Document:

exhibit10-105.htm

EXHIBIT 10-105

 

CERTAIN PORTIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN OMITTED.  THE SYMBOL “[***]” HAS BEEN INSERTED IN PLACE OF THE PORTIONS SO OMITTED.

 

 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED

 

AIRLINE SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

by and among

 

PINNACLE AIRLINES CORP.,

 

PINNACLE AIRLINES, INC.

 

and

 

DELTA AIR LINES, INC.

 

 

	
US 422293v.8

Dated as of April 1, 2012

 

  

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THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED

 

AIRLINE SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

THIS THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED AIRLINE SERVICES AGREEMENT (together with all exhibits, schedules and attachments hereto, the “Agreement”) is entered into as of this 1st day of April, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), by and among PINNACLE AIRLINES CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Pinnacle Corp.”), PINNACLE AIRLINES, INC., a Georgia corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pinnacle Corp. (“Pinnacle”), and DELTA AIR LINES, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Delta” and each of Pinnacle Corp., Pinnacle and Delta, a “Party” and, collectively, the “Parties”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, Pinnacle and Delta, as successor by merger to Northwest Airlines, Inc. (“Northwest”), entered into an Airline Services Agreement dated as of January 14, 2003, as amended by Amendments No. 1 through No. 5 (collectively, the “2003 ASA”), which agreement was amended and restated pursuant to an Amended and Restated Airline Services Agreement dated as of December 15, 2006 and made effective as of January 1, 2007, as amended by Amendments No. 1 through No. 4 (collectively, the “2007 Restatement”), which agreement was further amended and restated pursuant to a Second Amended and Restated Airline Services Agreement dated and made effective as of July 1, 2010 (the “2010 Restatement”);

 

WHEREAS, Mesaba Aviation, Inc., a Minnesota corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Pinnacle Corp. (“Mesaba”), which operated certain of the Aircraft commencing on July 1, 2010, became a party to the 2010 Restatement as of the date of the 2010 Restatement, and, effective January 4, 2012 upon transfer of such Aircraft to Pinnacle, assigned to Pinnacle and Pinnacle assumed from Mesaba (with the consent of Delta) all obligations of Mesaba under the 2010 Restatement pursuant to that certain Assignment, Assumption and Consent Agreement

 

 

  

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dated as of January 4, 2012 by and among Pinnacle, Mesaba and Delta, and, as a result of such agreement, Mesaba ceased to be a party to the 2010 Restatement;

 

WHEREAS, Delta, Pinnacle Corp., Pinnacle and certain other subsidiaries of Pinnacle Corp. (collectively, the “Pinnacle Debtors”) have entered into a commitment letter of even date herewith, pursuant to which Delta has agreed to provide the Pinnacle Debtors a $74,285,000 senior secured super-priority debtor-in-possession credit facility (the “DIP Credit Facility”), which may, subject to certain conditions, convert into an exit credit facility (the “Exit Loan”), all on the terms and conditions set forth in the Summary of Terms and Conditions attached to such commitment letter as Annex A (the commitment letter together with such term sheet, the “Commitment Letter”) in the event the Pinnacle Debtors elect to file a chapter 11 proceeding (together the “Bankruptcy Cases”);

 

WHEREAS, Delta, Pinnacle Corp. and Pinnacle have entered into an Amended and Restated 2010 Delta Connection Agreement of even date herewith (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and together with all exhibits, schedules and attachments thereto, the “2010 CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, Delta, Pinnacle Corp. and Pinnacle have entered into Amendment No. Two to Delta Connection Agreement of even date herewith, pursuant to which the parties amended certain provisions of, and agreed to terminate early, that certain Delta Connection Agreement dated as of April 27, 2007 by and among Delta, Pinnacle Corp. and Pinnacle (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and together with all exhibits, schedules and attachments thereto, the “2007 CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, Delta, Pinnacle Corp, Pinnacle and Mesaba have entered into a Setoff and Mutual Release of even date herewith (the “Mutual Release”), pursuant to which the parties agreed to a setoff of certain amounts in dispute between the parties and to a mutual release of claims related to such disputed amounts; and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to amend and restate the 2010 Restatement and are entering into this Agreement contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of the Commitment Letter, the 2010 CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement, the Amendment No. Two to the 2007 CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement, and the Mutual Release.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01 Definitions.  For all purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(1)           the terms as defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;

 

 

  

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(2)           all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and

 

(3)           the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, or other subdivision.

 

“2003 ASA” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“2007 CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“2007 Restatement” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“2010 CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“2010 Restatement” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“AAR Agreement” means (i) that certain Aircraft Maintenance Agreement effective as of August 8, 2011 among AAR Aircraft Services, Inc., Delta and Pinnacle, and (ii) that certain Aircraft Maintenance Agreement effective as of August 8, 2011 among AAR Aircraft Services, Inc., Delta and Mesaba, each such agreement as may be amended, modified or extended in accordance with the terms of such agreement.

 

“Accident” means [***].

 

“ACARS” means the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System which provides communications between the Aircraft and Pinnacle with respect to operational matters.

 

“ACD Rate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.04.

 

“Affiliate” means, as applied to a Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, that Person.  For purposes of this definition “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling”, “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of that Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

“Air Cargo” means air freight, United States mail and small package services appropriate for the Aircraft.

 

“Air Cargo Handling Services” means the Air Cargo handling services to be performed pursuant to Section 4.09.

 

“Aircraft” means, (i) the one hundred forty (140) CRJ-200 Canadair Regional Jet aircraft in Pinnacle’s fleet as of the Effective Date, (ii) up to one hundred sixty-three (163)

 

 

  

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additional CRJ-200 Canadair Regional Jet aircraft when, as and if such aircraft are added to Pinnacle’s fleet pursuant to the second sentence of Section 3.02(a)(i).  Any Aircraft removed from the fleet of Pinnacle will cease to be “Aircraft” hereunder upon the date of such removal.

 

“Aircraft Months” means, with respect to any calendar month during the Term, the number of Aircraft (including non-scheduled Aircraft) in service during such month for the provision by Pinnacle of Regional Airline Services pursuant to this Agreement.  For the avoidance of doubt, an Aircraft placed in service by Pinnacle by the 15th of a month is deemed to have been in service for the entirety of such month.

 

“Aircraft Removal Dates” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.01.

 

“Aircraft Rental Expense” means the Basic Rent charged in the Leases between Delta and Pinnacle, which shall be [***] per Aircraft per month for the CRJ-200 Canadair Regional Jet Aircraft.

 

“Airline Assets” means those assets used, as of the date of determination, in the relevant Person’s operation as an air carrier.

 

“Annual Operating Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.12.

 

 “Available CRJ Day” or “ACD” means an Aircraft each day after such Aircraft has been placed in service by Pinnacle and remains in service pursuant to this Agreement (including non-scheduled Aircraft (if any)).  A CRJ aircraft placed in service by Pinnacle on January 1st would have 31 Available CRJ Days in January.

 

“Available CRJ Days Report” means the report of Available CRJ Days to be prepared by Pinnacle pursuant to Section 5.02(a).

 

“Baggage Handling Services” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.08.

 

“Bankruptcy Cases” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“Basic Rent” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Leases.

 

“Beneficial Ownership” has the meaning given such term as defined as of the date hereof in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

“Block Hour” means the period of time (in minutes) beginning when an Aircraft first moves from the ramp blocks in connection with a Scheduled Flight, a Non-Scheduled Flight or a Charter Flight and ending when the Aircraft next comes to a stop at the ramp at any station or other point of termination as recorded by ACARS or another mutually agreed system, divided by sixty (60).

 

 

  

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“Block Hour Payment” means the payment for Block Hours to be made pursuant to Section 5.02(b).

 

“Block Hour Rate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.03.

 

“Block Hour Report” means the report to be prepared by Pinnacle pursuant to Section 5.02(a).

 

“Bombardier Agreement” means the Aircraft Heavy Maintenance Service Agreement dated as of February 1, 2007 between Bombardier Services Corporation and Delta (as successor by merger to Northwest), as such agreement may be amended, modified or extended in accordance with its terms and for so long as such agreement remains in effect.

 

 “Capital Stock” of any Person means any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, options, warrants, participation or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) the equity of such Person, including any preferred stock.

 

“Charter Flights” means revenue passenger flights using the Aircraft (other than Scheduled Flights); provided, however, that the operational arrangements and the compensation to be received by Pinnacle in respect of such Charter Flights are subject to the same procedures and remuneration as a Scheduled Flight hereunder, unless otherwise mutually agreed by Delta and Pinnacle.  To the extent that inflight catering (food and beverage) exceeds that normally provided for on a Scheduled Flight, the incremental cost and coordination of the catering will be the sole responsibility of Delta.

 

“Colgan” means Colgan Air, Inc., a Virginia corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Pinacle Corp.

 

“Comair” means Comair, Inc., an Ohio corporation, which as of the Effective Date, is an Affiliate of Delta.

 

“COMAT” means company material, including but not limited to priority aircraft maintenance parts.

 

“Commitment Letter” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“Comparable Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.09.

 

 “CPPI” means the percent increase, if any, in the PPI for finished goods published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, which increase occurred during the immediately preceding calendar year, defined as (PPI at end of prior calendar year/PPI at end of two years prior) – 1, but in no event in excess of five percent (5%) and in no event less than zero.  For example, when calculating the block hour rate for 2007 in Section 5.10(b), CPPI is calculated as follows:  (December 2006 PPI / December 2005 PPI) – 1.

 

 

  

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“CPPIB” means the percent increase, if any, in the PPI for finished goods published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, defined as (PPI at end of prior calendar year/PPI at end of 2002)-1, but in no event will the compound annual growth rate be in excess of five percent (5%) or less than zero.  For example, when calculating the block hour rate for 2005 in Section 5.03(a), CPPIB is calculated as follows:  (December 2004 PPI / December 2002 PPI) – 1.

 

 “Cycle” means an actual takeoff at an origin city and landing at a destination city of an Aircraft in connection with a Scheduled Flight, a Non-Scheduled Flight or a Charter Flight.

 

 “Data Communication Equipment” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.04.

 

“Default” means the occurrence of an event set forth in Section 10.02 or Section 10.03, and the expiration of any cure period provided therein without cure or other remedial action having occurred, permitting termination of this Agreement.

 

“Delta” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

“Delta Connection Carrier” means an airline operating regional jet and/or turboprop air transportation services as a Delta Connection Carrier pursuant to an airline services agreement or Delta connection carrier agreement between such airline and Delta.

