Spirit Airlines, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_______________________________________________________________________

Form 10-Q

_______________________________________________________________________

(Mark One)



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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017



o	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: 001-35186

_______________________________________________________________________

SPIRIT AIRLINES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_______________________________________________________________________



Delaware	38-1747023
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2800 Executive Way Miramar, Florida	33025
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(954) 447-7920

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

_______________________________________________________________________

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 ý No o

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 ý No o

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



Large accelerated filer	ý	Accelerated filer	o
Non-accelerated filer	o	Smaller reporting company	o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Emerging growth company	o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark 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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. o

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of the close of business on October 19, 2017:



Class		Number of Shares
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value		69,373,154

Table of Contents

INDEX



			Page No.
Part I. Financial Information
	Item 1.	Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)	1
		Condensed Statements of Operations - Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	1
		Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income - Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	2
		Condensed Balance Sheets – September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016	3
		Condensed Statements of Cash Flows – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	4
		Notes to Condensed Financial Statements	5
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
		Glossary of Airline Terms	30
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	32
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	33
Part II. Other Information
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	34
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	35
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	37
	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	37
	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	37
	Item 5.	Other Information	37
	Item 6.	Exhibits	38
Signature			39

PART I. Financial Information


ITEM 1.	UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Spirit Airlines, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Operations

(unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Operating revenues:
Passenger	$	356,207		$	331,004		$	1,027,891		$	900,031
Non-ticket	331,024			290,325			952,768			843,574
Total operating revenues	687,231			621,329			1,980,659			1,743,605

Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits	134,114			120,190			391,144			349,530
Aircraft fuel	158,300			121,844			440,376			321,018
Aircraft rent	53,396			49,367			163,032			151,433
Landing fees and other rents	48,498			39,345			134,538			114,096
Depreciation and amortization	36,840			25,304			103,680			73,370
Maintenance, materials and repairs	26,176			30,443			81,473			72,010
Distribution	29,469			25,565			85,875			73,190
Special charges	7,853			7,355			12,629			31,609
Loss on disposal of assets	516			423			3,114			1,166
Other operating	87,965			66,277			268,553			197,833
Total operating expenses	583,127			486,113			1,684,414			1,385,255

Operating income	104,104			135,216			296,245			358,350

Other (income) expense:
Interest expense	15,018			11,362			41,237			29,588
Capitalized interest	(3,203		)	(3,067		)	(10,125		)	(9,163		)
Interest income	(2,605		)	(1,222		)	(5,746		)	(4,235		)
Other expense	114			180			221			407
Total other (income) expense	9,324			7,253			25,587			16,597

Income before income taxes	94,780			127,963			270,658			341,753
Provision for income taxes	34,590			46,581			100,390			125,367

Net income	$	60,190		$	81,382		$	170,268		$	216,386
Basic earnings per share	$	0.87		$	1.17		$	2.45		$	3.06
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.87		$	1.17		$	2.45		$	3.05

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Financial Statements.

Spirit Airlines, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income

(unaudited, in thousands)



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017			2016
Net income	$	60,190	$	81,382	$	170,268		$	216,386
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investment securities, net of deferred taxes of $7, $3, ($6) and $3	13		4		(11		)	4
Interest rate derivative losses reclassified into earnings, net of taxes of $31, $32, $92 and $97	53		56		160			170
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	66	$	60	$	149		$	174
Comprehensive income	$	60,256	$	81,442	$	170,417		$	216,560

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Financial Statements.

Spirit Airlines, Inc.

Condensed Balance Sheets

(unaudited, in thousands)



	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	863,680		$	700,900
Short-term investment securities	100,732			100,155
Accounts receivable, net	46,235			41,136
Aircraft maintenance deposits, net	166,386			87,035
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	67,707			46,619
Total current assets	1,244,740			975,845

Property and equipment:
Flight equipment	2,017,888			1,461,525
Ground property and equipment	148,324			126,206
Less accumulated depreciation	(183,065		)	(122,509		)
	1,983,147			1,465,222
Deposits on flight equipment purchase contracts	304,732			325,688
Long-term aircraft maintenance deposits	138,672			199,415
Deferred heavy maintenance, net	87,566			75,534
Other long-term assets	112,085			110,223
Total assets	$	3,870,942		$	3,151,927

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	30,961		$	15,193
Air traffic liability	276,933			206,392
Current maturities of long-term debt	105,958			84,354
Other current liabilities	249,132			226,011
Total current liabilities	662,984			531,950

Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,214,138			897,359
Deferred income taxes	406,080			308,143
Deferred gains and other long-term liabilities	17,204			19,868
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock	7			7
Additional paid-in-capital	557,772			551,004
Treasury stock, at cost	(219,930		)	(218,692		)
Retained earnings	1,233,901			1,063,633
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,214		)	(1,345		)
Total shareholders’ equity	1,570,536			1,394,607
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	3,870,942		$	3,151,927

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Financial Statements.

Spirit Airlines, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited, in thousands)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Operating activities:
Net income	$	170,268		$	216,386
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Losses reclassified from other comprehensive income	252			267
Equity-based compensation	6,723			5,503
Allowance for doubtful accounts (recoveries)	(53		)	213
Amortization of deferred gains and losses and debt issuance costs	6,415			3,837
Depreciation and amortization	103,680			73,370
Deferred income tax expense	97,834			77,627
Loss on disposal of assets	3,114			1,166
Lease termination costs	12,629			31,609

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(5,046		)	(7,840		)
Aircraft maintenance deposits, net	(28,422		)	(38,299		)
Prepaid income taxes	(160		)	66,218
Long-term deposits and other assets	(81,622		)	(43,252		)
Accounts payable	13,829			(7,044		)
Air traffic liability	70,540			21,963
Other liabilities	16,152			38,317
Other	339			—
Net cash provided by operating activities	386,472			440,041
Investing activities:
Purchase of available-for-sale investment securities	(96,851		)	(100,076		)
Proceeds from the maturity of available-for-sale investment securities	95,881			—
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	—			50
Pre-delivery deposits for flight equipment, net of refunds	(121,702		)	(109,260		)
Capitalized interest	(8,054		)	(7,032		)
Purchase of property and equipment	(428,061		)	(447,455		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(558,787		)	(663,773		)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	405,827			378,569
Proceeds from stock options exercised	45			92
Payments on debt and capital lease obligations	(63,643		)	(29,663		)
Excess tax (deficiency) benefit from equity-based compensation	—			(497		)
Repurchase of common stock	(1,238		)	(102,390		)
Debt issuance costs	(5,896		)	(107		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	335,095			246,004
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	162,780			22,272
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	700,900			803,632
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	863,680		$	825,904
Supplemental disclosures
Cash payments for:
Interest, net of capitalized interest	$	22,541		$	26,025
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	$	4,352		$	(18,169	)
Non-cash transactions:
Capital expenditures funded by capital lease borrowings	$	(1,370	)	$	(31	)

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Financial Statements.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(unaudited)


1.	Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements include the accounts of Spirit Airlines, Inc. (the Company). These unaudited condensed financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments which management believes are necessary to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the respective periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for Form 10-Q. These unaudited interim condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements of the Company and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2017.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect both the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The interim results reflected in the unaudited condensed financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for other interim periods or for the full year.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.


2.	Recent Accounting Developments

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, (ASU 2014-09) "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The objective of ASU 2014-09 is to establish a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018. Entities have the option to use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt ASU 2014-09. The Company currently anticipates utilizing the full retrospective method of adoption allowed by the standard, in order to provide for comparative results in all periods presented, and plans to adopt the standard as of January 1, 2018. While the Company is still evaluating the impact, it currently believes the most significant impact of this ASU will be the elimination of the incremental cost method for frequent flier program accounting, which will require the Company to re-value and record a liability associated with customer flight miles earned as part of the Company’s frequent flier program with a relative fair value approach. While our evaluation is ongoing, the Company currently estimates that applying a relative fair value would increase its air traffic liability by approximately $10 million at the date of adoption. The Company also expects the classification and timing of recognition of certain ancillary fees to be impacted by the adoption of ASU 2014-09. While the Company believes the adoption will not have a significant impact on earnings, the classification of certain revenues, such as bags, seats and other travel-related fees may be deemed part of the single performance obligation of providing passenger transportation. The Company expects that these revenues currently classified as non-ticket revenue, approximately $1 billion annually, will be reclassified to passenger revenue after adoption.

Financial Instruments

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10).” ASU 2016-01 makes several modifications to Subtopic 825-10 including the elimination of the available-for-sale classification of equity investments, and requires equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. ASU 2016-01 is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2018 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Leases

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements—(Continued)

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." This standard will require all leases with durations greater than twelve months to be recognized on the condensed balance sheet and is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance and believes adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on its condensed balance sheets although adoption is not expected to significantly change the recognition, measurement or presentation of lease expenses within the statements of operations and cash flows. See Note 8, Commitments and Contingencies for information regarding the Company's undiscounted future lease payments and the timing of those payments.

Share-Based Compensation

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting," which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2017. As a result, excess income tax benefits and deficiencies related to share-based compensation are now included within income tax expense rather than additional paid in capital. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, $0.6 million of income tax deficiency related to share-based compensation was included within income tax expense on the Company's statements of operations. Additionally, excess income tax benefits and deficiencies for share-based payments are now included in net operating cash flows rather than net financing cash flows. The changes have been applied prospectively in accordance with the guidance and prior periods have not been adjusted.

Accounting for Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses." The standard requires the use of an "expected loss" model on certain types of financial instruments. The standard also amends the impairment model for available-for-sale securities and requires estimated credit losses to be recorded as allowances instead of reductions to amortized cost of the securities. This standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the new guidance, but does not expect it to have a material impact on its financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows." The standard is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the new guidance, but does not expect it to have a material impact on its financial statements.


3.	Special Charges

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company purchased one aircraft which was previously financed under an operating lease agreement. The purchase price of the aircraft was $20.0 million, comprised of a cash payment of $12.6 million and the non-cash application of maintenance and security deposits held by the previous lessor of $7.4 million. The Company estimated the fair value of the aircraft to be $11.9 million and has recorded the 1 purchased aircraft at fair value within flight equipment on the condensed balance sheets. The Company determined the valuation of the aircraft based on a third-party appraisal considering the condition of the aircraft (a Level 3 measurement). The Company recognized $7.9 million as a cost of terminating the lease within special charges on the condensed statement of operations, made up of the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the aircraft, less other non-cash items of $0.2 million.

