QuickLinks-- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One) 

ý


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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20072008


OR

o


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

For the transition period from                        to                       

Commission file number 001-33166

ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Nevada
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 20-4745737
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

3301 N. Buffalo, Suite B-98360 S. Durango Drive,
Las Vegas, Nevada

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

8912989113
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(702) 851-7300

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:(702) 851-7300

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

Title of Each Class
 Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.001 par value per share Nasdaq Global Select Market

         Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

(Title of Class)

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities ActAct. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

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

          The aggregate market value of common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 1, 2008, was approximately $374,000,000 computed by reference to the closing price at which the common stock was sold on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on February 29, 2008. This figure has been calculated by excluding shares owned beneficially by directors and executive officers as a group from total outstanding shares solely for the purpose of this response.

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

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

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

         The aggregate market value of common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2008, was approximately $285,000,000 computed by reference to the closing price at which the common stock was sold on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on that date. This figure has been calculated by excluding shares owned beneficially by directors and executive officers as a group from total outstanding shares solely for the purpose of this response.

         The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of the close of business on March 1, 2008February 20, 2009 was 20,384,761.20,238,236.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         Portions of the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be voted at the registrant's annual meeting to be held on May 16, 2008,15, 2009, and to be filed with the Commission subsequent to the date hereof, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report on Form 10-K.

EXHIBIT INDEX IS LOCATED ON PAGE 8882



Table of Contents

ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item
  
 Page

 

PART I

  

1

 

Business

 
1

1A

 

Risk Factors

 
15

1B

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

 
22

2

 

Properties

 
22

3

 

Legal Proceedings

 
23

4

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 
23

 

PART II

  

5

 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 
24

6

 

Selected Financial Data

 
27

7

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 
31

7A

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 
46

8

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 
47

9

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 
79

9A

 

Controls and Procedures

 
79

9B

 

Other Information

 
80

 

PART III

  

10

 

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

 
80

11

 

Executive Compensation

 
80

12

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 
80

13

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 
80

14

 

Principal Accountant's Fees and Services

 
80

 

PART IV

  

15

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 
81

 

Signatures

 
84

i



ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item

  
 Page
  PART I  
1 Business 1
1A Risk Factors 16
1B Unresolved Staff Comments 29
2 Properties 29
3 Legal Proceedings 31
4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 31

 

 

PART II

 

 
5 Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 32
6 Selected Financial Data 35
7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 38
7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 52
8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 53
9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 83
9A Controls and Procedures 83
9B Other Information 84

 

 

PART III

 

 
10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 84
11 Executive Compensation 84
12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 84
13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 84
14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services 84

 

 

PART IV

 

 
15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 85
  Signatures 87

i


Table of Contents


PART I

Item 1.    Business

Business Overview

        We are a leisure travel company focused on linkingtransporting travelers in small cities to leisure destinations such as Las Vegas, Nevada, Phoenix, Arizona, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Orlando, Florida, and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We operate a low-cost passenger airline marketed to leisure travelers in small cities, allowing us to sell air travel both on a stand-alone basis and bundled with hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel related services. Our route network, pricing philosophy, advertising and diversified product offering built around relationships with premier leisure companies are all intended to appeal to leisure travelers and make it attractive for them to purchase air travel and related services from us.

        Our business model provides for diversified revenue streams, which we believe distinguishes us from other U.S. airlines and other travel companies:

        Our strategy is to develop the leisure travel market in small cities by providing nonstop low fare scheduled service to leisure destinations. We currently provide service primarily to Las Vegas, Nevada, Phoenix, Arizona, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Orlando, Florida, and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We have positioned our business to take advantage of current lifestyle and demographic trendsannounced we will start service in the U.S. which we believe are positive drivers for the leisure travel industry. The most notable demographic shift occurring in the U.S. is the agingsecond quarter of the baby boom generation as they enter their peak earning years and have more time and disposable income2009 to spend on leisure travel. We believeLos Angeles, California, from a large percentagedozen of our customers fall within the baby boomer demographic and we target these customers through the use of advertisements in more than 300 print circulations.small city markets.

        Our business strategy has evolved as our experienced management team has looked differently at the traditional way business has been conducted in the airline industry. We have consciously developed a different business model:

Traditional Airline Approach
 Allegiant Approach
 Focus on business traveler  Focus on leisure traveler
 Provide high frequency service  Provide low frequency service from small cities
 Use smaller aircraft to provide connecting service from smaller markets through hubs  Use larger jet aircraft to provide nonstop service from small cities direct to leisure destinations
 Sell through various intermediaries  Sell only directly to travelers without participation in global distribution systems
 Offer flight connections  No connecting flights offered
 Use frequent flyer programs and code-share arrangements to increase passenger traffic  Do not use frequent flyer programs or code-share arrangements
Provide amenities to passengers free of charge whether or not they are of value to themProvide amenities such as advance seat assignments, snacks, and drinks, at a small charge to passengers

        Our business model has allowed us to grow rapidly and to achieve attractive rates of profitability even during the present climateperiods of high fuel costs.


Table of Contents

        We currently have had fixed fee flying contractsagreements with three separatevarious subsidiaries of Harrah's Entertainment Inc., since 2002, which collectively accounted for 7.4% of our total revenues in 2008 and 6.5% of our total revenues in 2007, 8.2% of our total revenues in 2006, and 14.9% of total revenues in 2005. Under a contract signed in October 2007, we began flying for our third subsidiary of Harrah's Entertainment Inc. in January 2008.2007.

Our Competitive Strengths

        We have developed a unique business model that focuses on leisure travelers in small cities. We believe the following strengths allow us to maintain a competitive advantage in the markets we serve:

        Focus on LinkingTransporting Travelers From Small Cities to Leisure Destinations.    As of February 1, 2008,2009, we provide nonstop low fare scheduled air service from 5357 small cities (including seasonal service) primarily to the leisure destinations of Las Vegas, Nevada, Phoenix, Arizona, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Orlando, Florida, and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida, and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We have announced we will start service in the second quarter of 2009 to the leisure destination of Los Angeles, California, from a dozen of our small city markets. Generally, when we enter a new market, we introduce nonstop service to our leisure destinations which previously did not exist. We believe this nonstop service, combined with our pricing philosophy and premier leisure company relationships, makes it attractive for leisure travelers to purchase air travel and related services from us. We selected Las Vegas, Orlando, and Tampa/St. Petersburg as our initial destination cities to capitalize on the popularity and promotion of these markets as leisure destinations. We expect to benefit from the strong projected growth of tourist visits to these markets. We commenced service to Ft. Lauderdale and Phoenix in the fourth quarter of 2007 and believe these destination cities will also be attractive leisure destinations for our small city markets.

        By focusing on underserved small cities, we believe we avoid the overcapacity and intense competition presently seen in high traffic domestic air corridors. In our typical small city market, travelers faced high airfares and cumbersome connections andor long drives to major airports to reach our leisure destinations before the introduction of ourwe started providing service. In 95 of our 103 routes asAs of February 1, 2008,2009, we are the only carrier providing nonstop service. As a result, we believe we stimulate new traffic.service on all but two of our 113 routes. Based on published data from the U.S. Department of Transportation ("DOT"), we believe the initiation of our service stimulates demand as there has been a substantial increase in traffic after we have begun service for new routes. We believe our market strategy has had the benefit of not appearing hostile to either legacy carriers, whose historical focus has been connecting small cities to business markets, or traditional low cost carriers or LCCs, which have tended to focus on larger markets.markets than the small city markets we serve.

        Low Operating Costs.    We believe low costs are essential to competitive success in the airline industry today.industry. Our operating expense per available seat mile or "CASM" was 8.19¢10.09¢ and 7.69¢8.19¢ for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, and 2006, respectively. Our CASM for 2007 increased only 6.5% over the prior year despite significantly higher fuel costs. Excluding the cost of fuel, our CASM was 4.92¢ for 2008 and 4.25¢ for 2007 and 4.15¢ for 2006.2007.

        Our low operating costs are the result of our focus on the following:



Table of Contents

        Growing Ancillary Revenues.    AncillaryWe earn ancillary revenues are earned in conjunction with the sale of scheduled air service andwhich represent a significant, growing revenue stream. Our ancillary revenues have grown from $11.2 million in 2005, to $31.3 million in 2006, andto $65.0 million in 2007.2007, and $114.6 million in 2008. On a per scheduled service passenger basis, our ancillary revenues increased from $11.55$21.53 per scheduled service passenger in 2005,2007 to $16.11$29.43 in 20062008.

        Capacity Management.    We believe our ability to quickly adjust capacity allows us to operate profitably throughout a changing environment. As a result of the dramatic fuel price increase in late 2007 and $21.53the first three quarters of 2008, we reduced capacity with the elimination of long-haul flights and made substantial frequency variations in 2007.certain markets. These adjustments enabled us to achieve profitability in each quarter of 2008 despite the large losses incurred in the industry. During the second quarter of 2009, we plan to restore some capacity from these reductions, along with further expansion of our route network. We believe we can quickly reduce the growth and adjust appropriately our capacity from this planned expansion if necessary to seek to maintain profitability in the event of further deterioration of the economic environment.

        Strong Financial Position.    We have a strong financial position with significant cash balances. On December 31, 2007,2008, we had $171.4$174.8 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. As of December 31, 2007,2008, our total debt was $72.1$64.7 million and our debt to total capitalization ratio was 25.5%21.7%. We also have a history of growing profitably, having generated net income in 1721 of the last 20



24 quarters. We believe our strong financial position allows us to have greater financial flexibility to grow the business and weather sudden industry disruptions.

        Proven Management Team.    We have a strong management team comprised of experienced and motivated individuals. Our management team is led by Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., who has an extensive background in the airline industry. Mr. Gallagher was the president of WestAir Holdings, Inc. and built WestAir into one of the largest regional airlines in the U.S., prior to its sale in 1992 to Mesa Air


Table of Contents


Group. He was also one of the founders of ValuJet, Inc., which is known today as AirTran Holdings, Inc., which we believe was one of the most successful start-ups of a low-cost carrier in industry history. Two of our other executive officers are former managers of ValuJet.

Our Business Strategy

        To continue the growth of our business and increase our profitability, our strategy will be to continue to offer a single class of air travel service at low fares, while maintaining high quality standards, keeping our operating costs low and pursuing ways to make our operations more efficient. We intend to grow by adding flights on existing routes, entering additional small cities, connecting our existing small cities to more of our leisure destinations, expanding our relationships with premier leisure companies, and providing service to more leisure destinations.

        The following are the key elements of our strategy:

        Capitalize on Significant Growth Opportunities in LinkingTransporting Travelers from Small Cities to Leisure Destinations.    We believe small cities represent a large untapped market, especially for leisure travel. We believe small city travelers have limited options to leisure destinations as existing carriers are generally focused on connecting the small city "spokes" to their business hubs. We aim to become the premier travel brand for leisure travelers in the small cities.cities served by us.

        Since the beginning of 2004, we have expanded our scheduled air service from six to 5357 small cities as of February 1, 2008,2009, including seasonal service. These 5357 small cities have an aggregate population in excess of 50 million people within a 50-mile radius of the airports in those cities. In most of these cities, we provide service to more than one of our leisure destinations. We expect to grow our fiveservice to leisure destinations by adding frequency from some existing markets and initiating service from additional small cities. We believe our business model would be suitable for at leastapproximately 100 small cities in the U.S., Canada and Canada.Mexico.

        We also believe there are several other major leisure destinations that share many of the same characteristics as Las Vegas, Phoenix, Orlando, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa/St. Petersburg.Los Angeles. These potential markets include several popular vacation destinations in the U.S. (including the expansion of the current limited service we offer to Palm Springs, Oakland and San Diego, California; Reno, Nevada; and Punta Gorda, Florida which starts in March 2009), Mexico and the Caribbean.

        Develop New Sources of Revenue.    We have identified three key areas where we have built and believe we can grow our ancillary revenues:



Table of Contents

        Continue to ReduceFocus on Reducing Our Operating Costs.    We intend to continue to focus on lowering ourreducing costs to remain one of the lowest cost airlines in the world, which we believe is instrumental to both increasing and maintaining profitability. We expect to drive operational efficiency and lowerreduce costs in part by growing our network. We will expand our network by increasing the frequency of our flights in existing markets, expanding the number of small cities we serve, and increasing the number of leisure destinations, all of which permits us to increase the utilization of our employees and assets, spreading our fixed costs over a larger number of available seat miles.departures and passengers.

        Minimize Fixed Costs to Increase Strategic Flexibility.    We believe our low aircraft ownership costs and the lower fixed costs associated with our small city market strategy provide us with a lower level of fixed costs than other U.S. airlines. We believe minimizing our level of fixed costs will provideprovides us with added flexibility in scheduling our services and controlling our profitability. For example, with lower fixed costs we are better able to enter or exit markets as well as match the size and utilization of our fleet to limit unprofitable flying and maximize profitability.

Routes and Schedules

        Our current scheduled air service predominantly consists of primarily limited frequency, nonstop flights into Las Vegas, Phoenix, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa/St. Petersburg and Ft. Lauderdale from small cities (including seasonal service). across the continental United States. As of February 1, 2008,2009, our scheduled service route network is summarized below (including routes served seasonally).

Routes to Las Vegas

 3639

Routes to Orlando

 2729

Routes to Tampa/St. Petersburg

 1420

Routes to Phoenix

 1315

Routes to Ft. Lauderdale

 116

Other Routes

 24
  

Total Routes

103
  

        As of February 1, 2008, we provide service to 58 cities (including our leisure destinations) in 33 states. Below is a list of our small cities as of February 1, 2008:

City
113
 State
City
State
AllentownPennsylvaniaLansingMichigan
BangorMaineLaredoTexas
BellevilleIllinoisLincolnNebraska
BellinghamWashingtonMcAllenTexas
BillingsMontanaMedfordOregon
BismarckNorth DakotaMissoulaMontana
Cedar RapidsIowaPalm SpringsCalifornia
ChattanoogaTennesseePeoriaIllinois
Colorado SpringsColoradoPlattsburghNew York
Des MoinesIowaRapid CitySouth Dakota
DuluthMinnesotaRedmond/BendOregon
EugeneOregonRenoNevada
FargoNorth DakotaRoanokeVirginia
Fort WayneIndianaRochesterMinnesota
FresnoCaliforniaRockfordIllinois
Ft. Collins-LovelandColoradoSanta MariaCalifornia
Grand JunctionColoradoShreveportLouisiana
Great FallsMontanaSioux FallsSouth Dakota
Green BayWisconsinSouth BendIndiana
GreensboroNorth CarolinaSpringfieldMissouri
Greenville-SpartanburgSouth CarolinaStocktonCalifornia
Gulfport/BiloxiMississippiToledoOhio
HuntingtonWest VirginiaTri-CitiesTennessee
HuntsvilleAlabamaTri-CitiesWashington
Idaho FallsIdahoWichitaKansas
KinstonNorth CarolinaYoungstownOhio
KnoxvilleTennessee    

        As of February 1, 2009, we provide scheduled service to 61 cities (including leisure destinations) in 33 states.

        We attempt to match the frequency of flights with market demand. We rarely have daily flights in our markets, nor do we generally offer multiple flights per day. In most cases, we offer several flights per week in each of our markets. We anticipate adjusting frequency over time as demand warrants and some markets are only served on a seasonal basis.

        In addition, we temporarily suspend flying some Florida routes for varying periods (depending on the route) between the middle of August and the beginning of November. LeisureNovember as leisure demand to Florida


Table of Contents


tends to be quite weak during this time. We schedule crew training, aircraft maintenance and additional charter flying to coincide with this period. In 2007,2008, we temporarily suspended flying on 15 routes to our Florida leisure destinations during this timea number of the year and expect to implement similar service suspensions on our FloridaPhoenix routes during the samesummer months of 2008. In addition, demand for summer travel to Phoenix is significantly weaker than at other times of the year and we expect to suspend a number of routes to Phoenix during the summer as a result.similar reasons.

        We generally begin our route selection process by identifying markets in which there is no nonstop service to our leisure destinations, which have a large enough population in the airport's catchment area to support at least two weekly flights, and which are typically no more than eight hours round-trip flight time from the destination. The eight hour limit permits one flight crew to perform the mission,



avoiding costly crew overnight expenses and increasing crew utilization and efficiency. We then study publicly available data from the DOT showing the historical number of passengers, capacity, and average fares over time in the identified markets. We also study general demographic information about the population base for the targeted market area including household incomes and unemployment rates, to assist in our determination whether we believe a service from a particular market would likely be successful.

        We forecast the level of demand in a particular market that will result from the introduction of our service as well as our judgment of the likely competitive response of other airlines. We focus on markets where competitors are unlikely to initiate service and we prioritize routes that can be started at low marginal crew and ground operations costs.

        Once a market is classified as attractive, we begin a rigorous analysis of the costs of providing service to that market. The major costs under consideration would be the initial and ongoing advertising costs to gain and maintain name recognition, airport charges, ground handling and fuel costs. The demand for nonstop air service in our markets often gives us leverage to attract financial support from the cities and airports we serve in the form of shared advertising costs and abatement or reduction of airport fees.

        Our fixed fee flying predominately consists of flying under an agreement with Harrah's Entertainment Inc. with one aircraft based each in Tunica, Mississippi, Reno, Nevada, and Laughlin, Nevada, and an additional aircraft available for use at Laughlin, Nevada on select days of the week. We began a one-year charter program in January 2009 under an agreement with Beau Rivage Resorts, Inc., with use of one aircraft based out of Tampa/St. Petersburg. In February 2009, we were approved to become a participant in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet ("CRAF") which will allow us to bid on and be awarded peacetime airlift contracts with the military. During periods when aircraft are not utilized for scheduled service flying, we typically seek out additional charter service and ad hoc flying.

Safety and Security

        We believe we provide a safe and healthy working environment for our employees. We are committed to an accident prevention program which includes the identification and correction of hazards and the training of employees in safe work practices. We strive to comply with or exceed health and safety regulation standards. In pursuing these goals, we maintain an active aviation safety program and all company personnel are expected to participate in the program and take an active role in the identification, reduction and elimination of hazards.

        Our ongoing focus on safety relies on hiring good people, training them to proper standards, and providing them with the tools and equipment they require so they can perform their job functions in a safe and efficient manner. Safety in the workplace targets five areas of our operation: flight operations, maintenance, in-flight, dispatch, and station operations. We maintain a formal internal evaluation program which focuses on these operational areas. In the maintenance area, we maintain an active Continuing Analysis and Surveillance Program. All operational areas support an active event and hazard reporting program. In the flight operations department, we maintain an active Operational Performance Enhancement Committee and a Flight Standards Board comprised of management and check airmen. We plan to begin to install electronic flight bags in our aircraft fleet within the next 12 months. The station operations area conducts safety meetings and completes a safety checklist at all


Table of Contents


locations on a monthly basis. Maintenance bases, dispatch and in-flight also perform documented periodic evaluations of various functions and documentation within their areas to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

        The TSA continues to enhanceTransportation Security Administration ("TSA") is charged with aviation security for both airlines and airports. We maintain active, open lines of communication with the TSA at all of our locations to ensure proper standards for security of our personnel, customers, equipment and facilities are exercised throughout the operation.

Sales and Distribution

        We sell air transportation that may be packaged, at the passenger's discretion, with other products such as hotels, rental cars, and tickets to popular tourist attractions in our leisure destinations. We have chosen to maintain full control over our inventory and only distribute our product through our website, andour call center, or at our airport ticket counters. Therefore, weWe do not presently sell through Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz or any other internet travel agencies nor is our product displayed and sold through the global distribution systems which include Sabre, Galileo, Worldspan and Amadeus. This distribution



strategy results in reduced expenses by avoiding the fees associated with the use of GDS distribution points and also permits us to develop and maintain a direct relationship with our customers. The direct relationship enables us to engage continuously in communications with our customers which we believe will result in substantial benefits over time.

        We market our services through advertising and promotions in newspapers, magazines, television and radio and through targeted public relations and promotional efforts in our small city markets. We currently advertise in more than 400 print circulations. We also rely on public relations and word-of-mouth to promote our brand. We generally run special promotions in coordination with the inauguration of service into new markets. Starting approximately 60 days before the launch of a new route, we undertake a major advertising campaign in the target market and local media attention frequently focuses on the introduction of our low fares.

        While many airlines have discontinued paying commissions to travel agents, we continue to pay a commission for vacation packages sold through travel agencies. Travel agencies assist with the initial marketing in new markets and help us generate brand awareness. We believe travel agencies tend to have more influence in smaller cities.

        A minority Approximately 5.6% of our passengers originate theirscheduled service bookings were booked by travel in our leisure destinations, with as few as 11% originating in Las Vegas. Since most of our traffic originates elsewhere, we commit very few resources towards marketing our services in our destination markets,agents during both 2007 and concentrate nearly all of our promotional efforts in the small cities we serve.2008.

        We have a database of more than 900,000 email addresses from past customers and visitors to our website, and use blast emails to communicate special offers to this group. The heaviest concentration of air-only sales occurs in the period 30 to 60 days before departure, and occurs 4530 to 90 days before departure for air-hotel package sales. We commonly use email promotions directed toward the customers in our database as a vehicle for selling unsold seats in the period two to three weeks before departure.

        All of our bookings must be made on our website, through our call center or at our airport ticket counters, even if booked through travel agents. The percentage of our scheduled service bookings on our website increased to 86.6%was 86.4% in 2007. Approximately 8.8% and 5.6% of our scheduled service bookings were booked by travel agents during 2006 and 2007, respectively.2008. This distribution mix creates significant cost savings for us and enables us to continue to build loyalty with our customers through increased interaction with them.

Pricing, and Revenue Management and Ancillary Revenue

        Our low fares are designed to stimulate demand from price-sensitive leisure travelers who might not have traveled to our leisure destinations due to the expense and inconvenience involved in traveling there. Our fare structure is comprised ofgenerally comprises six "buckets," with prices generally increasing as the number of days prior to travel decreases. Prices in the highest bucket are typically less than three times


Table of Contents


the prices in the lowest bucket and our highest one-way fare is $329 as of February 1, 2008.2009. All of our fares are one-way and non-refundable, although they may be changed for a $50 charge per segment. Customers may avoid change fees by buying our travel protection product at the time of purchase.

        We try to maximize the overall revenue of our flights by utilizing yield management techniques. Yield management is an integrated set of business processes that provides us with the ability to understand markets, anticipate customer behavior and respond quickly to opportunities. We use yield management in an effort to maximize passenger revenues by flight, by market and across the entire system.

        The number of seats offered at each fare is established through a continual process of forecasting, optimization and competitive analysis. Generally, past booking history and seasonal trends are used to forecast anticipated demand. These historical forecasts are combined with current bookings, upcoming



events, competitive pressures and other factors to establish a mix of fares designed to maximize revenue. This ability to accurately adjust prices based on fluctuating demand patterns allows us to balance loads and capture more revenue from existing capacity.

        We believe effective yield management has contributed to our strong financial operating performance and is a key to our continued success.

        Ancillary revenue is derivedcomes from the sale of vacation packages including hotels, rental cars, show tickets, night club packages and other attractions; the sale of advance seat assignments; the sale of beverages, snacks and other products on board the aircraft; charging a fee for using our reservation center or website to purchase air travel; the collection of checked bag and overweight bag charges; charging a fee for unlimited changes to reservations; and several other revenue streams.

        A significant component of our ancillary revenue is from the sale of hotel rooms packaged with air travel. As of February 1, 2008,2009, we have agreements with 5461 hotels in Las Vegas, including hotels managed by MGM MIRAGE, Harrah's Entertainment Inc., Boyd Gaming Corp., Wynn Resorts, Limited, and Las Vegas Sands Corp., 3925 hotels in Orlando (plus 1920 additional hotels in nearby Daytona Beach, Florida), 17 hotels in Tampa/St. Petersburg, 1619 hotels in Ft. Lauderdale, 2832 hotels in Phoenix, 10 hotels in Reno, Nevada nineand 10 hotels in Palm Springs, California, and seven hotels in Gulfport/Biloxi, Mississippi.Springs. During 2007,2008, we generated revenue from the sale of more than 395,000400,000 hotel room nights. We believe the favorable breadth and terms of these contracts would be difficult for others to replicate quickly. For the year ended December 31, 2007, approximately 15% of our customers traveled on an itinerary that included a hotel room purchased through us.

Competition

        The airline industry is highly competitive. Airline profit levels are sensitive to changes in fuel costs, fare levels and passenger demand. Passenger demand and fare levels have historically been influenced by, among other things, the general state of the economy, international events, industry capacity and pricing actions taken by other airlines. The principal competitive factors in the airline industry are fare pricing, customer service, routes served, flight schedules, types of aircraft, safety record and reputation, code-sharing relationships and frequent flyer programs.

        Our competitors and potential competitors include legacy airlines, LCCs, regional airlines and new entrant airlines. Many of these airlines are larger, have significantly greater financial resources and serve more routes than we do. SomeIn a limited number of thesecases, competitors have chosen to add service, reduce their fares or both, in some of our markets following our entry.

        We believe a key to our initial and long-term success is that we seek to offer customers in our markets a better alternative for airline travel. We offer a simple, affordable product with excellent customer service and reliability using clean and comfortable aircraft. We sell only nonstop flights. We do not require Saturday night stays or the purchase of round-trip travel. We do not overbook our flights. We understand that our leisure customer only has a limited number of vacation days and relies on us to get them to their destination and back in a timely manner.


Table of Contents

        Our 130 and 150-seat MD80 aircraft, with an average seat pitch of 31 to 32 inches, offer a comfortable alternative to the 37 to 86 seat regional jets that secondary market travelers are accustomed to flying as part of the hub and spoke networks of the legacy carriers. Additionally, we believe the MD80's three-by-two seating configuration is well liked by the traveling public because 80% of all seats are window or aisle seats. We adhere to the successful model pioneered by Southwest by offering a single class of service; however, unlike Southwest, we offer assigned seating at the airport. We also offer advance seat assignments and priority boarding for a fee which depends on the route served and location of the seat on the aircraft. Customers who purchase an advance seat assignment are given priority boarding at the airport.


        Our small city strategy has reduced the intensity of competition we might otherwise face. We are the only scheduled carrier in sevenfive of the small city airports we serve as of February 1, 2008,2009, the only domestic scheduled carrier operating out of the Orlando Sanford International Airport and one of fourthree carriers serving the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. In addition, we are the only scheduled carrier operating out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Phoenix. While virtually all U.S. airlines serve Las Vegas, Phoenix, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa/St. Petersburg and Ft. Lauderdale, only US Airways and Southwest use Las Vegas as a hub or focus city, only AirTran and Delta Air LinesJetBlue use Orlando as a hub or focus city, only US Airways and Southwest use Phoenix as a hub or focus city and only JetBlue and Spirit uses Ft. Lauderdale as a hub.hub or focus city.

        As of February 1, 2008,2009, we do not currently compete directly with AirTran, Southwest or Spirit in any of our markets; we compete with US Airways in only fourtwo markets to Las Vegas (Colorado Springs, Eugene, Fresno(Fresno and Medford)Santa Barbara); however, most of the flights US Airways operates in those markets use smaller regional jet aircraft; and we compete with United Express turbo-propsturboprops in the Fresno to Las Vegas market;market. In addition, we will compete with Horizon Air turboprops on our newly-announced Los Angeles to Medford, Oregon route and we will compete with DeltaUnited Express turboprops and American Eagle regional jets on four routesour newly-announced Los Angeles to Orlando (Greensboro, Greenville/Spartanburg, Knoxville and Huntsville). OnMonterey, California route. Both these routes Delta uses regional jets to Orlando International Airport.will start service in May 2009.

        Indirectly, we compete with Southwest, US Airways, AirTran, Delta and other carriers that provide nonstop service to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Orlando, Tampa/St. Petersburg Phoenix and Ft. Lauderdale from airports near our small city markets. We will have similar indirect competition when we start flying to Los Angeles in May 2009. For example, we fly to Bellingham, Washington, which is a two-hour drive from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where travelers can access nonstop service to Las Vegas on Alaska Airlines, Southwest or US Airways. We also face indirect competition from legacy carriers offering hub-and-spoke connections to our markets. For example, travelers can travel to Las Vegas from Peoria on United, American or Northwest, although all of these legacy carriers currently utilize regional aircraft to access their hubs and then mainline jets to access Las Vegas, tend to charge higher and restrictive fares, and have a much longer elapsed time of travel.

        We also face indirect competition from automobile travel in our short-haul flights, primarily to our Florida leisure destinations. We believe our low cost pricing model, customer service, and the convenience of air transportation help us compete favorably against automobile travel.

        In our fixed fee operations, we compete with the aircraft of other scheduled airlines as well as with independent passenger charter airlines such as Xtra and Pace. We also compete with aircraft owned or controlled by large tour companies. The basis of competition in the fixed fee market is cost, equipment capabilities, service and reputation.

People

        We believe our growth potential and the achievement of our corporate goals are directly linked to our ability to attract and maintain the best professionals available in the airline business. Full-time equivalent employees at February 1, 20082009 consisted of 243277 pilots, 242290 flight attendants, 287314 airport operations personnel, 147182 mechanics, 94106 reservation agents, and 166184 management and other


Table of Contents


personnel. As of February 1, 2008,2009, we employed 9861,138 full-time and 377429 part-time employees, which we consider to be 1,353 full-time equivalent employees.

        We place great emphasis on the selection and training of enthusiastic employees with potential to add value to our business and who we believe fit in with and contribute to our business culture. The recruiting and training process begins with an evaluation and screening process, followed by multiple interviews and experience verification. We provide extensive training intended to meet all Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") requirements for security, safety and operations for our pilots, flight attendants and customer service agents.

        To help retain talented and highly motivated employees, we offer competitive compensation packages as well as affordable health and retirement savings options. We offer medical, dental and 401(k) plans to full-time employees. Other salaried benefits include paid time off, as well as supplemental life insurance and long-term disability. We do not have a defined benefit pension plan for



any employees. We review our compensation packages on a regular basis in an effort to ensure that we remain competitive and are able to hire and retain the best people possible.

        In addition to offering competitive compensation and benefits, we take a number of steps to make our company an attractive place to work and build a career such as maintaining various employee recognition programs and consistently communicating our vision and mission statement to our employees. We believe creating a great place for our people to work motivates them to treat our customers beyond their expectations.

        We have never experienced an organized work stoppage, strike or labor dispute. We currently do not have any labor unions. We have in-house pilot and flight attendant associations with whom we have negotiated mutually satisfactory arrangements for pay increases. We meet with these associations on a regular basis to address relevant issues and matters of concern.

Aircraft and Fleet

        We operate 27Our fleet of 44 aircraft consists of 28 MD83, four MD87, twoeight MD82 aircraft, and twofour MD88 aircraft as of February 1, 2008,2009, powered by Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 and JT8D-217C engines. We generally utilize our 130-seat aircraft (MD87) for our fixed fee flying and our 150-seat aircraft (MD82/83/88) for our scheduled service. As of February 1, 2008,2009, we own 2442 of our aircraft—ten16 are owned free and clear, and 1424 are owned subject to financing scheduled to be fully paid over the next four years. An additional seventwo aircraft are subject to capital leases under which we expect to take ownership within the next fourthree years. We lease the remaining four aircraft under operating leases with two expiring in 2008 and two expiring in 2012. We have entered into a forward purchase agreement for the two aircraft under operating leases thatwhich expire in 2008.2012.