 

“Delta Connection Safety Standards” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.09.

 

“Delta Schedule Period” means the planned duration of various time periods for which Delta’s flight schedule is for sale in computer reservation systems.

 

 “Delta Tickets” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.07(a).

 

“Designator” means “DL” or such other designator code selected by Delta from time to time in its sole discretion to identify Delta’s own flights.

 

“DIP Credit Facility” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“Direct Costs” means the actual cost for goods and services associated with the provision of Regional Airline Services pursuant to this Agreement incurred by Pinnacle or Pinnacle Corp. (with respect to costs appropriately allocated to the operation of Regional Airline Services hereunder), without any surcharge for administrative or general overhead expenses.

 

“DL Identification” means any Identification specifically selected by Delta from time to time in its sole discretion for use by Pinnacle in connection with the Regional Airline Services (including without limitation “Delta Connection” or any similar name).

 

 

  

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“DOT” means the United States Department of Transportation or any successor to its functions with respect to the regulation of air transportation.

 

“DOT Certification” means any and all certifications and approvals by the DOT, the FAA and other regulatory agencies required for Pinnacle to operate the Aircraft and to perform pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and all Governmental Regulations.

 

“EAS” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.01(b).

 

“Effective Date” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

“Equipment” means the Aircraft, Spare Engines and QECs.

 

“Equipment Rental Expense” means the Aircraft Rental Expense, the Spare Engine Rental Expense and the QEC Rental Expense.

 

“Exit Loan” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

 “FAA” means the Federal Aviation Administration or any successor organization.

 

“Facility Leases” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.03(g).

 

“FBO” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.05(b).

 

“Fixed Cost Payment” means the payment for fixed costs to be made pursuant to Section 5.02(b).

 

“Fleet Value” means the total value of the Aircraft used in calculating the premium for Pinnacle’s hull insurance (including war risk).

 

“Fuel Burn Penalty Payment” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.05(e).

 

“Fuel Price” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.05(b).

 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting practice and principles at the time prevailing in the United States for companies engaged in businesses similar to that of Pinnacle, consistently applied.

 

“Governmental Regulations” means the rules and regulations prescribed by an airport authority at a Service City or by any local, state or federal unit of government having authority and jurisdiction to regulate the business and affairs of an air carrier having DOT Certification, including without limitation, the DOT and the FAA.

 

“Ground Handling Functions” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.02.

 

 

  

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“Holding Company” means, as applied to a Person, any other Person of whom such person is, directly or indirectly, a Subsidiary.

 

“Hub Cities” means Memphis, Tennessee (“MEM”), Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota (“MSP”) and Detroit, Michigan (“DTW”).

 

“Hub Locations” means each of Atlanta (ATL), Cincinnati (CVG), Detroit (DTW), Los Angeles (LAX), New York-John F. Kennedy (JFK), New York-LaGuardia (LGA), Memphis (MEM), Minneapolis (MSP) and Salt Lake City (SLC) and any other airport which has an average fifty (50) or more departures per day that are operated by Delta or one or more Delta Connection Carriers under the Designator.  If any Hub Location has an average of fewer than fifty (50) departures per day that are operated by Delta or one or more Delta Connection Carrier under the Designator, such Hub Location shall not be considered a Hub Location for purposes of this Agreement until such Hub Location returns to having an average fifty (50) or more departures per day that are operated by Delta or one or more Delta Connection Carrier under the Designator.

 

“Identification” means a trade name, trademark, service mark, graphic, logo, distinctive color scheme or other trade dress, domain name and/or other identification or indication of source or origin.

 

“Initial Effective Date” means the date specified in Section 10.01 of this Agreement.

 

“IOP Payment” means the payment for IOP Program Incidents to be made pursuant to Section 5.02(b).

 

“IOP Program Incident” shall mean Delta’s request that Pinnacle cancel one or more Scheduled Flights as a result of Delta’s initiation of its Irregular Operating Procedures Program.

 

“Lease” means (i) the leases, subleases and/or sub-subleases entered into or to be entered into pursuant to Section 3.03 in respect of each Aircraft, (ii) the leases, subleases and/or sub-subleases entered into or to be entered into pursuant to Section 3.03 in respect of Spare Engines, and (iii) the leases, subleases and/or sub-subleases entered into or to be entered into pursuant to Section 3.03 in respect of the QECs, in each case as amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions thereof.

 

 “Maintenance Facilities” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.03(c).

 

“Maintenance Program” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Leases.

 

“Major Carrier” means an air carrier (other than Pinnacle and its successors and permitted assigns, and Delta and its successors and permitted assigns), the annual passenger revenues of which (together with those of its Subsidiaries and such Subsidiaries’ predecessor entities) for the most recently completed fiscal year for which audited financial statements are

 

 

  

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available are in excess of the Revenue Threshold as of the date of determination (or the U.S. dollar equivalent thereof).

 

 “Margin” means the operating margin determined in accordance with Section 5.12.

 

“Margin Adjustment Payment” means the payment to be made pursuant to Section 5.12.

 

“Margin Payment” means the payment to be made pursuant to Section 5.08.

 

“MEM Cycle Payment” means the payment for MEM Cycles to be made pursuant to Section 5.02(b).

 

“MEM Cycle Rate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.03.

 

“MEM Cycle Report” means the report to be prepared by Pinnacle pursuant to Section 5.02(a).

 

“Mesaba” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“Monthly Margin Rate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.08.

 

“Mutual Release” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

 “Non-Scheduled Flights” means all flights using the Aircraft which are not Scheduled Flights or Charter Flights.

 

“Obligations” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 11.17(a).

 

“Operator Non-Cancelled Flight” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in  Section 2.11(a).

 

“Option Term” means (i) a period of six (6) months following the date of termination if this Agreement is terminated by Delta pursuant to Section 10.02 or Section 10.03; or (ii) a period of thirty (30) days following the date of termination if this Agreement is terminated by Delta pursuant to Section 10.01.

 

“Performance Criteria” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.14(a).

 

“Performance Period” means [***].

 

“Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, business trust, joint stock company, limited liability company, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity of whatever nature.

 

 

  

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“Pinnacle Affected Company” means (a) Pinnacle or its successors, (b) any Holding Company of Pinnacle or its successors, or (c) any Subsidiary of Pinnacle or its successors, that in each such case owns, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the Airline Assets of Pinnacle or its successors, such Holding Companies of Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

“Pinnacle” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

“Pinnacle Change of Control” means:

 

(i)           the direct or indirect acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of Beneficial Ownership of 25% or more of the Capital Stock or Voting Power of a Pinnacle Affected Company; or

 

(ii)           the direct or indirect acquisition by a Major Carrier, any of its Affiliates or any combination thereof of Beneficial Ownership of 10% or more of the Capital Stock or Voting Power of a Pinnacle Affected Company.

 

“Pinnacle Corp.” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

“Pinnacle Debtors” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“Pinnacle Identification” means any Identification selected by Pinnacle from time to time for use in connection with the business of Pinnacle and/or Pinnacle Corp.

 

 “PPI” means Producer Price Index for finished goods published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and, if no longer published, any comparable successor index selected by Delta.

 

“Promissory Note” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.02(b).

 

“QEC Rental Expense” means the Basic Rent charged in the leases between Delta and Pinnacle for the QECs, which shall be $10.00 per month.

 

“QECs” mean quick engine change kits.

 

“Regional Airline Services” means the provisioning by Pinnacle to Delta of Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights using the Aircraft in accordance with this Agreement.

 

“Related Party Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.03(h).

 

 “Renewal Term” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.01.

 

 

  

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“Revenue Passenger” means a revenue passenger flown on a Scheduled Flight or a Charter Flight.

 

“Revenue Threshold” means [***].

 

 “Scheduled Flights” means revenue passenger flights (other than Charter Flights) using the Aircraft which, regardless of frequency, are held out to the public and published in the customary and applicable schedule distribution systems, such as the Official Airline Guide, or published by Delta in its own system timetables.  In addition, Scheduled Flights shall include all regularly scheduled flights which are not revenue passenger flights as determined by Delta in its sole discretion.

 

“Section 5.05 Report” means the report of Section 5.05 expenses to be prepared by Pinnacle pursuant to Section 5.02(a).

 

“Section 5.06 Report” means the report of Section 5.06 expenses to be prepared by Pinnacle pursuant to Section 5.02(a).

 

“Service Cities” means those cities identified from time to time by Delta to which Pinnacle shall provide Regional Airline Services.

 

“Spare Engine Rental Expense” means the Basic Rent charged in the Leases between Delta and Pinnacle  for the Spare Engines.

 

“Spare Engines” means (i) the ten (10) General Electric CF34-3B1 spare engines (including QECs where applicable in accordance with the respective Spare Engine Lease) in Pinnacle’s fleet as of the Effective Date, and (ii) additional CF34-3B1 spare engines (including QECs where applicable in accordance with the respective Spare Engine Lease) when, as and if such spare engines are added to Pinnacle’s fleet pursuant to Section 3.02.  Any Spare Engine removed from Pinnacle’s fleet ceases to be a “Spare Engine” hereunder upon the date of such removal.

 

“Standard Aero Agreement” means the CF34-3B1 Engine Hourly Rate Program Repair and Services Agreement between Delta (as successor by merger to Northwest Airlines, Inc.) and Standard Aero, Ltd. dated as of September 1, 2007, as amended or extended in accordance with its terms, provided that any material expansion of the scope of services to be performed under the Standard Aero Agreement shall be subject to the consent of Pinnacle, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

“Subsidiary” of any Person means any corporation, association, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which more than 40% of the total Voting Power thereof or the Capital Stock thereof is at the time Beneficially Owned or controlled, directly or indirectly by (1) such Person, (2) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or (3) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

“Support Agreements” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.08.

 

 

  

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“Term” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.01.

 

“Termination Date” means the date on which this Agreement terminates pursuant to Article X.

 

“Ticket Taxes and Fees” means any taxes pursuant to Sections 4261 or 4271 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended or succeeded, on any amounts paid by customers for transportation of persons or packages by air, and any passenger facility charges, airport improvement fees, security fees or charges, stamp taxes, excise taxes, value-added taxes (in the nature of a sales or use tax), gross receipts taxes (in the nature of a sales or use tax), U.S. APHIS user fees, U.S. Customs user fees, U.S. Immigration user fees, and any other taxes and/or user fees imposed by any domestic or foreign governmental entity, airport or taxing authority on a per-passenger basis on any amounts paid by customers for transportation of persons or packages by air.

 

“Ticketing Services” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.07.