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company purchased three A319 aircraft which were formerly financed under operating lease agreements. The purchase price for the 3 aircraft was $58.8 million, comprised of a cash payment of $58.1 million and the application of security deposits held by the previous lessor of $0.7 million. The Company estimated the fair value of the aircraft to be $38.2 million and has recorded the 3 purchased aircraft within flight equipment on the condensed balance sheets. The Company determined the valuation of the aircraft based on a third-party appraisal considering the condition of each aircraft (a Level 3 measurement). The Company recognized $7.4 million as a cost of terminating the leases within special charges on the condensed statement of operations, made up of the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the aircraft, less previously expensed supplemental rent and other non-cash items of $13.2 million.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements—(Continued)

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company purchased one engine and one aircraft which were previously financed under operating lease agreements. The purchase price of the 1 engine and 1 aircraft was $8.1 million and $20.0 million, respectively, comprised of a cash payment of $3.8 million and $12.6 million, respectively, and the non-cash application of maintenance and security deposits held by the previous lessor of $4.3 million and $7.4 million, respectively. The Company estimated the fair value of the engine and aircraft to be $3.1 million and $11.9 million, respectively, and has recorded the 1 purchased engine and 1 aircraft at fair value within flight equipment on the condensed balance sheets. The Company determined the valuation of the engine and aircraft based on a third-party appraisal considering the condition of the engine and aircraft (a Level 3 measurement). The Company recognized $4.8 million and $7.9 million as a cost of terminating the lease within special charges on the condensed statement of operations, respectively, made up of the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the engine and the aircraft, less other non-cash items of $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company purchased six A319 aircraft which were previously financed under operating lease agreements. The purchase price of the 6 aircraft was $124.7 million, comprised of a cash payment of $91.9 million and the non-cash application of maintenance and security deposits held by the previous lessor of $32.8 million. The Company estimated the fair value of the aircraft to be $79.4 million and has recorded the 6 purchased aircraft at fair value within flight equipment on the condensed balance sheets. The Company determined the valuation of the aircraft based on a third-party appraisal considering the condition of each aircraft (a Level 3 measurement). The Company recognized $31.6 million as a cost of terminating the leases within special charges on the condensed statement of operations, made up of the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the aircraft, less other non-cash items of $13.7 million.


4.	Earnings per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Numerator
Net income	$	60,190	$	81,382	$	170,268	$	216,386
Denominator
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic	69,370		69,727		69,363		70,689
Effect of dilutive stock awards	88		81		174		143
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted	69,458		69,808		69,537		70,832
Net income per share
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.87	$	1.17	$	2.45	$	3.06
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.87	$	1.17	$	2.45	$	3.05

Anti-dilutive weighted-average shares	124		122		76		87

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements—(Continued)


5.	Short-term Investment Securities

The Company's short-term investment securities consist of available-for-sale asset-backed securities with contractual maturities of twelve months or less. These securities are stated at fair value within current assets on the Company's condensed balance sheets. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments, if any, are reflected in non-operating income (expense) in the condensed statements of operations. Unrealized gains and losses on investment securities are reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI).

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $100.7 million and $100.2 million in short-term available-for-sale investment securities, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, these investments earned interest income at a weighted-average fixed rate of approximately 1.5%. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, an unrealized gain of $13 thousand and an unrealized loss of $11 thousand, net of deferred taxes of $7 thousand and $6 thousand, respectively, was recorded within AOCI related to these investment securities. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, an unrealized gain of $4 thousand, net of deferred taxes of $3 thousand, was recorded within AOCI related to these investment securities. The Company has not recognized any realized gains or losses related to these securities as the Company has not transacted any sale of these securities. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $34 thousand and $23 thousand, net of tax, respectively, remained in AOCI, related to these instruments.


6.	Accrued Liabilities

Other current liabilities as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consist of the following:



	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(in thousands)
Salaries and wages	$	50,635	$	54,578
Airport obligations	47,289		43,989
Federal excise and other passenger taxes and fees payable	43,860		42,064
Aircraft maintenance	41,781		30,233
Interest payable	15,168		8,499
Fuel	14,940		14,828
Aircraft and facility lease obligations	11,678		10,378
Other	23,781		21,442
Other current liabilities	$	249,132	$	226,011


7.	Financial Instruments and Risk Management

As part of the Company’s risk management program, the Company, from time to time, may use a variety of financial instruments to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in the price of jet fuel and interest rates. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to these financial instruments. The Company periodically reviews and seeks to mitigate exposure to the financial deterioration and nonperformance of any counterparty by monitoring the absolute exposure levels, each counterparty's credit ratings and the historical performance of counterparties relating to hedge transactions. The credit exposure related to these financial instruments is limited to the fair value of contracts in a net receivable position at the reporting date. The Company also maintains security agreements that require the Company to post collateral if the value of selected instruments falls below specified mark-to-market thresholds. As of September 30, 2017, the Company did not hold any derivatives with requirements to post collateral. The Company records financial derivative instruments at fair value, which includes an evaluation of each counterparty's credit risk.

Fuel Derivative Instruments

From time to time, the Company may enter into fuel derivative contracts in order to mitigate the risk of future volatility in fuel prices. Historically, the Company's fuel derivative contracts have generally consisted of United States Gulf Coast jet fuel swaps (jet fuel swaps) and United States Gulf Coast jet fuel options (jet fuel options). Both jet fuel swaps and jet fuel options have been used at times to protect the refining price risk between the price of crude oil and the price of refined jet fuel, and to manage the risk of increasing fuel prices. Fair value of such instruments is determined using standard option valuation models.

The Company accounts for its fuel derivative contracts at fair value and recognizes them in the condensed balance sheet in prepaid expenses and other current assets or other current liabilities. The Company did not enter into any fuel derivative instruments during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 and did not have any outstanding fuel derivatives as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Historically, the Company has not elected hedge accounting on any fuel derivative instruments entered into and, as a result, changes in the fair value of fuel derivative contracts, if any, were recorded in aircraft fuel expense.

Interest Rate Swaps

During 2015, the Company settled six forward interest rate swaps that were designed to fix the benchmark interest rate component of interest payments on the debt related to three Airbus A321 aircraft, which the Company took delivery of during the third quarter of 2015. These instruments limited the Company's exposure to changes in the benchmark interest rate in the period from the trade date through the date of maturity. The interest rate swaps were designated as cash flow hedges. The Company accounts for interest rate swaps at fair value and recognizes them in the condensed balance sheet in prepaid expenses and other current assets or other current liabilities with changes in fair value recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any outstanding interest rate swaps.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements—(Continued)

Realized gains and losses from cash flow hedges are recorded in the statement of cash flows as a component of cash flows from operating activities. Subsequent to the issuance of each debt instrument, amounts remaining in AOCI are amortized over the life of the fixed-rate debt instrument. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, there were no unrealized gains or losses recorded within AOCI related to these instruments as they settled in 2015. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company reclassified interest rate swap losses of $53 thousand and $160 thousand, net of tax of $31 thousand and $92 thousand, respectively, into earnings. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company reclassified interest rate swap losses of $56 thousand and $170 thousand, net of tax of $32 thousand and $97 thousand, respectively, into earnings. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $1.2 million and $1.3 million, net of tax, respectively, remained in AOCI, related to these instruments.


8.	Commitments and Contingencies

Aircraft-Related Commitments and Financing Arrangements

The Company’s contractual purchase commitments consist primarily of aircraft and engine acquisitions through manufacturers. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company negotiated revisions to its A320 aircraft order. The Company originally had four A320neo aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2018 of which two were converted to A320ceo aircraft, to be delivered in 2017, and the remaining two are deferred until 2019. As of September 30, 2017, the Company's aircraft orders consisted of the following:



	Airbus
	A320ceo	A320neo	A321ceo	Total
remainder of 2017	2		4	6
2018	5		5	10
2019	1	14		15
2020		16		16
2021		18		18
	8	48	9	65

The Company also has four spare engine orders for V2500 SelectTwo engines with International Aero Engines (IAE) and nine spare engine orders for PurePower PW1100G-JM engines with Pratt & Whitney. Spare engines are scheduled for delivery from 2018 through 2023. Purchase commitments for these aircraft and spare engines, including estimated amounts for contractual price escalations and pre-delivery payments, are expected to be $227.8 million for the remainder of 2017, $528.4 million in 2018, $773.7 million in 2019, $820.5 million in 2020, $784.8 million in 2021, and $24.6 million in 2022 and beyond. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had secured debt financing commitments of $160.0 million for 4 aircraft, scheduled for delivery in the remainder of 2017, and did not have financing commitments in place for the remaining 61 Airbus aircraft currently on firm order, which are scheduled for delivery in 2017 through 2021.

Interest commitments related to the secured debt financing of 40 delivered aircraft as of September 30, 2017 are $19.5 million for the remainder of 2017, $52.9 million in 2018, $48.2 million in 2019, $43.6 million in 2020, $39.0 million in 2021, and $141.5 million in 2022 and beyond. For principal commitments related to these financed aircraft, refer to Note 10, Debt and Other Obligations. As of September 30, 2017, principal and interest commitments related to the Company's future secured debt financing of 4 undelivered aircraft under bank debt are zero for the remainder of 2017, $16.5 million in 2018, $16.4 million in 2019, $17.3 million in 2020, $16.2 million in 2021, and $137.2 million in 2022 and beyond.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company had a fleet consisting of 107 A320 family aircraft. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company took delivery of eleven aircraft financed under secured debt arrangements, two aircraft financed under operating leases, purchased one previously leased aircraft and returned one aircraft to its lessor. In addition, the Company took delivery of two purchased engines and one engine financed under an operating lease, and purchased one previously leased engine. For further discussion on the previously leased aircraft and engine, refer to Note 3, Special Charges. New purchased aircraft are capitalized within flight equipment with depreciable lives of 25 years and estimated residual values of 10%. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had 59 aircraft and 11 spare engines financed under operating leases with lease term expiration dates ranging from 2017 to 2029. The Company entered into sale and leaseback transactions with third-party aircraft lessors for the majority of these aircraft and engine leases. Deferred losses resulting from

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements—(Continued)

these sale and leaseback transactions are included in other long-term assets on the accompanying condensed balance sheets. Deferred losses are recognized as an increase to rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective operating leases. Deferred gains are included in deferred credits and other long-term liabilities on the accompanying condensed balance sheets. Deferred gains are recognized as a decrease to rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective operating leases.

Under the terms of the lease agreements, the Company will continue to operate and maintain the aircraft. Payments under the majority of the lease agreements are fixed for the term of the lease. The lease agreements contain standard termination events, including termination upon a breach of the Company's obligations to make rental payments and upon any other material breach of the Company's obligations under the leases, and standard maintenance and return condition provisions. These return provisions are evaluated at inception of the lease and throughout the lease terms and are accounted for as supplemental rent expense when it is probable that such amounts will be incurred. Upon a termination of the lease due to a breach by the Company, the Company would be liable for standard contractual damages, possibly including damages suffered by the lessor in connection with remarketing the aircraft or while the aircraft is not leased to another party.

