Special Charges

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Special Charges and Credits [Abstract]

Special Charges

Special Charges

Special Charges (Credits), Operating

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company had no special charges (credits) within operating expenses in the statement of operations.

During the first quarter of 2018, the Company negotiated and amended the collective bargaining agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association, International ("ALPA"), under the guidance of the National Mediation Board ("NMB"). In connection with the amended agreement, the Company recorded a one-time ratification incentive of $80.2 million, including payroll taxes, and an $8.5 million adjustment related to other contractual provisions. As a result, the Company recorded $88.7 million in special charges (credits) within operating expenses in the condensed statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Special Charges, Non-Operating

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company had no special charges, non-operating within other (income) expense in the statement of operations.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded $90.4 million in special charges, non-operating within other (income) expense in the statement of operations. During the first quarter of 2018, the Company entered into an aircraft purchase agreement for the purchase of 14 A319 aircraft previously operated under operating leases by the Company. The aggregate gross purchase price for the 14 aircraft was $285.0 million, and the price for each aircraft at the time of the sale was comprised of a cash payment net of the amount of maintenance reserves and security deposits for such aircraft held by the applicable lessor pursuant to the lease for such aircraft. The contract was deemed a lease modification, which resulted in a change of classification from operating leases to finance leases for the 14 aircraft. During the first quarter of 2018, the finance lease assets were recorded at the lower of cost or fair value of the aircraft within flight equipment on the condensed balance sheets. During the second quarter of 2018, the purchase of the 14 aircraft was completed and the obligation was accreted up to the net cash payment price with interest charges recognized in special charges, non-operating in the statement of operations. The Company determined the valuation of the aircraft based on third-party appraisals considering the condition of the aircraft (a Level 3 measurement).