 

“Total Operating Cost” means all expenses directly associated with the provision of Regional Airline Services under this Agreement, including but not limited to those generally recognized as overhead, determined in accordance with GAAP.  For the avoidance of doubt, Total Operating Cost does not include net interest expense and those items that are classified as extraordinary on the audited financial statements.

 

“Total Operating Income” means Total Operating Revenue minus Total Operating Cost.

 

“Total Operating Revenue” means the amounts received by Pinnacle from Delta pursuant to Section 5.02 or Section 5.14 (including penalties accounted for as a reduction to revenue) of this Agreement, plus any revenues Pinnacle receives as a result of performing ground handling services for airlines other than an Affiliate of Pinnacle (as and if approved by Delta), plus any payments Pinnacle receives from a governmental entity intended to reimburse Pinnacle for lost revenue, an inability to cover incurred operating expenses, or as a reimbursement or offset to incurred expenses.

 

“Traffic Referral” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.07(e).

 

“Traffic Manifest” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.09(a).

 

“Voting Power” means, as of the date of determination, the voting power in the general election of directors, managers or trustees, as applicable.

 

ARTICLE II

 

 

PROVISION OF REGIONAL AIRLINE SERVICES

 

 

  

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Section 2.01 Operation of Scheduled Flights.

 

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Pinnacle shall use the Aircraft as of the Effective Date to operate Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights as shall be designated by Delta from time to time in Delta’s sole discretion.  All schedules and aircraft routing for such Scheduled Flights and all utilization of the Aircraft shall be determined by Delta from time to time, in its sole discretion, subject to the reasonable operating constraints of Pinnacle taking into consideration reasonable maintenance, crew scheduling, crew training and Aircraft rotation requirements.  Scheduled block times shall be set in accordance with Delta’s standards unless otherwise mutually agreed by Delta and Pinnacle.  Minimum turn times shall be mutually agreed to by Pinnacle and Delta and set in conformity with standard industry practices and Aircraft type.

 

 

Section 2.02 Use of Designator, DL Identification and Related Matters.  Subject to the applicable provisions of Article VII below, Pinnacle shall operate the Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights provided under this Agreement using the Designator.  The Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights shall be identified by Pinnacle solely with flight numbers assigned by Delta.  Subject to the applicable provisions of Article VII below, Pinnacle shall use only the DL Identification for the Aircraft (except as otherwise required by Governmental Regulations), and for all facilities (including Maintenance Facilities), signage, equipment, uniforms and advertising, promotional and business materials in any form or media that are used in connection with the Regional Airline Services; provided, however, all Pinnacle uniforms (including the use of the DL Identification thereon) shall be determined by Delta, provided that such uniforms shall at all times be consistent with Delta’s existing uniform standards.  Pinnacle shall not use the Pinnacle Identification for the Aircraft (except as required by Governmental Regulation), facilities (including Maintenance Facilities), signage, equipment, uniforms or advertising, promotional or business materials in any form or media that are used in connection with the Regional Airline Services; provided, however, nothing in the foregoing prohibition shall preclude Pinnacle from using the Pinnacle Identification for general corporate purposes, investor relations, on crew wings and employee service pins, and for purposes that are not covered by the foregoing prohibition and do not involve interaction with customers or passengers.

 

Section 2.03 Use of Other Designators.  Pinnacle shall not use on the Aircraft the airline designator, Identification, or any other identifying feature of a foreign or United States airline other than Delta, without the express prior written consent of Delta, or unless Delta directs Pinnacle to use such other designator, Identification, or identifying feature.

 

Section 2.04 Personnel and Dispatch Control.  Pinnacle shall be responsible for providing all crews (flight and cabin) to operate the Scheduled Flights and any Charter Flights and for all aspects (personnel and other) of dispatch control, including but not limited to load control.

 

 

  

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Section 2.05 Inventory Management.  Delta shall have complete control over all inventory management functions for all Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights operated pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, overbooking levels, discount seat levels, and allocation of seats among the various fare buckets.   In performing Pinnacle’s inventory management, Delta shall conform in all material respects to its own procedures and standards, taking into account the type of Aircraft operated by Pinnacle.

 

Section 2.06 Passenger Fares.  Delta shall be the sole authority for filing tariffs for Scheduled Flights operated pursuant to this Agreement, and Delta shall establish all passenger fares for Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights operated pursuant to this Agreement.  All charges for filing of fares or tariffs for Scheduled Flights operated pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid by Delta.

 

Section 2.07 DOT Certification.  Pinnacle has and shall maintain DOT Certification and all other permits, licenses, certificates and insurance required by governmental authorities and Article IX hereof to enable such Party to perform the services required by this Agreement.

 

Section 2.08 Compliance With Governmental Regulations.  All flight operations, dispatch operations and flights and all other operations undertaken by Pinnacle pursuant to this Agreement shall be conducted and operated by Pinnacle in strict compliance with all Governmental Regulations, including, without limitation, those relating to airport security, the use and transportation of hazardous materials, flight crew and mechanic qualifications and licensing requirements, crew training and hours.  All Equipment shall be operated and maintained by Pinnacle in strict compliance with all Governmental Regulations, Pinnacle’s own operations manuals and maintenance manuals and procedures, and all applicable equipment manufacturer’s instructions.  At all times, Pinnacle shall operate with the highest standards of care.

 

Section 2.09 Safety Standards.  Pinnacle shall actively participate in and comply with the Delta Connection Safety Alliance and at all times during the Term (i) comply with Delta’s safety standards for Regional Airline Services including, without limitation, as set forth in the Delta Connection Carriers Non-Regulatory Safety Program Standards document and the Delta Connection Ground Operations Manual, provided that, with respect to any changes Delta may make to such safety standards after the Effective Date, Delta shall, at its discretion, do one of the following: (x) pay directly for the incremental Direct Costs incurred by Pinnacle attributable to such change; (y) treat the incremental Direct Costs incurred by Pinnacle attributable to such change as a Direct Cost reimbursable by Delta pursuant to Section  5.06 or (z) adjust the Fixed Cost Payment payable pursuant to Section 5.04 to reflect the incremental increase or decrease to the Direct Costs incurred by Pinnacle attributable to such change (ii) within a reasonable period of time after the Effective Date, comply with and maintain all IATA Operational Safety Audit requirements and certification, Cockpit Aviation Safety Action Program (subject to consent of Pinnacle’s union representation and the FAA), Flight Operations Quality Assurance (subject to consent of Pinnacle’s union representation and the FAA) and all other safety initiatives applicable to the regional jet service industry, and (iii) Pinnacle shall be

 

 

  

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required to successfully complete a Department of Defense audit under a regular bi-annual inspection program (collectively, as amended from time to time, the “Delta Connection Safety Standards”).

 

Section 2.10  Quality of Service.  Delta policies, procedures, performance standards (including but not limited to Delta’s “Customers First” customer service plan) and means of measurement thereof concerning the provision of air passenger and air cargo services shall be applicable to all services provided by Pinnacle under this Agreement.  Pinnacle shall achieve at least the same quality of airline service provided by Delta, subject to limitations imposed by the type of Aircraft used by Pinnacle, its route network, the availability of equipment and facilities at the Service Cities and the performance by Delta of its obligations under this Agreement.  Pinnacle shall maintain adequate staffing levels to ensure at least the same level of customer service and operational efficiency that Delta achieves; Pinnacle shall cooperate with Delta in any way necessary or desirable to provide such comparable level of customer service in connection with the operation of Regional Airline Services; and Pinnacle shall maintain new hire and recurrent training programs for all job descriptions which are reasonably acceptable to Delta.

 

Section 2.11 Service Standards.  Without limiting Section 2.09 and 2.10, Pinnacle shall achieve the following specific performance standards (subject to Section 5.15(b)(iii) and (iv) below):

 

(a) Minimum Completion Factor.  Pinnacle shall achieve not less than a [***] completion factor for all Scheduled Flights which are scheduled to be operated by Pinnacle during each Performance Period. Scheduled Flights which are cancelled at Delta’s request (as determined by Delta’s Operations Control Center (“OCC”)) will not be included in calculating Pinnacle’s completion factor (i.e., Cancellation Codes 19G and 19H set forth on Exhibit D attached hereto), and station overflys due to no passenger load will not be considered a cancellation (i.e., Cancellation Code 19K set forth on Exhibit D).

 

(b) Minimum On-Time Reliability.  Pinnacle shall achieve an on-time arrival within zero minutes factor (A0) and an on-time departure within zero minutes factor (D0) not less than the thresholds calculated in the Minimum On-Time section of Exhibit E attached hereto for all Scheduled Flights which are scheduled to be operated by Pinnacle during each Performance Period.  Scheduled Flights which are delayed at Delta’s request will not be included in calculating Pinnacle’s on-time arrival and on-time departure factors.

 

(c) Minimum Customer Experience Factor.  Pinnacle shall score not less than a [***] score in the Delta Customer Satisfaction survey during any calendar quarter during the Term.  The ISM score will be calculated by Delta taking a simple average of the survey results for the Scheduled Flights operated by Pinnacle during the applicable Performance Period in each of the following categories:

 

(i) On-board timely and accurate information

 

(ii) Flight attendant helpful and courteous

 

(iii) Flight attendant availability

 

 

  

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(iv) Flight attendant professional appearance

 

(v) Clean lavatory

 

(vi) Clean cabin

 

(vii) Condition of Aircraft interior and cabin appearance]

 

(d) Vendor Performance.  In the event for any [***], the Delta-selected vendor of Ground Handling Functions at DTW, MSP, LGA or JFK does not meet station D0 performance goals as established by Delta or a Delta-designated entity for such period, then the ground service equipment delays coded 04A and 04B and airport ground services delays coded 11A-Z (the “Station Coded Delays”) at the applicable airport will be removed from Pinnacle’s D0 performance for the applicable Performance Period for purposes of calculating Pinnacle’s on-time departure performance pursuant to Section 2.11(b) or Section 5.14 hereof.  If there are no station D0 performance goals established for the ground handler at DTW, MSP, LGA or JFK for any portion of a Performance Period, then the Station Coded Delays at such airport during such portion of a Performance Period will be removed from Pinnacle’s D0 performance for purposes of calculating Pinnacle’s on-time departure performance pursuant to Section 2.11(b) or Section 5.14 hereof.  If Pinnacle or an Affiliate of Pinnacle is the ground handler in DTW, MSP, LGA or JFK, the Station Coded Delays will not be removed for purposes of this Agreement.