In July 2015, the Company executed an upgrade service agreement with Airbus Americas Customer Services Inc. (Airbus) to reconfigure the seating and increase capacity in 40 of the Company’s A320ceos from 178 to 182 seats (reconfiguration). The reconfiguration of the aircraft commenced in the first quarter of 2016 and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017 for a remaining committed cost of $0.6 million, as of September 30, 2017. These amounts will be capitalized within flight equipment on the condensed balance sheets.

In September 2015, the Company executed a lease agreement with Wayne County Airport Authority (the Authority), which owns and operates Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Under the lease agreement, the Company leases a 10-acre site, adjacent to the airfield at DTW, in order to construct, operate and maintain an approximately 126,000-square-foot hangar facility (the project). The project allows for the development of a maintenance hangar in order to fulfill the requirements of the Company's growing fleet and will reduce dependence on third-party facilities and contract maintenance. The lease agreement has a 30-year term with two 10-year extension options. Upon termination of the lease, title of the project, which will be fully depreciated, will automatically pass to the Authority. The Company completed the project during the first quarter of 2017 and has no remaining commitments related to this project as of September 30, 2017.

Future minimum lease payments under capital leases and noncancellable operating leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year at September 30, 2017 were as follows:



		Capital Leases		Aircraft and Spare Engine Leases		Property Facility Leases		Total Operating and Capital Lease Obligations
	(in thousands)
remainder of 2017		$	134	$	53,017	$	12,409	$	65,560
2018		537		204,292		43,726		248,555
2019		504		189,106		36,512		226,122
2020		188		180,842		25,604		206,634
2021		28		170,643		12,740		183,411
2022 and thereafter		—		570,120		73,142		643,262
Total minimum lease payments		$	1,391	$	1,368,020	$	204,133	$	1,573,544
Less amount representing interest		114
Present value of minimum lease payments		$	1,277
Less current portion		468
Long-term portion		$	809

The majority of the Company's capital lease obligations relate to the lease of computer equipment used by the Company's flight crew. Payments under this lease agreement are fixed for the 3-year term of the lease which began in the second quarter of 2017.

Aircraft rent expense consists of monthly lease rents for aircraft and spare engines under the terms of the Company's aircraft and spare engine lease agreements recognized on a straight-line basis. Aircraft rent expense also includes supplemental rent. Supplemental rent is made up of maintenance reserves paid or expected to be paid to aircraft lessors in advance of the

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements—(Continued)

performance of major maintenance activities that are not probable of being reimbursed, and probable return condition obligations. The Company expects supplemental rent to increase as individual aircraft lease agreements approach their respective termination dates and the Company begins to accrue the estimated cost of return conditions for the corresponding aircraft.

Some of the Company’s master lease agreements provide that the Company pay maintenance reserves to aircraft lessors to be held as collateral in advance of the Company’s required performance of major maintenance activities. Substantially all of these maintenance reserve payments are calculated based on a utilization measure, such as flight hours or cycles, while some maintenance reserve payments are fixed contractual amounts. Fixed maintenance reserve payments for these aircraft and related flight equipment, including estimated amounts for contractual price escalations, are expected to be $1.9 million for the remainder of 2017, $6.9 million in 2018, $5.7 million in 2019, $5.4 million in 2020, $5.5 million in 2021, and $17.7 million in 2022 and beyond. These lease agreements provide that maintenance reserves are reimbursable to the Company upon completion of the maintenance event in an amount equal to either (1) the amount of the maintenance reserves held by the lessor associated with the specific maintenance event or (2) the qualifying costs related to the specific maintenance event. Some of the master lease agreements do not require that the Company pay maintenance reserves as long as the Company's cash balance does not fall below a certain level. As of September 30, 2017, the Company was in full compliance with those requirements and does not anticipate having to pay reserves related to these master leases in the future.

The Company is contractually obligated to pay the following minimum guaranteed payments for its reservation system, new airport kiosks and other miscellaneous subscriptions and services as of September 30, 2017: $1.8 million for the remainder of 2017, $5.7 million in 2018, $1.6 million in 2019, $1.0 million in 2020, $0.5 million in 2021, and $0.2 million thereafter. The Company's current agreement with its reservation system provider expires in 2018.

Litigation

The Company is subject to commercial litigation claims and to administrative and regulatory proceedings and reviews that may be asserted or maintained from time to time. The Company believes the ultimate outcome of such lawsuits, proceedings and reviews will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

Credit Card Processing Arrangements

The Company has agreements with organizations that process credit card transactions arising from the purchase of air travel, baggage charges, and other ancillary services by customers. As is standard in the airline industry, the Company's contractual arrangements with credit card processors permit them, under certain circumstances, to retain a holdback or other collateral, which the Company records as restricted cash, when future air travel and other future services are purchased via credit card transactions. The required holdback is the percentage of the Company's overall credit card sales its credit card processors hold to cover refunds to customers if the Company fails to fulfill its flight obligations.

The Company's credit card processors do not require the Company to maintain cash collateral if the Company satisfies certain liquidity and other financial covenants. Failure to meet these covenants would provide the processors the right to place a holdback resulting in a commensurate reduction of unrestricted cash. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with such liquidity and other financial covenants in its credit card processing agreements and the processors were holding back no remittances.

The maximum potential exposure to cash holdbacks by the Company's credit card processors, based upon advance ticket sales and $9 Fare Club memberships as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, was $322.3 million and $234.6 million, respectively.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements—(Continued)

Employees

The Company has four union-represented employee groups that together represented approximately 75% of all employees at September 30, 2017. The table below sets forth the Company's employee groups and status of the collective bargaining agreements as of September 30, 2017.



Employee Groups	Representative	Amendable Date	Percentage of Workforce
Pilots	Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA)	August 2015	26%
Flight Attendants	Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA)	May 2021	44%
Dispatchers	Transport Workers Union (TWU)	August 2018	1%
Ramp Service Agents	International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)	June 2020	4%

In August 2015, the Company's collective bargaining agreement with its pilots, represented by ALPA, became amendable. In June 2016, ALPA requested the services of the National Mediation Board (NMB) to facilitate negotiations for an amended agreement and the Company joined ALPA in the request. The NMB has assigned mediators and the parties continue to work toward an amended agreement with the guidance of the mediator. Under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), the parties' current agreement remains in effect until an amended agreement is reached.

In March 2016, under the supervision of the NMB, the Company and AFA-CWA reached a tentative agreement for a five-year contract with the Company's flight attendants. In May 2016, the flight attendants voted to approve the new five-year contract with the Company. In connection with this agreement, the Company paid a $9.6 million ratification incentive of which $8.4 million was recorded within salaries, wages and benefits in the condensed statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

The Company is self-insured for health care claims, up to a stop loss amount for eligible participating employees and qualified dependent medical claims, subject to deductibles and limitations. The Company’s liabilities for claims incurred but not reported are determined based on an estimate of the ultimate aggregate liability for claims incurred. The estimate is calculated from actual claim rates and adjusted periodically as necessary. The Company has accrued $5.5 million and $5.7 million in health care claims as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.


9.	Fair Value Measurements

Under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, disclosures relating to how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities are required, and a hierarchy for which these assets and liabilities must be grouped is established, based on significant levels of inputs, as follows:

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2—Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company utilizes several valuation techniques in order to assess the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities.

Fuel Derivative Instruments

From time to time, the Company may enter into fuel derivative contracts in order to mitigate the risk of future volatility in fuel prices. The Company’s fuel derivative contracts generally consist of jet fuel swaps and jet fuel options. These instruments are valued using energy and commodity market data, which is derived by combining raw inputs with quantitative models and processes to generate forward curves and volatilities.

The Company utilizes the market approach to measure fair value for its fuel derivative instruments, if any. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements—(Continued)

The Company does not elect hedge accounting on its fuel derivative instruments. As a result, the Company records the fair value adjustment of its fuel derivatives in the accompanying statement of operations within aircraft fuel and on the condensed balance sheets within prepaid expenses and other current assets or other current liabilities, depending on whether the net fair value of the derivatives is in an asset or liability position as of the respective date. Fair values of the fuel derivative instruments are determined using standard option valuation models. The Company also considers counterparty risk and its own credit risk in its determination of all estimated fair values. The Company offsets fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement. The Company determines fair value of jet fuel options utilizing an option pricing model based on inputs that are either readily available in public markets or can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets. The Company has consistently applied these valuation techniques in all periods presented and believes it has obtained the most accurate information available for the types of derivative contracts it holds.

The fair value of the Company's jet fuel swaps is determined based on inputs that are readily available in public markets or can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets; therefore, the Company categorizes these instruments as Level 2. Due to the fact that certain inputs utilized to determine the fair value of jet fuel options are unobservable (principally implied volatility), the Company categorizes these derivatives as Level 3. Implied volatility of a jet fuel option is the volatility of the price of the underlying commodity that is implied by the market price of the option based on an option pricing model. Thus, it is the volatility that when used in a particular pricing model yields a theoretical value for the option equal to the current market price of that option. Implied volatility, a forward-looking measure, differs from historical volatility because the latter is calculated from known past returns. At each balance sheet date, the Company substantiates and adjusts unobservable inputs. The Company routinely assesses the valuation model's sensitivity to changes in implied volatility. Based on the Company's assessment of the valuation model's sensitivity to changes in implied volatility, it concluded that holding other inputs constant, a significant increase (decrease) in implied volatility would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement for the Company's aircraft fuel derivatives. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had no outstanding jet fuel derivatives.

Long-Term Debt

The estimated fair value of the Company's non-publicly held debt agreements has been determined to be Level 3, as certain inputs used to determine the fair value of these agreements are unobservable. The Company utilizes a discounted cash flow method to estimate the fair value of the Level 3 long-term debt. The estimated fair value of the Company's publicly held debt agreements has been determined to be Level 2, as the Company utilizes quoted market prices to estimate the fair value of its public long-term debt.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's long-term debt at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:



	September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016				Fair Value Level Hierarchy
	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Fair Value Level Hierarchy
	(in millions)
Senior term loans	$	426.4	$	446.2	$	451.9	$	463.9	Level 3
Junior term loans	41.3		42.7		47.1		48.1		Level 3
Fixed-rate loans	363.4		370.1		—		—		Level 3
Class A enhanced equipment trust certificates	423.6		440.6		409.8		416.0		Level 2
Class B enhanced equipment trust certificates	100.0		103.3		103.6		105.7		Level 2
Total long-term debt	$	1,354.7	$	1,402.9	$	1,012.4	$	1,033.7

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are comprised of liquid money market funds and cash, and are categorized as Level 1 instruments. The Company maintains cash with various high-quality financial institutions.

