash flows, excluding the impact of any CARES Act funding or proceeds from new borrowings, plus net activities from marketable securities.

Our daily cash burn for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, is reconciled from our statement of cash flows as follows:


(in millions)	Six Months Ended June 30, 2020		Three Months Ended March 31, 2020^(a)		Three Months Ended June 30, 2020^(b)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	321	$	33	$	288
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(124)		(127)		3
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,091		$	684	407
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	1,288		590		698

Adjusted to remove:
Payroll support program grant	723		—		723
Payroll support program note and equity	284		—		284
Secured debt issuances	589		425		164
Credit facility draws	400		400		—
Net marketable security activity	(5)		(24)		19
Total adjustments	1,991		801		1,190

Adjusted cash burn	$	(703)	$	(211)	$	(492)
Days in the period	182		91		91
Average daily cash burn	$	(4)	$	(2)	$	(5)

(a) As filed in our first quarter 10-Q, as amended.

(b) Cash burn for the three months ended June 30, 2020, can be calculated by subtracting cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2020, as previously filed with the SEC, from the six months ended June 30, 2020.

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


(in millions)	June 30, 2020			December 31, 2019			Change
Cash and marketable securities	$	2,803		$	1,521		84 %
Cash, marketable securities, and unused lines of credit as a percentage of trailing twelve months' revenue	42		%	17		%	25 pts
Total debt	2,636			1,499			76 %
Shareholders’ equity	$	3,861		$	4,331		(11)%


Debt-to-capitalization, adjusted for operating leases
(in millions)	June 30, 2020			December 31, 2019			Change
Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	1,549		$	1,264		23%
Capitalized operating leases	1,649			1,708			(4)%
COVID-19 related borrowings^(a)	818			—			NM
Adjusted debt	$	4,016		$	2,972		35%
Shareholders' equity	3,861			4,331			(11)%
Total invested capital	$	7,877		$	7,303		8%

Debt-to-capitalization, including operating leases	51		%	41		%	10 pts

(a)To best reflect our leverage at June 30, 2020, we included the short-term borrowings stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic in the above calculation, although these borrowings are classified as current in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.


Net adjusted debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, special items and rent
(in millions)	June 30, 2020
Adjusted debt	$	4,016
Current portion of long-term debt, net of COVID-19 related borrowings	269
Total adjusted debt	4,285
Less: Cash and marketable securities	(2,803)
Net adjusted debt	$	1,482

(in millions)	Last Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2020
GAAP Operating Income^(a)	$	65
Adjusted for:
Special items	(119)
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments	(2)
Depreciation and amortization	427
Aircraft rent	321
EBITDAR	$	692
Net adjusted debt to EBITDAR	2.1x

(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 Used in Operating Activities

For the first six months of 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was $321 million, compared to $1 billion during the same period in 2019. The $712 million decrease in our operating cash flows is primarily attributable to a $712 million decline in net income, as well as significant cash refund activity, and a decline in advance bookings as compared to the same period in the prior year, all as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The net loss was offset by funds received from the U.S. Treasury as part of the PSP.

Cash Used in Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $124 million during the first six months of 2020, compared to $530 million during the same period of 2019. The decrease to cash used in investing activities is primarily due to a reduction in net purchases of marketable securities, which were $34 million in the first six months of 2020, compared to $222 million in the six months ended June 30, 2019. The decrease in net purchases is primarily driven by the need to utilize previously invested cash to fund operations and provide customer refunds. The decrease is also due to the postponement of capital expenditures in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cash Used in Financing Activities

Cash from financing activities was $1.1 billion during the first six months of 2020 compared to cash used for financing activities of $363 million during the same period in 2019. During the first six months of 2020, we had proceeds from debt issuances of $1.3 billion, including the loan portion of the proceeds from the PSP. These proceeds were partially offset by debt payments of $125 million, dividend payments totaling $45 million, and $31 million in common stock repurchases.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

Aircraft Commitments

As of June 30, 2020, we have firm orders to purchase 35 aircraft. Alaska also has cancelable purchase commitments for 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft with deliveries from 2024 through 2026. We could incur a loss of pre-delivery payments and credits as a cancellation fee. Alaska also has options to acquire 37 B737 MAX aircraft with deliveries from 2021 through 2024, and Horizon has options to acquire 30 E175 aircraft with deliveries from 2022 through 2024. In addition to the 32 E175 aircraft currently operated by SkyWest in our regional fleet, 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 over the long term.