 

(e) Adjustments to Performance Standards.  The Parties recognize and agree that the performance standards set forth in this Section 2.11 may be modified or adjusted by mutual agreement of the Parties hereto from time to time during the Term of this Agreement.

 

Section 2.12 Service Recovery.

 

(a) Passenger Amenities.  At all Service Cities other than MEM (so long as Pinnacle has not elected to cease providing Ground Handling Functions at MEM in accordance with Section 4.02), Delta agrees to provide all passenger amenities, including, without limitation, baggage delivery and denied boarding compensation provided pursuant to Rule 245 of the Domestic General Rules No. 1 issued by Airline Tariff Publishing Co. and ATA Resolution No. 120.20 or pursuant to any similar contractual arrangement now existing or hereafter in effect or applicable to Delta.  So long as Pinnacle has not elected to cease providing Ground Handling Functions at MEM in accordance with Section 4.02, Pinnacle shall be responsible for providing, as its sole cost and expense, passenger amenities at MEM including the following: (i) handling oversold Scheduled Flights and the payment of denied boarding compensation in accordance with Delta’s standard policies and procedures, and (ii) payment of the full cost of providing passenger amenities (either directly to the affected passengers or to Delta as reimbursement for the amounts paid by Delta to such passengers) with the exception of (x) out of pocket costs for ground delivery services for passenger baggage and (y) denied boarding compensation resulting from inventory oversales or other actions of Delta.  For denied boarding compensation at MEM resulting from inventory oversales or the actions of Delta, Pinnacle will pay the appropriate amount of denied boarding compensation to the affected passengers and will invoice Delta for

 

 

  

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such amount pursuant to Section 5.07 hereof.  Any such invoice will include sufficient detail and supporting documentation to allow Delta to verify the invoiced amount.

 

(b) Destination by other Means.  If Pinnacle transports a revenue passenger to his or her destination by another means (bus, train, taxi, etc.) due to a flight cancellation, Delta shall reimburse Pinnacle for the actual transportation costs incurred to transport the passenger by such other means; provided, however, that if the flight cancellation is necessitated by acts of Pinnacle (e.g., crew curfews, maintenance-related delays, etc.), Pinnacle will pay the costs incurred to transport the passenger by such other means.  Pinnacle shall use its best efforts to minimize the transportation of passengers by other means and the costs associated therewith.

 

Section 2.13 Annual Operating Plan.  At least ninety (90) days prior to January 1 of each year during the Term, Pinnacle and Delta shall confer and prepare an operating plan for the succeeding calendar year, which plan shall include (i) Delta’s forecast with respect to the schedule and routing for all Scheduled Flights for such year, (ii) Delta’s forecast of the Service Cities to which Pinnacle shall operate Regional Airline Services, (iii) Delta’s forecast of specific dates for the commencement of service to new Service Cities, if any, (iv) Delta’s forecast of the number of Aircraft to be added to or removed from Pinnacle’s fleet (subject to Section 3.02), and (v) such other matters as Delta and Pinnacle shall determine (as amended in accordance with this Section 2.12, the “Annual Operating Plan”).  Delta and Pinnacle shall meet and confer on a quarterly basis (or more frequently if requested by either Delta or Pinnacle) to review the implementation of the Annual Operating Plan and to discuss any changes to the Annual Operating Plan.  In the event Delta elects to alter the Annual Operating Plan during the course of a year, Delta shall use its reasonable best efforts to provide at least sixty (60) days prior notice to Pinnacle.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Section 2.12, Delta shall promptly notify Pinnacle of any determination by Delta to increase or decrease Pinnacle’s fleet size, and, except as provided in Section 3.02(a)(ii) and Section 3.02(a)(iii) below, Delta shall give Pinnacle no less than ninety (90) days prior notice of any such increase or decrease.  Delta agrees that any substantial increases in Pinnacle’s fleet size pursuant to the preceding sentence are subject to Pinnacle’s reasonable operating constraints.

 

Section 2.14 Inflight Food, Beverages and Supplies.  Unless otherwise mutually agreed, Delta will provide, at its expense, Aircraft catering services, food and beverages for passengers and crews on Scheduled Flights in accordance with Delta’s specifications.  Pinnacle shall be solely responsible for maintaining all licenses necessary for the serving of inflight food and beverages on Scheduled Flights.  Delta shall furnish Pinnacle, at Delta’s sole cost, adequate supplies of its customary inflight supplies including, but not limited to, the Delta inflight magazine, cups, napkins, pillows, blankets, trash bags, sick sacks, lavatory supplies, creamers, swizzle sticks and sugar in a form similar or identical to that used by Delta.

 

Section 2.15 Exclusivity Arrangements.

 

(a) During the Term, except as otherwise directed or approved in writing by Delta, in Delta’s sole discretion, neither Pinnacle nor any Affiliate of Pinnacle shall operate more than [***] departures per day under their respective flight designator codes or the flight designator code of any carrier other than Delta or an Affiliate of Delta into or out of any Hub Location.

 

 

  

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(b) If, during the Term, Pinnacle operates a jet aircraft certificated in the United States with a Maximum Gross Take Off Weight greater than [***] pounds and certificated for [***]or fewer passenger seats but configured with [***] or fewer passenger seats for itself or a carrier other than Delta or an Affiliate of Delta, then Pinnacle shall not operate any jet aircraft configured with between [***] and [***] passenger seats for itself or a carrier other than Delta or an Affiliate of Delta in any city pair that is served, on a non-stop basis by Delta or an Affiliate of Delta.

 

(c) Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude Delta from entering into code share, alliance or other commercial cooperation arrangements with any other airline or entering into similar or other arrangements with other carriers for the provisioning of regional airline services using CRJ200 aircraft or any other aircraft to or from the Hub Locations, the Service Cities or elsewhere.

 

(d) Except as set forth in Section 2.14(a) and (b) above, nothing in this Agreement shall preclude Pinnacle or any Affiliate of Pinnacle from operating an aircraft for another carrier other than Delta or an Affiliate of Delta under the flight designator code of such other carrier into any Hub Location or preclude an Affiliate of Pinnacle Corp. other than Pinnacle from operating any aircraft for itself or a carrier other than Delta or an Affiliate of Delta to or from the Hub Locations, the Service Cities or elsewhere.

 

Section 2.16 Other Operations.  Pinnacle Corp. and/or an Affiliate of Pinnacle Corp. (including Pinnacle) may acquire aircraft and operate air transportation services in its own name or on behalf of or in cooperation with an airline other than Delta, subject to Section 2.15, Section 6.01(b) and Section 6.02(a).

 

ARTICLE III

 

 

EQUIPMENT

 

Section 3.01 Use of the Equipment.  Pinnacle agrees (a) that the Equipment shall be used only to provide and/or support the Regional Airline Services contemplated by this Agreement, and (b) that the Equipment shall not be used by Pinnacle for any other purpose without the prior written consent of Delta.

 

Section 3.02 Fleet Size and Related Matters.

 

(a) Determination of Fleet Size.  As of the Effective Date, Pinnacle’s fleet operated pursuant to this Agreement consists of one hundred forty (140) Aircraft and ten (10) Spare Engines.  In addition, Pinnacle has been provided with the use of six (6) QECs (three left side with neutral and three right side with neutral) in connection with the provision of Regional Airline Services pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(i) Equipment Additions.  The Parties agree that Delta may, at its option and sole discretion, place up to an additional one hundred sixty-three (163) CRJ-

 

 

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200 Canadair Regional Jet Aircraft and twenty-four (24) Spare Engines in Pinnacle’s fleet.

 

(ii) Equipment Removal Rights.  Delta and Pinnacle agree that Delta shall have the following equipment removal rights:

 

(A) if Delta places additional Aircraft in Pinnacle’s fleet pursuant to the first sentence of Section 3.02(a)(i), Delta shall have the right upon at least ninety (90) days prior written notice to remove one or more such Aircraft (and related Spare Engines) selected by Delta from Pinnacle’s fleet up to the number of Aircraft added by Delta pursuant to Section 3.02(a)(i).

 

(B) from and after the date on which Pinnacle has entered into an agreement with one or more air carriers other than Delta with respect to the operation of at least twenty (20) additional regional jet aircraft in Pinnacle’s fleet, Delta may, at its option, elect to remove one (1) Aircraft and related Spare Engines selected by Delta from Pinnacle’s base fleet of one hundred forty (140) Aircraft (and related Spare Engines) for every two (2) regional jet aircraft operated for such other air carrier(s) which are added to Pinnacle’s fleet above the twenty (20) additional regional jet aircraft operated for such other air carrier(s); provided, however, that (1) Delta shall provide Pinnacle with at least six (6) months prior written notice of exercise of Delta’s option to remove Equipment from Pinnacle’s fleet pursuant to this provision, (2) Delta shall not remove more than twenty (20) Aircraft and related Spare Engines from Pinnacle’s fleet pursuant to this provision, and in any twelve month period Delta shall not remove more than five (5) Aircraft and related Spare Engines from Pinnacle’s fleet pursuant to this provision, (3) the Aircraft and related Spare Engines removed from Pinnacle’s fleet pursuant to this provision shall not be operated with the Designator and shall not be operated by a third party under any type of operating, codeshare or other arrangement with Delta, and (4) Delta shall receive the Aircraft and related Spare Engines removed from Pinnacle’s fleet pursuant to this provision in “as is” condition, and, notwithstanding the terms of any of the applicable Leases to the contrary, Pinnacle shall not be required to meet the return conditions contained in the applicable Leases;

 

(C) from and after the date on which additional aircraft are added to Pinnacle’s fleet pursuant to this Agreement or any other agreement between Pinnacle and Delta (other than pursuant to Section 2.01(b)) for a term extending at least until the Termination Date, which carry the Designator and are configured with seventy (70) or more seats (the “Replacement Aircraft”), Delta may, at its option, remove one Aircraft and related Spare Engines from Pinnacle’s base fleet of one hundred forty (140) Aircraft (and related Spare Engines) for each Replacement Aircraft added to Pinnacle’s fleet; provided, however, that (1) Delta shall provide Pinnacle with at least six (6) months prior written notice of exercise of Delta’s option to remove Equipment from Pinnacle’s fleet pursuant to this provision, and (2) Delta shall receive the Aircraft and related Spare Engines removed from Pinnacle’s fleet pursuant to this provision in “as is” condition, and,

 

 

  

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notwithstanding the terms of any of the applicable Leases to the contrary, Pinnacle shall not be required to meet the return conditions contained in the applicable Leases;

 

(D) in the event of a Pinnacle Change of Control, Delta may, at its option, remove Aircraft and related Spare Engines from Pinnacle’s fleet pursuant to Section 5.15(b) below;