Short-term Investment Securities

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements—(Continued)

Short-term investment securities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are comprised of available-for-sale asset-backed securities with contractual maturities of twelve months or less and are categorized as Level 1 instruments, as the Company uses quoted market prices in active markets when determining the fair value of these securities.

Assets and liabilities measured at gross fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:



	Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2017
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	863.7	$	863.7	$	—	$	—
Short-term investment securities	100.7		100.7		—		—
Total assets	$	964.4	$	964.4	$	—	$	—

Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—



	Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2016
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	700.9	$	700.9	$	—	$	—
Short-term investment securities	100.2		100.2		—		—
Total assets	$	801.1	$	801.1	$	—	$	—

Total liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

The Company had no transfers of assets or liabilities between any of the above levels during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

The Company's Valuation Group, which reports to the Chief Financial Officer, is made up of individuals from the Company's Treasury and Corporate Accounting departments. The Valuation Group is responsible for the execution of the Company's valuation policies and procedures. The Valuation Group compares the results of the Company's internally developed valuation methods with counterparty reports at each balance sheet date, assesses the Company's valuation methods for accurateness and identifies any needs for modification.


10.	Debt and Other Obligations

As of September 30, 2017, the Company held non-public and public debt instruments. Long-term debt is comprised of the following:

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements—(Continued)



	As of				Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
	(in millions)				(weighted-average interest rates)
Fixed-rate senior term loans due through 2027	$	426.4	$	451.9	4.10	%	4.10	%	4.10	%	4.10	%
Fixed-rate junior term loans due through 2022	41.3		47.1		6.90	%	6.90	%	6.90	%	6.90	%
Fixed-rate loans due through 2029	363.4		—		3.76	%	N/A		3.76	%	N/A
Fixed-rate class A enhanced equipment trust certificates due through 2028	423.6		409.8		4.10	%	4.03	%	4.10	%	4.03	%
Fixed-rate class B enhanced equipment trust certificates due through 2024	100.0		103.6		4.45	%	4.38	%	4.45	%	4.38	%
Long-term debt	$	1,354.7	$	1,012.4
Less current maturities	106.0		84.4
Less unamortized discounts	34.6		30.6
Total	$	1,214.1	$	897.4

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company made scheduled principal payments of $13.4 million and $63.4 million on its outstanding debt obligations, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company made scheduled principal payments of $10.0 million and $29.6 million, on its outstanding debt obligations, respectively.

At September 30, 2017, long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:



	September 30, 2017
	(in millions)
Remainder of 2017	$	39.0
2018	108.0
2019	107.5
2020	107.1
2021	106.9
2022 and beyond	886.2
Total debt principal payments	$	1,354.7

Interest Expense

Interest expense related to long-term debt consisted of the following:

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements—(Continued)



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
	(in thousands)
Senior term loans	$	4,564	$	4,917	$	13,854	$	14,929
Junior term loans	746		879		2,323		2,721
Fixed-rate loans	2,811		—		4,555		—
Class A enhanced equipment trust certificates	4,366		3,538		12,995		7,419
Class B enhanced equipment trust certificates	1,118		1,015		3,410		2,124
Commitment fees	29		32		87		97
Amortization of debt discounts	1,362		979		3,883		2,289
Total	$	14,996	$	11,360	$	41,107	$	29,579


11.	Subsequent Events

On October 25, 2017, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program of up to $100 million in aggregate value of shares of our Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions. The authorization will expire on October 25, 2018. The timing and amount of any stock repurchases are subject to prevailing market conditions and other considerations.


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

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. All statements other than statements of historical factors are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of these provisions. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below, and those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” in this report and in Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Furthermore, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Overview

Spirit Airlines is an ultra low-cost, low-fare airline headquartered in Miramar, Florida that offers affordable travel to price-conscious customers. Our all-Airbus Fit Fleet^TM, the youngest fleet of any major U.S. airline, currently operates more than 480 daily flights to 60 destinations in the United States, Caribbean and Latin America. Our stock trades under the symbol "SAVE" on the NASDAQ Global Select Stock Market.

Our ultra low-cost carrier, or ULCC, business model allows us to compete principally by offering customers our Bare Fares^TM, which are unbundled base fares that remove components traditionally included in the price of an airline ticket. We then give customers Frill Control^TM, which provides customers the freedom to save by paying only for the options they choose, such as bags, advance seat assignments and refreshments. We record revenue related to these options in our financial statements as non-ticket revenue.

We are focused on price-sensitive travelers who pay for their own travel, and our business model is designed to deliver what we believe our customers want: low fares. We aggressively use low fares to address an underserved market, which helps us to increase passenger volume, load factors and non-ticket revenue on the flights we operate. We also have high-density seating configurations on our aircraft and a simplified onboard product designed to lower costs, which is part of our Plane Simple^TMstrategy. High passenger volumes and load factors help us sell more ancillary products and services, which in turn allows us to reduce the base fare we offer even further. We strive to be recognized by our customers and potential customers as the low-fare leader in the markets we serve.

We compete based on total price. We believe other airlines have used an all-inclusive pricing concept to effectively maintain higher total prices to consumers, rather than lowering fares by unbundling each product or service. For example, carriers that tout “free bags” have included the cost of checking bags in the total ticket price, which does not allow passengers to see how much they would save if they did not check luggage. We believe that we and our customers benefit when we allow our customers to know the total price of their travel by breaking out the cost of optional products or services.

We allow our customers to see all available options and their respective prices prior to purchasing a ticket, and this full transparency illustrates that our total price, including options selected, is lower than other airlines on average. Through branded campaigns, we educate the public on how our unbundled pricing model works, showing them how it gives them choice on how they spend their money and saves them money compared to other airlines.

Comparative Operating Statistics:

The following tables set forth our operating statistics for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Percent Change
	2017		2016		Percent Change
Operating Statistics (unaudited) (A):
Average aircraft	105.5		87.4		20.7	%
Aircraft at end of period	107		89		20.2	%
Average daily aircraft utilization (hours)	11.6		12.3		(5.7	)%
Average stage length (miles)	1,006		968		3.9	%
Block hours	112,701		98,586		14.3	%
Departures	42,599		38,310		11.2	%
Passenger flight segments (PFSs) (thousands)	6,307		5,674		11.2	%
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (thousands)	6,452,529		5,599,370		15.2	%
Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands)	7,681,312		6,507,204		18.0	%
Load factor (%)	84.0	%	86.0	%	(2.0) pts
Average ticket revenue per passenger flight segment ($)	56.48		58.34		(3.2	)%
Average non-ticket revenue per passenger flight segment ($)	52.48		51.17		2.6	%
Total revenue per passenger flight segment ($)	108.96		109.51		(0.5	)%
Average yield (cents)	10.65		11.10		(4.1	)%
TRASM (cents)	8.95		9.55		(6.3	)%
CASM (cents)	7.59		7.47		1.6	%
Adjusted CASM (cents)	7.48		7.35		1.8	%
Adjusted CASM ex-fuel (cents)	5.42		5.48		(1.1	)%
Fuel gallons consumed (thousands)	90,274		78,288		15.3	%
Average economic fuel cost per gallon ($)	1.75		1.56		12.2	%

(A) See "Glossary of Airline Terms" elsewhere in this quarterly report for definitions used in this table.



	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Percent Change
	2017		2016		Percent Change
Operating Statistics (unaudited) (A):
Average aircraft	101.9		84.1		21.2	%
Aircraft at end of period	107		89		20.2	%
Average daily aircraft utilization (hours)	11.7		12.6		(7.1	)%
Average stage length (miles)	991		978		1.3	%
Block hours	326,033		290,529		12.2	%
Departures	123,492		111,495		10.8	%
Passenger flight segments (PFSs) (thousands)	18,083		16,268		11.2	%
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (thousands)	18,285,588		16,219,093		12.7	%
Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands)	21,851,789		18,909,627		15.6	%
Load factor (%)	83.7	%	85.8	%	(2.1) pts
Average ticket revenue per passenger flight segment ($)	56.84		55.32		2.7	%
Average non-ticket revenue per passenger flight segment ($)	52.69		51.85		1.6	%
Total revenue per passenger flight segment ($)	109.53		107.17		2.2	%
Average yield (cents)	10.83		10.75		0.7	%
TRASM (cents)	9.06		9.22		(1.7	)%
CASM (cents)	7.71		7.33		5.2	%
Adjusted CASM (cents)	7.64		7.15		6.9	%
Adjusted CASM ex-fuel (cents)	5.62		5.45		3.1	%
Fuel gallons consumed (thousands)	254,871		225,851		12.8	%
Average economic fuel cost per gallon ($)	1.73		1.42		21.8	%

(A) See "Glossary of Airline Terms" elsewhere in this quarterly report for definitions used in this table.

Executive Summary

For the third quarter of 2017, we achieved a 15.1% operating margin, a decrease of 6.7 points compared to the prior year period. We generated pre-tax income of $94.8 million and net income of $60.2 million on operating revenues of $687.2 million. For the third quarter of 2016, we generated pre-tax income of $128.0 million and net income of $81.4 million on operating revenues of $621.3 million.

Our adjusted CASM ex-fuel for the third quarter of 2017 was 5.42 cents, a 1.1% decrease year over year. The decrease on a per-ASM basis was primarily due to decreases in maintenance, materials and repairs, salaries, wages and benefits and aircraft rent expense, partially offset by increases in other operating and depreciation and amortization expense.

During the third quarter 2017, we had over 1,650 flight cancellations related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. We estimate that this unusually intense hurricane season, together with the overhang of the pilot-related work action earlier in the year, negatively impacted our third quarter operating income by approximately $39 million.

As of September 30, 2017, we had 107 Airbus A320-family aircraft in our fleet comprised of 31 A319s, 54 A320s, and 22 A321s. With the scheduled delivery of 6 aircraft and the retirement of 1 aircraft during the remainder of 2017, we expect to end 2017 with 112 aircraft in our fleet.

Since the delivery of our initial five A320neo aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2016, we have experienced introductory issues with the new-generation PW1100G-JM engines, which has resulted in diminished service availability of such aircraft. As a result of the reliability problems associated with the introduction of the new engine, during the second quarter of 2017, we executed a support agreement with manufacturer Pratt & Whitney in order to obtain support and relief related to these operational disruptions. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the support agreement was extended through the end of 2017. The

support agreement provides for compensation to the Company for grounded aircraft and for back-up spare engines. We are currently negotiating certain milestone dates for remediation of the introductory into-service issues with Pratt & Whitney.

Comparison of three months ended September 30, 2017 to three months ended September 30, 2016

Operating Revenues

Operating revenues increased $65.9 million, or 10.6%, to $687.2 million for the third quarter of 2017, as compared to the third quarter of 2016, due primarily to an increase in traffic of 15.2%, offset by a decrease in passenger yields of 4.1% .