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. We are also in the process of negotiating with aircraft manufacturers and lessors to optimize timing of fleet activity. It is probable that the current outlook as stated below will change significantly. This table represents anticipated fleet activity by year as of June 30, 2020:


	Actual Fleet	Anticipated Fleet Activity
Aircraft	June 30, 2020	2020 Additions	2020 Removals	December 31, 2020	2021 Changes	December 31, 2021
B737 Freighters	3	—	—	3	—	3
B737-700	11	—	—	11	—	11
B737-800	61	—	—	61	—	61
B737-900	12	—	—	12	—	12
B737-900ER	79	—	—	79	—	79
B737 MAX9^(a)	—	3	—	3	15	18
A320^(b)	49	—	—	49	(7)	42
A321neo	10	—	—	10	—	10
Total Mainline Fleet	225	3	—	228	8	236
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	8	330

(a)The three B737 MAX9 aircraft reflected in 2020 were originally contracted for delivery in 2019 and delayed due to 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 June 30, 2020, excludes 12 Airbus aircraft permanently parked in response to COVID-19 capacity reductions.

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


Third Quarter 2020	115	$66	$2
Fourth Quarter 2020	85	$64	$2
Full Year 2020	200	$65	$2
First Quarter 2021	60	$62	$2
Second Quarter 2021	45	$63	$2
Third Quarter 2021	40	$57	$2
Fourth Quarter 2021	20	$49	$4
Total 2021	165	$60	$2

Contractual Obligations

The following table provides a summary of our contractual obligations as of June 30, 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	$	529	$	742	$	281	$	245	$	153	$	695	$	2,645
Aircraft lease commitments	162		300		274		217		166		677		1,796
Facility lease commitments	5		9		8		7		7		84		120
Aircraft maintenance deposits	12		53		45		24		6		2		142
Aircraft purchase commitments ^(a)	335		554		337		186		18		25		1,455
Interest obligations ^(b)	32		42		30		23		17		61		205
Other obligations ^(c)	41		179		185		190		197		910		1,702
Total	$	1,116	$	1,879	$	1,160	$	892	$	564	$	2,454	$	8,065

(a)Although the Company has contractual obligations for purchase commitments in 2020, informal agreements have been reached with aircraft manufacturers to defer payments beyond 2020.

(b)For variable-rate debt, future obligations are shown above using forecasted interest rates as of June 30, 2020.

(c)Primarily comprised of non-aircraft lease costs associated with capacity purchase agreements. In the second quarter, Alaska entered into an agreement with SkyWest to defer a portion of 2020 payments and eliminate contractual minimums through September 30, 2020.

In the second quarter, 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. Discussions remain ongoing with aircraft manufacturers and lessors to optimize the timing of aircraft deliveries and lease returns.

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. Under another such agreement, we could be required to maintain a reserve if our cash and marketable securities balance fell below $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 or loss and cash taxes payable and refundable in the short-term are impacted by many items, including the amount of book income generated (which can be volatile depending on revenue, demand for air travel 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 expect that our 2020 cash tax rate will be close to zero, given our current expectation of operating losses for the remainder of the year.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting estimates during the three months ended June 30, 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, 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 purchased arrangement (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, 2019.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of June 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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

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, 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 the second quarter of 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, as well as McGee, entered agreements with the United States Department of the Treasury (the Treasury) to secure funding under the PSP of the CARES Act. Alaska, Horizon and McGee 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 $1 billion, of which, a total of $281 million is in the form of an unsecured senior term loan payable over ten years. Additionally, the government received warrants to purchase 874,344 non-voting shares of the Company’s common stock. On April 23, 2020, Alaska and Horizon received full disbursement of the PSP funds. McGee received partial disbursement in June 2020, with the remainder expected in the third quarter of 2020. Additional warrants to purchase 14,327 shares of Air Group common stock will be issued to Treasury in connection with McGee's receipt of the second and third installments of 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

•The Company 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 second quarter of 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)
April 1, 2020 - April 30, 2020	—	$	—
May 1, 2020 - May 31, 2020	—	—
June 1, 2020 - June 30, 2020	—	—
Total	—	$	—	$	456

Historically, the Company purchased shares 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.

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.

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

August 4, 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

10.1†

COVID-19 Business Recovery Incentive Pay Plan

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