 

(E) from and after December 31, 2017, Delta may, at its option, remove Aircraft and related Spare Engines from Pinnacle’s fleet upon the expiration of the applicable head leases;

 

(F) Delta shall have the right, from time to time, to remove one (1) Spare Engine selected by Delta from Pinnacle, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this sub-section; provided, however, that if the removal of any such Spare Engine from Pinnacle would adversely affect Pinnacle’s ability to satisfy maintenance and operational requirements for its fleet, taking into account Pinnacle's fleet size at the time such request is made, Pinnacle may deny such request to remove the Spare Engine.  After the removal of such Spare Engine from Pinnacle pursuant to the preceding sentence, if Pinnacle, due to its operational or maintenance requirements, reasonably determines that it requires the use of such Spare Engine that has been removed at Delta’s request, Pinnacle shall notify Delta of its determination and provide reasonable justification for such determination.  Upon receipt of such request, Delta shall either return the requested Spare Engine to Pinnacle within thirty (30) calendar days, or provide a matching Spare Engine to Pinnacle in like configuration to the Spare Engine previously removed from Pinnacle’s fleet within thirty (30) calendar days.  In the event Delta desires to exercise its rights hereunder, Delta will provide Pinnacle at least thirty (30) days notice, designating therein the Spare Engine to be removed.  Delta may designate the same or a different Spare Engine in the event it shall exercise its rights hereunder on more than one occasion.  Pinnacle shall re-deliver such Spare Engine to Delta in compliance with the applicable Return Conditions (as defined in the Lease for such Spare Engine (the “Spare Engine Lease”)), provided that such Spare Engine shall have a minimum of 1,000 cycles remaining until the next scheduled maintenance visit with Standard Aero and shall have all line replaceable units installed and in serviceable condition, as when the Spare Engine was originally delivered to Pinnacle.  The Spare Engine Lease will be terminated at the date of re-delivery hereunder.  As consideration for the foregoing, Delta shall pay to Pinnacle [***] per month (prorated for any partial month) for the period from and including the termination date of the Spare Engine Lease and continuing until the earlier of (x) the Termination Date and (y) the date on which Delta returns such Spare Engine to Pinnacle and a new Spare Engine Lease is executed.  Subject to the preceding sentence, should Delta determine to return such Spare Engine to Pinnacle, Delta (i) shall give Pinnacle thirty (30) days’ advance notice of each such return of a Spare Engine and (ii) shall return such Spare Engine to Pinnacle in compliance with the Return Conditions (as defined in the Spare Engine Lease), provided that such Spare Engine shall have a

 

 

  

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minimum of 1,000 cycles remaining until the next scheduled maintenance visit with Standard Aero and shall have all line replaceable units installed and be in serviceable condition, as when the Spare Engine was originally removed from Pinnacle’s fleet.  At the time of return of each Spare Engine in accordance with the terms hereof, the Parties shall enter into a new Spare Engine Lease with respect to such Spare Engine, identical as to terms with the original Spare Engine Lease, excepting only the effective date of such new Spare Engine Lease; and

 

(G) Delta may request the removal of up to two (2) QECs (one left side plus neutral and one right side plus neutral) from Pinnacle upon 30 days written notice to support other CRJ-200 fleet requirements, and Pinnacle shall not unreasonably delay its response or deny such request; provided, however, that if the removal of any such QECs from Pinnacle would adversely affect Pinnacle’s ability to satisfy maintenance and operational requirements for its fleet, taking into account Pinnacle's fleet size at the time such request is made,  Pinnacle may deny such request to remove and re-position the QECs.  After the removal of one or more QECs from Pinnacle pursuant to the preceding sentence, if Pinnacle, due to its operational or maintenance requirements, reasonably determines that it requires the use of any QECs that have been removed and re-positioned at Delta’s request, Pinnacle shall notify Delta of its determination and provide reasonable justification for such determination.  Upon receipt of such request, Delta shall either return the requested quantity of QECs to Pinnacle within thirty (30) calendar days, or provide a matching quantity of QECs to Pinnacle in like configuration to those previously removed from Pinnacle’s fleet within thirty (30) calendar days.  Delta agrees that the QECs it provides to Pinnacle to use shall be in serviceable condition at the time of such provision, and Pinnacle agrees that any QECs removed from its fleet by Delta shall be in serviceable condition at the time of such removal.  Delta agrees to pay for all costs associated with the transportation of QECs to and from Pinnacle.

 

In the event any Equipment is removed from Pinnacle’s fleet, Pinnacle shall cooperate with Delta in good faith with respect to transition services, transfer of aircraft records and related ancillary arrangements.  For the avoidance of doubt, each of Delta’s Equipment removal rights pursuant to this Section 3.02(a)(ii) is independent of each other removal right, and the exercise of removal rights under one provision shall not reduce Delta’s removal rights under any other provision, except as it may effect Pinnacle’s determinations regarding the removal or need for replacement of QECs as set forth above.

 

(iii) Additional Equipment Removal Rights.  Notwithstanding Section 3.02(a)(ii), in the event of (A) a labor action or other event giving rise to Delta’s right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.03(e) and (B) Delta has not yet exercised its termination rights, (1) Delta shall have the right to terminate Leases for, and take immediate possession of, up to seventy-four (74) CRJ 200 Aircraft and related Spare Engines selected by Delta, and (2) if the labor action or other event continues beyond 45 days Delta shall have the right to select and terminate Leases for, and take immediate

 

 

  

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possession of, up to that number of CRJ 200 Aircraft in excess of fifty (50) and the related Spare Engines.

 

(iv) Unscheduled Aircraft.  Subject to Pinnacle’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Delta shall determine the appropriate level of unscheduled Aircraft to be included in Pinnacle’s fleet from time to time.

 

(v) Spare Engine Requirements.  With respect to the appropriate quantity of Spare Engines to be included in Pinnacle’s fleet in the event of Aircraft removal or placement of additional Aircraft with Pinnacle, Delta and Pinnacle shall mutually determine the appropriate quantity of Spare Engines to be included in Pinnacle’s fleet from time to time.

 

Section 3.03 Lease of the Equipment.  As of the Effective Date, Pinnacle and Delta (and/or an Affiliate of Delta) are parties to Leases with respect to the one hundred forty (140) Aircraft, ten (10) Spare Engines and six (6) QECs in Pinnacle’s fleet.  In the event Delta adds any additional Aircraft in Pinnacle’s fleet pursuant to Section 3.02(a)(i), such additional Aircraft will be leased by Delta to Pinnacle pursuant to a lease that will be in substantially the same form as the Leases with respect to the Aircraft in Pinnacle’s fleet as of the Effective Date.  In the event Delta provides Pinnacle with any additional QECs, Delta will lease such QECs to Pinnacle on substantially the same terms as the Leases with respect to the QECs in Pinnacle’s fleet as of the Effective Date.

 

Section 3.04 Terms of the Leases.  Each Lease for the Aircraft and the Spare Engines shall include the following terms:

 

(a) the term of each Lease shall be for a period ending on the Termination Date; provided, however, no Lease shall be for a term longer than the term of the related head lease, if any;

 

(b) the rent for Aircraft shall equal the Aircraft Rental Expense and shall be payable monthly in advance;

 

(c) the rent for Spare Engines shall equal the Spare Engine Rental Expense and shall be payable monthly in advance; and

 

(d) the Leases shall include such terms as are necessary to conform provisions of the Leases to the head lease and to any ancillary documents actually entered into by Delta or its affiliate in connection with such Equipment (to the extent Delta requests conformation).

 

 

Section 3.05 Manufacturer Benefits Agreement.  Delta (as successor by merger to Northwest) and Pinnacle are parties to a Manufacturer Benefits Agreement dated as of January 14, 2003.

 

Section 3.06 Equipment Maintenance, Servicing and Cleaning.  Pinnacle shall be responsible for all aspects of maintenance in accordance with the Maintenance Program

 

 

  

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(including any maintenance or modifications required by FAA airworthiness directives and all routine and non-routine maintenance), servicing and cleaning (including painting of Aircraft exteriors and replacement of worn interior items) of the Equipment (except for ground handling as specified in Section 4.02); provided, however, that with respect to the Aircraft and Spare Engines, Pinnacle shall utilize Standard Aero for all major shop-level engine maintenance and shall utilize AAR for heavy airframe maintenance in accordance with the Standard Aero Agreement and the AAR Agreement, respectively.  In the event Pinnacle is or becomes a party to such Agreements, Pinnacle shall not execute any amendment or side letter to any of such Agreements without Delta’s prior written consent. In the event spare engine and/or spare parts pooling agreements are established for Delta Connection Carriers, Pinnacle will participate in such agreements so long as such agreements reasonably address Pinnacle’s inventory needs, logistics requirements and configuration concerns.  In the event Delta enters into agreements for auxiliary power unit (APU) maintenance, avionics maintenance and/or landing gear overhauls with respect to the Aircraft, Pinnacle shall utilize the vendors in such agreements for such services; provided, however, Pinnacle’s utilization of such vendors shall be subject to (i) termination of Pinnacle’s existing vendor contracts, if any, and Delta’s payment of any early termination penalties imposed pursuant to such contracts and (ii) reasonably satisfactory arrangements in respect of Pinnacle’s operational requirements.

 

Section 3.07 Third Party Guarantees and Warranties.  Pinnacle shall administer, track and pursue warranty and guaranty claims under the purchase, support and service agreements for the Equipment, so as to minimize operating costs for the Equipment.  Such efforts shall include establishment of all systems and procedures necessary to track and submit warranty and guaranty claims, including providing reports and information required to be provided under the purchase, support or services agreement.  Pinnacle shall not operate or maintain the Equipment in a manner that could result in any warranty or guaranty being terminated or voided, without the prior written consent of Delta.