Total revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) for the third quarter of 2017 was 8.95 cents, a decrease of 6.3%, as compared to the third quarter of 2016. This decrease was primarily driven by lower passenger yields, year over year, resulting from aggressive competitive pricing in many of our markets. In addition, load factor decreased by 2.0 points, year over year.

Total revenue per passenger flight segment decreased 0.5%, year over year, driven by a decrease of 3.2% in ticket revenue per passenger flight segment offset by an increase of 2.6% in non-ticket revenue per passenger flight segment. The decrease in ticket revenue per passenger flight segment was primarily driven by a 4.1% decrease in average yield, period over period, due to a more aggressive pricing environment as compared to the prior year. The increase in non-ticket revenue per passenger flight segment was primarily attributable to higher passenger usage fee and seat revenue per flight segment, as compared to the prior year.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $97.0 million, or 20.0%, to $583.1 million for the third quarter of 2017 compared to $486.1 million for the third quarter of 2016, primarily due to an increase in operations as reflected by an 18.0% capacity growth and a 15.2% increase in traffic. Operating expenses also increased as a result of a 15.3% increase in fuel gallons consumed and a 12.2% increase in average economic fuel cost per gallon which drove higher aircraft fuel expense year over year.

Aircraft fuel expense includes into-plane fuel expense (defined below) and realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with our fuel derivative contracts, if any. Into-plane fuel expense is defined as the price that we generally pay at the airport, including taxes and fees. Into-plane fuel prices are affected by the global oil market, refining costs, taxes and fees, which can vary by region in the United States and other countries where we operate. Into-plane fuel expense approximates cash paid to the supplier and does not reflect the effect of any fuel derivatives. From time to time, we may enter into fuel derivative contracts to protect the refining price risk between the price of crude oil and the price of refined jet fuel. We had no activity related to fuel derivative instruments during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. Historically, management has chosen not to elect hedge accounting on any fuel derivative instruments and, as a result, changes in the fair value of fuel derivative contracts have been recorded each period in aircraft fuel expense.

Aircraft fuel expense increased in the third quarter of 2017 by $36.5 million, or 29.9%, compared to $121.8 million in the third quarter of 2016, due to a 15.3% increase in fuel gallons consumed and a 12.2% increase in average economic fuel cost per gallon.

The elements of the changes in aircraft fuel expense are illustrated in the following table:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
	(in thousands, except per gallon amounts)				Percent Change
Fuel gallons consumed	90,274		78,288		15.3	%
Into-plane fuel cost per gallon	1.75		1.56		12.2	%
Into-plane fuel expense	$	158,300	$	121,844	29.9	%
Realized losses (gains) related to fuel derivative contracts, net	—		—		NM
Unrealized losses (gains) related to fuel derivative contracts, net	—		—		NM
Aircraft fuel expense (per statement of operations)	$	158,300	$	121,844	29.9	%

Gulf Coast Jet indexed fuel is the basis for a substantial majority of our fuel consumption and is impacted by both the price of crude oil as well as increases or decreases in refining margins associated with the conversion of crude oil to jet fuel. The into-plane fuel cost per gallon increase of 12.2% was primarily a result of an increase in jet fuel prices.

We track economic fuel expense, which we believe is the best measure of the effect fuel prices are currently having on our business, because it most closely approximates the net cash outflow associated with purchasing fuel used for our operations during the period. We define economic fuel expense as into-plane fuel expense and realized gains or losses on fuel derivative contracts. The key difference between aircraft fuel expense as recorded in our statement of operations and economic fuel expense is unrealized mark-to-market changes in the value of aircraft fuel derivatives outstanding. Many industry analysts evaluate airline results using economic fuel expense and it is used in our internal management reporting.

The elements of the changes in economic fuel expense are illustrated in the following table:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
	(in thousands, except per gallon amounts)				Percent Change
Into-plane fuel expense	$	158,300	$	121,844	29.9	%
Realized losses (gains) related to fuel derivative contracts, net	—		—		NM
Economic fuel expense	$	158,300	$	121,844	29.9	%
Fuel gallons consumed	90,274		78,288		15.3	%
Economic fuel cost per gallon	$	1.75	$	1.56	12.2	%

During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we had no activity related to fuel derivatives and thus had no realized or unrealized losses (gains) related to fuel derivative contracts.

We measure our operating cost performance on a per-ASM basis, since one ASM is the unit of production of an airline’s capacity. The following table presents our cost per-ASM, or unit cost, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, followed by explanations of the material changes on a dollar basis and/or unit cost basis:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Dollar Change			Percent Change		Cost per ASM		Per-ASM Change		Percent Change
	2017		2016		Dollar Change			Percent Change		2017	2016	Per-ASM Change		Percent Change
	(in thousands)									(in cents)
Salaries, wages, and benefits	$	134,114	$	120,190	$	13,924		11.6	%	1.75	1.85	(0.10	)	(5.4	)%
Aircraft fuel	158,300		121,844		36,456			29.9	%	2.06	1.87	0.19		10.2	%
Aircraft rent	53,396		49,367		4,029			8.2	%	0.70	0.76	(0.06	)	(7.9	)%
Landing fees and other rents	48,498		39,345		9,153			23.3	%	0.63	0.60	0.03		5.0	%
Depreciation and amortization	36,840		25,304		11,536			45.6	%	0.48	0.39	0.09		23.1	%
Maintenance, materials and repairs	26,176		30,443		(4,267		)	(14.0	)%	0.34	0.47	(0.13	)	(27.7	)%
Distribution	29,469		25,565		3,904			15.3	%	0.38	0.39	(0.01	)	(2.6	)%
Special charges	7,853		7,355		498			NM		0.10	0.11	(0.01	)	NM
Loss on disposal of assets	516		423		93			NM		0.01	0.01	—		NM
Other operating	87,965		66,277		21,688			32.7	%	1.15	1.02	0.13		12.7	%
Total operating expenses	$	583,127	$	486,113	$	97,014		20.0	%	7.59	7.47	0.12		1.6	%
Adjusted CASM (1)										7.48	7.35	0.13		1.8	%
Adjusted CASM ex-fuel (2)										5.42	5.48	(0.06	)	(1.1	)%


(1)	Reconciliation of CASM to Adjusted CASM:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
	(in millions)		Per ASM	(in millions)		Per ASM
CASM (cents)			7.59			7.47
Unrealized losses (gains) related to fuel derivative contracts, net	$	—	—	$	—	—
Loss on disposal of assets	0.5		0.01	0.4		0.01
Special charges	7.9		0.10	7.4		0.11
Adjusted CASM (cents)			7.48			7.35


(2)	Excludes aircraft fuel expense, loss on disposal of assets and special charges.

Our adjusted CASM ex-fuel for the third quarter of 2017 was down 1.1% as compared to the third quarter of 2016. The decrease on a per-ASM basis was primarily due to decreases in maintenance, materials and repairs, salaries, wages and benefits and aircraft rent expense, partially offset by increases in other operating and depreciation and amortization expense.

Labor costs for the third quarter of 2017 increased $13.9 million, or 11.6%, as compared to the third quarter of 2016, primarily driven by a 22.2% increase in our pilot and flight attendant workforce resulting from an increase to our aircraft fleet of 18 additional aircraft since the third quarter of 2016, offset by a decrease in incentive compensation and sick-time expense. On a per-ASM basis, labor costs decreased due to lower incentive compensation expense resulting from lower metric performance, year over year, as well as a decrease in our sick-time expense.

Aircraft rent expense for the third quarter of 2017 increased by $4.0 million, or 8.2%, as compared to the third quarter of 2016. This increase in aircraft rent expense was primarily driven by the delivery of seven new aircraft, financed under operating leases, subsequent to the end of the third quarter of 2016. This increase was partially offset by the purchase of two aircraft since the end of the third quarter of 2016, which were formerly financed under operating lease agreements. On a per-ASM basis, aircraft rent expense decreased primarily due to a change in the composition of our aircraft fleet between leased aircraft (for which rent expense is recorded under aircraft rent) and purchased aircraft (for which depreciation expense is recorded under depreciation and amortization). Since the prior year period, we have purchased 14 aircraft, of which 2 were previously financed under operating lease agreements.

Landing fees and other rents for the third quarter of 2017 increased $9.2 million, or 23.3%, as compared to the third quarter of 2016, primarily due to an 11.2% increase in departures. In addition, on both a dollar and per-ASM basis, landing fees and other rents increased due to increased volume at higher cost airports, year over year, as well as an increase in facility rent resulting from the addition of new stations and rate increases at some of our existing stations.

Depreciation and amortization increased by $11.5 million, or 45.6%, as compared to the prior year period. The increase on both a dollar and per-ASM basis was primarily due to increased depreciation expense resulting from the purchase of 14 aircraft made since the third quarter of 2016.

We account for heavy maintenance under the deferral method. Under the deferral method, the cost of heavy maintenance is capitalized and amortized as a component of depreciation and amortization expense in the statement of operations until the earlier of the next heavy maintenance event or end of the lease term. The amortization of heavy maintenance costs was $14.2 million and $10.1 million for the third quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively. As our fleet continues to grow and age, we expect that the amount of deferred heavy maintenance events will increase and will result in an increase in the amortization of those costs. If heavy maintenance events were amortized within maintenance, materials and repairs expense in the statement of operations, our maintenance, materials and repairs expense would have been $40.4 million and $40.5 million for the third quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Maintenance, materials and repairs expense for the third quarter of 2017 decreased by $4.3 million, or 14.0%, as compared to the third quarter of 2016. The decrease in maintenance costs on a dollar and per-unit basis was primarily due to a decreased number of scheduled maintenance events in the current period as compared to the prior year period as well as lower aircraft repair expense year over year. We expect maintenance expense to increase as our fleet continues to grow and age, resulting in the need for additional or more frequent repairs over time.

Distribution costs increased by $3.9 million, or 15.3%, in the third quarter of 2017 as compared to the third quarter of 2016. The increase on a dollar basis was primarily due to increased sales volume. On a per-ASM basis, distribution costs remained relatively stable.

Other operating expense for the third quarter of 2017 increased by $21.7 million, or 32.7%, as compared to the third quarter of 2016 primarily due to an increase in overall operations and higher passenger re-accommodation expense year over year. As compared to the prior year period, we increased departures by 11.2% and had 11.2% more passenger flight segments, which drove increases in variable operating expenses. Other operating expense per ASM increased primarily due to higher passenger re-accommodation expense, as compared to the prior year period.