        As of February 1, 2009, 39 out of our fleet of 44 aircraft are in operating service. We have taken possession of two aircraft, one previously leased to a third party, and one purchased outright, which we expect these to be purchased atplace into service before the end of the operating lease terms in July 2008, subjectfirst quarter of 2009. The remaining three aircraft that make up our fleet are leased to customary closing conditions.

a third party. We have a commitmentexpect to purchase two additional seller-financed MD-88take possession of these aircraft for expected placementand place them into our operating fleetservice by the end of the secondfirst quarter of 2008, at which time we expect to have an operating fleet of 37 MD-80 aircraft.2010.

        We believe conditions in the market for high quality used MD80 class aircraft are favorable for buyers and lessees. Thus, we do not believe availability of suitable aircraft will be a growth constraint. However, MD80 series aircraft and Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 engines are no longer manufactured. This could cause a shortage of additional suitable aircraft, engines or spare parts over the long term. If the FAA adopts regulations to limit the age of aircraft in the U.S., we may need to seek replacement of some of our current aircraft fleet sooner than anticipated and to seek a newer aircraft type to replace our existing fleet and to expand our operations.

        Our aircraft range from 12 to 22 years old with an average age of 1819.4 years as of February 1, 2008.2009. As of February 1, 2008,2009, the average number of cycles on our fleet was approximately 28,300 29,700


Table of Contents


cycles and the highest number of cycles on any of our aircraft was approximately 44,300.45,300. A cycle is defined as one take-off and landing and is a measure often used by regulators in determining the applicability of aging aircraft requirements. We historically operate approximately 1000 cycles per aircraft per year.

Maintenance

        We have an FAA-approved maintenance program, which is administered by our maintenance department headquartered in Las Vegas. Consistent with our core value of safety, all mechanics and avionics specialists employed by us have appropriate training and experience and hold required licenses issued by the FAA. We provide them with comprehensive training and maintain our aircraft and associated maintenance records in accordance with FAA regulations. The maintenance performed on our aircraft can be divided into three general categories: line maintenance, heavy maintenance, and component and engine overhaul and repair. With the exception of scheduled line maintenance, which is generally performed by our personnel, we contract with outside organizations to provide heavy



maintenance and component and engine overhaul and repair. We have chosen not to invest in facilities or equipment to perform our own heavy maintenance, engine overhaul or component work. Our management closely supervises all maintenance functions performed by our personnel and contractors employed by us, and by outside organizations. We closely supervise the outsourced work performed by our heavy maintenance and engine overhaul contractors.

        Line maintenance consists of routine daily and weekly scheduled maintenance checks on our aircraft, including pre-flight, daily, weekly and overnight checks and any diagnostics and routine repairs. We perform this work at our maintenance bases in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Ft. Lauderdale, Bellingham, Tunica (Mississippi), Reno (Nevada) and Laughlin (Nevada) with the Reno, Laughlin and Tunica bases supporting our fixed fee flying services. We will perform similar functions in Los Angeles when we initiate service there in May 2009. For unscheduled requirements that arise away from our maintenance bases, we subcontract our line maintenance to outside organizations under customary industry terms.

        Heavy maintenance checks consist of more complex inspections and servicing of the aircraft that cannot be accomplished during an overnight visit. These checks occur approximately every 18 months on each aircraft and can range in duration from two to six weeks, depending on the magnitude of the work prescribed in the particular check. We have contracted with American Airlines, Inc., the world's largest MD80 operator, to perform airframe heavy maintenance checks on an exclusive basis through the end of 2009. We utilize San Antonio Aerospacehave the option to extend the contract for an additional year. Recently, we have utilized AAR Corp., a company not affiliated with American Airlines, Inc., for induction services to ready newly acquired aircraft to enter our operating fleet.

        Component and engine overhaul and repair involves sending certain parts, such as engines, landing gear and avionics, to FAA-approved maintenance repair stations for repair and overhaul. We presently utilize AeroThrust Corporation, American Airlines, Inc.Pratt & Whitney controlled Christchurch Engine Centre and TIMCO Aviation Services, Inc. for overhaul and repair of our engines on a non-exclusive basis.

        In February 2008 we entered intoWe also have a non-exclusive general terms agreement with Avioserv for the consignment of engine parts.


Table of Contents

        In addition to the maintenance contractors we presently utilize, we believe there are sufficient qualified alternative providers of maintenance services that we can use to satisfy our ongoing maintenance needs.

Aircraft Fuel

        Fuel is our largest operating expense. The cost of fuel is volatile, as it is subject to many economic and geopolitical factors we can neither control nor predict. Significant increases in fuel costs, as we have had in the recent past and could have in the future, would have a material adverse effect onmaterially affect our operating results and profitability. While we are not currently pursuing fuel hedging programs, in the past we have entered into forward contracts or other financial products to reduce our exposure to fuel price volatility.

        In an effort to reduce our fuel costs, we have sought to become involved at an earlier stage in the fuel distribution channels. In this regard, we have formed a wholly-owned subsidiary which has entered into a limited liability company operating agreement with an affiliate of Orlando Sanford International Airport to engage in contract fueling transactions for the provision of aviation fuel to airline users at that airport. In addition, we have invested in fuel storage units and fuel transportation facilities involved in the fuel distribution process. These efforts could result in the creation of additional joint ventures to further our involvement in the fuel distribution process. By reason of these activities, we could potentially incur material liabilities, including possible environmental liabilities, to which we would not otherwise be subject.


Government Regulation

        We are subject to regulation by the DOT, FAA and other governmental agencies.

        DOT.    The DOT primarily regulates economic issues affecting air transportation such as certification and fitness of carriers, insurance requirements, consumer protection, competitive practices and statistical reporting. The DOT also regulates requirements for accommodation of passengers with disabilities. The DOT has the authority to investigate and institute proceedings to enforce its regulations and may assess civil penalties, suspend or revoke operating authority and seek criminal sanctions. DOT also has authority to restrict or prohibit a carrier's cessation of service to a particular community if such cessation would leave the community without scheduled airline service.

        In 1998, we were grantedWe hold a DOT certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing us to engage in charter air transportation within the United States, its territories and possessions. Our DOT authority has subsequently been expanded to includein: (i) scheduled air transportation of passengers, property and mail within the United States, its territories and possessions and between the United States and all countries that maintain a liberal aviation trade relationship with the United States (known as "open skies" countries), and (ii) charter air transportation of passengers, property and mail on a domestic and international basis.

        FAA.    The FAA primarily regulates flight operations and safety, including matters such as airworthiness and maintenance requirements for aircraft, pilot, mechanic, dispatcher and flight attendant training and certification, flight and duty time limitations and air traffic control. The FAA requires each commercial airline to obtain and hold an FAA air carrier certificate. This certificate, in combination with operations specifications issued to the airline by the FAA, authorizes the airline to operate at specific airports using aircraft approved by the FAA. We have and maintain in effect FAA certificates of airworthiness for all of our aircraft, and we hold the necessary FAA authority to fly to all of the cities we currently serve. Like all U.S. certificated carriers, we cannot provide scheduled service to new destinations without the authorization of the FAA. The FAA has the authority to investigate all matters within its purview and to modify, suspend or revoke our authority to provide air transportation, or to modify, suspend or revoke FAA licenses issued to individual personnel, for failure to comply with FAA regulations. The FAA can assess civil penalties for such failures and institute proceedings for the collection of monetary fines after notice and hearing. The FAA also has authority to seek criminal


Table of Contents


sanctions. The FAA can suspend or revoke our authority to provide air transportation on an emergency basis, without notice and hearing, if, in the FAA's judgment, safety requires such action. A legal right to an independent, expedited review of such FAA action exists. Emergency suspensions or revocations have been upheld with few exceptions. The FAA monitors our compliance with maintenance, flight operations and safety regulations on an ongoing basis, maintains a continuous working relationship with our operations and maintenance management personnel, and performs frequent spot inspections of our aircraft, employees and records.

        The FAA also has the authority to issue maintenance directives and other mandatory orders relating to, among other things, inspection, repair and modification of aircraft and engines, increased security precautions, aircraft equipment requirements, noise abatement, mandatory removal and replacement of aircraft parts and components, mandatory retirement of aircraft and operational requirements and procedures. Such directives and orders can be issued without advance notice or opportunity for comment if, in the FAA's judgment, safety requires such action.

        We believe we are operating in compliance with applicable DOT and FAA regulations, interpretations and policies and we hold all necessary operating and airworthiness authorizations, certificates and licenses.

        Security.    Within the United States, civil aviation security functions, including review and approval of the content and implementation of air carriers' security programs, passenger and baggage screening,



cargo security measures, airport security, assessment and distribution of intelligence, threat response, and security research and development are the responsibility of the TSA of the Department of Homeland Security. The TSA has enforcement powers similar to DOT's and FAA's described above. It also has the authority to issue regulations, including in cases of emergency, the authority to do so without advance notice, including issuance of a grounding order as occurred on September 11, 2001.

        Environmental.    We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and affecting matters such as aircraft engine emissions, aircraft noise emissions, and the discharge or disposal of materials and chemicals, which laws and regulations are administered by numerous state and federal agencies. These agencies have enforcement powers similar to DOT's and FAA's described above. In addition, prior to receiving authorization from the FAA to begin service at an airport we have not previously served, we may be required to conduct an environmental review of the effects projected from our addition of service at that airport.

        Federal law recognizes the right of airport operators with special noise problems to implement local noise abatement procedures so long as those procedures do not interfere unreasonably with interstate and foreign commerce and the national air transportation system. These restrictions can include limiting nighttime operations, directing specific aircraft operational procedures during takeoff and initial climb, and limiting the overall number of flights at an airport. None of the airports we serve currently restricts the number of flights or hours of operation, although it is possible one or more of such airports may do so in the future with or without advance notice.

        Foreign Ownership.    To maintain our DOT and FAA certificates, our airline operating subsidiary and we (as the airline's holding company) must qualify continuously as a citizen of the United States within the meaning of U.S. aeronautical laws and regulations. This means we must be under the actual control of U.S. citizens and we must satisfy certain other requirements, including that our president and at least two-thirds of our board of directors and other managing officers must be U.S. citizens, and that not more than 25% of our voting stock may be owned or controlled by non-U.S. citizens. The amount of non-voting stock that may be owned or controlled by non-U.S. citizens is strictly limited as well. We believe we are in compliance with these ownership and control criteria.

        Other Regulations.    Air carriers are subject to certain provisions of federal laws and regulations governing communications because of their extensive use of radio and other communication facilities,


Table of Contents


and are required to obtain an aeronautical radio license from the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"). To the extent we are subject to FCC requirements, we will continue to comply with those requirements.

        The quality of water used for drinking and hand-washing aboard aircraft is subject to regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). To the extent we are subject to EPA requirements, we will continue to comply with those requirements.

        We are responsible for collection and remittance of federally imposed and federally approved taxes and fees applicable to air transportation passengers. We believe we are in compliance with these requirements, and we will continue to comply with them.

        Our operations may become subject to additional federal requirements in the future under certain circumstances. For example, our labor relations are covered under Title II of the Railway Labor Act of 1926, as amended, and are subject to the jurisdiction of the National Mediation Board. During a period of past fuel scarcity, air carrier access to jet fuel was subject to allocation regulations promulgated by the Department of Energy.

        We are also subject to state and local laws, regulations and ordinances at locations where we operate and to the rules and regulations of various local authorities that operate airports we serve. None of the airports in the small cities in which we operate have slot control, gate availability or



curfews that pose meaningful limitations on our operations. However, some small city airports have short runways that require us to operate some flights at less than full capacity.

        International air transportation, whether provided on a scheduled or charter basis, is subject to the laws, rules and regulations of the foreign countries to, from and over which the international flights operate. Foreign laws, rules and regulations governing air transportation are generally similar, in principle, to the regulatory scheme of the United States as described above, although in some cases foreign requirements are comparatively less onerous and in others, more onerous. We must comply with the laws, rules and regulations of each country to, from or over which we operate. International flights are also subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Agriculture requirements and the requirements of equivalent foreign governmental agencies.

        Future Regulation.    Congress, the DOT, the FAA and other governmental agencies have under consideration, and in the future may consider and adopt, new laws, regulations, interpretations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could affect, directly or indirectly, our operations, ownership and profitability. We cannot predict what other matters might be considered in the future by the FAA, the DOT, other agencies or Congress, nor can we judge what impact, if any, the implementation of any of these proposals or changes might have on our business.

        Civil Reserve Air Fleet.    We are seekingIn February 2009 we received approval to bebecome a participant in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet ("CRAF")(CRAF) Program which affords the U.S. Department of Defense the right to charter our aircraft during national emergencies when the need for military airlift exceeds the capability of available military resources. During the Persian Gulf War of 1990-91 and on other occasions, CRAF carriers were required to permit the military to use their aircraft in this manner. IfAs a result of our CRAF approval, we are approved to participate in this program, we would be eligible to bid on and be awarded peacetime airlift contracts with the military.

Insurance

        We maintain insurance policies we believe are of types customary in the industry and as required by the DOT and in amounts we believe are adequate to protect us against material loss. The policies principally provide coverage for public liability, passenger liability, baggage and cargo liability, property damage, including coverages for loss or damage to our flight equipment and workers' compensation insurance. There is no assurance, however, that the amount of insurance we carry will be sufficient to protect us from material loss.


Table of Contents

General Information

        Our principal executive offices are located at 8360 South Durango Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89113. Our telephone number is (702) 851-7300. Our website address is http://www.allegiantair.com. We have not incorporated by reference into this annual report the information on our website and you should not consider it to be a part of this document. Our website address is included in this document for reference only. Our annual report, quarterly reports, current reports and amendments to those reports are made available free of charge through our website atir.allegiantair.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

Business History

        We were founded in 1997 and initially operated as Allegiant Air, Inc. under a different business strategy with a different management team. Prior to our bankruptcy filing in December 2000, we were owned by a single individual. Although Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr. provided some financing to us, neither he nor any other members of our current management were actively involved in our business. Prior to 2001, the focus of our business was ad hoc charters and a more traditional scheduled service product catering to the business traveler with multiple flights a day. At that time, we used DC-9 aircraft with a two-class configuration and served a small number of cities in the West.

        This strategy was ultimately unsuccessful, and we filed for bankruptcy court protection in December 2000. A plan of reorganization was confirmed in June 2001. The key elements of the plan were: (i) debt held by Mr. Gallagher was restructured and Mr. Gallagher injected additional capital into our company; (ii) Mr. Gallagher became our majority owner; and (iii) a new management team was installed in June 2001. We emerged from bankruptcy in March 2002.

        In May 2005, we completed a private placement under which ComVest Allegiant Holdings, Inc., Viva Air Limited and Timothy P. Flynn investedprivate investors paid $34.5 million infor preferred shares of our limited liability



company predecessor. Simultaneously, Mr. Gallagher, our chief executive officer, converted $5.0 million of debt owed to him into preferred shares. Three of our current directors directly or indirectly invested in this transaction. The representation of these shareholders on our board of directors will allow these shareholders to exert significant control over our business in the future.

        On December 13, 2006, we completed the initial public offering of our common stock. We issued 5,750,000 shares at $18.00 per share resulting in net proceeds to us of approximately $94.5 million.

        In the second quarter ofMay 2007, we completed a secondary public offering under which selling stockholders sold 3,794,286 shares and we issued 748,214 shares at $31.75 per share resulting in net proceeds to us of approximately $22.3 million. Viva Air Limited sold all of its shares during this offering.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

        An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Investors should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business and operations. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and investors may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Allegiant

The economic downturn may adversely affect travel from our small city markets to our leisure destinations.

        The U.S. economy has been weakened by a financial crisis, significant declines in the stock markets and increasing unemployment, which may reduce the wealth and tighten spending of consumers. It is uncertain to what extent these economic conditions may impact demand for airline travel in our small city markets or to our leisure destinations.


Table of Contents


Increases in fuel prices or unavailability of fuel would harm our business and profitability.

        Fuel costs constitute a significant portion of our total operating expenses (48.1%(more than 50% during 2007)2008). Significant increases in fuel costs wouldhave negatively affected our operating results in 2008 and future price increases could harm our financial condition and results of operations.

        Our MD80 series aircraft are less fuel efficient than new aircraft. An increase in the price of aircraft fuel would therefore result in a disproportionately higher increase in our average total costs than our competitors using more fuel efficient aircraft.

        Historically, fuel costs have been subject to wide price fluctuations.        Aircraft fuel availability is also subject to periods of market surplus and shortage and is affected by demand for heating oil, gasoline and other petroleum products. Because of the effect of these events on the price and availability of aircraft fuel, the costprice and future availability of fuel cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty. A fuel supply shortage or higher fuel prices could result in the curtailment of our service. Some of our competitors may be better positioned to obtain fuel in the event of a shortage. We cannot assure you increases in the price of fuel can be offset by higher revenue.

        We carry limited fuel inventory and we rely heavily on our fuel suppliers. We cannot assure you we will always have access to adequate supplies of fuel in the event of shortages or other disruptions in the fuel supply. In May 2007, we were notified by our fuel supplier in Las Vegas that they would limit fuel purchases of all airlines supplied by them in that market. This resulted in a reduction of our fuel supply by approximately 21% of our usage from this supplier. Although this restriction expired in June 2007, we do not know whether further cuts may be imposed at a later time. Restrictions like this one could result in a higher fuel cost or could restrict our ability to grow our operations.

If our credit card processing company were to require significant holdbacks for processing credit card transactions for the purchase of air travel and other services, our cash flow would be adversely affected.

        Credit card companies frequently require significant holdbacks when future air travel and other future services are purchased through credit card transactions. We rely on a single credit card



processing company at this time, and our agreement is terminable on 30 days notice. As virtually all of our scheduled service and ancillary revenue is paid with credit cards and our credit card processing agreement does not require a significant holdback, our cash flow would suffer in the event the terms of our current agreement were changed or terminated. Although we believe we would be able to secure a replacement credit card processing agreement if our current agreement is terminated, the terms of any new agreement may not be as favorable to us. These cash flow issues could be exacerbated during periods of rapid growth as we would be incurring additional costs associated with our growth, but our receipt of these revenues would be delayed.

Our failure to successfully implement our growth strategy and generate demand for our services could harm our business.

        Successfully implementing our growth strategy is critical for our business to achieve economies of scale and to sustain or increase our profitability. Increasing the number of small city markets we serve depends on our ability to identify and effectively evaluate new target markets and then access suitable airports located in these markets in a manner consistent with our cost strategy.

        Most of our scheduled air service is sold to customers traveling from our small city markets to our leisure destinations of Las Vegas, Phoenix, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando or Tampa/St. Petersburg. While we seek to generate demand for our services in these markets, the smaller size of these markets makes it more difficult to create this demand. If we are unable to do so in a particular market, our revenues could be negatively affected and our ability to grow could be constrained. Under those circumstances, we may decide to reduce or terminate service to that market, which could result in additional costs.

        We will also need to obtain additional gates in our leisure destination markets, and obtain access to markets we seek to serve in the future. Any condition that would deny, limit or delay our access to airports we seek to serve in the future would constrain our ability to grow. Opening new markets may require us to commit a substantial amount of resources, even before the new services commence, including additional skilled personnel, equipment and facilities. An inability to hire and retain skilled personnel or to secure the required equipment and facilities efficiently and cost-effectively may affect our ability to implement our growth strategy. We cannot assure you we will be able to successfully establish new markets and our failure to do so could harm our business.

        In the fourth quarter of 2007, we added Ft. Lauderdale and Phoenix as new leisure destinations. Since we have limited historical data on the performance of these markets as our leisure destinations, we are uncertain whether we will be able to profitably operate these routes.

        We expect to serve other leisure destinations, in addition to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa/St. Petersburg, which we believe are attractive to small city markets. However, if we fail to successfully implement service to additional leisure destinations, our growth prospects will be limited and our profitability could be adversely impacted.

        Expansion of our markets and services may also strain our existing management resources and operational, financial and management information systems to the point they may no longer be adequate to support our operations, requiring us to make significant expenditures in these areas. We expect we will need to develop further financial, operational and management controls, reporting systems and procedures to accommodate future growth. We cannot assure you we will be able to develop these controls, systems or procedures on a timely basis and the failure to do so could harm our business.

        Additionally, we are subject to regulation by the FAA and must receive its approval to add aircraft to our operating certificate. If the FAA does not grant us approval to add aircraft to our fleet as quickly as we desire, our growth may be limited and our profitability could be adversely impacted.


Any inability to acquire and maintain additional compatible aircraft, engines or parts on favorable terms or at all would increase our operating costs and could harm our profitability.

        Our fleet currently consists of MD80 series aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 series engines. Although our management believes there is currently an adequate supply of suitable MD80 series aircraft available at favorable prices and terms, we are unable to predict how long these conditions will continue. Any increase in demand for the MD80 aircraft or the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 series engine could restrict our ability to obtain additional MD80 aircraft, engines and spare parts. Because the aircraft and the engine are no longer being manufactured, we may be unable to obtain additional suitable aircraft, engines or spare parts on satisfactory terms or at the time needed for our operations or for our implementation of our growth plan.

        In April 2006, the FAA indicated it intends to issue regulations limiting the age of aircraft that may be flown in the U.S. The announcement did not indicate the maximum age that would be allowed, the effective date of the regulation or any grandfathering provisions. These regulations, if and when implemented, may have a material effect on our future operations.

        We cannot assure you we will be able to purchase additional MD80s on favorable terms, or at all. Instead, we may be required to lease MD80s from current owners. Because, in our experience, the cost of leasing generally exceeds the ownership costs associated with the purchase of the MD80, our operating costs would increase if we are required to lease, instead of purchase, additional MD80 aircraft, and this could harm our profitability.

        If the available MD80 series aircraft, whether by purchase or lease, are not compatible with the rest of our fleet in terms of takeoff weight, avionics, engine type or other factors, the costs of operating and maintaining our fleet would likely increase. Similarly, our aircraft ownership costs will likely increase if we decide to acquire aircraft other than MD80 series aircraft.

        There is also a greater risk with acquiring used aircraft because we may incur additional costs to remedy any mechanical issues not found in our inspection and acceptance process and, generally, the cost to maintain used aircraft exceeds the cost to maintain new aircraft.

Any inability to obtain financing for additional aircraft could harm our growth plan.

        We typically finance our aircraft through either mortgage debt or lease financing. Although we believe debt and/or lease financing will be available for the aircraft we will acquire, we cannot assure you we will be able to secure such financing on terms attractive to us or at all. To the extent we cannot secure such financing on acceptable terms or at all, we may be required to modify our aircraft acquisition plans, incur higher than anticipated financing costs or use more of our cash balances for aircraft acquisitions than we currently expect.

        Aircraft lenders often require that they receive the benefit of Section 1110 protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. It is more difficult to provide lenders Section 1110 protection for aircraft manufactured before 1994. Most MD80s, and almost all of our MD80s, were manufactured before 1994. As a result, we may face difficulty obtaining financing for aircraft transactions.

Our maintenance costs will increase as our fleet ages.

        Our aircraft range from 12 to 22 years old, with an average age of 18 years as of February 1, 2008. In general, the cost to maintain aircraft increases as they age and exceeds the cost to maintain new aircraft. FAA regulations require additional and enhanced maintenance inspections for older aircraft. These regulations include Aging Aircraft Airworthiness Directives, which typically increase as an aircraft ages and vary by aircraft or engine type depending on the unique characteristics of each aircraft and/or engine.


        In addition, we may be required to comply with any future aging aircraft issues, law changes, regulations or airworthiness directives. We cannot assure you our maintenance costs will not exceed our expectations.

        We believe our aircraft are and will be mechanically reliable based on the percentage of scheduled flights completed. We cannot assure you our aircraft will continue to be sufficiently reliable over longer periods of time. Furthermore, given the age of our fleet, any public perception that our aircraft are less than completely reliable could have an adverse effect on our profitability.

We may be subject to unionization, work stoppages, slowdowns or increased labor costs.

        Unlike most airlines, we have a non-union workforce. If our employees unionize, it could result in demands that may increase our operating expenses and adversely affect our profitability. Our pilots and flight attendants have formed in-house associations to negotiate matters of concern with us. Although we have negotiated mutually acceptable arrangements with our pilots and flight attendants, our costs could be adversely affected by the cumulative results of discussions with employee groups in the future. Further attempts are possible to unionize our flight attendants as the waiting period required by the National Mediation Board (NMB) has elapsed since the prior rejection of union representation on December 4, 2006.

        Each of our employee groups could unionize at any time and would require separate collective bargaining agreements. If any group of our employees were to unionize and we were unable to agree on the terms of their collective bargaining agreement or we were to experience widespread employee dissatisfaction, we could be subject to work slowdowns or stoppages. In addition, we may be subject to disruptions by organized labor groups protesting our non-union status. Any of these events would be disruptive to our operations, could harm our business, and therefore have an adverse effect on our future results.

Our reputation and financial results could be harmed in the event of an accident or incident involving our aircraft or other MD80 aircraft.

        An accident or incident involving one of our aircraft could involve repair or replacement of a damaged aircraft and its consequential temporary or permanent loss from service, and significant potential claims of injured passengers and others. Although we believe we currently maintain liability insurance in amounts and of the type generally consistent with industry practice, the amount of such coverage may not be adequate and we may be forced to bear substantial losses from an accident. Substantial claims resulting from an accident in excess of our related insurance coverage would harm our business and financial results. Moreover, any aircraft accident or incident, even if fully insured, could cause a public perception that we are less safe or reliable than other airlines, which would harm our business. Because we are a relatively new company and because we are smaller than most airlines, an accident would likely adversely affect us to a greater degree than a larger, more established airline.

        In March 2007, the nose landing gear failed to deploy on a flight to Orlando Sanford International Airport. The aircraft landed safely with only minor injuries to ten passengers. Although the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board ("NTSB") have conducted their usual investigation, they have yet to release their final report. The damage to the aircraft was covered by our insurance, but we were responsible for a $250,000 deductible. The aircraft was out of service for two months.


        Additionally, our dependence on this single type of aircraft and engine for all of our flights makes us particularly vulnerable to any problems that might be associated with, or aging aircraft requirements affecting, this aircraft type or these engines. Our business would be significantly harmed if a mechanical problem with the MD80 series aircraft or the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 series engine were discovered causing our aircraft to be grounded while any such problem is being corrected, assuming it could be corrected at all. The FAA could also suspend or restrict the use of our aircraft in the event of any actual or perceived mechanical problems, whether involving our aircraft or another U.S. or foreign airline's aircraft, while it conducts its own investigation. Our business would also be significantly harmed if the public avoids flying our aircraft due to an adverse perception of the MD80 series aircraft or the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 series engine because of safety concerns or other problems, whether real or perceived, or in the event of an accident involving an MD80 aircraft.

We depend on our ability to maintain existing and develop new relationships with hotels and other providers of travel related services. Any adverse changes in these relationships could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as our ability to provide air-hotel packages in our leisure destination markets.

        An important component of our business success depends on our ability to maintain our existing, as well as build new, relationships with hotels and other travel suppliers in our leisure destination markets. We do not currently have long-term contracts with any of our hotel room suppliers, nor do we anticipate entering into long-term contracts with them in the future. Adverse changes in or the failure to renew existing relationships, or our inability to enter into arrangements with new hotel suppliers on favorable terms, if at all, could reduce the amount, quality and breadth of attractively priced travel products and services we are able to offer, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our ability to continue to grow and enter new markets also depends on our ability to obtain a sufficient supply of suitable hotel rooms on favorable terms in our existing and new leisure destinations.

        Hotels and other travel suppliers are increasingly seeking to lower their distribution costs by promoting direct online bookings through their own websites, and we expect this trend to continue. Hotels and travel suppliers may choose not to make their travel products and services available through our distribution channels. To the extent consumers increase the percentage of their travel purchases through supplier direct websites and/or if travel suppliers choose not to make their products and services available to us, our business may suffer.

We have fixed obligations and we expect to incur significantly more fixed obligations which could hurt our ability to meet our strategic goals.

        We have maturities of long-term debt related to the financing of aircraft and aircraft under capital leases. In addition to our long-term debt, we have other fixed obligations for aircraft purchase commitments in 2008, obligations under operating leases related to aircraft, airport terminal space, other airport facilities and office space. We expect to incur additional debt and other fixed obligations as we take delivery of additional aircraft and other equipment and continue to expand into new markets. Our ability to make scheduled payments on our existing and additional debt and other fixed obligations will depend upon our future operating performance and cash flow, which in turn will depend upon prevailing economic and political conditions and financial, competitive, regulatory, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

Our business is heavily dependent on the attractiveness of our leisure destinations and a reduction in demand for air travel to these markets would harm our business.

        Almost all of our scheduled flights and announced service have Las Vegas, Phoenix, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando or Tampa/St. Petersburg as either their destination or origin. Our business would



be harmed by any circumstances causing a reduction in demand for air transportation to these markets, such as adverse changes in local economic conditions, negative public perception of the particular city, significant price increases, or the impact of past or future terrorist attacks.

We may face increased competition in our markets which could harm our business.

        The small cities we serve on a scheduled basis have traditionally attracted considerably less attention from our potential competitors than larger markets, and in most of our markets, we are the only provider of nonstop service to our leisure destinations. It is possible other airlines will begin to provide nonstop services to and from these markets or otherwise target these markets. An increase in the amount of direct or indirect competition could harm our business.

We may be unable to renew our lease or increase our facilities at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport.

        McCarran International Airport was one of the top twenty busiest airports in the world in 2007 and its gate space, terminal space, aircraft parking space and facilities in general are constrained. To meet our growth plan, we will require additional facilities at McCarran. However, we may not be able to maintain sufficient or obtain additional facilities at McCarran on favorable terms, or at all. In addition, our present agreement can be terminated at any time upon 30 days' notice. Since Las Vegas is one of our leisure destinations, our inability to maintain sufficient facilities or to obtain additional facilities as needed would harm our business by limiting our ability to grow and increasing our costs.

        We also currently rely on the availability of overnight aircraft parking space at McCarran. However, due to anticipated airport growth, we may find it difficult to obtain sufficient overnight aircraft parking space in the future. Over time, this may result in our having to overnight aircraft in other cities, which could increase our costs and could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

We may be unable to renew our lease or increase our facilities at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

        There is a shortage of capacity at commercial airports in South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where gate space, terminal space, airport parking space and facilities in general are constrained. To grow our service at the Ft. Lauderdale airport, we will require additional facilities. However, we may not be able to maintain sufficient or obtain additional facilities at Ft. Lauderdale on favorable terms, or at all. In addition, our present agreement can be terminated at any time upon 30 days' notice. Since Ft. Lauderdale is one of our leisure destinations, our inability to maintain sufficient facilities or to obtain additional facilities as needed would harm our business by limiting our ability to grow and increasing our costs. We will also rely on the availability of overnight aircraft parking space at Ft. Lauderdale. However, due to anticipated airport growth, we may find it difficult to obtain sufficient overnight aircraft parking space. Over time, this may result in our having to overnight aircraft in other cities, which could increase our costs and could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

Our business could be harmed if we lose the services of our key personnel.

        Our business depends upon the efforts of our chief executive officer, Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., and a small number of management and operating personnel. We do not currently have an employment agreement with or maintain key-man life insurance on Mr. Gallagher. We may have difficulty replacing management or other key personnel who leave and, therefore, the loss of the services of any of these individuals could harm our business.


Our results of operations will fluctuate.