 

Section 3.08 Related Transfer Arrangements.  All leases and subleases of ground support equipment, simulators, tooling and spare parts inventory agreements and vendor and/or maintenance agreements relating to items used primarily for or services provided primarily to the Equipment (collectively “Support Agreements”) entered into by or for the benefit of Pinnacle after the Initial Effective Date shall be assignable to Delta without the consent of the other party to such Support Agreement on termination of this Agreement.  Pinnacle shall, at Delta’s option, assign to Delta such Support Agreements as Delta shall designate on termination of this Agreement.  Pinnacle shall use its best efforts to obtain the consent of the other party to any such Support Agreements in effect as of the Initial Effective Date and, subject to obtaining such consents, if necessary, shall, at Delta’s option, assign to Delta such Support Agreements as Delta shall designate on termination of this Agreement.  On termination of this Agreement and during the Option Term, Delta shall have the option to purchase from Pinnacle all ground support equipment, simulators, tooling and spare parts inventory then owned by Pinnacle, which are used primarily with or related primarily to the Equipment for an amount equal to such assets’ then fair market value or depreciated book value, whichever is less.  In the event Delta invokes its Equipment removal rights under Section 3.02 above, on the Equipment removal date and for a period of thirty (30) days thereafter, Delta shall have the option to purchase from Pinnacle all ground support equipment, simulators, tooling and spare parts inventory then owned by Pinnacle, which are used primarily with or related primarily

 

 

  

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to the returning Equipment for an amount equal to such assets’ then fair market value or depreciated book value, whichever is less.  Upon request from Delta, Pinnacle shall make available to Delta at no cost (i) the Maintenance Program and Maintenance Manual (as defined in the Lease) for the Equipment, and (ii) all other documentation required in order to operate and maintain the Equipment, and Pinnacle agrees that Delta may provide such Maintenance Program, Maintenance Manual and other documentation to one or more other carriers operating (or anticipated to operate) Canadair Regional Jet aircraft on behalf of Delta.

 

Section 3.09 Equipment Financing Coordination.  Pinnacle shall coordinate and cooperate with Delta with respect to Equipment sale, purchase and lease transactions.  Such coordination and cooperation shall include, but is not limited to, cooperating with Delta in structuring the closing of Equipment sale, purchase or lease transactions in a manner that will minimize the imposition of any local, city, county, state, provincial, federal or foreign taxes or other governmental transfer charges related to such transactions, providing Delta with financial information (audited and unaudited) that Delta may then provide to third parties, assisting in raising capital through the sale of either debt and/or equity in connection with the financing or leasing of the Equipment where and as requested by Delta (including but not limited to participating in meeting with the manufacturer, potential investors and sources of financing or lease equity to discuss Pinnacle’s financial and operational performance and outlook), and full cooperation in meeting appropriate return conditions of the Equipment upon expiration of the Equipment’s Lease.

 

Section 3.10 Spare Parts Inventory; Application of Credits.  Delta may, at its option, purchase spare parts inventory items designated by Delta from Bombardier or other third parties and either sell such parts to Pinnacle at Delta’s Direct Cost or lease such parts to Pinnacle.  Terms of the spare parts lease agreement, including but not limited to, administration of inventory, scope of inventory purchase and lease conditions, will be mutually agreed.  Delta may, at its option, require Pinnacle to purchase spare parts or inventory from Bombardier or other designated third parties.  In addition, Delta may, at its option, require Pinnacle to purchase from Delta, manufacturer, supplier or servicer credits obtained from third parties at the face value of the credits.  However, in no event shall Pinnacle be required to purchase credits from Delta that Pinnaclecannot utilize within 180 days of the date of purchase from Delta.

 

 

ARTICLE IV

 

 

ANCILLARY ARRANGEMENTS

 

Section 4.01 Coordination with Pinnacle.

 

(a) Schedules and Timetables.  Delta shall file and maintain schedules with all applicable schedule distribution systems for all Scheduled Flights, and such schedules shall be filed and maintained by Delta together with the schedules for its flights.  Delta shall include and list all Scheduled Flights providing Regional Airline Services in the schedule publication program of Delta.  Delta shall, at its expense and sole discretion, furnish to Pinnacle an adequate supply of current printed Delta timetables and contracts of carriage consistent with

 

 

  

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Governmental Regulations and Delta’s timetable publication program.  Delta shall include Scheduled Flights operated by Pinnacle in all appropriate flight information systems on which Delta flights are listed.

 

(b) EAS Markets.  With respect to Essential Air Service (“EAS”) cities designated by Delta from time to time as a Service City hereunder:

 

(i) Pinnacle agrees to (A) bid on and enter into EAS agreements with the DOT, at the direction of Delta, (B) maintain and comply with its obligations under such agreements during the Term, (C) unless otherwise agreed by Delta in writing, provide air transportation services pursuant to any such agreement solely in connection with providing Regional Airline Services hereunder, and (D) refrain from modifying or amending the terms of such agreements without the prior written consent of Delta, and

 

(ii) In the event this Agreement expires or terminates in accordance with the provisions hereof (other than as a result of a breach by Pinnacle hereunder) prior to the expiration or permitted termination of any EAS agreement entered into by Pinnacle in accordance with the provisions hereof, then Delta will or will cause another carrier, to the extent permitted under the terms of such EAS agreement, to perform Pinnacle’s obligations under such EAS agreement.

 

(c) Travel Privileges.  Pinnacle shall be entitled to make available for its employees and members of its Board of Directors, the travel privileges set forth on Exhibit F attached hereto in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth therein.

 

(d) Weather Information.  Upon request of Pinnacle or its flight crews, Delta shall at its sole cost furnish Pinnacle such United States Weather Bureau information or data as may be available to Delta pursuant to a separate written agreement; provided, however, that neither Delta nor its employees will be responsible or liable for the accuracy thereof.  So long as Delta shall maintain its communications link with the National Weather Service, Delta shall provide the necessary communications to permit Pinnacle to continue providing weather data to the National Weather Service.  Delta shall provide any available National Weather Service data through computer link-up to Pinnacle.

 

(e) Information Systems.  Delta and Pinnacle are parties to a separate written agreement with respect to the information systems support Delta provides to Pinnacle.

 

Section 4.02 Ground Handling.

 

At all Service Cities other than MEM, Delta shall provide, or cause to be provided by a third party vendor, the following ground handling functions:  (a) all gate check-in activities, (b) all passenger enplaning/deplaning services, including but not limited to sky cap and wheel chair services, (c) aircraft loading/unloading services, including but not limited to airside busing, (d) passenger ticketing, (e) jetbridge maintenance, (f) janitorial services, (g) deicing services, (h) pushback, tow or taxi, (i) airstarts, (j) aircraft cleaning, including but not limited to overnight cleaning, (k) lavatory service and (l) water service (collectively, the “Ground Handling Functions”).  Delta at its option may: (i) perform all Ground Handling Functions directly, (ii) contract with Pinnacle pursuant to the Airport Services Master Agreement between Pinnacle as

 

 

  

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Handling Company and Delta dated as of December 2, 2008, as amended from time to time or (iii) sub-contract performance of the Ground Handling Functions to an Affiliate of Delta or a third party vendor, or a combination of any of the foregoing.  Pinnacle shall provide all Ground Handling Functions at MEM except for (x) passenger ticketing and (y) airside busing, skycap and wheel chair services, all of which services shall be provided by Delta at its cost, provided that Pinnacle shall be entitled, upon ninety (90) days’ prior written notice, to elect to have Delta provide or cause to be provided such Ground Handling Functions at MEM.

 

Section 4.03 Facilities.

 

(a) Hub Cities.  Pinnacle will sublease from Delta airport facilities at the Hub Cities as set forth in mutually agreeable sublease agreements.  The applicable Hub City facility charges are set forth in Exhibit G.  In the event Pinnacle requires additional facilities at any of the Hub Cities caused by the expansion of Regional Airline Services, Delta shall use its reasonable efforts to obtain such facilities and provide them to Pinnacle at no additional charge.  The Parties agree that Delta may relocate Pinnacle to comparable facilities at the Hub Cities, provided that Delta pays Pinnacle’s reasonable relocation expenses.

 

(b) Service Cities.  Delta shall cooperate with Pinnacle’s efforts to become a signatory carrier at any Service City; provided, however, that if Pinnacle becomes a signatory carrier at any such airport Pinnacle shall vote as directed by Delta on any matters submitted to the signatory carriers for a vote.  At MEM (so long as Pinnacle has not elected to cease providing Ground Handling Functions at MEM in accordance with Section 4.02), Pinnacle shall be solely responsible for all of its facilities and equipment requirements, excluding jetbridges, which shall be the responsibility of Delta. At all Service Cities other than MEM, Delta shall be solely responsible for procuring all facilities and equipment requirements. Delta will determine in its sole discretion whether a jetbridge will be used at any Service City.

 

(c) Maintenance Facilities.  Except as provided in Section 3.06 and Section 4.03(g), maintenance facilities used to perform maintenance on the Equipment (“Maintenance Facilities”) pursuant to lease or ownership arrangements entered into after the Initial Effective Date, shall be at such locations and pursuant to terms mutually agreeable to the Parties.  In the event Delta provides the Maintenance Facility to Pinnacle, it will do so according to the terms of a mutually agreeable lease or sublease.  Delta shall reimburse Pinnacle on a monthly basis in accordance with Sections 5.06 and 5.07 for such Maintenance Facilities expenses incurred by Pinnacle.  The cost to Pinnacle for Maintenance Facilities leased or owned by Pinnacle as of the Initial Effective Date or thereafter, will be reimbursed in accordance with Sections 5.06 and 5.07.

 

(d) Landing Fees.  Delta shall be responsible for landing fees at all Service Cities and at all airports to which a Scheduled Flight, Non-Scheduled Flight or Charter Flight is diverted.

 

(e) Signage.  Subject to Governmental Regulations, Pinnacle shall display at all ticketing and check-in locations such signage or other forms of advertisement to identify and promote Delta’s service as Delta may specify and as approved by the relevant airport authority.  All signage utilizing the DL Identification shall be provided by Delta at its sole cost, shall be the property of Delta and shall be subject to the applicable provisions of Article VII below.  Pinnacle

 

 

  

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shall not use the Pinnacle Identification on any signage or other forms of advertisement used to identify or promote the Regional Airlines Services (except as otherwise required by Governmental Regulations).

 

(f) Related Transfer Arrangements.  All leases and subleases of facilities used in connection with Regional Airline Services, including Maintenance Facilities for the Equipment (collectively, “Facilities Leases”) entered into by Pinnacle after the Initial Effective Date shall be assignable to Delta without the consent of the other party to such Facility Lease on termination of this Agreement, the withdrawal of Scheduled Flights from such airport or upon written notice from Delta to Pinnacle, provided that if the consent of the facility lessor is required by contract or Governmental Regulations, Pinnacle will use its best efforts to obtain such consent at the time the Facility Lease is entered into and to incorporate such consent in the terms of the Facility Lease.  Pinnacle shall, at Delta’s option, assign to Delta such Facilities Leases as Delta shall designate on termination of this Agreement, the withdrawal of Scheduled Flights from such airport or upon receipt of written notice from Delta. Pinnacle shall use its best efforts to obtain the consent of the other party to such Facilities Leases in effect as of the Initial Effective Date and, subject to obtaining such consents, if necessary, shall, at Delta’s option, assign to Delta such Facilities Leases as Delta shall designate on termination of this Agreement, the withdrawal of Scheduled Flights from such airport or upon receipt of written notice from Delta.  On termination of this Agreement and during the Option Term, Delta shall have the option to purchase from Pinnacle all facilities used in connection with Regional Airline Services, including Maintenance Facilities for the Equipment, then owned by Pinnacle for an amount equal to such assets’ then fair market value or depreciated book value, whichever is less.  On the assignment of a Facility Lease to Delta or on the withdrawal of Scheduled Flights from an airport and for a period of thirty (30) days thereafter, Delta shall have the option to purchase from Pinnacle all facilities used in connection with Regional Airline Services at such airport, including Maintenance Facilities for the Equipment, then owned by Pinnacle for an amount equal to such assets’ then fair market value or depreciated book value, whichever is less.

 

(g) Facilities Lease Option.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Delta may, at its option, elect to hold the leasehold interest in any facilities to be used by Pinnacle at any new or existing Service City, and in the event Delta exercises this option (i) Delta shall enter into a Facilities Lease with the lessor of such facilities, (ii) Pinnacle shall utilize such facilities pursuant to a sub-lease or facilities use agreement with Delta, (iii) the rent/facilities charges payable by Pinnacle in such sub-lease or facilities use agreement shall be the same as Delta’s Direct Cost under the Facilities Lease for the facilities used by Pinnacle, (iv) the sub-lease or facilities use agreement shall terminate when Pinnacle ceases to operate Regional Airline Services at the airport, and (v) Delta shall lease facilities which are reasonably suitable for Pinnacle’s operational needs and, with respect to new Service Cities, Delta shall complete the leasing arrangements in a manner that will allow Pinnacle adequate time to prepare to commence Regional Airline Services at the Service City in accordance with the Annual Operating Plan or as otherwise scheduled by Delta.

 

Section 4.04 Data Communications.  Delta shall provide to Pinnacle at all Service Cities and Hub Cities, at Delta’s sole expense, data circuit lines, any required data networking equipment, the use of computer reservation terminals, printers and modems, including hardware, software and maintenance support for such equipment (the “Data

 

 

  

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Communication Equipment”).  Such Data Communication Equipment shall be of the same type and quality as that used by Delta in its airline operations.  In connection with the commencement of Regional Airline Services at a new Service City, Delta will provide Pinnacle with Delta’s standard Data Communications Equipment at Delta’s sole expense.  Delta and Pinnacle are parties to a written agreement with respect to the information technology services to be provided by Delta to Pinnacle in connection with the Regional Airline Services operated under this Agreement.

 

Section 4.05 Security.  Delta shall be responsible for the systems which are programmed to perform all the Department of Homeland Security and foreign government requirements relating to watchlist vetting, CAPPS, and passenger APIS submission.  Each Party’s personnel are responsible to ensure all required government and airline security and customs/immigration procedures are followed and each Party will ensure that its staff has received the appropriate training as required by applicable law and by the carrier.  With respect to security investigations, Pinnacle will cooperate with Delta during the investigation of alleged or actual security compliance violations, security issues, fraud, theft, vandalism, and other possible criminal acts involving any employee, passenger or agent of such Party or relating to the Regional Airlines Services provided by Pinnacle hereunder.  Airport security and passenger screening is conducted by the TSA as of the Effective Date.  To the extent airlines have responsibility for airport security and/or passenger screening Delta shall be responsible for Pinnacle’s allocated share with respect to the Regional Airline Services only of all maintenance expenses associated with all security equipment and such Party’s allocated share of all personnel expenses (including overtime) associated with the operation of such equipment and all airport security-related functions, including, without limitation, passenger screening and activities related to security directives imposed by Governmental Regulations.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties acknowledge and agree that should the U.S. government augment or change the directives, requirements, processes, procedures or the activities related to passenger screening as may be imposed by future Governmental Regulations, then the Parties will negotiate in good faith regarding any changes to this Agreement that may be necessary as a result.

 

Section 4.06 Reservation Services.  During the Term, Delta shall handle, at its sole expense, reservations for all passenger air transportation on Scheduled Flights operated pursuant to this Agreement.  Reservations shall be handled in the same manner and subject to the same standards utilized by Delta for its own reservations.  All reservations shall be made in the name of Delta unless otherwise required by Governmental Regulations.  Delta shall be sole owner of any customer or passenger data relating to the Scheduled Flights and related reservation services.

 

Section 4.07 Ticketing Services and Ticketing Procedures.

 

(a) Ticketing Services.  At all of its ticketing locations, Delta shall, at its sole expense, sell, issue and exchange tickets for passenger air transportation on all Scheduled Flights to be operated pursuant to this Agreement utilizing Delta ticket stock and all related accounting forms printed with the Delta logo, name and format (“Delta Tickets”).  Delta hereby appoints Pinnacle as its agent, and Pinnacle hereby agrees to act as Delta’s agent, at all Pinnacle ticketing locations in connection with the sale and issuance of all passenger tickets by Pinnacle and with the same duties owed to Delta in that capacity as is customary in the industry between airlines.

 

 

  

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At all of its ticketing locations, Pinnacle shall sell, issue and exchange Delta Tickets for passenger air transportation on all Scheduled Flights to be operated pursuant to this Agreement and to be provided by and over the routes of Delta (collectively, “Ticketing Services”).  Nothing in this Section 4.07(a) shall be deemed to alter or conflict with the provisions of Section 9.01 hereof.  Air carriers and other agencies other than Delta may also issue tickets for travel to be performed by Pinnacle.

 

(b) Booking and Ticketing Procedures.  The procedures followed and standards applied by Pinnacle in booking flights and performing the Ticketing Services shall conform in all material respects to Delta’s own tariffs, procedures and standards applicable to the booking of Delta flights and the issuance of Delta Tickets and to the collection and remittance of the proceeds of such sales.  Pinnacle employees booking flights and performing Ticketing Services shall adhere to Delta’s procedures and standards as shall be provided to Pinnacle in writing.  In accordance with Section 8.02 below, Pinnacle shall be responsible for collecting and shall pay to Delta any Ticket Taxes and Fees required to be collected under applicable law on Tickets sold by Pinnacle utilizing Delta ticket stock.

 

(c) Frequent Flyer Program.  Pinnacle agrees to accept Delta frequent flyer tickets and to provide transportation services pursuant to such tickets at no charge to Delta.  All travel under the frequent flyer program solely on Pinnacle shall entitle a passenger to such credit as shall be equivalent to the credit offered on Delta for comparable mileage segments.  Delta will provide such credit to members of its frequent flyer program who travel on Pinnacle at no charge.

 

(d) Supplies.  Delta shall, at its sole expense, provide an adequate supply of ticket office forms and specialized supplies (such as baggage tags, but excluding normal office supplies such as paper, stationery, envelopes, memo pads and the like) bearing the DL Identification for use by Pinnacle subject to the applicable provisions of Article VII below.

 

(e) Ticketing Costs.  All travel agency commissions attributable to Scheduled Flights shall be Delta’s expense.  Delta shall pay all computer reservation system fees attributable to passengers on Scheduled Flights.  In the event Governmental Regulations preclude the payment of these fees by Delta and Pinnacle then pays them, Delta shall immediately begin paying Pinnacle a “Traffic Referral” commission on a semi-monthly basis in an amount equal to such fees formerly paid by Delta for Pinnacle.  Such commission shall be retroactive to the date on which such fees were no longer lawfully paid by Delta and shall be included in the semi-monthly payments to be made by Delta pursuant to Section 5.02.

 

Section 4.08 Baggage Handling Services.  “Baggage Handling Services” shall consist of the following:

 

(a) At all Service Cities, Pinnacle and Delta shall exchange and transfer baggage in accordance with procedures to be mutually agreed upon and generally utilized by the Parties.

 

 

  

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(b) The procedures utilized in performing such Baggage Handling Services shall conform in all respects to Delta’s own standards and procedures as adapted to Pinnacle’s Aircraft and operations.

 

(c) For purposes of baggage claims, Pinnacle will be treated as if it is a party to standard industry ticketing and baggage agreements with Delta and other air carriers.  Pinnacle will make available at the request of any passenger excess valuation insurance, if any, offered by Delta to the extent such insurance covers Pinnacle’s flights and Delta’s flights.

 

Section 4.09 Air Cargo Handling Services.  “Air Cargo Handling Services” shall consist of the following:

 

(a) At each location at which Delta operates Ticketing Services, Delta shall at no charge to Pinnacle accept Air Cargo for shipment on flights to be operated by and over the routes of Pinnacle or Delta. Delta shall issue air waybills covering Air Cargo and shall prepare a “Transfer Manifest” for each Pinnacle flight on which there shall be an Air Cargo shipment which transfer manifest shall set forth all Air Cargo to be carried on the flight.

 

(b) Delta hereby appoints Pinnacle as its agent, and Pinnacle hereby agrees to act as Delta’s agent, at all Pinnacle ticketing locations in connection with the sale and issuance of all air waybills by Pinnacle and with the same duties owed to Delta in that capacity as is customary in the industry between airlines.  Pinnacle agrees to observe all Delta procedures and standards applicable to the issuance of air waybills and to the collection and remittance of the proceeds of such sales.  Pinnacle employees performing such duties shall adhere to Delta’s procedures and standards as shall be provided to Pinnacle in writing.  In accordance with Section 8.02 below, Pinnacle shall be responsible for collecting and shall pay to Delta any Ticket Taxes and Fees required to be collected under applicable law on air waybills sold by Pinnacle utilizing Delta air waybills.  Nothing in this Section 4.09(b) shall be deemed to alter or conflict with the provisions of Section 9.01 hereof.  Air carriers other than Delta may also issue air waybills for cargo transportation to be performed by Pinnacle.

 

(c) Pinnacle shall provide Air Cargo handling services at Pinnacle’s ticketing locations for and on behalf of Delta for Air Cargo carried solely on a Pinnacle or on both a Pinnacle flight and a Delta flight.  Such handling services shall be performed in accordance with Delta’s procedures and standards as provided to Pinnacle in writing, including but not limited to (i) accepting all Air Cargo that Delta accepts, such as pets/AVI (other live animals), human remains, Priority Service (SPC) freight and perishables, unless otherwise mutually agreed, and (ii) keeping facilities open at least one and one-half (1.5) hours before and one (1) hour after each Scheduled Flight for customers to deliver and pick up Air Cargo.