Special charges for the third quarter of 2017 consisted of $7.9 million in lease termination charges recognized in connection with the purchase of 1 aircraft, which was formerly financed under an operating lease agreement. For the third quarter of 2016, special charges consisted of $7.4 million in lease termination charges recognized in connection with the purchase of 3 aircraft formerly financed under operating lease agreements. The amount recorded as lease termination charges represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the appraised fair value of the asset(s), less previously expensed supplemental rent and other non-cash items. For further discussion on this purchase, please see "Notes to Condensed Financial Statements - 3. Special Charges."

Other Income (Expenses)

Our interest expense and corresponding capitalized interest for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 primarily represents interest related to the financing of purchased aircraft. As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company had 40 and 28 aircraft financed through secured long-term debt arrangements, respectively. Please see "Notes to Condensed Financial Statements—10. Debt and Other Obligations" for further discussion.

Our interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 primarily represents interest income earned on cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2016 primarily represents interest income earned on cash, cash equivalents and on funds required to be held in escrow in accordance with the terms of our EETC.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2017 was 36.5% compared to 36.4% for the third quarter of 2016. In arriving at these rates, we considered a variety of factors, including our forecasted full-year pre-tax results, the U.S. federal rate of 35%, expected nondeductible expenses, and estimated state income taxes. We evaluate our tax rate each quarter and make adjustments when necessary. Our final effective tax rate for the full year is dependent on the level of pre-tax income and the magnitude of any nondeductible expenses in relation to the respective pre-tax income.

Comparison of nine months ended September 30, 2017 to nine months ended September 30, 2016

Operating Revenues

Operating revenues increased $237.1 million, or 13.6%, to $1,980.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the prior year period, due primarily to an increase in traffic of 12.7% and an increase in passenger yields of 0.7%.

TRASM for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 9.06 cents, a decrease of 1.7% compared to the same period of 2016. This decrease was driven by a more aggressive competitive pricing environment noted in the third quarter of 2017 which put pressure on our passenger yields for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. In addition, load factor decreased by 2.1 points, as compared to the prior year.

Total revenue per passenger flight segment increased 2.2% from $107.17 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $109.53 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Our average ticket fare per passenger flight segment increased from $55.32 to $56.84, or 2.7%, as compared to the prior year period, and non-ticket revenue per passenger flight segment increased from $51.85 to $52.69, or 1.6%, as compared to the prior year period. The increase in non-ticket revenue per passenger flight segment was primarily attributable to higher passenger usage fee and seat revenue per flight segment, as compared to the prior year.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 by $299.2 million, or 21.6%, as compared to the same period for 2016 primarily due to our 15.6% capacity growth and a 12.7% increase in traffic. Operating expenses also increased as a result of an increase in aircraft fuel expense year over year.

Aircraft fuel expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $119.4 million, or 37.2%, compared to the prior year period as a result of a 21.8% increase in average economic fuel price per gallon and a 12.8% increase in fuel gallons consumed.

The elements of the changes in aircraft fuel expense are illustrated in the following table:



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
	(in thousands, except per gallon amounts)				Percent Change
Fuel gallons consumed	254,871		225,851		12.8	%
Into-plane fuel cost per gallon	$	1.73	$	1.42	21.8	%
Into-plane fuel expense	$	440,376	$	321,018	37.2	%
Realized losses (gains) related to fuel derivative contracts, net	—		—		NM
Unrealized losses (gains) related to fuel derivative contracts, net	—		—		NM
Aircraft fuel expense (per Statement of Operations)	$	440,376	$	321,018	37.2	%

The elements of the changes in economic fuel expense are illustrated in the following table:



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
	(in thousands, except per gallon amounts)				Percent Change
Into-plane fuel expense	$	440,376	$	321,018	37.2	%
Realized losses (gains) related to fuel derivative contracts, net	—		—		NM
Economic fuel expense	$	440,376	$	321,018	37.2	%
Fuel gallons consumed	254,871		225,851		12.8	%
Economic fuel cost per gallon	$	1.73	$	1.42	21.8	%

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we had no activity related to fuel derivatives and thus had no realized or unrealized losses (gains) related to fuel derivative contracts.

We measure our operating cost performance on a per-ASM basis, since one ASM is the unit of production of an airline’s capacity. The following table presents our cost per-ASM, or unit cost, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, followed by explanations of the material changes on a unit cost basis and/or dollar basis:



	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Dollar Change			Percent Change		Cost per ASM		Per-ASM Change		Percent Change
	2017		2016		Dollar Change			Percent Change		2017	2016	Per-ASM Change		Percent Change
	(in thousands)									(in cents)
Salaries, wages, and benefits	$	391,144	$	349,530	$	41,614		11.9	%	1.79	1.85	(0.06	)	(3.2	)%
Aircraft fuel	440,376		321,018		119,358			37.2	%	2.02	1.70	0.32		18.8	%
Aircraft rent	163,032		151,433		11,599			7.7	%	0.75	0.80	(0.05	)	(6.3	)%
Landing fees and other rents	134,538		114,096		20,442			17.9	%	0.62	0.60	0.02		3.3	%
Depreciation and amortization	103,680		73,370		30,310			41.3	%	0.47	0.39	0.08		20.5	%
Maintenance, materials and repairs	81,473		72,010		9,463			13.1	%	0.37	0.38	(0.01	)	(2.6	)%
Distribution	85,875		73,190		12,685			17.3	%	0.39	0.39	—		—	%
Special charges (credits)	12,629		31,609		(18,980		)	NM		0.06	0.17	(0.11	)	NM
Loss on disposal of assets	3,114		1,166		1,948			NM		0.01	0.01	—		NM
Other operating	268,553		197,833		70,720			35.7	%	1.23	1.05	0.18		17.1	%
Total operating expenses	$	1,684,414	$	1,385,255	$	299,159		21.6	%	7.71	7.33	0.38		5.2	%
Adjusted CASM (1)										7.64	7.15	0.49		6.9	%
Adjusted CASM ex-fuel (2)										5.62	5.45	0.17		3.1	%


(1)	Reconciliation of CASM to Adjusted CASM:



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
	(in millions)		Per ASM	(in millions)		Per ASM
CASM (cents)			7.71			7.33
Unrealized losses (gains) related to fuel derivative contracts, net	$	—	—	$	—	—
Loss on disposal of assets	3.1		0.01	1.2		0.01
Special charges	12.6		0.06	31.6		0.17
Adjusted CASM (cents)			7.64			7.15


(2)	Excludes aircraft fuel expense, loss on disposal of assets and special charges and credits.

Our adjusted CASM ex-fuel for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased by 3.1% as compared to the same period in 2016. The increase on a per-ASM basis was primarily due to increases in other operating and depreciation and amortization expense, partially offset by decreases in special charges and salaries, wages and benefits expense.

Labor costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $41.6 million, or 11.9%, as compared to the same period in 2016. The increase was primarily driven by an 18.5% increase in our pilot and flight attendant workforce resulting from an increase to our aircraft fleet of 18 additional aircraft since the end of the third quarter of 2016, partially offset by a decrease in incentive compensation expense year over year. On a per-ASM basis, labor costs decreased primarily due to lower incentive compensation expense, year over year, resulting from lower metric performance and the ratification incentive in the new flight attendant contract of $8.4 million recorded during the first quarter of 2016.

Aircraft rent expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased by $11.6 million, or 7.7%, as compared to the same period in 2016. This increase in aircraft rent expense was primarily driven by the delivery of seven new aircraft, financed under operating leases, subsequent to the end of the third quarter of 2016. This increase was partially offset by the purchase of two aircraft since the end of the third quarter of 2016, which were formerly financed under operating lease agreements. On a per-ASM basis, aircraft rent expense decreased primarily due to a change in the composition of our aircraft fleet between leased aircraft (for which rent expense is recorded under aircraft rent) and purchased aircraft (for which depreciation expense is recorded under depreciation and amortization). Since the prior year period, we have purchased 14

aircraft, of which 2 were previously financed under operating lease agreements. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in return costs for two leased aircraft. Costs associated with return conditions of leased aircraft are recorded as supplemental rent within aircraft rent expense on our statement of operations.

Landing fees and other rents for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $20.4 million, or 17.9%, as compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to a 10.8% increase in departures. In addition, on both a dollar and per-ASM basis, landing fees and other rents increased due to increased volume at higher cost airports, year over year, as well as an increase in facility rent resulting from the addition of new stations and rate increases at some of our existing stations.

Depreciation and amortization increased by $30.3 million, or 41.3%, as compared to the prior year period. The increase on both a dollar and per-ASM basis was primarily due to increased depreciation expense resulting from the purchase of 14 aircraft made since the third quarter of 2016.

We account for heavy maintenance under the deferral method. Under the deferral method, the cost of heavy maintenance is capitalized and amortized as a component of depreciation and amortization expense in the statement of operations until the earlier of the next heavy maintenance event or end of the lease term. The amortization of heavy maintenance costs was $42.1 million and $33.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As our fleet continues to age, we expect that the amount of deferred heavy maintenance events will increase and will result in an increase in the amortization of those costs. If heavy maintenance events were amortized within maintenance, materials and repairs expense in the statement of operations, our maintenance, materials and repairs expense would have been $123.5 million and $105.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Maintenance, materials and repairs expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased by $9.5 million, or 13.1%, as compared to the prior year period. The increase in maintenance costs on a dollar basis was due to routine and ongoing maintenance on a growing fleet. On a per-unit basis, maintenance costs remained relatively stable as compared to the prior year period. We expect maintenance expense to increase as our fleet continues to grow and age, resulting in the need for additional or more frequent repairs over time.

Distribution costs increased by $12.7 million, or 17.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. The increase on a dollar basis was primarily due to increased sales volume. On a per-ASM basis, distribution costs remained stable, as compared to the prior period.

Other operating expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased by $70.7 million, or 35.7%, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to an increase in overall operations and higher passenger re-accommodation expense year over year. As compared to the prior year period, we increased departures by 10.8% and had 11.2% more passenger flight segments, which drove increases in variable operating expenses. Other operating expense per ASM increased primarily due to higher passenger re-accommodation expense, as compared to the prior year period.

Special charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 consisted of $12.6 million in lease termination charges recognized in connection with the purchase of 1 aircraft and 1 engine, which were formerly financed under operating lease agreements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, special charges consisted of $31.6 million in lease termination charges recognized in connection with the purchase of 6 aircraft formerly financed under operating lease agreements. The amount recorded as lease termination charges represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the appraised fair value of the asset(s), less previously expensed supplemental rent and other non-cash items. For further discussion on this purchase, please see "Notes to Condensed Financial Statements - 3. Special Charges."

