U.S. charter flight company Wheels Up is engaging with lenders over a debt restructuring agreement and other rescue options as it seeks to avoid bankruptcy. The private jet company is in talks with Bain Capital and MSD Capital after missing debt repayments, sources familiar with the matter revealed.
Last Wednesday, representatives from Wheels Up revealed that the company is doubtful of its ability to continue operations despite securing short-term funding from major U.S. carrier Delta Airlines. The Atlanta, Georgia-based airline revealed that its capital infusion in Wheels Up came in the form of a secured promissory note. Neither company disclosed the funding amount.
In addition to securing funding from Delta, Bain Capital, and MSD Capital, Wheels Up has implemented several cost-cutting measures in an effort to improve its financial situation. These include management changes, job cuts, and changes to private jet traffic, which soared during the pandemic and have since dropped in demand.