        We expect our quarterly operating results to fluctuate in the future based on a variety of factors, including:

        In addition, seasonal variations in traffic, the timing of significant repair events and weather affect our operating results from quarter to quarter. Quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results may not be good indicators of our future performance. In addition, it is possible our operating results in any future quarter could be below the expectations of investors and any published reports or analyses regarding Allegiant. In that event, the price of our common stock could decline, perhaps substantially.

Due to our limited fleet size, if any of our aircraft becomes unavailable, we may suffer greater damage to our service, reputation and profitability than airlines with larger fleets.

        As of February 1, 2008, we operate a fleet of 35 aircraft. Given the limited number of aircraft we operate, if an aircraft becomes unavailable due to unscheduled maintenance, repairs or other reasons, we could suffer greater adverse financial and reputational impacts than larger airlines if our flights are delayed or cancelled due to the absence of replacement aircraft. Our business strategy involves concentrating our aircraft overnight at our destination airports. If we are unable to operate those aircraft for a prolonged period of time for reasons outside of our control, for example, a catastrophic event or a terrorist act, our results of operations and business could be disproportionately harmed.

We rely heavily on automated systems to operate our business and any failure of these systems could harm our business.

        We depend on automated systems to operate our business, including our computerized airline reservation system, our telecommunication systems, our website and other automated systems. We rely on a single vendor to support many of these systems and it would be difficult to readily replace this vendor on whomwhich we have relied since our inception. A failure of this vendor to satisfactorily service our automation needs could negatively affect our Internet sales and customer service and result in increased costs.

        Unlike many other airlines, which issue traditional paper tickets to some or all of their passengers, weWe issue only electronic tickets. Our website and reservation system must be able to accommodate a high volume of traffic and deliver important flight information. Substantial or repeated website, reservations system or telecommunication systems failures or a failure by our vendor could reduce the attractiveness of our services. Any disruption in these systems could result in the loss of important data, loss of revenue, increase our expenses and generally harm our business.

Currently, our fixed fee flying business is substantially dependent on a single customer and the loss of this business could have a material adverse effect on our continuing fixed fee contract revenue.

        During 2007, approximately 66.2% of our fixed fee contract revenue was derived from Harrah's Entertainment Inc. and its affiliates with services under two contracts to expire in December 2008. In



January 2008 we began flying under a third Harrah's contract which expires in December 2009. If Harrah's suffers a decline in business, decides to change its strategy or otherwise decides to reduce, terminate or fail to renew the fixed fee flying services provided by us, our revenues from fixed fee flying operations could be adversely affected.

If we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel at reasonable costs or fail to maintain our company culture, our business could be harmed.

        Our business is labor intensive, with labor costs representing 16.0%Table of our operating expenses during 2007. We expect wages and benefits to increase on a gross basis and these costs could also increase as a percentage of our overall costs, which could harm our business. Our expansion plans will require us to hire, train and retain a significant number of new employees in the future. From time to time, the airline industry has experienced a shortage of personnel licensed by the FAA, especially pilots and mechanics. We compete against other U.S. airlines for labor in these highly skilled positions. Many U.S. airlines offer wage and benefit packages that exceed our wage and benefit packages. As a result, in the future, we may have to significantly increase wages and benefits in order to attract and retain qualified personnel or risk considerable employee turnover. If we are unable to hire, train and retain qualified employees at a reasonable cost, we may be unable to successfully pursue our expansion plans and our business could be harmed.

        In addition, as we hire more people and grow, we believe it may be increasingly challenging to continue to hire people who will maintain our company culture. We believe one of our competitive strengths is our service-oriented company culture that emphasizes friendly, helpful, team-oriented and customer-focused employees. Our company culture is important to providing high quality customer service and having a highly productive workforce that helps keep our costs low. As we grow, we may be unable to identify, hire or retain enough people who meet the above criteria, and our company culture could otherwise be adversely affected by our growing operations and geographic diversity. If we fail to maintain the strength of our company culture, our competitive ability and business may be harmed.

We rely on third parties to provide us with facilities and services that are integral to our business and can be withdrawn on short notice.

        We have entered into agreements with numerous third-party contractors, including other airlines, to provide certain facilities and services required for our operations, such as aircraft maintenance, ground handling, flight dispatch, baggage services and ticket counter space. We will likely need to enter into similar agreements in any new markets we decide to serve. All of these agreements are subject to termination upon short notice. Although we believe there are alternative service providers available to perform these services for us in the event of a contract termination or failure by a service provider, the loss or expiration of these contracts, the loss of FAA certification by our outside maintenance providers or any inability to renew our contracts or negotiate contracts with other providers at comparable rates could harm our business. Our reliance on others to provide essential services on our behalf also gives us less control over costs and the efficiency, timeliness and quality of contract services. In 2006, failures by our flight dispatch vendor significantly delayed all of our flights on a particular day. Although we seek to have redundant processes in place to protect against such failures, we remain subject to the performance by our outside vendors.

Imposition of additional sales and hotel occupancy and other related taxes may increase our expenses.

        Currently, hotels collect and remit hotel occupancy and related taxes to the various tax authorities based on the amounts collected by the hotels. Consistent with this practice, we recover the taxes on the underlying cost of the hotel room night from customers and remit the taxes to the hotel operators for payment to the appropriate tax authorities. We understand some jurisdictions have indicated to the public that they may take the position that sales or hotel occupancy tax may also be applicable to the


Contents

differential between the price paid by a customer for our service and the cost to us for the underlying room. Historically, we have not collected taxes on this differential. Some state and local jurisdictions could assert we are subject to hotel occupancy taxes on this differential and could seek to collect such taxes, either retroactively or prospectively or both. Such actions may result in substantial liabilities for past sales and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. To the extent any tax authority succeeds in asserting such a tax collection responsibility exists, it is likely, with respect to future transactions, we would collect any such additional tax obligation from our customers, which would increase the price of hotel room nights we charge our customers and, consequently, could reduce hotel sales and our profitability. We will continue to assess the risks of the potential financial impact of additional tax exposure, and to the extent appropriate, reserve for those estimates of liabilities.

Our processing, storage, use and disclosure of personal data could give rise to liabilities as a result of governmental regulation, conflicting legal requirements or differing views of personal privacy rights.

        In the processing of our customer transactions, we receive and store a large volume of identifiable personal data. This data is increasingly subject to legislation and regulation. This government action is typically intended to protect the privacy of personal data that is collected, processed and transmitted. We could be adversely affected if legislation or regulations are expanded to require changes in our business practices in ways that negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As privacy and data protection become more sensitive issues, we may also become exposed to potential liabilities as a result of differing views on the privacy of travel data. These and other privacy developments are difficult to anticipate and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our management may exert considerable influence over usmaintenance costs will increase as longour fleet ages.

        Our aircraft range from 12 to 22 years old, with an average age of 19.4 years as of February 1, 2009. In general, the cost to maintain aircraft increases as they ownage and exceeds the cost to maintain new aircraft. FAA regulations require additional and enhanced maintenance inspections for older aircraft. These regulations include Aging Aircraft Airworthiness Directives, which typically increase as an aircraft ages and vary by aircraft or control a significant percentageengine type depending on the unique characteristics of our common stock, and they may make decisions with which you disagree.each aircraft and/or engine.

        The members ofIn addition, we may be required to comply with any future aging aircraft issues, law changes, regulations or airworthiness directives. We cannot assure you our board of directors and our executive officers own beneficially approximately 33% of the outstanding shares of our common stock as of March 1, 2008. As a result, our management will be able to exert considerable control over all matters affecting us, including the election of directors as long as they continue to own or control such a significant percentage of our common stock. They may make decisions other stockholdersmaintenance costs will not be able to affect by voting their shares.

Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect onexceed our business and stock price, and could subject us to liability.expectations.

        Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley ActWe believe our aircraft are and the related rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission require our management to conduct annual assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and require a report by our independent registered public accounting firm addressing these assessments. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, as these standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404. If we fail to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment, we could suffer material misstatements in our financial statements and fail to meet our reporting obligations, which would likely cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information. This could harm our operating results and lead to a decline in our stock price. Similar adverse effects could result if our auditors express an adverse opinion or disclaim or qualify an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Additionally, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could expose us to increased risk of fraud or misuse of



corporate assets and subject us to potential delisting from the Nasdaq Global Select Market, regulatory investigations and civil or criminal sanctions.

Changing laws, rules and regulations, and legal uncertainties relating to the way we do business may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Unfavorable changes in existing, or the promulgation of new, laws, rules and regulations applicable to us, including those relating to the Internet and online commerce, consumer protection and privacy, and sales, use, occupancy, value-added and other taxes, could decrease demand for our products and services, increase our costs and/or subject us to additional liabilities, which could adversely impact our business. For example, there is, and will likely continue to be an increasing numbermechanically reliable based on the percentage of laws and regulations pertaining to Internet and online commerce, which may relate to liability for information retrieved from or transmitted over the Internet, user privacy, taxation and the quality of products and services. Furthermore, the growth and development of online commerce may prompt calls for more stringent consumer protection laws that may impose additional burdens on online businesses generally.

        In addition, the application of various sales, use, occupancy, value-added and other tax laws, rules and regulations to our products and services is subject to interpretation by the applicable taxing authorities. While we believe we are compliant with these tax provisions, wescheduled flights completed. We cannot assure you taxing authoritiesour aircraft will not take a contrary position, orcontinue to be sufficiently reliable over longer periods of time. Furthermore, given the age of our fleet, any public perception that such positions would notour aircraft are less than completely reliable could have an adverse effect on our business, financial conditionprofitability.

We may be subject to unionization which could increase our labor costs.

        Unlike most airlines, we have a non-union workforce. If our employees unionize, it could result in demands that may increase our operating expenses and adversely affect our profitability. Our pilots and flight attendants have formed in-house associations to negotiate matters of concern with us. Although we have negotiated mutually acceptable arrangements with our pilots and flight attendants, our costs could be adversely affected by the cumulative results of operations.discussions with employee groups in the future.

Our business is heavily dependent on the attractiveness of our leisure destinations and a reduction in demand for air travel to these markets could harm our business.

        Almost all of our scheduled flights and announced service have Las Vegas, Phoenix, Orlando, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Ft. Lauderdale or Los Angeles as either their destination or origin. Our business could be harmed by any circumstances causing a reduction in demand for air transportation to one or more of these markets, such as adverse changes in local economic conditions, negative public perception of the particular city, significant price increases, or the impact of future terrorist attacks.

Our business could be harmed if we lose the services of our key personnel.

        Our business depends upon the efforts of our chief executive officer, Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., and a small number of management and operating personnel. We do not currently have an employment agreement with or maintain key-man life insurance on Mr. Gallagher. We may have difficulty replacing management or other key personnel who leave and, therefore, the loss of the services of any of these individuals could harm our business.


Table of Contents


If our credit card processing company were to require significant holdbacks for processing credit card transactions for the purchase of air travel and other services, our cash flow would be adversely affected.

        Credit card companies sometimes require holdbacks when future air travel and other future services are purchased through credit card transactions. We rely on a single credit card processing company at this time, and our agreement is terminable on 30 days notice. As virtually all of our scheduled service and ancillary revenue is paid with credit cards and our credit card processing agreement does not require a significant holdback, our cash flow would suffer in the event the terms of our current agreement were changed or terminated. Although we believe we would be able to secure a replacement credit card processing agreement if our current agreement is terminated, the terms of any new agreement may not be as favorable to us. These cash flow issues could be exacerbated during periods of rapid growth as we would be incurring additional costs associated with our growth, but our receipt of these revenues would be delayed.

Risks Associated with the Airline and Travel Industry

The airline and travel industry tends to experience adverse financial results during general economic downturns.

        Since a substantial portion of airline travel, for both business and leisure, is discretionary, the airline and travel industries tend to experience adverse financial results during general economic downturns. Any general reduction in airline passenger traffic would likely harm our business.

The airline industry has incurred significant losses resulting in airline restructurings and bankruptcies, which could result in changes in our industry.

        We believe airline traffic is particularly sensitive to changes in economic growth and expectations. In addition, the war in Iraq or other conflicts or events in the Middle East or elsewhere may impact the economy and result in an adverse impact on the airline business. In 2006 and 2007, the U.S. airline industry was profitable (net of bankruptcy charges) for the first time in consecutive years since 1999 and 2000. Substantial losses from 2001 through 2005 caused significant changes in the industry. Low fares and escalating fuel prices contributed to these losses. As a result, many airlines are renegotiating or attempting to renegotiate labor contracts, reconfiguring flight schedules, furloughing or terminating employees, as well as considering other efficiency and cost-cutting measures. Despite these actions, several airlines have sought reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code permitting them to reduce labor rates, restructure debt, terminate pension plans and generally reduce their cost structure. Additionally, other airlines have consolidated in an attempt to lower costs and rationalize their route structures in order to improve their results. It is foreseeable that further airline reorganizations, bankruptcies or consolidations may occur, the effects of which we are unable to predict. The occurrence of these events, or potential changes resulting from these events, may harm our business or the industry.


The airline industry is highly competitive is characterized by low profit margins and high fixed costs, and we may be unable to compete effectively against other airlines with greater financial resources or lower operating costs.future competition in our small city markets could harm our business.

        The airline industry is characterized generally by low profit marginshighly competitive. The small cities we serve on a scheduled basis have traditionally attracted considerably less attention from our potential competitors than larger markets, and high fixed costs, primarily for personnel, aircraft fuel, debtin most of our markets, we are the only provider of nonstop service to our leisure destinations. It is possible other airlines will begin to provide nonstop services to and aircraft lease rentals. The expenses of an aircraft flight do not vary significantly with the number of passengers carried and, as a result, a relatively small changefrom these markets or otherwise target these markets. An increase in the numberamount of passengersdirect or in pricing could have a disproportionate effect on an airline's operating and financial results. Accordingly, a minor shortfall in expected revenue levelsindirect competition could harm our business.

        In addition, the airline industry is highly competitive and is particularly susceptible to price discounting because airlines incur only nominal costs to provide service to passengers occupying otherwise unsold seats. Although we do not currently face nonstop competition on many of our routes, competing airlines provide connecting service on many of our routes or serve nearby airports. In addition, we have faced other competing services in the past, and we cannot assure you other airlines will not begin to provide nonstop service in the future on the routes we serve. Many of these competing airlines are larger and have significantly greater financial resources and name recognition. We may, therefore, be unable to compete effectively against other airlines that introduce service or discounted fares in the markets we serve.

A future act of terrorism, the threat of such acts or escalation of U.S. military involvement overseas could adversely affect our industry.

        Even if not directed at the airline industry, a future act of terrorism, the threat of such acts or escalation of U.S. military involvement overseas could have an adverse effect on the airline industry. In the event of a terrorist attack, the industry would likely experience significantly reduced demand for our travel services. These actions, or consequences resulting from these actions, would likely harm our business and the airline and travel industry.

Changes in government regulations imposing additional requirements and restrictions on our operations could increase our operating costs and result in service delays and disruptions.

        Airlines are subject to extensive regulatory and legal compliance requirements, both domestically and internationally, that involve significant costs. In the last several years, the FAA has issued a number of directives and other regulations relating to the maintenance and operation of aircraft, including rules regarding assumed average passenger weight, that have required us to make significant expenditures. FAA requirements cover, among other things, retirement of older aircraft, security measures, collision avoidance systems, airborne windshear avoidance systems, noise abatement, weight and payload limits, and increased inspection and maintenance procedures to be conducted on aging aircraft.

        We incur substantial costs in maintaining our current certifications and otherwise complying with the laws, rules and regulations to which we are subject. We cannot predict whether we will be able to comply with all present and future laws, rules, regulations and certification requirements or that the cost of continued compliance will not significantly increase our costs of doing business.

        The FAA has the authority to issue mandatory orders relating to, among other things, the grounding of aircraft, inspection of aircraft, installation of new safety-related items and removal and


Table of Contents


replacement of aircraft parts that have failed or may fail in the future. A decision by the FAA to ground, or require time consuming inspections of or maintenance on, all or any of our MD80 series aircraft, for any reason, could negatively impact our results of operations. In addition to state and federal regulation, airports and municipalities enact rules and regulations that affect our operations.

        Additional laws, regulations, taxes and airport rates and charges have been proposed from time to time that could significantly increase the cost of airline operations or reduce revenues. For example, in



2006 the FAA adopted regulations requiring airlines to monitor thetheir third-party vendors' compliance with drug testing standards of allapplicable to mechanics and maintenance personnel including those of third party vendors. Inin addition to monitoring the airline's own compliance. Similarly, as a result of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. in September 2001, the FAA and the Transportation Security Administration ("TSA")TSA have imposed more stringent security procedures on airlines. We cannot predict what other new regulations may be imposed on airlines and we cannot assure youthere is no assurance these laws or regulations, or any laws or regulations enacted in the future, will not materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

        Our ability to operate as an airline is dependent upon our maintaining certifications issued to us by the DOT and the FAA. Federal law requires that air carriers operating large aircraft, such as our MD80 series aircraft, be continuously "fit, willing and able" to provide the services for which they are licensed. Our "fitness" is monitored by the DOT, which considers factors such as consumer-relations practices, legal and regulatory compliance disposition, financial resources and U.S. citizenship in making its determinations. While DOT has seldom revoked a carrier's certification for lack of fitness, such an occurrence would render it impossible for us to continue operating as an airline. Similarly, in a worst-case scenario, the FAA could restrict or suspend our ability to operate as an airline, and could do so on an emergency basis with little or no advance warning in the event the FAA should consider our operations unsafe. While under such circumstances we would have a right to expedited judicial review of the legality of the FAA's actions, such a development would likely harm our business severely regardless of the outcome of such review.

        In the event we elect in the future to expand our scheduled service offerings into international markets, we would be subject to increased regulation by U.S. and foreign aeronautical authorities as well as customs, immigration and other border-protection agencies. Additionally, there is no assurance we would be able to obtain the right to serve all routes we may wish to serve. These factors, alone or in combination, could materially adversely affect any international scheduled service we may choose to pursue in the future.

        In April 2006, the FAA indicated it intends to issue regulations limiting the age of aircraft that may be flown in the U.S. The announcement did not indicate the maximum age that would be allowed, the effective date of the regulation or any grandfathering provisions. These regulations, if and when implemented, could have a material effect on our future operations.

Airlines are often affected by factors beyond their control, including traffic congestion at airports, weather conditions, increased security measures or the outbreak of disease, any of which could harm our operating results and financial condition.

        Like other airlines, we are subject to delays caused by factors beyond our control, including air traffic congestion at airports, adverse weather conditions, increased security measures or the outbreak of disease. Delays frustrate passengers and increase costs, which in turn could affect profitability. During periods of fog, snow, rain, storms or other adverse weather conditions, flights may be cancelled or significantly delayed. Cancellations or delays due to weather conditions, traffic control problems and breaches in security could harm our operating results and financial condition. An outbreak of a disease that affects travel behavior, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome ("SARS") or avian flu, could have a material adverse impact on the airline industry. Any general reduction in airline passenger


Table of Contents


traffic as a result of an outbreak of disease could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Stock Price

The market price of our common stock may be volatile, which could cause the value of youran investment in Allegiantour stock to decline.

        The market price of our common stock may fluctuate substantially due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:


        The stock markets in general have experienced substantial volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These types of broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

        In the past, stockholders have sometimes instituted securities class action litigation against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. Any similar litigation against us could result in substantial costs, divert management's attention and resources, and harm our business or results of operations.

Other companies may have difficulty acquiring us, even if doing so would benefit our stockholders, due to provisions under our corporate charter, bylaws and option plans, as well as Nevada law.

        Provisions in our articles of incorporation, our bylaws, and under Nevada law could make it more difficult for other companies to acquire us, even if doing so would benefit our stockholders. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain the following provisions, among others, which may inhibit an acquisition of our company by a third party:

        We are also subject to provisions of Nevada law that prohibit us from engaging in any business combination with any "interested stockholder," meaning generally that a stockholder who beneficially owns more than 10% of our stock cannot acquire us for a period of time after the date this person became an interested stockholder, unless various conditions are met, such as approval of the transaction by our board of directors.


Table of Contents

        Under U.S. laws and the regulations of the DOT, U.S. citizens must effectively control us. As a result, our president and at least two-thirds of our board of directors must be U.S. citizens and not more than 25% of our voting stock may be owned by non-U.S. citizens (although subject to DOT approval, the percent of foreign economic ownership may be as high as 49%). Any of these restrictions could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control.

        In addition, options under our Long-Term Incentive Plan may have a special acceleration feature pursuant to which those options will vest in full in the event we are acquired. The accelerated vesting of our employee stock options may prove to be a deterrent to a potential acquisition of us because the acquiring company may have to implement additional retention programs to ensure the continued service of our employees, and the additional dilution that will result from the accelerated vesting of our outstanding employee stock options will likely reduce the amount otherwise payable to our stockholders in an acquisition.


Our corporate charter and bylaws include provisions limiting voting by non-U.S. citizens.

        To comply with restrictions imposed by federal law on foreign ownership of U.S. airlines, our articles of incorporation and bylaws restrict voting of shares of our capital stock by non-U.S. citizens. The restrictions imposed by federal law currently require no more than 25% of our stock be voted, directly or indirectly, by persons who are not U.S. citizens, and that our president and at least two-thirds of the members of our board of directors be U.S. citizens. Our bylaws provide no shares of our capital stock may be voted by or at the direction of non-U.S. citizens unless such shares are registered on a separate stock record, which we refer to as the foreign stock record. Our bylaws further provide no shares of our capital stock will be registered on the foreign stock record if the amount so registered would exceed the foreign ownership restrictions imposed by federal law. Registration on the foreign stock record is made in chronological order based on the date we receive a written request for registration. Non-U.S. citizens will be able to own and vote shares of our common stock only if the combined ownership by all non-U.S. citizens does not violate these requirements.

The value of our common stock may be negatively affected by additional issuances of common stock or preferred stock by us and general market factors.

        Future issuances or sales of our common stock or convertible preferred stock by us will likely be dilutive to our existing common stockholders. Future issuances or sales of common or preferred stock by us, or the availability of such stock for future issue or sale, could have a negative impact on the price of our common stock prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public or private market, a perception in the market that such sales could occur, or the issuance of securities exercisable or convertible into our common stock, could also adversely affect the prevailing price of our common stock.

Substantial sales of our common stock could cause our stock price to fall.

        If our existing stockholders sell a large number of shares of our common stock or the public market perceives existing stockholders might sell shares of common stock, the market price of our common stock could decline significantly. All of our outstanding shares are either freely tradable, without restriction, in the public market or eligible for sale in the public market at various times, subject, in some cases, to volume limitations under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

        We cannot predict whether future sales of our common stock or the availability of our common stock for sale will adversely affect the market price for our common stock or our ability to raise capital by offering equity securities.


RegistrationTable of shares of our common stock subject to registration rights may depress the trading price of our stock.Contents

        The holders of approximately 4,000,000 shares of common stock are entitled to registration rights pursuant to an investors agreement with respect to their shares. The investors agreement provides, among other things, that holders of 25% of the securities with registration rights can require us, subject to certain limitations, to register with the Commission all or a portion of their shares of common stock. Additionally, these stockholders may also require us, subject to certain limitations, to include their shares in future registration statements we file. In accordance with an agreement with PAR Investment Partners, L.P., we have filed a shelf registration statement covering 1,750,000 shares of common stock and we are to keep the registration statement in effect until no later than December 13, 2008. Upon any of these registrations, these shares would be freely tradable in the public market without restrictions. If these stockholders exercise these or other similar rights under the investors agreement to sell substantial amounts common stock in the public market, or if it is perceived that such exercise or sale could occur, the market price of our common stock may fall.


Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

        Not Applicable.

Item 2.    Properties

        We lease facilities at several of the airports we serve. Our leases for our terminal passenger services facilities, which include ticket counter and gate space, and operations support areas, generally have terms of less than two years in duration.duration and can generally be terminated with a 30 to 60 day notice. We have also entered into use agreements at each of the airports we serve that provide for non-exclusive use of runways, taxiways and other facilities. Landing fees under these agreements are based on the number of landings and weight of the aircraft.


        Our principal base of operations in Las Vegas is Terminal 1 at McCarran International Airport. We share the terminal with severalmany other carriers. We currently lease twothree gates and have access to additional gates in the terminal. We believe we can operate ten departures per day per gate giving us current capacity to operate up to 2030 departures per day on our leased gates and additional departures per day on the gates we have access to use. WhileAs a result in the reduction of overall capacity during 2008 at McCarran, we currently have sufficientbelieve the current access to gate space is sufficient to accommodate our near term requirements, we believerequirements. We expect growth at McCarran over the long-term, with an eventual increase in airline capacity to levels beyond those prior to 2008, which may result in gate space may becomebecoming more difficult to obtain due to growth expected at McCarran. We also lease space at the cargo area on the field at McCarran which is used for line maintenance operations. We currently rely on the availability of overnight aircraft parking space at the Las Vegas airport. However, due to the anticipated long-term growth of McCarran, we may encounter difficulty in obtaining sufficient overnight aircraft parking space in the future. Over time, this may result in our having to overnight more of our aircraft in other cities, which may increase our costs.

        Our principal base of operations in Orlando is Terminal B at Orlando Sanford International Airport. We are the only scheduled domestic carrier operating at Orlando Sanford International Airport. The terminal has 12 gates, and we currently utilize up to three gates. We believe we have sufficient gate space to accommodate several years of growth at this airport. We also lease space in a nearby cargo building that supports our line maintenance and commissary operations.

        We use two gates at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.Airport with shared access to nine additional gates. We believe we have access to sufficient gate space to accommodate several years of growth at this airport.

        We are the only carrier providing scheduled service at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Phoenix based on currently published schedules. Weschedules with shared access to four gates. In 2008, we lent Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport $3.0 million to construct an expansion of the existing terminal. With this expansion now complete, we believe we have access to sufficient gate space to accommodate several years of growth at this airport.

        We use two gates at the airport.Bellingham International Airport with shared access to provide service to Las Vegas, Phoenix and four other leisure destinations (soon to be five, with our newly announced service to Los Angeles to start in May 2009). Bellingham International Airport is exploring the possibility of an expansion project which we believe will allow for sufficient gate space to accommodate several years of growth.

        Our principal base of operations in Ft. Lauderdale is Terminal 2 at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. We have non-exclusive use of one gate at this airport. While we have sufficient gate space to accommodate our near-term requirements, gate space at Ft. Lauderdale is at a premium, as is space for parking aircraft overnight and operational space in general. While we believe that we will be able to accommodate our near-term Ft. Lauderdale growth plans, the space constraints may limit our growth or operations in the future.


Table of Contents

        Our principal base of operations in Los Angeles will be Terminal 6 at Los Angeles International Airport. We will have non-exclusive use of one gate at this airport. We believe we will have access to sufficient gate space to accommodate future growth at this airport.

        Our primary corporate offices are located in Las Vegas, where we lease 16,225approximately 65,000 square feet of space under a lease that expires in June 2009. We also lease 18,500 square feet of office space near the airport where our maintenance, in-flight and training staff are located, under a lease that expires in September 2010.

        In May 2007, we entered into a lease for approximately 58,000 square feet of office space in a building to be constructed in Las Vegas, Nevada. We will combine all of our Las Vegas off-airport operations into this office and the landlord has agreed to assume the balance of our two existing leases in Las Vegas. We expect to be able to occupy the new office as early as May 2008.April 2019. The lease has a ten-year term with two five-year renewal options, but we have the right to terminate the lease after seven years in April 2015 and the right to purchase the building from the landlord after the third year of the lease. The initial base rental is approximately $1.3 million per year and is subject to escalation.lease in April 2011. We are also responsible for our share of common area maintenance charges. TheIn June 2008, we entered into a lease for approximately 10,000 square feet of office space in a building adjacent to our corporate offices to be utilized for training and other corporate purposes. In each case, the landlord is a partnershiplimited liability company in which certain of our officers and directors own significant interests as limited partners.non-controlling members.

        We also lease 5,000 square feet ofadditional space in Reno, Nevada, for our call center under a month to month lease and additional space near the Las Vegas airport for our commissary and parts warehouse under a lease that expires in August 2009.



Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

        We are subject to certain legal and administrative actions we consider routine to our business activities. We believe the ultimate outcome of any pending legal or administrative matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        Not Applicable.


Table of Contents


PART II

Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market for our common stock

        Our common stock has been quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Global Select Market since December 8, 2006. On March 5, 2008,February 27, 2009, the last sale price of our common stock was $27.65$34.32 per share. The following table sets forth the range of high and low sale prices for our common stock for the periods indicated.

 
 HIGH
 LOW
December 8, 2006—December 31, 2006 $28.79 $24.00
First Quarter 2007 $36.51 $25.83
Second Quarter 2007 $35.65 $27.53
Third Quarter 2007 $34.00 $27.56
Fourth Quarter 2007 $38.74 $29.90
Period
 High Low 

2008

       
 

1st Quarter

 $32.46 $19.97 
 

2nd Quarter

 $28.93 $18.52 
 

3rd Quarter

 $35.94 $15.89 
 

4th Quarter

 $49.06 $23.52 

2007

       
 

1st Quarter

 $36.51 $25.83 
 

2nd Quarter

 $35.65 $27.53 
 

3rd Quarter

 $34.00 $27.56 
 

4th Quarter

 $38.74 $29.90 

        As of February 1, 2008,2009, there were fewer thanapproximately 600 holders of record of our common stock. We believe that a substantially larger number of beneficial owners hold shares of our common stock in depository or nominee form.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

        The following table provides information regarding options, warrants or other rights to acquire equity securities under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2007:2008:


 Number of Securities to be
Issued upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights

 Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights

 Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance under
Equity Compensation Plans

 Number of Securities to be
Issued upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
 Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and Rights
 Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance under
Equity Compensation Plans
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(a) 286,367 $14.35 2,578,830 451,001 $22.88 2,196,553 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(b) 162,500 $4.40 N/A 162,500 $4.40 N/A 
Total 448,867 $10.75 2,578,830 613,501 $17.98 2,196,553 

(a)
The shares shown as being issuable under equity compensation plans approved by our security holders excludes restricted stock awards issued. In addition to the above, there are 80,47649,261 shares of nonvested restricted stock.stock as of December 31, 2008.

(b)
The shares shown as being issuable under equity compensation plans not approved by our security holders consist of the warrants granted to the placement agent in our private placement completed in May 2005.

Table of Contents

Dividend Policy

        Other than distributions paid or to be paid to our owners to defray the income taxes payable by them with respect to our taxable income while we were a pass-through entity for income tax purposes, we have not declared or paid any dividends on our equity since our inception. We do not intend to pay any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to finance the further expansion and continued growth of our business.


Use of Proceeds from Initial Public Offering

        On December 13, 2006, we consummated the initial public offering of our common stock, $0.001 par value. The shares of common stock sold in the offering were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on a Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-134145) that was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 8, 2006. The aggregate net proceeds to us from the offering were approximately $94.5 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions paid to the underwriters and other expenses incurred in connection with the offering.

        Approximately $0.9 million of the proceeds were applied to the repayment of debt owed to our chief executive officer and chairman of the board. No other portion of the proceeds from the offering was paid, directly or indirectly, to any of our officers or directors or any of their associates, or to any persons owning ten percent or more of our outstanding common stock or to any of our affiliates. We have invested the remaining net proceeds in short-term, investment-grade, interest bearing instruments, pending their use to fund working capital and capital expenditures, including capital expenditures related to the purchase of aircraft. As of December 31, 2007, we have used $42.1 million of the proceeds of our initial public offering for capital expenditures.

Our Repurchases of Equity Securities

        The following table reflects our repurchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2007.2008. All stock repurchases during this period were made from employees who received restricted stock grants simultaneously with our initial public offering in December 2006.grants. All stock repurchases were made at the election of each employee pursuant to an offer to repurchase by the Company. The stock repurchases consistedIn each case, the shares repurchased constituted either the full amount of allvested shares or athe portion of the restricted stock grant vesting in December 2007.vested shares necessary to satisfy withholding tax requirements.


ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Period

 Total Number of
Shares Purchased

 Average Price
Paid per Share

 Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

 Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs

October 2007 None  N/A None N/A
November 2007 None  N/A None N/A
December 2007 20,223 $32.00 None None
  
 
 
 
Total 20,223 $32.00 None None
  
 
 
 
Period
 Total Number of
Shares
Purchased
 Average Price
Paid per Share
 Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs(1)
 

October 2008

  1,774 $33.22 None $9,205,384 

November 2008

  None  N/A None $9,205,384 

December 2008

  22,357 $41.36 None $9,205,384 
          

Total

  24,131 $40.76 None $9,205,384 
          

(1)
Represents the remaining dollar value of open market purchases of the Company's common stock which was authorized in January 2008 by the Board of Directors under a share repurchase program. In January 2009, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to acquire through open market purchases up to $25.0 million in the Company's common stock. The newly authorized program replaces the previously approved program which expired in January 2009 with $9.2 million of unused authority.

Table of Contents

Stock Price Performance Graph

        The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return on the Nasdaq Composite Index and the AMEX Airline Index for the period beginning on December 8, 2006 (the date our common stock was first traded) and ending on the last day of 2007.2008. The graph assumes an investment of $100 in our stock and the two indices, respectively, on December 8, 2006, and further assumes the reinvestment of all dividends. The December 8, 2006 stock price used for our stock is the initial public offering price. Stock price performance, presented for the period from December 8, 2006 to December 31, 2007,2008, is not necessarily indicative of future results.


 12/08/06
 12/31/06
 12/31/07
 12/08/06 12/31/06 12/31/07 12/31/08 
ALGT $100.00 $155.89 $178.56 $100.00 $155.89 $178.56 $269.83 
Nasdaq Composite Index $100.00 $99.09 $108.82 $100.00 $99.09 $108.82 $64.70 
AMEX Airline Index $100.00 $99.23 $58.39 $100.00 $99.23 $58.39 $41.30 

        The stock price performance graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this annual report on Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.


Table of Contents

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

        The following financial information for each of the five years ended December 31, 2007,2008, has been derived from our consolidated financial statements. You should read the selected consolidated financial data set forth below along with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes.



 For the year ended December 31,
 
 For the year ended December 31, 


 2007
 2006
 2005
 2004
 2003
 
 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 


 (in thousands, except per share data)

 
 (in thousands, except per share data)
 
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:           

STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:

 
Operating revenue:Operating revenue:           

Operating revenue:

 
Scheduled service revenue $258,943 $178,349 $90,664 $46,236 $22,515 

Scheduled service revenue

 $330,969 $258,943 $178,349 $90,664 $46,236 
Fixed fee contract revenue 35,378 33,743 30,642 40,987 26,569 

Fixed fee contract revenue

 52,525 35,378 33,743 30,642 40,987 
Ancillary revenue 64,988 31,258 11,194 3,142 886 

Ancillary revenue

 114,625 64,988 31,258 11,194 3,142 
Other revenue 1,264     

Other revenue

 5,893 1,264    
 
 
 
 
 
             
 360,573 243,350 132,500 90,365 49,970 

 504,012 360,573 243,350 132,500 90,365 
 
 
 
 
 
             
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:           

Operating expenses:

 
Aircraft fuel 152,149 101,561 52,568 27,914 11,755 

Aircraft fuel

 229,640 152,149 101,561 52,568 27,914 
Salary and benefits 50,761 34,950 21,718 15,379 8,176 

Salary and benefits

 72,007 55,593 37,453 23,090 16,201 
Station operations 33,724 24,866 14,090 13,608 8,042 

Station operations

 43,476 33,724 24,866 14,090 13,608 
Maintenance and repairs 25,764 19,482 9,022 9,367 6,136 

Maintenance and repairs

 41,465 25,764 19,482 9,022 9,367 
Sales and marketing 12,803 9,293 5,625 3,548 2,385 

Sales and marketing

 14,361 12,803 9,293 5,625 3,548 
Aircraft lease rentals 3,004 5,102 4,987 3,847 3,137 

Aircraft lease rentals

 2,815 3,004 5,102 4,987 3,847 
Depreciation and amortization 15,992 10,584 5,088 2,183 1,181 

Depreciation and amortization

 23,489 15,992 10,584 5,088 2,183 
Other 22,316 14,959 10,901 8,441 6,258 

Other

 20,911 17,484 12,456 9,529 7,619 
 
 
 
 
 
             
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses 316,513 220,797 123,999 84,287 47,070 

Total operating expenses

 448,164 316,513 220,797 123,999 84,287 
 
 
 
 
 
             
Operating incomeOperating income 44,060 22,553 8,501 6,078 2,900 

Operating income

 55,848 44,060 22,553 8,501 6,078 
 
 
 
 
 
             
Other (income) expense:Other (income) expense:           

Other (income) expense:

 
(Gain)/loss on fuel derivatives, net (2,613) 4,193 (612) (4,438) (314)

Loss (gain) on fuel derivatives, net

 11 (2,613) 4,193 (612) (4,438)
Earnings from joint venture, net (457)     

Earnings from joint venture, net

 (96) (457)    
Other expense (income), net 63    (913)

Other expense

  63    
Interest income (9,161) (2,973) (1,225) (30) (9)

Interest income

 (4,730) (9,161) (2,973) (1,225) (30)
Interest expense 5,523 5,517 3,009 1,399 831 

Interest expense

 5,411 5,523 5,517 3,009 1,399 
 
 
 
 
 
             
Total other (income) expenseTotal other (income) expense (6,645) 6,737 1,172 (3,069) (405)

Total other (income) expense

 596 (6,645) 6,737 1,172 (3,069)
 
 
 
 
 
             
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes 50,705 15,816 7,329 9,147 3,305 

Income before income taxes

 55,252 50,705 15,816 7,329 9,147 
 
 
 
 
 
             
Provision for income taxes:Provision for income taxes:           

Provision for income taxes:

 
Recognition of net deferred tax liabilities upon C-corporation conversion  6,425    

Recognition of net deferred tax liabilities upon C-corporation conversion

   6,425   
Tax provision, current year 19,196 651 37 12 1 

Tax provision, current year

 19,845 19,196 651 37 12 
 
 
 
 
 
             
Net incomeNet income $31,509 $8,740 $7,292 $9,135 $3,304 

Net income

 $35,407 $31,509 $8,740 $7,292 $9,135 
 
 
 
 
 
             
Earnings per share:Earnings per share:           

Earnings per share:

 
Basic $1.56 $1.23 $1.11 $1.36 $0.49 

Basic

 $1.75 $1.56 $1.23 $1.11 $1.36 
Diluted(1) $1.53 $0.52 $0.56 $1.36 $0.49 

Diluted(1)

 $1.73 $1.53 $0.52 $0.56 $1.36 

(1)
The number of weighted average diluted shares outstanding for purposes of calculating 2005 earnings per share includes our redeemable convertible preferred shares as if converted on a one-for-one basis into common shares. The dilutive effect of common stock subject to outstanding options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock for 2005 is not material. The dilutive effect of common stock subject to unvested restricted stock for 2006 was not material.

 
 For the year ended December 31,
 
 
 2007
 2006
 2005
 2004
 2003
 
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:                
Operating margin $44,060 $22,553 $8,501 $6,078 $2,900 
Operating margin%  12.2% 9.3% 6.4% 6.7% 5.8%

Net cash provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 Operating activities $73,947 $34,746 $44,027 $10,484 $4,172 
 Investing activities  (68,927) (1,607) (47,706) (9,675) (7,380)
 Financing activities  8,976  75,875  23,369  480  3,380 
 
 As of December 31,
 
 2007
 2006
 2005
 2004
 2003
 
 (in thousands)

BALANCE SHEET DATA:               
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $171,379 $136,081 $53,325 $1,569 $280
Total assets  405,425  305,726  170,083  65,474  32,689
Long term debt (including capital leases)  72,146  72,765  59,747  31,992  18,981
Redeemable convertible preferred shares      39,540    
Stockholders' equity  210,331  153,471  14,607  9,493  355
 
 For the year ended December 31,
 
 
 2007
 2006
 2005
 2004
 2003
 
Operating statistics (unaudited):                
Total system statistics:                
Passengers  3,264,506  2,179,367  1,199,547  840,939  472,078 
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (thousands)  3,140,927  2,251,341  1,295,633  914,897  436,740 
Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands)  3,865,337  2,871,071  1,674,376  1,218,560  614,280 
Load factor  81.3% 78.4% 77.4% 75.1% 71.1%
Operating revenue per ASM (cents)  9.33  8.48  7.91  7.42  8.13 
Operating expense per ASM or CASM (cents)  8.19  7.69  7.41  6.92  7.66 
CASM, excluding fuel (cents)  4.25  4.15  4.27  4.63  5.75 
Departures  28,788  20,074  11,646  8,369  5,307 
Block hours  68,488  50,584  29,472  20,784  11,160 
Average stage length (miles)  906  966  977  948  779 
Average number of operating aircraft during period  27.8  20.8  13.3  8.0  4.8 
Total aircraft in service end of period  32  24  17  9  7 
Full-time equivalent employees at period end  1,180  846  596  391  282 
Fuel gallons consumed (thousands)  66,035  47,984  28,172  19,789  10,490 
Average fuel cost per gallon $2.30 $2.12 $1.87 $1.41 $1.12 
Scheduled service statistics:                
Passengers  3,017,843  1,940,456  969,393  535,602  260,850 
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (thousands)  2,844,358  1,996,559  1,029,625  517,301  202,997 
Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands)  3,423,783  2,474,285  1,294,064  694,949  274,036 
Load factor  83.1% 80.7% 79.6% 74.4% 74.1%
Departures  25,088  16,634  8,388  4,803  2,553 
Block hours  60,607  43,391  22,465  11,827  5,141 
Yield (cents)  9.10  8.93  8.81  8.94  11.09 
Scheduled service revenue per ASM (cents)  7.56  7.21  7.01  6.65  8.22 
Ancillary revenue per ASM (cents)  1.90  1.26  0.87  0.45  0.32 
Total revenue per ASM (cents)  9.46  8.47  7.87  7.11  8.54 
Average fare—scheduled service $85.80 $91.91 $93.53 $86.33 $86.31 
Average fare—ancillary $21.53 $16.11 $11.55 $5.87 $3.40 
Average fare—total $107.34 $108.02 $105.07 $92.19 $89.71 
Average stage length (miles)  923  1,006  1,045  913  725 
Percent of sales through website during period  86.6% 85.9% 81.0% 68.4% 53.2%

Table of Contents

 
 For the year ended December 31, 
 
 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:

                

Operating income

 $55,848 $44,060 $22,553 $8,501 $6,078 

Operating margin %

  11.1% 12.2% 9.3% 6.4% 6.7%

Net cash provided by (used in):

                
 

Operating activities

 $71,632 $73,947 $34,746 $44,027 $10,484 
 

Investing activities

  (100,505) (68,927) (1,607) (47,706) (9,675)
 

Financing activities

  (18,243) 8,976  75,875  23,369  480 


 
 As of December 31, 
 
 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 
 
 (in thousands)
 

BALANCE SHEET DATA:

                

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

 $174,788 $171,379 $136,081 $53,325 $1,569 

Total assets

  423,976  405,425  305,726  170,083  65,474 

Long-term debt (including capital leases)

  64,725  72,146  72,765  59,747  31,992 

Redeemable convertible preferred shares

        39,540   

Stockholders' equity

  233,921  210,331  153,471  14,607  9,493 

Table of Contents


 
 For the year ended December 31, 
Operating statistics (unaudited):
 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 

Total system statistics:

                

Passengers

  4,298,748  3,264,506  2,179,367  1,199,547  840,939 

Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (thousands)

  3,863,497  3,140,927  2,251,341  1,295,633  914,897 

Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands)

  4,442,463  3,865,337  2,871,071  1,674,376  1,218,560 

Load factor

  87.0% 81.3% 78.4% 77.4% 75.1%

Operating revenue per ASM (RASM) (cents)

  11.35  9.33  8.48  7.91  7.42 

Operating expense per ASM (CASM) (cents)

  10.09  8.19  7.69  7.41  6.92 

Fuel expense per ASM (cents)

  5.17  3.94  3.54  3.14  2.29 

Operating CASM, excluding fuel (cents)

  4.92  4.25  4.15  4.27  4.63 

Operating expense per passenger

 $104.25 $96.96 $101.31 $103.37 $100.23 

Fuel expense per passenger

 $53.42 $46.61 $46.60 $43.82 $33.19 

Operating expense per passenger, excluding fuel

 $50.83 $50.35 $54.71 $59.55 $67.04 

Departures

  35,839  28,788  20,074  11,646  8,369 

Block hours

  81,390  68,488  50,584  29,472  20,784 

Average stage length (miles)

  836  906  966  977  948 

Average number of operating aircraft during period

  36.4  27.8  20.8  13.3  8.0 

Total aircraft in service end of period

  38  32  24  17  9 

Average departures per aircraft per day

  2.69  2.83  2.64  2.39  2.86 

Full-time equivalent employees at period end

  1,348  1,180  846  596  391 

Fuel gallons consumed (thousands)

  76,972  66,035  47,984  28,172  19,789 

Average fuel cost per gallon

 $2.98 $2.30 $2.12 $1.87 $1.41 

Scheduled service statistics:

                

Passengers

  3,894,968  3,017,843  1,940,456  969,393  535,602 

Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (thousands)

  3,495,956  2,844,358  1,996,559  1,029,625  517,301 

Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands)

  3,886,696  3,423,783  2,474,285  1,294,064  694,949 

Load factor

  89.9% 83.1% 80.7% 79.6% 74.4%

Departures

  29,548  25,088  16,634  8,388  4,803 

Average passengers per departure

  132  120  117  116  112 

Block hours

  70,239  60,607  43,391  22,465  11,827 

Yield (cents)

  9.47  9.10  8.93  8.81  8.94 

Scheduled service revenue per ASM (cents)

  8.51  7.56  7.21  7.01  6.65 

Ancillary revenue per ASM (cents)

  2.95  1.90  1.26  0.87  0.45 

Total revenue per ASM (cents)

  11.46  9.46  8.47  7.87  7.11 

Average fare—scheduled service

 $84.97 $85.80 $91.91 $93.53 $86.33 

Average fare—ancillary

 $29.43 $21.53 $16.11 $11.55 $5.87 

Average fare—total

 $114.40 $107.33 $108.02 $105.07 $92.19 

Average stage length (miles)

  882  923  1,006  1,045  913 

Percent of sales through website during period

  86.4% 86.6% 85.9% 81.0% 68.4%

Table of Contents

        The following terms used in this section and elsewhere in this annual report have the meanings indicated below:

        "Available seat miles" or "ASMs" represents the number of seats available for passengers multiplied by the number of miles the seats are flown.

        "Average fuel cost per gallon" represents total aircraft fuel expense divided by the total number of fuel gallons consumed.

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

        "Load factor" represents the percentage of aircraft seating capacity that is actually utilized (revenue passenger miles divided by available seat miles).

        "Operating expense per ASM" or "CASM" represents operating expenses divided by available seat miles.

        "Operating CASM, excluding fuel" represents operating expenses, less aircraft fuel, divided by available seat miles. Although Operating CASM, excluding fuel is not a calculation based on generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered as an alternative to Operating Expenses as an indicator of our financial performance, this statistic provides management and investors the ability to measure and monitor our cost performance absent fuel price volatility. Both the cost and availability of fuel are subject to many economic and political factors and therefore are beyond our control.

        "Operating revenue per ASM" or"RASM"represents operating revenue divided by available seat miles.

        "Revenue passengers" represents the total number of passengers flown on all flight segments.

        "Revenue passenger miles" or"RPMs" represents the number of miles flown by revenue passengers.

        "Yield" represents scheduled service revenue divided by scheduled service revenue passenger miles.


Table of Contents

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        The following discussion and analysis presents factors that had a material effect on our results of operations during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005.2006. Also discussed is our financial position as of December 31, 20072008 and 2006.2007. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this annual report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section entitled "Special Note About Forward-Looking Statements" for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.

Overview

        Who We Are.    We are a leisure travel company. The focus of our business is a low-cost passenger airline marketed to leisure travelers in small cities. Our business model emphasizes low operating costs, diversified revenue sources, and the transport of passengers from small cities to leisure destinations. Our route network, pricing philosophy, product offering and advertising are all intended to appeal to leisure travelers and make it attractive for them to purchase air travel and related services from us.

        We provide service primarily to Las Vegas (Nevada), Phoenix (Arizona), Ft. Lauderdale (Florida), Orlando (Florida), and Tampa/St. Petersburg (Florida) and Ft. Lauderdale (Florida), five of the most popular leisure destinations in the United States. We have positioned our business to take advantage of current lifestyle and demographic trendsannounced we will start service in the U.S. we believe are positive drivers for thesecond quarter of 2009 to our sixth leisure travel industry. The most notable demographic shift occurring in the U.S. is the aging of the baby boomer generation as they enter their peak earning years and have more time and disposable income to spend on leisure travel. We believe a large percentage of our customers fall within the baby boomer demographic and we target these customers through the use of advertisements in more than 300 print circulations.destination, Los Angeles, California.

        Our Fleet.    The following table sets forth the number and type of aircraft in service and operated by us at the dates indicated:


 December 31, 2007
 December 31, 2006
 December 31, 2005
 December 31, 2008 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 

 Own(a)
 Lease
 Total
 Own(a)
 Lease
 Total
 Own(a)
 Lease
 Total
 Own(a)(b) Lease Total Own(a) Lease Total Own(a) Lease Total 
MD82/83/88s 24 4 28 22 0 22 9 6 15 32 2 34 24 4 28 22 0 22 
MD87s 4 0 4 0 2 2 0 2 2 4 0 4 4 0 4 0 2 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                   
Total 28 4 32 22 2 24 9 8 17 36 2 38 28 4 32 22 2 24 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                   

(a)
Aircraft owned includes aircraft subject to capital leases as follows: December 31, 2008—2; December 31, 2007—7; December 31, 2006—5; December 31, 2005—1.5.

(b)
Does not include five owned MD-80 aircraft. Of these five aircraft, we have taken possession of two aircraft previously leased to a third party which we expect to place into service before the end of the first quarter of 2009. Three aircraft remain leased to a third party.

        Our Markets.    Our scheduled service consists of limited frequency nonstop flights into leisure destinations from small cities. As of December 31, 2007,2008, we offered scheduled service from 5357 small cities primarily into Las Vegas, Phoenix, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa/St. Petersburg, and Ft. Lauderdale, including seasonal service.service, and additional service to other leisure destinations from Bellingham (Washington). The following shows the number of destinations and small cities served as of the dates indicated:

 
 As of December 31,
 
 2007
 2006
 2005
Destinations 5 3 2
Small Cities 53 47 29
 
 As of December 31, 
 
 2008 2007 2006 

Major leisure destinations

  5  5  3 

Other leisure destinations

  4  2   

Small cities

  57  51  47 
        

Total cities served

  66  58  50 
        

Table of Contents

        Our Fiscal Year.    We operate on a calendar year ending on the last day in December. For convenience, we refer to the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008, December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 as 2008, 2007 and December 31, 2005 as 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.


Our Operating Revenue

        Our operating revenue comprises both air travel on a stand-alone basis and bundled with hotels, rental cars and other travel-related services. We believe our diversified revenue streams distinguish us from other U.S. airlines and other travel companies.

    Scheduled service revenue.  Scheduled service revenue consists of air fare for nonstop flights between our small cities and leisure destinations and small cities.destinations.

    Fixed fee contract revenue.  Our fixed fee contract revenue consists largely of fixed flying agreements with affiliates of Harrah's Entertainment Inc. that provide for a predictable revenue stream. We also provide charter service on a seasonal and ad hoc basis to Harrah's and others.several customers.

    Ancillary revenue.  Our ancillary revenue is generated from the sale of hotel rooms, rental cars, advance seat assignments, checked bag charges, in-flight products and other items sold in conjunction with our scheduled air service. We recognize our ancillary revenues net of amounts paid to wholesale providers, travel agent commissions and credit card processing fees.

    Other revenue.  Other revenue is generated from leased out aircraft and flight equipment.equipment leased to third parties.

        Seasonality.    Our business is seasonal in nature with traffic demand historically being lowestweaker in the third quarter and higheststronger in the first quarter. Our operating revenue is largely driven by perceived product value, advertising and promotional activities and can be adversely impacted during periods with reduced discretionary leisure travel spending, such as the back-to-school season.

Our Operating Expenses

        A brief description of the items included in our operating expense line items follows. Our cost structure is highly variable as we consider our fixed costs to have represented only 3.92¢4.60¢ of our operating expense per available seat mile ("CASM") in 2007,2008, or 47.9%45.6% of our 20072008 operating expenses.

        Aircraft fuel expense.    Aircraft fuel expense includes the cost of aircraft fuel, fuel taxes, into plane fees and airport fuel flowage, storage or through-put fees. Under all of ourcertain fixed fee flying agreements, we arehave been reimbursed by our customers if fuel exceeds a pre-determined cost per gallon, and these reimbursements are netted against fuel expense. As of January 2009, we are under a new fixed fee flying agreement with Harrah's which provides reimbursement for the entire amount of incurred fuel costs. As a result, the amount of revenue to be recognized under this agreement and our fuel expense will be reduced as the amount to be paid by Harrah's for fuel cost will be netted against our fuel expense rather than constituting a part of the revenue we would have otherwise recognized under the fixed fee contract.

        Salary and benefits expense.    Salary and benefits expense includes wages, salaries, and salariesemployee bonuses, sales commissions for in-flight personnel, as well as expenses associated with employee benefit plans and employer payroll taxes.

        Station operations expense.    Station operations expense includes the fees charged by airports for the use or lease of airport facilities and fees charged by third party vendors for ground handling services and commissary expenses.


Table of Contents

        Maintenance and repairs expense.    Maintenance and repairs expense includes all parts, materials and spares required to maintain our aircraft. Also included are fees for repairs performed by third party vendors.

        Sales and marketing expense.    Sales and marketing expense includes all advertising, promotional expenses, travel agent commissions, and credit card discount fees associated with the sale of scheduled service.

        Aircraft lease rentals expense.    Aircraft lease rentals expense consists of the cost of leasing aircraft which are operated under operating leases with third parties. Also included are maintenance reserves when not considered part of maintenance and repair expense as discussed under "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" below.

        Depreciation and amortization expense.    ThisDepreciation and amortization expense includes the depreciation of all fixed assets, including aircraft that we own, and amortization onof aircraft that we operate under capital leases.


        Other expense.    Other expense includes the cost of passenger liability insurance, aircraft hull insurance, and all other insurance policies except for employee welfare insurance. Additionally, this expense includes employee bonuses, travel and training expenses for crews and ground personnel, facility lease expenses, professional fees, personal property taxes and all other administrative and operational overhead expenses not included in other line items above.

Trends and Uncertainties Affecting Our Business

        We believe our financial success is driven by variable factors that affect airlines and their markets, and by trends affecting the travel industry. The following discussion describes certain key factors we believe may affect our future performance.

Economic Conditions

        The U.S. economy, impacted by the ongoing credit crisis, continues to suffer from extreme negative conditions. These conditions have created a challenging environment for the airline industry. An uncertainty exists for airline travel demand given tightening of consumer spending. In the near term, the recent reduction in fuel prices is expected to more than offset the impact of a lower average air fare and uncertain airline travel demand in this current economic environment.

Capacity Management

        In response to rising fuel prices in 2008, we focused on appropriate capacity reductions to ensure continued profitability. Our route adjustments reflected long-haul route eliminations and frequency reductions, along with new short-haul routes that together drove lower average stage length for the period. Another focus was to increase passenger loads, which was reflected in greater than 90% load factors during most months in 2008. Together, these measures resulted in significantly lower fuel consumption per passenger, while higher passenger loads helped drive larger ancillary revenues. Despite the state of the economy, we believe there is sufficient demand to allow us to restore some capacity from these reductions made in 2008, and to further expand our route network including initiation in second quarter 2009 of scheduled service to our sixth major leisure destination, Los Angeles.

Demographics and Consumer Behavior

        The airline industry is influenced by lifestyle and demographic trends, and the performance of the broader U.S. economy. We believe the current demographic and lifestyle trends are positive drivers of


Table of Contents


the leisure travel industry. The aging of the baby boomers as they enter their peak earning years with more disposable income has had a positive impact on growing consumer demand for leisure travel.travel generally. We believe the small cities we serve have not been impacted from the current negative conditions in the economy as much as many of the major cities in the country. In addition, we believe we have a diversified consumer base in our leisure destinations in Florida and Phoenix where we are generating increased travel originating from our leisure destinations.

Aircraft Fuel

        The airline industry is heavily dependent on the use of jet fuel and fuel costs represent a significant portion of the total operating expenses for airlines. Fuel costsRecently, fuel prices have been subject to wideextreme price fluctuations. In the third quarter of 2008, our average cost per gallon was $3.44 compared to $2.07 for the fourth quarter of 2008. Fuel availability is also subject to periods of market surplus and shortage and is affected by demand for heating oil, gasoline and other petroleum products. The cost and future availability of fuel cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty. In the fourth quartercertainty and further fuel cost volatility could significantly affect our future results of 2007, our average cost per gallon was $2.64 compared to $2.32 for the third quarter of 2007. Partly in response to these recent higher fuel costs, we eliminated service on eight long-haul routes and reduced frequency on other long-haul routes as of December 31, 2007.operations.

Labor

        The airline industry is heavily unionized and the wages and benefits of unionized airline industry employees are determined by collective bargaining agreements. Conflicts between unionized airlines and their unions can lead to work slowdowns or stoppages. We currently have a non-unionized work force and are not subject to collective bargaining agreements at the present time. Our pilots and flight attendants have formed in-house associations to negotiate matters of concern with us. Further attempts are possible to unionize our flight attendants as the waiting period required by the National Mediation Board (NMB) has elapsed since the prior rejection of union representation onin December 4, 2006. If our employees were to unionize in the future and we were unable to reach agreement on the terms of their collective bargaining agreement, or we were to experience wide-spread employee dissatisfaction, we could be subject to work slowdowns or stoppages. In addition, we may be subject to disruption by organized labor groups protesting our non-union status. Any of these events could have an adverse effect on our future results.

Competition

        The airline industry is highly competitive. Passenger demand and fare levels have historically been influenced by, among other things, industry capacity and pricing actions taken by other airlines. The principal competitive factors in the airline industry are fare pricing, customer service, routes served, flight schedules, types of aircraft, safety record and reputation, code-sharing relationships, and frequent flyer programs.


Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The table below presents our operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue for the last three fiscal years.



 2007
 2006
 2005
 
 2008 2007 2006 
Operating revenueOperating revenue 100.0%100.0%100.0%

Operating revenue

 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:       

Operating expenses:

 
Aircraft fuel 42.2 41.7 39.7 

Aircraft fuel

 45.6 42.2 41.7 
Salary and benefits 14.1 14.4 16.4 

Salary and benefits

 14.3 15.4 15.4 
Station operations 9.4 10.3 10.7 

Station operations

 8.6 9.4 10.3 
Maintenance and repairs 7.1 8.0 6.8 

Maintenance and repairs

 8.2 7.1 8.0 
Sales and marketing 3.6 3.8 4.2 

Sales and marketing

 2.8 3.6 3.8 
Aircraft lease rentals 0.8 2.1 3.8 

Aircraft lease rentals

 0.6 0.8 2.1 
Depreciation and amortization 4.4 4.3 3.8 

Depreciation and amortization

 4.7 4.4 4.3 
Other 6.2 6.1 8.2 

Other

 4.1 4.9 5.1 
 
 
 
         
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses 87.8%90.7%93.6%

Total operating expenses

 88.9% 87.8% 90.7%
 
 
 
         

2008 Compared to 2007

        We recorded total operating revenue of $504.0 million, income from operations of $55.8 million and net income of $35.4 million for 2008. By comparison, in 2007, we recorded total operating revenue of $360.6 million, income from operations of $44.1 million and net income of $31.5 million.

Operating Revenue

        Our operating revenue increased 39.8% to $504.0 million in 2008 from $360.6 million in 2007 due to increases in scheduled service, fixed fee contract, ancillary and other revenue. The 39.8% increase in operating revenue outpaced a 31.7% increase in total system passengers, indicating our success in increasing revenue per passenger from 2007 to 2008. The increase in system passengers was in turn driven by a 24.5% increase in system departures and an increase in system load factor from 81.3% to 87.0%.

        System available seat miles ("ASMs") increased by a more modest 14.9% as the increase in departures was offset by a 7.8% decline in average stage length. System operating revenue per ASM ("RASM") increased by 21.7%, as we successfully grew revenue, particularly ancillary revenue, faster than capacity in 2008.

        Scheduled service revenue.    Scheduled service revenue increased 27.8% to $331.0 million in 2008 from $258.9 million in 2007 driven by a 29.1% increase in the number of scheduled service passengers carried and a 1.0% reduction in scheduled service air fare per passenger. Scheduled service air fare per passenger declined only 1.0% despite a 4.3% reduction in scheduled average stage length from 2007 to 2008. Scheduled service passenger growth was driven by a 17.8% increase in scheduled service departures and a 6.8 percentage point increase in scheduled service load factor to 89.9%. Departure growth in 2008 was driven in part by the full-year effect of our newly established major leisure destinations of Phoenix and Ft. Lauderdale in late 2007, as well as service increases in our other bases.

        Fixed fee contract revenue.    Fixed fee contract revenue increased 48.5% to $52.5 million in 2008 up from $35.4 million in 2007. The substantial increase in fixed fee contract revenue was primarily due to additional flying under a contract with a third Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. subsidiary that started in January 2008 and under a contract with MLT Vacations which began in May 2008 and ended in October 2008, neither of which were in place in the prior year. These new contracts more than offset the loss of revenue from our contract with Apple Vacations West which ended in April 2007.


Table of Contents

        Ancillary revenue.    Ancillary revenue increased 76.4% to $114.6 million in 2008 up from $65.0 million in 2007, driven by a 29.1% increase in scheduled service passengers and a 36.7% increase in ancillary revenue per scheduled passenger from $21.53 to $29.43. The increase in ancillary revenue per scheduled passenger was due to the sale of several new products and higher prices charged for certain existing products. For instance, the adoption of checked baggage fees by almost all of the larger airlines in the United States facilitated the increase in our baggage fees to comparable levels.

        Other revenue.    We generated other revenue of $5.9 million during 2008 as a result of the purchase of six MD-80 aircraft and three engines on lease to another airline early in the year. Two of these aircraft were returned to us under the terms of the lease in the fourth quarter of 2008 and one of these was placed in service by the end of the year. We expect to receive the remaining aircraft and engines under the terms of the lease during 2009. We generated other revenue of $1.3 million in 2007 due to the purchase of eight engines on lease to another airline. We received these engines in the fourth quarter of 2007 under the terms of the lease. While we do not regularly seek to lease aircraft or engines to third parties, the economics of acquiring these particular aircraft and engines close to the end of their existing leases to third parties were attractive.

Operating Expenses

        Our operating expenses increased by 41.6% to $448.2 million in 2008 compared to $316.5 million in 2007. We primarily evaluate our expense management by comparing our costs per passenger across different periods which enable us to assess trends in each expense category. The following table presents Operating expense per passenger for the indicated periods ("per-passenger costs"). The table also presents Operating expense per passenger, excluding fuel, which represents operating expenses, less aircraft fuel expense, divided by the number of passengers carried. This statistic provides management and investors the ability to measure and monitor our cost performance absent fuel price volatility. Both the cost and availability of fuel are subject to many economic and political factors beyond our control.

 
 Year ended
December 31,
  
 
 
 Percentage
Change
 
 
 2008 2007 

Aircraft fuel

 $53.43 $46.61  14.6%

Salaries and benefits

  16.75  17.03  (1.6)

Station operations

  10.11  10.33  (2.1)

Maintenance and repairs

  9.65  7.89  22.3 

Sales and marketing

  3.34  3.92  (14.8)

Aircraft lease rentals

  0.65  0.92  (29.3)

Depreciation and amortization

  5.46  4.90  11.4 

Other

  4.86  5.36  (9.3)
        

Operating expense per passenger

 $104.25 $96.96  7.5%

Operating expense per passenger, excluding fuel

 $50.82 $50.35  1.0%

        Our per-passenger costs increased at a substantially slower pace than our overall expenses due to a 31.7% increase in the number of system passengers carried in 2008 as compared with 2007, significantly above the increase in system departures of 24.5%.

        The following table presents unit costs, defined as Operating expense per ASM ("CASM"), for the indicated periods. The table also presents Operating CASM, excluding fuel, which represents operating expenses, less aircraft fuel expense, divided by available seat miles. As on a per passenger basis, excluding fuel on an ASM basis provides management and investors the ability to measure and monitor our cost performance absent fuel price volatility.


Table of Contents

        We do not believe CASM is the most appropriate measure by which to evaluate our cost management due to the evolving nature of our route network, our aggressive approach to managing capacity (i.e., ASMs) on a seasonal basis, and the low utilization of our fleet which results in many of our expenses being more fixed as opposed to varying significantly with our ASM production. We provide this table as a convenience because we recognize that CASM is widely used to compare costs in the airline industry.

 
 Year Ended
December 31,
  
 
 
 Percentage
Change
 
 
 2008 2007 

Aircraft fuel

  5.17¢ 3.94¢ 31.2%

Salary and benefits

  1.62  1.44  12.5 

Station operations

  0.98  0.87  12.6 

Maintenance and repairs

  0.93  0.67  38.8 

Sales and marketing

  0.32  0.33  (3.0)

Aircraft lease rentals

  0.06  0.08  (25.0)

Depreciation and amortization

  0.53  0.41  29.3 

Other

  0.48  0.45  6.6 

Operating expense per ASM (CASM)

  10.09¢ 8.19¢ 23.2%

CASM, excluding fuel

  4.92¢ 4.25¢ 15.8%

        Aircraft fuel expense.    Aircraft fuel expense increased 50.9% to $229.6 million in 2008, up from $152.1 million in 2007, driven by a substantial increase in the average cost per gallon to $2.98 during 2008 from $2.30 in 2007, coupled with a 16.6% increase in gallons consumed to 77.0 million from 66.0 million. The increase in gallons consumed was in-line with the increase in system departures of 24.5% and the reduction in average stage length of 7.8% for the year. We took significant steps to conserve fuel during 2008, including taxi-ing with one engine and ensuring flights were flown at more fuel efficient speeds.

        Salary and benefits expense.    Salary and benefits expense increased 29.5% to $72.0 million in 2008 up from $55.6 million in 2007, driven by a 14.2% increase in full-time equivalent employees to support a 30.9% increase in our average fleet from 27.8 during 2007 to 36.4 aircraft during 2008. We employed approximately 1,348 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2008, compared to 1,180 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2007. In addition, our monthly average salary and benefit expense per full-time equivalent increased to $4,206 during 2008 compared to $3,827 during 2007.

        Station operations expense.    Station operations expense increased 28.9% to $43.5 million in 2008 compared to $33.7 million in 2007 driven by increased system departures of 24.5%. Station operations expense per departure increased only 3.6% in 2008 compared to 2007 despite much fuller aircraft, as reflected in a 5.7 percentage point increase in system load factor from 81.7% in 2007 to 87.0% in 2008. The modest increase in station operations expense per departure occurred despite a significant increase in the proportion of fixed-fee flying for 2008, which generally has a higher station operations expense per departure. During 2008, 16.0% of total system departures were fixed fee flying, compared to 11.4% during 2007.

        Maintenance and repairs expense.    Maintenance and repairs expense increased 60.9% to $41.5 million in 2008 compared to $25.8 million in 2007. The percentage increase in expense greatly exceeded the 30.9% increase in the average number of aircraft in our fleet from 27.8 in 2007 to 36.4 in 2008. Among the main reasons for significantly increased maintenance costs were an increase in repair costs of rotable parts, increased engine maintenance events, and an increase in scheduled heavy maintenance checks from 18 in 2007 to 21 in 2008. The timing and type of maintenance events may cause our maintenance and repairs expense to vary significantly from period to period and this


Table of Contents


occurred from 2007 to 2008, as each maintenance event that happened to be required during 2008 was more costly, on average, than those of 2007.

        Sales and marketing expense.    Sales and marketing expense increased 12.2% to $14.4 million in 2008 compared to $12.8 million in 2007, driven primarily by an increase in credit card discount fees associated with the 37.5% increase in scheduled service and ancillary revenue.

        Aircraft lease rentals expense.    Aircraft lease rentals expense decreased slightly to $2.8 million in 2008 from $3.0 million in 2007. The average number of aircraft under operating leases during 2008 was comparable to the average for 2007. In July 2008, we purchased for cash two MD-80 aircraft that had been operated under operating leases which reduced the total number of aircraft under operating leases to two as of December 31, 2008.

        Depreciation and amortization expense.    Depreciation and amortization expense was $23.5 million in 2008 compared to $16.0 million in 2007, an increase of 46.9%, in-line with the increase in the number of aircraft owned and subject to capital leases which increased from 28 at December 31, 2007 to 41 at December 31, 2008. The number of aircraft at December 31, 2008 included aircraft on lease to a third party at the time of acquisition.

        Other expense.    Other expense increased by 19.6% to $20.9 million in 2008 compared to $17.5 million in 2007 due mainly to increased aviation insurance (as our fleet increased in size), higher loss from engine dispositions, and increased rent associated with our new Company headquarters building.

Other (Income) Expense

        Other (income) expense changed from a net other income of $6.6 million in 2007 to a net other expense of $0.6 million in 2008. This change is primarily attributable to two factors: (1) a gain on fuel derivatives of $2.6 million in 2007 compared to a minimal loss on our few remaining fuel derivatives in 2008 and (2) a reduction in interest income earned on cash balances from $9.2 million in 2007 to $4.7 million as a result of lower prevailing interest rates.

Income Tax Expense

        While we expect our tax rate to be fairly consistent in the near term, it will tend to vary depending on recurring items such as the amount of income we earn in each state and the state tax rate applicable to such income. Discrete items particular to a given year may also affect our tax rates. Our effective income tax rate was 35.9% for 2008 compared to 37.9% in 2007. The lower effective tax rate for 2008 was largely attributable to the year-over-year geographic mix of our flying and the impact this had on the state income tax portion of the tax provision.

2007 Compared to 2006

Summary

        We recorded total operating revenue of $360.6 million, income from operations of $44.1 million and net income of $31.5 million for 2007. By comparison, in 2006, we recorded total operating revenue of $243.4 million, income from operations of $22.6 million and net income of $8.7 million.

        As of December 31, 2007, we had a fleet of 35 aircraft with 32 in service compared with a fleet of 26 aircraft with 24 in service as of December 31, 2006. The growth of our fleet enabled a 34.6% increase in available seat miles ("ASMs")ASMs for 2007 compared to 2006 as departures increased by 43.4% and average stage length decreased by 6.2%.

        Scheduled service ASMs in 2007 represented 88.6% of total ASMs compared to 86.2% in 2006 as scheduled service ASMs increased by 38.4% while fixed fee contract flying ASMs increased by 11.3%.


Table of Contents

Operating Revenue

        Our operating revenue increased 48.2%, or $117.2 million, to $360.6 million in 2007 from $243.4 million in 2006. This was driven by a 39.5% increase in total system revenue passenger miles ("RPMs")RPMs and a 10.0% increase in revenue per ASM ("RASM").RASM.

        Scheduled service revenue.    Scheduled service revenue increased 45.2%, or $80.6 million, to $258.9 million in 2007 from $178.3 million in 2006 due to a 42.5% increase in scheduled service RPMs. Yield increased 1.9% year-over-year in 2007 due to a 8.3% shorter scheduled stage length offset by the dilutive effect of introductory pricing on 12 new routes to Las Vegas, eight new routes to Orlando and four new routes to Tampa/St. Petersburg that started during 2007. Introductory pricing for routes to our two new leisure destinations of Phoenix and Ft. Lauderdale in the fourth quarter 2007 also impacted yield in 2007. The decrease in average stage length coupled with an increase in load factor of 2.4 percentage points resulted in a 4.9% increase in scheduled service RASM from 7.21¢ to 7.56¢.

        Fixed fee contract revenue.    Fixed fee contract revenue increased 4.8%, or $1.7 million, to $35.4 million in 2007 up from $33.7 million in 2006. Fixed fee revenues increased principally because of increased flying for Harrah's Entertainment Inc. during 2007.


        Ancillary revenue.    Ancillary revenue increased 107.9% to $65.0 million in 2007 up from $31.3 million in 2006. The increase in ancillary revenue was due to a 55.5% increase in scheduled service passengers and a 33.6% increase in ancillary revenue per passenger from $16.11 to $21.53 due primarily to the introduction of several new products.

        Other revenue.    Lease revenue was generated during 2007 of $1.3 million related to the purchase of eight engines while on lease to another airline. The engines were returned to us in October 2007 with no subsequent lease revenue recognized.

Operating Expenses

        Our operating expenses increased by 43.4%, or $95.7 million, to $316.5 million in 2007 compared to $220.8 million in 2006.

        The following table presents Operating expense per passenger for 2006.the indicated periods.

 
 Year ended
December 31,
  
 
 
 Percentage Change 
 
 2007 2006 

Aircraft fuel

 $46.61 $46.60  0.0%

Salaries and benefits

  17.03  17.19  (0.9)

Station operations

  10.33  11.41  (9.5)

Maintenance and repairs

  7.89  8.94  (22.3)

Sales and marketing

  3.92  4.26  (11.7)

Aircraft lease rentals

  0.92  2.34  (60.1)

Depreciation and amortization

  4.90  4.86  0.8 

Other

  5.36  5.72  (6.3)
        

Operating expense per passenger

 $96.96 $101.31  (4.3)%

Operating expense per passenger, excluding fuel

 $50.35 $54.71  (8.0)%

        In general, our operating expenses are significantly affected by changes in our capacity, as measured by ASMs. The following table presents our unit costs, defined as CASM, for the indicated periods. In addition, the table presents CASM, excluding fuel, which represents operating expenses, less aircraft fuel, divided by available seat miles. This statistic provides management and investors the ability


Table of Contents


to measure and monitor our cost performance absent fuel price volatility. Both the cost and availability of fuel are subject to many economic and political factors which are beyond our control.


 Year Ended December 31,
  
  Year Ended
December 31,
  
 

 Percentage
Change

  Percentage
Change
 

 2007
 2006
  2007 2006 
Aircraft fuel 3.94¢3.54¢11.3% 3.94¢ 3.54¢ 11.3%
Salary and benefits 1.31 1.21 8.3  1.44 1.30 10.8 
Station operations 0.87 0.87   0.87 0.87  
Maintenance and repairs 0.67 0.68 (1.5) 0.67 0.68 (1.5)
Sales and marketing 0.33 0.32 3.1  0.33 0.32 3.1 
Aircraft lease rentals 0.08 0.18 (55.6) 0.08 0.18 (55.6)
Depreciation and amortization 0.41 0.37 10.8  0.41 0.37 10.8 
Other 0.58 0.52 11.5  0.45 0.43 4.7 
Operating expense per ASM ("CASM") 8.19¢7.69¢6.5%

Operating expense per ASM (CASM)

 8.19¢ 7.69¢ 6.5%
CASM, excluding fuel 4.25¢4.15¢2.4% 4.25¢ 4.15¢ 2.4%

        Aircraft fuel expense.    Aircraft fuel expense increased 49.8%, or $50.6 million, to $152.1 million in 2007 up from $101.6 million in 2006. This change was due to a 37.6% increase in gallons consumed due primarily to a 34.6% increase in ASMs and an 8.5% increase in the average cost per gallon to $2.30 per gallon during 2007 compared to $2.12 per gallon in 2006.

        Salary and benefits expense.    Salary and benefits expense increased 45.2%, or $15.8 million,48.4% to $50.8$55.6 million in 2007 up from $35.0$37.4 million in 2006. This increase is largely attributable to a 39.5% increase in full-time equivalent employees to support our growth. We employed approximately 1,180 full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2007, compared to 846 full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2006.

        Station operations expense.    Station operations expense increased 35.6%, or $8.9 million, to $33.7 million in 2007 compared to $24.9 million in 2006. On a CASM basis, station operations has remained flat since the expense increase during 2007 was in line with our ASM growth.

        Maintenance and repairs expense.    Maintenance and repairs expense increased by 32.3%, or $6.3 million, to $25.8 million in 2007, up from $19.5 million in 2006. The increase in maintenance and repairs expense is largely attributed to the cost from 18 heavy maintenance checks performed during 2007 compared to 2006 as both years we had 14 checks performed in 2006, along with increase in routine line maintenance from the growth of our fleet. Maintenance and repairs CASM declined 1.5% as certain maintenance expenses were spread over a larger base of ASMs.


        Sales and marketing expense.    Sales and marketing expense increased 37.8%, or $3.5 million, to $12.8 million in 2007 compared to $9.3 million in 2006. The increase is a result of the advertising and credit card discount fees associated with the 45.2% increase in scheduled service revenue.

        Aircraft lease rentals expense.    Aircraft lease rentals expense decreased by 41.1%, or $2.1 million, to $3.0 million in 2007 from $5.1 million in 2006. On a CASM basis, aircraft lease rentals expense decreased 55.6% to 0.08¢ in 2007 down from 0.18¢ in 2006 due to an increase in the percentage of owned versus leased aircraft.

        Depreciation and amortization expense.    Depreciation and amortization expense was $16.0 million in 2007 compared to $10.6 million in 2006. The increase of 51.1% was primarily attributable to the number of in-service aircraft owned or subject to capital leases which increased from 22 as of December 31, 2006 to 28 as of December 31, 2007, as well as the purchase of rotable parts to support the operating fleet.


Table of Contents

        Other expense.    Other expense increased by 49.2%40.4% to $22.3$17.5 million in 2007 compared to $15.0$12.5 million in 2006 due mainly to increased employee bonuses, aviation insurance, facilities and training expenses associated with our Company's growth, along with additional administrative requirements resulting from being a public company.

Other (Income) Expense

        Other (income) expense changed from a net other expense amount of $6.7 million in 2006 to a net other income amount of $6.6 million in 2007. This change is primarily attributable to two factors: (1) a loss on fuel derivatives of $4.2 million in 2006 compared to a gain on fuel derivatives of $2.6 million in 2007 and (2) an increase in interest income from $3.0 million in 2006 to $9.2 million in 2007 as a result of increased cash balances. We recognized a $1.6 million loss in 2006 on the mark-to-market adjustment for our open fuel derivative contracts and we recognized $2.6 million in net losses for contracts settled in 2006. By contrast, we recognized a $1.7 million gain in 2007 on the mark-to-market adjustment for our open derivative contracts and we recognized $0.9 million in net gains for contracts settled in 2007.

Income Tax Expense

        Income tax expense for 2007 was $19.2 million as our effective income tax rate for the period was 37.9%. Prior to our reorganization into a corporation at the time of our initial public offering on December 13, 2006, we did not pay corporate federal income tax at the entity level and therefore, we did not incur any federal income tax prior to the initial public offering date. The income tax expense for 2006 was impacted by a $6.4 million charge to recognize deferred tax liabilities due to the tax reorganization carried out in connection with our initial public offering.

2006 Compared to 2005

Summary

        We recorded total operating revenue of $243.4 million, income from operations of $22.6 million and net income of $8.7 million for 2006. By comparison, in 2005, we recorded total operating revenue of $132.5 million, income from operations of $8.5 million and net income of $7.3 million.

        As of December 31, 2006, we had a fleet of 26 aircraft with 24 in service compared with a fleet of 22 aircraft with 17 in service as of December 31, 2005. The growth of our fleet enabled a 71.5% increase in available seat miles for 2006 compared to 2005 as departures increased by 72.4% and average stage length decreased by 1.1%.


        Substantially all of our ASM growth in 2006 compared to 2005 was in scheduled service which represented 86.2% of total ASMs in 2006 compared to 77.3% in 2005. Fixed fee contract flying ASMs increased by 4.3%, and scheduled service ASMs increased by 91.2%.

Operating Revenue

        Our operating revenue increased 83.7%, or $110.9 million, to $243.4 million in 2006 from $132.5 million in 2005. This was driven by a 73.8% increase in RPMs and a 7.2% increase in RASM.

        Scheduled service revenue.    Scheduled service revenues increased 96.7%, or $87.7 million, to $178.3 million in 2006 from $90.7 million in 2005 due to a 93.9% increase in scheduled service RPMs. Yield increased 1.4% in 2006 versus 2005 due to a 3.7% shorter scheduled stage length and the dilutive effect of introductory pricing on 11 new routes to Las Vegas, nine new routes to Orlando and 12 new routes to Tampa/St. Petersburg started during 2006. The decrease in average stage length coupled with an increase in load factor of 1.1 percentage points resulted in a 2.9% increase in scheduled service RASM from 7.01¢ to 7.21¢.

        Fixed fee contract revenue.    Fixed fee contract revenues increased 10.1%, or $3.1 million, to $33.7 million in 2006 up from $30.6 million in 2005. Revenues increased because of a short-term contract running from May through August 2006.

        Ancillary revenue.    Ancillary revenues increased 179.2% to $31.3 million in 2006 up from $11.2 million in 2005. The increase in ancillary revenue was due to a 100.2% increase in scheduled service passengers and a 39.5% increase in ancillary revenue per passenger from $11.55 to $16.11 due primarily to the sale of several new products.

Operating Expenses

        Our operating expenses increased by 78.1%, or $96.8 million, to $220.8 million in 2006 up from $124.0 million during the same period in 2005.

        The following table represents our unit costs, CASM, for the indicated periods:

 
 Year Ended December 31,
 Percentage
 
 
 2006
 2005
 Change
 
Aircraft fuel 3.54¢3.14¢12.7%
Salary and benefits 1.21 1.30 (6.9)
Station operations 0.87 0.84 3.6 
Maintenance and repairs 0.68 0.54 25.9 
Sales and marketing 0.32 0.34 (5.9)
Aircraft lease rentals 0.18 0.30 (40.0)
Depreciation and amortization 0.37 0.30 23.3 
Other 0.52 0.65 (20.0)
Operating expense per ASM ("CASM") 7.69¢7.41¢3.8%
CASM, excluding fuel 4.15¢4.27¢(2.8)%

        Aircraft fuel expense.    Aircraft fuel expense increased 93.2%, or $49.0 million, to $101.6 million in 2006 up from $52.6 million in 2005. This change was due to a 70.3% increase in gallons consumed and a 13.4% increase in the average cost per gallon to $2.12 per gallon during 2006 compared to $1.87 in 2005.

        Salary and benefits expense.    Salary and benefits expense increased 60.9%, or $13.2 million, to $35.0 million in 2006 up from $21.7 million in 2005. This increase is largely attributable to a 41.9%



increase in full-time equivalent employees to support our growth. We employed approximately 846 full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2006, compared to 596 full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2005.

        Station operations expense.    Station operations expense increased 76.5%, or $10.8 million, to $24.9 million in 2006 compared to $14.1 million in 2005. The increase in station operations expense exceeded the 72.4% increase in departures contributing to an increase of 3.6% in station operation expenses on a CASM basis. The increase in unit station operations expense was driven by a large number of new station openings, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2006, which outweighed an increase in the proportion of scheduled flying, which generally has a lower station operations expense per departure relative to fixed fee flying.

        Maintenance and repairs expense.    Maintenance and repairs expense increased by 115.9%, or $10.5 million, to $19.5 million in 2006 up from $9.0 million in 2005. Maintenance and repairs CASM increased 25.9% as increased maintenance expense outpaced the increase in aircraft utilization. The increase in maintenance and repairs expense is largely attributed to heavy maintenance checks on 14 aircraft during 2006 versus four heavy checks during 2005 and the substantially larger fleet as of December 31, 2006 when compared to 2005. Additionally, in 2006 we had a significant increase in the number of heavy engine overhauls over 2005 due to a significant year-over-year increase in the number of unplanned maintenance as a result of engine foreign object damage.

        Sales and marketing expense.    Sales and marketing expense increased 65.2%, or $3.7 million, to $9.3 million in 2006 compared to $5.6 million in 2005. On a CASM basis, sales and marketing expense declined 5.9% primarily due to the elimination of travel agency commissions for air only sales, a decrease in credit card processing fees and an increase in the percentage of sales through our website, our lowest cost distribution channel.

        Aircraft lease rentals expense.    Aircraft lease rentals expense increased by 2.3%, or $0.1 million, to $5.1 million in 2006 up from $5.0 million in 2005. On a CASM basis, aircraft lease rentals expense decreased 40.0% to 0.18¢ in 2006 down from 0.30¢ in 2005 due to an increase in the percentage of owned versus leased aircraft and the benefits of higher aircraft utilization. In 2006, average block hours for aircraft in service increased 9.7%, or 18 hours, to 202.7 hours per month compared to 184.7 hours in 2005.

        Depreciation and amortization expense.    Depreciation and amortization expense was $10.6 million in 2006 compared to $5.1 million in 2005, an increase of 108.0% as the number of in-service aircraft owned or subject to capital leases increased from nine as of December 31, 2005 to 22 as of December 31, 2006.

        Other expense.    Other expense increased by 37.2% to $15.0 million in 2006 compared to $10.9 million in 2005 due mainly to increased aviation insurance, administrative, facilities and training expenses associated with our company's growth.

Other (Income) Expense

        Other expense increased from $1.2 million in 2005 to $6.7 million in 2006. This change was attributable to three factors: (1) net gain on fuel derivatives of $0.6 million in 2005 compared to a loss of $4.2 million in 2006, (2) an increase in interest expense from $3.0 million in 2005 to $5.5 million in 2006 relating to interest on aircraft purchased and acquired under capital leases during the period and (3) an increase in interest income from $1.2 million in 2005 to $3.0 million in 2006 as a result of increased cash and short-term investment balances.

        Our fuel derivative contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting under Statement of Financial Standards No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Therefore, we recognize



changes in the fair value of our derivatives when they occur, as a component of other (income) expense. We recognize gain or loss from a mark-to-market adjustment at the end of each period, which estimates as of that date the future value of open contracts which will settle in subsequent periods. Gain or loss is also recognized as contracts settle and the amount can vary depending on the market value of fuel at that time. We recognized a $2.4 million loss in 2005 on the mark-to-market adjustment for our open fuel derivative contracts and we recognized $3.0 million in net gains for contracts settled in 2005. By contrast, we recognized a $1.6 million loss in 2006 on the mark-to-market adjustment for our open fuel derivative contracts and we recognized $2.6 million in net losses for contracts settled in 2006. The change from an overall gain on fuel derivatives to a loss from 2005 to 2006 is due to the fact that fuel prices predominantly increased during 2005 and decreased during the second half of 2006, along with an increase in the amounts hedged during 2006.

Income Tax Expense

        For all of 2005 and all but the last 18 days of 2006 we operated as a limited liability company or subchapter S corporation. Under these structures, we did not pay federal corporate income tax for these periods. Instead, the members of the limited liability company or stockholders of the subchapter S corporation were liable for income tax on the taxable income as it affected their individual income tax returns. Accordingly, our income tax provision in 2005 reflects state taxes owed by us in certain states in which we operate. For the last 18 days of 2006, we operated as a subchapter C corporation, and we expect to operate as a subchapter C corporation for the foreseeable future. The income tax expense for 2006 was impacted by a $6.4 million charge to recognize deferred tax liabilities due to the tax reorganization carried out in connection with our initial public offering.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        Our primary sources of funds are cash provided by operations and cash provided by financing activities. Our primary uses of cash are for working capital and capital expenditures and general corporate purposes.expenditures. Historically, we have been able to fund our short-term needs for capital from cash generated from operations. Our long-term needs for capital are generally for the purchase of additional aircraft. To the extent financing is not available on acceptable terms, we would apply our cash assets to the purchase of aircraft. If we do not have sufficient cash assets available for this purpose at that time, then we would consider leasing aircraft or deferring their acquisition.

Current Liquidity

        Our total cash, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments totaled $190.8 million, $186.8 million $147.3 million and $58.2$144.7 million at December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively. Restricted cash represents credit card deposits, escrowed funds under our fixed fee flying contracts, and cash collateral against letters of credit required by hotel propertiespartners for guaranteed room availability, airports and certain other parties. Short-term investments represent marketable securities which are available for sale. During 20072008 and 2006,2007, our restricted cash balances increased by $4.2$0.6 million and $6.4$4.2 million, respectively, as a result of increasedan increase in the number of letters of credit and increases in the amount of a number of existing letters of credit issued to our hotel vendors.vendors and some airports.

        Under our fixed fee flying contracts, we require our customers to prepay for flights to be provided by us. The prepayments are escrowed until the flight is completed. Prepayments are recorded as restricted cash and a corresponding amount is recorded as air traffic liability.


Table of Contents

Sources and Uses of Cash

        Operating activities.    Cash flowsDuring 2008, our operating activities provided by operations for 2007 were $74.0$71.6 million of cash compared to $34.7$73.9 million in 2006. This increase induring 2007. The cash flows provided by operations isduring 2008 were primarily the result of increases innet income plus non-cash depreciation and amortization. We produced a slightly higher amount of cash from operating income andactivities during 2007 as a result of a large increase in passenger bookings for future travel. During 2006, cash flows provided by operations decreased from $44.0 million provided in 2005. This decrease was duetravel compared to



changes in our air traffic liability related tobalance as of the end of the previous year. Passenger bookings for future travel and increased cash collateral requirements used to secure additional room capacity with our hotel partners offset by increases in net income, noncash depreciation and amortization, and deferred income taxes related to the conversion from a limited liability companyas of December 31, 2008 decreased due to a C-corporation.tighter future booking curve and general economic conditions.

        Investing activities.    Cash used byfor investing activities totaledin 2008 was $100.5 million compared to $68.9 million in 2007. During 2008, our primary use of cash was for 2007, compared to $1.6the purchase of property and equipment of $54.1 million in 2006. Purchasesand $50.0 million for the purchase of available for sale securities, and capital expenditures for aircraftnet of maturities. The purchase of property and equipment related to expanding ourduring 2008 included 15 MD-80 aircraft, fleet constituted the primary usestwo of cash for investing activities.which were previously under operating leases, five of which were previously under capital leases, six aircraft purchased free and clear, and two other aircraft purchased with partial financing. During 2007, we used cash of $42.1 million for the purchase of property and equipment and $21.3 million for the purchase of available for sale securities, net of maturities. The property and equipment purchases in 2007 included an equipment package made up of eight engines and one airframe, twoand six MD-80 aircraft. Two of the aircraft were previously under operating lease,leases, two aircraft were purchased free and clear, and two other aircraft were purchased with partial financing. During 2006, we expended $27.8 million in cash for purchase of property and equipment and were provided $26.2 million in cash from the maturities of available for sale securities, net of purchases.

        Financing activities.    CashDuring 2008 we used $18.2 million of cash in financing activities compared to $9.0 million provided by financing activities totaled $9.0for the same period of 2007. During 2008, we used $16.7 million to repurchase common stock and $29.8 million to retire capital lease obligations for five aircraft and make other debt repayments. These uses of cash were partially offset by $25.6 million obtained from the financing of ten aircraft. During 2007, compared to $75.9the $22.3 million in 2006. Financing activities in 2007 primarily consisted of the proceeds from our secondarya public stock offering of our stock of $22.3 million,more than offset by debt repayments related to aircraft financing and capital lease obligations. During 2006, we generated cash from the issuance of common stock in connection with our initial public offering of $94.5 million, net of offering expenses, which was offset by debt repayments of $14.1 million.financing payments made during that year.

Debt

        Of the 3541 aircraft we have accepted delivery ofown as of December 31, 2007,2008, we had secured debt financing on 1424 aircraft, and capital lease financing on seven aircraft. We financed the purchase of 14two aircraft, with the remaining 15 aircraft owned free and clear. During 2008, we received proceeds of $25.6 million through the issuance of notes payable on ten aircraft, of which eight were previously owned and debt-free. We also purchased two aircraft through the issuance of notes payable for $7.2 million during 2008. The 24 aircraft we have financed with notes as of December 31, 2008 have an aggregate initial borrowed amount of $43.8$59.3 million and which are scheduled to mature between 20082009 and 2011.2012. The equipment notes bear interest at fixed rates between 6.0% and 9.0%8.5% with principal and interest payable monthly. Each note is secured by a first mortgage on the aircraft to which it relates.


        We have a commitment to purchase two additional MD-88 aircraft with seller financing for delivery prior to the endTable of the second quarter of 2008.Contents

Commitments and Contractual Obligations

        The following table discloses aggregate information about our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 20072008 and the periods in which payments are due (in thousands):


 Total
 Less than 1 year
 1-3 years
 3 to 5 years
 More than 5 years
Long term debt obligations(1) $50,378 $14,956 $27,831 $7,591 $

 Total Less than
1 year
 1-3 years 3 to 5 years More than
5 years
 

Long-term debt obligations(1)

 $66,980 $27,006 $38,330 $1,644 $ 
Capital lease obligations 32,760 8,220 17,580 6,960  5,920 2,220 3,700   
Operating lease obligations(2) 27,008 4,673 7,003 4,824 10,508 26,165 3,833 7,256 4,785 10,291 
Aircraft purchase obligations(3) 14,150 14,150   
 
 
 
 
 
           
Total future payments on contractual obligations $124,296 $41,999 $52,414 $19,375 $10,508 $99,065 $33,059 $49,286 $6,429 $10,291 
 
 
 
 
 
           

(1)
Long-term debt obligations include scheduled interest payments.

(2)
Operating lease obligations include aircraft operating leases and leases of office space and airport station property and office space.

(3)
Aircraft purchase obligations include four aircraft. Two of these aircraft are currently under operating leases with forward purchase agreements to take delivery and purchase at the end of the lease term in July 2008. Also included are two other aircraft for which we have a commitment to purchase with seller financing for delivery prior to the end of the second quarter 2008. The amount of aircraft purchase obligations in the table include the entire purchase price of the aircraft.property.


OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

        We have significant obligations for aircraft that are classified as operating leases and therefore are not reflected on our balance sheet. As of December 31, 2007, four2008, two of the 35 aircraft in our fleet (of which 32 were in revenue service) were subject to operating leases. The operating lease terms for two of these aircraft will expire in 2008 and remaining two expire in 2011.2012. We have entered into a forwardthe option to purchase agreement onthese aircraft in the two operating leases that expire in 2008, which expect to be effective in July 2008 and are subject to customary closing conditions.fourth quarter of 2010.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

        The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements provides a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies.

        Critical accounting policies are defined as those policies that reflect significant judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. These estimates and judgments affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe our critical accounting policies are limited to those described below.

        Revenue Recognition.    Scheduled service revenues consist of passenger revenue which is recognized when the travel-related service or transportation is provided or when the ticketitinerary expires unused. Nonrefundable ticketsscheduled travel itineraries expire on the date of the intended flight, unless the date is extended by notification from the customer in advance of the intended flight. Ticketsadvance. Itineraries sold, but not yet used, as well as unexpired credits, are included in air traffic liability.

        Fixed fee contract revenues consists largely of long termresult from charter service provided under long-term agreements to provide charter serviceand on a seasonal and ad hoc basis. Fixed fee contract revenues are recognized when the transportation is provided. Under certain of our fixed fee contracts, if fuel exceedsexceeded a predetermined cost per gallon, reimbursements are received from the customer and netted against fuel expense. As of January 2009, we are under a new fixed fee flying agreement with Harrah's, our largest fixed fee customer, which provides reimbursement for the entire amount of incurred fuel costs. As a result, the amount of revenue to be recognized under this agreement and our fuel expense will be reduced as the amount to


Table of Contents


be paid by Harrah's for fuel cost will be netted against our fuel expense rather than constituting a part of the revenue we would have otherwise recognized under the fixed fee contract.

        Ancillary revenues are generated from the sale of hotel rooms and rental cars, advance seat assignments, checked bag charges, in-flight products and other items. Revenues from the sale of hotel rooms and rental cars are recognized at the time the room is occupied or the rental car is utilized. The amount of revenues attributed to each element of a bundled sale involving hotel rooms and rental cars in addition to airfare is determined in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") No. 00-21:Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. The sale of hotel rooms, rental cars and certain other ancillary products are recorded net of amounts paid to wholesale providers, travel agent commissions and credit card processing fees and are reported in accordance with EITF No. 99-19:Reporting Revenue Gross As A Principal Versus Net As An Agent. Revenues from change fees imposed on passengers for making



changes to nonrefundable ticketsitineraries are recognized as they occur. Revenues from our travel protection product for unlimited changes to nonrefundable ticketsitineraries are recognized at the time of purchase.

        Other revenue is generated from leased out aircraft and flight equipment. Lease revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

        Accounting for Long-Lived Assets.    When appropriate, we evaluate our long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Standards No. 144,Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. We record impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when events or circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the net book value of those assets. In making these determinations, we utilize certain assumptions, including, but not limited to: (i) estimated fair market value of the assets; and (ii) estimated future cash flows expected to be generated by these assets, which are based on additional assumptions such as asset utilization, length of service the asset will be used in our operations, and estimated salvage values.

        Aircraft maintenance and repair costs.    Maintenance and repair costs for flight equipment are accounted for using the direct expense method. Under this method, maintenance and repair costs for owned and leased aircraft, including major overhaul maintenance costs, are charged to operating expenses as incurred. Maintenance deposits paid to aircraft lessors in advance of the performance of major maintenance activities are recorded as prepaid maintenance deposits, and then recognized as maintenance expense when the underlying maintenance is performed. These deposits are calculated based on a performance measure, such as flight hours or cycles, and are available for reimbursement to us upon the completion of the maintenance of the leased aircraft. If there are sufficient funds on deposit to reimburse us for the invoices initially paid by us for these maintenance events, they are reimbursed to us. If at any point we determine it is not probable we will recover amounts retained by the lessor through future maintenance events, such amounts are expensed.

        The maintenance deposits paid under our lease agreements do not transfer either the obligation to maintain the aircraft or the cost risk associated with the maintenance activities to the aircraft lessor. In addition, we maintain the right to select any third-party maintenance provider. Therefore, we record these amounts as deposits on our balance sheet and then recognize maintenance expense when the underlying maintenance is performed, in accordance with our maintenance accounting policy. Maintenance deposits totaled $6.4$1.1 million and $2.8$6.4 million as of December 31, 20072008 and December 31, 2006,2007, respectively. Any amounts that are not probable of being used to fund future maintenance expense would be recognized as additional aircraft lease rentals.


Table of Contents

        In determining whether it is probable that maintenance deposits will be used to fund the cost of maintenance events, we conduct the following analysis:

    1)
    At the time of delivery of each aircraft under lease, we evaluate the aircraft's condition, including the airframe, the engines, the auxiliary power unit and the landing gear.

    2)
    Future usage of the aircraft is projected during the term of the lease based on our business and fleet plan.

    3)
    We estimate the cost of performing all required maintenance during the lease term. These estimates are based on the extensive experience of our management and industry available data, including historical fleet operating statistic reports published by the engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney.

        We review this asset (the maintenance deposits) for potential impairment in the preparation of our financial statements. Because there have been no material changes to the estimated cost of expected maintenance events during the remaining term of the leases, no impairment charge was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 or 2005.2006.


        Fuel Derivatives.    We account for fuel derivatives pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 133,Accounting For Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Since we have not historically qualified for hedge accounting, unrealized changes in the fair value of these derivative contracts at each period end are required to be included in "Other (income) expense."

        Short-term Investments.    We maintain a liquid portfolio of investments that are available for current operations and to satisfy on-going obligations. We have classified our short-term investments as "available for sale" and accordingly, unrealized gains or losses are reported as a component of comprehensive income in stockholders' equity.

        Share-based compensation.    We have issued common stock, restricted stock and stock options to executives and employees pursuant to our long-term incentive plan and warrants to the placement agent involved in our May 2005 issuance of redeemable convertible preferred shares.

        Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for our share based compensation pursuant to the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, FIN No. 44Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation an Interpretation of APB No. 25 and SFAS No. 123,Accounting For Stock-Based Compensation. In addition, for equity based instruments issued to non-employees, we apply the guidance in EITF 96-18Accounting For Equity Instruments that are issued to other than Employees for acquiring, or in conjunction with selling, goods or services.

        We adopted SFAS No. 123(R),Share Based Payment as of January 1, 2006, which requires the recording of stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period using a fair value approach similar to the prior pro forma disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Determining the fair value requires judgment, and we use the Black-Scholes valuation model for equity instruments issued. The most significant judgments required in connection with the use of the Black-Scholes valuation model are the assumptions of volatility of our common stock and the estimated term over which our stock options will be outstanding. We determine these assumptions from a peer group of publicly traded airline companies due to our lack of historical information regarding our own stock price volatility and option exercise behavior. Before our stock was publicly traded, we measured fair value based on a variety of metrics including the share price of a peer group for both publicly traded airline companies and airline stock prices in general, consultation with third parties such as our investment advisors and outside consultants and individual attributes of our Company including our then existing financial condition as well as future operating prospects.

        In December 2006, we issued 100,000 restricted shares under our long-term incentive plan which were allocated as of the date of our initial public offering among our employees at the manager level or below. As required by SFAS No. 123(R), the fair value of the shares at the date of issuance was based on our initial offering price, and is being expensed ratably over the three-year vesting period. The total compensation expense from this restricted share grant will be $18.00 per share for a total expense of $1.8 million to be recognized over a three-year period.

We have used our closing share price on the grant date as the fair value for all subsequent issuances of restricted stock.


Table of Contents

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        The Company adopted         See related disclosure at "Item 8—Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"), effective January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statementsStatements and requires the impact of a tax positionSupplementary Data—Notes to be recognized in the financial statements if that position does not meet a standard of more likely than not of being sustained by the taxing authority. The adoption of FIN 48 has not had a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.


        In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 157,Fair Value Measurements, SFAS 157, which clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements and eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements. SFAS 157 is effective for us as of January 1, 2008. On December 14, 2007, the FASB issued proposed FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-b,Effective Date of SFAS 157 ("Proposed FSP"). The Proposed FSP would amend SFAS 157, to delay the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The Proposed FSP defers the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of the Proposed FSP. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. We have not determined the effect on our consolidated financial statements of the adoption of SFAS 157 for those items within the scope of the Proposed FSP.

        In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This statement permits, but does not require, entities to measure certain financial instruments and other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected should be recognized in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and cannot be adopted early unless SFAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements, is also adopted. We do not expect SFAS 159 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R),Business Combinations ("SFAS 141(R)"), which replaces SFAS No. 141. SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. The Statement also establishes disclosure requirements which will enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We have not yet determined the effect that the adoption of SFAS 141(R) will have on our consolidated financial statements.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendmentNote 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 ("SFAS 160"), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent's ownership interest and the valuation of retained non-controlling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. The Statement also establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the non-controlling owners. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We have not yet determined the effect that the adoption of SFAS 160 will have on our consolidated financial statements.Policies."

Special Note about Forward-Looking Statements

        We have made forward-looking statements in this annual report on Form 10-K, and in this section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," that are based on our management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, the effects of future regulation and the effects of



competition. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "project" or similar expressions.

        Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements may be found in Item 1A of this annual report on Form 10-K and generally may be found in our periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission atwww.sec.gov. These risk factors include, without limitation, the effect of the economic downturn on leisure travel, increases in fuel prices, terrorist attacks, risks inherent to airlines, demand for air services to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa/St. Petersburgour leisure destinations from the markets served by us, our ability to implement our growth strategy, our fixed obligations, our dependence on our leisure destination markets, our ability to add, renew or replace gate leases, the competitive environment, problems with our aircraft, dependence on fixed fee customers, our reliance on our automated systems, economic and other conditions in markets in which we operate, governmental regulation, increases in maintenance costs and insurance premiums and cyclical and seasonal fluctuations in our operating results.

        Any forward-looking statements are based on information available to us today and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise.

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

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

Aircraft Fuel

        Our results of operations can be significantly impacted by changes in the price and availability of aircraft fuel. Aircraft fuel expense for the years ended December 31, 20072008 and 20062007 represented approximately 48.1%51.2% and 46.0%48.1% of our operating expenses, respectively. Increases in fuel prices or a shortage of supply could have a material effect on our operations and operating results. Based on our 20072008 fuel consumption, a hypothetical ten percent increase in the average price per gallon of aircraft fuel would have increased fuel expense by approximately $14.9$22.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.2008. While we aredo not currently pursuinghedge fuel hedging programs,price risk, in the past we entered into


Table of Contents


forward contracts or other financial products to reduce our exposure to fuel price volatility. As of December 31, 20072008, we had oneno fuel derivative contract outstanding with a fair value of less than $0.1 million. This contract settled in January 2008.contracts outstanding.

Interest Rates

        We have market risk associated with changing interest rates due to the short-term nature of our invested cash, which totaled $144.4$97.2 million, and short term investments of $27.1$77.6 million at December 31, 2007.2008. We invest available cash in money market funds, certificates of deposit, investment grade commercial paper, and other highly rated financial instruments. Because of the short-term nature of these investments, the returns earned closely parallel short-term floating interest rates. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates for the years ended December 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, would have affected interest income from cash and investments by $0.5 million and $0.9 million, and $0.3 million, respectively.


        Our long termlong-term debt consists of fixed rate notes payable and capital lease arrangements. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in market interest rates as of December 31, 2007,2008, would not have a material effect on the fair value of our fixed rate debt instruments. Also, a hypothetical 100 basis point change in market rates would not materially impact our earnings or cash flow associated with our fixed-rate debt.

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

        The following consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 20072008 and 20062007 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20072008 are included below.

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 5448

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 5650

Consolidated Statements of Income

 5751

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income

 5852

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 6054

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 6256


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Allegiant Travel Company:Company

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Allegiant Travel Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007.2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Allegiant Travel Company and subsidiaries at December 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007,2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

        As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for Share-Based Payments in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) on January 1, 2006.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), theAllegiant Travel Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007,2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control—IntegratedControl-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 10, 2008February 27, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Las Vegas, Nevada
March 10, 2008February 27, 2009



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Allegiant Travel Company:Company

        We have audited Allegiant Travel Company and subsidiaries' (the "Company") internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007,2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company'sAllegiant Travel Company and subsidiaries management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Overover Financial Reporting, included in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        In our opinion, theAllegiant Travel Company and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007,2008, based on the COSO criteria.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20072008 and our report dated March 10, 2008February 27, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Las Vegas, Nevada
March 10, 2008February 27, 2009


Table of Contents



ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except for share amounts)



 December 31,
2007

 December 31,
2006


 December 31, 2008 December 31, 2007 
Current assets:Current assets:    

Current assets:

 
Cash and cash equivalents $144,269 $130,273
Restricted cash 15,383 8,639

Cash and cash equivalents

 $97,153 $144,269 
Short-term investments 27,110 5,808

Restricted cash

 16,032 15,383 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $— at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 9,084 5,750

Short-term investments

 77,635 27,110 
Income tax receivable 6,228 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $— at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007

 5,575 9,084 
Receivable from related parties attributable to tax distribution estimates  1,577

Income tax receivable

  6,228 
Expendable parts, supplies and fuel, net of allowance for obsolescence of $374 and $56 at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively 6,544 3,747

Expendable parts, supplies and fuel, net of allowance for obsolescence of $539 and $374 at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

 7,005 6,544 
Prepaid expenses 14,718 8,162

Prepaid expenses

 9,261 14,718 
Deferred income taxes  237

Deferred income taxes

 111  
Other current assets 1,552 4,463

Other current assets

 1,645 1,552 
 
 
     
 Total current assets 224,888 168,656 

Total current assets

 214,417 224,888 

Property and equipment, net

Property and equipment, net

 

171,170

 

131,214

Property and equipment, net

 205,751 171,170 
Restricted cash, net of current portionRestricted cash, net of current portion 38 2,570

Restricted cash, net of current portion

  38 
Investment in and advances to joint ventureInvestment in and advances to joint venture 1,976 

Investment in and advances to joint venture

 711 1,976 
Deposits and other assetsDeposits and other assets 7,353 3,286

Deposits and other assets

 3,097 7,353 
 
 
     
 Total assets $405,425 $305,726 

Total assets

 $423,976 $405,425 
 
 
     
Current liabilities:Current liabilities:    

Current liabilities:

 
Current maturities of notes payable $11,955 $9,869

Current maturities of notes payable

 $23,435 $11,955 
Current maturities of capital lease obligations 6,241 4,128

Current maturities of capital lease obligations

 1,903 6,241 
Current maturities of notes payable to related party  891

Accounts payable

 17,461 21,302 
Accounts payable 21,302 17,409

Accrued liabilities

 19,232 13,174 
Accrued liabilities 13,174 10,248

Air traffic liability

 68,997 74,851 
Air traffic liability 74,851 45,277

Deferred income taxes

  456 
Deferred income taxes 456       
 
 
 

Total current liabilities

 131,028 127,979 
 Total current liabilities 127,979 87,822

Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities:

Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities:

 
Notes payable, net of current maturities 31,890 36,737

Notes payable, net of current maturities

 35,904 31,890 
Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities 22,060 21,140

Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities

 3,483 22,060 
Deferred income taxes 13,165 6,556

Deferred income taxes

 19,640 13,165 
 
 
     
 Total liabilities 195,094 152,255 

Total liabilities

 190,055 195,094 
 
 
     
Stockholders' equity:Stockholders' equity:    

Stockholders' equity:

 
 Common stock, par value $.001, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 20,738,387 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2007 and 19,795,933 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2006 21 20 

Common stock, par value $.001, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 20,917,477 and 20,738,387 shares issued; 20,339,646 and 20,738,387 shares outstanding, as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

 21 21 
 Additional paid in capital 159,863 134,359 

Treasury stock, at cost, 577,831 shares at December 31, 2008

 (16,713)  
 Accumulated other comprehensive income 13 4 

Additional paid in capital

 164,206 159,863 
 Retained earnings 50,434 19,088 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 566 13 
 
 
 

Retained earnings

 85,841 50,434 
Total stockholders' equity 210,331 153,471      
 
 

Total stockholders' equity

 233,921 210,331 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $405,425 $305,726      
 
 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $423,976 $405,425 
     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents



ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except for share amounts)



 Year Ended December 31,
 
 Year Ended December 31, 


 2007
 2006
 2005
 
 2008 2007 2006 
OPERATING REVENUE:OPERATING REVENUE:       

OPERATING REVENUE:

 
Scheduled service revenue $258,943 $178,349 $90,664 

Scheduled service revenue

 $330,969 $258,943 $178,349 
Fixed fee contract revenue 35,378 33,743 30,642 

Fixed fee contract revenue

 52,525 35,378 33,743 
Ancillary revenue 64,988 31,258 11,194 

Ancillary revenue

 114,625 64,988 31,258 
Other revenue 1,264   

Other revenue

 5,893 1,264  
 
 
 
         
 Total operating revenue 360,573 243,350 132,500  

Total operating revenue

 504,012 360,573 243,350 
 
 
 
         
OPERATING EXPENSES:OPERATING EXPENSES:       

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 
Aircraft fuel 152,149 101,561 52,568 

Aircraft fuel

 229,640 152,149 101,561 
Salary and benefits 50,761 34,950 21,718 

Salary and benefits

 72,007 55,593 37,453 
Station operations 33,724 24,866 14,090 

Station operations

 43,476 33,724 24,866 
Maintenance and repairs 25,764 19,482 9,022 

Maintenance and repairs

 41,465 25,764 19,482 
Sales and marketing 12,803 9,293 5,625 

Sales and marketing

 14,361 12,803 9,293 
Aircraft lease rentals 3,004 5,102 4,987 

Aircraft lease rentals

 2,815 3,004 5,102 
Depreciation and amortization 15,992 10,584 5,088 

Depreciation and amortization

 23,489 15,992 10,584 
Other 22,316 14,959 10,901 

Other

 20,911 17,484 12,456 
 
 
 
         
 Total operating expense 316,513 220,797 123,999  

Total operating expense

 448,164 316,513 220,797 
 
 
 
         
OPERATING INCOMEOPERATING INCOME 44,060 22,553 8,501 

OPERATING INCOME

 55,848 44,060 22,553 
 
 
 
         
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:       

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:

 
(Gain)/loss on fuel derivatives, net (2,613) 4,193 (612)

Loss (gain) on fuel derivatives, net

 11 (2,613) 4,193 
Earnings from joint venture, net (457)   

Earnings from joint venture, net

 (96) (457)  
Other expense 63   

Other expense

  63  
Interest income (9,161) (2,973) (1,225)

Interest income

 (4,730) (9,161) (2,973)
Interest expense 5,523 5,517 3,009 

Interest expense

 5,411 5,523 5,517 
 
 
 
         
 Total other (income) expense (6,645) 6,737 1,172  

Total other (income) expense

 596 (6,645) 6,737 
 
 
 
         
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXESINCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 50,705 15,816 7,329 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 55,252 50,705 15,816 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXESPROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 19,196 7,076 37 

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 19,845 19,196 7,076 
 
 
 
         
NET INCOMENET INCOME $31,509 $8,740 $7,292 

NET INCOME

 $35,407 $31,509 $8,740 
 
 
 
         
Earnings Per Share:Earnings Per Share:       

Earnings Per Share:

 
Basic $1.56 $1.23 $1.11 

Basic

 $1.75 $1.56 $1.23 
 
 
 
         
Diluted $1.53 $0.52 $0.56 

Diluted

 $1.73 $1.53 $0.52 
 
 
 
         
Unaudited net income per share data(1):Unaudited net income per share data(1):       

Unaudited net income per share data(1):

 
Basic pro-forma net income per share   $1.43 $0.70 

Basic pro-forma net income per share

     $1.43 
   
 
     
Diluted pro-forma net income per share   $0.60 $0.35 

Diluted pro-forma net income per share

     $0.60 
   
 
     
Weighted average shares outstanding:Weighted average shares outstanding:       

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 
Basic 20,243 7,092 6,557 

Basic

 20,289 20,243 7,092 
Diluted 20,529 16,961 13,111 

Diluted

 20,500 20,529 16,961 

(1)
Prior to its December 2006 initial public offering, the Company was organized as a limited liability company (LLC) and as such was generally not subject to income taxes, except in certain state and local jurisdictions. The pro-forma net income per share reflects income taxes as if the Company were organized as a Corporationcorporation effective January 1, 2006 and 2005, respectively.2006. For 2006, the provision for income taxes includes a tax accrual for recognition of net deferred tax liabilities upon C-corporation conversion which results in lower actual net income per share than pro-forma net income per share.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents

ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)


 Common Stock
  
  
  
  
  
 Notes Receivable for Issuance of Common Stock
  
 

 Members' Contributed Capital
 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 Deferred Compensation— restricted stock
 Retained/ Undistributed Earnings (Deficit)
 Less: Treasury Shares
  
 

 Shares
 Par Value
 APIC
  Notes Receivable for Issuance of Common Stock
Balance at December 31, 2004 6,683 $ $ $1,766 $ $ $7,899 $(7)$(165)
Payments received on notes receivable for issuance of common shares         165 
Distributions to members       (1,447)   (1,447)
Membership shares redeemed for cash (250)       (1,000)  (1,000)
Comprehensive income:                     
Unrealized gain on short-term investments     104     104 
Net Income       7,292   7,292 
                   
 
 Common Stock  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Total comprehensive income                   7,396 
  
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 Deferred
Compensation—
Restricted
Stock
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Shares Par
Value
 APIC Members'
Contributed
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Less:
Treasury
Shares
 Total 
Balance at December 31, 2005Balance at December 31, 2005 6,433   1,766 104  13,744 (1,007)  14,607 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 6,433 $ $ $1,766 $104 $ $13,744 $(1,007)$14,607 
Warrants issued in connection with issuance of redeemable convertible preferred sharesWarrants issued in connection with issuance of redeemable convertible preferred shares    329      329 

Warrants issued in connection with issuance of redeemable convertible preferred shares

    329     329 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense    355  30    385 

Stock compensation expense

    355  30   385 
Distributions to membersDistributions to members       (3,396)   (3,396)

Distributions to members

       (3,396)  (3,396)
Retirement of treasury sharesRetirement of treasury shares   (1,007)     1,007   

Retirement of treasury shares

   (1,007)     1,007  
Merger of Allegiant Travel Company LLC into Allegiant Travel Company  6 2,474 (2,450)  (30)     

Merger of Allegiant Travel Company

Merger of Allegiant Travel Company

 

LLC into Allegiant Travel Company

  6 2,474 (2,450)  (30)    
Issuance of restricted stockIssuance of restricted stock 100  1,800   (1,800)     

Issuance of restricted stock

 100  1,800   (1,800)    
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of offering expensesProceeds from initial public offering, net of offering expenses 5,750 6 93,360       93,366 

Proceeds from initial public offering, net of offering expenses

 5,750 6 93,360      93,366 
Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred sharesConversion of redeemable convertible preferred shares 7,513 8 39,532       39,540 

Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred shares

 7,513 8 39,532      39,540 
Comprehensive income:Comprehensive income:                     

Comprehensive income:

 
Unrealized (loss) on short-term investments     (102)     (102)

Unrealized (loss) on short-term investments

     (102)    (102)
Other     2     2 

Other

     2    2 
Net Income       8,740   8,740 

Net income

       8,740  8,740 
                   
     
Total comprehensive income                   8,640 

Total comprehensive income

                 8,640 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                     
Balance at December 31, 2006Balance at December 31, 2006 19,796 20 136,159  4 (1,800) 19,088   153,471 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 19,796 20 136,159  4 (1,800) 19,088  153,471 

Reclassification of deferred compensation

Reclassification of deferred compensation

   (1,800)   1,800    

Proceeds from secondary public offering,

Proceeds from secondary public offering,

 

net of offering expenses

 748 1 22,265      22,266 

Stock compensation expense

Stock compensation expense

   1,006      1,006 

Distributions to members

Distributions to members

       (163)  (163)

Issuance of restricted stock

Issuance of restricted stock

 22         

Exercises of stock options

Exercises of stock options

 204  764      764 

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

   2,139      2,139 

Shares repurchased and retired by the Company

Shares repurchased and retired by the Company

 (20)  (647)      (647)

Cancellation of restricted stock

Cancellation of restricted stock

 (12)         

Other

Other

   (23)      (23)

Comprehensive income:

Comprehensive income:

                   

Unrealized gain on short-term investments

     14    14 

Other

     (5)    (5)

Net income

       31,509  31,509 
   

Total comprehensive income

                 31,518 
                   

Balance at December 31, 2007

Balance at December 31, 2007

 20,738 21 159,863  13  50,434  210,331 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents

ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Continued)
(in thousands)



 Common Stock
  
  
  
  
  
 Notes Receivable for Issuance of Common Stock
  
 


 Members' Contributed Capital
 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 Deferred Compensation— restricted stock
 Retained/ Undistributed Earnings (Deficit)
 Less: Treasury Shares
  
 
 Common Stock  
  
  
  
  
  
 


 Shares
 Par Value
 APIC
  Notes Receivable for Issuance of Common Stock

  
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 Deferred
Compensation—
Restricted
Stock
  
  
  
 
Balance at December 31, 2006 19,796 20 136,159  4 (1,800) 19,088   
Reclassification of deferred compensation   (1,800)   1,800    
Proceeds from secondary public offering, net of offering expenses 748 1 22,265       22,266 


 Shares Par
Value
 APIC Members'
Contributed
Capital
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 Deferred
Compensation—
Restricted
Stock
 Retained
Earnings
 Less:
Treasury
Shares
 Total 

Balance at December 31, 2007

Balance at December 31, 2007

 20,738 21 159,863  50,434  210,331 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense   1,006       1,006 

Stock compensation expense

   1,702      1,702 
Distributions to members       (163)   (163)
Issuance of restricted stockIssuance of restricted stock 22          

Issuance of restricted stock

 7         
Exercises of stock optionsExercises of stock options 204  764       764 

Exercises of stock options

 175  1,040      1,040 
Tax benefit from stock option exercisesTax benefit from stock option exercises   2,139       2,139 

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

   1,602      1,602 
Shares repurchased and retired by the Company (20)  (647)       (647)
Cancellation of restricted stockCancellation of restricted stock (12)          

Cancellation of restricted stock

 (3)         
Other   (23)       (23)

Shares repurchased by the Company and held as treasury shares

Shares repurchased by the Company and held as treasury shares

        (16,713) (16,713)
Comprehensive income:Comprehensive income:                  

Comprehensive income:

 
Unrealized gain on short-term investments     14     14 

Unrealized gain on short-term investments

     548    548 
Other     (5)     (5)

Other

   (1)  5    4 
Net income       31,509   31,509 

Net income

       35,407  35,407 
                   
     
Total comprehensive income                   31,518 

Total comprehensive income

                 35,959 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                     
Balance at December 31, 2007 20,738 $21 $159,863 $ $13 $ $50,434 $ $ $210,331 

Balance at December 31, 2008

Balance at December 31, 2008

 20,917 $21 $164,206 $ $566 $ $85,841 $(16,713)$233,921 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents



ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)



 Year ended December 31,
 
 Year ended December 31, 


 2007
 2006
 2005
 
 2008 2007 2006 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:OPERATING ACTIVITIES:       

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 
Net income $31,509 $8,740 $7,292 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:       

Net income

 $35,407 $31,509 $8,740 
 Depreciation and amortization 15,992 10,584 5,088 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 
 Loss on aircraft and other equipment disposals 540 214 89  

Depreciation and amortization

 23,489 15,992 10,584 
 Provision for obsolescence of expendable parts, supplies and fuel 318 11 10  

Loss on aircraft and other equipment disposals

 2,184 540 214 
 Deferred issuance cost amortization  437   

Provision for obsolescence of expendable parts, supplies and fuel

 165 318 11 
 Warrant amortization  107   

Deferred issuance cost amortization

   437 
 Stock compensation expense 1,006 385   

Warrant amortization

   107 
 Deferred income taxes 7,309 6,319   

Stock compensation expense

 1,702 1,006 385 
 Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises (2,139)    

Deferred income taxes

 5,908 7,309 6,319 
 Changes in certain assets and liabilities:        

Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises

 (1,602) (2,139)  
 Restricted cash (4,212) (6,372) 7,428  

Changes in certain assets and liabilities:

 
 Accounts receivable (3,334) 992 (4,004) 

Restricted cash

 (611) (4,212) (6,372)
 Income tax receivable (6,228)    

Accounts receivable

 3,509 (3,334) 992 
 Receivable from related parties 1,414 (1,577)   

Income tax receivable

 6,228 (6,228)  
 Expendable parts, supplies and fuel (3,115) (2,371) 150  

Receivable from related parties

  1,414 (1,577)
 Prepaid expenses (6,556) 2,268 (4,801) 

Expendable parts, supplies and fuel

 (626) (3,115) (2,371)
 Other current assets 2,911 (1,736) 575  

Prepaid expenses

 (1,993) (6,556) 2,268 
 Accounts payable 6,032 3,251 8,957  

Other current assets

 (93) 2,911 (1,736)
 Accrued liabilities 2,926 5,366 2,112  

Accounts payable

 (2,239) 6,032 3,251 
 Air traffic liability 29,574 8,128 21,231  

Accrued liabilities

 6,058 2,926 5,366 
 Refundable deposits   (100) 

Air traffic liability

 (5,854) 29,574 8,128 
 
 
 
         
 Net cash provided by operating activities 73,947 34,746 44,027  

Net cash provided by operating activities

 71,632 73,947 34,746 
 
 
 
         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:INVESTING ACTIVITIES:       

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 
 Purchase of short-term investments (27,110) (35,530) (41,062) 

Purchase of short-term investments

 (101,753) (27,110) (35,530)
 Maturities of short-term investments 5,788 61,690 9,100  

Proceeds from sale and maturities of short-term investments

 51,781 5,788 61,690 
 Purchase of property and equipment (42,132) (27,833) (15,060) 

Purchase of property and equipment

 (54,119) (42,132) (27,833)
 Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 570  1,582  

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 1,065 570  
 Investment in joint venture, net (1,976)    

Investment in joint venture, net

 1,265 (1,976)  
 (Increase) decrease in lease and equipment deposits (4,067) 66 (2,266) 

Decrease (increase) in lease and equipment deposits

 1,256 (4,067) 66 
 
 
 
         
 Net cash used by investing activities (68,927) (1,607) (47,706) 

Net cash used in investing activities

 (100,505) (68,927) (1,607)
 
 
 
         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:FINANCING ACTIVITIES:       

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 
 Repurchase of membership units   (1,000) 

Distributions to members

   (3,396)
 Distributions to members  (3,396) (1,447) 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net

  22,265 93,366 
 Proceeds from issuance of Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares   34,540  

Proceeds from issuance of notes payable

 25,625   
 Deferred issuance costs-redeemable convertible preferred shares   (1,360) 

Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises

 1,602 2,139  
 Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net 22,265 93,366   

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 1,040 764  
 Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises 2,139    

Repurchase of common stock

 (16,714) (647)  
 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 764    

Principal payments on notes payable

 (17,331) (9,961) (10,035)
 Shares repurchased by the Company (647)    

Principal payments on related party notes payable

  (891) (845)
 Principal payments on notes payable (9,961) (10,035) (5,568) 

Principal payments on capital lease obligations

 (12,465) (4,693) (3,215)
 Principal payments on related party notes payable (891) (845) (1,796)        
 Principal payments on capital lease obligations (4,693) (3,215)   

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 (18,243) 8,976 75,875 
 
 
 
         
 Net cash provided by financing activities 8,976 75,875 23,369 
 
 
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalentsNet change in cash and cash equivalents 13,996 109,014 19,690 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 (47,116) 13,996 109,014 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIODCASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 130,273 21,259 1,569 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 144,269 130,273 21,259 
 
 
 
         
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIODCASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $144,269 $130,273 $21,259 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

 $97,153 $144,269 $130,273 
 
 
 
         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(in thousands)

 
 Year ended December 31,
 
 2007
 2006
 2005
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:         
 Cash Transactions:         
  Interest paid, net of capitalized interest $3,709 $4,670 $3,450
  
 
 
  Income taxes paid $16,685 $63 $37
  
 
 
 Non-Cash Transactions:         
  Note payable issued for aircraft and equipment $7,200 $27,111 $11,638
  
 
 
  Conversion of Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares $ $34,540 $
  
 
 
  Conversion of Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares $ $5,000 $
  
 
 
  Retirement of 256,667 shares of treasury stock $ $1,007 $
  
 
 
  Acquisition of aircraft under capital leases $7,726 $ $28,530
  
 
 
  Exchange of note payable from related party for Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares $ $ $5,000
  
 
 
  Warrants issued to replacement agent $ $ $329
  
 
 
 
 Year ended December 31, 
 
 2008 2007 2006 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

          
 

Cash Transactions:

          
  

Interest paid, net of capitalized interest

 $4,975 $3,709 $4,670 
        
  

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

 $4,623 $16,685 $63 
        
 

Non-Cash Transactions:

          
  

Note payable issued for aircraft and equipment

 $7,200 $7,200 $27,111 
        
  

Conversion of Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares

 $ $ $34,540 
        
  

Conversion of Series B redeemable convertible preferred shares

 $ $ $5,000 
        
  

Retirement of 256,667 shares of treasury stock

 $ $ $1,007 
        
  

Acquisition of aircraft under capital lease

 $ $7,726 $ 
        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents



ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and BasisBusiness of PresentationCompany

        Allegiant Travel Company is a leisure travel company providing scheduled passenger service primarily from small cities to the leisure destinations of Las Vegas, Nevada, Phoenix, Arizona, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Orlando, Florida, and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The Company announced it will start scheduled passenger service in the second quarter of 2009 to the leisure destination of Los Angeles, California. The Company sells air travel on a stand alonestand-alone basis or bundled with hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel related services. The Company also provides charter air service under long-term contracts as well as on a seasonal and ad-hoc basis. Because scheduled and chartered air services have similar operating margins, economic characteristics, "production processes" involving check-in, baggage handling, flight services which target the same class of customers and are subject to the same regulatory environment, the Company believes it operates in one reportable segment. Additionally, the Company does not separately track expenses for the scheduled and chartered air services.

        As of December 31, 2008, the Company had a fleet of 43 MD80 series aircraft, which included 38 aircraft in revenue service. Of the remaining five aircraft, three aircraft are leased to a third party. The Company has taken possession of the remaining two aircraft which were previously leased to a third party and are expected to be placed into service during the first quarter of 2009. The Company served 66 scheduled service cities with its fleet. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had a fleet of 35 MD80 series aircraft, of which 32 were in revenue service, and served 58 scheduled service cities. As of December 31, 2006, the Company had a fleet of 26 MD80 series aircraft, of which 24 were in revenue service, and served 50 scheduled service cities. The Company markets scheduled service products through direct advertising while charter services are sold directly or via brokers.

        On May 3,In 2004, Allegiant Air, Inc., a California corporation, merged into Allegiant Air LLC, a newly formed Nevada limited liability company. The purpose of the transaction was to change the form of the business from a corporation to a limited liability company and to change the state of incorporation to Nevada. By virtue of the merger, all of the operations, assets and liabilities of Allegiant Air, Inc. were transferred to Allegiant Air LLC. The merger was accounted for as a transfer of assets and liabilities among entities under common control and accordingly was recorded at historical cost. The management and ownership did not change as a result of this merger.

        On May 4,In 2005, Allegiant Travel Company LLC and Allegiant Vacations LLC were formed as Nevada limited liability companies. Allegiant Travel Company LLC was designated to serve as the holding company for Allegiant Air LLC and Allegiant Vacations LLC. To effectuate this, all outstanding shares of Allegiant Air LLC were exchanged for shares of Allegiant Travel Company LLC and thereafter Allegiant Air LLC and Allegiant Vacations LLC became wholly owned subsidiaries of Allegiant Travel Company LLC.

        AFH, Inc., a Nevada corporation, was formed in August 2006 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company. AFH, Inc. was formed to address fuel purchasing and storage opportunities. SFB Fueling LLC is a 50% owned subsidiary of AFH, Inc. accounted for under the equity method. SFB Fueling LLC, a joint venture agreement with Orlando Sanford International, Inc. ("OSI"), began operations in January 2007 to handle certain fuel operations for the Orlando Sanford International Airport.


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

1. Organization and Business of Company (Continued)

        On December 13, 2006, the Company completed the initial public offering of its common stock. The Company issued 5,750,000 shares at $18.00 per share resulting in net proceeds of approximately $94,500. Prior to the completion of its initial public offering in December 2006, the Company converted from a Nevada limited liability company to a Nevada corporation. In connection with the conversion, the outstanding common shares and preferred shares in the limited liability company were exchanged for shares of its common stock in the Company pursuant to the terms of a merger agreement with Allegiant Travel Company, LLC. The reorganization did not affect its operations, which it continued to conduct through its operating subsidiaries.


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

1.2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

PrinciplesBasis of ConsolidationPresentation

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Allegiant Travel Company and its wholly owned operating subsidiaries, Allegiant Air LLC, Allegiant Vacations LLC and AFH, Inc., and its 50% owned subsidiary accounted for under the equity method, SFB Fueling LLC. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Due to the prospective nature of these estimates, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

        Cash and cash equivalents include investments and interest bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition. Such investments are carried at cost which approximates market value. Restricted cash represents credit card deposits, escrowed funds under fixed fee flying contracts and cash collateral against letters of credit required by hotel properties for guaranteed room availability, airports and certain other parties.

Short-term Investments

        The Company's investments in marketable debt and equity securities are classified as available for sale and are reported at fair market value with the net unrealized gain or (loss) reported as a


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)


component of accumulated comprehensive income in stockholders' equity. Short-term investments consisted of the following:


 As of December 31, 2008 As of December 31, 2007 

 As of December 31, 2007
 As of December 31, 2006
  
 Gross
Unrealized
  
  
 Gross
Unrealized
  
 

 Gross Unrealized
 Gross Unrealized
  
 Market Value  
 Market Value 

 Cost
 Gains
 (Losses)
 Market Value
 Cost
 Gains
 (Losses)
 Market Value
 Cost Gains (Losses) Cost Gains (Losses) 
Commercial paper $18,925 $ $ $18,925 $3,492 $16 $(10)$3,498 $ $ $ $ $18,925 $ $ $18,925 
Corporate bonds  8,179  6    8,185  2,310      2,310

Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies

 77,069 568 (2) 77,635 8,179 6  8,185 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                 
Total $21,704 $6 $ $27,110 $5,802 $16 $(10)$5,808 $77,069 $568 $(2)$77,635 $27,104 $6 $ $27,110 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                 

        For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments totaled $51,781, $5,788, $61,690, and $9,100,$61,690, respectively.

        The cost of marketable securities sold is determined by the specific identification method with any realized gains or losses reflected in income. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recognized $307 of realized gains. There were no realized gains or losses for the periods presented as the Company held all short-term investments to maturity.


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2007 2006 and 20052006.

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

1. Summary        Short-term investments had the following maturities as of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)December 31, 2008:

Maturities
 Amount 

Year 2009

 $43,830 

Years 2010 through 2013

  33,805 

Years 2014 through 2018

   

Thereafter

   
    
 

Total

 $77,635 
    

        Short-term investments had the following maturities as of December 31, 2007:

Maturities
 Amount 

Year 2008

 $27,110 

Years 2009 through 2012

   

Years 2013 through 2017

   

Thereafter

   
    
 

Total

 $27,110 
    

        Short-term investments had the following maturities as of December 31, 2006:

Maturities

 Amount
Year 2007 $3,498
Years 2008 through 2011  
Years 2012 through 2016  2,008
Thereafter  302
  
 Total $5,808
  

        The Company has classified investments as short-term since it maintains a liquid portfolio of investments that are available for current operations.


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Fair Value Measurements

        Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 157Fair Value Measurements ("SFAS 157") which establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. See Note 7 for more information, including a listing of the Company's assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and where they are classified within the hierarchy established under SFAS 157 as of December 31, 2008.

Expendable Parts, Supplies and Fuel

        Expendable parts, supplies and fuel inventories are valued at cost using the first-in, first-out method. An allowance for obsolescence has been recorded based upon historical results and management's expectations of future operations. Such inventories are charged to expense as they are used in operations.

Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Aircraft

 10 years

Flight Equipmentequipment

 5-75-10 years

Equipment and leasehold improvements

 5-7 years

        Aircraft and jet engines (included in Flight equipment) have an estimated average residual value of 20%21% of original cost; other categories of property and equipment are assumed to have no residual value.

        Aircraft under capital lease arrangements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the aircraft or remaining lease term.


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For Depreciation for these aircraft is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

1. SummaryCompany's consolidated statements of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)income.

Investment in joint venture

        AFH, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company, entered into a joint venture agreement with Orlando Sanford International, Inc. ("OSI")OSI to handle certain fuel operations for the Orlando Sanford International Airport. The joint venture, which began operations in January 2007, is responsible for the purchase and transport of jet fuel to a fuel farm facility owned and operated by OSI, and for the sale of jet fuel to air carriers. In addition, AFH, Inc. is responsible for the administrative functions for the joint venture. The Company accounts for the 50% interest in the joint venture agreement under the equity method. AFH, Inc.'s proportionate allocation of net income or loss is reported in the Company's consolidated statementstatements of income in other income (expense) with an adjustment to the recorded investment in the Company's consolidated balance sheet.


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Capitalized Interest

        Interest attributable to funds used to finance the refurbishment of aircraft prior to revenue service is capitalized as an additional cost of the related asset provided the refurbishment is extensive or requires an extended period of time to complete, generally longer than 90 days. Interest is capitalized at the Company's average interest rate on long-term debt. Capitalization of interest ceases when the asset is ready for service. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, the Company incurred interest expense of $5,411, $5,523 and $5,517, and $3,009, respectively, net ofrespectively. The Company had no capitalized interest of $0,during 2008 or 2007, and $31 and $59 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.2006.

Measurement of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

        The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations, consisting principally of property and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management's judgment, that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. Cash flow estimates are based on historical results adjusted to reflect the Company's best estimate of future market and operating conditions. The net carrying value of assets not recoverable is reduced to fair value if lower than carrying value. Estimates of fair value represent the Company's best estimate based on industry trends and reference to market rates and transactions and are subject to change. The Company had no impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Revenue Recognition

        Scheduled service revenue consists of passenger revenue involving limited frequency nonstop flights between our leisure destinations and small cities recognized when the travel-related service or transportation is provided or when the ticketitinerary expires unused. Nonrefundable ticketsscheduled itineraries expire on the date of the intended flight, unless the date is extended by notification from the customer in advance of the intended flight. Ticketsadvance. Itineraries sold, but not yet used, as well as unexpired credits, are included in air traffic liability.

        Fixed fee contract revenue consists largely of long termlong-term agreements to provide charter service on a seasonal and ad hoc basis to affiliates of Harrah's Entertainment Inc., Apple Vacations West, Inc. and others. Fixed fee contract revenues are recognized when the transportation is provided. Under certain


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)


of the Company's fixed fee contracts, if fuel exceedsexceeded a predetermined cost per gallon, reimbursements are received from the customer and netted against fuel expense. As of January 2009, the Company is under a new fixed fee flying agreement with Harrah's, the Company's largest fixed fee customer, which provides reimbursement for the entire amount of incurred fuel costs. As a result, the amount of revenue to be recognized under this agreement and the Company's fuel expense will be reduced as the amount to be paid by Harrah's for fuel cost will be netted against fuel expense rather than constituting a part of the revenue which would have otherwise recognized under the fixed fee contract.

        Ancillary revenue is generated from the sale of hotel rooms, rental cars, advance seat assignments, in-flight products and other items. Revenues from the sale of hotel rooms and rental cars are


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)


recognized at the time the room is occupied or rental car is utilized. The amount of revenues attributed to each element of a bundled sale involving hotel rooms and rental cars in addition to airfare is determined in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") No. 00-21,Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. The sale of hotel rooms, rental cars and other ancillary products are recorded net of amounts paid to wholesale providers, travel agent commissions and credit card processing fees in accordance with EITF No. 99-19,Reporting Revenue Gross As A Principal Versus Net As An Agent. Revenues from change fees for charges imposed on passengers for making changes to nonrefundable ticketsitineraries are recognized as they occur. Revenues from the Company's travel protection product for unlimited changes to nonrefundable ticketsitineraries are recognized at the time of purchase.

        Other revenue is generated from leased out aircraft and flight equipment. Lease revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Concentration of Credit Risk

        Services provided to affiliates of Harrah's Entertainment Inc. and Apple Vacations West, Inc. separately did not exceed 10% of the Company's consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Services provided to affiliates of Harrah's Entertainment Inc. exceeded 10% of the Company's consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2005. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company's contract relationships with these third parties accounted for 8%, 11% and 19% of consolidated revenues, respectively.

Financial Instruments

        The Company accounts for financial instruments under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("SFAS")SFAS No. 133,Accounting For Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended. Such instruments consist principally of fuel derivative contracts as described in Note 8—10—Financial Instruments and Risk Management.

Maintenance and Repair Costs

        Aircraft maintenance and repair costs.    The Company accounts for maintenance activities under the direct expense method. Under this method, maintenance and repair costs for owned and leased aircraft, including major overhaul maintenance costs, are charged to operating expenses as incurred. Maintenance deposits paid to aircraft lessors in advance of the performance of major maintenance activities are recorded as prepaid maintenance deposits, and then recognized as maintenance expense when the underlying maintenance is performed. These deposits are calculated based on a performance measure, such as flight hours or cycles, and are available for reimbursement to the Company upon the completion of the maintenance of the leased aircraft. If there are sufficient funds on deposit to


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

reimburse the Company for the invoices initially paid by the Company for these maintenance events, they are reimbursed to the Company by the lessor. Under most of the Company's existing aircraft lease agreements, if the Company exercises the option to purchase the aircraft and there are excess maintenance deposit balances at the exercise date of the purchase option, any excess amounts are applied to the purchase price as an additional down payment. If at any point the Company determines it is not probable it will recover amounts retained by the lessor through future maintenance events, such amounts are expensed.

        The maintenance deposits paid under the Company's lease agreements do not transfer either the obligation to maintain the aircraft or the cost risk associated with the maintenance activities to the aircraft lessor. In addition, the Company maintains the right to select any third-party maintenance provider. Therefore, the amounts paid as deposits are recorded on the balance sheet and then recognized as maintenance expense when the underlying maintenance is performed, in accordance with the Company's maintenance accounting policy. Maintenance deposits totaled $6.4$1.1 million and $2.8


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)


$6.4 million as of December 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, respectively. Any amounts that are not probable of being used to fund future maintenance expense would be recognized as additional aircraft lease rentals.

        In determining whether it is probable maintenance deposits will be used to fund the cost of maintenance events, the Company conducts the following analysis:

    1)
    At the time of delivery of each aircraft under lease, the Company evaluates the aircraft's condition, including the airframe, the engines, the auxiliary power unit and the landing gear.

    2)
    The Company projects future usage of the aircraft during the term of the lease based on its business and fleet plan.

    3)
    The Company estimates the cost of performing all required maintenance during the lease term. These estimates are based on the extensive experience of the Company's management and industry available data, including historical fleet operating statistic reports published by the Company's engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney.

        The Company has determined it is probable that all but an immaterial amount of the maintenance deposits would be used to pay the expected costs of maintenance events during the term of the aircraft leases.

        The Company reviews this asset (the maintenance deposits) for potential impairment in the preparation of its financial statements. Because there have been no material changes to the estimated cost of expected maintenance events during the remaining term of the leases, no impairment charge was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 or 2005.2006.

Advertising Costs

        Advertising costs are charged to expense in the period incurred. Advertising expense was $4,849, $4,948 $3,426 and $1,893$3,426 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively.


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

1.2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Earnings per Share

        The following table sets forth the computation of net income per share, on a basic and diluted basis for the periods indicated (shares and dollars in thousands):



 Year Ended December 31,

 Year Ended December 31, 


 2007
 2006(1)
 2005(2)

 2008 2007 2006(1) 
Numerator:Numerator:      

Numerator:

 
Net income $31,509 $8,740 $7,292

Net income

 $35,407 $31,509 $8,740 
Denominator:Denominator:      

Denominator:

 
Weighted-average shares outstandingWeighted-average shares outstanding 20,243 7,092 6,557

Weighted-average shares outstanding

 20,289 20,243 7,092 
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities:Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities:      

Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities:

 
Redeemable convertible preferred sharesRedeemable convertible preferred shares  9,398 6,554

Redeemable convertible preferred shares

   9,398 
Employee stock optionsEmployee stock options 117 335 

Employee stock options

 61 117 335 
Stock purchase warrantsStock purchase warrants 140 136 

Stock purchase warrants

 138 140 136 
Restricted stockRestricted stock 29  

Restricted stock

 12 29  
 
 
 
       
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, dilutedAdjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted 20,529 16,961 13,111

Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted

 20,500 20,529 16,961 
 
 
 
       
Net income per share, basicNet income per share, basic $1.56 $1.23 $1.11

Net income per share, basic

 $1.75 $1.56 $1.23 
 
 
 
       
Net income per share, dilutedNet income per share, diluted $1.53 $0.52 $0.56

Net income per share, diluted

 $1.73 $1.53 $0.52 
 
 
 
       

      (1)
      For 2006, the dilutive effect of common stock subject to unvested restricted stock was not material.

      (2)
      For 2005, the dilutive effect of common stock subject to outstanding options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock was not material.

Stock-Based Compensation

        Effective January 1, 2006, theThe Company adoptedaccounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R),Share-Based Payments, requiring the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of income. The cost is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for stock options, and based on the closing share price of the Company's stock on the grant date for restricted stock awards. The cost is recognized as an expense over the employee's requisite service period (the vesting period of the equity award). The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) effective January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective method and accordingly, financial statement amounts for the prior periods havewere not been restated to reflect the fair value method of recognizing compensation cost relating to stock options issued in 2005. The Company's stock-based employee compensation plan is more fully discussed in Note 9—Employee Benefit Plans.

        Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for share-based compensation to employees in accordance withprior periods under Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,. The Company's stock-based employee compensation plan is more fully discussed in Note 11—Employee Benefit Plans.

Income Taxes

        The Company's provision for income taxes is based on estimated effective annual income tax rates. The provision differs from income taxes currently payable because certain items of income and related interpretations in accounting for stock options. As such, compensation expense was recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. No compensation cost has been recognized for stock option grants to employees in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for periods prior to January 1, 2006, as all options


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

1.2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)


granted had an exercise price equalare recognized in different periods for financial statement purposes than for tax return purposes. A valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets is provided unless realizability is judged by the Company to be more likely than not. Accordingly, the Company has determined that all of its deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. The Company determines the net current and non-current deferred tax assets or aboveliabilities separately for federal, state, and other local jurisdictions.

        The Company's income tax returns are subject to examination by the market valueInternal Revenue Service ("IRS") and other tax authorities in the locations where the Company operates. The Company assesses potentially unfavorable outcomes of such examinations based on the criteria of FASB Interpretation No. 48 ("FIN 48")Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes which the Company adopted as of January 1, 2007. The Interpretation prescribes a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements.

        FIN 48 applies to all tax positions related to income taxes subject to SFAS No. 109. FIN 48 utilizes a two-step approach for evaluating tax positions. Recognition (Step I) occurs when the Company concludes that a tax position, based on its technical merits, is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (Step II) is only addressed if the position is deemed to be more likely than not to be sustained. Under Step II, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement. FIN 48's use of the underlying common stock on the dateterm "more likely than not" is consistent with how that term is used in SFAS No. 109 (i.e. likelihood of grant.occurrence is greater than 50%).

        The pro forma effects on nettax positions failing to qualify for initial recognition are to be recognized in the first subsequent interim period that they meet the "more likely than not" standard. If it is subsequently determined that a previously recognized tax position no longer meets the "more likely than not" standard, it is required that the tax position be derecognized. FIN 48 specifically prohibits the use of a valuation allowance as a substitute for derecognition of tax positions. As applicable, the Company will recognize accrued penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and net income per share2006, the Company recognized no amounts for all outstanding and unvested stock options are as follows:interest or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits.

 
 Year Ended
December 31, 2005

 
Net income as reported $7,292 
Stock option compensation expense determined under fair value method  (228)
  
 
Pro forma $7,064 
  
 
Income per share—basic:    
As reported $1.11 
  
 
Pro forma $1.08 
  
 
Income per share—diluted:    
As reported $0.56 
  
 
Pro forma $0.54 
  
 

Accumulated Comprehensive Income

        Comprehensive income is comprised of changes in the fair value of short-term investments and marketable securities deemed to be available for sale by management.

Newly Issued Accounting PronouncementsReclassifications

        The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"), effective January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies        Certain reclassifications have been made to the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized inprior year's financial statements and requires the impact of a tax position to be recognized in the financial statements if that position does not meet a standard of more likely than not of being sustained by the taxing authority. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a materialconform to 2008 classifications. These classifications had no effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or resultspreviously reported net income.


Table of operations.Contents

        In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 157,Fair Value Measurements, SFAS 157, which clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements and eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements. SFAS 157 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. On December 14, 2007, the FASB issued proposed FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-b,Effective Date of SFAS 157 ("Proposed FSP"). The Proposed FSP would amend SFAS 157, to delay the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

1.2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)


those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The Proposed FSP defers the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of the Proposed FSP. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company has not yet determined the effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements that adoption of SFAS 157 will have for those items within the scope of the Proposed FSP.Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.115 ("SFAS 159"). This statement permits, but does not require, entities to measure certain financial instruments and other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected should be recognized in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 isbecame effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and cannot be adopted early unless SFAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements, is also adopted.years. The Company does not expect adoption of SFAS 159 to havehas not had a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R),Business Combinations ("SFAS 141(R)"), which replaces SFAS No. 141. SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non-controllingnoncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. The Statement also establishes disclosure requirements which willintended to enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company has not yet determined the effect that the adoption of SFAS 141(R) will have onimpact the Company's consolidated financial statements.statements if the Company enters into a business combination after January 1, 2009.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 ("SFAS 160"), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent's ownership interest and the valuation of retained non-controllingnoncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. The Statement also establishes reporting requirements thatintended to provide sufficient disclosures that clearlyto identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the non-controllingnoncontrolling owners. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.2008 and will therefore apply to the Company's financial statements as of January 1, 2009. The Company hasdoes not yet determined the effect thatexpect the adoption of SFAS 160 willto have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

        In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2,Effective Date of SFAS 157 ("FSP FAS 157-2"). This FSP amends SFAS 157 to delay the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). This FSP defers the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of FSP FAS 157-2. The standard will be effective on January 1, 2009, the beginning of the Company's 2009 fiscal year. The Company does not expect the guidance provided by FSP FAS 157-2 to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161,Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 ("SFAS 161"). The Statement requires disclosures of how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)


related hedged items are accounted for and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and will therefore apply to the Company's financial statements as of January 1, 2009. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 161 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

3. Property and Equipment

        At December 31, 2008, the Company's fleet consisted of 43 MD80 series aircraft, 38 of which were in revenue service. Before the end of 2008, the Company took possession of two of aircraft which came off lease from another party, with three remaining on lease and expected to be returned during 2009. The Company owns 39 of these aircraft while two are subject to capital leases and two are subject to operating lease agreements. As of December 31, 2007, the Company's fleet consisted of 35 MD80 series aircraft, 32 of which were in revenue service. The Company owns 24 of these aircraft while seven are subject to capital leases and four are subject to operating lease agreements. As of December 31, 2006, the Company's fleet consisted of 26 MD80 series aircraft, 24 of which were in revenue service.



 As of December 31,
 
 As of
December 31,
 


 2007
 2006
 
 2008 2007 
Aircraft:Aircraft:     

Aircraft:

 
Owned $116,057 $88,886 

Owned

 $119,257 $78,493 
Under capital lease agreements 36,286 28,561 

Under capital lease agreements

 7,726 36,286 
 
 
       
 152,343 117,447 

 126,983 114,779 
Flight equipmentFlight equipment 45,697 29,063 

Flight equipment

 123,808 83,261 
Equipment and leasehold improvementsEquipment and leasehold improvements 7,039 3,537 

Equipment and leasehold improvements

 11,381 7,039 
 
 
       
Total property and equipmentTotal property and equipment 205,079 150,047 

Total property and equipment

 262,172 205,079 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortizationLess accumulated depreciation and amortization (33,909) (18,833)

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 (56,421) (33,909)
 
 
       
Property and equipment, netProperty and equipment, net $171,170 $131,214 

Property and equipment, net

 $205,751 $171,170 
 
 
       

        Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $23,489, $15,992 and 2005 was $15,992, $10,584, and $5,088, respectively.

3. Accrued Liabilities

        Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

 
 As of December 31,
 
 2007
 2006
Accrued aircraft lease rentals $563 $255
Accrued interest payable  146  177
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits  7,441  4,142
Other  5,024  5,674
  
 
Total accrued liabilities $13,174 $10,248
  
 

Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

4. Accrued Liabilities

        Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

 
 December 31, 
 
 2008 2007 

Aircraft lease rentals

 $48 $563 

Interest payable

  163  146 

Salaries, wages and benefits

  7,849  7,441 

Maintenance reserves

  2,970   

Taxes

  4,411  2,184 

Other accruals

  3,791  2,840 
      

Total accrued liabilities

 $19,232 $13,174 
      

5. Long-Term Debt

        Long-term debt, including capital lease obligations, consists of the following:


 As of December 31,
2007

 As of December 31,
2006

  As of
December 31,
2008
 As of
December 31,
2007
 
Notes payable, secured by aircraft, interest at 8%, due at varying dates through December 2010 $15,747 $20,736  $10,803 $15,747 
Notes payable, secured by aircraft, interest at 8.5%, due November 2011 14,113 16,332  11,698 14,113 

Notes payable, secured by aircraft, interest at 6%, due April 2012

 15,234  

Notes payable, secured by aircraft, interest at 6%, due at varying dates through February 2011

 10,364 7,108 

Notes payable, secured by aircraft, interest at 6.8%, due June 2011

 6,697  
Notes payable, secured by aircraft, interest at 8%, due June 2011 6,071 7,517  4,507 6,071 
Notes payable, secured by aircraft, interest at 6%, due December 2010 7,108  
Note payable, secured by aircraft, interest at 9%, due July 2008 747 1,939 
Note payable to related party, secured by various assets, interest at 8%  891 

Note payable, secured by aircraft, interest at 9%

  747 
Other notes payable 59 82  36 59 
Capital lease obligations 28,301 25,268  5,386 28,301 
 
 
      
Total long-term debt 72,146 72,765  64,725 72,146 
Less current maturities (18,196) (14,888) (25,338) (18,196)
 
 
      
Long-term debt, net of current maturities $53,950 $57,877  $39,387 $53,950 
 
 
      

        Maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, as of December 31, 2007,2008, for the next five years and thereafter, in aggregate, are: 2008—$18,196; 2009—$21,088;25,338; 2010—$18,787;22,081; 2011—$14,075;15,719; 2012—$1,587; none in 20122013 or thereafter.


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and none thereafter.2006

5.(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

6. Capital and Operating Lease Obligations

Capital Leases

        As of December 31, 2007,2008, the Company was party to seventwo lease agreements for aircraft which are classified as capital leases under the provisions of SFAS No. 13,Accounting For Leases. The amounts applicable to capital lease agreements range from a term of four to five years and the present value of the minimum lease payments exceed the fair market value of the aircraft at the inception of the lease. The carrying value of aircraft under capital lease arrangementsleases included in property and equipment totaled $31,422 and $26,136 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Amortization of aircraft under capital lease arrangements is included in depreciation and amortization expense.were:

 
 December 31, 
 
 2008 2007 

Aircraft

 $7,726 $36,286 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

  (472) (4,792)
      

Aricraft, net

 $7,254 $31,494 
      

Operating Leases

        As of December 31, 2007,2008, the Company was party to operating lease agreements for fourtwo aircraft with terms extending through October 2011. During 2007, the Company entered into a forward


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

5. Capital and Operating Lease Obligations (Continued)


purchase agreement onNovember 2012. The operating lease agreements for these two aircraft currently operated byinclude the Company under an operating lease agreement. The purchases are expectedoption to be consummated in July 2008 and are subject to customary closing conditions. Purchase options are includedpurchase them in the remaining two aircraft operating lease agreements.fourth quarter of 2010. Additionally, the Company leases office facilities, airport and terminal facilities and office equipment under operating lease arrangements with terms extending through 2018.2019. The office facilities under lease include 58,000approximately 65,000 square feet of office space to be constructed in Las Vegas for off-airport operations. Expected completion of the facility is as early as May 2008 and the Company's rent obligations will commence upon occupancy.primary corporate offices. The lease has a ten-year term with two five-year renewal options, but the Company has the right to terminate the lease after seven years in April 2015 and the right to purchase the building from the landlord after the third year of the lease.lease in April 2011. The initial base rental is approximately $1,300$1,528 per year and is subject to escalation. The Company is also responsible for its share of common area maintenance charges.

        Airport and terminal facility leases are entered into with a variety of local governments and other third parties. These lease arrangements have a variety of terms and conditions. Leasehold improvements made at these facilities are not material.

        Total rental expense charged to operations for aircraft and non-aircraft operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $7,373, $6,147 and 2005 was $6,147, $7,885, respectively.


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and $6,627, respectively.2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

6. Capital and Operating Lease Obligations (Continued)

        At December 31, 2007,2008, scheduled future minimum lease payments under operating leases with initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year and amounts due under capital lease arrangements are as follows:


 Capital
Leases

 Operating
Leases

2008 $8,220 $4,673

 Capital Leases Operating Leases 
2009 8,220 3,742 $2,220 $3,833 
2010 9,360 3,261 2,220 3,763 
2011 6,960 2,994 1,480 3,729 
2012  1,830  3,560 

2013

  2,405 
Thereafter  10,508  10,291 
 
 
     
Total 32,760 $27,008 5,920 $27,581 
   
   
Less: amount representing interest 4,459   534   
 
       
Present value of future payments 28,301   5,386   
Less: current obligations 6,241   1,903   
 
       
Long-term obligations $22,060   $3,483   
 
       

6.7. Fair Value Measurements

        In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards SFAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 is a technical standard which defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or a nonrecurring basis. SFAS 157 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 as of January 1, 2008. Although the adoption of SFAS 157 has not materially impacted its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow, the Company is now required to provide additional disclosures as part of its financial statements.

        In October 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 157-3,Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active (FSP 157-3), which clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in cases where a market is not active. The Company has considered the guidance provided by FSP 157-3 in its determination of estimated fair values as of December 31, 2008, and determined that there was no impact.

        SFAS 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

7. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)


directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

        As of December 31, 2008, the Company held cash equivalents and short term investments that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Cash equivalents and short term investments consist of short-term, highly liquid, income-producing investments all of which have maturities of three months or less, including money market funds, debt securities issued by U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies. Cash equivalents have maturities of three months or less, while the short-term investments have maturities of greater than three months. These assets are classified within Level 1 or Level 2 because the Company values these assets using quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources and models utilizing market observable inputs.

        Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the period were as follows (in thousands):

 
  
 Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 
Description
 12/31/2008 Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Cash equivalents

 $78,926 $72,496 $6,430 $ 

Short-term investments

  77,635    77,635   
          

Total assets

 $156,561 $72,496 $84,065 $ 
          

8. Income Taxes

        Prior to May 2004, the Company elected to be taxed under the provisions of Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code wherein the taxable income or loss of the Company was included in the income tax returns of the shareholders. In May 2004, the Company reorganized as a limited liability company


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

6. Income Taxes (Continued)


and was therefore taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes until the reorganization into a corporation effected at the time of the Company's initial public offering in December 2006. Because the Company did not pay corporate federal income tax at the entity level on its taxable income, no provision for federal income taxes is reflected in the accompanying financial statements for these periods. A provision for state income taxes has been included in the financial statements for each of the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, as the Company was also subject to tax at the entity level in certain states in which it operates. Deferred income taxes for such states are not material. In addition, the provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2006 includes a tax accrual for recognition of net deferred tax liabilities upon C-corporation conversion.

After the reorganization, the Company accounts for taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting StandardSFAS No. 109,Accounting for Income Taxes ("SFAS 109") which requires the recognition of tax benefits or expense on the temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of its assets and liabilities.


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

8. Income Taxes (Continued)

        The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows:



 Year Ended December 31, 


 Year Ended
December 31,
2007

 Year Ended
December 31,
2006

 
 2008 2007 2006 
Current:Current:     

Current:

 
Federal $10,903 $664 

Federal

 $13,326 $10,903 $664 
State 1,150 95 

State

 606 1,150 95 
 
 
         
Total current 12,053 759 

Total current

 13,932 12,053 759 
 
 
         

Deferred:

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred:

 
Federal 6,192 (103)

Federal

 6,060 6,192 (103)
State 951 (5)

State

 (147) 951 (5)
 
 
         
Total deferred 7,143 (108)

Total deferred

 5,913 7,143 (108)
 
 
         
Tax provisionTax provision 19,196 651 

Tax provision

 19,845 19,196 651 
       

Recognition of net deferred tax liability upon C-corporation conversion

Recognition of net deferred tax liability upon C-corporation conversion

 


 

6,425

 

Recognition of net deferred tax liability upon C-corporation conversion

   6,425 
 
 
         
Total income tax provisionTotal income tax provision $19,196 $7,076 

Total income tax provision

 $19,845 $19,196 $7,076 
 
 
         

        The Company recorded $2.1$1.6 million and $0$2.1 million as an increase to contributed capital for certain tax benefits from employee share-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. No increase to contributed capital was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2006.

        Reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate and the Company's effective tax rate for 2008, 2007, and from the C corporation conversion date through December 31, 2006 respectively.are as follows:

 
 Year Ended
December 31,
  
 
 
 Period from
December 13-
December 31,
2006
 
 
 2008 2007 

Statutory federal rate

  35.0% 35.0% 34.0%

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

  0.7% 2.7% 1.1%

Other

  0.2% 0.2% 0.5%

Recognition of net deferred tax liability upon C-corporation conversion

      388.7%
        

Effective tax rate

  35.9% 37.9% 424.3%
        

Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

6.8. Income Taxes (Continued)

        Reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate (35% for 2007 and 34% for 2006) and the Company's effective tax rate for 2007 and from the C corporation conversion date through December 31, 2006 are as follows:

 
 Year Ended
December 31,
2007

 Period from
December 13–
December 31,
2006

 
Statutory federal rate 35.0%34.0%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 2.7%1.1%
Other 0.2%0.5%
Recognition of net deferred tax liability upon C-Corporation conversion  388.7%
  
 
 
Effective tax rate 37.9%424.3%
  
 
 

        The major components of the Company's net deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



 At December 31, 2007
 At December 31, 2006
 
 At December 31,
2008
 At December 31,
2007
 


 Assets
 Liabilities
 Assets
 Liabilities
 
 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities 
Current:Current:         

Current:

 
Accrued Vacation $402 $ $222 $ 

Accrued Vacation

 $517 $ $402 $ 
Accrued bonus 2,065  914  

Accrued bonus

   2,065  
Prepaid expenses  (3,768)  (1,954)

Prepaid expenses

  (1,346)  (3,768)
State taxes 400  97  

State taxes

 346  400  
Accrued property taxes 306  154  

Accrued property taxes

 393  306  
Fuel hedge  (31) 578  

Fuel hedge

    (31)
Other 170  226  

Other

 201  170  
 
 
 
 
           
Total current 3,343 (3,799) 2,191 (1,954)

Total current

 1,457 (1,346) 3,343 (3,799)
 
 
 
 
           

Noncurrent:

Noncurrent:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent:

 
Depreciation   (14,746)  (7,905)

Depreciation

  (21,000)  (14,746)
Goodwill 1,337  1,349  

Goodwill

 1,149  1,337  
Other 244    

Other

 211  244  
 
 
 
 
           
Total noncurrent: 1,581 (14,746) 1,349 (7,905)

Total noncurrent

 1,360 (21,000) 1,581 (14,746)
 
 
 
 
           
TotalTotal $4,924 $(18,545)$3,540 $(9,859)

Total

 $2,817 $(22,346)$4,924 $(18,545)
 
 
 
 
           

        The Company paid corporate income taxes, net of refunds, of $4,623 in 2008 and $16,685 in 2007 and2007. The Company paid LLC state income taxes, net of refunds, of $63 in 2006.

        For the year ended December 31, 2007,2008, the Company did not have any material unrecognized tax benefits and there was no material effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operation as a result of implementing FIN 48. The Company estimates that the unrecognized tax benefit will not change significantly within the next twelve months. The Company's policy is to recognize interest and


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

6. Income Taxes (Continued)


penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. There is no significant accrued interest at December 31, 2007.2008. No penalties were accrued at December 31, 2007.2008.

        The Company (or its predecessor entities) is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for years before 2004. Various state and local tax returns remain open to examination. The Company believes that any potential assessment would be immaterial.

7.9. Related Party Transactions

        The facility which houses the Company's Las Vegas, Nevada corporate headquarters was owned through April 2005 by an entity in which the Company's Chief Executive Officer and another Director are principals. The Company made rent expense payments of $117 to the related party for the year ended December 31, 2005 while under ownership by the entity.

        The Company utilizes software developed and maintained by a corporation owned by the Company's founder and former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. System development and maintenance expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 totaled $866, $490 and $285, respectively.

        The Company periodically utilizes private aircraft owned by a corporation principally owned by the Company's Chief Executive Officer and another Director for the time-sensitive delivery of aircraft parts and other critical travel situations. During 2006, there were expenses of $81 incurred by the Company as a result of this use of the private aircraft. No amounts were paid for these services during 2008 or 2007.


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

9. Related Party Transactions (Continued)

        For administrative reasons, the Company arranged for the payment of salaries and benefits for executive officers and other management bonuses through Flynn Gallagher Associates, of which the Chief Executive Officer and another Director are owners and principals. The Company reimbursed Flynn Gallagher Associates for the actual cost paid by it for the benefit of these employees. During 2006, the total amount paid by the Company under this arrangement was approximately $793. This arrangement for salaries and benefits for these executive officers was discontinued as of the end of 2006.

        The Company had notes payable to its Chief Executive Officer totaling $891 and $1,735 as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.2006. This debt was repaid in full in January 2007. See Note 4—Long Term Debt.

        In June 2006, the Company purchased an MD83 aircraft from an entity in which the Chief Executive Officer and another Director are principals. The purchase price of $3,525 was paid directly to a secured lender, and none of the proceeds were paid to the entity with which the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Director are principals.

        In May 2007, the Company entered into a lease agreement under which it will move all of its Las Vegas operations into a single premise owned by a partnership in which the Chief Executive Officer, two Directors and one other officer own significant interests as limited partners. The Company expects to occupy the new office space as early as May 2008. The lease agreement has a ten year term with base rental beginning at the rate of $1,300 per year. The disinterested members of the Company's


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

7. Related Party Transactions (Continued)


board and audit committee have determined that the terms are at least favorable as the Company could receive in an arms' length transaction.

        As the Company's predecessor was a limited liability company, the members were taxed on the income earned by the Company until the reorganization into a corporation. The Company made distributions to its members to enable them to pay their respective income taxes. These distributions are reflected in the statements of cash flows and statements of stockholders' equity. The Company made distributions to its members of $5,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006 and received $1,414 from its members for December 31, 2007 as a result of the true-up of tax payments forin connection with the reorganization.

        The building in which the Company maintains its headquarters is under a lease agreement with a limited liability company in which the Chief Executive Officer, two other Directors and one other officer own significant interests as non-controlling members. In June 2008, additional office space was obtained by the Company in the leased building through an amendment to the existing lease agreement with the landlord. The amended lease agreement has a ten year term with base rental at $1,528 per year. In June 2008, the Company entered into a lease agreement for office space to be used as its training facility which is located in a building adjacent to the location of the Company's headquarters. The second building is also owned by a limited liability company in which the Chief Executive Officer, two other Directors and one other officer own significant interests as non-controlling members. The lease agreement on the office space in the second building has a ten year term with base rental beginning at $158 per year. The disinterested members of the Company's board and audit committee have determined that the terms for the lease agreements are at least favorable as the Company could receive in arms' length transactions.

8.10. Financial Instruments and Risk Management

Fuel Price Risk Management

        Airline operations are inherently dependent upon energy, and are therefore impacted by changes in jet fuel prices. Aircraft fuel expense represented approximately 48.1%51.2%, 46.0%48.1% and 42.4%46.0%, of the


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

10. Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Continued)


Company's operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively. The Company endeavors to acquire jet fuel at the lowest possible cost. To

        The Company has in the past entered into financial derivative contracts to manage a portion of the aircraft fuel price risk,risk. These financial derivative instruments were not purchased nor held for trading purposes. The Company suspended this hedging strategy in 2007 and the Company from time to time uses jet fuel and heating oil option contracts or swap agreements.last contract settled in January 2008. The Company does not purchase or holdhave any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.as of December 31, 2008.

        The Company's derivatives have historicallyfuel hedging program and the financial derivative instruments purchased pursuant to this program did not qualified as hedgesqualify for financial reporting purposes in accordance with SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Accordingly,Therefore, changes in the fair value of such derivative contracts, which amounted to a loss of $11, gain of $2,613 and a loss of $4,193 in the years ended December 31 2008, 2007 and a gain of $612 in years 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, were recorded as a "(Gain)/loss"Loss (gain) on fuel derivatives, net" within other income (expense) in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. These amounts include both realized gains and losses and mark-to-market adjustments of the fair value of the derivative instruments at the end of each period. The fair value of hedge contracts amounted to $81 and ($1,622) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and was recorded in "Accrued liabilities" and "Other current assets" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

        As of December 31, 2007, the Company had derivative instruments on 2% of its projected 2008 fuel consumption.

Debt

        The Company's debt with a carrying value of $43,845$59,339 and $47,497$43,845 as of December 31, 20072008 and 20062007, respectively, approximates fair value. These fair value estimates were based on the discounted amount of future cash flows using the Company's current incremental rate of borrowing for similar liabilities.


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

8. Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Continued)

Other Financial Instruments

        The carrying amounts of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short term nature.

9.11. Employee Benefit Plans

401(k) Plan

        The Company has a defined contribution plan covering substantially all eligible employees. Under the Plan, employees may contribute up to 18% of their eligible annual compensation with the Company matching up to 3% of eligible employee wages. Employees generally vest in matching contributions ratably over five years. The Company recognized expense under this plan of $748, $542 $445, and $263$445 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively.

Stock-based Employee Compensation

        In February 2005,2006, the Company adopted a share option program (the "Share Option Program") granting key employees the option to purchase shares of the Company's common stock. Under the plan, the Company reserved an aggregate of 500,000 shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to the exercise of options. The options are granted at exercise prices that approximate fair market value as of the grant date. The options vest ratably over the term specified in the option agreement, typically three years, and have a contractual life of 10 years.

        In April 2006, Allegiant Travel Company's Board of Directors adopted, and the stockholders approved, a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan"). Upon the merger of Allegiant Travel Company, LLC into Allegiant Travel Company (a Nevada corporation) immediately prior to the Company's initial public offering, all


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

11. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)


outstanding options under the Sharepreviously adopted share option program (the "Share Option ProgramProgram") were transferred to the 2006 Plan andPlan. In addition, no further option grants may be made under the Share Option Program. The transferred options will continue to be governed by their existing terms, unless the Company's compensation committee elects to extend one or more features of the 2006 Plan to those options. The Company has reserved 3,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance of stock-based awards to certain officers, directors, employees, and consultants of the Company under the 2006 Plan. Such shares include the 500,000 shares that were transferred from the Share Option Program.

        For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, the Company recorded $1,702, $1,006 and $385, respectively, of compensation expense in the consolidated statements of income related to stock options and restricted stock. As of December 31, 2007,2008, there was $1,218$2,297 of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures of 2.0%, related to nonvested stock options and there was $1,549$899 of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures of 5.0%, related to nonvested restricted stock granted under the 2006 Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.922.71 years and 2.752.42 years, respectively.


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

9. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

Stock Options

        The fair value of options granted was estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with weighted average assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatilities from publicly traded airline companies of the Company's peer group due to the Company's lack of historical information. The risk-free interest rate for periods equal to the expected term of the stock option is based on a blended historical rate using Federal Reserve rates for U.S. Treasury securities.


 2007
 2006
 2005
 2008 2007 2006 
Weighted-average volatility 32.80% 57.20% 60.36% 32.79% 32.80% 57.20%
Expected term (in years) 5 6 6 3.5 5 6 
Risk-free rate 4.30% 4.97% 3.83%

Risk-free interest rate

 2.56% 4.30% 4.97%
Expected dividends       

Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

11. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

        A summary of option activity under the 2006 Plan as of December 31, 2007,2008, and changes during the year then ended is presented below:


 Options
 Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)

 Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding at January 1, 2007 414,000 $4.66    

 Options Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2008

 286,367 $14.35     
Granted 80,000 $36.97     364,500 $20.99     
Exercised (204,633)$3.74     (175,033)$6.12     
Forfeited (3,000)$3.50     (24,833)$14.91     
 
 
           
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 286,367 $14.35 7.15 $5,093,884

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

 451,001 $22.88 5.33 $11,587 
 
 
           
Exercisable at December 31, 2007 58,034 $5.59 7.37 $1,540,517

Exercisable at December 31, 2008

 39,334 $21.07 7.67 $1,082 
 
 
           

        The weighted average fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 was $5.80, $13.52, and 2005 was $13.52, $7.63, and $2.13, respectively. During the yearyears ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the total intrinsic value of options exercised was $5,763.$4,330 and $5,763, respectively. Cash received from option exercises for the yearyears ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $764.$1,040 and $764, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from these option exercises totaled $2,145.$1,568 and $2,145, respectively. No options were exercised in 2006 or 2005.2006.

Restricted Stock Awards

        In December 2006, the Company issued 100,000 shares of restricted stock under the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan which have been allocated as of the date of the initial public offering among employees at the manager level and below.


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

9. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

        A summary of the status of the Company's nonvested restricted stock grants during the year ended December 31, 20072008 is presented below:


 Shares
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Nonvested at January 1, 2007 100,000 $18.00

 Shares Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at January 1, 2008

 80,476 $21.56 
Granted 22,200 $30.91 7,000 $22.43 
Vested (29,354)$18.00 (35,272)$20.79 
Forfeited (12,370)$18.00 (2,943)$18.00 
 
 
     
Nonvested at December 31, 2007 80,476 $21.56

Nonvested at December 31, 2008

 49,261 $22.45 
 
 
     

        The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock grants during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $22.43, $30.91 and $18.00, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock vested during the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, was $959.$1,382 and $959,


Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

11. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)


respectively. The actual tax benefit realized forfrom the tax deductions from the restricted stock vested totaled $357.$500 and $357, respectively. No restricted stock vested during 2006 or 2005.2006.

10.12. Stockholders' Equity

        In December 2006, the Company completed its initial public offering of common stock. 5,750,000 shares were issued at $18.00 per share resulting in net proceeds of approximately $94,500.

        On December 13, 2006, simultaneously with the Company's initial public offering, certain of the Company's shareholders sold 1,750,000 shares of common stock to Par Investment Partners, L.P. ("PAR"). At that time, the Company agreed to register the shares purchased by PAR for resale. A registration statement for these shares was declared effective on April 26, 2007.

        On May 24,In second quarter 2007, the Company sold 155,714748,214 shares in a secondary public offering. In conjunction with the secondary public offering, on June 13, 2007, the underwriters exercised their overallotment option to purchase an additional 592,000 shares from the Company. The Company received approximately $22,300 in net proceeds from the sale of its shares in this offering.

        In January 2008, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to acquire through open market purchases up to $25,000 of the Company's common stock. As of December 31, 2008, the Company has repurchased approximately 554,000 shares of the Company's common stock through open market purchases at an average cost of $28.55 per share for a total expenditure of $15,809.

11.13. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares

        In May 2005, the Company authorized the issuance of up to 9,885,000 shares of redeemable convertible preferred shares of which 8,635,000 were designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Shares and 1,250,000 were designated as Series B Convertible Preferred Shares (the "Preferred Shares"). In May 2005, the Company completed a private placement offering in which all authorized Series A shares were issued at $4.00 per share for total proceeds to the Company of $34,540. Concurrently, all authorized Series B Convertible Preferred Shares were issued at $4.00 per share to the Company's Chief Executive Officer in exchange for the cancellation of $5,000 in outstanding debt. Expenses of the offering totaled $1,360. In connection with the issuance of the Series A Convertible Preferred Shares, the placement agent was issued 162,500 warrants to acquire the Company's common shares at $4.40 per share as part of the consideration for services provided. The warrants are exercisable through May 5, 2010. The share purchase warrant agreement includes anti-dilution


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

11. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares (Continued)


provisions and piggyback registration rights in the event of a primary or secondary registration of any class of securities as defined. The warrants were valued at approximately $329 at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation method based on the following assumptions: no dividend yield; an expected life of 5 years; risk-free interest rate of 3.93%; and volatility of 60%.

        The Series A and Series B Convertible Preferred Shares had no stated dividend rate, had voting rights similar to common shares and could be converted into common shares at any time, at the option of the holder. Upon the consummation of the Company's initial public offering, the outstanding Series A and Series B Convertible Preferred Shares were automatically converted into shares of common sharesstock on a 0.76 to 1 basis. The Series A and Series B Convertible Preferred Shares had redemption rights which were to have become effective in May 2010. The redemption value was the greater of the Liquidation Value (defined as $4.00 per share) or the Redemption Value (defined as the market value of the shares as agreed upon between the Company and the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares at the time of redemption).


12.Table of Contents


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

14. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

        Quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 20072008 and 20062007 are summarized below.



 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 

2008

2008

 

Operating revenues

 $133,140 $131,558 $116,886 $122,428 

Operating income

 14,364 4,675 8,117 28,692 

Net income

 9,672 2,646 4,890 18,199 

Earnings per share

 

Basic

 0.47 0.13 0.24 0.90 


 March 31
 June 30
 September 30
 December 31
 

Diluted

 0.47 0.13 0.24 0.88 
20072007         

2007

 
Operating revenues $84,349 $88,941 $86,327 $100,956 

Operating revenues

 $84,349 $88,941 $86,327 $100,956 
Operating income 14,301 14,158 9,543 6,058 

Operating income

 14,301 14,158 9,543 6,058 
Net income 9,747 9,976 7,015 4,771 

Net income

 9,747 9,976 7,015 4,771 
Earnings per share         

Earnings per share

 
Basic 0.49 0.50 0.34 0.23 

Basic

 0.49 0.50 0.34 0.23 
Diluted 0.48 0.49 0.34 0.23 

Diluted

 0.48 0.49 0.34 0.23 
2006         
Operating revenues $59,634 $59,669 $60,911 $63,136 
Operating income 7,419 4,873 2,891 7,370 
Net income (loss) 6,833 4,703 (1,250) (1,546)
Earnings (loss) per share         
Basic 1.06 0.73 (0.19) (0.17)
Diluted 0.42 0.28 (0.19) (0.17)

        The sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts does not equal the annual amount reported since per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter and for the full year based on respective weighted-average common shares outstanding and other dilutive potential common shares.

13.15. Commitments and Contingencies

        The National Transportation Safety Board has not yet released its report on its investigation of the nose landing gear failure the Company had at the Orlando Sanford International Airport in March


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)

13. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)


2007. Although no claims relating to this event have been made against the Company to date, it could be subject to claims in the future. The Company believes any such claims would be covered by its insurance policies in effect.

        The Company is subject to certain legal and administrative actions which management considers routine to its business activities. Management believes after consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate outcome of any pending legal matters will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

        The Company has a commitment to purchase two seller-financed MD-88 aircraft for expected placement into its operating fleet by the end of the second quarter of 2008. The Company has entered into forward purchase agreements on two aircraft under operating leases that expire in 2008. These aircraft under forward purchase agreements are expected to be purchased at the end of the operating lease term in July 2008 subject to customary closing conditions.

14.16. Subsequent Events

        In January 2008,2009, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to acquire through open market purchases up to $25,000 of the Company's common stock. The repurchase program replaces a program the Board of Directors authorized in January 2008 which has expired. As of February 26, 2008,20, 2009, the Company has repurchased 411,600100,400 shares of the Company's common stock through open market purchases in the first quarter of 2009 at an average cost of $28.68$33.74 per share for a total expenditure of $11,805.$3,388.

        In January 2009, the Company purchased for cash one MD-80 aircraft. The aircraft is expected to be placed into service during the first quarter of 2009.

        In February 2008,2009, the Company took delivery of one MD-88 aircraft which the Company had a commitment to purchase with seller financing. The Company made a cash paymententered into two separate operating lease agreements for the non-financed portionlease of two MD-80 aircraft. The lease term expires in July 2014. The aircraft are expected to be placed into service by the end of the purchase price.second quarter of 2009.


Table of Contents

Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

        Not applicable.

Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures

        Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.    As of the end of the period covered by this report, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer ("CEO") and chief financial officer ("CFO"), we evaluated the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the "Exchange Act"). Based on this evaluation, our management, including our CEO and CFO, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are designed, and are effective, to give reasonable assurance that the information we are required to disclose is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Based upon this evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with or submitted to the SEC under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

        Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.    Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed 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 and includes those policies and procedures that:

    1)
    pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

    2)
    provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and

    3)
    provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        The effectiveness of our or any system of controls and procedures is subject to certain limitations, including the exercise of judgment in designing, implementing and evaluating the controls and procedures, the assumptions used in identifying the likelihood of future events, and the inability to eliminate misconduct completely. Our management, including our CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls 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, within our company have been detected.

        Our management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007.2008. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") in Internal Control-IntegratedControl-


Table of Contents


Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2007,2008, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.


        Ernst & Young, LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K, has issued a report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.

        Changes in internal controls.    There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of our year ended December 31, 2007,2008, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.    Other Information

        Not applicable.


PART III

Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the data under the headings "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS," "EXECUTIVE OFFICERS" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for our annual meeting of stockholders to be held May 16, 2008,15, 2009, which Proxy Statement is to be filed with the Commission.

Item 11.    Executive Compensation

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the data under the headings "EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION" and "REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE" in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for our annual meeting of stockholders to be held May 16, 2008,15, 2009, which Proxy Statement is to be filed with the Commission.

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the data under the heading "STOCK OWNERSHIP" in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for our annual meeting of stockholders to be held May 16, 2008,15, 2009, which Proxy Statement is to be filed with the Commission. The information required by this item with respect to securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans is included in Part II, Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the data under the heading "RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS" and "Director Independence" in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for our annual meeting of stockholders to be held May 16, 2008,15, 2009, which Proxy Statement is to be filed with the Commission.

Item 14.    Principal Accountant's Fees and Services

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the data under the heading "PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES" in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for our annual meeting of stockholders to be held May 16, 2008,15, 2009, which Proxy Statement is to be filed with the Commission.


Table of Contents


PART IV

Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

1.

 1.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. The following consolidated financial statements of the Company are included in Item 8 of this report:



 



Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



  Consolidated Balance Sheets48 

    Consolidated Balance Sheets

  50

Consolidated Statements of Income

  51

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
and Comprehensive Income

  52

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  54

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  56

2.


 

2.


Financial Statement Schedules. Schedules are not submitted because they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.


3.


 

3.


Exhibits. The Exhibits listed below are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Form 10-K. Where so indicated by footnote, exhibits which were previously filed are incorporated by reference.

 

Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

 Description
3.1* Articles of Incorporation of Allegiant Travel Company.
3.2 Bylaws of Allegiant Travel Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.13.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November 13, 2007)May 9, 2008).
3.3 Specimen Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Form 8-A filed with the Commission on November 22, 2006).
10.1Amended and Restated Investors Agreement dated as of December 13, 2006, between Allegiant Travel Company, LLC and the investors named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form S-1 filed with the Commission on February 9, 2007).
10.2*Form of Merger Agreement between Allegiant Travel Company, LLC and Allegiant
Travel Company
10.3*10.1* Form of Tax Indemnification Agreement between Allegiant Travel Company and members of Allegiant Travel Company, LLCLLC.
10.4*10.2* 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan(1)Plan.(1)
10.3Form of Stock Option Agreement used for officers of the Company.(1)
10.4Form of Restricted Stock Agreement used for Directors of the Company.(1)
10.5* Allegiant Air 401(k) Retirement Plan(1)Plan.(1)
10.6* Form of Indemnification AgreementAgreement.
10.7*Aircraft Purchase Agreement dated as of June 8, 2006, between Allegiant Air, LLC and PCG Acquisition II, Inc.
10.8*Air Transportation Charter Agreement dated March 21, 2003, between Allegiant Air, Inc. and Harrah's Laughlin, Inc. and amendments thereto(2)
10.9*Air Transportation Charter Agreement dated March 21, 2003, between Allegiant Air, Inc. and Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. and amendments thereto(2)
10.10*10.7* Airport Operating Permit between Allegiant Air, Inc. and Clark County Department of Aviation dated April 14, 2003.


10.11*10.8* Permanent Software License Agreement between Allegiant Air, Inc. and CMS Solutions, Inc. dated August 1, 2001.
10.12*10.9* Memorandum of Understanding between Allegiant Air, LLC and Sanford Airport Authority dated March 4, 2005.
10.13*10.10* Employment Agreement dated July 31, 2006, between Allegiant Travel Company and M. Ponder Harrison.(1)
10.14*10.11* Employment Agreement dated July 31, 2006, between Allegiant Travel Company and Andrew C. Levy.(1)
10.15*Employment Agreement dated July 31, 2006, between Allegiant Travel Company and Michael P. Baxter.(1)
10.16*10.12* Maintenance General Terms Agreement dated March 2006 between Allegiant Air, LLC and American Airlines, Inc.(2)
10.17*Stock Purchase Agreement dated November 20, 2006, among the Company, Allegiant Travel Company, LLC, PAR Investment Partners, L.P. and certain selling stockholders named therein.
10.18Air Transportation Charter Agreement dated October 3, 2007, between Allegiant Air, LLC and Harrah's Operating Company Memphis, LLC(3)
10.1910.13 Lease dated May 1, 2007, between Allegiant Air, LLC and Windmill Durango Office, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Form S-1 registration statement filed with the Commission on May 16, 2007).
10.2010.14 Terminalling Agreement between AFH, Inc. and Kinder Morgan Liquids Terminals, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-1 registration statement filed with the Commission on June 25, 2007).
10.2110.15 Shipper's Agreement between AFH, Inc. and Central Florida Pipeline, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-1 registration statement filed with the Commission on June 25, 2007).
10.16Master Loan Agreement dated as of April 11, 2008 between Bank of Nevada and Allegiant Air, LLC(3) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on August 8, 2008)
10.17Amendment to Lease dated as of June 23, 2008 between Windmill Durango Office, LLC and Allegiant Air, LLC.
10.18Lease dated June 23, 2008 between Windmill Durango Office II, LLC and Allegiant Air, LLC.
10.19Air Transportation Charter Agreement dated as of October 31, 2008 between Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. and Allegiant Air, LLC.(3)
21.1 List of Subsidiaries

Table of Contents

Exhibit Number
Description
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
24.1 Powers of Attorney (on signature page)
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32 Section 1350 Certifications

*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Registration Statement #333-134145 filed by Allegiant Travel Company with the Commission and amendments thereto.

(1)
Management contract or compensation plan or agreement required to be filed as an Exhibit to this Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K.

(2)
Portions of the indicated document have been omitted pursuant to the grant of confidential treatment and the documents indicated have been filed separately with the Commission as required by Rule 406.406 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(3)
Portions of the indicated document have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment and the document indicated has been filed separately with the Commission as required by Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

* * * * * *


Table of Contents


Signatures

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Las Vegas, State of Nevada on March 10, 2008.3, 2009.

  ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

 

 

By:
/s/ 
MAURICE J. GALLAGHER, JR.      ANDREW C. LEVY

MAURICE J. GALLAGHER, JR.ANDREW C. LEVY
Chief ExecutiveFinancial Officer and
Chairman of the Board


POWERS OF ATTORNEY

        Each person whose signature appears below hereby appoints Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr. and Andrew C. Levy and both of them, either of whom may act without the joinder of the other,Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to perform each and every act and thing appropriate or necessary to be done, as fully and for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date



 

 

 

 

 
/s/ MAURICE J. GALLAGHER, JR.

Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr.
 Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 March 10, 20083, 2009


/s/ 
ANDREW C. LEVY

Andrew C. Levy

 

Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

 


March 10, 20083, 2009



/s/ SCOTT SHELDON

TIMOTHY P. FLYNN      Scott Sheldon


Principal Accounting Officer



March 3, 2009




Gary Ellmer


Director



March   , 2009




Timothy P. Flynn

 

Director

 


March   10, 2008, 2009



/s/ 
A. MAURICE MASON

A. Maurice Mason

 

Director


March 10, 2008

/s/  
ROBERT L. PRIDDY      
Robert L. Priddy

 

Director

March 3, 2009

 

March 10, 2008

/s/ JOHN REDMOND

John Redmond

 

Director

 


March , 20083, 2009


Table of Contents
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

        The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.

Exhibit Number

 Description
10.3Form of Stock Option Agreement used for officers of the Company.
10.4Form of Restricted Stock Agreement used for Directors of the Company.
10.17Amendment to Lease dated as of June 23, 2008 between Windmill Durango Office, LLC and Allegiant Air, LLC.
10.18Lease dated June 23, 2008 between Windmill Durango Office II, LLC and Allegiant Air, LLC.
10.19 Air Transportation Charter Agreement dated as of October 3, 2007,31, 2008 between Allegiant Air, LLC and Harrah's Operating Company, Memphis, LLC(1)Inc. and Allegiant Air, LLC.(1)
21.1 List of Subsidiaries
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm
24.1 Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereto).
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32 Section 1350 Certifications

(1)
Portions of the indicated document have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment and the document indicated has been filed separately with the Commission as required by Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.



QuickLinks

ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
PART II
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except for share amounts)
ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (in thousands, except for share amounts)
ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands)
ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 (Dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts)
PART III
PART IV
Signatures
POWERS OF ATTORNEY
INDEX TO EXHIBITS