Other income (expenses)

Our interest expense and corresponding capitalized interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 primarily represents interest related to the financing of purchased aircraft. As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company had 40 and 28 aircraft financed through secured long-term debt arrangements, respectively. Please see "Notes to Condensed Financial Statements—10. Debt and Other Obligations" for further discussion.

Our interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 primarily represents interest income earned on cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily represents interest income earned on cash, cash equivalents and on funds required to be held in escrow in accordance with the terms of our EETC.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 37.1% compared to 36.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. In arriving at these rates, we considered a variety of factors, including our forecasted full-year pre-tax results, the U.S. federal rate of 35%, expected nondeductible expenses, and estimated state income taxes. We evaluate our tax rate each quarter and make adjustments when necessary. Our final effective tax rate for the full year is dependent on the level of pre-tax income and the magnitude of any nondeductible expenses in relation to the respective pre-tax income.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash provided by operations and capital from debt financing. Primary uses of liquidity are for working capital needs, capital expenditures, aircraft and engine pre-delivery deposit payments (PDPs), debt obligations and maintenance reserves. Our total cash at September 30, 2017 was $863.7 million, an increase of $162.8 million from December 31, 2016. As of September 30, 2017, we had $100.7 million in short-term available-for-sale investment securities.

Currently, one of our largest capital needs is funding the acquisition costs of our aircraft. Aircraft are acquired through debt financing, sale leaseback transactions, direct leases or cash purchases. In debt financing transactions, capital is needed to make equity investments in capital assets and payments on debt obligations (principal and interest) after the acquisition of the aircraft. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we purchased 11 aircraft through debt financing transactions and 2 engines through cash purchases. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we made $93.8 million in debt payments (principal, interest and fees) on our outstanding debt obligations. Capital resources required under debt financing transactions will generally be higher than those involving sale leaseback transactions. In sale leaseback transactions, capital is needed to fund the initial purchase of the aircraft prior to the sale to the lessor. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we entered into no sale leaseback transactions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we purchased one engine and one aircraft, which were previously financed under operating lease agreements, for $8.1 million and $20.0 million, respectively, comprised of a cash payment of $3.8 million and $12.6 million, respectively, and the non-cash application of maintenance and security deposits held by the previous lessor of $4.3 million and $7.4 million, respectively.

Under our agreement with Airbus for aircraft, and International Aero Engines AG (IAE) and Pratt & Whitney for engines, we are required to pay PDPs relating to future deliveries at various times prior to each delivery date. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we paid $121.7 million of PDPs, net of refunds, and $8.1 million of capitalized interest for future deliveries of aircraft and spare engines. As of September 30, 2017, we had $304.7 million of PDPs, including capitalized interest, on our condensed balance sheet.

As of September 30, 2017, we had secured bank debt financing for 4 aircraft, scheduled for delivery in the remainder of 2017, and did not have financing commitments in place for the remaining 61 Airbus aircraft orders, scheduled for delivery between 2017 through 2021. Future aircraft deliveries may be paid in cash, leased or otherwise financed based on market conditions, our prevailing level of liquidity, and capital market availability.

In addition to funding the acquisition of our fleet, we are required to make maintenance reserve payments for a portion of our current fleet. Maintenance reserves are paid to aircraft lessors and are held as collateral in advance of our performance of major maintenance activities. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded an increase of $28.4 million in maintenance reserves, net of reimbursements, and as of September 30, 2017, we had $305.1 million ($166.4 million in aircraft maintenance deposits and $138.7 million in long-term aircraft maintenance deposits) on our condensed balance sheet.

On October 25, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program of up to $100 million in aggregate value of shares of our Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions. The authorization will expire on October 25, 2018. The timing and amount of any stock repurchases are subject to prevailing market conditions and other considerations.

Net Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities. Operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 provided $386.5 million in cash compared to $440.0 million provided in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease is primarily driven by higher operating costs specifically aircraft fuel, other operating and salaries, wages, and benefits, which were slightly offset by higher revenues, as compared to the prior period. The decrease is also attributed to an income tax refund of $65.0 million received in the prior period while no refund was received in 2017.

Net Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, investing activities used $558.8 million, compared to $663.8 million used in the prior year period. The decrease was mainly driven by the initial investment in our available-for-sale investment security portfolio made in the prior period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we purchased $100.0 million of available-for-sale investment securities while in the current period all investment purchases were made from reinvestment of proceeds generated from the maturity of our investment securities. In

addition, we had a decrease in the purchase of property and equipment, year over year, resulting from decreased purchases of aircraft and engines.

Net Cash Flows Provided By Financing Activities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, financing activities provided $335.1 million in cash compared to $246.0 million provided in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. We received $405.8 million in connection with the debt financing of eleven aircraft delivered during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and paid $63.6 million in debt and capital lease obligations.

Commitments and Contractual Obligations

We have contractual obligations and commitments primarily with regard to future purchases of aircraft and engines, payment of debt, and lease arrangements. The following table discloses aggregate information about our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2017 and the periods in which payments are due (in millions):



	remainder of 2017		2018 - 2019		2020 - 2021		2022 and beyond		Total
Long-term debt (1)	$	39	$	216	$	214	$	886	$	1,355
Interest commitments (2)	20		101		83		142		346
Capital and operating lease obligations	66		475		390		643		1,574
Flight equipment purchase obligations	228		1,302		1,605		25		3,160
Other (3)	2		7		2		—		11
Total future payments on contractual obligations	$	355	$	2,101	$	2,294	$	1,696	$	6,446

(1) Includes principal only associated with senior term loans due through 2027, junior term loans due through 2022, fixed-rate loans due through 2029, and Class A and Class B enhanced equipment trust certificates due through 2028 and 2024, respectively. Refer to "Notes to the Financial Statements - 10. Debt and Other Obligations."

(2) Related to senior and junior term loans, fixed-rate loans, and Class A and Class B enhanced equipment trust certificates only.

(3) Primarily related to our reservation system, new airport kiosks and our A320ceo seating reconfiguration project. Refer to "Notes to the Financial Statements - 8. Commitments and Contingencies."

Some of our master lease agreements provide that we pay maintenance reserves to aircraft lessors to be held as collateral in advance of our required performance of major maintenance activities. Some maintenance reserve payments are fixed contractual amounts, while others are based on utilization. In addition to the contractual obligations disclosed in the table above, we have fixed maintenance reserve payments for these aircraft and related flight equipment, including estimated amounts for contractual price escalations, which are $1.9 million for the remainder of 2017, $6.9 million in 2018, $5.7 million in 2019, $5.4 million in 2020, $5.5 million in 2021, and $17.7 million in 2022 and beyond.

As of September 30, 2017, principal and interest commitments related to our future secured debt financing for 4 undelivered aircraft are zero for the remainder of 2017, $16.5 million in 2018, $16.4 million in 2019, $17.3 million in 2020, $16.2 million in 2021, and $137.2 million in 2022 and beyond.

In September 2015, we executed a lease agreement with Wayne County Airport Authority (the Authority), which owns and operates Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Under the lease agreement, we lease a 10-acre site, adjacent to the airfield at DTW, in order to construct, operate and maintain an approximately 126,000-square-foot hangar facility. The lease agreement has a 30-year term with two 10-year extension options. Upon termination of the lease, title of the project, which will be fully depreciated, will automatically pass to the Authority. We completed the project during the first quarter of 2017 and have no remaining commitments related to this project as of September 30, 2017.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have significant lease obligations for our aircraft and spare engines as 59 of our 107 aircraft and 11 of our 15 spare engines are financed under operating leases and are therefore not reflected on our condensed balance sheets. These leases expire between 2017 and 2029. Aircraft rent payments were $55.0 million and $53.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $168.6 million and $160.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Our aircraft lease payments for 58 of our aircraft are fixed-rate obligations. One of our aircraft leases provide for variable rent payments, which fluctuate based on changes in the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR).

Our contractual purchase commitments consist primarily of aircraft and engine acquisitions through manufacturers. As of September 30, 2017, our aircraft orders consisted of the following:



	Airbus
	A320ceo	A320neo	A321ceo	Total
remainder of 2017	2		4	6
2018	5		5	10
2019	1	14		15
2020		16		16
2021		18		18
	8	48	9	65

We also have four spare engine orders for V2500 SelectTwo engines with IAE and nine spare engine orders for PurePower PW1100G-JM engines with Pratt & Whitney. Spare engines are scheduled for delivery from 2018 through 2023. Committed expenditures for these aircraft and spare engines, including estimated amounts for contractual price escalations and aircraft PDPs, are expected to be $227.8 million for the remainder of 2017, $528.4 million in 2018, $773.7 million in 2019, $820.5 million in 2020, $784.8 million in 2021 and $24.6 million in 2022 and beyond.

As of September 30, 2017, we had lines of credit related to corporate credit cards of $33.6 million from which we had drawn $10.8 million.

As of September 30, 2017, we had lines of credit with counterparties for both physical fuel delivery and derivatives in the amount of $51.5 million. As of September 30, 2017, we had drawn $13.7 million on these lines of credit for physical fuel delivery. We are required to post collateral for any excess above the lines of credit if the derivatives are in a net liability position and make periodic payments in order to maintain an adequate undrawn portion for physical fuel delivery. As of September 30, 2017, we did not hold any derivatives.

As of September 30, 2017, we had $8.2 million in uncollateralized surety bonds and a $35.0 million unsecured standby letter of credit facility, representing an off balance-sheet commitment, of which $17.8 million had been drawn upon for issued letters of credit.

GLOSSARY OF AIRLINE TERMS

Set forth below is a glossary of industry terms:

“Adjusted CASM” means operating expenses, excluding unrealized gains or losses related to fuel derivative contracts, out of period fuel federal excise tax, loss on disposal of assets, and special charges (credits), divided by ASMs.

“Adjusted CASM ex-fuel” means operating expenses excluding aircraft fuel expense, loss on disposal of assets, and special charges (credits), divided by ASMs.

“AFA-CWA” means the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.

“Air traffic liability” or “ATL” means the value of tickets sold in advance of travel.

“ALPA” means the Air Line Pilots Association, International.

“ASIF” means an Aviation Security Infrastructure Fee assessed by the TSA on each airline.

“Available seat miles” or “ASMs” means the number of seats available for passengers multiplied by the number of miles the seats are flown, also referred to as "capacity."

“Average aircraft” means the average number of aircraft in our fleet as calculated on a daily basis.

“Average daily aircraft utilization” means block hours divided by number of days in the period divided by average aircraft.

“Average economic fuel cost per gallon” means total aircraft fuel expense, excluding unrealized gains or losses related to fuel derivative contracts and out of period fuel federal excise tax, divided by the total number of fuel gallons consumed.

“Average non-ticket revenue per passenger flight segment” means the total non-ticket revenue divided by passenger flight segments.

“Average ticket revenue per passenger flight segment” means total passenger revenue divided by passenger flight segments.

