Introduces George Mattson, CEO of Wheels Up, to discuss the company's earnings, its deal with Delta, and the state of the private aviation business.
George Mattson
Wheels Up is on a transformation journey to be a solutions platform spanning premium commercial (via Delta) and private aviation. The goal is to provide the right plane for the next flight.
Tim Stenbeck
Asks why the company transitioned from older aircraft to newer ones, questioning if it was a cost issue.
George Mattson
The older aircraft were no longer in production and lacked the reliability needed. The new aircraft have much better unit economics, higher utilities, and higher efficiencies.
Carol Massar
Asks about the company's cash position and path to cash flow positivity.
George Mattson
We have ample cash and liquidity after raising $165 million. We had our first positive EBITDA quarter in Q4 and are on the path to sustained profitability. The business model is becoming self-sustaining.
Tim Stenbeck
Asks about the pipeline of customers coming from Delta's premium commercial product to Wheels Up's private aviation.
George Mattson
Private aviation is an integrated extension of Delta's premium commercial strategy. We are targeting Delta's 45,000 corporate customers and a subset of their 20 million SkyMiles members. Corporate membership is our fastest growing segment at 25% a year.
Carol Massar
Asks about external risks: fuel costs, regulation, or an economic slowdown.
George Mattson
Demand remains very strong. Fuel is a significant input cost but we are somewhat immunized by surcharges. The ultimate headwind is the macroeconomic environment.