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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________
FORM 10-Q
________________
[Mark One]
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þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023
OR
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☐ | 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: 001-04321
WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Delaware (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | | 98-1617611 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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601 West 26th Street, Suite 900, New York, New York (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | | 10001 (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (212) 257-5252
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class | | Trading Symbol(s) | | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share | | UP | | New York Stock Exchange |
Redeemable warrants, each warrant exercisable for 1/10th of one share of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $115.00 per whole share of Class A common stock | | WSUPW | | OTCPK* |
* On July 7, 2023, the New York Stock Exchange filed a Form 25 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to delist the redeemable publicly-traded warrants.
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 þ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No ☐
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,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer | ☐ | | Accelerated filer | þ |
Non-accelerated Filer | ☐ | | Smaller reporting company | ☐ |
Emerging Growth Company | ☐ | | | |
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 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No þ
As of August 11, 2023, 25,376,094 shares of Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, were outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I. | | |
Item 1. | | |
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Item 2. | | |
Item 3. | | |
Item 4. | | |
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PART II. | Other Information | |
Item 1. | | |
Item 1A. | | |
Item 2. | | |
Item 3. | | |
Item 4. | | |
Item 5. | | |
Item 6. | | |
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”) contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside of the control of Wheels Up Experience Inc. (“Wheels Up”, or “we”, “us”, or “our”), that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies of Wheels Up regarding the future, including, without limitation, statements regarding: (i) Wheels Up’s ability to continue as a going concern, (ii) the expected impact of any potential acquisitions or divestitures, investments, financings, restructurings or other strategic transactions involving Wheels Up or its subsidiaries or affiliates, including realizing any anticipated benefits relating to any such transactions and any potential impacts on the trading prices and trading market for Wheels Up’s Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”); (iii) Wheels Up’s liquidity, future cash flows, measures intended to increase Wheels Up’s operational efficiency and certain restrictions related to its debt obligations; (iv) the impact of Wheels Up’s cost reduction efforts on its business and results of operations, including the timing and magnitude of such expected reductions and any associated expenses in relation to liquidity levels and working capital needs; (v) Wheels Up’s ability to perform under its contractual obligations and maintain or establish relationships with third-party vendors and suppliers; (vi) the impact of the goodwill impairment charge recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2023 or future impairment losses due to changes in business or market conditions impacting the Wheels Up's forecasts or the market price per share of Common Stock, which may adversely impact the perception of Wheels Up held by stockholders, investors, members and customers, or impact the Company's business, results of operations, financial condition or the market price and volatility of the Company's Common Stock; (vii) the degree of market acceptance and adoption of Wheels Up’s products and services, including member program changes implemented in June 2023; (viii) the size, demands and growth potential of the markets for Wheels Up’s products and services and Wheels Up’s ability to serve those markets; (ix) Wheels Up’s ability to compete with other companies engaged in the private aviation industry and to attract and retain customers; and (x) general economic and geopolitical conditions, including due to fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, foreign currencies, consumer and business spending decisions, and general levels of economic activity. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements, including those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 under Part I, Item 1A — “Risk Factors,” in this Quarterly Report under Part I, Item 2 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ” and Part II, Item 1A — “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and Wheels Up undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in expectations, future events or otherwise. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Except as required by law, we do not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this Quarterly Report or to conform these statements to actual results or revised expectations.
EXPLANATORY NOTE REGARDING REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
Following approval by the Company’s stockholders at the Company’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 31, 2023 (the “Annual Meeting”), the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) approved a
reverse stock split of Wheels Up’s outstanding shares of Common Stock, at a reverse stock split ratio of 1-for-10 (the “Reverse Stock Split”) and contemporaneously with the Reverse Stock Split, a proportionate reduction in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 2.5 billion shares of Common Stock to 250 million shares (the “Authorized Share Reduction”), each of which became effective immediately after the close of trading on The New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on June 7, 2023. The Company’s total stockholders’ equity, in the aggregate, did not change as a result of the Reverse Stock Split and Authorized Share Reduction. In addition, the par value for the Company’s Common Stock remained unchanged. Holders of Common Stock who would otherwise have held fractional shares because the number of shares of Common Stock they held before the Reverse Stock Split was not evenly divisible by the reverse stock split ratio received cash (without interest, and subject to any required tax withholding applicable to a holder) in lieu of issuance of such fractional shares. The Company has adjusted the presentation of all periods covered by the condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein to give retroactive effect to the Reverse Stock Split, including adjustments to per share net loss and other per share of Common Stock amounts.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except share data)
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| June 30, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
ASSETS | | | |
Current assets: | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 151,828 | | | $ | 585,881 | |
Accounts receivable, net | 85,352 | | | 112,383 | |
Other receivables | 3,872 | | | 5,524 | |
Parts and supplies inventories, net | 23,423 | | | 29,000 | |
Aircraft inventory | 5,383 | | | 24,826 | |
Aircraft held for sale | 12,388 | | | 8,952 | |
Prepaid expenses | 53,626 | | | 39,715 | |
Other current assets | 14,001 | | | 13,338 | |
Total current assets | 349,873 | | | 819,619 | |
Property and equipment, net | 401,021 | | | 394,559 | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 91,409 | | | 106,735 | |
Goodwill | 282,133 | | | 348,118 | |
Intangible assets, net | 130,588 | | | 141,765 | |
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Other non-current assets | 131,147 | | | 112,429 | |
Total assets | $ | 1,386,171 | | | $ | 1,923,225 | |
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LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | |
Current maturities of long-term debt | $ | 26,504 | | | $ | 27,006 | |
Accounts payable | 52,110 | | | 43,166 | |
Accrued expenses | 115,864 | | | 148,945 | |
Deferred revenue, current | 828,607 | | | 1,075,133 | |
| | | |
| | | |
Other current liabilities | 47,632 | | | 49,968 | |
Total current liabilities | 1,070,717 | | | 1,344,218 | |
Long-term debt, net | 210,051 | | | 226,234 | |
| | | |
Operating lease liabilities, non-current | 71,323 | | | 82,755 | |
Warrant liability | 5 | | | 751 | |
| | | |
Other non-current liabilities | 21,256 | | | 17,347 | |
Total liabilities | 1,373,352 | | | 1,671,305 | |
| | | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) | | | |
| | | |
Equity: | | | |
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value; 250,000,000 authorized; 25,622,496 and 25,198,298 shares issued and 25,357,196 and 24,933,857 common shares outstanding as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively | 3 | | | 3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Additional paid-in capital | 1,563,672 | | | 1,545,530 | |
Accumulated deficit | (1,537,332) | | | (1,275,873) | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (5,834) | | | (10,053) | |
Treasury stock, at cost, 265,300 and 264,441 shares, respectively | (7,690) | | | (7,687) | |
Total Wheels Up Experience Inc. stockholders’ equity | 12,819 | | | 251,920 | |
Non-controlling interests | — | | | — | |
Total equity | 12,819 | | | 251,920 | |
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 1,386,171 | | | $ | 1,923,225 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except share and per share data) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
Revenue | $ | 335,062 | | | $ | 425,512 | | | $ | 686,874 | | | $ | 751,147 | |
| | | | | | | |
Costs and expenses: | | | | | | | |
Cost of revenue | 327,903 | | | 408,898 | | | 681,694 | | | 741,656 | |
Technology and development | 14,430 | | | 14,606 | | | 30,303 | | | 25,797 | |
Sales and marketing | 23,149 | | | 33,688 | | | 48,952 | | | 56,931 | |
General and administrative | 40,065 | | | 46,973 | | | 79,481 | | | 85,877 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 15,123 | | | 16,134 | | | 29,568 | | | 30,362 | |
Gain on sale of aircraft held for sale | (2,621) | | | (663) | | | (3,487) | | | (2,634) | |
Impairment of goodwill | 70,000 | | | — | | | 70,000 | | | — | |
Total costs and expenses | 488,049 | | | 519,636 | | | 936,511 | | | 937,989 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loss from operations | (152,987) | | | (94,124) | | | (249,637) | | | (186,842) | |
| | | | | | | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | (870) | | | — | | | (870) | | | — | |
Change in fair value of warrant liability | 621 | | | 2,129 | | | 746 | | | 5,760 | |
Interest income | 1,865 | | | 405 | | | 5,686 | | | 482 | |
Interest expense | (7,658) | | | — | | | (15,777) | | | — | |
Other expense, net | (1,580) | | | (850) | | | (1,435) | | | (880) | |
Total other income (expense) | (7,622) | | | 1,684 | | | (11,650) | | | 5,362 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes | (160,609) | | | (92,440) | | | (261,287) | | | (181,480) | |
| | | | | | | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | 16 | | | (320) | | | (172) | | | (320) | |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss | (160,593) | | | (92,760) | | | (261,459) | | | (181,800) | |
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | — | | | — | | | — | | | (387) | |
Net loss attributable to Wheels Up Experience Inc. | $ | (160,593) | | | $ | (92,760) | | | $ | (261,459) | | | $ | (181,413) | |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss per share of Common Stock (Note 18) | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted | $ | (6.28) | | | $ | (3.80) | | | $ | (10.27) | | | $ | (7.42) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Weighted-average shares of Common Stock outstanding: | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted | 25,570,200 | | | 24,408,604 | | | 25,446,199 | | | 24,434,744 | |
| | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited, in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
Net loss | $ | (160,593) | | | $ | (92,760) | | | $ | (261,459) | | | $ | (181,800) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | 3,296 | | | (8,318) | | | 4,219 | | | (8,318) | |
Comprehensive loss | (157,297) | | | (101,078) | | | (257,240) | | | (190,118) | |
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests | — | | | — | | | — | | | (387) | |
Comprehensive loss attributable to Wheels Up Experience Inc. | $ | (157,297) | | | $ | (101,078) | | | $ | (257,240) | | | $ | (189,731) | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(Unaudited, in thousands, except share data) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Common Stock | | | | | | | | Treasury stock | | | | |
| Shares | | Amount | | Additional paid-in capital | | Accumulated deficit | | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | Shares | | Amount | | Non-controlling interests | | Total |
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | 25,198,298 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 1,545,530 | | | $ | (1,275,873) | | | $ | (10,053) | | | 264.441 | | | $ | (7,687) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 251,920 | |
Equity-based compensation | — | | | — | | | 9,951 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,259 | | | 11,210 | |
Change in non-controlling interests allocation | — | | | — | | | 1,259 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1,259) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of Common Stock upon settlement of restricted stock units | 227,513 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net loss | — | | | — | | | — | | | (100,866) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (100,866) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 923 | | | — | | | — | | | | | 923 | |
Balance as of March 31, 2023 | 25,425,811 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 1,556,740 | | | $ | (1,376,739) | | | $ | (9,130) | | | 264,441 | | | $ | (7,687) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 163,187 | |
Equity-based compensation | — | | | — | | | 6,592 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 12 | | | 6,604 | |
Change in non-controlling interests allocation | — | | | — | | | 12 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (12) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reclassification of equity awards | — | | | — | | | 328 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 328 | |
Issuance of Common Stock upon settlement of restricted stock units | 196,685 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Reverse stock split fractional shares | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 859 | | | (3) | | | — | | | (3) | |
Net loss | — | | | — | | | — | | | (160,593) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (160,593) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 3,296 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 3,296 | |
Balance as of June 30, 2023 | 25,622,496 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 1,563,672 | | | $ | (1,537,332) | | | $ | (5,834) | | | 265,300 | | | $ | (7,690) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 12,819 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(Unaudited, in thousands, except share data)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Common Stock | | | | | | | | Treasury stock | | | | |
| Shares | | Amount | | Additional paid-in capital | | Accumulated deficit | | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | Shares | | Amount | | Non-controlling interests | | Total |
Balance as of December 31, 2021 | 24,583,457 | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 1,450,862 | | | $ | (720,713) | | | $ | — | | | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 6,077 | | | $ | 736,228 | |
Equity-based compensation | — | | | — | | | 13,659 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 8,895 | | | 22,554 | |
Change in non-controlling interests allocation | — | | | — | | | 11,743 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (11,743) | | | — | |
Shares withheld for employee taxes on vested equity awards | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 168,238 | | | (6,107) | | | — | | | (6,107) | |
Issuance of Common Stock upon settlement of restricted stock units | 7,673 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net loss | — | | | — | | | — | | | (88,653) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (387) | | | (89,040) | |
Balance as of March 31, 2022 | 24,591,130 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 1,476,264 | | | $ | (809,366) | | | $ | — | | | 168,238 | | | $ | (6,107) | | | $ | 2,842 | | | $ | 663,635 | |
Equity-based compensation | — | | | — | | | 12,328 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 8,453 | | | 20,781 | |
Change in non-controlling interests allocation | — | | | — | | | 11,295 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (11,295) | | | — | |
Shares withheld for employee taxes on vested equity awards | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 23,086 | | | (582) | | | — | | | (582) | |
Issuance of Common Stock upon settlement of restricted stock units | 27,625 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net loss | — | | | — | | | — | | | (92,760) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (92,760) | |
Other comprehensive loss | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (8,318) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (8,318) | |
Balance as of June 30, 2022 | 24,618,755 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 1,499,887 | | | $ | (902,126) | | | $ | (8,318) | | | 191,324 | | | $ | (6,689) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 582,756 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
Cash flows from operating activities | | | |
Net loss | $ | (261,459) | | | $ | (181,800) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 29,568 | | | 30,362 | |
Equity-based compensation | 18,142 | | | 43,335 | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount | 1,124 | | | — | |
Change in fair value of warrant liability | (746) | | | (5,760) | |
| | | |
| | | |
Gain on sale of aircraft held for sale | (3,487) | | | (2,634) | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | 870 | | | — | |
Impairment of goodwill | 70,000 | | | — | |
Other | 1,519 | | | 200 | |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | | | |
Accounts receivable | 27,698 | | | (17,394) | |
| | | |
Parts and supplies inventories | 5,637 | | | (2,754) | |
Aircraft inventory | (2,008) | | | (30,464) | |
Prepaid expenses | (14,499) | | | (9,442) | |
| | | |
Other non-current assets | (16,420) | | | (27,496) | |
| | | |
Accounts payable | 9,166 | | | 9,345 | |
Accrued expenses | (32,393) | | | (6,979) | |
| | | |
Deferred revenue | (248,358) | | | 67,391 | |
Other assets and liabilities | 3,976 | | | (6,085) | |
Net cash used in operating activities | (411,670) | | | (140,175) | |
| | | |
Cash flows from investing activities | | | |
Purchases of property and equipment | (12,201) | | | (76,464) | |
Purchases of aircraft held for sale | (961) | | | (43,774) | |
Proceeds from sale of aircraft held for sale, net | 24,981 | | | 27,135 | |
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired | 22 | | | (75,093) | |
Capitalized software development costs | (12,924) | | | (12,901) | |
Other | 172 | | | — | |
Net cash used in investing activities | (911) | | | (181,097) | |
| | | |
Cash flows from financing activities | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Purchase of shares for treasury | (3) | | | (6,689) | |
| | | |
| | | |
Repayments of long-term debt | (18,680) | | | — | |
| | | |
| | | |
Net cash used in financing activities | (18,683) | | | (6,689) | |
| | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (540) | | | (4,345) | |
| | | |
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (431,804) | | | (332,306) | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 620,153 | | | 786,722 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted, cash end of period | $ | 188,349 | | | $ | 454,416 | |
| | | |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | | | |
Cash paid for interest | $ | 16,097 | | | $ | — | |
| | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statement
WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1.SUMMARY OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Wheels Up Experience Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Wheels Up”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is a leading provider of on-demand private aviation in the United States (“U.S.”) and one of the largest private aviation companies in the world. Wheels Up offers a complete global aviation solution with a large, modern and diverse fleet, backed by an uncompromising commitment to safety and service. Customers can access membership programs, charter, aircraft management services and whole aircraft sales, as well as unique commercial travel benefits through a strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”). Wheels Up also offers freight, safety and security solutions and managed services to individuals, industry, government and civil organizations.
Wheels Up is guided by the mission to connect private flyers to aircraft, and one another, through an open platform that seamlessly enables life’s most important experiences. Powered by a global private aviation marketplace connecting its base of approximately 12,000 members and customers to a network of approximately 1,500 safety-vetted and verified private aircraft, Wheels Up is widening the aperture of private travel for millions of consumers globally. With the Wheels Up mobile app and website, members and customers have the digital convenience to search, book and fly.
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the financial information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s balance sheet as of June 30, 2023, its results of operations, including its comprehensive loss and stockholders' equity for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, and its results of operations, including its comprehensive loss and stockholders' equity and its cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any subsequent quarter or for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
Immediately after the close of business on the NYSE on June 7, 2023, the Reverse Stock Split and Authorized Share Reduction became effective. Accordingly, the presentation of all periods covered by the condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein have been adjusted to give retroactive effect to the Reverse Stock Split, including adjustments to per share net loss and other per share of Common Stock amounts.
These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 31, 2023.
Principles of Consolidation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. We consolidate Wheels Up MIP LLC (“MIP LLC”) and record the profits interests held in MIP LLC that Wheels Up does not own as non-controlling interests (see Note 13). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
Preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates due to risks and uncertainties. The most significant estimates include, but are not limited to, the useful lives and residual values of purchased aircraft, the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, acquired intangible assets, goodwill, contingent consideration and other assets and liabilities, sales and use tax, the estimated life of member relationships, the determination of the allowance for credit losses, impairment assessments, the determination of the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and the incremental borrowing rate for leases.
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, have been translated at period-end exchange rates and profit and loss accounts have been translated using weighted-average exchange rates. Adjustments resulting from currency translation have been recorded in the equity section of the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of other comprehensive loss as a cumulative translation adjustment.
Impairment
During the second quarter of 2023, we determined that, because of continued negative cash flows as well as changes in our management and business strategy, there was an indication that the carrying value of the long-lived assets associated with the WUP Legacy reporting unit may not be recoverable. As a result, we performed an undiscounted cash flow analysis of our long-lived assets for potential impairment as of June 1, 2023. Based on the analysis, it was determined that there was no impairment to our long-lived assets.
As a result of the aforementioned factors, we determined that there was an indication that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our WUP Legacy reporting unit was less than its carrying amount. We performed an interim quantitative impairment assessment of goodwill as of June 1, 2023. Using a discounted cash flow approach, we calculated the fair value of WUP Legacy, based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The significant underlying inputs used to measure the fair value included forecasted revenue growth rates and margins, weighted average cost of capital, normalized working capital level and projected long-term growth rates. As a result of this assessment, we recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $70.0 million relating to the WUP Legacy reporting unit. The decline in the fair value of the reporting unit was primarily due to a more material reduction in working capital than expected during the three months ended June 30, 2023, as well as an increase in the discount rate.
To facilitate reconciliation of the fair value of our reporting units to our market capitalization as of June 1, 2023, we elected to perform a quantitative impairment assessment of the Air Partner reporting unit as of June 1, 2023, using a combination of the discounted cash flow and guideline public company methods, which did not result in impairment to goodwill. Based on the valuation, the fair value of the Air Partner reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by more than 10%.
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Effective
There have been no recent accounting pronouncements, changes in accounting pronouncements or recently adopted accounting guidance during the three months ended June 30, 2023 that are of significance or potential significance to us.
2.LIQUIDITY AND GOING CONCERN
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $151.8 million and a working capital deficit of $720.8 million as of June 30, 2023. Net cash used in operating activities was $411.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, and the Company has experienced recurring losses from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Further, the Company’s Note Purchase Agreement and the Indentures (as each is defined in Note 8) and related guarantees contain a liquidity covenant that requires the Company to maintain minimum Adjusted Available Liquidity of $125.0 million as of the end of each fiscal quarter, and the Company’s Letter Agreement contains a liquidity covenant that requires the Company (excluding Air Partner Limited and its subsidiaries) to maintain available cash of at least $5.0 million on any date (see Notes 8 and 19). These conditions, as well as current cash and liquidity projections, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for any meaningful period of time after the date of this filing. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that may result if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
Until the Company can generate significant cash from operations, its ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon management taking several actions to improve its financial position including raising capital, as well as selling a mix of non-core and core assets to strategically optimize our asset base as we execute our member program changes. As discussed further in Note 19, the Company has entered into a secured promissory note with Delta to provide short-term financing to address near-term liquidity needs and the lenders under the Equipment Notes (as defined in Note 8) determined to further extend the grace period for the payment of outstanding principal and interest currently due under the Equipment Notes to August 15, 2023. Additionally, management is actively involved in discussions around strategic business partnerships for the Company, including negotiations to obtain additional financing from third parties. However, as this prospective financing is subject to conditions that are not within the Company’s control, it cannot yet be deemed probable. The Company is also actively reducing spend through implementation of certain previously announced strategic actions including the member program changes that went into effect on June 26, 2023, on-going consolidation of our U.S. Federal Aviation Administration operating certificates and consolidation of our operations via establishing the Atlanta Member Operations Center. Additionally, the Company is evaluating additional opportunities for reduced spend, including but not limited to, reducing capital expenditures, rationalizing its real estate and aircraft lease portfolios, and taking other discrete cost-cutting measures across the business that are not expected to impact the member and customer experience. Management cannot provide any assurance that the Company’s efforts will be successful.
Absent the ability of the Company to obtain additional funding, the Company has concluded that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern for any meaningful period of time after the date of this filing.
3.REVENUE RECOGNITION
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table disaggregates revenue by service type and the timing of when these services are provided to the member or customer (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
Services transferred at a point in time: | | | | | | | |
Flights, net of discounts and incentives | $ | 235,284 | | | $ | 284,071 | | | $ | 467,046 | | | $ | 520,434 | |
Aircraft management | 46,073 | | | 58,307 | | | 107,315 | | | 116,356 | |
Other | 28,138 | | | 55,789 | | | 59,945 | | | 62,967 | |
| | | | | | | |
Services transferred over time: | | | | | | | |
Memberships | 21,478 | | | 24,020 | | | 43,158 | | | 44,667 | |
Aircraft management | 2,429 | | | 2,411 | | | 4,881 | | | 4,868 | |
Other | 1,660 | | | 914 | | | 4,529 | | | 1,855 | |
Total | $ | 335,062 | | | $ | 425,512 | | | $ | 686,874 | | | $ | 751,147 | |
Revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations is presented net of discounts and incentives of $2.4 million and $4.0 million for the three and six ended June 30, 2023, respectively, and $3.5 million and $6.7 million for the three and six ended June 30, 2022, respectively.
Other revenue included within services transferred at a point in time is primarily related to revenue for group charter of $9.5 million, safety and security of $5.7 million and whole aircraft sales of $4.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, and whole aircraft sales of $27.0 million, group charter of $11.1 million and safety and security of $6.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. Other revenue included within services transferred at a point in time is primarily related to revenue for group charter of $15.9 million, whole aircraft sales of $15.4 million and safety and security of $11.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, and whole aircraft sales of $28.0 million, group charter of $11.1 million and safety and security of $6.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
Contract Balances
Accounts receivable, net consists of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Gross receivables from members and customers | $ | 88,830 | | | $ | 112,243 | |
Undeposited funds | 3,423 | | | 10,122 | |
Less: Allowance for credit losses | (6,901) | | | (9,982) | |
Accounts receivable, net | $ | 85,352 | | | $ | 112,383 | |
Deferred revenue consists of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Flights - Prepaid Blocks | $ | 778,356 | | | $ | 1,023,985 | |
Memberships - annual dues | 39,768 | | | 43,970 | |
Memberships - initiation fees | 3,277 | | | 3,899 | |
Flights - credits | 2,045 | | | 4,246 | |
Other | 6,571 | | | 775 | |
Deferred revenue - total | 830,016 | | | 1,076,875 | |
| | | |
Less: Deferred revenue - current | (828,607) | | | (1,075,133) | |
Deferred revenue - non-current | $ | 1,409 | | | $ | 1,742 | |
Changes in deferred revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023 were as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | |
Deferred revenue as of December 31, 2022 | $ | 1,076,875 | |
Amounts deferred during the period | 304,837 | |
Revenue recognized from amounts included in the deferred revenue beginning balance | (415,892) | |
Revenue from current period sales | (135,804) | |
Deferred revenue as of June 30, 2023 | $ | 830,016 | |
Revenue expected to be recognized in future periods for performance obligations that are unsatisfied, or partially unsatisfied, as of June 30, 2023 were as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | |
Remainder of 2023 | $ | 276,315 | |
2024 | 191,854 | |
2025 | 181,101 | |
2026 | 180,746 | |
Total | $ | 830,016 | |
Costs to Obtain a Contract
Capitalized costs related to sales commissions and referral fees were $2.5 million and $4.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, and $5.0 million and $9.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively.
As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, capitalized sales commissions and referral fees of $5.7 million and $8.7 million, respectively, were included in Other current assets and $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively, were included in Other non-current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, respectively. Amortization expense related to capitalized sales commissions and referral fees included in sales and marketing expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was $3.1 million and $6.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, and $4.2 million and $7.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively.
4.PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Aircraft | $ | 559,265 | | | $ | 566,338 | |
Software development costs | 77,857 | | | 65,303 | |
Leasehold improvements | 20,390 | | | 11,930 | |
Computer equipment | 3,107 | | | 3,014 | |
Buildings and improvements | 1,424 | | | 1,424 | |
Furniture and fixtures | 4,029 | | | 3,208 | |
Tooling | 4,137 | | | 3,835 | |
Vehicles | 1,850 | | | 1,538 | |
| 672,059 | | | 656,590 | |
| | | |
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (271,038) | | | (262,031) | |
Total | $ | 401,021 | | | $ | 394,559 | |
Depreciation and amortization expense was $9.7 million and $18.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, and $10.1 million and $19.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively.
Amortization expense related to software development costs, included as part of depreciation and amortization expense of property and equipment, was $4.0 million and $6.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, and $3.1 million and $5.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022.
5.ACQUISITIONS
Alante Air Charter, LLC Acquisition
On February 3, 2022, we acquired all of the outstanding equity of Alante Air Charter, LLC (“Alante Air”) for a total purchase price of $15.5 million in cash. Alante Air added 12 Light jets to our controlled fleet and expanded our presence in the Western U.S. Acquisition-related costs for Alante Air of $0.5 million were included in general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The acquisition of Alante Air was determined to be a business combination.
We have allocated the purchase price for Alante Air to its individual assets and liabilities assumed. As of the date of acquisition, the total purchase price allocated to the Alante Air assets acquired and liabilities assumed according to their estimated fair values were as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | |
Current assets | $ | 4,452 | |
Goodwill | 13,069 | |
Other assets | 22,048 | |
Total assets acquired | 39,569 | |
Total liabilities assumed | (24,101) | |
Net assets acquired | $ | 15,468 | |
Current assets of Alante Air included $3.0 million of cash and $1.4 million of accounts receivable, including $15 thousand owed from Wheels Up that was eliminated in consolidation upon acquisition.
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the acquired net tangible assets. The allocated value of goodwill primarily relates to anticipated synergies and economies of scale by combining the use of Alante Air’s aircraft and existing business processes with our other acquisitions. The acquired goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.
Air Partner plc Acquisition
On April 1, 2022, we acquired all of the outstanding equity of Air Partner plc (“Air Partner”) for a total purchase price of $108.2 million in cash. Air Partner is a United Kingdom-based international aviation services group that provides us with operations in 18 locations across four continents. Acquisition-related costs for Air Partner included in general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2022 were immaterial. The acquisition of Air Partner was determined to be a business combination.
As of the date of acquisition, the total purchase price allocated to the Air Partner assets acquired and liabilities assumed according to their estimated fair values were as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | |
Current assets | $ | 49,617 | |
Property and equipment, net | 2,012 | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 2,780 | |
Goodwill | 83,910 | |
Intangible assets | 20,921 | |
Restricted cash | 27,507 | |
Other assets | 1,686 | |
Total assets acquired | 188,433 | |
Total liabilities assumed | (80,239) | |
Net assets acquired | $ | 108,194 | |
Current assets of Air Partner included $18.0 million of cash and $16.6 million of accounts receivable.