“Average stage length” represents the average number of miles flown per flight.

“Average yield” means average operating revenue earned per RPM, calculated as total revenue divided by RPMs.

“Block hours” means the number of hours during which the aircraft is in revenue service, measured from the time of gate departure before take-off until the time of gate arrival at the destination.

“CASM” or “unit costs” means operating expenses divided by ASMs.

“CBA” means a collective bargaining agreement.

“CBP” means United States Customs and Border Protection.

“DOT” means the United States Department of Transportation.

“EPA” means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

"EETC" means enhanced equipment trust certificate.

“FAA” means the United States Federal Aviation Administration.

“FCC” means the United States Federal Communications Commission.

“GDS” means Global Distribution System (e.g., Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre and Worldspan).

"IAMAW" means the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

“Into-plane fuel cost per gallon” means into-plane fuel expense divided by number of fuel gallons consumed.

“Into-plane fuel expense” represents the cost of jet fuel and certain other charges such as fuel taxes and oil.

“Load factor” means the percentage of aircraft seats actually occupied on a flight (RPMs divided by ASMs).

“NMB” means the National Mediation Board.

“OTA” means Online Travel Agent (e.g., Orbitz and Travelocity).

“Passenger flight segments” or “PFS” means the total number of passengers flown on all flight segments.

“PDP” means pre-delivery deposit payment.

“Revenue passenger mile” or “RPM” means one revenue passenger transported one mile. RPMs equals revenue passengers multiplied by miles flown, also referred to as “traffic.”

“RLA” means the United States Railway Labor Act.

"Total operating revenue per-ASM," "TRASM" or "unit revenue" means operating revenue divided by ASMs.

“TWU” means the Transport Workers Union of America.

“TSA” means the United States Transportation Security Administration.

“ULCC” means “ultra low-cost carrier.”


ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk-Sensitive Instruments and Positions

We are subject to certain market risks, including commodity prices (specifically aircraft fuel) and interest rates. The adverse effects of changes in these markets could pose a potential loss as discussed below. The sensitivity analysis provided below does not consider the effects that such adverse changes may have on overall economic activity, nor does it consider additional actions we may take to mitigate our exposure to such changes. Actual results may differ.

Aircraft Fuel. Our results of operations can vary materially due to changes in the price and availability of aircraft fuel. Aircraft fuel expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 represented 26.1% and 23.2% of our operating expenses, respectively. Increases in aircraft fuel prices or a shortage of supply could have a material adverse effect on our operations and operating results. We source a significant portion of our fuel from refining resources located in the southeast United States, particularly facilities adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf Coast fuel is subject to volatility and supply disruptions, particularly during hurricane season when refinery shutdowns have occurred, or when the threat of weather related disruptions has caused Gulf Coast fuel prices to spike above other regional sources. Both jet fuel swaps and jet fuel options are used at times to protect the refining price risk between the price of crude oil and the price of refined jet fuel, and to manage the risk of increasing fuel prices. Gulf Coast Jet indexed fuel is the basis for a substantial majority of our fuel consumption. Based on our fuel consumption over the last twelve months, a 10% increase in the average price per gallon of aircraft fuel would have increased into-plane aircraft fuel expense by approximately $57 million.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had no outstanding jet fuel derivatives. We measure our financial derivative instruments at fair value. Fair value of the instruments is determined using standard option valuation models. Changes in the related commodity derivative instrument cash flows may change by more or less than this amount based upon further fluctuations in futures prices. Outstanding financial derivative instruments could expose us to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the agreements.

Interest Rates. We have market risk associated with our short-term investment securities, which had a fair market value of $100.7 million and $100.2 million, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. We also have market risk associated with changing interest rates due to LIBOR-based lease rates on one of our aircraft. A hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would affect total aircraft rent expense by less than $0.1 million per annum.

Fixed-Rate Debt. As of September 30, 2017, we had $1,354.7 million outstanding in fixed-rate debt related to the purchase of 19 Airbus A320 aircraft and 21 Airbus A321 aircraft which had a fair value of $1,402.9 million. As of December 31, 2016, we had $1,012.4 million outstanding in fixed-rate debt related to the purchase of 15 Airbus A320 aircraft and 14 Airbus A321 aircraft, which had a fair value of $1,033.7 million.


ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2017. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2017, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject to commercial litigation claims and to administrative and regulatory proceedings and reviews that may be asserted or maintained from time to time. We believe the ultimate outcome of such lawsuits, proceedings and reviews will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations.


ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A Risk Factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2017, other than modifications to the following risk factor. Investors are urged to review these risk factors carefully.

We depend on a limited number of suppliers for our aircraft and engines.

One of the elements of our business strategy is to save costs by operating a single-family aircraft fleet - currently Airbus A320-family, single-aisle aircraft, powered by engines manufactured by IAE and Pratt & Whitney. If any of Airbus, IAE, or Pratt & Whitney become unable to perform its contractual obligations, or if we are unable to acquire or lease aircraft or engines from these or other owners, operators or lessors on acceptable terms, we would have to find other suppliers for a similar type of aircraft or engine. If we have to lease or purchase aircraft from another supplier, we would lose the significant benefits we derive from our current single fleet composition. We may also incur substantial transition costs, including costs associated with retraining our employees, replacing our manuals and adapting our facilities and maintenance programs. Our operations could also be harmed by the failure or inability of aircraft, engine and parts suppliers to provide sufficient spare parts or related support services on a timely basis, particularly in connection with new-generation introductory technology. Our business would be significantly harmed if a design defect or mechanical problem with any of the types of aircraft, engines or components currently on order or that we operate were discovered that would halt or delay our aircraft delivery stream or that would ground any of our aircraft while the defect or problem was corrected, assuming it could be corrected at all. For example, introductory issues with the new-generation PW1100G-JM engines, designed and manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, have resulted in the intermittent grounding of certain of our A320neo aircraft. During the fourth quarter of 2016, and continuing through the third quarter of 2017, we have experienced and continue to experience various reliability problems associated with the new engine resulting in the grounding of two of our five A320neo aircraft which we expect to continue until the defect or problem is corrected. In part, due to issues involving the new engine, we renegotiated our aircraft delivery schedule. We originally had four A320neos scheduled for delivery in 2018 of which two were converted to A320ceo aircraft, to be delivered in 2017, and the remaining two are deferred until 2019. We cannot be certain that this defect will be corrected or if the defect will require the grounding of the remaining A320neos. These types of events, if appropriate design or mechanical modifications cannot be adequately implemented, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, the use of our aircraft could be suspended or restricted by regulatory authorities in the event of actual or perceived mechanical or design problems. Our business would also be significantly harmed if the public began to avoid flying with us due to an adverse perception of the types of aircraft, engines or components that we operate stemming from safety concerns or other problems, whether real or perceived, or in the event of an accident involving those types of aircraft, engines or components. Carriers that operate a more diversified fleet are better positioned than we are to manage such events.

Airlines are often affected by factors beyond their control, including: air traffic congestion at airports; air traffic control inefficiencies; adverse weather conditions, such as hurricanes or blizzards; increased security measures; new travel related taxes or the outbreak of disease, any of which could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Like other airlines, our business is affected by factors beyond our control, including air traffic congestion at airports, air traffic control inefficiencies, adverse weather conditions, increased security measures, new travel related taxes, the outbreak of disease, new regulations or policies from the presidential administration and Congress. Factors that cause flight delays frustrate passengers and increase costs, which in turn could adversely affect profitability. The federal government currently controls all U.S. airspace, and airlines are completely dependent on the FAA to operate that airspace in a safe, efficient and affordable manner. The air traffic control system, which is operated by the FAA, faces challenges in managing the growing demand for U.S. air travel. U.S. and foreign air-traffic controllers often rely on outdated technologies that routinely overwhelm the system and compel airlines to fly inefficient, indirect routes resulting in delays. A significant portion of our operations is concentrated in markets such as South Florida, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Northeast and Northern Midwest regions of the United States, which are particularly vulnerable to weather, airport traffic constraints and other delays. Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, such as hurricanes affecting southern Florida and the Caribbean (such as Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017) as well as southern Texas (such as Hurricane Harvey in August 2017), winter snowstorms or the September 2017 earthquakes in Mexico City, Mexico, can cause flight cancellations, significant delays and certain facility disruptions. For example, during 2017 the timing and location of Hurricanes Irma and Maria produced a domino effect on our operations resulting in approximately 1,400 flight cancellations and numerous flight delays, which resulted in an adverse effect on our results of operations. Cancellations or delays due to adverse weather conditions or natural disasters, air traffic control problems or inefficiencies, breaches in security or other factors may affect us to a greater degree than other, larger airlines that may be able to recover more quickly from these events, and therefore could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition to a greater degree than other air carriers. Because of our high utilization, point-to-point network, operational disrupt

ions can have a disproportionate impact on our ability to recover. In addition, many airlines reaccommodate their disrupted passengers on other airlines at prearranged rates under flight interruption manifest agreements. We have been unsuccessful in procuring any of these agreements with our peers, which makes our recovery from disruption more challenging than for larger airlines that have these agreements in place. Similarly, outbreaks of pandemic or contagious diseases, such as ebola, measles, avian flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), H1N1 (swine) flu and Zika virus, could result in significant decreases in passenger traffic and the imposition of government restrictions in service and could have a material adverse impact on the airline industry. Increased travel taxes, such as those provided in the Travel Promotion Act, enacted March 10, 2010, which charges visitors from certain countries a $10 fee every two years to travel into the United States to subsidize certain travel promotion efforts, could also result in decreases in passenger traffic. Any general reduction in airline passenger traffic could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.


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

Repurchases of Equity Securities

The following table reflects our repurchases of our common stock during the third quarter of 2017. All stock repurchases during this period were made from employees who received restricted stock awards. All employee stock repurchases were made at the election of each employee pursuant to an offer to repurchase by us. In each case, the shares repurchased constituted the portion of vested shares necessary to satisfy tax withholding requirements.



ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under Plans or Programs
July 1-31, 2017	—	$	—	—	$	—
August 1-31, 2017	552	$	37.74	—	$	—
September 1-30, 2017	—	$	—	—	$	—
Total	552	$	37.74	—


ITEM 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None


ITEM 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable


ITEM 5.	OTHER INFORMATION

None


ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS



Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibits
10.1+		Spirit Airlines, Inc. 2017 Executive Severance Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 22, 2017, is hereby incorporated by reference.

12.1		Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

31.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2		Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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

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

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

101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase



+	Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
*	Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall such exhibits be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise specifically stated in such filing.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements 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.



	SPIRIT AIRLINES, INC.

Date: October 26, 2017	By:	/s/ Edward M. Christie
		Edward M. Christie
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer