REPUBLIC AIRWAYS HOLDINGS INC. 10-K

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA Page Index to Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidated Balance Sheets 75 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income 76 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity 77 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 78 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 79 The information set forth below should be read together with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 70 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Mesa Air Group, Inc. Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the results of the Company's operations and its cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP We served as the Company’s auditor from 2019 to 2023. Phoenix, Arizona December 29, 2022 71 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Mesa Air Group, Inc. Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Mesa Air Group, Inc. (the Company) as of September 30, 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows, for the year then ended and the related notes (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. RSM US LLP We served as the Company’s auditor from 2023 to 2024. Phoenix, Arizona January 26, 2024 72 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Mesa Air Group, Inc. Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Mesa Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2024, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows the year ended September 30, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Critical Audit Matters The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate. Forecasted Cash Flows Utilized in Assessment of Going Concern and Impairment of Long-lived Assets As disclosed in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company believes that cash on hand, ongoing cashflows from operations, restructuring debt covenants and agreements, forgiveness of debt based on operational metrics outlined in the United Capacity Purchase Agreement, borrowing capacity under the United Revolving Credit Facility, reimbursement of expenses up to $14.0 million related to the transition to an entirely E-175 fleet, restructuring of operations to defer major expenses, and selling the 73 aircraft and engines held for sale, is adequate to fund operations and meet debt obligations for the next twelve months following the issuance of these financial statements. Accordingly, management has disclosed the factors that give rise to concerns regarding the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern, as well as management’s implemented plan which alleviates the conditions giving rise to substantial doubt. The plan involves the forecast of cash flows to determine whether the Company will have sufficient cash to fund operations and satisfy debt obligations as it becomes due. As disclosed in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements the Company reviews long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may be impaired. To determine whether impairments exist for aircraft and other related assets used in operations, the Company groups assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. The Company assesses whether indicators of impairment are present for an asset group and, when applicable, the Company evaluates recoverability of the asset group by comparing the undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying amount of the asset group. The Company estimates future cash flows based on projections of capacity purchase block hours, maintenance events, labor costs and other relevant factors. If the asset group is not recoverable, an impairment charge is recorded and the asset group’s carrying amount is reduced to its estimated fair value. Management engaged experts to calculate the fair value of long-lived assets. The forecasts of undiscounted cashflows prepared to assess going concern and impairment of long-lived assets were prepared with significant judgment and estimates of future cashflows based on projections of capacity purchase agreement block hours, maintenance events, labor costs, and other relevant factors. The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the forecasts of undiscounted cashflows prepared to assess going concern and impairment of long-lived assets as critical audit matters are (i) the significant judgment by management in estimating capacity purchase block hours, maintenance events, labor costs and other relevant factors, (ii) the significant judgment by management in estimating future compliance with debt covenants, (iii) the significant judgement by management used by experts to calculate the fair value of long-lived assets, and (iv) the high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to the forecasts of undiscounted cashflows and the determination of the fair value of the long-lived assets. Addressing the critical audit matters involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included (i) testing management’s process for developing the estimates (ii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the estimates (iii) testing future asset sales to generate cash through binding purchase agreements, (iv) testing future compliance with debt covenants based on amended debt agreements, (v) testing changes in revenues and expenses through audit procedures on projected block hours, scheduled future flight plans, pilot attrition, and number of aircraft in service, (vi) testing the valuation of long-lived assets, including the work performed by management’s specialists, and (vii) testing the completeness of the disclosures related to management’s plans. /s/ Marcum llp Marcum llp We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2024 Melville, NY May 13, 2025 74 MESA AIR GROUP, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share amounts) September 30, September 30, 2024 2023 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 15,621 $ 32,940 Restricted cash 3,009 3,132 Receivables, net ($ 1,883 and $ 4,016 from related party) 5,263 8,253 Expendable parts and supplies, net 28,272 29,245 Assets held for sale 5,741 57,722 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,371 7,294 Total current assets 61,277 138,586 Property and equipment, net 426,351 698,022 Lease and equipment deposits 1,289 1,630 Operating lease right-of-use assets 7,231 9,709 Deferred heavy maintenance, net 6,396 7,974 Assets held for sale 86,605 12,000 Other assets 7,709 30,546 Total assets $ 596,858 $ 898,467 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases ($ 6,604 and $ 20,500 from related party) $ 50,455 $ 163,550 Current portion of deferred revenue 3,932 4,880 Current maturities of operating leases 1,681 3,510 Accounts payable 72,096 58,957 Accrued compensation 12,797 10,008 Customer deposits 1,189 — Other accrued expenses 32,308 27,001 Total current liabilities 174,458 267,906 Noncurrent liabilities: Long-term debt and finance leases, excluding current portion ($ 30,914 and $ 30,630 from related party) 259,816 364,728 Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 6,863 8,077 Deferred credits from related party 3,020 4,617 Deferred income taxes 8,173 8,414 Deferred revenue, net of current portion 5,707 16,167 Other noncurrent liabilities 28,579 28,522 Total noncurrent liabilities 312,158 430,525 Total liabilities 486,616 698,431 Commitments and contingencies (Note 16) Stockholders' equity: Common stock of no par value and additional paid-in capital, 125,000,000 shares authorized; 41,331,719 (2024) and 40,940,326 (2023) shares issued and outstanding, 4,899,497 (2024) and 4,899,497 (2023) warrants issued and outstanding 272,376 271,155 Accumulated deficit ( 162,134 ) ( 71,119 ) Total stockholders' equity 110,242 200,036 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 596,858 $ 898,467 See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements. 75 MESA AIR GROUP, INC. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (in thousands, except per share amounts) Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2022 Operating revenues: Contract revenue (2024—$ 394,206 , 2023—$ 294,129 , and 2022—$ 207,003 from related party) $ 404,322 $ 421,298 $ 478,482 Pass-through and other revenue 72,087 76,767 52,519 Total operating revenues 476,409 498,065 531,001 Operating expenses: Flight operations 184,472 216,748 177,038 Maintenance 184,725 199,648 201,930 Aircraft rent 7,797 6,200 36,989 General and administrative 44,248 48,765 43,966 Depreciation and amortization 40,041 60,359 81,508 Asset impairment 73,709 54,343 171,824 Loss/(Gain) on sale of assets 682 ( 7,162 ) ( 4,723 ) Other operating expenses 6,555 3,510 7,471 Total operating expenses 542,229 582,411 716,003 Operating loss ( 65,820 ) ( 84,346 ) ( 185,002 ) Other income (expense), net: Interest expense ( 38,455 ) ( 49,921 ) ( 35,289 ) Interest income 68 146 139 Gain on investments, net 8,032 — — Unrealized (loss)/gain on investments, net ( 6,145 ) 5,408 ( 13,715 ) Gain on extinguishment of debt 2,954 — — Gain on debt forgiveness 10,500 — — Other expense, net ( 1,630 ) ( 148 ) ( 801 ) Total other expense, net ( 24,676 ) ( 44,515 ) ( 49,666 ) Loss before taxes ( 90,496 ) ( 128,861 ) ( 234,668 ) Income tax expense/(benefit) 519 ( 8,745 ) ( 51,990 ) Net loss and comprehensive loss $ ( 91,015 ) $ ( 120,116 ) $ ( 182,678 ) Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders Basic $ ( 2.21 ) $ ( 3.04 ) $ ( 5.06 ) Diluted $ ( 2.21 ) $ ( 3.04 ) $ ( 5.06 ) Weighted-average common shares outstanding Basic 41,137 39,465 36,133 Diluted 41,137 39,465 36,133 See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements. 76 MESA AIR GROUP, INC. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (in thousands, except share amounts) Common Stock and Additional Number of Number of Paid-In Retained Shares Warrants Capital Earnings/(Accumulated Deficit) Total Balance at September 30, 2021 35,958,759 4,899,497 $ 256,372 $ 231,675 $ 488,047 Stock compensation expense — — 2,761 — 2,761 Payment of tax withholding for RSUs ( 147,108 ) — ( 455 ) — ( 455 ) Restricted shares issued 455,303 — 100 — 100 Employee share purchases 109,943 — 399 — 399 Net income — — — ( 182,678 ) ( 182,678 ) Balance at September 30, 2022 36,376,897 4,899,497 $ 259,177 $ 48,997 $ 308,174 Stock compensation expense — — 2,275 — 2,275 Payment of tax withholding for RSUs ( 204,486 ) — ( 363 ) — ( 363 ) Restricted shares issued 585,401 — — — — United Stock Issuance 4,042,061 9,782 9,782 Employee share purchases 140,453 — 284 — 284 Net loss — — — ( 120,116 ) ( 120,116 ) Balance at September 30, 2023 40,940,326 4,899,497 $ 271,155 $ ( 71,119 ) $ 200,036 Stock compensation expense — — 1,329 — 1,329 Payment of tax withholding for RSUs ( 112,698 ) — ( 138 ) — ( 138 ) Restricted shares issued 448,719 — — — — Employee share purchases 55,372 — 30 — 30 Net loss — — — ( 91,015 ) ( 91,015 ) Balance at September 30, 2024 41,331,719 4,899,497 $ 272,376 $ ( 162,134 ) $ 110,242 See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements. 77 MESA AIR GROUP, INC. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2022 Cash flows from operating activities: Net (Loss)/Income $ ( 91,015 ) $ ( 120,116 ) $ ( 182,678 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 40,041 60,359 81,508 Stock compensation expense 1,329 2,275 2,761 Unrealized loss/(gain) on investments, net 6,145 ( 5,408 ) 13,715 Realized gain on investments, net ( 8,032 ) — — Deferred income taxes ( 242 ) ( 9,304 ) ( 52,221 ) Amortization of deferred credits ( 1,067 ) 1,535 ( 852 ) Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs and accretion of interest into long-term debt 8,334 6,324 9,681 Asset impairment 73,709 54,343 171,824 (Gain)/Loss on sale of assets 682 ( 7,162 ) ( 4,723 ) Loss/(Gain) on extinguishment of debt ( 2,954 ) 1,505 397 Gain on debt forgiveness ( 10,500 ) — — Other 4,277 2,236 867 Changes in assets and liabilities: Receivables 2,990 ( 4,275 ) ( 811 ) Expendable parts and supplies ( 1,334 ) ( 2,530 ) ( 2,882 ) Prepaid expenses and other operating assets and liabilities 4,126 ( 769 ) ( 679 ) Accounts payable 13,742 496 ( 2,772 ) Deferred heavy maintenance, net ( 1,637 ) ( 1,382 ) ( 8,066 ) Deferred revenue ( 11,068 ) ( 3,020 ) ( 10,432 ) Accrued expenses and other liabilities 7,281 ( 3,938 ) ( 3,175 ) Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities ( 563 ) 4,740 1,900 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 34,244 ( 24,091 ) 13,362 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures ( 20,313 ) ( 36,641 ) ( 40,814 ) Proceeds from (purchases of) investments in equity securities, net 9,617 — ( 200 ) Proceeds from sale of aircraft and engines, net of transaction costs 158,334 178,644 50,000 Investment transaction costs ( 380 ) — — Receipt (payment) of equipment and other deposits 1,530 282 ( 7,621 ) Net cash provided by investing activities 148,788 142,285 1,365 Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 86,855 60,878 39,811 Principal payments on long-term debt and finance leases ( 286,299 ) ( 203,029 ) ( 114,910 ) Payments of debt and warrant issuance costs — ( 917 ) ( 2,414 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock under ESPP 30 284 399 Debt prepayment costs ( 922 ) — — Payment of tax withholding for RSUs ( 138 ) ( 363 ) ( 455 ) Net cash used in financing activities ( 200,474 ) ( 143,147 ) ( 77,569 ) Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash ( 17,442 ) ( 24,953 ) ( 62,842 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 36,072 61,025 123,867 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 18,630 $ 36,072 $ 61,025 Supplemental cash flow information Cash paid for interest $ 31,492 $ 38,410 $ 24,895 Cash paid for income taxes, net $ — $ 419 $ 487 Operating lease payments in operating cash flows $ 4,585 $ 9,476 $ 36,262 Supplemental non-cash operating activities Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities $ 419 $ 2,919 $ 6,286 Supplemental non-cash financing activities Finance lease obtained in exchange for lease liability $ — $ 65,481 $ — Principal payments in exchange for transfer of equity investment $ 12,610 $ — $ — Principal forgiven $ 10,500 $ — $ — Acquisition of finance leases $ — $ — $ 15,122 Investments in warrants to purchase common stock $ — $ — $ 3,260 Accrued capital expenditures $ — $ 196 $ 1,121 See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements. 78 MESA AIR GROUP, INC. Notes to Consolidated Fi nancial Statements 1. Organization and Operations The Company Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Mesa Air Group, Inc. ("Mesa," the "Company," "we," "our," or "us") is the holding company of Mesa Airlines, a regional air carrier providing scheduled passenger service to 67 cities in 34 states, Cuba, and Mexico. As of September 30, 2024, Mesa operated a fleet of 67 regional aircraft consisting of 55 E-175 aircraft and 12 CRJ-900 aircraft with approximately 265 daily departures. Mesa’s fleet were conducted under our CPA and FSA, leased to a third party, held for sale or maintained as operational spares during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. Mesa operates all of its flights as United Express flights pursuant to the terms of the CPA entered into with United. Prior to the voluntary wind-down of the FSA with DHL on March 1, 2024, Mesa also operated flights as DHL Express flights pursuant to the terms of the FSA. All of the Company’s consolidated contract revenues for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were derived from operations associated with the United CPA, DHL FSA, leases of aircraft to a third party, and Mesa Pilot Development ("MPD"). The Company also generated contract revenues for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 from the Company's CPA with American prior to the wind-down and termination of the American CPA on April 3, 2023. The United CPA involves a revenue-guarantee arrangement whereby United pays fixed-fees for each aircraft under contract, departure, flight hour (measured from takeoff to landing, excluding taxi time) or block hour (measured from takeoff to landing, including taxi time), and reimbursement of certain direct operating expenses in exchange for providing flight services. United also pays certain expenses directly to suppliers, such as fuel, ground operations and landing fees. Under the terms of the CPA, United controls route selection, pricing, and seat inventories, reducing our exposure to fluctuations in passenger traffic, fare levels, and fuel prices. Liquidity and Going Concern During our fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, the decrease in scheduled flying activity associated with the transition of our operations with American to United, increased costs associated with pilot wages, together with increasing interest rates adversely impacted our financial results, cash flows, financial position, and other key financial ratios. Additionally, United has asked us to accelerate the removal of our CRJ-900 aircraft and transition the pilots to our E-175 fleet. These events will lead to increased costs and impact our block hour capabilities while these pilots are in training. As a result of the decrease in scheduled flying activity for United, we produced less block hours to generate revenues. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, these challenges resulted in a negative impact on the Company’s financial results highlighted by net loss of $ 91.0 million, primarily due to impairment expense of $ 73.7 million related to held for sale assets during the year. These conditions and events raised concerns about our ability to continue to fund our operations and meet our debt obligations over the next twelve months from the filing of this Form 10-K. To address such concerns, management developed and implemented certain material changes to our business designed to ensure the Company could continue to fund its operations and meet its debt obligations over the next twelve months. The following measures were implemented during the year ended September 30, 2024, and through the date of issuance of the financial statements. • On April 4, 2025, the Company entered into the Three Party Agreement between United, Republic, and the Company, which provides for, among other things, the following, each subject to the completion of the Merger Agreement: o Termination of the United CPA. 79 o The Company to sell or dispose of all remaining Eligible Assets (as defined in the Three Party Agreement). o The Company to extinguish all remaining debt with cash and sale of assets. Any remaining debt will be assumed by the surviving corporation or forgiven by United. o A three percent ( 3 %) increase in CPA block hour rates, retroactive to January 1, 2025. o The transfer of all of the Company's rights and obligations under its agreements with Archer (as discussed in Note 17). • On April 4, 2025, we entered into the Sixth Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Capacity Purchase Agreement with United which provides for the following: o The extension of the CPA rate increases agreed upon in the January 2024 United CPA Amendments, retroactive to January 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. o The extension of incentives for achieving certain performance metrics, retroactive to July 1, 2024, through March 31, 2026. • On April 4, 2025, we entered into the Sixth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement providing for the waiver of an existing financial covenant default with respect to the period ended March 31, 2025, and a projected financial covenant default with respect to the periods ending June 30, 2025, September 30, 2025, December 31, 2025, and March 31, 2026, each relating to a minimum liquidity requirement under our United Revolving Credit Facility. • On April 3, 2025, we entered into a purchase agreement with a third party which provides for the sale of 23 GE model CF34-8C engines to the third party for expected gross proceeds of $ 16.3 million, which will be used to pay down our UST Loan. • On December 31, 2024, we entered into an Aircraft Purchase Agreement with United which provides for the sale of 18 E-175 aircraft to United for gross proceeds of $ 227.7 million and net proceeds of $ 84.7 million after the retirement of debt. Subsequently, we closed the sale of all 18 aircraft to United. • On December 30, 2024, we received notice from United that $ 4.5 million of our Effective Date Revolving Loan balance under our United Revolving Credit Facility has been forgiven for achieving certain operational performance metrics outlined in the United CPA. • On December 24, 2024, we entered into a purchase agreement with a third party which provides for the sale of 15 CRJ-900 airframes to the third party for expected gross proceeds of $ 19.0 million, which will be used to pay down our UST Loan. On April 3, 2025, the purchase agreement was amended to include an additional 14 CRJ-900 airframes to be sold to the third party for expected gross proceeds of $ 9.1 million. The total expected gross proceeds of $ 28.1 million will be used to pay down our UST Loan. • On December 23, 2024, we entered into an agreement with the UST to lower the minimum CCR covenant to .99 to 1.0 effective as of November 22, 2024 through February 28, 2025. After such date, the CCR will revert to 1.55 to 1.0. The agreement also requires the Company to use its reasonable best efforts to cause counterparties to all Receivables (as defined in the Treasury Loan) (whether or not constituting “Eligible Receivables” (as defined in the Treasury Loan)) of the Company to be paid to the Eligible Receivables Account (as defined in the Treasury Loan). Receivables generated from the sale of assets that are not Collateral (as defined in the Treasury Loan) are excluded from the scope of the foregoing requirement. As a result of the lower CCR covenant, we are in compliance with this covenant as of September 30, 2024. Additionally, on March 18, 2025, we entered into a new CCR Modification Agreement with the UST to lower the minimum CCR covenant to .91 to 1.0 effective as of February 28, 2025 through the maturity date of the loan. 80 • On December 23, 2024, we entered into a Waiver to Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement providing for the waiver of an existing financial covenant default with respect to the period July 1, 2024 to December 23, 2024 and a projected financial covenant default with respect to the period December 24, 2024 to December 31, 2024, each relating to a minimum liquidity requirement under our United Revolving Credit Facility. • On December 23, 2024, we entered into the Fourth Amendment to our Third Amended and Restated United CPA which provides for the following: o Amended certain scheduled exit dates for our E-175 and CRJ-900 Covered Aircraft (as defined in the United CPA). o Added provisions relating to the reimbursement by United of up to $ 14.0 million of pilot training costs incurred by the Company with respect to its E-175 aircraft. • On September 25, 2024, we reached an agreement with United which provides for, among other things, the commitment to buy our two CRJ-700 aircraft out of their lease with GoJet and to purchase such aircraft for total proceeds of $ 11.0 million, $ 4.5 million of which will pay down the outstanding obligations. Subsequent to September 30, 2024, we closed the sale of the two CRJ-700 aircraft to United. • Based on the most recent appraisal value of our spare parts, we have $ 12.4 million of borrowing capacity under our United Revolving Credit Facility. • In addition to already executed agreements to sell aircraft, the Company is actively seeking arrangements to sell other surplus assets primarily related to the CRJ fleet including aircraft, engines, and spare parts to reduce debt and optimize operations. • We have delayed and/or deferred major spending on aircraft and engine maintenance to match the current and projected level of flight activity. The Company believes the plans and initiatives outlined above have effectively alleviated the financial concerns and will allow the Company to meet its cash obligations for the next twelve months following the issuance of its financial statements. The forecast of undiscounted cash flows prepared to determine if the Company has the ability to meet its cash obligations over the next twelve months was prepared with significant judgment and estimates of future cash flows based on projections of CPA block hours, maintenance events, labor costs, and other relevant factors. Assumptions used in the forecast may change or not occur as expected. As of July 16, 2024, the Company was not in compliance with a financial covenant related to a minimum liquidity requirement of $ 15.0 million of cash and cash equivalents associated with its Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement with United. On December 23, 2024, the Company entered into a Waiver to Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement providing for the waiver for the financial covenant default with respect to the period July 1, 2024 to December 23, 2024 and a projected financial covenant default with respect to the period December 24, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Further, on April 4, 2025, the Company entered into the Sixth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement providing for the waiver of an existing financial covenant default with respect to the period ended March 31, 2025, and a projected financial covenant default with respect to the periods ending June 30, 2025, September 30, 2025, December 31, 2025, and March 31, 2026. As of the issuance of this Form 10-K, we are in compliance with all financial covenants. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $ 50.5 million of principal maturity payments on long-term debt due within the next twelve months. Additionally, all outstanding principal amounts of $ 113.7 million as of September 30, 2024, under our UST Loan are due and payable in a single installment on October 30, 2025. We plan to meet these obligations with our cash on hand, ongoing cashflows from our operations, and the liquidity created from the additional measures identified above. If our plans are not realized, we intend to explore additional opportunities to create liquidity by refinancing and deferring repayment of our principal maturity payments that are due within the next twelve months. The Company 81 continues to monitor covenant compliance with its lenders as any noncompliance could have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, cash flows and results of operations. As of September 30, 2024, the Company is in compliance with all financial covenants. See Sources and Uses of Cash in “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for additional disclosure. United Capacity Purchase Agreement Under the United CPA, we currently have the ability to fly up to 67 aircraft for United. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, United began exercising its right under Section 2.4(a) of the United CPA to remove CRJ-900 Covered Aircraft (as defined in the United CPA). 14 CRJ-900 aircraft were removed from the CPA, and the remaining 12 will be removed from the CPA by the end of February 2025. As of September 30, 2024 we operated 55 E-175 and 12 CRJ-900 aircraft under our United CPA. Under the United CPA, United owns 42 of our 60 E-175 aircraft. The E-175 aircraft owned by United and leased to us have terms expiring between 2024 and 2028 , and the 18 E-175 aircraft owned by us have terms expiring in 2028 . In exchange for providing flight services under our United CPA, we receive a fixed monthly minimum amount per aircraft under contract plus certain additional amounts based upon the number of flights and block hours flown and the results of certain performance metrics. United also reimburses us for certain costs on an actual basis, including property tax per aircraft and passenger liability insurance. Other expenses, including fuel and certain landing fees, are directly paid to suppliers by United. United reimburses us on a pass-through basis for certain costs related to heavy airframe and engine maintenance, landing gear, auxiliary power units (" APUs ") and component maintenance for the aircraft owned by United. Our United CPA permits United, subject to certain conditions, including the payment of certain costs tied to aircraft type, to terminate the agreement in its discretion, or remove aircraft from service, by giving us notice of 90 days or more . If United elects to terminate our United CPA in its entirety or permanently remove select aircraft from service, we are permitted to return any of the affected aircraft leased from United at no cost to us. In addition, if United removes any of our 18 owned E-175 aircraft from service at its direction, United would remain obligated, at our option, to assume the aircraft ownership and associated debt with respect to such aircraft through the end of the term of the United CPA. Subsequent to September 30, 2024, we amended our United CPA, providing for the following: • The extension of the CPA rate increases agreed upon in the January 2024 United CPA Amendments through March 31, 2026. • The extension of incentives for achieving certain performance metrics through March 2026. • The commitment of a combined fleet of 60 CRJ-900 and E-175 aircraft through February 2025, and an entirely E-175 fleet by March 2025. • Reimbursement of up to $ 14.0 million of expenses related to the transition to an entirely E-175 fleet. • Amendment of certain scheduled exit dates for our E-175 and CRJ-900 Covered Aircraft (as defined in the United CPA). On January 11, 2024 and January 19, 2024, we entered into the January 2024 United CPA Amendments which provide for the following: • Increased CPA rates, retroactive to October 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024. • Amended certain notice requirements for removal by United of up to eight CRJ-900 Covered Aircraft (as defined in the United CPA) from the United CPA. 82 • Extended United's existing utilization waiver for the Company's operation of E-175 and CRJ-900 Covered Aircraft (as defined in the United CPA) to June 30, 2024. Our United CPA is subject to early termination prior to its expiration in various circumstances including: • If certain operational performance factors fall below a specified percentage for a specified time, subject to notice under certain circumstances; • If we fail to perform the material covenants, agreements, terms or conditions of our United CPA or similar agreements with United, subject to 30 days' notice and cure rights; • If either United or we become insolvent, file bankruptcy, or fail to pay debts when due, the non-defaulting party may terminate the agreement; • If we merge with, or if control of us is acquired by another air carrier or a corporation directly or indirectly owning or controlling another air carrier; • United, subject to certain conditions, including the payment of certain costs tied to aircraft type, may terminate the agreement in its discretion, or remove E-175 aircraft from service, by giving us notice of 90 days or more ; and • If United elects to terminate our United CPA in its entirety or permanently remove aircraft from service, we are permitted to return any of the affected E-175 aircraft leased from United at no cost to us. DHL Flight Services Agreement On December 20, 2019, we entered into a FSA with DHL (the “DHL FSA”). Under the terms of the DHL FSA, we operated four Boeing 737 aircraft to provide cargo air transportation services. In exchange for providing cargo flight services, we received a fee per block hour with a minimum block hour guarantee. We were eligible for a monthly performance bonus or subject to a monthly penalty based on timeliness and completion performance. Ground support expenses including fueling and airport fees were paid directly by DHL. On March 15, 2024, we entered into Amendment No. 3 to our DHL FSA which provided for the wind-down and termination of our flight operations on behalf of DHL. As part of this Amendment, we received $ 1.0 million for wind-down and associated costs. 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ( " GAAP " ) and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned operating subsidiaries. Any reference in these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative United States generally accepted accounting principles as found in the Accounting Standards Codification ( " ASC " ) and Accounting Standards Update (" ASU ") of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (" FASB "). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The going concern assumption contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company generated a net loss of $ 91.0 million and had cash flow provided by operations of $ 34.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2024. As of September 30, 2024 , the Company had a working capital deficit of $ 113.2 million, an accumulated deficit of $ 162.1 million, and cash and cash equivalents of $ 15.6 million. 83 The Company is evaluating strategies to obtain the required additional funding for future operations. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, issuing debt, entering into other financing arrangements, restructuring of operations to grow revenues and decrease expenses, or the sale of assets. Use of Estimates The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Segment Reporting Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing operating performance. In consideration of ASC 280, " Segment Reporting, " we are not organized around specific services or geographic regions. We currently operate in one service line providing scheduled flying services in accordance with our CPA. While we operate under our CPA, we do not manage our business based on any performance measure at the individual contract level. As of September 30, 2024 , our chief operating decision maker ("CODM") was the Chief Executive Officer. Our CODM uses consolidated financial information to evaluate our performance, which is the same basis on which he communicates our results and performance to our Board of Directors. Our CODM bases all significant decisions regarding the allocation of our resources on a consolidated basis. Based on the information described above and in accordance with the applicable literature, management has concluded that we are organized and operated as one operating and reportable segment. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Restricted Cash Restricted cash primarily includes deposits in trust accounts to collateralize letters of credit and to fund workers' compensation claims, landing fees, and other business needs. Restricted cash is stated at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company has an agreement with a financial institution for a $ 6.0 million letter of credit facility to issue letters of credit for landing fees, workers' compensation insurance, and other business needs. Pursuant to such agreement, $ 3.0 million and $ 3.1 million of outstanding letters of credit are required to be collateralized by amounts on deposit as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which are classified as restricted cash. Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash consist of the following: September 30, September 30, 2024 2023 Cash and cash equivalents $ 15,621 $ 32,940 Restricted cash 3,009 3,132 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 18,630 $ 36,072 84 Expendable Parts and Supplies Expendable parts and supplies are stated at cost, less an allowance for obsolescence. The Company provides an allowance for obsolescence for such parts and supplies over the useful life of its aircraft after considering the useful life of each aircraft fleet, the estimated cost of expendable parts expected to be on hand at the end of the useful life, and the estimated salvage value of the parts. This allowance for expendable parts account was $ 4.7 million and $ 4.1 million as of September 30, 2024 and 2023 , respectively. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of manufacturer incentives, and depreciated over their estimated useful lives to their estimated salvage values, which are 20 % for aircraft and rotable spare parts, using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives of the various classifications of property and equipment are as follows: Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Life Buildings 30 years Aircraft 25 years from the manufacture date Flight equipment 7 - 20 years Equipment 5 - 9 years Furniture and fixtures 3 - 5 years Vehicles 5 years Rotable spare parts Life of the aircraft or term of the lease, whichever is less Leasehold improvements Life of the aircraft or term of the lease, whichever is less Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may be impaired. The Company records an impairment loss if (i) the undiscounted future cash flows are found to be less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, and (ii) the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair value. If an impairment loss has occurred, a charge is recorded to reduce the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value. To determine whether impairments exist for aircraft and other related assets used in operations, we group assets at the CPA level (i.e., the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows) and then estimate future cash flows based on projections of capacity purchase block hours, maintenance events, labor costs and other relevant factors. If an asset group is impaired, the impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the asset group's carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. We estimate aircraft fair values using published sources, appraisals and bids received from third parties, as available. Due to operating losses and the removal of CRJ-900 aircraft from the United CPA, we evaluated our United fleet as of September 30, 2024 , and determined that future cash flows from the operation of our fleet through the remaining useful life exceeded the carrying value of the fleet. As such, no impairment expenses were recorded to our fleet. The Company did no t recognize impairment expenses to our fleet during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 , and recognized $ 109.7 million in impairment on property and equipment and other long-lived assets for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 . 85 Assets Held for Sale We classify assets as held for sale when (i) our management approves and commits to a formal plan of sale that is probable of being completed within one year; (ii) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets; (iii) an active program to locate a buyer has been initiated; (iv) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and (v) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or the plan will be withdrawn. Assets designated as held for sale are recorded at the lower of their current carrying value or their fair market value, less costs to sell, beginning in the period in which the assets meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale. If the market value, less costs to sell, is lower than the current carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded on the asset designated as held for sale. The Company recognized impairment expenses of $ 73.7 million, $ 50.6 million, and $ 62.1 million on assets designated as held for sale for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. See Note 6 – “Assets Held for Sale” for further discussion of our assets classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2024 Fair Value Measurements The Company accounts for assets and liabilities in accordance with accounting standards that define fair value and establish a consistent framework for measuring fair value on either a recurring or a nonrecurring basis. 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. Accounting standards include disclosure requirements relating to the fair values used for certain financial instruments and establish a fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy prioritizes valuation inputs into three levels based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. Each fair value measurement is reported in one of three levels: • Level 1 – Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; • Level 2 – Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and • Level 3 – Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. Debt Financing Costs Debt financing costs consist of payments made to issue debt related to the purchase of aircraft, flight equipment, and certain flight equipment maintenance costs. The Company defers the costs and amortizes them to interest expense over the term of the debt agreement. Debt financing costs related to a recognized debt liability are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet. Other Assets Other noncurrent assets primarily consist of a contract asset related to the issuance of equity to United as part of the United CPA. Upon entering into the United CPA and issuing equity to United, the Company recorded the contract asset at fair value of the shares issued to United. The contract asset is amortized as a reduction of revenue over the term of the CPA. 86 Lease incentives represent amounts paid or payable by Mesa to the lessee and are amortized as a reduction of lease revenue over the term of the lease. The current portion of the lease incentive assets is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and the non-current portion is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair values are adjusted to reflect the market value of the investments each reporting period, with corresponding gains and losses reflected in the statement of operations. Investments in equity securities without readily determinable values are measured at cost less impairment, if any, and are adjusted when there are observable prices of similar or identical investments from the same issuer. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in future years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records deferred tax assets for the value of benefits expected to be realized from the utilization of state and federal net operating loss carryforwards. The Company periodically reviews these assets to determine the likelihood of realization. To the extent the Company believes some portion of the benefit may not be realizable based on the available sources of income, an estimate of the unrealized position is made, and a valuation allowance is recorded. The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities primarily consist of the non-current portion of lease incentive obligations and deposits related to the aircraft which Mesa leases to third parties and vendor credit liabilities for future purchases of electric aircraft. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when the service is provided under its CPA. Under the CPA, United generally pays a fixed monthly minimum amount per aircraft, plus certain additional amounts based upon the number of flights and block hours flown. The contract also includes reimbursement of certain costs incurred by the Company in performing flight services. These costs, known as "pass-through costs," may include passenger liability insurance as well as aircraft property taxes and other flight service expenditures defined in our agreement. Additionally, for the E-175 aircraft owned by United, the CPA provides that United will reimburse the Company for heavy airframe and engine maintenance, landing gear, APUs and component maintenance. The Company also receives compensation under its CPA for heavy maintenance expenses at a fixed hourly rate or per aircraft rate for all aircraft in scheduled service other than the E-175 aircraft owned by United. The Company is eligible to receive incentive compensation upon the achievement of certain performance criteria defined in the agreement. At the end of each period during the term of an agreement, the Company calculates the incentives achieved during that period and recognizes revenue attributable to the agreement during the period accordingly, subject to the variable constraint guidance under ASC 606. All revenue recognized under the CPA is presented as the gross amount billed to United. Due to United's ownership in the Company ( 9.8 % as of September 30, 2024), revenue recognized under the United CPA is considered related party revenue. Under the United CPA, the Company has committed to perform various activities that can be generally classified into in-flight services and maintenance services. When evaluating these services, the Company determined that the nature of its promise is to provide a single integrated service, flight services, because its contracts require integration and assumption of risk associated with both services to effectively deliver and provide the flights as scheduled over the contract term. Therefore, the in-flight services and 87 maintenance services are inputs to that combined integrated flight service. Both services occur over the term of the agreement and the performance of maintenance services significantly affects the utility of the in-flight services. The Company's individual flights flown under the CPA are deemed to be distinct and the flight service promised in the CPA represents a series of services that is accounted for as a single performance obligation. This single performance obligation is satisfied over time as the flights are completed. Therefore, revenue is recognized when each flight is completed. In allocating the transaction price, variable payments (i.e., billings based on flights and block hours flown, pass-through costs, etc.) that relate specifically to the Company's efforts in performing flight services are recognized in the period in which the individual flight is completed. The Company has concluded that allocating the variability directly to the individual flights results in an overall allocation meeting the objectives in ASC 606. This results in a pattern of revenue recognition that follows the variable amounts billed from the Company to their customers. A portion of the Company's compensation under its CPAs with United and previously American is designed to reimburse the Company for certain aircraft ownership costs. The Company has concluded that a component of its revenue under these agreements is deemed to be lease revenue, as such agreements identify the "right of use" of a specific type and number of aircraft over a stated period-of-time. The lease revenue associated with the Company's CPA is accounted for as an operating lease and is reflected as contract revenue on the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company recognized $ 123.0 million, $ 144.7 million, and $ 158.4 million of lease revenue for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The Company has not separately stated aircraft rental income and aircraft rental expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss because the use of the aircraft is not a separate activity of the total service provided. The Company's CPA is renewable periodically and contain provisions pursuant to which the parties could terminate their respective agreements, subject to certain conditions, as described in Note 1. The CPA also contains terms with respect to covered aircraft, services provided, and compensation as described in Note 1. The CPA is amended from time to time to change, add, or delete terms of the agreements. The Company's revenues could be impacted by a number of factors, including amendment or termination of its CPA, contract modifications resulting from contract renegotiations, its ability to earn incentive payments contemplated under applicable agreements, and settlement of reimbursement disputes with United. In the event contracted rates are not finalized at a quarterly or annual financial statement date, the Company evaluates the enforceability of its contractual terms and when it has an enforceable right, it estimates the amount the Company expects to be entitled subject to the variable constraint guidance under ASC 606. The Company records deferred revenue when cash payments are received or are due from United in advance of the Company’s performance. The deferred revenue balance as of September 30, 2024 of $ 9.6 million (current and non-current portion) represents our aggregate remaining performance obligations that will be recognized as revenue over the period in which the performance obligations are satisfied (as flights are completed over the remaining contract term). Deferrals of revenue and recognition of previously deferred revenue during fiscal year 2024 are shown below: Revenue Deferred/(Recognized) Deferred revenue as of September 30, 2023 $ 21,047 Fixed revenue deferrals 3,633 Pass-through revenue deferrals 2,002 Previously deferred fixed revenue recognized ( 12,653 ) Previously deferred pass-through revenue recognized ( 4,390 ) Deferred revenue as of September 30, 2024 $ 9,639 88 Contract Liabilities Contract liabilities consist of deferred credits representing upfront payments received from United related to aircraft modifications associated with the CPA and pilot training. The deferred credits are recognized over time depicting the pattern of transfer of the related services over the term of the CPA. Current and non-current deferred credits are recorded to other accrued expenses and non-current deferred credits in the consolidated balance sheets, respectively. The Company's total current and non-current deferred credit balances at September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were $ 4.1 million and $ 5.1 million, respectively. The Company recognized $ 1.8 million, $ 1.7 million, and $ 0.9 million of the deferred credits within contract revenue in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 , respectively . Contract Assets The Company recognizes assets from the incremental costs incurred to obtain contracts with major partners including aircraft painting, aircraft reconfiguration, flight service personnel training costs, and the issuance of stock. These costs are amortized based on the pattern of transfer of the services in relation to flight hours over the term of the contract. Contract assets are recorded as other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company's contract assets balance at September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 was approximately $ 6.1 million and $ 8.8 million, respectively. Contract cost amortization was approximately $ 2.7 million, $ 1.0 million, and zero for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 , respectively. Maintenance Expense The Company operates under an FAA approved continuous inspection and maintenance program. The cost of non-major scheduled inspections and repairs and routine maintenance costs for all aircraft and engines are charged to maintenance expense as incurred. The Company accounts for heavy maintenance and major overhaul costs on its owned E-175 fleet under the deferral method whereby the cost of heavy maintenance and major overhaul is deferred and amortized until the earlier of the end of the useful life of the related asset or the next scheduled heavy maintenance event. Amortization of heavy maintenance and major overhaul costs charged to depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $ 3.2 million, $ 3.1 million, and $ 1.9 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. At September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 , the Company had a deferred heavy maintenance balance, net of accumulated amortization, of approximately $ 6.4 million and $ 8.0 million, respectively. The Company accounts for heavy maintenance and major overhaul costs for all other fleets under the direct expense method whereby costs are expensed to maintenance expense as incurred, except for certain maintenance contracts where labor and materials price risks have been transferred to the service provider and require payment on a utilization basis, such as flight hours. Costs incurred for maintenance and repair for utilization maintenance contracts where labor and materials price risks have been transferred to the service provider are charged to maintenance expense based on contractual payment terms. Our maintenance policy is determined by fleet when major maintenance is incurred. Under the Company's aircraft operating lease agreements and FAA operating regulations, it is obligated to perform all required maintenance activities on its fleet, including component repairs, scheduled airframe checks and major engine restoration events. The Company estimates the timing of the next major maintenance event based on assumptions including estimated usage, FAA-mandated maintenance intervals, and average removal times as recommended by the manufacturer. The timing and the cost of maintenance are based on estimates, which can be impacted by changes in utilization of its aircraft, changes in government regulations and suggested manufacturer maintenance intervals. Major maintenance events consist of overhauls to major components. 89 Engine overhaul expense totaled approximately $ 23.0 million, $ 32.4 million, and $ 23.6 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 , respectively, of which approximately $ 23.5 million, $ 31.9 million, and $ 21.7 million, respectively, was pass-through expense. The Company received approximately $ 0.5 million from an insurance claim reimbursement during fiscal year 2024 which was net against engine overhaul expense. Airframe C-check expense totaled approximately $ 22.9 million, $ 23.4 million, and $ 22.1 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 , respectively, of which approximately $ 16.3 million, $ 16.9 million, and $ 3.2 million, respectively, was pass-through expense. Pursuant to the United CPA, United reimburses the Company for heavy maintenance on certain E-175 aircraft. Those reimbursements are included in pass-through and other revenue. See Note 1 - "Organization and Operations" for further information. Leases We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. As a lessee, we have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components and have elected to account for such components as a single lease component. Our operating lease activities are recorded in operating lease right-of-use assets, current maturities of operating leases, and noncurrent operating lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are reflected in property and equipment, net, current portion of long-term debt and finance leases, and long-term debt and finance leases, excluding current portion in the consolidated balance sheets. Right-of-use ("ROU") assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Variable lease payments are not included in the calculation of the right-of-use assets and lease liability due to uncertainty of the payment amount and are recorded as lease expense in the period incurred. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We use the implicit rate when readily determinable. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Operating lease costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, while finance leases result in a front-loaded expense pattern. To determine whether impairments exist for aircraft and other related assets used in operations, we group assets, including ROU assets, at the CPA level (i.e., the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows) and then estimate future cash flows based on projections of capacity purchase block hours, maintenance events, labor costs and other relevant factors. As all of our aircraft leases besides short-term aircraft leases are leased to us from United at nominal amounts and not recorded on our books, we did no t assess leased aircraft for impairment. The Company did no t record impairment losses for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, and recorded a $ 10.5 million impairment loss for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. As a lessee, we have elected a short-term lease practical expedient on all classes of underlying assets, permitting us to not apply the recognition requirements of this standard to leases with terms of 12 months or less. Our CPA identifies the "right of use" of a specific type and number of aircraft over a stated period-of-time. A portion of the compensation under our CPA is designed to reimburse the Company, as lessor, for certain aircraft ownership costs of these aircraft. We account for the non-lease component under ASC 606 and account for the lease component under ASC 842. We allocate the consideration in the contract between the lease and non-lease components based on their stated contract prices, which is based on a cost basis approach representing our estimate of the stand-alone selling prices. As discussed in Note 1, we lease, at nominal rates, certain aircraft from United under our United CPA, which are excluded from operating lease assets and liabilities as they do not represent embedded leases 90 under ASC 842. Other than nominal leases with United, approximately 7 % of our aircraft are leased from third parties, all of which are short-term leases. Our aircraft classified as operating leases results in rental payments being charged to expense over the term of the related leases. In the event that we or United decide to exit an activity involving leased aircraft, losses may be incurred. In the event that we exit an activity that results in exit losses, these losses are accrued as each aircraft is removed from operations for early termination penalties, lease settle up and other charges. Additionally, any remaining ROU assets and lease liabilities will be written off. 3. Contract Revenue and Pass-through and Other Revenue The Company recognizes contract revenue when the service is provided under its CPA. Under the CPA, United generally pays for each departure, flight hour (measured from takeoff to landing, excluding taxi time) or block hour (measured from takeoff to landing, including taxi time) incurred, and an amount per aircraft in service each month with additional incentives based on flight completion, on-time performance, and other operating metrics. The Company’s performance obligation is met when each flight is completed, and revenue is recognized and reflected in contract revenue. The Company recognizes pass-through revenue when the service is provided under its CPA. Pass-through revenue represents reimbursements for certain direct expenses incurred including passenger liability insurance, property taxes, other direct costs defined within the CPA, and major maintenance on aircraft leased at nominal rates. The Company’s performance obligation is met when each flight is completed or as the maintenance services are performed, and revenue is recognized and reflected in pass-through and other revenue. The Company records deferred revenue when cash payments are received or are due from United in advance of the Company’s performance, including amounts that are refundable. The Company recognized approximately $ 11.4 million and $ 3.0 million of previously deferred revenue during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which was billed to and paid by United as well as American prior to the wind-down of the American CPA during fiscal year 2023. Deferred revenue is recognized as flights are completed over the remaining contract term. The deferred revenue balance as of September 30, 2024 represents our aggregate remaining performance obligations that will be recognized as revenue over the period in which the performance obligations are satisfied, and is expected to be recognized as revenue as follows (in thousands): Periods Ending September 30, Total Revenue 2025 $ 3,932 2026 2,259 2027 2,224 2028 1,192 Thereafter 32 Total $ 9,639 A portion of the Company's compensation under its CPA with United is designed to reimburse the Company for certain aircraft ownership costs. Such costs include aircraft principal and interest debt service costs, aircraft depreciation, and interest expense or aircraft lease expense costs while the aircraft is under contract. The Company has concluded that a component of its revenue under this agreement is deemed to be lease revenue, as the agreement identifies the "right of use" of a specific type and number of aircraft over a stated period-of-time. We account for the non-lease component under ASC 606 and account for the lease component under ASC 842. We allocate the consideration in the contract between the lease and non-lease components based on their stated contract prices, which is based on a cost basis approach representing our estimate of the stand-alone selling prices. The lease revenue associated with the Company's CPA is accounted for as an operating lease and is reflected as contract revenue on the Company's consolidated statements of operations and 91 comprehensive loss. The Company recognized approximately $ 123.0 million, $ 144.7 million, and $ 158.4 million of lease revenue for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The Company has not separately stated aircraft rental income and aircraft rental expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss because the use of the aircraft is not a separate activity from the total service provided under our CPA. The Company entered into lease agreements with GoJet Airlines LLC (“GoJet”) to lease CRJ-700 aircraft as of September 30, 2021. The lease agreements are accounted for as operating leases and had a term of nine years beginning on the delivery date of each aircraft. Under the lease agreements, GoJet pays fixed monthly rent per aircraft and variable lease payments for supplemental rent based on monthly aircraft utilization at fixed rates. Supplemental rent payments are subject to reimbursement following GoJet’s completion of qualifying maintenance events defined in the lease agreements. Lease revenue for fixed monthly rent payments is recognized on a straight-line basis within contract revenue. Lease revenue for supplemental rent is deferred and recognized within contract revenue when it is probable that amounts received will not be reimbursed for future qualifying maintenance events over the lease term. Subsequent to September 30, 2024, we entered into an agreement with United to buy the remaining aircraft out of their lease with GoJet. The Company mitigated the residual asset risks through supplemental rent payments and by leasing aircraft and engine types that can be operated by the Company in the event of a default. Additionally, the operating leases included specified lease return condition requirements and the Company maintains inspection rights under the leases. Lease incentive obligations for reimbursements of certain aircraft maintenance costs are recognized as lease incentive assets and were amortized on a straight-line basis and recognized as a reduction to lease revenue over the lease term. 4. Recent Accounting Pronouncements We continue to evaluate recent accounting pronouncements and the effect that new standards and guidance has on our consolidated financial statements. There are no recent accounting pronouncements that apply to the Company. 5. Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents that are primarily held by financial institutions in the United States and accounts receivable. Amounts on deposit with a financial institution may at times exceed federally insured limits. The Company maintains its cash accounts with high credit quality financial institutions and, accordingly, minimal credit risk exists with respect to the financial institutions. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $ 3.0 million in restricted cash. We have an agreement with a financial institution for a letter of credit facility and to issue letters of credit for particular airport authorities, worker's compensation insurance, property and casualty insurance and other business needs as required in certain lease agreements. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, $ 3.0 million and $ 3.1 million of outstanding letters of credit are required to be collateralized by amounts on deposit as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which are classified as restricted cash. Significant customers are those which represent more than 10% of the Company’s total revenue or net accounts receivable balance at each respective balance sheet date. Substantially all of the Company's consolidated revenue for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 was derived from the United CPA. Fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 also generated substantial revenue from the American CPA. A large portion of the Company's receivables at the end of September 30, 2024 and 2023 was also derived from the United CPA. Amounts billed by the Company under the United CPA are subject to the Company's interpretation of the applicable agreement and are subject to audit by United. Periodically, United disputes amounts billed and pay amounts less than the amount billed. Ultimate collection of the remaining amounts not only depends upon the Company prevailing under the applicable audit, but also upon the financial well-being of 92 United. As such, the Company reviews amounts due based on historical collection trends, the financial condition of United, and current external market factors and records a reserve for amounts estimated to be uncollectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts was no t material at September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. If the Company's ability to collect these receivables and the financial viability of our major partners is materially different than estimated, the Company's estimate of the allowance could be materially impacted. American accounted for zero , 23 %, and 45 % of the Company's total revenue for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 , respectively. United accounted for approximately 97 %, 73 %, and 48 % of the Company's total revenue for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. A termination of the United CPA would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Significant vendors are those which represent more than 10% of the Company's total purchases during the year. The Company had two vendors, AAR and Standard Aero Holdings, Inc. ("Standard Aero") which individually represented more than 10% of the Company's purchases during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. AAR and Standard Aero accounted for approximately 18 % and 11 % of the Company's purchases during the year, respectively. A change to the operations of the Company's significant vendors could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. 6. Assets Held for Sale During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, management continued our plan to sell certain of our CRJ-900 aircraft and related parts. The Company completed the sale of 15 CRJ-900 aircraft that were held for sale as of September 30, 2023. Management determined that eight additional CRJ-900 aircraft, 26 CRJ-900 airframes (without engines), 77 GE Model CF34-8C engines, two CRJ-700 aircraft, and certain spare parts met the criteria to be classified as assets held for sale during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. We have a total of 26 airframes, 55 engines, two CRJ-700 aircraft, and certain spare parts classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2024. These assets are presented separately in our condensed consolidated balance sheet at the lower of their current carrying value or their fair market value less costs to sell. The fair values are based upon observable and unobservable inputs, including recent purchase offers and market trends and conditions. The assumptions used to determine the fair value of our assets held for sale, excluding agreed upon purchase offers, are subject to inherent uncertainty and could produce a wide range of outcomes which we will continue to monitor in future periods as new information becomes available. Prior to the ultimate sale of the assets, subsequent changes in our estimate of the fair value of our assets held for sale will be recorded as a gain or loss with a corresponding adjustment to the assets’ carrying value. The Company recorded a total of $ 73.7 million of impairment associated with held for sale assets during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had 15 CRJ-900 aircraft classified as held for sale. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 , the Company closed the sale of all 15 aircraft ( seven of the aircraft were split up as seven airframes and 14 engines and sold to separate third parties) for gross proceeds of $ 71.5 million. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, the Company entered into the following agreements: • 15 airframes (including the seven noted above) to a third party for gross proceeds of $ 18.8 million which were used to pay off our RASPRO finance lease obligations. The transaction is complete as of September 30, 2024. • 30 engines (including the 14 noted above) to a third party for expected gross proceeds of $ 19.5 million. We have closed the sale of 29 of the engines as of September 30, 2024 for gross proceeds of $ 18.9 million, which were used to pay off our RASPRO finance lease obligations. We expect to close the sale of the remaining engine by the end of February 2025 for gross proceeds of $ 0.7 million. 93 • 23 engines to a third party for expected gross proceeds of $ 11.5 million. We have closed the sale of three of the engines as of September 30, 2024 for gross proceeds of $ 1.5 million, which were used to pay down our UST Loan. • 12 engines to a third party for gross proceeds of $ 54.2 million. This transaction is complete as of September 30, 2024. • Nine engines to a third party for expected gross proceeds of $ 8.8 million. This transaction is expected to be completed by September 30, 2024. • 14 engines to a third party for expected gross proceeds of $ 24.7 million. We have closed the sale of eight of the engines as of September 30, 2024 for gross proceeds of approximately $ 12.9 million and net proceeds of approximately $ 4.4 million after the paydown of debt. • Two CRJ-700 aircraft to United for expected gross proceeds of $ 11.0 million. This transaction is expected to be completed by December 31, 2024. Additionally it was determined that 26 airframes, 19 engines, and certain spare parts without an active purchase agreement met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. The Company expects to complete a sale of each of these assets within the next 12 months. As of September 30, 2024 , the Company had 26 CRJ-900 airframes, 55 engines, two CRJ-700 aircraft, and certain spare parts that were classified as assets held for sale with a net book value of $ 92.3 million, $ 5.7 million of which is classified as current assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet and $ 86.6 million of which is classified as noncurrent assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. 94 7. Balance Sheet Information Certain significant amounts included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, September 30, 2024 2023 Expendable parts and supplies, net: Expendable parts and supplies $ 39,089 $ 39,630 Less: expendable parts warranty ( 6,079 ) ( 6,295 ) Less: obsolescence ( 4,738 ) ( 4,090 ) $ 28,272 $ 29,245 Prepaid expenses and other current assets: Prepaid aviation insurance $ 740 $ 3,176 Prepaid vendors 966 143 Prepaid other insurance 1,066 1,205 Lease incentives 143 1,125 Prepaid fuel and other 456 1,645 $ 3,371 $ 7,294 Property and equipment, net: Aircraft and other flight equipment $ 591,421 $ 1,039,782 Other equipment 9,503 9,421 Total property and equipment 600,924 1,049,203 Less: accumulated depreciation ( 174,573 ) ( 351,181 ) $ 426,351 $ 698,022 Other assets: Investments in equity securities $ 300 $ 20,320 Lease incentives 812 954 Contract asset 6,081 8,756 Other 516 516 $ 7,709 $ 30,546 Other accrued expenses: Accrued property taxes $ 4,650 $ 5,281 Accrued interest 2,997 3,447 Accrued vacation 7,421 6,763 Accrued lodging 4,433 3,984 Accrued maintenance 2,493 2,117 Accrued employee benefits 1,075 1,450 Accrued fleet operating expense 2,751 650 Other 6,488 3,309 $ 32,308 $ 27,001 Other noncurrent liabilities: Warrant liabilities $ 25,225 $ 25,225 Lease incentive obligations 1,050 1,050 Long-term employee benefits 485 429 Other 1,819 1,818 $ 28,579 $ 28,522 Depreciation Expense on Property and Equipment Depreciation expense on property and equipment totaled $ 40.0 million, $ 60.2 million, and $ 80.5 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Other Assets 95 In connection with a negotiated forward purchase contract for electrically-powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (“eVTOL aircraft”) executed in February 2021, we obtained equity warrant assets giving us the right to acquire a number shares of common stock in Archer Aviation, Inc. (“Archer”), which at the time of our initial investment was a private, venture-backed company. As the initial investment in Archer did not have a readily determinable fair value, we accounted for this investment using the measurement alternative under ASC 321, Investments – Equity Securities, and measured the investments at cost less impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments from the same issuer. We estimated the initial equity warrant asset value to be $ 16.4 million based on publicly available information as of the grant date. In September 2021, the merger between Archer and a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) was completed, resulting in a readily determinable fair value of our investments in Archer. Accordingly, gains and losses associated with changes in the fair value of our investments in Archer are reported in earnings, in accordance with ASC 321. The initial grant date value of the warrants, $ 16.4 million, was recognized as a vendor credit liability within other noncurrent liabilities. The liability related to the warrant assets will be settled in the future, as a reduction of the acquisition date value of the eVTOL aircraft contemplated in the related aircraft purchase agreement. In connection with closing of the merger between Archer and the SPAC described above, in September 2021, we purchased 500,000 Class A common shares in Archer for $ 5.0 million and obtained an additional warrant to purchase shares of Archer with a total grant date value of $ 5.6 million. The initial value of the warrants was recognized as a vendor credit liability within other noncurrent liabilities, and will be settled in the future, as a reduction of the acquisition date value of the eVTOL aircraft contemplated in the related aircraft purchase agreement. Because these investments have readily determinable fair values, gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value of the investments are reflected in earnings, in accordance with ASC 321. All of our vested warrants have been exercised into shares of Archer common stock. The fair values of the Company’s investments in Archer are Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy as the values are determined using quoted prices for the equity securities. The Company recorded a $ 2.7 million unrealized loss and a $ 5.6 million unrealized gain on the investment in Archer during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 , respectively. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, the Company sold substantially all of its shares of Archer for approximately $ 9.6 million in proceeds and recorded a $ 0.8 million gain on the sale. In connection with a negotiated forward purchase contract for fully electric aircraft executed in July 2021, we obtained $ 5.0 million of preferred stock in Heart Aerospace Incorporated (“Heart”), a privately held company. Our investment in Heart does not have a readily determinable fair value, so we account for the investment using the measurement alternative under ASC 321 and measure the investment at initial cost less impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments from the same issuer. We consider a range of factors when adjusting the fair value of these investments, including, but not limited to, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance, financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment, or other features that indicate a change to fair value is warranted. Any changes in fair value from the initial cost of the investment in preferred stock are recognized as increases or decreases on our balance sheet and as net gains or losses on investments in equity securities. The initial investment in preferred stock was measured at cost of $ 5.0 million. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 , the Company transferred its vested investment in Heart to United in exchange for $ 12.6 million in debt reduction, and realized a gain on the investment of $ 7.2 million, net of transaction costs. In connection with a negotiated forward purchase contract for hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (“VTOL”) aircraft executed in February 2022, we obtained a warrant giving us the right to acquire a number of shares of common stock in the privately-held manufacturer of the VTOL aircraft. These investments did not have a readily determinable fair value, so we originally accounted for them using the measurement alternative under ASC 321, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes 96 in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments from the same issuer. We estimated the initial warrant asset value to be $ 3.2 million based on prices of similar investments in the same issuer. The grant date value of the warrants, $ 3.2 million, was recognized as a vendor credit liability within other noncurrent liabilities. The liability related to the warrant assets will be settled in the future, as a reduction of the acquisition date value of the VTOL aircraft contemplated in the related forward purchase agreement. On March 12, 2024, the privately-held manufacturer of the VTOL aircraft, XTI Aerospace, Inc. ("XTIA"), and its merger subsidiary completed their merger agreement, and began trading as XTIA on the Nasdaq Composite on March 13, 2024, resulting in a readily determinable fair value on our investment in XTIA. The fair values of the Company's investments in XTIA are now Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy as the values are determined using quoted prices for the equity securities. The Company recorded a $ 3.5 million unrealized loss on the investment in XTIA during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 . The total value of the investment in XTIA is $ 0.1 million as of September 30, 2024. Total net unrealized (loss)/gain on our investments in equity securities totaled $( 6.1 ) million and $ 5.4 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 , respectively, and are reflected in unrealized (loss)/gain on investments, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Total realized gain on our investments in equity securities totaled $ 8.0 million, net of transaction costs, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 , and are reflected in gain on investments in our condensed consolidated statements of operation and comprehensive loss. There was no realized gain or loss on investments in equity securities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. As of September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the aggregate carrying amount of our investments in equity securities was $ 0.3 million and $ 20.3 million, respectively, and the carrying amount of our investments without readily determinable fair values was $ 0.3 million and $ 8.8 million, respectively. 8. Fair Value Measurements Other than our assets held for sale and investments in equity securities described in Notes 6 and 7, respectively, we did not measure any of our assets or liabilities at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2024 and 2023. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable included on the consolidated balance sheets approximated fair value at September 30, 2024 and 2023 because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The Company's debt agreements are not traded on an active market. The Company has determined the estimated fair value of its debt to be Level 3, as certain inputs used to determine the fair value of these agreements are unobservable and, therefore, could be sensitive to changes in inputs. The Company utilizes the discounted cash flow method to estimate the fair value of Level 3 debt. The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, were as follows (in millions): September 30, 2024 September 30, 2023 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Value Value Value Value Long-term debt and finance leases, including current maturities (1) $ 315.2 $ 305.3 $ 538.3 $ 493.6 (1) Current and prior period long-term debts' carrying and fair values exclude net debt issuance costs. 97 9. Long-Term Debt, Finance Leases, and Other Borrowings Long-term debt as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, September 30, 2024 2023 Senior and subordinated notes payable to secured parties, due in monthly installments, interest based on SOFR plus interest spread at 2.71 % through 2027 , collateralized by the underlying aircraft $ — $ 39,018 Notes payable to secured parties, due in semi-annual installments, interest based on fixed interest of 4.75 % to 6.25 % through 2028 , collateralized by the underlying aircraft 85,469 108,815 Notes payable to secured parties, due in quarterly installments, interest based on SOFR plus interest at spread 2.20 % to 2.32 % for senior note & 4.50 % for subordinated note through 2028 , collateralized by the underlying aircraft 73,884 90,401 United Revolving credit facility, quarterly interest based on SOFR plus interest spread at 4.50 % through 2028 37,520 40,630 United Bridge Loan - due in quarterly installments based on SOFR plus interest spread at 4.50 % through 2024 — 10,500 Other obligations due to financial institution, monthly and/or quarterly interest due from 2022 through 2027 , collateralized by the underlying equipment 4,681 67,637 Notes payable to financial institution, due in monthly installments, interest based on SOFR plus interest spread at 3.10 % through 2024 , collateralized by the underlying equipment — 1,075 Notes payable to financial institution, due in monthly installments, interest based on fixed interest of 7.50 %, through 2027 , collateralized by the underlying equipment — 41,098 Notes payable to the UST, quarterly interest based on SOFR plus interest spread at 3.50 % through 2025 113,656 139,100 Gross long-term debt, including current maturities 315,210 538,274 Less unamortized debt issuance costs ( 2,395 ) ( 5,083 ) Less notes payable warrants ( 2,544 ) ( 4,913 ) Net long-term debt, including current maturities 310,271 528,278 Less current portion, net of unamortized debt issuance costs ( 50,455 ) ( 163,550 ) Net long-term debt $ 259,816 $ 364,728 Principal maturities of long-term debt as of September 30, 2024, and for each of the next five years are as follows (in thousands): Periods Ending September 30, Total Principal 2025 $ 51,085 2026 166,454 2027 52,552 2028 30,869 2029 14,250 $ 315,210 The net book value of collateralized aircraft and equipment as of September 30, 2024 was $ 438.4 million. 98 Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate ("EETC") In December 2015, an Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate ("EETC") pass-through trust was created to issue pass-through certificates to obtain financing for new E-175 aircraft. $ 23.3 million in principal payments were made during the year, and as of September 30, 2024, Mesa had $ 85.5 million of equipment notes outstanding issued under the EETC financing included in long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. The structure of the EETC financing consists of a pass-through trust created by Mesa to issue pass-through certificates, which represent fractional undivided interests in the pass-through trust and are not obligations of Mesa. The proceeds of the issuance of the pass-through certificates were used to purchase equipment notes which were issued by Mesa and secured by its aircraft. The payment obligations under the equipment notes are those of Mesa. Proceeds received from the sale of pass-through certificates were initially held by a depositary in escrow for the benefit of the certificate holders until Mesa issued equipment notes to the trust, which purchased such notes with a portion of the escrowed funds. Mesa evaluated whether the pass-through trust formed for its EETC financing is a variable interest entity ("VIE") and required to be consolidated. The pass-through trust was determined to be a VIE; however, the Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the pass-through trust, and therefore, has not consolidated the pass-through trust with its financial statements. United Revolving Credit Facility On December 27, 2022, in connection with entering into the Amended and Restated United CPA, (i) United agreed to purchase and assume all of First Citizens’ rights and obligations as a lender under the Existing Facility pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement, (ii) United and CIT Bank agreed to amend the Existing Facility pursuant to an Amendment No. 1, dated December 27, 2022 ("Amendment No. 1"), and an Amendment No. 2, dated January 27, 2023 (“Amendment No. 2”; the Existing Facility as amended by Amendment No. 1 and Amendment No. 2, the "Amended Facility"), and (iii) Wilmington Trust, National Association agreed to assume all of CIT Bank’s rights and obligations as Administrative Agent pursuant to an Agency Resignation, Appointment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2023. Amendment No. 1, among other things, extends the Maturity Date from the earlier to occur of November 30, 2028, or the date of the termination of the Amended and Restated United CPA; provides for a revolving loan of $ 10.5 million plus fees and expenses, which is due January 31, 2024, subject to certain mandatory prepayment requirements; provides for Revolving Commitments equal to $ 30.7 million plus the original principal amount of the $ 10.5 million revolving loan; amortization of the obligations outstanding under the existing CIT Agreement commencing quarterly until March 31, 2025; and a covenant capping Restricted Payments (as defined in the Amended Facility) at $ 5.0 million per fiscal year, a consolidated interest and rental coverage ratio of 1.00 to 1.00 covenant, and a Liquidity (as defined in the Amended Facility) requirement of not less than $ 15.0 million at the close of any business day. Interest assessed under the Amended Facility is 3.50 % for Base Rate Loans and 4.50 % for Term SOFR Loans (as such terms are defined in the Amended Facility). Amendment No. 2, among other things, amends the definition of Controlled Account (as defined in the Amended Facility). Amounts borrowed under this Amended Facility are secured by a collateral pool consisting of a combination of expendable parts, rotable parts and engines and a pledge of the Company’s stock in certain aviation companies. United funded $ 25.5 million as of the closing date of Amendment No. 1, to be used for general corporate purposes. The United line of credit contains an additional deemed prepayment of $ 15 million with potential forgiveness upon the achievement of a certain number of block hours as well as maintaining a CCF of at least 99.3 % over any rolling four-month period from January 2023 through December 2024. In order to earn forgiveness on the deemed prepayment, we must also have repaid the bridge loan in full. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, the bridge loan was repaid in full, and $ 10.5 million of the potential $ 15.0 million achieved was recognized as a deemed prepayment and recorded as a gain on debt forgiveness. $ 4.5 million of the deemed prepayment remained outstanding as of September 30, 2024. 99 On September 6, 2023, the Company amended the existing United Credit Facility to (i) permit the Company to re-draw approximately $ 7.9 million of the Effective Date Bridge Loan (as defined in the United Credit Facility) previously repaid; (ii) increased the amount of Revolving Commitments (as defined in the United Credit Facility) from $ 30.7 million to $ 50.7 million, in each case, plus the original principal amount of the Effective Date Bridge Loan and subject to the Borrowing Base (as defined in the United Credit Facility); and (iii) amended the calculation of the Borrowing Base. Amounts borrowed under this facility bear interest at 3.50 % for Base Rate Loans and 4.50 % per annum for Term SOFR Loans. Amounts borrowed under the Amended Credit Facility are secured by a collateral pool consisting of a combination of expendable parts, rotable parts and engines, a pledge of certain of the Company’s bank accounts and a pledge of the Company’s stock in certain aviation companies. On January 11, 2024 and January 19, 2024, we entered into the January 2024 United CPA Amendments providing for the following: • The repayment in full of the Company's $ 10.5 million Effective Date Bridge Loan obligations, and the prepayment (and corresponding reduction) of approximately $ 2.1 million in Revolving Loans (as defined therein), with the proceeds from the sale, assignment, or transfer of the Company's vested investment in Heart. • As a result of the repayment of the Effective Date Bridge Loan and pay down of the Revolving Loans, the shares of capital stock of Archer held by the Company were released as collateral for the United credit facility. • The waiver of certain financial covenant defaults with respect to the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2023, September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2023 and the waiver of projected financial covenant defaults with respect to the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2024. • An increase in the Applicable Margin (as defined in the United credit facility) during a specified period of time for borrowings under the Credit Agreement. • Loan prepayment requirements in connection with the sale of four specified aircraft engines and the addition of such engines as collateral for the United credit facility for a specified period of time. On May 8, 2024, we entered into a Waiver Agreement to our Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement providing for the waiver of a certain projected financial covenant default with respect to the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2024. As of July 16, 2024, the Company was not in compliance with a financial covenant related to a minimum liquidity requirement of $ 15.0 million of cash and cash equivalents associated with its Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement with United. On December 23, 2024, the Company entered into a Waiver to Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement providing for the waiver for the financial covenant default with respect to the period July 1, 2024 to December 23, 2024 and a projected financial covenant default with respect to the period December 24, 2024 to December 31, 2024. As of the issuance of this Form 10-K, we are in compliance with all financial covenants. Loan Agreement with the United States Department of the Treasury On October 30, 2020, the Company entered into a Loan and Guarantee Agreement with U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”) for a secured loan facility of up to $ 200.0 million that matures in October 2025 (“the Treasury Loan”). On October 30, 2020, the Company borrowed $ 43.0 million and on November 13, 2020, the Company borrowed an additional $ 152.0 million. No further borrowings are available under the Treasury Loan. The Company also issued warrants to purchase shares of common stock to the U.S. Treasury. The Treasury Loan bears interest at a variable rate equal to (a)(i) the SOFR rate divided by (ii) one minus the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage plus (b) 3.50 %. Accrued interest on the loans is payable in 100 arrears on the first business day following the 14th day of each March, June, September, and December, beginning with December 15, 2020. All principal amounts outstanding under the Treasury Loan are due and payable in a single installment on October 30, 2025 (the “Maturity Date”). Interest is paid in kind by increasing the principal amount of the loan by the amount of such interest due on an interest payment date for the first 12 months of the loan. Mesa's obligations under the Treasury Loan are secured by certain aircraft, aircraft engines, accounts receivable, ground service equipment, and tooling (collectively, the “Collateral”). The obligations under the Treasury Loan are guaranteed by the Company and Mesa Air Group Inventory Management. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes and operating expenses, to the extent permitted by the CARES Act. Voluntary prepayments of loans under the Treasury Loan may be made, in whole or in part, by Mesa Airlines, without premium or penalty, at any time and from time to time. Amounts prepaid may not be reborrowed. Mandatory prepayments of loans under the Treasury Loan are required, without premium or penalty, to the extent necessary to comply with the covenants discussed below, certain dispositions of the Collateral, certain debt issuances secured by liens on the Collateral and certain insurance payments related to the Collateral. In addition, if a “change of control” (as defined in the Treasury Loan) occurs with respect to Mesa Airlines, Mesa Airlines will be required to repay the loans outstanding under the Treasury Loan. The Treasury Loan requires the Company, under certain circumstances, including within 10 business days prior to the last business day of March and September of each year beginning March 2021, to appraise the value of the Collateral and recalculate the collateral coverage ratio. If the calculated collateral coverage ratio is less than 1.55 to 1.0, Mesa Airlines will be required either to provide additional Collateral (which may include cash collateral) to secure its obligations under the Treasury Loan or repay the term loans under the Treasury Loan, in such amounts that the recalculated collateral coverage ratio, after giving effect to any such additional Collateral or repayment, is at least 1.55 to 1.0. On September 23, 2024, we entered into the CCR Modification Agreement to reduce our required minimum CCR to 1.44 to 1.0 through November 22, 2024, after which, the required minimum CCR will revert back to 1.55 to 1.0. The Treasury Loan contains two financial covenants, a minimum collateral coverage ratio and a minimum liquidity level. The Treasury Loan also contains customary negative and affirmative covenants for credit facilities of this type, including, among others: (a) limitations on dividends and distributions; (b) limitations on the creation of certain liens; (c) restrictions on certain dispositions, investments and acquisitions; (d) limitations on transactions with affiliates; (e) restrictions on fundamental changes to the business, and (f) restrictions on lobbying activities. Additionally, the Company is required to comply with the relevant provisions of the CARES Act, including limits on employment level reductions after September 30, 2020, restrictions on dividends and stock buybacks, limitations on executive compensation, and requirements to maintain certain levels of scheduled service. In connection with the Treasury Loan and as partial compensation to the U.S. Treasury for the provision of financial assistance under the Treasury Loan, the Company issued to the U.S. Treasury warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,899,497 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $ 3.98 per share, which was the closing price of the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market on April 9, 2020. The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable under the Warrants are subject to adjustment as a result of anti-dilution provisions contained in the Warrants for certain stock issuances, dividends, and other corporate actions. The warrants expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance and are exercisable either through net share settlement or net cash settlement, at the Company’s option. For accounting purposes, the fair value for the Warrant was estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and recorded in stockholders' equity with an offsetting debt discount to the Treasury Loan in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company incurred $ 3.1 million in debt issuance costs relating to the Treasury Loan. In accordance with the applicable guidance, Mesa allocated the debt issuance costs between the Treasury Loan and related warrants. At funding on October 30, 2020, the initial $ 43.0 million was recorded net of $ 0.7 million in capitalized debt issuance costs. At funding on November 13, 2020, the remaining $ 152.0 million was recorded net of $ 2.3 million in capitalized debt issuance costs. The remaining $ 0.1 million in debt issuance costs was allocated to the warrants as a reduction to the warrant value within additional 101 paid-in capital. Debt issuance costs allocated to the debt are amortized into interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the related loan. As of September 30, 2024 , Mesa has $ 113.7 million outstanding under the Treasury Loan. $ 25.4 million in principal payments were made during the year. 10. Loss Per Share Calculations of net loss per common share were as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2022 Net loss $ ( 91,015 ) $ ( 120,116 ) $ ( 182,678 ) Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 41,137 39,465 36,133 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 41,137 39,465 36,133 Net loss per common share attributable to Mesa Air Group: Basic $ ( 2.21 ) $ ( 3.04 ) $ ( 5.06 ) Diluted $ ( 2.21 ) $ ( 3.04 ) $ ( 5.06 ) Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to Mesa Air Group by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The number of incremental shares from the assumed issuance of shares relating to restricted stock and exercise of warrants (excluding warrants with a nominal conversion price) is calculated by applying the treasury stock method. Share-based awards and warrants whose impact is considered to be anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method were excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation. In loss periods, these incremental shares are excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share, as the inclusion of unvested restricted stock and warrants would have an anti-dilutive effect. The following number of weighted-average potentially dilutive shares (in thousands) were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because the effect of including such potentially dilutive shares would have been anti-dilutive: Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2022 Warrants — — 758 Restricted stock — — 106 — — 864 11. Common Stock In connection with the Treasury Loan and as partial compensation to the U.S. Treasury for the provision of financial assistance under the Treasury Loan, the Company issued warrants to the U.S. Treasury to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, no par value, at an exercise price of $ 3.98 per share (the “Exercise Price”), which was the closing price of the common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market on April 9, 2020. The warrants were issued pursuant to the terms of a Treasury Warrant Agreement entered into by the Company and the U.S. Treasury. The exercise price and number of warrant shares issuable under the warrants are subject to adjustment as a result of anti-dilution provisions contained in the warrants for certain stock issuances, dividends, and other corporate actions. The warrants expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance and are exercisable either through net share settlement or net cash settlement, at the Company’s option. The warrants are accounted for within equity at a grant date fair value 102 determined under the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. As of September 30, 2024 , 4,899,497 warrants were issued and outstanding. Subsequent changes in fair value are not recognized as long as the warrants outstanding continue to be classified in equity. The Company has not historically paid dividends on shares of its common stock. Additionally, the UST Loan contains restrictions that limit the Company's ability to or prohibit it from paying dividends to holders of its common stock. 12. Income Taxes The provision for income taxes consists of the following: Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2022 (in thousands) Current Federal $ — $ — $ — State 761 560 231 $ 761 $ 560 $ 231 Deferred Federal ( 494 ) ( 7,392 ) ( 47,879 ) State 252 ( 1,913 ) ( 4,342 ) $ ( 242 ) $ ( 9,305 ) $ ( 52,221 ) Provision/(Benefit) for income taxes $ 519 $ ( 8,745 ) $ ( 51,990 ) The reconciliation between the effective tax rate on income from continuing operations and the statutory tax rate is as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2022 (in thousands) Income tax (benefit) provision at federal statutory rate $ ( 19,004 ) $ ( 26,555 ) $ ( 49,280 ) (Reduction) increase in income taxes resulting from: State taxes, net of federal tax benefit ( 1,321 ) ( 2,062 ) ( 3,953 ) Nondeductible stock compensation expenses 173 313 251 Permanent items 232 225 206 Change in valuation allowances 20,141 18,201 ( 22 ) 162(m) limitation 67 285 11 Impact of changing rates on deferred tax assets 501 499 ( 247 ) Expired tax attributes ( 612 ) 200 964 Other 342 149 80 Income tax provision (benefit) $ 519 $ ( 8,745 ) $ ( 51,990 ) 103 The components of the Company's deferred taxes as of September 30, 2024 and 2023 are as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 (in thousands) Net operating loss carryforwards $ 114,366 $ 125,306 Deferred credits 695 1,057 Other accrued expenses 1,562 1,234 Prepaids and other 252 556 Warrant liabilities 5,767 5,748 Other reserves and estimated losses 1,090 937 Operating lease liabilities 2,306 2,991 Deferred revenue 2,217 4,829 Interest expense carryforward 9,258 6,457 Gross deferred tax assets $ 137,512 $ 149,115 Less: valuation allowance ( 41,648 ) ( 21,102 ) Total net deferred tax assets $ 95,864 $ 128,013 Operating lease right-of-use assets ( 1,883 ) ( 2,475 ) Property and equipment ( 102,253 ) ( 131,805 ) Unrealized loss/(gain) on equity investments 98 ( 2,148 ) Total deferred tax liabilities $ ( 104,037 ) $ ( 136,427 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ ( 8,173 ) $ ( 8,414 ) The Company has federal and state income tax net operating losses (“NOL”) carryforwards of $ 511.7 million and $ 226.9 million, which expire in fiscal years 2027 - 2038 and 2024 - 2044 , respectively. Approximately $ 194.2 million of our federal NOL carryforwards are not subject to expiration. These NOL carryovers are only available to offset 80 % of taxable income in years in which they are utilized due to tax law changes as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Company also has $ 41.7 million of interest expense carryovers as a result of 163j limitations as of September 30, 2024. The Company cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain federal and state NOL carryforwards will not be realized. In recognition of this uncertainty, the Company has provided a valuation allowance of $ 41.6 million as of September 30, 2024 and $ 21.1 million as of September 30, 2023 on the deferred tax assets related to these NOL carryforwards. If or when recognized, the tax benefits related to any reversal of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets will be recognized as a reduction of income tax expense. The federal and state NOL carryforwards in the income tax returns filed included unrecognized tax benefits. The deferred tax assets recognized for those NOLs are presented net of these unrecognized tax benefits. 104 Because of the change of ownership provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, use of a portion of our NOL and tax credit carryforwards may be limited in future periods. Further, a portion of the carryforwards may expire before being applied to reduce future income tax liabilities. The Company determined it had an ownership change in February of 2009. Based on the study conducted at that time, a portion of the federal NOLs were determined to be limited by IRC Section 382, resulting in the Company writing off a portion of its NOLs at that time. Additionally, the Company’s initial public offering in August of 2018 resulted in a change in ownership under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company completed an update to the analysis of any potential limitation on the use of its net operating losses under Section 382 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. Based on such analysis, the Company does not believe any ownership changes during the review period will further limit its ability to use its current net operating losses to offset future taxable income, if any. The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits: Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 (in thousands) Unrecognized tax benefits — October 1 $ 4,866 $ 4,866 Gross decreases — tax positions in prior period — — Gross increases — tax positions in prior period — — Unrecognized tax benefits — September 30 $ 4,866 $ 4,866 The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits of $ 4.9 million and $ 4.9 million as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is included as an offset to the net deferred tax asset balance. If recognized, the balance of the uncertain tax benefits would impact the effective tax rate. We recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. We have not recorded accrued penalties or interest related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above as the amounts would result in an adjustment to NOL carryforwards. We are subject to taxation in the United States and various states. As of September 30, 2024, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal or state examinations by taxing authorities for fiscal years prior to 2004. 13. Share-Based Compensation Restricted Stock The Company grants restricted stock units ("RSUs") as part of its long-term incentive compensation to employees and non-employee members of the Board of Directors. RSUs generally vest over a period of three to five years for employees and one year for members of the Board of Directors. The restricted common stock underlying RSUs are not deemed issued or outstanding upon grant, and do not carry any voting rights. RSUs are measured based on the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the grant date. 105 The restricted stock activity for our years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 is summarized as follows: Weighted- Average Number Grant Date 2018 Plan of Shares Fair Value Restricted shares unvested at September 30, 2021 1,006,206 $ 6.22 Granted 718,959 $ 3.20 Vested ( 455,303 ) $ 6.13 Forfeited ( 97,369 ) $ 2.97 Restricted shares unvested at September 30, 2022 1,172,493 $ 4.43 Granted 495,087 $ 2.43 Vested ( 585,755 ) $ 4.58 Forfeited ( 344,934 ) $ 4.05 Restricted shares unvested at September 30, 2023 736,891 $ 3.35 Granted 738,998 $ 1.55 Vested ( 448,726 ) $ 3.82 Forfeited ( 51,748 ) $ 2.21 Restricted shares unvested at September 30, 2024 975,415 $ 1.83 As of September 30, 2024, there was $ 1.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. Compensation cost for share-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The Company recognizes forfeitures of share-based awards as they occur. Share-based compensation expense for the years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was approximately $ 1.3 million, $ 2.3 million, and $ 2.8 million, respectively. Share-based compensation expense is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company repurchased 112,698 shares of its common stock for approximately $ 0.1 million to cover the income tax obligation on vested employee equity awards during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 . The Company repurchased 204,486 shares of its common stock for approximately $ 0.4 million to cover the income tax obligation on vested employee equity awards and warrant conversions during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 , the Company repurchased 147,108 shares of its common stock for approximately $ 0.5 million to cover the income tax obligation on vested employee equity awards. 14. Employee Stock Purchase Plan 2019 ESPP The Mesa Air Group, Inc. 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "2019 ESPP") is a nonqualified plan that provides eligible employees of Mesa Air Group, Inc. with an opportunity to purchase Mesa Air Group, Inc. ordinary shares through payroll deductions. Under the 2019 ESPP, eligible employees may elect to contribute 1 % to 15 % of their eligible compensation during each semi-annual offering period to purchase Mesa Air Group, Inc. ordinary shares at a 10 % discount. A maximum of 500,000 Mesa Air Group, Inc. ordinary shares may be issued under the 2019 ESPP. As of September 30, 2024 , eligible employees purchased and the Company issued an aggregate of 499,962 Mesa Air Group, Inc. ordinary shares under the 2019 ESPP, 55,372 of which were purchased and issued during the current fiscal year. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, the maximum amount of shares was reached and the 2019 ESPP was discontinued. 106 15. Leases At September 30, 2024 , the Company leased 32 aircraft, airport facilities, office space, and other property and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. The operating leases require the Company to pay taxes, maintenance, insurance, and other operating expenses. Rental expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, net of lessor rebates and other incentives. The Company expects that, in the normal course of business, such operating leases that expire will be renewed or replaced by other leases, or the property may be purchased rather than leased. Aggregate rental expense under all operating aircraft, equipment and facility leases totaled approximately $ 13.9 million, $ 12.2 million, and $ 43.4 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. At September 30, 2024 , the Company leased two aircraft under non-cancelable finance leases. Basic rent on finance leases is paid monthly and at the end of the lease term. At the end of the lease term, the Company has the option to purchase the aircraft and engines for most of the finance leases. These finance leases are reflected as finance lease obligations of $ 4.7 million on our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2024. The components of our operating and finance lease costs were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended September 30, 2024 2023 Operating lease costs $ 4,309 $ 8,517 Variable and short-term lease costs 9,545 3,691 Interest expense on finance lease liabilities 3,530 4,492 Amortization expense of finance lease assets 5,163 13,414 Total lease costs $ 22,547 $ 30,114 As of September 30, 2024 , the Company’s operating lease right-of-use assets were $ 7.2 million, the Company’s current maturities of operating lease liabilities were $ 1.7 million, and the Company’s noncurrent operating lease liabilities were $ 6.9 million. As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s current portion of finance lease liabilities were $ 1.8 million, and the Company’s noncurrent finance lease liabilities were $ 2.9 million. The Company’s operating lease payments included in operating cash flows for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were approximately $ 4.6 million and $ 9.5 million, respectively. The Company’s finance lease interest payments included in operating cash flows for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $ 2.0 million and $ 1.2 million, respectively. The Company’s finance lease principal payments included in financing cash flows for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $ 65.3 million and $ 15.1 million, respectively. The table below presents the weighted average remaining terms and discount rates for our operating and finance leases as of September 30, 2024: As of September 30, 2024 Finance leases: Weighted average remaining lease term 2.7 Weighted average discount rate 5.8 % Operating leases: Weighted average remaining lease term 6.5 Weighted average discount rate 6.0 % 107 The following table summarizes future minimum rental payments, primarily related to facilities and leased aircraft, required under operating and finance leases that had initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms as of September 30, 2024 (in thousands): Periods Ending September 30, Operating Leases Finance Leases 2025 $ 2,273 $ 1,762 2026 1,613 1,714 2027 1,468 1,206 2028 1,037 — 2029 941 — Thereafter 3,187 — Total lease payments 10,519 4,682 Less: imputed interest ( 1,929 ) — Amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheet $ 8,590 $ 4,682 16. Commitments and Contingencies Litigation We are involved in various legal proceedings (including, but not limited to, insured claims) and FAA civil action proceedings which we consider routine to our business activities on an ongoing basis. If we believe that a loss arising from such matters is probable and can be reasonably estimated, we accrue the estimated liability in our consolidated financial statements. If only a range of estimated losses can be determined, we accrue an amount within the range that, in our judgment, reflects the most likely outcome; if none of the estimates within that range is a better estimate than any other amount, we accrue the low end of the range. For those proceedings in which an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible but not probable, we have disclosed an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of losses or we have concluded that an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of losses arising directly from the proceeding (i.e., monetary damages or amounts paid in judgment or settlement) is not material. If we cannot estimate the probable or reasonably possible loss or range of losses arising from a proceeding, we have disclosed that fact. In assessing the materiality of a proceeding, we evaluate, among other factors, the amount of monetary damages claimed, as well as the potential impact of non-monetary remedies sought by plaintiffs (e.g., injunctive relief) that may require us to change our business practices in a manner that could have a material adverse impact on our business. As of September 30, 2024, we believed that the ultimate outcomes of routine legal matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations. Electric Aircraft Forward Purchase Commitments As described in Note 7, in February 2021, the Company entered into a forward purchase contract with Archer for a number of electrically-powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (“eVTOL aircraft”). The aggregate base commitment for the eVTOL aircraft is $ 200.0 million, with an option to purchase additional aircraft. The Company’s obligation to purchase the eVTOL aircraft is subject to the Company and Archer first agreeing in the future to a number of terms and conditions, which may or may not be met. As described in Note 7, in July 2021, the Company entered into a forward purchase contract with Heart for a number of fully electric aircraft. The maximum aggregate base commitment for the aircraft is $ 1,200.0 million, with an option to purchase additional aircraft. The Company’s obligation to purchase the aircraft is subject to the Company and Heart first agreeing in the future to a number of terms and conditions, which may or may not be met. 108 Other Commitments We have certain contracts for goods and services that require us to pay a penalty, acquire inventory specific to us or purchase contract-specific equipment, as defined by each respective contract, if we terminate the contract without cause prior to its expiration date. Because these obligations are contingent on our termination of the contract without cause prior to its expiration date, no obligation would exist unless such a termination occurs. 17. Subsequent Events Merger Agreement On April 4, 2025, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement with Republic. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Republic will merge with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation following the Merger. In connection with the Merger, immediately prior to the Effective Time, the Company will convert from a Nevada corporation to a Delaware corporation pursuant to the Conversion. Three Party Agreement Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Company entered into the Three Party Agreement between United, Republic, and the Company, which provides for, among other things, the following, each subject to the completion of the Merger Agreement: • Termination of the United CPA. • The Company to sell or dispose of all remaining Eligible Assets (as defined in the Three Party Agreement). • The Company to extinguish all remaining debt with cash and sale of assets. Any remaining debt will be assumed by the surviving corporation or forgiven by United. • A three percent ( 3 %) increase in CPA block hour rates, retroactive to January 1, 2025. • The transfer of all of the Company's rights and obligations under its agreements with Archer (as discussed below). • The issuance by the Company (referred to in the Three Party Agreement as the "Primary Issuance") of shares of Company common stock equal to six percent ( 6 %) of the issued and outstanding shares of Company common stock after giving effect to the issuance of Company common stock in the Merger, which shares will (a) first become available to United to the extent of certain financial contributions made by United to the Company at or prior to the effective time of the Merger, (b) second, to the extent of any remainder, become available to the surviving corporation to satisfy certain liabilities, and (c) third, to the extent of any remainder, become available on a pro rata basis to the persons who, as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, held shares of Company common stock. The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement and the Three Party Agreement is only a summary, does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full text of the Merger Agreement and the Three Party Agreement, which are attached as Exhibit 2.1 and 10.1, respectively, to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company with the SEC on April 8, 2025. Amendments to our Third Amended and Restated United CPA On April 4, 2025, we entered into the Sixth Amendment to our Third Amended and Restated United CPA which provides for the following: 109 • The extension of the CPA rate increases agreed upon in the January 2024 United CPA Amendments, retroactive to January 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. • The extension of incentives for achieving certain performance metrics, retroactive to July 1, 2024, through March 31, 2026. On December 23, 2024, we entered into the Fourth Amendment to our Third Amended and Restated United CPA which provides for the following: • Amended certain scheduled exit dates for our E-175 and CRJ-900 Covered Aircraft (as defined in the United CPA). • Added provisions relating to the reimbursement by United of certain pilot training costs incurred by the Company with respect to its E-175 aircraft. Transfer of Archer Obligations In connection with the Three Party Agreement, the Company has agreed to transfer all rights and obligations associated with its Archer warrants and aircraft purchase agreement obligations. If the Company is unable to transfer such rights and obligations, the Company will work with United to either cancel or transfer any remaining obligations to United. The Company will be released from its liability associated with Archer obligations due to the transfer due United Sale of Engines On April 3, 2025, we entered into an agreement with a third party which provides for the sale of 23 GE model CF34-8C engines to the third party for expected gross proceeds of $ 16.3 million, which will be used to pay down our UST Loan. • The Company expects to record an impairment loss of approximately $ 14.7 million associated with held for sale accounting treatment of the 23 engines, which will be reflected in our financial statements for fiscal year 2025. Held for Sale Inventory Subsequent to September 30, 2024, the Company reclassified certain spare parts related to its CRJ asset fleet to held for sale. • The Company expects to record an impairment loss of approximately $ 25.4 million associated with held for sale accounting treatment of the spare parts, which will be reflected in our financial statements for fiscal year 2025. Assets Held for Sale Subsequent to September 30, 2024, the Company closed the sale of four CRJ-900 airframes, 18 GE model CF34-8C engines, and certain spare parts that were classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2024. The Company received $ 22.4 million in gross proceeds from the sale of such assets, $ 21.0 million of which was used to pay down our UST Loan. Aircraft Sale to United and Assumption of EETC Note by United On December 31, 2024, we entered into an Aircraft Purchase Agreement with United which provides for the sale of 18 E-175 aircraft to United. • Subsequent to September 30, 2024, the Company closed the sale of all 18 aircraft to United for gross proceeds of $ 227.7 million and net proceeds of $ 84.7 million after the retirement of debt. 110 The Company recorded a loss of approximately $ 120.6 million on the sale of the 18 aircraft, which will be reflected in our financial statements for the first and second fiscal quarters of 2025. • As part of the sale of the 18 aircraft, United assumed our EETC note with a remaining balance of $ 73.4 million at the time of assumption. Forgiveness on Revolving Loan On December 30, 2024, we received notice from United that $ 4.5 million of our Effective Date Revolving Loan balance under our United Revolving Credit Facility has been forgiven for achieving certain operational performance metrics outlined in Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement. Sale of Airframes On December 24, 2024, we entered into a purchase agreement with a third party which provides for the sale of 15 CRJ-900 airframes to the third party for expected gross proceeds of $ 19.0 million, which will be used to pay down our UST Loan. On April 3, 2025, the purchase agreement was amended to include an additional 14 CRJ-900 airframes to be sold to the third party for expected gross proceeds of $ 9.1 million. The total expected gross proceeds of $ 28.1 million will be used to pay down our UST Loan. • The Company expects to record an impairment loss of approximately $ 6.7 million associated with the reclassification of 29 airframes to held for sale, which will be reflected in our financial statements for fiscal year 2025. Minimum CCR Covenant On December 23, 2024, we entered into an agreement with the UST to lower the minimum collateral coverage ratio ("CCR") covenant to .99 to 1.0 effective as of November 22, 2024 through February 28, 2025. After such date, the CCR will revert to 1.55 to 1.0. The agreement also requires the Company to use its reasonable best efforts to cause counterparties to all Receivables (as defined in the Treasury Loan) (whether or not constituting “Eligible Receivables” (as defined in the Treasury Loan)) of the Company to be paid to the Eligible Receivables Account (as defined in the Treasury Loan). Receivables generated from the sale of assets that are not Collateral (as defined in the Treasury Loan) are excluded from the scope of the foregoing requirement. As a result of the lower CCR covenant, we are in compliance with this covenant as of September 30, 2024. Additionally, on March 18, 2025, we entered into a new CCR Modification Agreement with the UST to lower the minimum CCR covenant to .91 to 1.0 effective as of February 28, 2025, through the maturity date of the loan. Waiver to Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement On December 23, 2024, we entered into a Waiver to Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement providing for the waiver of an existing financial covenant default with respect to the period July 1, 2024 to December 23, 2024 and a projected financial covenant default with respect to the period December 24, 2024 to December 31, 2024, each relating to a minimum liquidity requirement under our United Revolving Credit Facility. Additionally, on April 4, 2025, we entered into the Sixth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement providing for the waiver of an existing financial covenant default with respect to the period ended March 31, 2025, and a projected financial covenant default with respect to the periods ending June 30, 2025, September 30, 2025, December 31, 2025, and March 31, 2026, each relating to a minimum liquidity requirement under our United Revolving Credit Facility. Sale of CRJ-700 Aircraft 111 Subsequent to September 30, 2024, we completed the sale of two CRJ-700 aircraft to United for gross proceeds of $ 11.0 million and net proceeds of approximately $ 6.8 million after the retirement of debt. 112 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None.