The allocated value of goodwill primarily relates to anticipated synergies and economies of scale by combining the use of Air Partner’s existing business processes with our platform to expand on an international basis. The acquired goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
The amounts allocated to acquired intangible assets and their associated weighted-average amortization periods, which were determined based on the period the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to our cash flows, consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Amount (In thousands) | | Weighted-Average Amortization Period (Years) |
Customer relationships | $ | 16,521 | | | 5.7 |
Backlog | 1,458 | | | 1.5 |
Trade name | 1,931 | | | 1.9 |
Developed technology | 1,011 | | | 5.8 |
Total acquired intangible assets | $ | 20,921 | | | 5.1 |
The intangible asset fair value measurements are primarily based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market which represent a Level 3 measurement (see Note 9). The valuation method used for the Air Partner intangible assets was the income approach.
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary of Operations
The accompanying unaudited pro forma summary represents the consolidated results of operations as if the 2022 acquisitions of Alante Air and Air Partner had been completed as of January 1, 2022. The unaudited pro forma financial results for 2022 reflect the results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, as well as the effects of pro forma adjustments for the transactions in 2022. The unaudited pro forma financial information includes the accounting effects of the acquisitions, including adjustments to the amortization of intangible assets and professional fees associated with the transactions. The pro forma results were based on estimates and assumptions, which we believe are reasonable but remain subject to adjustment. The unaudited pro forma summary does not necessarily reflect the actual results that would have been achieved had the companies been combined during the periods presented, nor is it necessarily indicative of future consolidated results (in thousands, except per share data).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended June 30, | | | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| | | 2022 | | | | 2022 |
Net revenue | | | $ | 425,512 | | | | | $ | 788,966 | |
Net loss | | | $ | (91,443) | | | | | $ | (179,132) | |
Net loss attributable to Wheels Up Experience Inc. | | | $ | (91,443) | | | | | $ | (178,756) | |
Net loss per share(1) | | | $ | (3.75) | | | | | $ | (7.32) | |
(1) Adjusted for the impact of the Reverse Stock Split
6.GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The following table presents goodwill carrying value and the change in balance, by reporting unit, during the six months ended June 30, 2023 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| WUP Legacy | | Air Partner | | Total |
Balance as of December 31, 2022(1) | $ | 270,467 | | | $ | 77,651 | | | $ | 348,118 | |
Acquisitions(2) | — | | | 350 | | | 350 | |
Impairment(3) | (70,000) | | | — | | | (70,000) | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | — | | | 3,665 | | | 3,665 | |
Balance as of June 30, 2023 | $ | 200,467 | | | $ | 81,666 | | | $ | 282,133 | |
(1) Net of accumulated impairment losses of $180 million, all of which was recognized on the goodwill attributable to the WUP Legacy reporting unit during the year ended December 31, 2022.
(2) Reflects the current period impact of measurement period adjustments (See Note 5)
(3) Impairment charge recognized during the second quarter of 2023 as a result of an interim quantitative assessment of goodwill as of June 1, 2023 (See Note 1).
Intangible Assets
The gross carrying value, accumulated amortization and net carrying value of intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2023 |
| Gross Carrying Value | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Value |
Status | $ | 80,000 | | | $ | 27,644 | | | $ | 52,356 | |
Customer relationships | 91,121 | | | 30,086 | | | 61,035 | |
| | | | | |
Trade name | 16,161 | | | 8,978 | | | 7,183 | |
Developed technology | 20,556 | | | 10,831 | | | 9,725 | |
Leasehold interest - favorable | 600 | | | 91 | | | 509 | |
Backlog | 1,458 | | | 1,169 | | | 289 | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | (749) | | | (240) | | | (509) | |
Total | $ | 209,147 | | | $ | 78,559 | | | $ | 130,588 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 |
| Gross Carrying Value | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Value |
Status | $ | 80,000 | | | $ | 23,644 | | | $ | 56,356 | |
Customer relationships | 91,121 | | | 24,613 | | | 66,508 | |
Non-competition agreement | 210 | | | 210 | | | — | |
Trade name | 16,161 | | | 8,294 | | | 7,867 | |
Developed technology | 20,556 | | | 9,332 | | | 11,224 | |
Leasehold interest - favorable | 600 | | | 80 | | | 520 | |
Backlog | 1,458 | | | 880 | | | 578 | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | (1,662) | | | (374) | | | (1,288) | |
Total | $ | 208,444 | | | $ | 66,679 | | | $ | 141,765 | |
Amortization expense of intangible assets was $5.9 million and $11.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, and $6.5 million and $11.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively.
Intangible Liabilities
The gross carrying value, accumulated amortization and net carrying value of intangible liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2023 |
| Gross Carrying Value | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Value |
Intangible liabilities | $ | 20,000 | | | $ | 6,917 | | | $ | 13,083 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 |
| Gross Carrying Value | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Value |
Intangible liabilities | $ | 20,000 | | | $ | 5,917 | | | $ | 14,083 | |
Amortization of intangible liabilities, which reduces amortization expense, was $0.5 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2023, and 2022, and $1.0 million for each of the six months ended June 30, 2023, and 2022.
Future amortization expense of intangible assets and intangible liabilities held as of June 30, 2023, were as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intangible Assets | | Intangible Liabilities |
Remainder of 2023 | $ | 11,883 | | | $ | 1,000 | |
2024 | 23,047 | | | 2,000 | |
2025 | 22,633 | | | 2,000 | |
2026 | 21,767 | | | 2,000 | |
2027 | 17,208 | | | 2,000 | |
2028 and Thereafter | 34,050 | | | 4,083 | |
Total | $ | 130,588 | | | $ | 13,083 | |
7.CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
Cash Equivalents
As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheets were $106.2 million and $430.3 million, respectively, and generally consisted of investments in money market funds, savings and time deposits.
Restricted Cash
As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, restricted cash, which is presented within Other non-current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, included $7.7 million held by financial institutions to establish standby letters of credit required by the lessors of certain corporate office space that we leased as of such dates. The standby letters of credit expire on December 31, 2033 and June 30, 2034. The balances as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 also included $23.3 million and $26.3 million, respectively, related to funds held but unavailable for immediate use due to contractual restrictions.
A reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash from the condensed consolidated balance sheets to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 151,828 | | | $ | 585,881 | |
Restricted cash | 36,521 | | | 34,272 | |
Total | $ | 188,349 | | | $ | 620,153 | |
8.LONG-TERM DEBT
The following table presents the components of long-term debt on our condensed consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted Average Interest Rate | | June 30, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Equipment Notes | 12.0 | % | | $ | 251,491 | | | $ | 270,000 | |
Total debt | | | 251,491 | | | 270,000 | |
Less: Total unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discount | | | 14,936 | | | 16,760 | |
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt | | | 26,504 | | | 27,006 | |
Long-term debt | | | $ | 210,051 | | | $ | 226,234 | |
Maturities of our principal debt payments for the next five years are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | |
| Maturities |
Remainder of 2023 | $ | 13,252 | |
2024 | 45,241 | |
2025 | 40,234 | |
2026 | 34,584 | |
2027 | 22,699 | |
2028 and Thereafter | 95,481 | |
Total | $ | 251,491 | |
2022-1 Equipment Note Financing
On October 14, 2022, Wheels Up Partners LLC, our indirect subsidiary (“WUP LLC”), issued $270.0 million aggregate principal amount of 12% fixed rate equipment notes (collectively, the “Equipment Notes”) using an EETC (enhanced equipment trust certificate) loan structure. The Equipment Notes were issued for net proceeds (before transaction-related expense) of $259.2 million. The final expected distribution date of the Equipment Notes varies from July 15, 2025 to October 15, 2029, unless redeemed earlier by WUP LLC. The Equipment Notes bear interest at the rate of 12% per annum with annual amortization of principal amount equal to 10% per annum and balloon payments due at each maturity date. The Equipment Notes were initially secured by first-priority liens on 134 of the Company’s owned aircraft fleet and by liens on certain intellectual property assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.
The Equipment Notes were sold pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 14, 2022 (the “Note Purchase Agreement”), and issued under separate Trust Indentures and Mortgages, dated as of October 14, 2022 (each, an “Indenture” and collectively, the “Indentures”). The Note Purchase Agreement and the Indentures and related guarantees contain certain covenants, including a liquidity covenant that requires the Company to maintain minimum Adjusted Available Liquidity (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) of $125 million as of the end of each fiscal quarter, a covenant that limits the maximum loan to appraised value ratio of all aircraft financed, subject to certain cure rights of the Company, and restrictive covenants that provide limitations under certain circumstances on, among other things: (i) certain acquisitions, mergers or disposals of its assets; (ii) making certain investments or entering into certain transactions with affiliates; (iii) prepaying, redeeming or repurchasing the Equipment Notes, subject to certain exceptions; and (iv) paying dividends and making certain other specified restricted payments. Each Indenture contains customary events of default for Equipment Notes of this type, including cross-default provisions among the Equipment Notes. WUP LLC’s obligations under the Equipment Notes are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. WUP LLC is also obligated to cause additional subsidiaries and affiliates of WUP LLC to become guarantors under certain circumstances. The Equipment Notes
issued with respect to each aircraft are cross-collateralized by the other aircraft for which Equipment Notes were issued under the Indentures. The maturity of the Equipment Notes may be accelerated upon the occurrence of certain events of default under the Note Purchase Agreement and each Indenture and the related guarantees. As of June 30, 2023, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Note Purchase Agreement and each Indenture and the related guarantees.
Interest and principal payments on the Equipment Notes are payable quarterly on each January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15, which began on January 15, 2023. During the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company redeemed in-full the Equipment Notes for two aircraft, which reduced the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Equipment Notes by $5.0 million. As of June 30, 2023, the carrying value of the 132 aircraft that are subject to first-priority liens under the Equipment Notes was $313.7 million.
Amortization expense for debt discounts and deferred financing costs of $0.9 million and $1.8 million was recorded in interest expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively.
9.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, an exit price, in an orderly transaction between unaffiliated willing market participants on the measurement date under current market conditions. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured and classified in accordance with a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the observability of the inputs available and activity in the markets used to measure fair value. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
| | | | | |
Level 1 - | Quoted prices, unadjusted, in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed at the measurement date. |
| |
Level 2 - | Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. |
| |
Level 3 - | Unobservable inputs developed using our own estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. |
Financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy consisted of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2023 |
| Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Fair Value |
Assets: | | | | | | | |
Money market funds | $ | 106,146 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | 106,146 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total assets | $ | 106,146 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 106,146 | |
| | | | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Warrant liability - Public Warrants | $ | 3 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3 | |
Warrant liability - Private Warrants | — | | | 2 | | | — | | | 2 | |
Equipment Notes | — | | | — | | | 251,491 | | | 251,491 | |
Total liabilities | $ | 3 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 251,491 | | | $ | 251,496 | |
| | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 |
| Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Fair Value |
Assets: | | | | | | | |
Money market funds | $ | 230,626 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 230,626 | |
Treasury bills | 199,700 | | | — | | | — | | | 199,700 | |
Total assets | $ | 430,326 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 430,326 | |
| | | | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Warrant liability - Public Warrants | $ | 479 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 479 | |
Warrant liability - Private Warrants | — | | | 272 | | | — | | | 272 | |
Equipment Notes | — | | | 270,000 | | | — | | | 270,000 | |
Total liabilities | $ | 479 | | | $ | 270,272 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 270,751 | |
The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value and is classified within Level 1, because we determined the fair value through quoted market prices.
The estimated fair value of the Equipment Notes is categorized as a Level 3 valuation. We considered the relatively short time period between the issuance of the Equipment Notes and the measurement date of June 30, 2023, as well as the estimated fair value of aircraft subject to first-priority liens under the Equipment Notes to determine the fair value of the Equipment Notes as of June 30, 2023.
The Warrants (as defined below) were accounted for as a liability in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 815-40 (see Note 12). The warrant liability was measured at fair value upon assumption and on a recurring basis, with changes in fair value presented in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we used Level 1 inputs for the Public Warrants (as defined below) and Level 2 inputs for the Private Warrants (as defined below). We valued the Private Warrants by applying the valuation technique of a Monte Carlo simulation model to reflect the redemption conditions. The Private Warrants are substantially similar to the Public Warrants, but are not directly traded or quoted on an active trading market. See Note 12 for additional information about the Warrants.
The following table presents the changes in the fair value of the warrant liability (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Public Warrants | | Private Warrants | | Total Warrant Liability |
Fair value as of December 31, 2022 | $ | 479 | | | $ | 272 | | | $ | 751 | |
Change in fair value of warrant liability | (476) | | | (270) | | | (746) | |
Fair value as of June 30, 2023 | $ | 3 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 5 | |
10.LEASES
Leases primarily pertain to certain controlled aircraft, corporate headquarters and operational facilities, including aircraft hangars, which are all accounted for as operating leases. We sublease an aircraft hangar at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport from Delta. Certain of these operating leases have renewal options to further extend for additional time periods at our discretion.
Our leases do not contain residual value guarantees, covenants or other associated restrictions. We have certain variable lease agreements with aircraft owners that contain payment terms based on an hourly lease rate multiplied by the number of flight hours during a month. Variable lease payments are not included in the right-of-use asset and lease liability balances but rather are expensed as incurred.
The components of net lease cost were as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
Operating lease costs | $ | 9,641 | | | $ | 9,723 | | | $ | 21,335 | | | $ | 18,825 | |
Short-term lease costs | 2,151 | | | 9,221 | | | 4,637 | | | 14,514 | |
Variable lease costs | 8,666 | | | 4,591 | | | 14,499 | | | 8,953 | |
Total lease costs | $ | 20,458 | | | $ | 23,535 | | | $ | 40,471 | | | $ | 42,292 | |
Lease costs related to leased aircraft and operational facilities are included in cost of revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Lease costs related to leased corporate headquarters and other office space including expenses for non-lease components are included in general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Sublease income is presented in general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Sublease income was not material for any of the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022.
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases were as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities: | | | |
Operating cash flows paid for operating leases | $ | 18,621 | | | $ | 18,962 | |
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations | $ | 5,454 | | | $ | 42,087 | |
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): | | | |
Operating leases | 6.2 | | 5.9 |
Weighted-average discount rate: | | | |
Operating leases | 9.2 | % | | 9.0 | % |
Maturities of lease liabilities, as of June 30, 2023, were as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | |
Year ending December 31, | Operating Leases |
2023 (remaining) | $ | 19,148 | |
2024 | 33,762 | |
2025 | 19,737 | |
2026 | 12,061 | |
2027 | 7,933 | |
2028 and Thereafter | 42,882 | |
Total lease payments | 135,523 | |
Less: Imputed interest | (35,080) | |
Total lease obligations | $ | 100,443 | |
11.STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
Stockholders’ Equity
Authorized Shares
Pursuant to the Wheels Up Experience Inc. certificate of incorporation, as amended, and after giving effect to the Authorized Share Reduction that became effective on June 7, 2023, we are authorized to issue 250,000,000 shares of Common Stock, and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share.
Reverse Stock Split
Following approval by the Company’s stockholders at the Annual Meeting, the Board approved the Reverse Stock Split of Wheels Up’s outstanding shares of Common Stock, at a reverse stock split ratio of 1-for-10 and contemporaneously with the Reverse Stock Split, the Authorized Share Reduction, which provided for a proportionate reduction in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 2.5 billion shares of Common Stock to 250 million shares, each of which became effective immediately after the close of trading on the NYSE on June 7, 2023. The Company’s total stockholders’ equity, in the aggregate, did not change as a result of the Reverse Stock Split and Authorized Share Reduction. In addition, the par value for the Company’s Common Stock remained unchanged. Holders of Common Stock who would otherwise have held fractional shares because the number of shares of Common Stock they held before the Reverse Stock Split was not evenly divisible by the reverse stock split ratio received cash (without interest, and subject to any required tax withholding applicable to a holder) in lieu of issuance of such fractional shares.
As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, equitable adjustments corresponding to the reverse stock split ratio were made to the number of shares of Common Stock underlying Wheels Up’s outstanding equity awards and the number of shares issuable under Wheels Up’s equity incentive plans, as well as any exercise prices, hurdle amounts or market-based vesting conditions of such equity awards, as applicable. In addition, equitable adjustments corresponding to the reverse stock split ratio of 1-for-10 were made to the Warrants, resulting in each Warrant
becoming exercisable for 1/10th of one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $115.00 per whole share of Common Stock and the stated redemption prices per Warrant being proportionately reduced (see Note 12).
Equity-Based Compensation
As of June 30, 2023, we have nine equity-based compensation plans that were approved by the board of directors of WUP LLC (collectively the “WUP Management Incentive Plan”) prior to the Business Combination (as defined below), as well as the Wheels Up Partners Holdings LLC Option Plan (the “WUP Option Plan”). Following the consummation of the Business Combination (as defined below), no new grants can be made under the WUP Management Incentive Plan or WUP Option Plan.
In connection with the Business Combination (as defined below), the Board and stockholders of Wheels Up adopted the Wheels Up Experience Inc. 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Original 2021 LTIP”), for employees, consultants and other qualified persons. Following approval by the Board, at the Annual Meeting, the Company’s stockholders approved the Amended and Restated Wheels Up Experience Inc. 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Amended and Restated 2021 LTIP”) to increase the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for awards made thereunder by 24,150,000 shares (2,415,000 shares after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split) and amend certain other plan provisions.
On June 30, 2022, the Board adopted the Wheels Up Experience Inc. 2022 Inducement Grant Plan (the “2022 Inducement Plan”) to be used for a one-time employment inducement grant, pursuant to NYSE Rule 303A.08, for Todd Smith, in connection with his appointment to Chief Financial Officer. The maximum number of awards that could be granted under the 2022 Inducement Plan were 2,051,282 shares of Common Stock (205,128 shares of Common Stock after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split), which were all granted in the form of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to Mr. Smith on July 1, 2022. Restricted stock unit awards granted under the 2022 Inducement Grant Plan contain generally the same terms as other awards granted under the Original 2021 LTIP during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
WUP Management Incentive Plan
As of June 30, 2023, an aggregate of 3.1 million WUP profits interests have been authorized and issued under the WUP Management Incentive Plan. Vested WUP profits interests are eligible to be exchanged into shares of Common Stock. Amounts of WUP profits interests reported in the tables below represent the maximum number of WUP profits interests outstanding or that could be realized upon vesting and immediately exchanged for the maximum number of shares of Common Stock. The actual number of shares of Common Stock received upon exchange of such WUP profits interests will depend on the trading price per share of Common Stock at the time of such exchange.
The following table summarizes the WUP profits interests activity under the WUP management incentive plan as of June 30, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Number of WUP Profits Interests | | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value |
| (in thousands) | | |
Outstanding WUP profits interests as of January 1, 2023 | 2,881 | | | $ | 4.16 | |
Granted | — | | | — | |
Exchanged | — | | | — | |
Expired/forfeited | — | | | — | |
Outstanding WUP profits interests as of June 30, 2023 | 2,881 | | | $ | 4.16 | |
The weighted-average remaining contractual term as of June 30, 2023, for WUP profits interests outstanding was approximately 8.0 years.
The following table summarizes the status of non-vested WUP profits interests as of June 30, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Number of WUP Profits Interests | | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value |
| (in thousands) | | |
Non-vested WUP profits interests as of January 1, 2023 | 170 | | | $ | 4.19 | |
Granted | — | | | — | |
Vested | (147) | | | 4.47 | |
Forfeited | — | | | — | |
Non-vested WUP profits interests as of June 30, 2023 | 23 | | | $ | 2.39 | |
The total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested WUP profits interests was nominal as of June 30, 2023 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.1 years.
WUP Option Plan
As of June 30, 2023, the number of WUP stock options authorized and issued in aggregate under the WUP Option Plan was 1.8 million. Each outstanding stock option is exercisable for one share of Common Stock.
The following table summarizes the activity under the WUP Option Plan as of June 30, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Number of WUP Stock Options | | Weighted- Average Exercise Price | | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value |
| (in thousands) | | | | |
Outstanding WUP stock options as of January 1, 2023 | 1,280 | | | $ | 75.10 | | | $ | 12.02 | |
Granted | — | | | — | | | — | |
Exercised | — | | | — | | | — | |
Forfeited | (27) | | | 73.48 | | | 8.62 | |
Expired | (10) | | | 72.71 | | | 6.74 | |
Outstanding WUP stock options as of June 30, 2023 | 1,243 | | | $ | 75.16 | | | $ | 12.15 | |
Exercisable WUP stock options as of June 30, 2023 | 1,198 | | | $ | 74.72 | | | $ | 11.65 | |
The aggregate intrinsic value as of June 30, 2023, for WUP stock options that were outstanding and exercisable was nil.
The weighted-average remaining contractual term as of June 30, 2023, for WUP stock options that were outstanding and exercisable was approximately 6.0 years.
The following table summarizes the status of non-vested WUP stock options as of June 30, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Number of WUP Stock Options | | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value |
| (in thousands) | | |
Non-vested WUP stock options as of January 1, 2023 | 105 | | | $ | 19.95 | |
Granted | — | | | — | |
Vested | (57) | | | 15.93 | |
Expired | — | | | — | |
Forfeited | (2) | | | 16.01 | |
Non-vested WUP stock options as of June 30, 2023 | 46 | | | $ | 25.06 | |
The total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested WUP stock options was $0.2 million as of June 30, 2023 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.2 years.
Amended and Restated 2021 LTIP
As of June 30, 2023, an aggregate of 5.2 million shares were authorized for issuance under the Amended and Restated 2021 LTIP.
Restricted Stock Units
The following table summarizes the activity under the Amended and Restated 2021 LTIP related to RSUs as of June 30, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Number of RSUs(1) | | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value |
| (in thousands) | | |
Non-vested RSUs as of January 1, 2023 | 1,615 | | | $ | 34.63 | |
Granted | 2,107 | | | 3.02 | |
Vested | (461) | | | 32.28 | |
Forfeited | (416) | | | 26.63 | |
Non-vested RSUs as of June 30, 2023 | 2,845 | | | $ | 14.43 | |
(1) RSU awards granted under the 2022 Inducement Grant Plan contain generally the same terms as other RSU awards granted under the Original 2021 LTIP during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. The number of RSUs and weighted-average grant date fair value include 205,128 RSUs granted under the 2022 Inducement Grant Plan in July 2022, of which 68,376 RSUs had vested as of January 1, 2023 and the remaining 136,752 RSUs are scheduled to vest in equal installments on December 30, 2023 and December 30, 2024, subject to continued service through each such vesting date.
The total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs was $26.0 million as of June 30, 2023 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units (“PSUs”)
Under the terms of the non-vested PSUs granted to certain employees, upon the achievement of certain pre-determined performance objectives, each PSU may settle into shares of our Common Stock. The PSUs will vest, if at all, upon the actual achievement of the related performance objectives, subject to specified change of control exceptions.
The following table summarizes the activity under the Amended and Restated 2021 LTIP related to PSUs as of June 30, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Number of PSUs | | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value |
| (in thousands) | | |
Non-vested PSUs as of January 1, 2023 | 96 | | | $ | 21.68 | |
Granted | 146 | | | 10.22 | |
Vested | (32) | | | 12.17 | |
Forfeited | (67) | | | 16.29 | |
Non-vested PSUs as of June 30, 2023(1) | 142 | | | $ | 14.64 | |
(1) Non-vested PSUs reflected in the table above include approximately 84 thousand of PSUs that may settle in shares of our Common Stock equal to 0-120% of the PSUs and 130 thousand PSUs that may settle into shares of Common Stock equal to 0-200% of the PSUs, in each case based on the level of performance.
Compensation expense associated with PSUs is recognized over the vesting period of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest when the achievement of the related performance objectives becomes probable. As of June 30, 2023, the achievement of the performance objectives associated with unvested PSUs was deemed not probable of being achieved and, accordingly, $0.3 million of compensation cost has not been recognized.
RSUs Subject to Market-Based Vesting Conditions (“Market-Based RSUs”)
The Company previously granted Market-Based RSUs granted to certain employees, pursuant to the terms of which each Market-Based RSU was settleable into shares of Common Stock. The Market-Based RSUs were subject to vesting, if at all, based on the closing trading price per share of our Common Stock over any 30 consecutive trading day-period that occurred prior to the end date specified in the underlying award agreement, subject to continued service through each such vesting date. Based on the Common Stock trading price, the market conditions for the outstanding Market-Based RSUs were not met, and no shares vested as of June 30, 2023. All outstanding unvested Market-Based RSUs were forfeited and cancelled during the three months ended June 30, 2023.
Wheels Up Stock Options
The following table summarizes the activity under the Amended and Restated 2021 LTIP related to Wheels Up stock options as of June 30, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Number of Wheels Up Stock Options | | Weighted- Average Exercise Price | | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value |
| (in thousands) | | | | |
Outstanding Wheels Up stock options as of January 1, 2023 | 77 | | | $ | 100.00 | | | $ | 47.52 | |
Granted | — | | | — | | | — | |
Exercised | — | | | — | | | — | |
Forfeited | — | | | — | | | — | |
Expired | — | | | — | | | — | |
Outstanding Wheels Up stock options as of June 30, 2023 | 77 | | | $ | 100.00 | | | $ | 47.52 | |
Exercisable Wheels Up stock options as of June 30, 2023 | 77 | | | $ | 100.00 | | | $ | 47.52 | |
The aggregate intrinsic value as of June 30, 2023, for Wheels Up stock options that were outstanding and exercisable was nil.
The weighted-average remaining contractual term as of June 30, 2023, for Wheels Up stock options that were outstanding and exercisable was approximately 4.4 years. All Wheels Up stock options vested in prior periods.
Equity-Based Compensation Expense
Compensation expense for WUP profits interests recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was nominal and $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, respectively, and $0.1 million and $0.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Compensation expense for WUP restricted interests recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was nil and $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and nil and $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Compensation expense for WUP stock options under the WUP Option Plan and Wheels Up stock options under the Amended and Restated 2021 LTIP recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was $0.4 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $0.9 million and $4.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Compensation expense for RSUs and PSUs recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was $6.2 million and $9.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $11.9 million and $18.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The following table summarizes equity-based compensation expense recognized by condensed consolidated statement of operations line item (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
Cost of revenue | $ | 1,092 | | | $ | 3,307 | | | $ | 2,271 | | | $ | 7,739 | |
Technology and development | 673 | | | 655 | | | 1,157 | | | 1,296 | |
Sales and marketing | 641 | | | 2,857 | | | 1,341 | | | 5,558 | |
General and administrative | 4,198 | | | 13,962 | | | 13,373 | | | 28,742 | |
Total equity-based compensation expense | $ | 6,604 | | | $ | 20,781 | | | $ | 18,142 | | | $ | 43,335 | |
Earnout Shares
On July 13, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), we consummated the transactions contained in the Agreement and Plan of Merger with Aspirational Consumer Lifestyle Corp. (“Aspirational”), a blank check company, dated as of February 1, 2021, as amended on May 6, 2021 (the “Business Combination”). As part of the Business Combination, existing holders of WUP equity, including certain holders of WUP profits interests and restricted interests, but excluding holders of WUP stock options, have the right to receive up to an aggregate of 0.9 million additional shares of our Common Stock in three equal tranches, which are issuable upon the achievement of share price thresholds of $125.00, $150.00 and $175.00 for any 20 trading days within a period of 30 consecutive trading days on or before July 13, 2026, respectively (the “Earnout Shares”). Earnout Shares are not attributable to any equity-based compensation plan.
Earnout Shares are attributable to vested WUP profits interests and restricted interests as of the date each of the Earnout Share market conditions are met. No Earnout Shares have been issued as of June 30, 2023.
The grant-date fair value of the Earnout Shares attributable to the holders of WUP profits interests and restricted interests, using a Monte Carlo simulation model, was $57.9 million. The derived service period began on the Closing Date and had a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
Based on the Common Stock trading price, the market conditions were not met, and no Earnout Shares vested as of June 30, 2023. Compensation expense for Earnout Shares recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was nil and $9.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $1.4 million and $19.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Treasury Stock
As of June 30, 2023, we had 265,300 shares of treasury stock. Treasury stock has historically consisted of shares of Common Stock withheld to settle employee taxes due upon the vesting of RSUs and WUP restricted interests, none of which occurred during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in treasury stock during the three months ended June 30, 2023 reflects shares of Common Stock acquired from stockholders who would otherwise have held fractional shares because the number of shares of Common Stock they held before the Reverse Stock Split was not evenly divisible by the reverse stock split ratio, which the Company acquired for cash (without interest, and subject to any required tax withholding applicable to a holder) in lieu of issuance of such fractional shares of Common Stock.
12.WARRANTS
Prior to the Business Combination, Aspirational issued 7,991,544 redeemable public warrants (“Public Warrants”) and 4,529,950 redeemable private warrants (“Private Warrants” and together with the Public Warrants, the “Warrants”). On the Closing Date, Wheels Up assumed the Warrants. Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase 1/10th share of Common Stock at a price of $115.00 per whole share of Common Stock. The Public Warrants and Private Warrants became exercisable on September 25, 2021, which was 12 months from the closing of the Aspirational initial public offering, and expire on July 13, 2026 or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.
In connection with the Business Combination, we filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 that was declared effective by the SEC on August 24, 2021, as amended by Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 thereto that was declared effective by the SEC on March 21, 2022, as further amended by Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-1 on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on July 20, 2022, and as further amended by Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Form S-1 on Form S-3 that was declared effective by the SEC on August 10, 2022 (collectively, the “Selling Stockholder Registration Statement”). The Selling Stockholder Registration Statement relates to the issuance of an aggregate of 1,252,149 shares of Common Stock underlying the Public Warrants and Private Warrants. As of June 30, 2023, there have not been any warrants exercised and 12,521,494 remain outstanding. Subsequent to June 30, 2023, the Public Warrants were delisted from trading on the NYSE and registration under the Exchange Act, effective July 17, 2023.
13.NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
MIP LLC is a single purpose entity formed for the purpose of administering and effectuating the award of WUP profits interests to employees, consultants and other qualified persons. Wheels Up is the sole managing member of MIP LLC and, as a result, consolidates the financial results of MIP LLC. We record non-controlling interests representing the ownership interest in MIP LLC held by other members of MIP LLC. In connection with the Business Combination, the Seventh Amended and Restated LLC Agreement of WUP was adopted, allowing members of MIP LLC, subject to certain restrictions, to exchange their vested WUP profits interests for cash or a corresponding number of shares of Common Stock, at the option of Wheels Up, based on the value of such WUP profits interests relative to their applicable participation threshold.
The decision of whether to exchange WUP profits interests for cash or Common Stock is made solely at the discretion of Wheels Up. Accordingly, the WUP profits interests held by MIP LLC are treated as permanent equity and changes in the ownership interest of MIP LLC are accounted for as equity transactions. Future exchanges of WUP profits interests, if settled in shares of Common Stock at the discretion of Wheels Up, will reduce the amount recorded as non-controlling interests and increase additional paid-in-capital on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The calculation of non-controlling interests was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Number of WUP common units held by Wheels Up(1) | 25,357,196 | | | 100.0 | % | | 24,933,857 | | | 100.0 | % |
Number of vested WUP profits interests attributable to non-controlling interests(2) | — | | | — | % | | — | | | — | % |
Total WUP common units and vested WUP profits interests outstanding | 25,357,196 | | | 100.0 | % | | 24,933,857 | | | 100.0 | % |
(1) WUP common units represent an equivalent ownership of Common Stock outstanding.
(2) Based on the closing price of Common Stock on the last trading day of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, there would be no WUP common units issuable upon conversion of vested and unvested WUP profits interests outstanding as of June 30, 2023.
Weighted-average ownership percentages are used to allocate net loss to Wheels Up and the non-controlling interest holders. The non-controlling interests weighted-average ownership percentage was 0.0% and 0.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 0.0% and 0.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
14.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
We are party to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. While we do not expect that the ultimate resolution of any of these pending actions will have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties. As such, there can be no assurance that any pending legal action, which we believe to be immaterial as of June 30, 2023, does not become material in the future.
Sales and Use Tax Liability
We regularly provide services to members in various states within the continental U.S., which may create sales and use tax nexus via temporary presence, potentially requiring the payment of these taxes. We determined that there is uncertainty as to what constitutes nexus in respective states for a state to levy taxes, fees and surcharges relating to our activity. As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we estimate the potential exposure to such tax liability was $10.5 million and $10.4 million, respectively, the expense for which was included in accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and in cost of revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as of and for the applicable periods presented.
15.RELATED PARTIES
We engage in transactions with certain stockholders who are also members, ambassadors or customers. Such transactions primarily relate to their membership in the Wheels Up program, flights and flight-related services.
We incurred expenses of $0.5 million and $1.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, and nil and $0.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively, from transactions related to a commercial cooperation agreement with our stockholder Delta. As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, nil and $2.4 million, respectively, were included in Accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and $5.0 million and nil, respectively, were included in Other non-current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets related to transactions associated with the commercial cooperation agreement with Delta.
Other transactions with related parties during each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 were immaterial individually and in the aggregate for financial reporting purposes.
16.RESTRUCTURING AND RELATED CHARGES
On March 1, 2023, we announced a restructuring plan (the “Restructuring Plan”) as part of our previously announced focus on implementing cost reductions and improving the efficiency of our operations, which consisted of a reduction in headcount (excluding pilots, maintenance and operations-support personnel). We estimated that we would incur approximately $14 million in total pre-tax charges in connection with the Restructuring Plan, primarily related to severance payments, employee benefits and equity-based compensation.
As of June 30, 2023, we have incurred $17.7 million of charges associated with the Restructuring Plan related to severance payments, employee benefits and equity-based compensation, which represents all cash and non-cash charges expected under the Restructuring Plan. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, we recorded $7.2 million of expenses related to actions taken in the fourth quarter of 2022 and in connection with the Restructuring Plan. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, $10.5 million of expenses related to the Restructuring Plan were recorded in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of net income, as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 |
Cost of revenue | $ | 755 | |
Technology and development | 2,299 | |
Sales and marketing | 2,058 | |
General and administrative | 5,408 | |
Total restructuring expenses | $ | 10,520 | |
As of June 30, 2023, all charges associated with the Restructuring Plan have been incurred and paid.
17.INCOME TAXES
We are subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income or loss from WUP, as well as any standalone income or loss Wheels Up generates. WUP is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and most applicable state and local income tax purposes and generally does not pay income taxes in most jurisdictions. Instead, any taxable income or loss generated by WUP is passed through to and included in the taxable income or loss of its members, including Wheels Up. We are also subject to income taxes in the various foreign jurisdictions in which we operate.
We recorded an income tax benefit of $16 thousand and income tax expense of $0.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, and income tax benefit of $0.3 million for each of the three and six ended June 30, 2022. The effective tax rate was 0.0% for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, and (0.3)% and (0.2)% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 differs from the federal statutory rate of 21%, primarily due to a full valuation allowance against the majority of our net deferred tax assets where it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized and geographical mix of our earnings.
We currently expect the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly, the Company has not provided for the tax effect, if any, of limited outside basis differences of its foreign subsidiaries. If these foreign earnings are repatriated to the U.S., or if the Company determines that such earnings are repatriated to the U.S., or if the Company determines that such earnings will be remitted in a future period, additional tax provisions may be required.
We evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and establish valuation allowances when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, and tax-planning strategies. As of June 30, 2023, we
concluded, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, that it is more likely than not that the majority of U.S. deferred tax assets will not be realized. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been established on the majority of our net deferred tax assets in the U.S.
Additionally, the Company is subject to the income tax effects associated with the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) provisions and treats the tax effects of GILTI as a current period expense in the period incurred.
On August 16, 2022, the U.S. government enacted the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA Act”), effective as of January 1, 2023, that imposes various provisions including a 15% minimum corporate income tax and a 1% excise tax on stock repurchases. While we are continuing to evaluate the impact of the IRA Act, at this time, we do not believe it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
18.NET LOSS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share (in thousands, except per share data):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
Numerator: | | | | | | | |
Net loss attributable to Wheels Up Experience Inc. - basic and diluted | $ | (160,593) | | | $ | (92,760) | | | $ | (261,459) | | | $ | (181,413) | |
Denominator: | | | | | | | |
Weighted-average shares of Common Stock outstanding - basic and diluted | 25,570,200 | | | 24,408,604 | | | 25,446,199 | | | 24,434,744 | |
Basic and diluted net loss per share of Common Stock | $ | (6.28) | | | $ | (3.80) | | | $ | (10.27) | | | $ | (7.42) | |
There were no dividends declared or paid during each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022.
Basic and diluted net loss per share were computed using the two-class method. Shares of unvested restricted stock are considered participating securities, because these awards contain a non-forfeitable right to participate equally in any dividends prior to forfeiture of the restricted stock, if any, irrespective of whether the awards ultimately vest. All issued and outstanding shares of restricted stock are included in the weighted-average shares of Common Stock outstanding for all periods presented.
WUP profits interests held by other members of MIP LLC are not subject to the net loss per share calculation until such time the vested WUP profits interests are actually exchanged for shares of Common Stock.
The following securities were not included in the computation of diluted shares outstanding, because the effect would be anti-dilutive, and issuance of such shares is contingent upon the satisfaction of certain conditions which were not satisfied by the end of the period:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
Warrants(1) | 1,252,149 | | | 1,252,149 | | | 1,252,149 | | | 1,252,149 | |
Earnout Shares | 900,000 | | | 900,000 | | | 900,000 | | | 900,000 | |
RSUs(2) | 2,898,439 | | | 2,257,409 | | | 2,898,439 | | | 2,257,409 | |
Stock options | 1,320,291 | | | 1,594,330 | | | 1,320,291 | | | 1,594,330 | |
Total anti-dilutive securities | 6,370,879 | | | 6,003,888 | | | 6,370,879 | | | 6,003,888 | |
(1) Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase 1/10th of one share of Common Stock at a price of $115.00 per whole share of Common Stock.
(2) Includes RSUs and PSUs outstanding as of June 30, 2023 and RSUs, PSUs and CEO Market-Based RSUs outstanding as of June 30, 2022.
19.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Delta Promissory Note
On August 8, 2023, the Company entered into a Secured Promissory Note with Delta (the “Delta Promissory Note”), pursuant to which Delta committed to fund a principal amount of up to $15.0 million, of which we received $10.0 million on August 9, 2023 and $5.0 million on August 11, 2023. The Delta Promissory Note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum and is payable in kind as compounded interest added to the aggregate principal amount of such note at the end of each calendar quarter, commencing with the calendar quarter ending September 30, 2023, and ending on February 4, 2024, the maturity date of the Delta Promissory Note. The Delta Promissory Note is also subject to certain covenants and event of default provisions customary for arrangements of this type. The proceeds of the Delta Promissory Note may be used for general corporate purposes other than payments of principal, interest, fees or other amounts in respect of indebtedness for borrowed money and certain other obligations and liabilities.
Grace Period Extension Letter
In connection with the initial funding of the Delta Promissory Note, on August 9, 2023, WUP LLC entered into a letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”) with, among others, the lenders under the Equipment Notes, pursuant to which the grace period for the payment of principal and interest due under the Equipment Notes was extended until August 11, 2023. Subsequent to the execution of the Letter Agreement, the lenders under the Loan Agreement have determined to further extend the grace period for the payment of outstanding principal and interest currently due under the Equipment Notes to August 15, 2023. The Letter Agreement provides for certain additional covenants of the Company and its subsidiaries in addition to those set forth in the documents governing the Equipment Notes, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens and a requirement for WUP LLC (excluding Air Partner and its subsidiaries) to maintain at least $5.0 million of available cash at the end of any date. These covenants will cease to apply if the Company consummates a financing transaction or series of financing transactions with at least $350.0 million in aggregate cash proceeds, subject to certain limitations.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report and our audited consolidated financial statements included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. This discussion contains forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included in this Quarterly Report. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this MD&A section to “Wheels Up”, “we,” “us,” “our,” and “the Company” are intended to mean the business and operations of Wheels Up Experience Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Overview of Our Business
Wheels Up strives to disrupt private aviation by delivering innovative, accessible, travel through simple-to-use proprietary technology and mobile applications. We have become a recognized market leader and are redefining private flying by leveraging our unique technology-enabled marketplace platform. We connect flyers to private aircraft, and to one another, creating memorable lifestyle experiences.
We have a diversified and evolving business model generating revenue through flights, membership fees, management of aircraft and other services. We have determined that we operate as one reportable segment, which is private aviation services.
Flight revenue includes both retail and wholesale charter. Wheels Up has one of the largest and most diverse mix of available aircraft in the industry. As of June 30, 2023, we had over 200 aircraft in our owned and leased fleet that includes Turboprops, Light, Midsize, Super-Midsize and Large-Cabin jets, approximately half of which are Wheels Up branded aircraft. As of June 30, 2023, we also had a managed fleet across all private aircraft cabin classes of over 100 aircraft and an extensive network of third-party operators available in our program fleet from whom we can access over 1,200 additional safety vetted and verified partner aircraft.
Members pay a fixed quoted amount for flights plus certain incidental or additional costs, if applicable. The quoted amount can be based on a contractual capped hourly rate or dynamically priced based on a number of variables at time of booking. Wholesale customers, such as charter flight brokers and third-party operators, primarily pay a fixed rate for flights. Members are also able to purchase dollar-denominated credits that can be applied to future costs incurred by members, including annual dues, flight services and other incidental costs such as catering and ground transportation (“Prepaid Blocks”). Prepaid Block sales allow us to have a certain amount of revenue visibility into future flight and travel demand, and are an important source of cash for our operations. Members who elect not to purchase a Prepaid Block “pay as they fly” by paying for their flights at the time of booking or shortly after their flights based on then-current market rates.
Membership revenue is generated from initiation and annual renewal fees across three different annual subscription tiers — Connect, Core and Business — each of which is designed to provide the varying services required across a range of existing and potential private flyers. Core membership is ideal for the more frequent individual private flyer who wants guaranteed availability and pricing, high-touch account management, capped rates and values ultimate convenience and flexibility. The Business membership is best suited for companies of any size that want a broader group of individuals in their organization to be able to book and fly, while also requiring maximum flexibility to meet their business needs. Our Business customers include companies that fully-outsource their private travel solution to Wheels Up, including but not necessarily managing their privately owned aircraft, and those that use Wheels Up to serve or supplement their in-house flight desks. We have offered Core and Business memberships with guaranteed aircraft availability and fixed rate pricing since our inception; however, our most recent member program changes announced that became effective on June 26, 2023, limit aircraft availability at fixed rates to certain geographic service regions (see “Member Program Changes” below). The Connect membership, our introductory tier, offers variable rate pricing on a per trip basis and is designed for the consumer with less frequent flight needs or who has more flexibility in their schedule or does not seek capped rate pricing. All
membership options provide access through the Wheels Up mobile app to on-demand charter flights, dynamic pricing, a variety of Shared Flights, empty-leg Hot Flights, Shuttles and The Community, an online platform of members-only forums to facilitate flight sharing, enabling members to reduce their cost of flying private. In addition, customers can qualify for Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”) miles in the Delta SkyMiles Program as part of their membership.
In addition, non-member customers have access to a full-scale marketplace of private aircraft through the Wheels Up mobile app, available on the iOS and Android platforms, where they can view real-time dynamic pricing for available aircraft classes, making it possible to instantaneously search, book and fly. These flyers are not required to purchase a membership but may pay additional transaction fees not applicable to members and do not receive membership benefits. In addition, non-member flyers do not have aircraft availability guarantees as members do and flights are priced dynamically at rates that are not capped.
We also manage aircraft for owners in exchange for a recurring contractual fee. Under the terms of many of our management agreements, in addition to owners utilizing their own aircraft, the managed aircraft may be used by us to fulfill member and non-member flights on a revenue sharing arrangement with the owner. Revenue associated with the management of aircraft also includes the recovery of owner incurred expenses, as well as the recharging of certain incurred aircraft operating costs.
We earn other revenue from sales of whole aircraft, group charter, cargo, maintenance, repair and operations (“MRO”) and ground services and fixed-base operator (“FBO”) activities. In addition, other revenue includes safety and security revenue, flight management software subscription fees from third-party operators for access to our proprietary cloud-based flight management system, UP FMS, sponsorships and partnership fees, and special missions revenue, including government, defense, emergency and medical transport.
Recent Developments
Liquidity Initiatives
Delta Promissory Note
On August 9, 2023, the Company announced that it is actively involved in discussions around strategic business partnerships for the Company, and that on August 8, 2023, the Company entered into a Secured Promissory Note with Delta (the “Delta Promissory Note”). Pursuant to the Delta Promissory Note, Delta committed to fund a principal amount of up to $15.0 million, of which we received $10.0 million on August 9, 2023 and $5.0 million on August 11, 2023. The Delta Promissory Note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum and is payable in kind as compounded interest added to the aggregate principal amount of such note at the end of each calendar quarter, commencing with the calendar quarter ending September 30, 2023 and ending on February 4, 2024, the maturity date of the Delta Promissory Note (the “Note Maturity Date”). See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for additional information.
Grace Period Extension Letter
In connection with the initial funding of the Delta Promissory Note, on August 9, 2023, WUP LLC entered into a letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”) with, among others, the lenders under the Equipment Notes, pursuant to which the grace period for the payment of principal and interest currently due under the Equipment Notes was extended until August 11, 2023. Subsequent to the execution of the Letter Agreement, the lenders under the Loan Agreement determined to further extend the grace period for the payment of outstanding principal and interest currently due under the Equipment Notes to August 15, 2023. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for additional information.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Reduction Initiatives
Member Program Changes
On May 9, 2023, we announced changes to our member program that we expect will better serve members and customers, while also improving our operational efficiency and flight margins. These member program changes took
effect on June 26, 2023, and included, among others, the creation of two primary service regions – one East of the Mississippi River and one focused in the Western region of the country – that we believe will allow us to better position our King Air and Light, Mid and Super-Midsize jet fleets to enhance flight experience and member service in our primary operating areas. We continue to provide flight services to all regions in the United States. Areas outside of our primary service regions will be dynamically priced at competitive market rates. These member program changes took immediate effect with respect to new Prepaid Block purchases. However, these changes generally do not apply to Prepaid Blocks purchased prior to effectiveness (the “historical funds”), which members may continue to utilize under prior rule-sets until the historical funds are exhausted. During the period of transition, the Company may experience short-term financial variability, as well as fluctuation in the number of Active Members (as defined below). We believe that these program changes are necessary to support our sustained operations and financial goals.
Certificate Consolidation and Operational Efficiency Efforts
The consolidation of our U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) operating certificates is intended to simplify our flight operations by harmonizing our procedures across the entire company versus the multiple operating silos that exist today. In February 2023, we consolidated the legacy Alante Air Charter operations and our Cessna CJ3 aircraft onto one certificate. We anticipate that our consolidation efforts will be fully completed by the end of 2023. We expect our certificate consolidation and related operational efficiency efforts will contribute meaningfully to our service delivery and financial results in future periods. In addition, we have also implemented changes to our aircraft fleet management and maintenance operations intended to improve the efficiency of our operations and the availability of our aircraft. We are also conducting a strategic review to further simplify our business and focus on our core charter operations, which could include divesting some of our non-core assets.
Restructuring Plan
In March 2023, we announced the adoption of a restructuring plan (the “Restructuring Plan”). The Restructuring Plan was intended to streamline the Company’s organization and reduce headcount in areas of the business that do not directly impact the Company’s operations or its customers’ experience. Excluded from these actions were key operationally focused employee groups such as pilots, maintenance and operations-support personnel.
Atlanta Member Operations Center
On May 15, 2023, we began operating our Member Operations Center in the Atlanta, Georgia area (the “Atlanta Member Operations Center”). Establishment of the Atlanta Member Operations Center is expected to centralize our critical functions with the goal of better serving our members and customers.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to our results of operations below, we report certain key financial measures that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).
These non-GAAP financial measures are in addition to, and not a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to any performance measures derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures of financial results provide useful supplemental information about Wheels Up to investors and are utilized internally by our management team to assess certain aspects of our performance. However, there are a number of limitations related to the use of these non-GAAP financial measures and their nearest U.S. GAAP equivalents, including that they exclude significant expenses that are required by U.S. GAAP to be recorded in Wheels Up’s financial measures. In addition, other companies may calculate non-GAAP financial measures differently or may use other measures to calculate their financial performance, and therefore, our non-GAAP financial measures may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Adjusted EBITDA
We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) adjusted for (i) interest income (expense), (ii) income tax expense, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) equity-based compensation expense, (v) acquisition and integration related expenses and (vi) other items not indicative of our ongoing operating performance, including but not limited to, restructuring charges. We include Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure for assessing operating performance and for the following:
•To be used in conjunction with bonus program target achievement determinations, strategic internal planning, annual budgeting, allocating resources and making operating decisions; and
•To provide useful information for historical period-to-period comparisons of our business, as it removes the effect of certain non-cash expenses and other items not indicative of our ongoing operating performance.
The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to net loss, which is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
Net loss | $ | (160,593) | | | $ | (92,760) | | | $ | (261,459) | | | $ | (181,800) | |
Add back (deduct) | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | 7,658 | | | — | | | 15,777 | | | — | |
Interest income | (1,865) | | | (405) | | | (5,686) | | | (482) | |
Income tax expense | (16) | | | 320 | | | 172 | | | 320 | |
Other expense, net | 1,580 | | | 850 | | | 1,435 | | | 880 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 15,123 | | | 16,134 | | | 29,568 | | | 30,362 | |
Change in fair value of warrant liability | (621) | | | (2,129) | | | (746) | | | (5,760) | |
Equity-based compensation expense | 6,604 | | | 20,781 | | | 18,142 | | | 43,335 | |
Acquisition and integration expenses(1) | 74 | | | 7,511 | | | 2,108 | | | 11,345 | |
Restructuring charges(2) | 8,201 | | | 2,809 | | | 18,692 | | | 5,483 | |
Atlanta Member Operations Center set-up expense(3) | 9,170 | | | — | | | 16,130 | | | — | |
Certificate consolidation expense(4) | 4,873 | | | — | | | 7,520 | | | — | |
Impairment of goodwill(5) | 70,000 | | | — | | | 70,000 | | | — | |
Other(6) | (491) | | | — | | | (871) | | | — | |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | (40,303) | | | $ | (46,889) | | | $ | (89,218) | | | $ | (96,317) | |
__________________
(1)Consists of expenses incurred associated with acquisitions, as well as integration-related charges incurred within one year of acquisition date primarily related to system conversions, re-branding costs and fees paid to external advisors.
(2)For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, includes restructuring charges related to the Restructuring Plan and related strategic business initiatives implemented in the first quarter of 2023, as well as expenses incurred during the second quarter of 2023 to support significant changes to our member programs and certain aspects of our operations, primarily consisting of consultancy fees associated with designing and implementing changes to our member programs, and severance and recruiting expenses associated with executive transitions. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, includes restructuring charges for employee separation programs following strategic business decisions.
(3)Consists of expenses associated with establishing the Atlanta Member Operations Center and its operations primarily including redundant operating expenses during the transition period, relocation expenses for employees and costs associated with onboarding new employees. The Atlanta Member Operations Center began operating on May 15, 2023.
(4)Consists of expenses incurred to execute consolidation of our FAA operating certificates primarily including pilot training and retention programs and consultancy fees associated with planning and implementing the consolidation process.
(5)Represents non-cash impairment charge related to goodwill recognized in the second quarter of 2023. See Note 1, Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
(6)Includes collections of certain aged receivables which were added back to Net Loss in the reconciliation presented for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
Adjusted Contribution and Adjusted Contribution Margin
We calculate Adjusted Contribution as gross profit (loss) excluding depreciation and amortization and adjusted further for equity-based compensation included in cost of revenue and other items included in cost of revenue that are not indicative of our ongoing operating performance. Adjusted Contribution Margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted Contribution by total revenue. We include Adjusted Contribution and Adjusted Contribution Margin as supplemental measures for assessing operating performance and for the following:
•To be used to understand our ability to achieve profitability over time through scale and leveraging costs; and
•To provide useful information for historical period-to-period comparisons of our business and to identify trends.
The following table reconciles Adjusted Contribution to gross profit (loss), which is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
Revenue | $ | 335,062 | | | $ | 425,512 | | | $ | 686,874 | | | $ | 751,147 | |
Less: Cost of revenue | (327,903) | | | (408,898) | | | (681,694) | | | (741,656) | |
Less: Depreciation and amortization | (15,123) | | | (16,134) | | | (29,568) | | | (30,362) | |
Gross profit (loss) | (7,964) | | | 480 | | | (24,388) | | | (20,871) | |
Gross margin | (2.4)% | | 0.1% | | (3.6)% | | (2.8)% |
Add back: | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 15,123 | | | 16,134 | | | 29,568 | | | 30,362 | |
Equity-based compensation expense in cost of revenue | 1,092 | | | 3,307 | | 2,271 | | | 7,739 |
| | | | | | | |
Restructuring expense in cost of revenue(1) | — | | | — | | 755 | | | — |
Atlanta Member Operations Center set-up expense in cost of revenue(2) | 7,999 | | | — | | | 11,798 | | | — | |
Certificate consolidation expense in cost of revenue(3) | 1,840 | | | — | | | 4,441 | | | — | |
Adjusted Contribution | $ | 18,090 | | | $ | 19,921 | | | $ | 24,445 | | | $ | 17,230 | |
Adjusted Contribution Margin | 5.4% | | 4.7% | | 3.6% | | 2.3% |
__________________
(1)For the six months ended June 30, 2023, includes restructuring charges related to the Restructuring Plan and other strategic business initiatives.
(2)Consists of expenses associated with establishing the Atlanta Member Operations Center and its operations primarily including redundant operating expenses during the transition period, relocation expenses for employees and costs associated with onboarding new employees. The Atlanta Member Operations Center began operating on May 15, 2023.
(3)Consists of expenses incurred to execute consolidation of our FAA operating certificates primarily including pilot training and retention programs and consultancy fees associated with planning and implementing the consolidation process.
Key Operating Metrics
In addition to financial measures, we regularly review certain key operating metrics to evaluate our business, determine the allocation of resources and make decisions regarding business strategies. We believe that these metrics can be useful for understanding the underlying trends in our business.
The following table summarizes our key operating metrics:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of June 30, | | |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | % Change |
Active Members | 11,639 | | | 12,667 | | | (8) | % |
| | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | % Change |
Active Users | 12,549 | | | 13,119 | | | (4) | % |
| | | | | |
Live Flight Legs | 18,137 | | | 21,705 | | | (16) | % |
| | | | | |
Flight revenue per Live Flight Leg | $ | 12,973 | | | $ | 13,088 | | | (1) | % |
| | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, | | |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | % Change |
Live Flight Legs | 33,526 | | | 38,967 | | | (14) | % |
| | | | | |
Flight revenue per Live Flight Leg | $ | 13,931 | | | $ | 13,356 | | | 4 | % |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Active Members
We define Active Members as the number of Connect, Core and Business membership accounts that generated membership revenue and are active as of the end of the reporting period. We use Active Members to assess the adoption of our premium offerings which is a key factor in our penetration of the market in which we operate and a key driver of membership and flight revenue.
Active Users
We define Active Users as Active Members as of the reporting date plus unique non-member consumers who completed a revenue generating flight at least once in the applicable period and excluding wholesale flight activity. While a unique non-member consumer can complete multiple revenue generating flights on our platform in a given period, that unique non-member user is counted as only one Active User. We use Active Users to assess the adoption of our platform and frequency of transactions, which are key factors in our penetration of the market in which we operate and our growth in revenue.
Live Flight Legs
We define Live Flight Legs as the number of completed one-way revenue generating flight legs in a given period. The metric excludes empty repositioning legs and owner legs related to aircraft under management. We believe Live Flight Legs are a useful metric to measure the scale and usage of our platform, and our growth in flight revenue.
Components of Results of Our Operations
The key components of our results of operations include:
Revenue
Revenue is derived from flight, membership, aircraft management and other services.
Flight revenue consists of retail and wholesale flights and certain related fees and surcharges. Members can either pay as they fly or prepay for flights when they purchase a Prepaid Block.
Membership revenue is comprised of a one-time initiation fee paid at the commencement of a membership and recurring annual dues. In the first year of membership, a portion of the initiation fee is applied to annual dues. The remainder of the initiation fee, less any flight credits, is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated duration of the member relationship period, which is estimated to be three years. Members are charged recurring annual dues to maintain their membership. Revenue related to the annual dues are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the related contractual period. If a member qualifies to earn Delta miles in the Delta SkyMiles Program as part of their membership, then a portion of the membership fee is allocated at contract inception.
Aircraft management revenue consists of contractual monthly management fees charged to aircraft owners, recovery of owner incurred expenses including maintenance coordination, cabin crew and pilots, and recharging of certain incurred aircraft operating costs such as maintenance, fuel, landing fees and parking. We pass recovery and recharge amounts back to owners at either cost or at a predetermined margin.
Other revenue primarily consists of (i) sales of whole aircraft, (ii) group charter revenue, (iii) cargo revenue, and (iv) MRO and FBO revenues. In addition, other revenue includes safety and security revenue, flight management software subscription fees from third-party operators for access to UP FMS, fees from third-party sponsorships and partnership fees and special missions revenue, including government, defense, emergency and medical transport.
Costs and Expenses
Costs and expenses consist of the following components:
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue primarily consists of direct expenses incurred to provide flight services and facilitate operations, including aircraft lease costs, fuel, crew travel, maintenance and third-party flight costs. Cost of revenue also consists of compensation expenses, including equity-based compensation and related benefits, for employees that directly facilitate flight operations. In addition, cost of revenue includes aircraft owner expenses incurred such as maintenance coordination, cabin crew and pilots, and certain aircraft operating costs such as maintenance, fuel, landing fees and parking.
Technology and Development
Technology and development expense primarily consists of compensation expenses for engineering, product development and design employees, including equity-based compensation and related benefits, expenses associated with ongoing improvements to, and maintenance of, our platform offerings and other technology. Technology and development expense also includes software expenses and technology consulting fees.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expense primarily consists of compensation expenses in support of sales and marketing such as commissions, salaries, equity-based compensation and related benefits. Sales and marketing expense also includes expenses associated with advertising, promotions of our services, member experience, account management and brand marketing.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expense primarily consists of compensation expenses, including allocable portions of equity-based compensation and related benefits, for our executive, finance, human resources and legal teams, and other personnel performing administrative functions. General and administrative expense also includes any other cost or expense incurred not deemed to be related to cost of revenue, sales and marketing expense or technology and development expense.
We allocate overhead such as facility costs and telecommunications charges, based on department headcount, as we believe this to be the most accurate measure. As a result, a portion of general overhead expenses are reflected in each operating expense category.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense primarily consists of depreciation of capitalized aircraft as well as amortization of capitalized software development costs and acquired finite-lived intangible assets.
Gain on Sale of Aircraft Held for Sale
Gain on sale of aircraft held for sale consists of the gain on aircraft previously held as property and equipment and subsequently elected to actively market for sale or aircraft purchased with the intent to sell.
Impairment of Goodwill
Impairment of goodwill consists of any write-off of goodwill during the period. An impairment charge is recorded when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value as of the impairment assessment date. See Note 1, Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Loss on extinguishment of debt consists of fees incurred to extinguish debt instruments in advance of the maturity date.
Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liability
Change in fair value of warrant liability consists of unrealized gain (loss) on warrants assumed as part of the business combination consummated on July 13, 2021 between Wheels Up Partners Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“WUP”), and Aspirational Consumer Lifestyle Corp. (“Aspirational”), a blank check company (the “Business Combination’), including 7,991,544 redeemable public warrants (“Public Warrants”) and 4,529,950 redeemable private warrants (the “Private Warrants” and, together with the Public Warrants, the “Warrants”).
Interest Income
Interest income primarily consists of interest earned on cash equivalents in money market funds, U.S. treasury bills and time deposits.
Interest Expense
Interest expense primarily consists of the interest paid or payable and the amortization of debt discounts and deferred financing costs on our credit facilities, promissory notes and other debt obligations.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense consists of income taxes recorded using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. These differences are measured using the enacted tax rates that are expected to be in effect when these differences are anticipated to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent management believes it is not more likely than not to be realized.
Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2023 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2022
The following table sets forth our results of operations for each of the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Change in |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | $ | | % |
Revenue | $ | 335,062 | | | $ | 425,512 | | | $ | (90,450) | | | (21.3) | % |
| | | | | | | |
Costs and expenses: | | | | | | | |
Cost of revenue | 327,903 | | | 408,898 | | | (80,995) | | | (19.8) | % |
Technology and development | 14,430 | | | 14,606 | | | (176) | | | (1.2) | % |
Sales and marketing | 23,149 | | | 33,688 | | | (10,539) | | | (31.3) | % |
General and administrative | 40,065 | | | 46,973 | | | (6,908) | | | (14.7) | % |
Depreciation and amortization | 15,123 | | | 16,134 | | | (1,011) | | | (6.3) | % |
Gain on sale of aircraft held for sale | (2,621) | | | (663) | | | (1,958) | | | 295.3 | % |
Impairment of goodwill | 70,000 | | | — | | | (70,000) | | | 100.0 | % |
Total costs and expenses | 488,049 | | | 519,636 | | | (31,587) | | | (6.1) | % |
| | | | | | | |
Loss from operations | (152,987) | | | (94,124) | | | (58,863) | | | 62.5 | % |
| | | | | | | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | (870) | | | — | | | $ | (870) | | | 100.0 | % |
Change in fair value of warrant liability | 621 | | | 2,129 | | | (1,508) | | | (70.8) | % |
Interest income | 1,865 | | | 405 | | | 1,460 | | | 360.5 | % |
Interest expense | (7,658) | | | — | | | (7,658) | | | 100.0 | % |
Other expense, net | (1,580) | | | (850) | | | (730) | | | 85.9 | % |
Total other income (expense) | (7,622) | | | 1,684 | | | (9,306) | | | (552.6) | % |
| | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes | (160,609) | | | (92,440) | | | (68,169) | | | 73.7 | % |
| | | | | | | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | 16 | | | (320) | | | 336 | | | (105.0) | % |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss | (160,593) | | | (92,760) | | | (67,833) | | | 73.1 | % |
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | % |
Net loss attributable to Wheels Up Experience Inc. | $ | (160,593) | | | $ | (92,760) | | | $ | (67,833) | | | 73.1 | % |
Revenue
Revenue decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022, as follows (in thousands).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Change in |
2023 | | 2022 | | $ | | % |
Membership | $ | 21,478 | | | $ | 24,020 | | | $ | (2,542) | | | (10.6) | % |
Flight | 235,284 | | | 284,071 | | | (48,787) | | | (17.2) | % |
Aircraft management | 48,502 | | | 60,718 | | | (12,216) | | | (20.1) | % |
Other | 29,798 | | | 56,703 | | | (26,905) | | | (47.4) | % |
Total | $ | 335,062 | | | $ | 425,512 | | | $ | (90,450) | | | (21.3) | % |
The decrease in Membership revenue was driven by an 8% decrease in Active Members year-over-year.
The decrease in Flight revenue was primarily driven by a 16% decrease in Live Flight Legs year-over-year, which resulted in a $46.7 million reduction to revenue during the period, and a 1% decrease in flight revenue per Live Flight Leg, which resulted in a $2.1 million decrease in revenue during the period.
The decrease in Aircraft management revenue was primarily attributable to a decrease in our recovery of owner and rechargeable costs related to operating aircraft under management, both of which stemmed from a decrease in the number of aircraft under management, as well as a decrease in owner flying.
The decrease in Other revenue was primarily attributable to a $22.2 million decrease in sales of aircraft inventory, as the Company has reduced its focus on whole aircraft sales, and a $1.6 million decrease in group charter revenue due to lower levels of government flying during the period.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue decreased by $81.0 million, or 20%, for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022.
The decrease in cost of revenue was primarily driven by the decrease in revenue during the period, operational efficiencies realized during the period as a result of the operational efficiency initiatives discussed above, as well as a decrease in equity-based compensation expense associated with historical awards which vested prior to or within the current period. The decreases were partially offset by one-time expenses associated with the consolidation of our FAA operating certificates and set-up of our Atlanta Member Operations Center.
Adjusted Contribution Margin increased 70 basis points for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022, primarily attributable to the realization of cost savings as a result of the Restructuring Plan and discrete cost optimization and operational efficiency measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above for a definition of Adjusted Contribution Margin, information regarding our use of Adjusted Contribution Margin and a reconciliation of gross margin to Adjusted Contribution Margin.
Other Operating Expenses
Technology and Development
Technology and development expenses remained relatively flat for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $10.5 million, or 31%, for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022, primarily attributable to a $3.5 million decrease in sales commissions driven by the decrease in year-over-year revenues, a $2.6 million decrease in salaries, benefits and
allocable expenses primarily associated with decrease in headcount year-over-year, a $2.2 million decrease in equity-based compensation expense associated with historical awards which vested prior to or within the current period and a $1.6 million decrease in events spending to support our Adjusted EBITDA profitability goals.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses decreased by $6.9 million, or 15%, for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022, primarily attributable to a $9.9 million decrease in equity-based compensation expense associated with historical awards which vested prior to or within the current period, as well as forfeitures during the period and a $2.2 million decrease in acquisition and integration charges. The decreases were partially offset by a $4.3 million increase in employee medical benefits and a $1.9 million increase in professional fees associated with executing the Company’s operational efficiency initiatives and designing and implementing our member program changes, as well as severance and recruiting expenses associated with executive transitions.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased $1.0 million, or 6%, for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022, primarily attributable to a $1.8 million decrease in depreciation of aircraft partially offset by a $1.0 million increase in amortization of software development costs.
Impairment of Goodwill
We recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $70.0 million in the second quarter of 2023, following our interim quantitative goodwill impairment test performed over WUP Legacy as of June 1, 2023. See Note 1, Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Interest Income
Interest income increased by $1.5 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022. The increase was attributable to higher rates of interest earned on cash equivalents in money market funds.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $7.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 with no comparable amount in the three months ended June 30, 2022. The increase was attributable to the Equipment Notes (as defined below) issued in October 2022.
Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net was relatively consistent for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022.
Results of Our Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2022
The following table sets forth our results of operations for each of the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, | | Change in |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | $ | | % |
Revenue | $ | 686,874 | | | $ | 751,147 | | | $ | (64,273) | | | (8.6) | % |
| | | | | | | |
Costs and expenses: | | | | | | | |
Cost of revenue | 681,694 | | | 741,656 | | | (59,962) | | | (8.1) | % |
Technology and development | 30,303 | | | 25,797 | | | 4,506 | | | 17.5 | % |
Sales and marketing | 48,952 | | | 56,931 | | | (7,979) | | | (14.0) | % |
General and administrative | 79,481 | | | 85,877 | | | (6,396) | | | (7.4) | % |
Depreciation and amortization | 29,568 | | | 30,362 | | | (794) | | | (2.6) | % |
Gain on sale of aircraft held for sale | (3,487) | | | (2,634) | | | (853) | | | 32.4 | % |
Impairment of goodwill | 70,000 | | | — | | | 70,000 | | | 100.0 | % |
Total costs and expenses | 936,511 | | | 937,989 | | | (1,478) | | | (0.2) | % |
| | | | | | | |
Loss from operations | (249,637) | | | (186,842) | | | (62,795) | | | 33.6 | % |
| | | | | | | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | (870) | | | — | | | $ | (870) | | | 100.0 | % |
Change in fair value of warrant liability | 746 | | | 5,760 | | | (5,014) | | | (87.0) | % |
Interest income | 5,686 | | | 482 | | | 5,204 | | | n/m |
Interest expense | (15,777) | | | — | | | (15,777) | | | 100.0 | % |
Other expense, net | (1,435) | | | (880) | | | (555) | | | 63.1 | % |
Total other income (expense) | (11,650) | | | 5,362 | | | (17,012) | | | (317.3) | % |
| | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes | (261,287) | | | (181,480) | | | (79,807) | | | 44.0 | % |
| | | | | | | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | (172) | | | (320) | | | 148 | | | (46.3) | % |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss | (261,459) | | | (181,800) | | | (79,659) | | | 43.8 | % |
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | — | | | (387) | | | 387 | | | (100.0) | % |
Net loss attributable to Wheels Up Experience Inc. | $ | (261,459) | | | $ | (181,413) | | | $ | (80,046) | | | 44.1 | % |
________________________
n/m - Not meaningful
Revenue
Revenue decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022, as follows (in thousands).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, | | Change in |
2023 | | 2022 | | $ | | % |
Membership | $ | 43,158 | | | $ | 44,667 | | | $ | (1,509) | | | (3.4) | % |
Flight | 467,046 | | | 520,434 | | | (53,388) | | | (10.3) | % |
Aircraft management | 112,196 | | | 121,224 | | | (9,028) | | | (7.4) | % |
Other | 64,474 | | | 64,822 | | | (348) | | | (0.5) | % |
Total | $ | 686,874 | | | $ | 751,147 | | | $ | (64,273) | | | (8.6) | % |
The decrease in Membership revenue was driven by an 8% decrease in Active Members year-over-year offset by lower incentives on memberships.
The decrease in Flight revenue was primarily driven by a 14% decrease in Live Flight Legs year-over-year, which resulted in a $72.7 million reduction to revenue during the period offset by a 4% increase in flight revenue per Live Flight Leg, which drove a $19.3 million increase in revenue during the period.
The decrease in Aircraft management revenue was primarily attributable to a decrease in our recovery of owner and rechargeable costs related to operating aircraft under management, both of which resulted from a decrease in owner flying and operating costs.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue decreased by $60.0 million, or 8%, for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022. The decrease in cost of revenue was primarily driven by the decrease in revenue during the period, operational efficiencies realized during the period as a result of the operational efficiency initiatives discussed above, as well as a decrease in equity-based compensation expense associated with historical awards which vested prior to or within the current period. The decreases were partially offset by one-time expenses associated with certification consolidation and set-up of our Atlanta Member Operations Center.
Adjusted Contribution Margin increased 130 basis points for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022, primarily attributable to the operational efficiency initiatives discussed above. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above for a definition of Adjusted Contribution Margin, information regarding our use of Adjusted Contribution Margin and a reconciliation of gross margin to Adjusted Contribution Margin.
Other Operating Expenses
Technology and Development
Technology and development expenses increased by $4.6 million, or 17%, for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022, primarily attributable to a $7.3 million increase in employee compensation and allocable costs, attributable to increased headcount year-over-year as a result of converting external professionals into full-time employees, as well as $2.3 million of one-time charges incurred during the first quarter of 2023 associated with the Restructuring Plan. The increase was also attributable to a $2.8 million decrease in capitalization of costs related to the development of internal use software, a $2.3 million increase in enterprise software expense and $1.1 million of expenses due to the impact of the Air Partner plc (“Air Partner”) acquisition on April 1, 2022. The increase was partially offset by a $7.9 million decrease in third-party consulting fees.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $8.0 million, or 14%, for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022, primarily driven by a $4.2 million decrease in equity-based compensation associated with historical awards which vested prior to or within the current period, a $3.5 million decrease in in sales commissions driven by the decrease in year-over-year revenues, a $3.4 million decrease in employee compensation and allocable costs, due in part to the effect of the Restructuring Plan, a $3.2 million decrease in advertising and events spending to support our profitability goals. The decrease was partially offset by $7.2 million of expenses due to the impact of the Air Partner acquisition on April 1, 2022.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses decreased by $6.4 million, or 7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022, primarily driven by a $15.6 million decrease in equity-based compensation associated with historical awards which vested prior to or within the current period as well as forfeitures during the period, a $4.0 million decrease in acquisition and integration charges and a $1.9 million decrease in legal-related charges. The decrease was partially offset by $7.5 million increase in employee compensation and allocable costs, primarily attributable to a $5.7 million increase in year-over-year severance charges, as well as a $2.5 million increase in employee medical benefits and a $1.6 million increase in professional fees, primarily associated with executing the Company’s operational efficiency initiatives and designing and implementing our member program changes as well as severance and recruiting expenses associated with executive transition.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expenses were relatively flat for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022.
Impairment of Goodwill
We recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $70.0 million in the second quarter of 2023, following our interim quantitative goodwill impairment test performed over WUP Legacy as of June 1, 2023. See Note 1, Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Interest Income
Interest income increased by $5.2 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase was attributable to higher rates of interest earned on cash equivalents in money market funds.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $15.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The interest expense during the period was attributable to the Equipment Notes (as defined below) issued in October 2022.
Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net was relatively consistent for six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview and Liquidity Outlook
Our principal sources of liquidity have historically consisted of financing activities, including proceeds from the Business Combination and debt financing transactions, and operating activities, primarily from the increase in deferred revenue associated with the sale of Prepaid Blocks. As of June 30, 2023, we had $151.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, which were primarily invested in money market funds, and $36.5 million of restricted cash. We had approximately $251.5 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of Equipment Notes (as defined below) as of June 30, 2023. In addition, we had a working capital deficit of $720.8 million as of June 30, 2023 and net cash used in operating activities was $411.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. We had a working capital deficit of $720.8 million as of June 30, 2023. Based on recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023, as well as current cash and liquidity projections, we have concluded that substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern for any meaningful period of time after the date of this filing.
Until the Company can generate significant cash from operations, its ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon management taking several actions to improve its financial position including raising capital, as well as selling a mix of non-core and core assets, strategically optimizing our asset base as we execute our member program changes. As discussed under “—Short-Term Debt” below, the Company has entered into the Delta Promissory Note to provide short-term financing to address near-term liquidity needs and the lenders under the Equipment Notes (as defined below) determined to further extend the grace period for the payment of outstanding principal and interest currently due under the Equipment Notes to August 15, 2023. Additionally, management is actively involved in discussions around strategic business partnerships for the Company, including negotiations to obtain additional financing from third parties. However, as this prospective financing is subject to conditions that are not within the Company’s control, it cannot yet be deemed probable. The Company is also actively reducing spend through implementation of certain previously announced strategic actions including the member program changes that went into effect on June 26, 2023, on-going consolidation of our U.S. Federal Aviation Administration operating certificates and consolidation of our operations via establishing the Atlanta Member Operations Center. Additionally, the Company is evaluating additional opportunities for reduced spend, including but not limited to, reducing capital expenditures, rationalizing its real estate and aircraft lease portfolios, and taking other discrete cost-cutting measures across the business that are not expected to impact the member and customer experience. Management cannot provide any assurance that the Company’s efforts will be successful.
Absent the ability of the Company to obtain additional funding, the Company has concluded that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern for any meaningful period of time after the date of this filing.
Long-Term Debt
From time to time, we obtain debt financing to, among other things, refinance or purchase aircraft or fund our strategic growth initiatives. In October 2022, Wheels Up Partners LLC, our indirect subsidiary ("WUP LLC"), entered into a Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 14, 2022 (“Note Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which WUP LLC issued $270.0 million aggregate principal amount of the equipment notes (collectively, the “Equipment Notes”) using an EETC (enhanced equipment trust certificate) loan structure. The Equipment Notes bear interest at the rate of 12% per annum with annual amortization of principal amount equal to 10% per annum and balloon payments due at each maturity date. Interest and principal payments on the Equipment Notes are payable quarterly on each January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15, which began on January 15, 2023. The Equipment Notes are secured by first-priority liens on 132 of the Company’s owned aircraft fleet and by liens on certain intellectual property assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.
The Equipment Notes were sold pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, and issued under separate Trust Indentures and Mortgages, dated as of October 14, 2022 (each, an “Indenture” and collectively, the “Indentures”). The Note Purchase Agreement and the Indentures and related guarantees contain certain covenants, including a
liquidity covenant that requires the Company to maintain Adjusted Available Liquidity (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) of $125 million as of each fiscal quarter, a covenant that limits the maximum loan to appraised value ratio of all aircraft financed, subject to certain cure rights of the Company, and restrictive covenants that provide limitations under certain circumstances on, among other things: (i) certain acquisitions, mergers or disposals of its assets; (ii) making certain investments or entering into certain transactions with affiliates; (iii) prepaying, redeeming or repurchasing the Equipment Notes, subject to certain exceptions; and (iv) paying dividends and making certain other specified restricted payments. Each Indenture contains customary events of default for Equipment Notes of this type, including cross-default provisions among the Equipment Notes. WUP LLC’s obligations under the Equipment Notes are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. WUP LLC is also obligated to cause additional subsidiaries and affiliates of WUP LLC to become guarantors under certain circumstances. During the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company redeemed in-full the Equipment Notes for two aircraft, which reduced the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Equipment Notes by $5.0 million. As of June 30, 2023, approximately $251.5 million aggregate principal amount of Equipment Notes were outstanding and the carrying value of the 132 aircraft that remained subject to first-priority liens under the Equipment Notes was $313.7 million.
Subsequent to the three months ended June 30, 2023, WUP LLC entered into the Letter Agreement, pursuant to which the grace period for the payment of principal and interest currently due under the Equipment Notes was extended until August 11, 2023. Subsequent to the execution of the Letter Agreement, the lenders under the Loan Agreement determined to further extend the grace period for the payment of outstanding principal and interest currently due under the Equipment Notes to August 15, 2023. The Letter Agreement provides for certain additional covenants of the Company and its subsidiaries in addition to those set forth in the documents governing the Equipment Notes, including but not limited to, restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens and a requirement for WUP LLC (excluding Air Partner and its subsidiaries) to maintain at least $5.0 million of available cash at the end of any date and to provide daily updates about available cash to the lenders under the Loan Agreement. These additional covenants will cease to apply if the Company consummates a financing transaction or series of financing transactions with at least $350.0 million in aggregate cash proceeds, subject to certain limitations.
Short-Term Debt
Subsequent to the three months ended June 30, 2023, we entered into the Delta Promissory Note, pursuant to which Delta committed to fund a principal amount of up to $15.0 million, of which we received $10.0 million on August 9, 2023 and $5.0 million on August 11, 2023. The proceeds of the Delta Promissory Note may be used for general corporate purposes other than payments of principal, interest, fees or other amounts in respect of indebtedness for borrowed money and certain other obligations and liabilities. Interest on the Delta Promissory Note accrues on a daily basis at a rate of 10% per annum (calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days elapsed and compounded quarterly) on the unpaid principal balance of the Delta Promissory Note then outstanding. All accrued and unpaid interest on the Delta Promissory Note is payable in kind as compounded interest and added to the aggregate principal amount of such note at the end of each calendar quarter, commencing with the calendar quarter ending September 30, 2023 and ending on the Note Maturity Date.
The Delta Promissory Note contains certain covenants, including financial statement delivery requirements, restrictions on indebtedness, liens, certain payments and distributions, investments, dispositions, mergers or acquisitions, sale leaseback transactions, capital expenditures, transactions with affiliates, ERISA events and use of proceeds, and continued ordinary course reimbursements to Delta for costs associated with the issuance of commercial flight tickets to the Company’s customers who redeem fund program balances for such commercial flight tickets. The Delta Promissory Note includes customary events of default for transactions of this type, including events of default for the nonpayment of interest (subject to a five business day grace period) or principal, material misrepresentations, invalidity of guarantees or liens, unenforceability of loan documentation, cross-default to other indebtedness in excess of $1.0 million if the maturity of or any payment with respect to such Indebtedness may be accelerated or demanded, or required to be repurchased or redeemed, due to such breach, unsatisfied judgments, insolvency events, certain ERISA violations, change of control and the Letter Agreement (as defined below) shall cease to be in full force and effect. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, interest will accrue on the unpaid principal balance of the Delta Promissory Note, together with all other outstanding liabilities, interest, expenses, fees and other sums under the Delta Promissory Note and any related
obligations to Delta, at a rate of 12% per annum (the “Note Default Rate”). Any interest accruing at the Note Default Rate shall be payable on demand by Delta. The Delta Promissory Note is secured by a first-priority lien on unencumbered assets of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries, including unencumbered aircraft of WUP LLC, and is guaranteed by the Company’s wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries.
On the Note Maturity Date, the Company must pay in cash the entire unpaid principal amount plus capitalized interest of the Note then outstanding to Delta, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and any other expenses and obligations thereunder. The Company is required to make a prepayment in respect of obligations under the Note upon the occurrence of certain asset dispositions, recovery events, equity issuances and the incurrence of indebtedness, and may voluntarily prepay in cash all or any portion of the unpaid principal amount of the Delta Promissory Note without premium or penalty upon advanced notice.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for each of the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (411,670) | | | $ | (140,175) | |
Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (911) | | | $ | (181,097) | |
Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (18,683) | | | $ | (6,689) | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | (540) | | | $ | (4,345) | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | (431,804) | | | $ | (332,306) | |
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
The cash outflow from operating activities consisted of our net loss, net of non-cash items of $117.0 million and the balance from an increase in net operating assets and liabilities. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we sold $196.0 million of Prepaid Blocks compared to $332.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2022, which resulted in a more material reduction in deferred revenue than expected. The year-over-year decrease in Prepaid Block purchases was primarily driven by a combination of the year-over-year decrease in Active Members, as well as year-over-year decrease in Live Flight Legs, which generally extends the period over which historical Prepaid Blocks are utilized.
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
The cash outflow from investing activities was primarily attributable to $25.1 million for capital expenditures, including $12.9 million of capitalized software development costs, and $1.0 million for purchases of aircraft held for sale. The cash outflow was partially offset by $25.0 million in proceeds from the sale of aircraft that were classified as held for sale.
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
The cash outflow from financing activities was primarily attributable to the payment of principal on the Equipment Notes of $18.7 million, which included $5.0 million associated with the redemption in-full of Equipment Notes for two aircraft.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
As of June 30, 2023, our principal commitments consisted of contractual cash obligations under the Equipment Notes, operating leases for certain controlled aircraft, corporate headquarters, and operational facilities, including aircraft hangars, and ordinary course arrangements involving our obligation to provide services for which we have already received deferred revenue. Our obligation to provide services for which we have already received deferred revenue are to our members and customers, none of which individually comprises a material amount of our deferred
revenue. Certain customers have the right to demand the prompt return of certain amounts included in deferred revenue under certain conditions. For further information on the Equipment Notes, see “—Long-Term Debt” above and Note 8, Long-Term Debt of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. For further information about our lease obligations, see Note 10, Leases of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. For further information about deferred revenue, see Note 3, Revenue Recognition of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
For further information on our critical accounting policies and estimates, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For further information on recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 1, Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
In the ordinary course of operating our business, we are exposed to market risks. Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position or results of operations due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our principal market risks have related to interest rates, aircraft fuel and foreign currency exchange. There has not been any material changes to the market risks described in Part II, Item 7A of our Annual Report.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. It should be noted that, because of inherent limitations, our disclosure controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, our management, with the participation of our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon that evaluation, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2023, due to the on-going remediation efforts associated with the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described in Item 9A of our Annual Report and the need for impacted controls to operate for a sufficient period of time and for management to conclude, through testing, that the controls are designed and operating effectively.
Notwithstanding the pending remediation efforts described below, based on additional analysis and other post-closing procedures performed, management believes that the financial statements included in this report present fairly, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP.
Remediation Plans to Address Material Weaknesses
To date, we have implemented certain measures to address the controls and procedures deficiencies identified in Item 9A of the Annual Report. These measures include (i) adding key personnel, (ii) improving our internal controls around financial systems and processes and (iii) designing and operating user access and change management controls. We intend to take additional steps to remediate the deficiencies identified in Item 9A of the Annual Report and further evolve our internal controls and processes.
Since the date of the Annual Report, we have taken the following steps as part of our remediation plan:
•implemented preventative controls to better ensure segregation of duties; and
•improved system capabilities around posting of journal entries, enhancing journal entry review and approval controls.
Our remediation plan includes the following actions that management has begun, and intends to continue implementing and improving during the remainder of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023:
•ensuring that the IT general controls specific to all key systems supporting financial reporting, including user access reviews, are consistently operating and evidenced; and
•formalizing our accounting policies and ensuring training of relevant personnel on the importance of internal controls and compliance with policies.
We are working aggressively and prioritizing the above actions to complete our remediation plan before the end of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. As we continue to evaluate and improve the applicable controls, management may take additional remedial measures or modify the remediation plan described above. We believe that these actions, when fully implemented, will remediate the deficiencies identified in Item 9A of the Annual Report. The deficiencies will not be considered remediated until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient
period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are designed and operating effectively.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Except for the items referred to above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitation on the Effectiveness of Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected or preventable.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we are subject to various legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that the outcome of any of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the risks set forth below and the information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the “Risk Factors” included under Item 1A. to Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. You should be aware that these risk factors and other information may not describe every risk facing Wheels Up. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our obligations in connection with our contractual agreements, including operating leases and debt financing obligations, could impair our liquidity and thereby harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have significant operating lease and debt financing obligations, and we may incur additional obligations as we continue to develop and enhance our business and operations. We lease aircraft under long-term operating leases that include either fixed or variable rate lease payments and include certain return and similar end-of-lease conditions that we are obligated to satisfy in connection with the return of certain aircraft to their owners, which may result in substantial payments by the Company for the benefit of the aircraft owner in the event of expiration or termination of a lease.
In addition, on October 14, 2022, WUP LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, issued the Equipment Notes, which were initially secured by 134 of the Company’s owned aircraft fleet and certain intellectual property assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Equipment Note Collateral”). The Equipment Notes require quarterly payments of interest and a specified percentage of unpaid principal amount, and have final expected distribution dates ranging from July 15, 2025 to October 15, 2029 depending on the type of aircraft, unless earlier redeemed by WUP LLC. As of June 30, 2023, $251.5 million aggregate principal amount of the Equipment Notes were outstanding, with a weighted average remaining maturity of 5.2 years. We entered into the Letter Agreement to extend the due date for the quarterly payment of principal and interest originally due on July 17, 2023 under the Equipment Notes to August 11, 2023, which was subsequently extended to August 15, 2023. The Letter Agreement included additional restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness and liens, and consummate certain fundamental transactions, including acquisitions, mergers and divestitures of assets or equity interests, and require the Company (excluding Air Partner and its subsidiaries) to maintain available cash of at least $5.0 million on any date.
On August 8, 2023, we entered into the Delta Promissory Note, pursuant to which Delta committed to fund a principal amount of up to $15.0 million. The Delta Promissory Note is secured by first-priority lien on unencumbered assets of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries, excluding the Equipment Note Collateral, and is guaranteed by the Company’s wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries. The Delta Promissory Note has an interest rate of 10% per annum. All accrued and unpaid interest under the Delta Promissory Note is payable in kind as compounded interest and added to the aggregate principal amount of the Delta Promissory Note at the end of each calendar quarter, commencing with the calendar quarter ending September 30, 2023 and ending on February 4, 2024, the maturity date of the Delta Promissory Note.
Absent the ability of the Company to obtain additional funding in the near-term, the Company has concluded that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern for any meaningful period of time after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Our ability to timely pay our contractual obligations as they come due, including our operating lease obligations and required payments under the Equipment Notes and Delta
Promissory Note, or perform our obligation to provide services for which we have already received deferred revenue, will depend on our ability to obtain additional financing in the near term, as well as our run-rate results of operations, cash flow and liquidity, which will in turn depend on, among other things, the success of our current business strategy, U.S. and global economic and political conditions, the availability and cost of financing, and other factors that may be beyond our control. We cannot be assured that our operations will generate sufficient cash flow to make any required payments, including payments under any existing or future debt obligations, fund our working capital needs, perform our obligation to provide services for which we have already received deferred revenue, or that we will be able to obtain financing to make expenditures in pursuit of our strategic initiatives or to fund our operations in the near-term. Any inability to obtain additional financing in the near-term and otherwise satisfy our contractual obligations as they come due and maintain sufficient levels of working capital, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, or require the Company to obtain protection or relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”).
Agreements governing our debt obligations include financial and other covenants that provide limitations on our business and operations under certain circumstances, and failure to comply with any of the covenants in such agreements could adversely impact us.
Our financing agreements, including those in connection with the Equipment Notes, the Letter Agreement and Delta Promissory Note, and other financing agreements that we may enter into from time to time, contain certain affirmative, negative and financial covenants, and other customary events of default. Under certain circumstances, such covenants require us to, among others: maintain specified minimum liquidity levels, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness or liens, enter into certain strategic transactions, make certain investments, pay dividends and make certain other specified restricted payments, and limit the loan-to-value ratio of all aircraft financed under the Equipment Notes based on periodic appraisals of aircraft, in each case without the consent of certain holders of our indebtedness. Certain covenants in our financing agreements are subject to important exceptions, qualifications and cure rights, including, under limited circumstances, the requirement to provide additional collateral or prepay or redeem certain obligations and the ability to delay payments of interest and principal for limited periods of time. In addition, certain of our debt obligations are cross-collateralized, such that an event of default or acceleration of indebtedness under one agreement could result in an event of default under other financing agreements. If we fail to comply with such covenants, if any other events of default occur for which no amendment, consent or waiver is obtained, or if we are unable to timely refinance the debt obligations subject to such covenants or take other mitigating actions, the holders of our indebtedness could, among other things, declare outstanding amounts immediately due and payable and, subject to the terms of relevant financing agreements, repossess or foreclose on collateral, including certain of our aircraft, the equity interests of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, or other assets used in our business. The acceleration of significant indebtedness or actions to repossess or foreclose on collateral may cause us to renegotiate, repay or refinance the affected obligations, and there is no assurance that such efforts would be on terms we deem attractive, available in amounts sufficient to satisfy such affected obligations, or at all, or that certain holders of our indebtedness may withhold their consent to such refinancing. We may also experience a downgrade in any credit ratings then applicable to us in such circumstances. Any default, event of default, acceleration of significant indebtedness, actions to repossess or foreclose on collateral, credit downgrade or failure to obtain additional financing on terms we deem attractive, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may not realize the expected benefits of our member program changes and operational efficiency and cost reduction initiatives on the timelines originally anticipated, and we are considering all strategic alternatives, including restructuring or refinancing of our debt obligations, seeking additional debt or equity capital, reducing or delaying our business activities and strategic initiatives, selling assets, or other strategic transactions and/or other measures, including obtaining protection or relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
We have undertaken, and continue to undertake, actions intended to support our ongoing strategic business initiatives and previously announced financial goals, including but not limited to, implementing cost control measures, reducing headcount, lowering capital expenditures and instituting changes to our member programs intended to concentrate operations and leverage efficiencies by improving utilization and decreasing costs. We will continue to target the reduction of costs as we work to optimize our business and operations. The timely achievement of our planned operational efficiency and cost reduction initiatives and member program changes, as
well as our ability to maintain an adequate level of liquidity, are subject to various risks, some of which are outside of our control. We may not be successful in implementing these initiatives or fail to realize the expected benefits on the timelines that we anticipate, which may adversely impact our business, operations, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we continue to consider all strategic alternatives for our business and operations, including, but not limited to, restructuring or refinancing our debt obligations, seeking additional debt or equity capital, reducing or delaying our business activities and strategic initiatives, selling assets, or other strategic transactions and/or other measures including obtaining protection or relief under the Bankruptcy Code. We may not be able to successfully execute any strategic alternatives under consideration or that may arise, and our ability to execute any such alternatives could be adversely affected by numerous factors, including, but not limited to, changes in the economic or business environment, volatility in financial markets, including the trading market for our Common Stock, the performance of our business and impact of measures intended to increase the profitability of the Company’s operations and reduce expenditures in an effort to maintain sufficient liquidity levels. We caution that trading in our Common Stock and other securities is highly speculative and poses substantial risks relating to the potential of proceedings under the Bankruptcy Code. The trading prices for our Common Stock and other securities may not be indicative of any expected or actual recovery, if any, by holders of our securities in bankruptcy proceedings, if any.
If we pursue protection under the Bankruptcy Code, we will be subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with such proceedings.
Given our current liquidity and financial condition, we have engaged certain advisors to assist the Company in considering the strategic alternatives available to the Company, which may include filing for protection under the Bankruptcy Code. While we have not sought protection or relief under the Bankruptcy Code, we caution that trading in our Common Stock and other securities is highly speculative and poses substantial risks relating to the potential of proceedings under the Bankruptcy Code. The trading prices for our Common Stock and other securities may not be indicative of any expected or actual recovery, if any, by holders of our securities in bankruptcy proceedings, if any.
If we file for protection or relief under the Bankruptcy Code, the value that will be available to our various stakeholders, including our creditors and holders of our Common Stock, is uncertain, and our business and operations, our ability to develop and execute our business plan and our continuation as a going concern will be subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with bankruptcy proceedings, including, among others: (i) our ability to execute, confirm and consummate a plan of reorganization or liquidation, or to negotiate and consummate mergers, asset sales or other transactions with third parties; (ii) the potentially high costs of bankruptcy proceedings and related fees; (iii) the sufficiency of the Company’s cash on hand and ability to obtain sufficient financing to allow us to conduct our business during the bankruptcy proceedings, confirm a plan of reorganization, or sell some or all of our assets during the bankruptcy proceedings in orderly fashion, emerge from bankruptcy and execute our business plan post-emergence, and our ability to comply with terms and conditions of any such financing or replace such financing post-emergence; (iv) our ability to continue our operations in the ordinary course; (v) our ability to maintain our relationships with our members and customers, suppliers, vendors and other third parties on whom we rely to conduct our business and operations; (vi) our ability to obtain, maintain or renew agreements that are critical to our business and operations on reasonably acceptable terms and conditions, including our contractual agreements with our members and customers; (vii) our ability to attract, motivate and retain key employees, including our executive officers; (viii) the ability of third parties to use certain limited safe harbor provisions of the Bankruptcy Code to terminate contracts without first seeking Bankruptcy Court approval; (ix) the ability of third parties to force us to into Chapter 7 proceedings under the Bankruptcy Code, rather than Chapter 11 proceedings; and (x) the actions and decisions of our stakeholders and other third parties who have interests in our bankruptcy proceedings that may be inconsistent with our operational and strategic plans or the interests of the holders of our Common Stock or other securities. Any delays in any proceedings that have commenced under the Bankruptcy Code could result in significant and continued operational disruption for the Company, increase the costs and risks associated with the bankruptcy process, and diminish the value, if any, that is available to the Company’s stakeholders and other third parties, including our creditors and holders of Common Stock or our other securities. Also, any transaction outside of the ordinary course of business during the pendency of bankruptcy proceedings would require the approval of the bankruptcy court, which may limit our ability to respond timely to certain events or take advantage of certain opportunities or alternatives. Because of the risks and uncertainties associated with any bankruptcy proceedings and
attendant risks related to our business and operations, we cannot accurately predict or quantify the ultimate impact of events that could occur during the pendency of any such proceedings, which may be exacerbated by events outside of our control. There can be no guarantees that if we seek protection under the Bankruptcy Code that we will emerge from bankruptcy protection as a going concern or be able to execute any strategic alternatives in a manner accretive to the Company, that we will otherwise realize any significant value for our assets, or that our creditors and/or holders of Common Stock and our other securities will receive any recovery from any bankruptcy proceedings.
If we do not elect or are unable to pursue protection or relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, or, if pursued, we are not able to successfully obtain sufficient capital or emerge from Chapter 11 proceedings, it may be necessary to pursue protection or liquidation under Chapters 7 or 11 of the Bankruptcy Code for all or a part of our business.
If we do not elect or are unable to pursue protection or relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code to facilitate a reorganization, or, if pursued, we are not able to successfully obtain sufficient capital or emerge from Chapter 11 proceedings, it may be necessary for us to pursue protection or liquidation under Chapters 7 or 11 of the Bankruptcy Code for all or a part of our business. In such event, a Chapter 7 trustee may liquidate our assets for distribution in accordance with the priorities established by the Bankruptcy Code, or the Company may be directed, as a debtor-in-possession, to facilitate the liquidation and orderly wind-up of the Company. Although the value, if any, that may become available to any of our stakeholders, including our creditors and holders of Common Stock or our other securities, would be uncertain in any such proceeding, it is possible that liquidation under Chapters 7 or 11 of the Bankruptcy Code would result in significantly smaller distributions to our stakeholders than could be obtained in a reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, primarily because such scenario would likely require a sale or other disposition of our assets over a short period of time and at values that may not be reflective of their true market value or the value that we could obtain absent such liquidation scenario and as a going concern, including the value of our aircraft on an individual basis.
We have a history of net losses and have not consistently generated positive cash flow from operations, which, together with our current cash and liquidity position and near-term projections, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
We have a history of net losses and have not consistently generated positive cash flow from operations, including during the six months ended June 30, 2023. Absent the ability of the Company to obtain additional funding in the near-term, we have concluded that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for any meaningful period of time after the date of this filing. Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern and do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets, or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result if we do not continue as a going concern. You should not rely on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2023 as an indication of the amount of proceeds that may be available to satisfy any claims of creditors in any proceedings under the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise potentially available for distribution to holders of Common Stock or our other securities in the event of liquidation.
Our liquidity and financial condition may impact our ability to maintain or establish relationships with our third-party vendors and suppliers, or cause us to provide assurances, prepayments or unfavorable payment terms to our vendors and suppliers to avoid a disruption to our business and operations, which may adversely impact our business, operations, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on third-party vendors and suppliers for goods and services required to sustain our operations, including fuel for our aircraft, aircraft and equipment parts and maintenance, and other goods and services consumed in the ordinary course of our business. Our liquidity and financial condition, and concerns from our third-party vendors and suppliers regarding our ability to continue as a going concern, have caused certain third-party vendors and suppliers to request certain assurances, prepayments and unfavorable payment terms in order to procure goods and services necessary to avoid a disruption to our business and operations. We expect that certain third-party vendors and suppliers will continue to impose such requirements, which could adversely affect our relationships with our such vendors, suppliers and other third parties, and impact our ability to provide our members and
customers with the services and experiences that meet their expectations, each of which could adversely impact our business, operations, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, public perception of our continued viability may affect, among other things, the desire of new and existing members, customers, vendors, suppliers, employees and other third parties to enter into or continue their agreements or arrangements with us. The failure to maintain any of these important relationships could adversely affect our business, operations, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. If we seek protection or relief under the Bankruptcy Code, we would also need the prior approval of the bankruptcy court for transactions outside the ordinary course of business, which may lead to delays and/or limit our ability to respond timely to certain events, or take advantage of certain opportunities, pertaining to our members, customers, vendors, suppliers, employees and other third parties important to our business and operations. Any further delays or other negative events during the pendency of any bankruptcy proceedings could result in prolonged operational disruption for the Company, increase the costs and risks associated with the bankruptcy process, and diminish the value, if any, that is available to our stakeholders, including our creditors and holders of Common Stock or our other securities.
Information about the Company that is available in public media or published, reported or otherwise disseminated by third parties, including articles, blogs, online forums, industry publications, message boards, social media, television or video features, and other media may include statements not attributable to the Company and may not be reliable or accurate.
As of June 30, 2023, the Company was the only private aviation company in the U.S. whose common stock is listed on a national securities exchange. As a result, the Company is required to comply with certain public disclosure obligations under the federal securities laws and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, which has historically resulted in a greater amount of information about the Company being publicly available that must meet certain requirements. The Company has received, and expects to continue to receive, a high degree of media coverage that is published, reported or otherwise disseminated by third parties, including articles, blogs, online forums, industry publications, message boards, social media, television or video features, and other media. This includes coverage that is not attributable to statements made by the Company’s directors or officers or employees authorized to speak on behalf of the Company. Information about the Company that is available in public media or published, reported or otherwise disseminated by third parties may not be reliable or accurate, which may result in significant volatility in the trading prices for the Company’s Common Stock and other securities, cause reputational damage to the Company that adversely impacts the confidence or willingness of our members and customers to utilize our services, renew their memberships or purchase Prepaid Blocks, or otherwise adversely impact our business, operations, liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
The table below sets forth information regarding purchases of our Common Stock during the three months ended June 30, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Period | | Total Number of Shares Purchased(1) | | Average Price Paid Per Share |
April 1, 2023 through April 30, 2023 | | — | | $ | — | |
May, 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023 | | — | | $ | — | |
June 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023 | | 859 | | $ | 2.83 | |
Total | | 859 | | $ | 2.83 | |
_________________
(1)Reflects shares of Common Stock acquired from stockholders who would otherwise have held fractional shares because the number of shares of Common Stock they held before the Reverse Stock Split on June 7, 2023, was not evenly divisible by the reverse stock split ratio, upon payment by the Company of cash (without interest, and subject to any required tax withholding applicable to a holder) in lieu of issuance of such fractional shares of Common Stock.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
(a)None.
(b)None.
(c)During the three months ended June 30, 2023, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a ‘Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement’ or ‘non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,’ as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report.
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No. | | Description of Exhibit |
3.1 | | |
3.2 | | |
3.3 | | |
10.1 | | |
10.2† | | |
10.3†^ | | |
10.4† | | |
10.5† | | |
10.6† | | |
10.7*†^ | | |
10.8*†^ | | |
31.1* | | |
32.1** | | |
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 Document |
101.CAL | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
101.DEF | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
101.LAB | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
| | | | | | | | |
101.PRE | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
104 | | Cover Page Interactive Data File - The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |
| | | | | | | | |
* | | Filed herewith |
** | | Furnished herewith |
† | | Identifies each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
^ | | Certain private and confidential information have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted private or confidential information to the SEC upon request. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Quarterly Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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| | |
| WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC. |
| |
| | |
Date: August 14, 2023 | | /s/ Todd Smith |
| Name: | Todd Smith |
| Title: | Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer |
| | (Principal Executive, Financial and Accounting Officer) |
Exhibit 10.7
CERTAIN IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN REDACTED FROM THIS EXHIBIT, BECAUSE IT IS (1) NOT MATERIAL AND (2) THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL. “[***]” INDICATES THAT INFORMATION HAS BEEN REDACTED.
April 27, 2023
David Godsman
[***]
[***]
Dear David,
We are pleased to offer you a position at Wheels Up Partners LLC (the “Company”). We are excited to have you join the Company and anticipate that you will be a great addition to our team.
Your first day with the Company will be June 1, 2023, or on such other date that we mutually agree upon after your acceptance of this offer (your “Start Date”).
The following will outline the general terms of our employment offer:
1.Position and Duties. Your title will be Chief Digital Officer and you will perform the duties and services assigned to you by the Company. You will report to Kenny Dichter, Chief Executive Officer. Your employment will be subject to all Company policies, procedures and practices as may currently exist or as may be modified or implemented in the future, including our Employee Handbook. This offer is made contingent upon the successful completion of the pre-employment process, including, but not limited to, satisfactory completion of a background check.
2.Place of Employment. The primary location for your employment will be remote at your home in North Carolina. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the duties to be performed by you hereunder are such that you may need to travel as reasonably required in accordance with the Company’s policy on travel and expenses.
3.Annual Salary. Your annual base salary will be $475,000 (the “Base Salary”), less payroll deductions and all required withholdings, payable in accordance with the Company’s payroll policies, as may be amended from time to time. As an exempt employee, you are not eligible for overtime under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
4.Discretionary Bonus. Beginning in 2023, you will be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus plan. The annual bonus target amount for your position is equal to one hundred percent (100%) of your Base Salary. For the 2023 plan year, your annual bonus target shall not be prorated for hire date. Your payment of a bonus under the plan is made on an annual basis, based upon Company performance against company and individual performance targets, and can be increased or decreased based on the actual results, your individual performance toward key performance indicators, and any other factors determined in the sole discretion of the Company.
5.Special Equity Award. The Company will recommend to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“Compensation Committee”) that you be granted a one-time equity award of 1,250,000 restricted stock units (the “Special Equity Award”), which shall vest in equal, annual installments over a three-year period. The Special Equity Award shall be subject to the terms of the Company’s long-term incentive plans, and as may be amended from time to time
at the discretion of the Company. The Special Equity Award grant is expected to be made commensurate with your date of hire.
6.Annual Equity Award. Commencing in 2024, you will be eligible for an Annual Equity Award. For the 2024 Annual Equity Award cycle, your target equity award value will be 125% of your salary however the final equity award is based on individual performance and is subject to approval by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
7.Executive Flight Hours. Provided you join the Wheels Up Core membership program by paying the current member rate you shall receive fifteen (15) bonus hours of flight time on a King Air 350i. The hours will be deposited into your account in five (5) hour increments at the end of each calendar quarter. Thereafter, you shall receive (20) bonus hours of flight time on a King Air 350i in accordance with the Executive Flight Hours plan established by the Company, as may be amended from time to time. In order to continue to utilize the awarded flight hours, you are required to pay the annual membership dues of the Wheels Up Core membership program.
8.Paid Time Off. You will be eligible for paid time off, depending on years of service, during each calendar year of your employment with the Company in accordance with the Company’s paid time off policy, as may be amended from time to time.
9.Benefits. You will be entitled to the benefits that the Company customarily makes available to employees in positions comparable to yours. Please refer to the plan documents for more details, including eligibility. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend, change or cancel the benefits at any time.
10.Employment Relationship. In accepting this offer, you understand and agree that your employment with the Company will be “at-will.” This means that your employment is not for any specific length of time and that either you or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice. You further understand and acknowledge that there is no written or oral contract providing you with any definite or specific term of employment. You further understand and agree that due to your at-will status, the Company may, at any time, modify the terms of your employment, including, but not limited to, your job title, job responsibilities, compensation and benefits.
11.Severance Plan. Although your employment is at-will, if the Company terminates your employment without cause (as such term is defined herein) or you resign your employment for good reason (as such term is commonly understood), upon separation you will be entitled to receive severance as set forth in the Company’s Executive Severance Plan; however, you will be credited one year of service at the date of hire and will not be subject to a prorated benefit schedule.
12.Conditions of Employment. Simultaneous with the execution of this letter agreement, you shall sign the Employee Confidentiality Agreement and Restrictive Covenants (“Restrictive Covenant Agreement”), a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix A. You acknowledge that your employment with the Company is conditioned upon the execution and delivery of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the terms thereof shall be fully incorporated herein.
13.No Other Understandings. This letter agreement sets forth our entire agreement and understanding and supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in writing, between
you and the Company and/or its affiliates and any of their respective officers, directors, managers and/or principals.
14.Other Conditions and Obligations. By signing this agreement, you represent that you are not subject to any currently effective employment contract, or any other contractual or other binding obligation, including without limitation, any obligation relating to non-competition, confidentiality, trade secrets, proprietary information or works for hire, that would restrict your employment or employment activities with or on behalf of the Company. In your work for the Company, you will be expected not to use or disclose any confidential information, including trade secrets, of any former employer or other person to whom you have an obligation of confidentiality. You agree that you will not bring onto Company premises any unpublished documents or property belonging to any former employer or other person to whom you have any obligation of confidentiality.
15.Business Time. The employee shall devote full working time, energy, attention, and talents to the performance of the duties and responsibilities hereunder. You may not, without the prior written consent of the Chief Executive Officer directly or indirectly, operate, participate in the management, operations or control of, or act as an employee, officer, consultant, partner, member agent or representative of, any type of business or service other than as an employee of the Company.
16.Truthful Representations. You acknowledge and confirm that all of the representations you have made and all of the information that you have provided to the Company on any employment application, resume or any other document, or orally during the interview process, concerning, among other things, your prior employment history, education, experience and other qualifications, are true and correct. You understand and agree that any falsifications, misrepresentations, or omissions with respect to any of the representations and information that you have made or provided to the Company may be grounds for the withdrawal of this offer of employment or, if hired, the termination of your employment.
You further understand and acknowledge that your employment with the Company is contingent upon your satisfactory completion of background and drug checks, as applicable, that are conducted by the Company and your completion of Section 1 of the Form I-9 on or before the end of your first (1st) day of employment and your presentation of your original documentation verifying your work eligibility and identification on or before the end of your third (3rd) day of employment.
[Signature Page Follows]
Exhibit 10.7
CERTAIN IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN REDACTED FROM THIS EXHIBIT, BECAUSE IT IS (1) NOT MATERIAL AND (2) THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL. “[***]” INDICATES THAT INFORMATION HAS BEEN REDACTED.
Please indicate your acceptance of our offer on the terms set forth above by countersigning in the appropriate space below and returning this letter to my attention (kenneth.henion@wheelsup.com) no later than two (2) business days from the date hereof. The offer contained herein shall automatically expire two business days from the date hereof. We are excited at the prospect of you joining our team and look forward to having you on board.
Sincerely,
/s/ Kenny Dichter 4/28/2023
Kenny Dichter
Chief Executive Officer
Agreed and Accepted
this 28th day of April 2023
/s/ David Godsman
David Godsman
APPENDIX A
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT AND RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
As an employee of or service provider to Wheels Up Partners LLC (together with its affiliates and direct and indirect subsidiaries, “Wheels Up” or the “Company”), I recognize that Wheels Up operates in an intensely competitive environment, especially with respect to the innovation, services and pricing that Wheels Up provides, and the customers it develops and seeks to develop. I further recognize that Wheels Up’s relationships with its customers, employees, Wheels Up Business Partners (as defined below) and others with whom it has business dealings (collectively, “Business Relationships”) are considered to be valuable and critical assets of Wheels Up. I also understand that, during my employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up, I will develop and have access to Wheels Up’s Confidential Information (as defined below). I recognize that Wheels Up has expended substantial resources in support of my work and to develop and maintain its Business Relationships and Confidential Information. I understand that Wheels Up’s Confidential Information is not known outside of Wheels Up, that Wheels Up guards the secrecy of its Confidential Information, and that such Confidential Information is of great competitive value to Wheels Up. To protect and prevent the unauthorized disclosure of Wheels Up’s Confidential Information and to protect its Business Relationships, I hereby agree that all provisions of this Confidentiality Agreement and Restrictive Covenants (this “Restrictive Covenant Agreement”) are essential and material terms and conditions of my employment or other service relationship:
1.Non-Competition. For as long as I am employed or otherwise engaged by Wheels Up, I shall devote my full time and efforts to Wheels Up and shall not participate, directly or indirectly, in any business or activity that is in competition with Wheels Up. During the twelve (12) month period following the effective date of the termination of my Wheels Up employment or other service relationship, I agree not to directly or indirectly acquire any interest in, manage, control, participate in, consult with, become employed by, or render services to a Wheels Up Competitor (as defined below) in the United States or Canada. This provision shall not prohibit me from being a passive owner of not more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding stock of any class of securities of a corporation that is publicly traded, so long as I have no active participation in the business of such corporation.
2.Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference. I agree that, during my employment or other service relationship and for a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the termination of my employment or other service relationship for any reason, I will not, in any capacity, directly or indirectly:
a.Solicit (as defined below) or attempt to Solicit any Restricted Wheels Up Customer (as defined below) for the purpose of providing to such customer products or services that are competitive with the products or services provided by Wheels Up to such Restricted Wheels Up Customer; or
b.encourage, entice or induce any Restricted Wheels Up Customer or Wheels Up Business Partner to transfer its business or patronage from Wheels Up; or
c.provide services or products to any Restricted Wheels Up Customer that are similar or substantially related to the services or products that Wheels Up provides or has provided to such Restricted Wheels Up Customer; or
d.Solicit, encourage, entice or induce any Wheels Up employee to leave his or her employment with Wheels Up; or
e.directly or indirectly hire or cause any person to be hired who was employed by Wheels Up at the time of the termination of my Wheels Up employment or during any of the twelve (12) months preceding such termination.
3.Non-Disclosure. I agree to hold Wheels Up’s Confidential Information in the strictest of confidence and further agree that, during my employment, and at all times after its termination for whatever reason, I will not, in any capacity, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, publish or make available to any person or entity any of Wheels Up’s Confidential Information, except (i) such as may be necessary on behalf of Wheels Up, on a “need to know” basis, in the ordinary course of performing my duties as a Wheels Up employee, (ii) in response to a subpoena or as otherwise required by law, provided in the case of a subpoena, I must first provide notice to the Company so that it may evaluate whether to seek to quash any such subpoena, or (ii) to my advisors within the scope of providing services to me, provided they agree in writing not to disclose such Confidential Information in accordance with the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.
4.Intellectual Property. I agree that Wheels Up is the sole and exclusive owner of all right, title and interest in all discoveries, developments, designs, improvements, inventions, innovations, processes, techniques, algorithms, technologies, programs, software, works of authorship, know-how and data (whether or not registrable under copyright, trademark or patent statutes), patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks and proprietary information which I may make, conceive, develop, produce, learn, process or acquire, either individually or jointly with others, while providing services as an employee or other service provider of Wheels Up and all the goodwill associated therewith (collectively, the “Intellectual Property”). I shall promptly and fully disclose to Wheels Up all Intellectual Property. I acknowledge and agree that Intellectual Property that is a work of authorship is a “work for hire” (as that term is used under U.S. copyright law), and Wheels Up (or its affiliates, associated companies, successors, assigns or nominees) shall be the sole owner of all copyrights in or connected with such Intellectual Property, including, without limitation, all drawings, memoranda, notes, records, files, correspondence, manuals, models, specifications, computer programs, maps and all other writings or materials of any type embodying any such Intellectual Property. I hereby waive any moral rights that I may have with respect to the Intellectual Property. I hereby irrevocably assign and agree to assign to Wheels Up (or its affiliates, members, associated companies, successors, assigns or nominees) my entire right, title and interest in the Intellectual Property, present and future. I agree to take all reasonable actions and cooperate as is necessary to protect and preserve the intellectual and proprietary rights in the Intellectual Property and further agree to promptly execute and deliver any specific assignments or other papers and lawful documents that might be necessary to perfect the sole right, title and interest in Wheels Up (or its affiliates, members, associated companies, successors, assigns or nominees) in the Intellectual Property covered in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and promptly execute and deliver any and all papers and lawful documents required or necessary to obtain and maintain effective patent, copyright or other protection in the Intellectual Property by Wheels Up (or its affiliates, members, associated companies, successors, assigns or nominees) or that might otherwise be reasonably requested by Wheels Up, during and after my employment or other service relationship. I irrevocably designate and appoint Wheels Up and its duly authorized officers and agents as my agent and attorney-in-fact to execute and file any and all applications and other necessary documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution, issuance or enforcement of patents, copyrights, trade secrets and similar protections related to such Intellectual Property with the same legal force and effect as if I had executed them myself. I warrant and represent that, as of the date hereof, I own no inventions (whether patentable or not), patents, trade secrets, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, or other intellectual property that, if developed during my employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up, would be considered “Intellectual Property” hereunder, and that I have not executed and will not execute any document or instrument in conflict herewith.
5.Return of Property. I agree that immediately upon termination of my employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up for whatever reason, I will return to Wheels Up all of its property and information, including all copies thereof, in whatever form maintained, including, without limitation, documents, records, files, lists (including customer lists and prospective customer lists) and all of Wheels Up’s Confidential Information, and will delete all references to such property and information, including Wheels Up’s Confidential Information, from any personal mechanical or electronic files or
devices I own or maintain, in whatever form, after providing only to Wheels Up a hard, electrical and/or computerized copy, in usable and readable format, of such property and information.
6.Subsequent Employment. I will provide a copy of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement to any prospective employer or other person or entity that is considering me for employment, so that the obligations and restrictions of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement are fully disclosed.
7.Injunctive Relief. I agree that money damages would be both incalculable and an insufficient remedy for any breach by me of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and that any such actual, threatened or continuing breach will cause Wheels Up irreparable harm. In the event of any such breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, Wheels Up shall be entitled, without the requirement of posting a bond, to equitable relief, including temporary, preliminary or permanent injunctive relief and specific performance against me, in any court of competent jurisdiction. Such equitable relief shall not be the exclusive remedy for any breach by me of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement but shall be in addition to any other damages or remedies available at law or in equity to Wheels Up. Wheels Up’s failure to pursue any of its rights under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or similar agreements with others shall not prejudice any of Wheels Up’s rights under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.
8.Reasonable Terms. I agree that the terms and restrictions of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement are legitimate and reasonable in light of my access to Confidential Information, substantial contacts with Wheels Up’s customers, and Wheels Up’s need to develop and market its services and products. I acknowledge that Wheels Up markets and sells its services and/or products in North America and that it is reasonable to restrict my activities in the United States and Canada during the time periods provided for herein in accordance with this Restrictive Covenant Agreement. I further acknowledge that after the termination of my employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up for any reason, I will be able to earn a livelihood without violating the foregoing restrictions.
9.Non-Disparagement. I agree that I will not at any time, during or after my employment, to the extent permitted by law, disparage, criticize or ridicule Wheels Up or any affiliated or related entity or current or former officers, directors or employees of Wheels Up, to any individuals or entities with whom Wheels Up or any affiliated or related entity has or may have a business relationship or to any third party in the financial services community. Further, I will not make any negative public comments regarding Wheels Up or any affiliated entity by way of news interviews, posting comments on, or publishing internet blogs or webpages (whether or not done anonymously), or publishing and/or circulating any other form of media, or the expression of my personal views, opinions or judgments to the media, internet blogs or webpages, or otherwise (whether or not done anonymously). The foregoing shall not be violated by truthful statements in response to legal process, required governmental testimony or filings, or administrative or arbitral proceedings (including, without limitation, depositions in connection with such proceedings), and the foregoing shall not apply to any claims for harassment or discrimination to the extent so restricted by applicable state law.
10.Enforceability. In the unlikely event that any of the covenants or provisions contained in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, or any part thereof, is held to be unenforceable because of their duration, scope or the geographic area covered thereby, or for any other reason, the court making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration, scope and/or geographic area thereof, or otherwise modify such covenant or provision, and enforce such covenant or provision in its reduced or modified form. If any of the covenants or provisions contained in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, or any part thereof, is held to be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, the same shall not affect the remainder of the covenants or provisions which shall be given full force and effect without regard to the invalid portions.
11.Definitions:
“Confidential Information” means information that has or could have commercial value or other utility in the business in which Wheels Up is engaged, and all information which, if disclosed without authorization, could be detrimental to the interests of Wheels Up, including, without limitation, information regarding the identity of Wheels Up customers, prospective customers and business plans. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, discoveries, ideas, inventions (whether patentable or not), trade secrets, techniques, and other know-how, business methods, strategies, plans, products, marketing programs, pricing of goods and services, specifications, drawings, sketches, models, samples, data, computer programs, databases, applications, software, documentation, and other technical and business information, works of authorship (whether published or unpublished), customer lists, customer preference and other customer information, prospective customer information, and vendor information. Confidential Information also includes any information received from third parties that Wheels Up is obligated to treat as confidential or proprietary. Confidential Information shall not include information that becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of my disclosure.
“Restricted Wheels Up Customer” means any Wheels Up customer that I worked with, serviced, or became aware of as a result of my Wheels Up employment or other service relationship.
“Solicit” means to initiate any contact or communication of any kind, including, without limitation, an offer, announcement (including an announcement of a new affiliation), invitation or any request to transact business other than on behalf of Wheels Up, other than by means of a general announcement, posting or communication in a classified advertisement or the like, not targeted in any manner to any person or company against which there is a restriction against making a solicitation in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.
“Wheels Up Business Partner” means any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other entity from which Wheels Up purchases or otherwise acquires supplies, materials, services or financing, including, but not limited to, Wheels Up’s suppliers, distributors, advertising agency, public relations agency, vendors and investors.
“Wheels Up Competitor” means any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other entity whose principal business involves marketing, soliciting or selling products or services materially and directly competitive with products or services being developed, produced, marketed or sold by Wheels Up as of the date of my termination. By way of example, Wheels Up Competitors as of the date hereof include NetJets, Directional Aviation, Flexjet, Sentient, Flight Options, XOJet, Vista Jet, JetLinx, FlyExclusive, PrivateFly and PlaneSense.
12.Nature of Employment or Service Relationship. As applicable, I agree that this Restrictive Covenant Agreement does not alter my at-will employment at Wheels Up and is in addition to and not a limitation on any other terms or conditions of my employment. I further agree that my continued employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up, as well as the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement by and between the Company and me, dated concurrent herewith, constitutes good and valuable consideration for this Restrictive Covenant Agreement. I have consulted or been given an opportunity to consult with my personal attorney before signing this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.
13.State and Commonwealth Law Modifications. I agree that if I, on the last day of my employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up (for any reason), primarily reside and work in California, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington or Wisconsin, I am subject to the modifications to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement set forth in Exhibit I applying to such state and to the extent such state law applies.
14.Governing Law. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall be governed and enforced under the laws of the State of New York, without regard to any conflicts of laws principles thereof that would call for the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction. Any action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any right arising out of, this Restrictive Covenant Agreement may be brought against either of the parties in the courts of the State of New York located in New York County, or if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the Southern District
of New York, and each of the parties hereby consents to the jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such action or proceeding and waives any objection to venue laid therein. Process in any action or proceeding referred to in the preceding sentence may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the State of New York.
[Signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the employee have caused this Restrictive Covenant Agreement to be executed on their behalf, by their duly authorized representatives, as of the dates set forth below.
WHEELS UP PARTNERS LLC EMPLOYEE
By: /s/ Kenny Dichter /s/ David Godsman
Name: Kenny Dichter Name: David Godsman
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Date: 4/28/2023 Date: 4/28/2023
EXHIBIT I
STATE AND COMMONWEALTH LAW MODIFICATIONS
This Exhibit I to the Confidentiality Agreement and Restrictive Covenants Agreement (the “Restrictive Covenant Agreement”) includes jurisdiction-specific “Addenda,” which modify the Restrictive Covenant Agreement as applied to individuals who primarily reside and work in one of the applicable jurisdictions, but only to the extent the laws of such jurisdiction are applicable to the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. The Addenda of this Exhibit I should be read in conjunction with the rest of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement and enforced to the fullest extent permissible to protect Wheels Up’s legitimate business interests.
CALIFORNIA ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” apply during my employment with Wheels Up, but do not apply post-employment, during such time that my base location is in California.
No. 2:
The covenants in Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” apply during my employment with Wheels Up, but do not apply post-employment, during such time that my base location is in California.
No. 3:
Section 4 “Intellectual Property” is supplemented by the following:
The terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement requiring disclosure and assignment of inventions to Wheels Up do not apply to any invention that qualifies fully under California Labor Code Section 2870, which reads:
(a) Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions that either:
(1) Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer; or
(2) Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.
(b) To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.
While employed, I will advise Wheels Up promptly in writing of any inventions that I believe meet the criteria in California Labor Code Section 2870 for a confidential ownership determination.
No. 4:
Section 9 “Non-Disparagement” is stricken and replaced by the following:
During the term of my employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up and at all times thereafter, I will not directly, or through any other person or entity, make any public or private statements that are disparaging of Wheels Up, its affiliates or subsidiaries, or their respective businesses or employees, officers, directors, or stockholders, or any product or service offered by Wheels Up, except as otherwise allowed by law, including California Government Code Section 12964.5.
No. 5:
Section 13 “Governing Law” shall substitute “California” for “New York” with respect to the choice of law and forum, during such time that I primarily reside and work in California.
ILLINOIS ADDENDUM
(effective as of January 1, 2022)
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” shall only apply if, at the time of my termination of employment (for any reason), (i) my actual or expected annualized rate of earnings exceeds $75,000 per year beginning January 1, 2022, $80,000 per year beginning on January 1, 2027, $85,000 per year beginning on January 1, 2032, or $90,000 per year beginning on January 1, 2037, and (ii) I am not covered by a collective bargaining agreement under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act or the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act.
In the event that (i) Section 1 “Non-Competition” applies based on the foregoing paragraph and (ii) Wheels Up terminates me or furloughs me or lays me off as the result of business circumstances or governmental orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, or under circumstances that are similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, then Section 1 “Non-Competition” shall be supplemented by the following language:
If Wheels Up enforces the restrictions in this Section 1 for a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of termination of my employment as the result of business circumstances or governmental orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, or under circumstances that are similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will pay me, during such period, an amount equal to my base salary at the time of termination for the period of enforcement, minus compensation earned through subsequent employment during the period of enforcement. Such payments will be made on a pro-rata basis during the period of enforcement in the same manner that I would have received base salary payments from Wheels Up had I been employed during such period.
No. 2:
The covenants in Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” shall only apply if, at the time of my termination of employment (for any reason), my actual or expected annualized rate of earnings exceeds $45,000 per year beginning January 1, 2022, $47,500 per year beginning on January 1, 2027, $50,000 per year beginning on January 1, 2032, and $52,500 per year beginning on January 1, 2037.
No. 3:
Section 8 “Reasonable Terms” is supplemented by the following:
In addition, I acknowledge and agree that the non-competition restrictions contained in Section 1 of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement are no greater than are required for the protection of Wheels Up’s legitimate business interests, such restrictions do not impose undue hardship on me and the restrictions are not injurious to the public.
No. 4:
Section 9 “Non-Disparagement” is supplemented by the following:
Further, Wheels Up hereby informs me the foregoing is not intended to bar me from disclosing or communicating any claims protected under the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act.
No. 5:
The final sentence of Section 12 “Nature of Employment” is stricken and replaced by the following:
I acknowledge and agree that Wheels Up advised me to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and further advised me that I have at least fourteen (14) calendar days within which to review and consider this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and that, if I sign this Restrictive Covenant Agreement in less time, I have done so voluntarily.
No. 6:
Section 13 “Governing Law” shall substitute “Illinois” for “New York” with respect to the choice of law and forum, during such time that I primarily reside and work in Illinois.
LOUISIANA ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The geographic scope in Section 1 “Non-Competition” is limited to that geographic area where I had performed material responsibilities for Wheels Up, represented Wheels Up or had business contact with Restricted Wheels Up Customers in the two (2) year period preceding the termination of my employment from Wheels Up. This restricted geographic area (the “Restricted Area”) shall encompass the following Louisiana parishes: Acadia Parish, Allen Parish, Ascension Parish, Assumption Parish, Avoyelles Parish, Beauregard Parish, Bienville Parish, Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish, Calcasieu Parish, Caldwell Parish, Cameron Parish, Catahoula Parish, Claiborne Parish, Concordia Parish, DeSoto Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, East Carroll Parish, East Feliciana Parish, Evangeline Parish, Franklin Parish, Grant Parish, Iberia Parish, Iberville Parish, Jackson Parish, Jefferson Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish, Lafayette Parish, Lafourche Parish, LaSalle Parish, Lincoln Parish, Livingston Parish, Madison Parish, Morehouse Parish, Natchitoches Parish, Orleans Parish, Ouachita Parish, Plaquemines Parish, Pointe Coupee Parish, Rapides Parish, Red River Parish, Richland Parish, Sabine Parish, St. Bernard Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. Helena Parish, St. James Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, St. Mary Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Tensas Parish, Terrebonne Parish, Union Parish, Vermilion Parish, Vernon Parish, Washington Parish, Webster Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, West Carroll Parish, West Feliciana Parish, and Winn Parish, all so long as the business of Wheels Up is transacted therein.
No. 2:
The lead-in to Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” is stricken and replaced by the following:
I agree that, during my employment or other service relationship and for a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the termination of my employment or other service relationship for any reason, I will not, in any capacity, directly or indirectly, within the Restricted Area, as defined in Section 2:…
No. 3:
Section 13 “Governing Law” shall substitute “Louisiana” for “New York” with respect to the choice of law and forum, during such time that I primarily reside and work in Louisiana.
MASSACHUSETTS ADDENDUM
No. 1:
Section 1 “Non-Competition” is stricken and replaced by the following:
1. Non-Competition. In exchange for Wheels Up providing me the consideration set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement by and between the Company and me, dated concurrent herewith, I agree that during my employment and for a period of twelve (12) months from the “Termination Date” (i.e., the date of my voluntary termination of employment or of the involuntary termination of my employment with Cause (as defined below)), I will not, directly or indirectly, engage in “Competition” (as defined below) within the “Geographic Region” (as defined below).
(a) “Cause” means misconduct, violation of any policy of Wheels Up, including any rule of conduct or standard of ethics of Wheels Up, breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement (including this Addendum) or the breach of any confidentiality, non-disclosure, non-solicitation or assignment of inventions obligations to Wheels Up, failure to meet Wheels Up’s reasonable performance expectations, or other grounds directly and reasonably related to the legitimate business needs of Wheels Up.
(c) “Competition” means to provide the same or substantially similar services to a Wheels Up Competitor as those that I provided to Wheels Up during the last two (2) years of my employment with Wheels Up. “Competition” does not include passive investments of less than two percent (2%) ownership interest in any entity.
(d) “Geographic Region” means the geographic area in which I, during any time within the last two years of my employment with Wheels Up, provided services or had a material presence or influence.
(e) If Wheels Up enforces the restrictions in this Section 1 for a period of time after the Termination Date (the “Restraint Period”), it will pay me, during the Restraint Period, an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of my annual base salary. My annual base salary, for the purposes of this Section 1(e), will be calculated based on my average annual salary for my last two (2) years of employment, less any applicable deductions, and excluding any incentive compensation, bonuses, benefits, or other compensation, less any applicable deductions (the “Restraint Payment”). The Restraint Payment will be paid on a pro-rata basis during the Restraint Period in the same manner that I would have received wages from Wheels Up had I been employed during the Restraint Period.
(f) The Restraint Period shall be extended from twelve (12) months following the Termination Date to twenty-four (24) months following the Termination Date if I (i) breached my fiduciary duty(ies) to Wheels Up or (ii) unlawfully took, physically or electronically, property belonging to Wheels Up. In the event that the Restraint Period is extended due to my breach of my fiduciary duty(ies) to Wheels Up, or due to my having unlawfully taken, physically or electronically, property belonging to Wheels Up, Wheels Up shall not be required to provide payments to me during the extension of the Restraint Period.
(g) I understand that if Wheels Up elects to waive the non-competition provisions set forth herein, I will not receive any compensation or consideration described in Section 1(e). I further understand that at the time of my separation from employment, Wheels Up shall elect whether to waive its enforcement of the non-competition provisions in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement (including this Massachusetts Addendum). I will be notified by Wheels Up of its election or waiver by letter, in a form of the following notice:
Wheels Up Partners LLC (the “Company”), pursuant to Section 1 of the Massachusetts Addendum (dated ___________, 20__) to the Confidentiality Agreement and Restrictive Covenants (the “Restrictive Covenant Agreement”), in its sole discretion, elects to:
Enforce the twelve (12) month Restraint Period according to Section 1 of the Addendum. As agreed to by the parties, the Company agrees to
pay the employee the amounts described in Section 1(e) of the Addendum.
Waive enforcement of the Restraint Period. The undersigned employee shall not receive any compensation or consideration pursuant to Section 1(e) of the Addendum.
Regardless of the election or waiver, the undersigned employee remains bound by all other terms of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and also remains bound by the terms of any and all other agreements between the undersigned employee and the Company.
(h) If I was already employed by Wheels Up on the date of my signature on this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, I acknowledge that this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, including this Massachusetts Addendum, was delivered to me at least ten (10) business days before the date that this Addendum was executed by both of the parties. If I was not already employed by Wheels Up on the date of my signature on this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, I acknowledge that this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, including this Massachusetts Addendum, was delivered to me (i) before a formal offer of employment was made by Wheels Up, or (ii) ten (10) business days before the commencement of my employment with Wheels Up, whichever was earlier.
(i) I acknowledge that I have been advised of my right to consult with counsel of my own choosing prior to signing this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and this Massachusetts Addendum. By signing this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and this Addendum, I acknowledge that I had time to read and understand the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and this Addendum, and to consult with my own legal counsel, not including counsel for Wheels Up, regarding this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Addendum prior to their execution. I agree that I have actually read and understand this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and this Addendum and all of their terms, and that I am entering into and signing this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and this Addendum knowingly and voluntarily, and that in doing so I am not relying upon any statements or representations by Wheels Up or its agents.
(j) I acknowledge that (i) the Non-Competition covenant contained in this Section 1 is no broader than necessary to protect Wheels Up’s trade secrets, Confidential Information, and goodwill, and (ii) the business interests identified in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement cannot be adequately protected through restrictive covenants other than the Non-Competition covenant contained in this Section 1, including, without limitation, the non-solicitation and non-disclosure restrictions set forth in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.
No. 2:
Section 8 “Reasonable Terms” is supplemented by the following:
In addition, I agree that the restrictions contained in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement are reasonable and necessary to protect Wheels Up’s legitimate business interests and that full compliance with the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement will not prevent me from earning a livelihood following the termination of my employment, and that these covenants do not place an undue restraint on me. I further understand that the restrictions in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement – other than the non-competition restrictions set forth in Section 1 – apply no matter whether my employment is terminated by Wheels Up or me and no matter whether that termination is voluntary or involuntary. I understand that the non-competition provisions in Section 1 apply following the voluntary termination of my employment or the involuntary termination of my employment for Cause, as defined in Section 1, unless Wheels Up elects to waive the non-competition provisions of Section 1 as set forth in Section 1(g).
No. 3:
Section 13 “Governing Law” is supplemented by the following:
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interpretation, validity, and enforcement of the non-competition provisions set forth in Section of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and Massachusetts Addendum will be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to any conflicts of laws principles that would require the application of the law of another jurisdiction. The parties agree that any action relating to or arising out of the non-competition provisions shall be brought in (1) the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Eastern Division, if that court has subject matter jurisdiction over the dispute, or, if it does not, in (2) the Business Litigation Session of the Suffolk County Superior Court, or, if the Business Litigation Session does not accept the case for whatever reason whatsoever, the Suffolk County Superior Court. The parties agree and consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of the federal or state courts of Massachusetts for resolution of any disputes or litigation arising under or in connection with the non-competition provisions set forth in Section 1 of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and this Massachusetts Addendum, and waive any objections or defenses to personal jurisdiction or venue in any such proceeding before any such court.
No. 4:
A new Section 14 “Survival” is added as follows:
I agree that all non-solicitation, non-disclosure and use, non-recruiting, and disclosure obligations in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall survive any termination of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and extend to the proscribed periods following my last day of employment with Wheels Up (for any reason), and no dispute regarding any other provisions of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or regarding my employment or the termination of my employment shall prevent the operation and enforcement of these obligations. I further agree that all non-competition obligations in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall survive the voluntary termination of my employment or the involuntary termination of my employment for Cause, as defined in Section 1, unless Wheels Up elects to waive the non-competition provisions of Section as set forth in Section 1(g), and no dispute regarding any other provisions of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or regarding my employment or the termination of my employment shall prevent the operation and enforcement of these obligations.
NEBRASKA ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The obligations under Section 1 “Non-Competition” do not apply to a Nebraska employee doing business in Nebraska, but do apply, as stated, to other competitive activity.
No. 2:
The obligations under Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Solicitation” are strictly limited to those current and existing Restricted Wheels Up Customers or employees with whom I actually did business and had direct, personal contact while employed by Wheels Up.
All other covenants, agreements and promises contained in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement remain in full force and effect and still apply to Nebraska employees doing business inside and outside of Nebraska.
OKLAHOMA ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” do not apply to me if my base location is in Oklahoma.
No. 2:
Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” is amended such that the following language solely applies:
I covenant and agree that for a period of twelve (12) months after my employment with Wheels Up ends (for any reason), I will not directly solicit the sale of goods, services or a combination of goods and services from the established customers of Wheels Up.
PUERTO RICO ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” and Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” are stricken and replaced by the following covenants and definitions:
1. Non-Competition. I acknowledge and agree that Wheels Up would be irreparably damaged if I – in any capacity (i.e., as an independent contractor, consultant, employee, shareholder, member, owner or business partner) – were to provide services to any person directly or indirectly competing with Wheels Up or any of its affiliates or Engaged (as defined below) in a Competing Business (as defined below) and that such competition by me would result in a significant loss of Goodwill (as defined below) by Wheels Up. Therefore, I agree that the following are reasonable restrictions and agree to be bound by such restrictions:
(a) During my employment, and for a period of twelve (12) months immediately following the termination of such employment for any reason, I shall not, directly or indirectly – in any capacity (i.e., as an independent contractor, consultant, employee, shareholder, member, owner or business partner) – Engage in Competing Business services or activities within the Restricted Territory (as defined below); provided, that nothing herein shall prohibit me from being a passive owner of not more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded so long as I do not have any active participation in the business of such corporation.
(b) I warrant and represent that the nature and extent of this non-competition clause has been fully explained to me by Wheels Up and that my decision to accept the same is made voluntarily, knowingly, intelligently and free from any undue pressure or coercion. I further warrant and represent that I have agreed to this non-competition clause in consideration of the Restricted Stock Unit Award I will be receiving in conjunction with the execution of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.
(c) For purposes of this Section 1 and Section 2, below, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:
“Similar Business” means the same or substantially the same business activity or activities performed or engaged by me for, or on behalf, of the business of Wheels Up or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies.
“Engage” means participate in, consult with, be employed by, or assist with the organization, policy making, ownership, financing, management, operation or control of any Similar Business in any capacity (i.e., as an independent contractor, consultant, employee, shareholder, member-owner, or business partner).
“Goodwill” means any tendency of customers, distributors, representatives, employees, vendors, suppliers, or federal, state, local or foreign governmental entities to continue or renew any valuable business relationship with Wheels Up or any Similar Business with which I may be associated, based in whole or in part on past successful relationships with Wheels Up or the lawful efforts of Wheels Up to foster such relationships, and in which I actively participated at any time during the most recent twelve (12) months of my employment.
“Competing Business” means any individual (including me), corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, or other entity, regardless of form, that is
directly engaged in whole or in relevant part in any business or enterprise that is the same as, or substantially the same as, that part of Wheels Up for which I provided services during the last two (2) years of my employment, or that is taking material steps to engage in such business.
“Customers” means those individuals, companies, or other entities for which Wheels Up has provided or does provide products or services in connection with the business of Wheels Up, or those individuals, companies, or other entities to which Wheels Up has provided written proposals concerning the business of Wheels Up in the two (2) year period preceding the termination of my employment.
“Restricted Territory” means those municipalities within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in which I performed the Competing Business.
2. Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference.
(a) Non-Solicitation of Customers. I agree that for a period of twelve (12) months following the voluntary or involuntary termination of my employment for any reason, I will not, either on my own behalf or for any Competing Business, directly or indirectly solicit, divert, or appropriate (or attempt to solicit, divert, or appropriate) any Customer with which I had material business contact in the six (6) month period preceding the termination of my employment, for providing products or services that are the same as or substantially similar to those provided by Wheels Up.
(b) Non-Solicitation of Employees. I recognize and admit that Wheels Up has a legitimate business interest in retaining its employees, representatives, agents and/or consultants and of protecting its business from previous employees, representatives, agents and/or consultants, which makes necessary the establishment of a non-solicitation clause in the Agreement. I agree that for a period of twelve (12) months following the voluntary or involuntary termination of my employment for any reason, I shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee, representative, agent or consultant of Wheels Up or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries to leave the employ or services of Wheels Up or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, or in any way interfere with the relationship between Wheels Up or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries and any employee, representative, agent or consultant thereof, or (ii) hire any person who was an employee, representative, agent or consultant of Wheels Up or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries at any time during the twelve (12) month period immediately prior to the date on which such hiring would take place. No action by another person or entity shall be deemed to be a breach of this provision unless I directly or indirectly assisted, encouraged or otherwise counseled such person or entity to engage in such activity.
No. 2:
Section 10 “Enforceability” is stricken in its entirety.
No. 3:
Section 13 “Governing Law” is supplemented by the following:
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the laws of Puerto Rico will govern the interpretation, validity, and enforcement of the non-competition provisions set forth in Section 1 of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and Puerto Rico Addendum.
SOUTH CAROLINA ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” and Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” are stricken and replaced by the following covenants and definitions:
1. Non-Competition.
(a) I agree that for a period of twelve (12) months following the voluntary or involuntary termination of my employment for any reason, I will not, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, join, control, be employed by or with, or participate in any manner with a Competing Business (as defined below) anywhere in the Restricted Territory (as defined below) where doing so will require me to provide the same or substantially similar services to any such Competing Business as those that I provided to Wheels Up during the last two (2) years of my employment.
(b) For purposes of this Section 1 and Section 2, below, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:
“Competing Business” means any individual (including me), corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, or other entity, regardless of form, that is directly engaged in whole or in relevant part in any business or enterprise that is the same as, or substantially the same as, that part of Wheels Up for which I provided services during the last two (2) years of my employment, or that is taking material steps to engage in such business.
“Customers” means those individuals, companies, or other entities for which Wheels Up has provided or does provide products or services in connection with the business of Wheels Up, or those individuals, companies, or other entities to which Wheels Up has provided written proposals concerning the business of Wheels Up in the two (2) year period preceding the termination of my employment.
“Restricted Territory” means:
(1) the counties or areas where I worked for Wheels Up or had material business contact with the Customers in the two (2) year period preceding the termination of my employment with Wheels Up: and/or
(2) the geographic territory in which I worked for Wheels Up, represented Wheels Up, or had material business contact with the Customers in the two (2) year period preceding the termination of my employment with Wheels Up.
I agree that subsections (1) and (2) above are separate and severable covenants.
2. Non-Solicitation of Customers. I agree that for a period of two (2) years following the voluntary or involuntary termination of my employment for any reason, I will not, either on my own behalf or for any Competing Business, directly or indirectly solicit, divert, or appropriate, or attempt to solicit, divert, or appropriate any Customer with which I had material business contact in the two (2) year period preceding the termination of my employment, for the purposes of providing products or services that are the same as or substantially similar to those provided by Wheels Up.
No. 2:
The definition of “Confidential Information” in Section 11 is further limited to that Confidential Information I learn about or am exposed to through my employment with Wheels Up.
VIRGINIA ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The geographic scope in Section 1 “Non-Competition” is limited to twenty-five (25) miles from any location where I physically worked and performed material responsibilities for Wheels Up.
No. 2:
Section 1 “Non-Competition” and Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” shall not apply if, at the time of my termination of employment (for any reason), I am considered a “low-wage
employee” pursuant to Virginia Code § 40.1-28.7:8(A), meaning that I earn less than the average weekly wage of the Commonwealth of Virginia as determined by subsection B of Virginia Code § 65.2-500.
No. 3:
Sections 2(d) and 2(e) “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” are stricken and replaced by the following:
d. Solicit, encourage, entice or induce any Wheels Up employee to leave his or her employment with Wheels Up and become employed by a Wheels Up Competitor; or
e. with respect to any person who was employed by Wheels Up at the time of the termination of my Wheels Up employment or during any of the twelve (12) months preceding such termination, directly or indirectly hire or cause any such person to be hired by a Wheels Up Competitor.
WASHINGTON ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” are stricken and replaced by the following:
1. Non-Competition.
(a) The non-competition provisions of this Section 1 shall only apply when my annualized salaried exceeds the compensation requirements of the Restrictions on Noncompetition Covenants Bill 5478 as codified in RCW 49.
(b) I agree that during my employment with Wheels Up and for twelve (12) months after the termination of my employment for any reason, I will not, directly or indirectly, engage in Competing Services (as defined below) with respect to any Competing Business Line (as defined below). I understand that the restrictions in this Section 1 apply no matter whether my employment is terminated by me or Wheels Up and no matter whether that termination is voluntary or involuntary. The above restrictions shall not apply to passive investments of less than two percent (2%) ownership interest in any entity. For purposes of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, “Competing Business Line” means any business that is in competition with any business engaged in by Wheels Up and for which I performed Competing Services during the two (2) years prior to my last day of employment with Wheels Up. For purposes of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, “Competing Services” means the same or similar responsibilities I performed for Wheels Up during the two (2) years prior to my last day of employment with Wheels Up and within the same geographic scope, or portion thereof, with respect to which I performed those responsibilities for Wheels Up.
(c) I agree that, if and after my employment with Wheels Up ends because of or in connection with a layoff or reduction-in-force, the non-competition provisions of Section 1(a) above will not be enforced by Wheels Up unless and to the extent that it pays me an amount that is equal to or greater than my base salary rate that is in effect on the last day of my employment with Wheels Up. Such payments will be made to me at regular payroll intervals for the duration of the twelve (12) month post-employment non-competition period or such shorter period during which Wheels Up enforces these non-competition provisions. I agree that I must promptly inform Wheels Up of the date on which I begin any other employment or engagement by, with or for the benefit of any other individual or entity, at which time I agree Wheels Up may and will terminate all such payments to me. Although such payments by Wheels Up will terminate when I commence employment or any other engagement by, with or for the benefit of another individual, entity or employer, I agree that the Section 1(a) non-competition restrictions will remain in effect until twelve (12) months after my Company employment ends. I also agree that if I fail to timely notify Wheels Up of any other employment or engagement, and if Wheels Up’s payments to me therefore continue after I have commenced any such employment or engagement, then any such payments to me will be deemed to be placed by me in constructive trust for the benefit of Wheels Up, and I agree that I must and will promptly return all such payments to Wheels Up.
No. 2:
Section 13 “Governing Law” is stricken and replaced by the following:
This Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington without giving effect to any conflict of law provisions. Any claim, dispute or declaration arising out of or in connection with this Restrictive Covenant Agreement will be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts in the State of Washington.
WISCONSIN ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” are stricken and replaced by the following:
1. Non-Competition. For as long as I am employed by Wheels Up, I shall devote my full time and efforts to Wheels Up and shall not participate, directly or indirectly, in any business or activity that is in competition with Wheels Up. During the twelve (12) month period following the effective date of the termination of my Wheels Up employment for any reason, I agree not to directly or indirectly have Responsibilities (as defined below) for any Wheels Up Competitor (as defined below). This provision shall not prohibit me from being a passive owner of not more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding stock of any class of securities of a corporation that is publicly traded, so long as I have no active participation in the business of such corporation. For purposes of this Section 1, “Responsibilities” means the same or similar responsibilities I performed for Wheels Up during the two (2) years prior to my last day of employment with Wheels Up in which the Confidential Information I have would be competitively valuable and within the same geographic scope, or portion thereof, with respect to which I performed those responsibilities for Wheels Up.
No. 2:
The covenants in Sections 2(d) and 2(e) “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” are stricken and replaced by the following:
d. (i) Solicit or attempt to persuade any then-current employee of Wheels Up with whom I currently work or with whom I worked at any point during the two years prior to my last day of employment with Wheels Up, and who possesses or had access to Confidential Information, to leave the employ of Wheels Up and join a competitor; (ii) interfere with the performance by any such employee of his/her duties for Wheels Up; or (iii) communicate with any such employee for the purposes described in items (i) and (ii) in this Section 2(d). This restriction shall apply in all geographic areas in which Wheels Up does business.
No. 3:
Section 3 “Non-Disclosure” is supplemented by the following:
To the extent the above obligation of non-use and non-disclosure of Confidential Information applies after the termination of my employment and to Confidential Information that does not meet the definition of a trade secret under applicable law, it shall apply only for two (2) years after the termination of my employment and only in geographic areas in which the unauthorized use or disclosure of such Confidential Information would be competitively damaging to Wheels Up.
No. 4:
Section 10 “Enforceability” is supplemented by the following:
The restrictive covenants in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement are intended to be divisible and interpreted and applied independent of each other.
No. 5:
The definition of “Restricted Wheels Up Customer” in Section 11 is stricken and replaced by the following:
“Restricted Wheels Up Customer” means any person, company or entity that was a customer of Wheels Up and with which I had direct contact for purposes of performing responsibilities for Wheels Up or for which I had supervisory responsibilities on behalf of Wheels Up, in either case at any time during the two (2) years prior to my last day of employment with Wheels Up. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Restricted Wheels Up Customer also means any prospective customer(s), vendor(s), supplier(s) or referral source(s) with which I had business contact on behalf of Wheels Up in the twelve (12) months prior to my last day of employment with Wheels Up.
Exhibit 10.8
CERTAIN IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN REDACTED FROM THIS EXHIBIT, BECAUSE IT IS (1) NOT MATERIAL AND (2) THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL. “[***]” INDICATES THAT INFORMATION HAS BEEN REDACTED.
May 2, 2023
Kristen Lauria
[***]
[***]
Dear Kristen,
We are pleased to offer you a position at Wheels Up Partners LLC (the “Company”). We are excited to have you join the Company and anticipate that you will be a great addition to our team.
Your first day with the Company will be May 15, 2023, or on such other date that we mutually agree upon after your acceptance of this offer (your “Start Date”).
The following will outline the general terms of our employment offer:
1.Position and Duties. Your title will be Chief Customer and Marketing Officer and you will perform the duties and services assigned to you by the Company. You will report to Kenny Dichter, Chief Executive Officer, or such other person designated as the Chief Executive Officer. Your employment will be subject to all Company policies, procedures and practices as may currently exist or as may be modified or implemented in the future, including our Employee Handbook. This offer is made contingent upon the successful completion of the pre-employment process, including, but not limited to, satisfactory completion of a background check.
2.Place of Employment. The primary location for your employment will be remote at your home in Connecticut. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the duties to be performed by you hereunder are such that you may need to travel as reasonably required in accordance with the Company’s policy on travel and expenses.
3.Annual Salary. Your annual base salary will be $485,000 (the “Base Salary”), less payroll deductions and all required withholdings, payable in accordance with the Company’s payroll policies, as may be amended from time to time. As an exempt employee, you are not eligible for overtime under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
4.Signing Bonus. Upon commencement of employment, the Company shall pay you a signing bonus in the amount of $100,000, (“Signing Bonus”), less payroll deductions and all required withholdings, as long as you remain an active employee 30 days after your date of hire. If you resign your employment or you are terminated for cause within 12 months of your date of hire, the (“Signing Bonus”) shall be repaid within thirty (30) days of such resignation or termination.
For purposes of this letter, “cause” shall include: (i) material dishonesty in the performance of your duties hereunder; (ii) your failure, whether willful or intentional, to perform your duties hereunder (other than as a result of a disability); (iii) willful misconduct that would not be deemed immaterial in connection with the performance of your duties hereunder; (iv) conviction of, or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a crime that constitutes a felony, or with respect to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; (v) a material breach by you of any material covenant or provision contained in the Restrictive Covenants Agreement
(as defined below); (vi) the Company, after reasonable investigation, finds that the you have violated any material written policies of the Company, including, but not limited to, any code of conduct or ethics policies, or policies pertaining to harassment or discrimination; or (vii) a willful failure or refusal by you to comply with a written directive from the Company (unless such directive represents an illegal act).
5.Discretionary Bonus. Beginning in 2023, you will be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus plan. The annual bonus target amount for your position is equal to one hundred percent (100%) of your Base Salary. For the 2023 plan year, you will be eligible for a full-year non-prorated bonus target. Your payment of a bonus under the plan is made on an annual basis, based upon Company performance against company and individual performance targets, and can be increased or decreased based on the actual results, your individual performance toward key performance indicators, and any other factors determined in the sole discretion of the Company.
6.Special Equity Award. The Company will recommend to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“Compensation Committee”) that you be granted a one-time equity award of 1,250,000 restricted stock units (the “Special Equity Award”), which shall vest in equal, annual installments over a three-year period. The Special Equity Award shall be subject to the terms of the Company’s long-term incentive plans, and as may be amended from time to time at the discretion of the Company. The Special Equity Award grant is expected to be made commensurate with your date of hire.
7.Annual Equity Award. Commencing in 2024, you will be eligible for an Annual Equity Award. For the 2024 Annual Equity Award cycle, your target equity award value will be 125% of your salary however the final equity award is based on individual performance and is subject to approval by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
8.Executive Flight Hours: Provided you join the Wheels Up Core membership program by paying the current member rate, you shall receive, for 2023, in quarterly increments, twenty (20) bonus hours of flight time on a King Air 350i. Upon satisfying the membership requirements, within 10 days of your agreed upon start date, five (5) flight hours will be deposited into your account. Subsequently, five (5) hours will be deposited into your account at the end of each remaining calendar quarter for 2023. Thereafter, you shall receive twenty (20) bonus hours of flight time on a King Air 350i in accordance with the Executive Flight Hours plan established by the Company, as may be amended from time to time. In order to continue to utilize the awarded flight hours, you are required to pay the annual membership dues of the Wheels Up Core membership program.
9.Paid Time Off. You will be eligible for four (4) weeks of paid time off per calendar year in accordance with the Company’s paid time off policy, as may be amended from time to time.
10.Benefits. You will be entitled to the benefits that the Company customarily makes available to employees in positions comparable to yours. Please refer to the plan documents for more details, including eligibility. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend, change or cancel the benefits at any time.
11.Employment Relationship. In accepting this offer, you understand and agree that your employment with the Company will be “at-will.” This means that your employment is not for any specific length of time and that either you or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice. You further
understand and acknowledge that there is no written or oral contract providing you with any definite or specific term of employment. You further understand and agree that due to your at-will status, the Company may, at any time, modify the terms of your employment, including, but not limited to, your job title, job responsibilities, compensation and benefits.
12.Severance Plan. Although your employment is at-will, if the Company terminates your employment without cause (as such term is defined herein) or you resign your employment for good reason (as such term is commonly understood), upon separation you will be entitled to receive severance as set forth in the Company’s Executive Severance Plan; however, you will be credited one year of service at the date of hire and will not be subject to a prorated benefit schedule.
13.Conditions of Employment. Simultaneous with the execution of this letter agreement, you shall sign the Employee Confidentiality Agreement and Restrictive Covenants (“Restrictive Covenant Agreement”), a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix A. You acknowledge that your employment with the Company is conditioned upon the execution and delivery of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the terms thereof shall be fully incorporated herein.
14.Board Positions. It is the Company’s policy that senior executives limit outside Board activity to one Board of Directors position. You may not serve on the Board of Directors or Advisory Board of more than one for-profit company without the prior written consent of the Company. You may serve as an officer, manager or director of or otherwise participate in charitable, educational, welfare, social, religious and civic organizations so long as such activities do not interfere with your employment with the Company.
15.No Other Understandings. This letter agreement sets forth our entire agreement and understanding and supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in writing, between you and the Company and/or its affiliates and any of their respective officers, directors, managers and/or principals.
16.Other Conditions and Obligations. By signing this agreement, you represent that you are not subject to any currently effective employment contract, or any other contractual or other binding obligation, including without limitation, any obligation relating to non-competition, confidentiality, trade secrets, proprietary information or works for hire, that would restrict your employment or employment activities with or on behalf of the Company. In your work for the Company, you will be expected not to use or disclose any confidential information, including trade secrets, of any former employer or other person to whom you have an obligation of confidentiality. You agree that you will not bring onto Company premises any unpublished documents or property belonging to any former employer or other person to whom you have any obligation of confidentiality.
17.Business Time. The employee shall devote full working time, energy, attention, and talents to the performance of the duties and responsibilities hereunder. You may not, without the prior written consent of the Chief Executive Officer directly or indirectly, operate, participate in the management, operations or control of, or act as an employee, officer, consultant, partner, member agent or representative of, any type of business or service other than as an employee of the Company.
18.Truthful Representations. You acknowledge and confirm that all of the representations you have made and all of the information that you have provided to the Company on any employment application, resume or any other document, or orally during the interview
process, concerning, among other things, your prior employment history, education, experience and other qualifications, are true and correct. You understand and agree that any falsifications, misrepresentations, or omissions with respect to any of the representations and information that you have made or provided to the Company may be grounds for the withdrawal of this offer of employment or, if hired, the termination of your employment.
You further understand and acknowledge that your employment with the Company is contingent upon your satisfactory completion of background and drug checks, as applicable, that are conducted by the Company and your completion of Section 1 of the Form I-9 on or before the end of your first (1st) day of employment and your presentation of your original documentation verifying your work eligibility and identification on or before the end of your third (3rd) day of employment.
[Signature Page Follows]
Please indicate your acceptance of our offer on the terms set forth above by signing in the appropriate space below and returning this letter to Stevens.Sainte-Rose@wheelsup.com no later than two (2) business days from the date hereof. The offer contained herein shall automatically expire two business days from the date hereof. We are excited at the prospect of you joining our team and look forward to having you on board.
Sincerely,
/s/ Kenny Dichter 5/2/2023
Kenny Dichter
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Kristen Lauria 5/2/2023
Kristen Lauria
APPENDIX A
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT AND RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
As an employee of or service provider to Wheels Up Partners LLC (together with its affiliates and direct and indirect subsidiaries, “Wheels Up” or the “Company”), I recognize that Wheels Up operates in an intensely competitive environment, especially with respect to the innovation, services and pricing that Wheels Up provides, and the customers it develops and seeks to develop. I further recognize that Wheels Up’s relationships with its customers, employees, Wheels Up Business Partners (as defined below) and others with whom it has business dealings (collectively, “Business Relationships”) are considered to be valuable and critical assets of Wheels Up. I also understand that, during my employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up, I will develop and have access to Wheels Up’s Confidential Information (as defined below). I recognize that Wheels Up has expended substantial resources in support of my work and to develop and maintain its Business Relationships and Confidential Information. I understand that Wheels Up’s Confidential Information is not known outside of Wheels Up, that Wheels Up guards the secrecy of its Confidential Information, and that such Confidential Information is of great competitive value to Wheels Up. To protect and prevent the unauthorized disclosure of Wheels Up’s Confidential Information and to protect its Business Relationships, I hereby agree that all provisions of this Confidentiality Agreement and Restrictive Covenants (this “Restrictive Covenant Agreement”) are essential and material terms and conditions of my employment or other service relationship:
1.Non-Competition. For as long as I am employed or otherwise engaged by Wheels Up, I shall devote my full time and efforts to Wheels Up and shall not participate, directly or indirectly, in any business or activity that is in competition with Wheels Up. During the twelve (12) month period following the effective date of the termination of my Wheels Up employment or other service relationship, I agree not to directly or indirectly acquire any interest in, manage, control, participate in, consult with, become employed by, or render services to a Wheels Up Competitor (as defined below) in the United States or Canada. This provision shall not prohibit me from being a passive owner of not more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding stock of any class of securities of a corporation that is publicly traded, so long as I have no active participation in the business of such corporation.
2.Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference. I agree that, during my employment or other service relationship and for a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the termination of my employment or other service relationship for any reason, I will not, in any capacity, directly or indirectly:
a.Solicit (as defined below) or attempt to Solicit any Restricted Wheels Up Customer (as defined below) for the purpose of providing to such customer products or services that are competitive with the products or services provided by Wheels Up to such Restricted Wheels Up Customer; or
b.encourage, entice or induce any Restricted Wheels Up Customer or Wheels Up Business Partner to transfer its business or patronage from Wheels Up; or
c.provide services or products to any Restricted Wheels Up Customer that are similar or substantially related to the services or products that Wheels Up provides or has provided to such Restricted Wheels Up Customer; or
d.Solicit, encourage, entice or induce any Wheels Up employee to leave his or her employment with Wheels Up; or
e.directly or indirectly hire or cause any person to be hired who was employed by Wheels Up at the time of the termination of my Wheels Up employment or during any of the twelve (12) months preceding such termination.
3.Non-Disclosure. I agree to hold Wheels Up’s Confidential Information in the strictest of confidence and further agree that, during my employment, and at all times after its termination for whatever reason, I will not, in any capacity, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, publish or make available to any person or entity any of Wheels Up’s Confidential Information, except (i) such as may be necessary on behalf of Wheels Up, on a “need to know” basis, in the ordinary course of performing my duties as a Wheels Up employee, (ii) in response to a subpoena or as otherwise required by law, provided in the case of a subpoena, I must first provide notice to the Company so that it may evaluate whether to seek to quash any such subpoena, or (ii) to my advisors within the scope of providing services to me, provided they agree in writing not to disclose such Confidential Information in accordance with the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.
4.Intellectual Property. I agree that Wheels Up is the sole and exclusive owner of all right, title and interest in all discoveries, developments, designs, improvements, inventions, innovations, processes, techniques, algorithms, technologies, programs, software, works of authorship, know-how and data (whether or not registrable under copyright, trademark or patent statutes), patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks and proprietary information which I may make, conceive, develop, produce, learn, process or acquire, either individually or jointly with others, while providing services as an employee or other service provider of Wheels Up and all the goodwill associated therewith (collectively, the “Intellectual Property”). I shall promptly and fully disclose to Wheels Up all Intellectual Property. I acknowledge and agree that Intellectual Property that is a work of authorship is a “work for hire” (as that term is used under U.S. copyright law), and Wheels Up (or its affiliates, associated companies, successors, assigns or nominees) shall be the sole owner of all copyrights in or connected with such Intellectual Property, including, without limitation, all drawings, memoranda, notes, records, files, correspondence, manuals, models, specifications, computer programs, maps and all other writings or materials of any type embodying any such Intellectual Property. I hereby waive any moral rights that I may have with respect to the Intellectual Property. I hereby irrevocably assign and agree to assign to Wheels Up (or its affiliates, members, associated companies, successors, assigns or nominees) my entire right, title and interest in the Intellectual Property, present and future. I agree to take all reasonable actions and cooperate as is necessary to protect and preserve the intellectual and proprietary rights in the Intellectual Property and further agree to promptly execute and deliver any specific assignments or other papers and lawful documents that might be necessary to perfect the sole right, title and interest in Wheels Up (or its affiliates, members, associated companies, successors, assigns or nominees) in the Intellectual Property covered in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and promptly execute and deliver any and all papers and lawful documents required or necessary to obtain and maintain effective patent, copyright or other protection in the Intellectual Property by Wheels Up (or its affiliates, members, associated companies, successors, assigns or nominees) or that might otherwise be reasonably requested by Wheels Up, during and after my employment or other service relationship. I irrevocably designate and appoint Wheels Up and its duly authorized officers and agents as my agent and attorney-in-fact to execute and file any and all applications and other necessary documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution, issuance or enforcement of patents, copyrights, trade secrets and similar protections related to such Intellectual Property with the same legal force and effect as if I had executed them myself. I warrant and represent that, as of the date hereof, I own no inventions (whether patentable or not), patents, trade secrets, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, or other intellectual property that, if developed during my employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up, would be considered “Intellectual Property” hereunder, and that I have not executed and will not execute any document or instrument in conflict herewith.
5.Return of Property. I agree that immediately upon termination of my employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up for whatever reason, I will return to Wheels Up all of its property and information, including all copies thereof, in whatever form maintained, including, without limitation, documents, records, files, lists (including customer lists and prospective customer lists) and all of Wheels Up’s Confidential Information, and will delete all references to such property and information, including Wheels Up’s Confidential Information, from any personal mechanical or electronic files or
devices I own or maintain, in whatever form, after providing only to Wheels Up a hard, electrical and/or computerized copy, in usable and readable format, of such property and information.
6.Subsequent Employment. I will provide a copy of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement to any prospective employer or other person or entity that is considering me for employment, so that the obligations and restrictions of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement are fully disclosed.
7.Injunctive Relief. I agree that money damages would be both incalculable and an insufficient remedy for any breach by me of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and that any such actual, threatened or continuing breach will cause Wheels Up irreparable harm. In the event of any such breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, Wheels Up shall be entitled, without the requirement of posting a bond, to equitable relief, including temporary, preliminary or permanent injunctive relief and specific performance against me, in any court of competent jurisdiction. Such equitable relief shall not be the exclusive remedy for any breach by me of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement but shall be in addition to any other damages or remedies available at law or in equity to Wheels Up. Wheels Up’s failure to pursue any of its rights under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or similar agreements with others shall not prejudice any of Wheels Up’s rights under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.
8.Reasonable Terms. I agree that the terms and restrictions of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement are legitimate and reasonable in light of my access to Confidential Information, substantial contacts with Wheels Up’s customers, and Wheels Up’s need to develop and market its services and products. I acknowledge that Wheels Up markets and sells its services and/or products in North America and that it is reasonable to restrict my activities in the United States and Canada during the time periods provided for herein in accordance with this Restrictive Covenant Agreement. I further acknowledge that after the termination of my employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up for any reason, I will be able to earn a livelihood without violating the foregoing restrictions.
9.Non-Disparagement. I agree that I will not at any time, during or after my employment, to the extent permitted by law, disparage, criticize or ridicule Wheels Up or any affiliated or related entity or current or former officers, directors or employees of Wheels Up, to any individuals or entities with whom Wheels Up or any affiliated or related entity has or may have a business relationship or to any third party in the financial services community. Further, I will not make any negative public comments regarding Wheels Up or any affiliated entity by way of news interviews, posting comments on, or publishing internet blogs or webpages (whether or not done anonymously), or publishing and/or circulating any other form of media, or the expression of my personal views, opinions or judgments to the media, internet blogs or webpages, or otherwise (whether or not done anonymously). The foregoing shall not be violated by truthful statements in response to legal process, required governmental testimony or filings, or administrative or arbitral proceedings (including, without limitation, depositions in connection with such proceedings), and the foregoing shall not apply to any claims for harassment or discrimination to the extent so restricted by applicable state law.
10.Enforceability. In the unlikely event that any of the covenants or provisions contained in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, or any part thereof, is held to be unenforceable because of their duration, scope or the geographic area covered thereby, or for any other reason, the court making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration, scope and/or geographic area thereof, or otherwise modify such covenant or provision, and enforce such covenant or provision in its reduced or modified form. If any of the covenants or provisions contained in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, or any part thereof, is held to be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, the same shall not affect the remainder of the covenants or provisions which shall be given full force and effect without regard to the invalid portions.
11.Definitions:
“Confidential Information” means information that has or could have commercial value or other utility in the business in which Wheels Up is engaged, and all information which, if disclosed without authorization, could be detrimental to the interests of Wheels Up, including, without limitation, information regarding the identity of Wheels Up customers, prospective customers and business plans. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, discoveries, ideas, inventions (whether patentable or not), trade secrets, techniques, and other know-how, business methods, strategies, plans, products, marketing programs, pricing of goods and services, specifications, drawings, sketches, models, samples, data, computer programs, databases, applications, software, documentation, and other technical and business information, works of authorship (whether published or unpublished), customer lists, customer preference and other customer information, prospective customer information, and vendor information. Confidential Information also includes any information received from third parties that Wheels Up is obligated to treat as confidential or proprietary. Confidential Information shall not include information that becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of my disclosure.
“Restricted Wheels Up Customer” means any Wheels Up customer that I worked with, serviced, or became aware of as a result of my Wheels Up employment or other service relationship.
“Solicit” means to initiate any contact or communication of any kind, including, without limitation, an offer, announcement (including an announcement of a new affiliation), invitation or any request to transact business other than on behalf of Wheels Up, other than by means of a general announcement, posting or communication in a classified advertisement or the like, not targeted in any manner to any person or company against which there is a restriction against making a solicitation in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.
“Wheels Up Business Partner” means any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other entity from which Wheels Up purchases or otherwise acquires supplies, materials, services or financing, including, but not limited to, Wheels Up’s suppliers, distributors, advertising agency, public relations agency, vendors and investors.
“Wheels Up Competitor” means any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other entity whose principal business involves marketing, soliciting or selling products or services materially and directly competitive with products or services being developed, produced, marketed or sold by Wheels Up as of the date of my termination. By way of example, Wheels Up Competitors as of the date hereof include NetJets, Directional Aviation, Flexjet, Sentient, Flight Options, XOJet, Vista Jet, JetLinx, FlyExclusive, PrivateFly and PlaneSense.
12.Nature of Employment or Service Relationship. As applicable, I agree that this Restrictive Covenant Agreement does not alter my at-will employment at Wheels Up and is in addition to and not a limitation on any other terms or conditions of my employment. I further agree that my continued employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up, as well as the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement by and between the Company and me, dated concurrent herewith, constitutes good and valuable consideration for this Restrictive Covenant Agreement. I have consulted or been given an opportunity to consult with my personal attorney before signing this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.
13.State and Commonwealth Law Modifications. I agree that if I, on the last day of my employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up (for any reason), primarily reside and work in California, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington or Wisconsin, I am subject to the modifications to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement set forth in Exhibit I applying to such state and to the extent such state law applies.
14.Governing Law. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall be governed and enforced under the laws of the State of New York, without regard to any conflicts of laws principles thereof that would call for the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction. Any action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any right arising out of, this Restrictive Covenant Agreement may be brought against either of the parties in the courts of the State of New York located in New York County, or if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the Southern District
of New York, and each of the parties hereby consents to the jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such action or proceeding and waives any objection to venue laid therein. Process in any action or proceeding referred to in the preceding sentence may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the State of New York.
[Signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the employee have caused this Restrictive Covenant Agreement to be executed on their behalf, by their duly authorized representatives, as of the dates set forth below.
WHEELS UP PARTNERS LLC EMPLOYEE
By: /s/ Kenny Dichter /s/ Kristen Lauria
Name: Kenny Dichter Name: Kristen Lauria
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Date: 5/2/2023 Date: 5/2/2023
EXHIBIT I
STATE AND COMMONWEALTH LAW MODIFICATIONS
This Exhibit I to the Confidentiality Agreement and Restrictive Covenants Agreement (the “Restrictive Covenant Agreement”) includes jurisdiction-specific “Addenda,” which modify the Restrictive Covenant Agreement as applied to individuals who primarily reside and work in one of the applicable jurisdictions, but only to the extent the laws of such jurisdiction are applicable to the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. The Addenda of this Exhibit I should be read in conjunction with the rest of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement and enforced to the fullest extent permissible to protect Wheels Up’s legitimate business interests.
CALIFORNIA ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” apply during my employment with Wheels Up, but do not apply post-employment, during such time that my base location is in California.
No. 2:
The covenants in Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” apply during my employment with Wheels Up, but do not apply post-employment, during such time that my base location is in California.
No. 3:
Section 4 “Intellectual Property” is supplemented by the following:
The terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement requiring disclosure and assignment of inventions to Wheels Up do not apply to any invention that qualifies fully under California Labor Code Section 2870, which reads:
(a) Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions that either:
(1) Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer; or
(2) Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.
(b) To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.
While employed, I will advise Wheels Up promptly in writing of any inventions that I believe meet the criteria in California Labor Code Section 2870 for a confidential ownership determination.
No. 4:
Section 9 “Non-Disparagement” is stricken and replaced by the following:
During the term of my employment or other service relationship with Wheels Up and at all times thereafter, I will not directly, or through any other person or entity, make any public or private statements that are disparaging of Wheels Up, its affiliates or subsidiaries, or their respective businesses or employees, officers, directors, or stockholders, or any product or service offered by Wheels Up, except as otherwise allowed by law, including California Government Code Section 12964.5.
No. 5:
Section 13 “Governing Law” shall substitute “California” for “New York” with respect to the choice of law and forum, during such time that I primarily reside and work in California.
ILLINOIS ADDENDUM
(effective as of January 1, 2022)
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” shall only apply if, at the time of my termination of employment (for any reason), (i) my actual or expected annualized rate of earnings exceeds $75,000 per year beginning January 1, 2022, $80,000 per year beginning on January 1, 2027, $85,000 per year beginning on January 1, 2032, or $90,000 per year beginning on January 1, 2037, and (ii) I am not covered by a collective bargaining agreement under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act or the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act.
In the event that (i) Section 1 “Non-Competition” applies based on the foregoing paragraph and (ii) Wheels Up terminates me or furloughs me or lays me off as the result of business circumstances or governmental orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, or under circumstances that are similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, then Section 1 “Non-Competition” shall be supplemented by the following language:
If Wheels Up enforces the restrictions in this Section 1 for a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of termination of my employment as the result of business circumstances or governmental orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, or under circumstances that are similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will pay me, during such period, an amount equal to my base salary at the time of termination for the period of enforcement, minus compensation earned through subsequent employment during the period of enforcement. Such payments will be made on a pro-rata basis during the period of enforcement in the same manner that I would have received base salary payments from Wheels Up had I been employed during such period.
No. 2:
The covenants in Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” shall only apply if, at the time of my termination of employment (for any reason), my actual or expected annualized rate of earnings exceeds $45,000 per year beginning January 1, 2022, $47,500 per year beginning on January 1, 2027, $50,000 per year beginning on January 1, 2032, and $52,500 per year beginning on January 1, 2037.
No. 3:
Section 8 “Reasonable Terms” is supplemented by the following:
In addition, I acknowledge and agree that the non-competition restrictions contained in Section 1 of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement are no greater than are required for the protection of Wheels Up’s legitimate business interests, such restrictions do not impose undue hardship on me and the restrictions are not injurious to the public.
No. 4:
Section 9 “Non-Disparagement” is supplemented by the following:
Further, Wheels Up hereby informs me the foregoing is not intended to bar me from disclosing or communicating any claims protected under the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act.
No. 5:
The final sentence of Section 12 “Nature of Employment” is stricken and replaced by the following:
I acknowledge and agree that Wheels Up advised me to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and further advised me that I have at least fourteen (14) calendar days within which to review and consider this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and that, if I sign this Restrictive Covenant Agreement in less time, I have done so voluntarily.
No. 6:
Section 13 “Governing Law” shall substitute “Illinois” for “New York” with respect to the choice of law and forum, during such time that I primarily reside and work in Illinois.
LOUISIANA ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The geographic scope in Section 1 “Non-Competition” is limited to that geographic area where I had performed material responsibilities for Wheels Up, represented Wheels Up or had business contact with Restricted Wheels Up Customers in the two (2) year period preceding the termination of my employment from Wheels Up. This restricted geographic area (the “Restricted Area”) shall encompass the following Louisiana parishes: Acadia Parish, Allen Parish, Ascension Parish, Assumption Parish, Avoyelles Parish, Beauregard Parish, Bienville Parish, Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish, Calcasieu Parish, Caldwell Parish, Cameron Parish, Catahoula Parish, Claiborne Parish, Concordia Parish, DeSoto Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, East Carroll Parish, East Feliciana Parish, Evangeline Parish, Franklin Parish, Grant Parish, Iberia Parish, Iberville Parish, Jackson Parish, Jefferson Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish, Lafayette Parish, Lafourche Parish, LaSalle Parish, Lincoln Parish, Livingston Parish, Madison Parish, Morehouse Parish, Natchitoches Parish, Orleans Parish, Ouachita Parish, Plaquemines Parish, Pointe Coupee Parish, Rapides Parish, Red River Parish, Richland Parish, Sabine Parish, St. Bernard Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. Helena Parish, St. James Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, St. Mary Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Tensas Parish, Terrebonne Parish, Union Parish, Vermilion Parish, Vernon Parish, Washington Parish, Webster Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, West Carroll Parish, West Feliciana Parish, and Winn Parish, all so long as the business of Wheels Up is transacted therein.
No. 2:
The lead-in to Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” is stricken and replaced by the following:
I agree that, during my employment or other service relationship and for a period of twelve (12) months following the effective date of the termination of my employment or other service relationship for any reason, I will not, in any capacity, directly or indirectly, within the Restricted Area, as defined in Section 2:…
No. 3:
Section 13 “Governing Law” shall substitute “Louisiana” for “New York” with respect to the choice of law and forum, during such time that I primarily reside and work in Louisiana.
MASSACHUSETTS ADDENDUM
No. 1:
Section 1 “Non-Competition” is stricken and replaced by the following:
1. Non-Competition. In exchange for Wheels Up providing me the consideration set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement by and between the Company and me, dated concurrent herewith, I agree that during my employment and for a period of twelve (12) months from the “Termination Date” (i.e., the date of my voluntary termination of employment or of the involuntary termination of my employment with Cause (as defined below)), I will not, directly or indirectly, engage in “Competition” (as defined below) within the “Geographic Region” (as defined below).
(a) “Cause” means misconduct, violation of any policy of Wheels Up, including any rule of conduct or standard of ethics of Wheels Up, breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement (including this Addendum) or the breach of any confidentiality, non-disclosure, non-solicitation or assignment of inventions obligations to Wheels Up, failure to meet Wheels Up’s reasonable performance expectations, or other grounds directly and reasonably related to the legitimate business needs of Wheels Up.
(c) “Competition” means to provide the same or substantially similar services to a Wheels Up Competitor as those that I provided to Wheels Up during the last two (2) years of my employment with Wheels Up. “Competition” does not include passive investments of less than two percent (2%) ownership interest in any entity.
(d) “Geographic Region” means the geographic area in which I, during any time within the last two years of my employment with Wheels Up, provided services or had a material presence or influence.
(e) If Wheels Up enforces the restrictions in this Section 1 for a period of time after the Termination Date (the “Restraint Period”), it will pay me, during the Restraint Period, an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of my annual base salary. My annual base salary, for the purposes of this Section 1(e), will be calculated based on my average annual salary for my last two (2) years of employment, less any applicable deductions, and excluding any incentive compensation, bonuses, benefits, or other compensation, less any applicable deductions (the “Restraint Payment”). The Restraint Payment will be paid on a pro-rata basis during the Restraint Period in the same manner that I would have received wages from Wheels Up had I been employed during the Restraint Period.
(f) The Restraint Period shall be extended from twelve (12) months following the Termination Date to twenty-four (24) months following the Termination Date if I (i) breached my fiduciary duty(ies) to Wheels Up or (ii) unlawfully took, physically or electronically, property belonging to Wheels Up. In the event that the Restraint Period is extended due to my breach of my fiduciary duty(ies) to Wheels Up, or due to my having unlawfully taken, physically or electronically, property belonging to Wheels Up, Wheels Up shall not be required to provide payments to me during the extension of the Restraint Period.
(g) I understand that if Wheels Up elects to waive the non-competition provisions set forth herein, I will not receive any compensation or consideration described in Section 1(e). I further understand that at the time of my separation from employment, Wheels Up shall elect whether to waive its enforcement of the non-competition provisions in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement (including this Massachusetts Addendum). I will be notified by Wheels Up of its election or waiver by letter, in a form of the following notice:
Wheels Up Partners LLC (the “Company”), pursuant to Section 1 of the Massachusetts Addendum (dated ___________, 20__) to the Confidentiality Agreement and Restrictive Covenants (the “Restrictive Covenant Agreement”), in its sole discretion, elects to:
Enforce the twelve (12) month Restraint Period according to Section 1 of the Addendum. As agreed to by the parties, the Company agrees to
pay the employee the amounts described in Section 1(e) of the Addendum.
Waive enforcement of the Restraint Period. The undersigned employee shall not receive any compensation or consideration pursuant to Section 1(e) of the Addendum.
Regardless of the election or waiver, the undersigned employee remains bound by all other terms of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and also remains bound by the terms of any and all other agreements between the undersigned employee and the Company.
(h) If I was already employed by Wheels Up on the date of my signature on this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, I acknowledge that this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, including this Massachusetts Addendum, was delivered to me at least ten (10) business days before the date that this Addendum was executed by both of the parties. If I was not already employed by Wheels Up on the date of my signature on this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, I acknowledge that this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, including this Massachusetts Addendum, was delivered to me (i) before a formal offer of employment was made by Wheels Up, or (ii) ten (10) business days before the commencement of my employment with Wheels Up, whichever was earlier.
(i) I acknowledge that I have been advised of my right to consult with counsel of my own choosing prior to signing this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and this Massachusetts Addendum. By signing this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and this Addendum, I acknowledge that I had time to read and understand the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and this Addendum, and to consult with my own legal counsel, not including counsel for Wheels Up, regarding this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Addendum prior to their execution. I agree that I have actually read and understand this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and this Addendum and all of their terms, and that I am entering into and signing this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and this Addendum knowingly and voluntarily, and that in doing so I am not relying upon any statements or representations by Wheels Up or its agents.
(j) I acknowledge that (i) the Non-Competition covenant contained in this Section 1 is no broader than necessary to protect Wheels Up’s trade secrets, Confidential Information, and goodwill, and (ii) the business interests identified in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement cannot be adequately protected through restrictive covenants other than the Non-Competition covenant contained in this Section 1, including, without limitation, the non-solicitation and non-disclosure restrictions set forth in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.
No. 2:
Section 8 “Reasonable Terms” is supplemented by the following:
In addition, I agree that the restrictions contained in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement are reasonable and necessary to protect Wheels Up’s legitimate business interests and that full compliance with the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement will not prevent me from earning a livelihood following the termination of my employment, and that these covenants do not place an undue restraint on me. I further understand that the restrictions in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement – other than the non-competition restrictions set forth in Section 1 – apply no matter whether my employment is terminated by Wheels Up or me and no matter whether that termination is voluntary or involuntary. I understand that the non-competition provisions in Section 1 apply following the voluntary termination of my employment or the involuntary termination of my employment for Cause, as defined in Section 1, unless Wheels Up elects to waive the non-competition provisions of Section 1 as set forth in Section 1(g).
No. 3:
Section 13 “Governing Law” is supplemented by the following:
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interpretation, validity, and enforcement of the non-competition provisions set forth in Section of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and Massachusetts Addendum will be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to any conflicts of laws principles that would require the application of the law of another jurisdiction. The parties agree that any action relating to or arising out of the non-competition provisions shall be brought in (1) the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Eastern Division, if that court has subject matter jurisdiction over the dispute, or, if it does not, in (2) the Business Litigation Session of the Suffolk County Superior Court, or, if the Business Litigation Session does not accept the case for whatever reason whatsoever, the Suffolk County Superior Court. The parties agree and consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of the federal or state courts of Massachusetts for resolution of any disputes or litigation arising under or in connection with the non-competition provisions set forth in Section 1 of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and this Massachusetts Addendum, and waive any objections or defenses to personal jurisdiction or venue in any such proceeding before any such court.
No. 4:
A new Section 14 “Survival” is added as follows:
I agree that all non-solicitation, non-disclosure and use, non-recruiting, and disclosure obligations in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall survive any termination of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and extend to the proscribed periods following my last day of employment with Wheels Up (for any reason), and no dispute regarding any other provisions of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or regarding my employment or the termination of my employment shall prevent the operation and enforcement of these obligations. I further agree that all non-competition obligations in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall survive the voluntary termination of my employment or the involuntary termination of my employment for Cause, as defined in Section 1, unless Wheels Up elects to waive the non-competition provisions of Section as set forth in Section 1(g), and no dispute regarding any other provisions of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or regarding my employment or the termination of my employment shall prevent the operation and enforcement of these obligations.
NEBRASKA ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The obligations under Section 1 “Non-Competition” do not apply to a Nebraska employee doing business in Nebraska, but do apply, as stated, to other competitive activity.
No. 2:
The obligations under Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Solicitation” are strictly limited to those current and existing Restricted Wheels Up Customers or employees with whom I actually did business and had direct, personal contact while employed by Wheels Up.
All other covenants, agreements and promises contained in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement remain in full force and effect and still apply to Nebraska employees doing business inside and outside of Nebraska.
OKLAHOMA ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” do not apply to me if my base location is in Oklahoma.
No. 2:
Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” is amended such that the following language solely applies:
I covenant and agree that for a period of twelve (12) months after my employment with Wheels Up ends (for any reason), I will not directly solicit the sale of goods, services or a combination of goods and services from the established customers of Wheels Up.
PUERTO RICO ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” and Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” are stricken and replaced by the following covenants and definitions:
1. Non-Competition. I acknowledge and agree that Wheels Up would be irreparably damaged if I – in any capacity (i.e., as an independent contractor, consultant, employee, shareholder, member, owner or business partner) – were to provide services to any person directly or indirectly competing with Wheels Up or any of its affiliates or Engaged (as defined below) in a Competing Business (as defined below) and that such competition by me would result in a significant loss of Goodwill (as defined below) by Wheels Up. Therefore, I agree that the following are reasonable restrictions and agree to be bound by such restrictions:
(a) During my employment, and for a period of twelve (12) months immediately following the termination of such employment for any reason, I shall not, directly or indirectly – in any capacity (i.e., as an independent contractor, consultant, employee, shareholder, member, owner or business partner) – Engage in Competing Business services or activities within the Restricted Territory (as defined below); provided, that nothing herein shall prohibit me from being a passive owner of not more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded so long as I do not have any active participation in the business of such corporation.
(b) I warrant and represent that the nature and extent of this non-competition clause has been fully explained to me by Wheels Up and that my decision to accept the same is made voluntarily, knowingly, intelligently and free from any undue pressure or coercion. I further warrant and represent that I have agreed to this non-competition clause in consideration of the Restricted Stock Unit Award I will be receiving in conjunction with the execution of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.
(c) For purposes of this Section 1 and Section 2, below, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:
“Similar Business” means the same or substantially the same business activity or activities performed or engaged by me for, or on behalf, of the business of Wheels Up or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies.
“Engage” means participate in, consult with, be employed by, or assist with the organization, policy making, ownership, financing, management, operation or control of any Similar Business in any capacity (i.e., as an independent contractor, consultant, employee, shareholder, member-owner, or business partner).
“Goodwill” means any tendency of customers, distributors, representatives, employees, vendors, suppliers, or federal, state, local or foreign governmental entities to continue or renew any valuable business relationship with Wheels Up or any Similar Business with which I may be associated, based in whole or in part on past successful relationships with Wheels Up or the lawful efforts of Wheels Up to foster such relationships, and in which I actively participated at any time during the most recent twelve (12) months of my employment.
“Competing Business” means any individual (including me), corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, or other entity, regardless of form, that is
directly engaged in whole or in relevant part in any business or enterprise that is the same as, or substantially the same as, that part of Wheels Up for which I provided services during the last two (2) years of my employment, or that is taking material steps to engage in such business.
“Customers” means those individuals, companies, or other entities for which Wheels Up has provided or does provide products or services in connection with the business of Wheels Up, or those individuals, companies, or other entities to which Wheels Up has provided written proposals concerning the business of Wheels Up in the two (2) year period preceding the termination of my employment.
“Restricted Territory” means those municipalities within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in which I performed the Competing Business.
2. Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference.
(a) Non-Solicitation of Customers. I agree that for a period of twelve (12) months following the voluntary or involuntary termination of my employment for any reason, I will not, either on my own behalf or for any Competing Business, directly or indirectly solicit, divert, or appropriate (or attempt to solicit, divert, or appropriate) any Customer with which I had material business contact in the six (6) month period preceding the termination of my employment, for providing products or services that are the same as or substantially similar to those provided by Wheels Up.
(b) Non-Solicitation of Employees. I recognize and admit that Wheels Up has a legitimate business interest in retaining its employees, representatives, agents and/or consultants and of protecting its business from previous employees, representatives, agents and/or consultants, which makes necessary the establishment of a non-solicitation clause in the Agreement. I agree that for a period of twelve (12) months following the voluntary or involuntary termination of my employment for any reason, I shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee, representative, agent or consultant of Wheels Up or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries to leave the employ or services of Wheels Up or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, or in any way interfere with the relationship between Wheels Up or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries and any employee, representative, agent or consultant thereof, or (ii) hire any person who was an employee, representative, agent or consultant of Wheels Up or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries at any time during the twelve (12) month period immediately prior to the date on which such hiring would take place. No action by another person or entity shall be deemed to be a breach of this provision unless I directly or indirectly assisted, encouraged or otherwise counseled such person or entity to engage in such activity.
No. 2:
Section 10 “Enforceability” is stricken in its entirety.
No. 3:
Section 13 “Governing Law” is supplemented by the following:
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the laws of Puerto Rico will govern the interpretation, validity, and enforcement of the non-competition provisions set forth in Section 1 of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and Puerto Rico Addendum.
SOUTH CAROLINA ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” and Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” are stricken and replaced by the following covenants and definitions:
1. Non-Competition.
(a) I agree that for a period of twelve (12) months following the voluntary or involuntary termination of my employment for any reason, I will not, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, join, control, be employed by or with, or participate in any manner with a Competing Business (as defined below) anywhere in the Restricted Territory (as defined below) where doing so will require me to provide the same or substantially similar services to any such Competing Business as those that I provided to Wheels Up during the last two (2) years of my employment.
(b) For purposes of this Section 1 and Section 2, below, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:
“Competing Business” means any individual (including me), corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, or other entity, regardless of form, that is directly engaged in whole or in relevant part in any business or enterprise that is the same as, or substantially the same as, that part of Wheels Up for which I provided services during the last two (2) years of my employment, or that is taking material steps to engage in such business.
“Customers” means those individuals, companies, or other entities for which Wheels Up has provided or does provide products or services in connection with the business of Wheels Up, or those individuals, companies, or other entities to which Wheels Up has provided written proposals concerning the business of Wheels Up in the two (2) year period preceding the termination of my employment.
“Restricted Territory” means:
(1) the counties or areas where I worked for Wheels Up or had material business contact with the Customers in the two (2) year period preceding the termination of my employment with Wheels Up: and/or
(2) the geographic territory in which I worked for Wheels Up, represented Wheels Up, or had material business contact with the Customers in the two (2) year period preceding the termination of my employment with Wheels Up.
I agree that subsections (1) and (2) above are separate and severable covenants.
2. Non-Solicitation of Customers. I agree that for a period of two (2) years following the voluntary or involuntary termination of my employment for any reason, I will not, either on my own behalf or for any Competing Business, directly or indirectly solicit, divert, or appropriate, or attempt to solicit, divert, or appropriate any Customer with which I had material business contact in the two (2) year period preceding the termination of my employment, for the purposes of providing products or services that are the same as or substantially similar to those provided by Wheels Up.
No. 2:
The definition of “Confidential Information” in Section 11 is further limited to that Confidential Information I learn about or am exposed to through my employment with Wheels Up.
VIRGINIA ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The geographic scope in Section 1 “Non-Competition” is limited to twenty-five (25) miles from any location where I physically worked and performed material responsibilities for Wheels Up.
No. 2:
Section 1 “Non-Competition” and Section 2 “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” shall not apply if, at the time of my termination of employment (for any reason), I am considered a “low-wage
employee” pursuant to Virginia Code § 40.1-28.7:8(A), meaning that I earn less than the average weekly wage of the Commonwealth of Virginia as determined by subsection B of Virginia Code § 65.2-500.
No. 3:
Sections 2(d) and 2(e) “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” are stricken and replaced by the following:
d. Solicit, encourage, entice or induce any Wheels Up employee to leave his or her employment with Wheels Up and become employed by a Wheels Up Competitor; or
e. with respect to any person who was employed by Wheels Up at the time of the termination of my Wheels Up employment or during any of the twelve (12) months preceding such termination, directly or indirectly hire or cause any such person to be hired by a Wheels Up Competitor.
WASHINGTON ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” are stricken and replaced by the following:
1. Non-Competition.
(a) The non-competition provisions of this Section 1 shall only apply when my annualized salaried exceeds the compensation requirements of the Restrictions on Noncompetition Covenants Bill 5478 as codified in RCW 49.
(b) I agree that during my employment with Wheels Up and for twelve (12) months after the termination of my employment for any reason, I will not, directly or indirectly, engage in Competing Services (as defined below) with respect to any Competing Business Line (as defined below). I understand that the restrictions in this Section 1 apply no matter whether my employment is terminated by me or Wheels Up and no matter whether that termination is voluntary or involuntary. The above restrictions shall not apply to passive investments of less than two percent (2%) ownership interest in any entity. For purposes of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, “Competing Business Line” means any business that is in competition with any business engaged in by Wheels Up and for which I performed Competing Services during the two (2) years prior to my last day of employment with Wheels Up. For purposes of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, “Competing Services” means the same or similar responsibilities I performed for Wheels Up during the two (2) years prior to my last day of employment with Wheels Up and within the same geographic scope, or portion thereof, with respect to which I performed those responsibilities for Wheels Up.
(c) I agree that, if and after my employment with Wheels Up ends because of or in connection with a layoff or reduction-in-force, the non-competition provisions of Section 1(a) above will not be enforced by Wheels Up unless and to the extent that it pays me an amount that is equal to or greater than my base salary rate that is in effect on the last day of my employment with Wheels Up. Such payments will be made to me at regular payroll intervals for the duration of the twelve (12) month post-employment non-competition period or such shorter period during which Wheels Up enforces these non-competition provisions. I agree that I must promptly inform Wheels Up of the date on which I begin any other employment or engagement by, with or for the benefit of any other individual or entity, at which time I agree Wheels Up may and will terminate all such payments to me. Although such payments by Wheels Up will terminate when I commence employment or any other engagement by, with or for the benefit of another individual, entity or employer, I agree that the Section 1(a) non-competition restrictions will remain in effect until twelve (12) months after my Company employment ends. I also agree that if I fail to timely notify Wheels Up of any other employment or engagement, and if Wheels Up’s payments to me therefore continue after I have commenced any such employment or engagement, then any such payments to me will be deemed to be placed by me in constructive trust for the benefit of Wheels Up, and I agree that I must and will promptly return all such payments to Wheels Up.
No. 2:
Section 13 “Governing Law” is stricken and replaced by the following:
This Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington without giving effect to any conflict of law provisions. Any claim, dispute or declaration arising out of or in connection with this Restrictive Covenant Agreement will be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts in the State of Washington.
WISCONSIN ADDENDUM
No. 1:
The covenants in Section 1 “Non-Competition” are stricken and replaced by the following:
1. Non-Competition. For as long as I am employed by Wheels Up, I shall devote my full time and efforts to Wheels Up and shall not participate, directly or indirectly, in any business or activity that is in competition with Wheels Up. During the twelve (12) month period following the effective date of the termination of my Wheels Up employment for any reason, I agree not to directly or indirectly have Responsibilities (as defined below) for any Wheels Up Competitor (as defined below). This provision shall not prohibit me from being a passive owner of not more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding stock of any class of securities of a corporation that is publicly traded, so long as I have no active participation in the business of such corporation. For purposes of this Section 1, “Responsibilities” means the same or similar responsibilities I performed for Wheels Up during the two (2) years prior to my last day of employment with Wheels Up in which the Confidential Information I have would be competitively valuable and within the same geographic scope, or portion thereof, with respect to which I performed those responsibilities for Wheels Up.
No. 2:
The covenants in Sections 2(d) and 2(e) “Non-Solicitation/Non-Interference” are stricken and replaced by the following:
d. (i) Solicit or attempt to persuade any then-current employee of Wheels Up with whom I currently work or with whom I worked at any point during the two years prior to my last day of employment with Wheels Up, and who possesses or had access to Confidential Information, to leave the employ of Wheels Up and join a competitor; (ii) interfere with the performance by any such employee of his/her duties for Wheels Up; or (iii) communicate with any such employee for the purposes described in items (i) and (ii) in this Section 2(d). This restriction shall apply in all geographic areas in which Wheels Up does business.
No. 3:
Section 3 “Non-Disclosure” is supplemented by the following:
To the extent the above obligation of non-use and non-disclosure of Confidential Information applies after the termination of my employment and to Confidential Information that does not meet the definition of a trade secret under applicable law, it shall apply only for two (2) years after the termination of my employment and only in geographic areas in which the unauthorized use or disclosure of such Confidential Information would be competitively damaging to Wheels Up.
No. 4:
Section 10 “Enforceability” is supplemented by the following:
The restrictive covenants in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement are intended to be divisible and interpreted and applied independent of each other.
No. 5:
The definition of “Restricted Wheels Up Customer” in Section 11 is stricken and replaced by the following:
“Restricted Wheels Up Customer” means any person, company or entity that was a customer of Wheels Up and with which I had direct contact for purposes of performing responsibilities for Wheels Up or for which I had supervisory responsibilities on behalf of Wheels Up, in either case at any time during the two (2) years prior to my last day of employment with Wheels Up. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Restricted Wheels Up Customer also means any prospective customer(s), vendor(s), supplier(s) or referral source(s) with which I had business contact on behalf of Wheels Up in the twelve (12) months prior to my last day of employment with Wheels Up.
CERTIFICATION OF INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Todd Smith, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report of Wheels Up Experience Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; and
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
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Date: August 14, 2023 | By: | /s/ Todd Smith |
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| Name: Todd Smith |
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| Title: Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer |
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| (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer) |
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Wheels Up Experience Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Todd Smith, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1.The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.To my knowledge, the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the period covered by the Report.
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Date: August 14, 2023 | By: | /s/ Todd Smith |
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| Name: Todd Smith |
|
| Title: Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer |
|
| (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer) |