 

(d) For Air Cargo carried solely on Pinnacle or on both a Pinnacle flight and a Delta flight, Pinnacle and Delta shall charge rates in accordance with Delta’s applicable rates and tariffs; such revenues shall be paid 100% to and retained by Delta.

 

(e) For purposes of Air Cargo claims, Pinnacle will be treated as if it was a party to standard industry ticketing and baggage agreements with Delta and other air carriers.

 

 

  

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(f) Delta shall, at its sole expense, supply Pinnacle with all necessary Air Cargo forms and supplies in an agreed upon form with the DL Identification, subject to the applicable provisions of Article VII below.  Delta and Pinnacle shall utilize such forms and supplies when accepting Air Cargo for transport on Pinnacle’s flights.

 

Section 4.10 Use of COMAT.  Delta and Pinnacle shall each provide to the other, at no cost to the other and on a non-discriminatory basis, access to its respective COMAT system for the movement and acquisition of priority aircraft maintenance parts and other company material.  Delta’s failure to deliver timely a maintenance component via COMAT, whether timely or at all, shall not cause an affected Scheduled Flight to be excluded in calculating Pinnacle’s on-time performance and completion factors.  All access shall be consistent with Delta’s and Pinnacle’s respective published COMAT procedures and policies, as amended from time to time.  Delta shall provide to Pinnacle at no cost and on a non-discriminatory basis, access to Delta’s DASH service to the extent necessary for Aircraft out of service recovery.

 

Section 4.11 Slots and Route Authorities.  During the Term (including any Renewal Terms) or upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, Delta may, in its sole discretion, require Pinnacle to transfer to Delta or its designee at no charge any airport takeoff or landing slots, route authorities or other regulatory authorities as Delta shall designate which have been or are being used for Regional Airlines Services under this Agreement.

 

Section 4.12 Emergency Response and Family Assistance.  Delta shall enter into a separate written agreement with Pinnacle with respect to emergency response and family assistance services to be provided to Pinnacle by Delta at no net cost to Pinnacle (after receipt of any insurance claim proceeds) in connection with the Regional Airlines Services operated under this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE V

 

 

REVENUES, PAYMENTS AND SETOFF

 

Section 5.01 Revenues.  Pinnacle acknowledges and agrees that all revenues resulting from the sale and issuance of passenger tickets and cargo air waybills associated with the operation of the Aircraft and all other sources of revenue associated with the operation of the Aircraft are the sole property of Delta, including without limitation ticket change fees and other fees or charges which are applicable pursuant to Delta’s tariffs, unaccompanied minor fees, beverage services, excess baggage fees, EAS subsidies and nonrevenue pass travel charges.  All EAS subsidies received by Pinnacle shall be paid to Delta promptly upon receipt and in any event within five (5) business days after such receipt.

 

Section 5.02 Payments to Pinnacle.

 

(a) Reports.  Pinnacle shall provide to Delta periodic reports with respect to the number of actual, completed Block Hours, and, so long as Pinnacle has not elected to cease providing Ground Handling Functions at MEM in accordance with Section 4.02, the number of

 

 

  

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actual, completed MEM Cycles (the “MEM Cycle Report”) (each in respect of Scheduled Flights, Charter Flights and Non-Scheduled Flights) in accordance with the following schedule in each calendar month during the Term:

 

	
Day of Month Report Due

	
Period Covered by Report

	
22

	
1st – 15th of Month

	
7

	
Complete Previous Month

Pinnacle shall also provide Delta periodic reports with respect to its Available CRJ Days, Aircraft Months, and its expenses with respect to Section 5.05 and Section 5.06 in accordance with the following schedule in each calendar month during the Term:

 

	
Day of Month Report Due

	
Period Covered by Report

	
7

	
Complete Previous Month

(b) Payment Schedule.  Except as set forth below, Delta shall remit to Pinnacle by wire transfer of immediately available funds by the close of business on the 30th day of each calendar month (or the next banking day if the 30th is a bank holiday), as a provisional payment, the sum of (i) Pinnacle’s Block Hour Payment covering the 1st through the 15th of the month, (ii) so long as Pinnacle has not elected to cease providing Ground Handling Functions at MEM in accordance with Section 4.02, the MEM Cycle Payment covering the 1st through the 15th of the month, (iii) the IOP Payment, (iv) any payments due pursuant to Section 5.05 below for the period covered by the Block Hour Report and MEM Cycle Report furnished by Pinnacle on the 22nd day of the month, and (v) the payment due in respect of Equipment Rental Expense pursuant to Section 5.06 below.

 

Delta shall remit to Pinnacle by wire transfer of immediately available funds by the close of business on the 15th day of each month (or the next banking day if the 15th is a bank holiday), as a final payment, the difference between (A) the sum of (i) Pinnacle’s Block Hour  Payment, (ii) so long as Pinnacle has not elected to cease providing Ground Handling Functions at MEM in accordance with Section 4.02, the MEM Cycle Payment, (iii) the IOP Payment, (iv) the Fixed Cost Payment, (v) the Monthly Margin Payment, (vi) any payments due pursuant to Section 5.05 or Section 5.06 below for the preceding month and (vii) any payments due with respect to Charter Flights, less (B) the amount of the provisional payment made on the 30th day of the preceding month.

 

For purposes of this Section 5.02, the above-referenced payments to Pinnacle shall be calculated as follows for any applicable period:

 

(i) the Block Hour Payment will be equal to the then applicable Block Hour Rate multiplied by the number of actual, completed Block Hours reported in Pinnacle’s Block Hour Report for such period for Scheduled Flights, Non-Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights, plus

 

 

  

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(ii) so long as Pinnacle has not elected to cease providing Ground Handling Functions at MEM in accordance with Section 4.02, the MEM Cycle Payment will be equal to the then applicable MEM Cycle Rate multiplied by the number of actual, completed MEM Cycles reported in Pinnacle’s MEM Cycle Report for such period for Scheduled Flights and Non-Scheduled Flights, plus

 

(iii) the IOP Payment, if any, will be determined in accordance with Section 5.03(c) hereof, plus

 

(iv) any payments due pursuant to Section 5.05 hereof, plus

 

(v) with respect to the payment to be made on the 15th day of each month, Pinnacle’s Fixed Cost Payment determined in accordance with Section 5.04 hereof and any payments due pursuant to Section 5.06 hereof, plus

 

(vi) with respect to the payment to be made on the 15th day of each month, the Monthly Margin Payment determined in accordance with Section 5.08 or Section 5.12 hereof, as applicable.

 

Adjustments arising from Delta’s audit of the Block Hour Report, MEM Cycle Report, Available CRJ Days Report, Aircraft Month Report, Section 5.05 Report, or Section 5.06 Report may be made within ninety (90) days following the end of each month.  Any reference to the 30th day of a month in this Section 5.02 will be deemed to mean the last day of February with respect to that month.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Delta shall be entitled, without notice, to deduct from any payment owed to Pinnacle hereunder (a “Delta Payment”) any amounts that, at the time such Delta Payment is owed to Pinnacle hereunder, are due and owing to Delta under (i) that certain Promissory Note dated July 1, 2010 issued by Pinnacle, Pinnacle Corp. and Mesaba to Delta (the “Promissory Note”), (ii) the DIP Credit Facility or (iii) the Exit Loan.  At no time shall Pinnacle be entitled to payments hereunder in excess of the amount determined after giving effect to such deductions.

 

Section 5.03 Block Hour and MEM Cycle Rates; IOP Program Adjustment.

 

(a) Block Hour Rate.  The Block Hour Rate for 2012 shall be [***].  The Block Hour Rate for 2013 and any year thereafter shall be adjusted in accordance with Section 5.10 hereof.

 

(b) MEM Cycle Rate.  So long as Pinnacle has not elected to cease providing Ground Handling Functions at MEM in accordance with Section 4.02, the MEM Cycle Rate for 2012 shall be [***]. The MEM Cycle Rates for 2013 and any year thereafter shall be adjusted in accordance with Section 5.10.

 

(c) IOP Program Incident Adjustment.  If during any month during the Term Pinnacle cancels one or more Scheduled Flights in connection with one or more IOP Program

 

 

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Incidents, Delta shall pay to Pinnacle an amount determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

P=((IBH)*(BHR)*(0.43))

 

where,

 

P is the IOP Payment to be made to Pinnacle,

 

IBH is the number of scheduled Block Hours cancelled in connection with the IOP Program Incident(s), calculated by the following formula:

 

IBH=Pinnacle scheduled Block Hours in Hub cancelled * (((% points of Pinnacle’s Scheduled Flights in Hub cancelled)-(% points of Delta scheduled flights in Hub cancelled))/(% points of Pinnacle's Scheduled Flights in Hub cancelled)),

 

BHR is the then applicable Block Hour Rate in which such IOP Program Incident(s) occurred,

 

Section 5.04  [***]

 

Section 5.05 Fuel.

 

(a) Fuel Administration.  Subject to Pinnacle’s consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), Pinnacle will join the fuel consortium at a Service City upon Delta’s request.  Delta will provide to Pinnacle the following fuel-related administrative services:  (i) negotiation of fuel supply, fuel storage and into-plane service contracts for the Aircraft, (ii) payment of all into-plane and fuel invoices in respect of the Aircraft, (iii) monthly reconciliations (by the 15th of the following month) with respect to fuel boarded, inventory and purchases, and (iv) monthly reports with respect to fuel boarded by station, flight and Aircraft.  For the avoidance of doubt, Delta will not charge Pinnacle for fuel supply, fuel storage or into-plane services with respect to the Aircraft.

 

(b) Fuel Payment.  Pinnacle shall have the right to audit on a semi-annual basis the determination of the number of gallons of aircraft fuel boarded and payment of all into-plane and fuel invoices in respect of the Aircraft and shall report any disputes to Delta.  Any dispute not reported to Delta within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of such audit shall be deemed waived.

 

Delta’s fuel department shall have the right to audit on a monthly basis the determination of the number of gallons of aircraft fuel boarded and fuel price paid and shall report any disputes to Pinnacle.  Any dispute not reported to Pinnacle within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of such audit shall be deemed waived.

 

(c) Pinnacle Reporting Procedures.  Pinnacle will provide to Delta the following fuel administrative service assistance:  (i) timely Fuel Management System (“FMS”) data entry by Pinnacle at Pinnacle Service Cities including month-end reconciling to the fixed

 

 

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base operator (“FBO”) by the end of the second business day, (ii) FMS coverage by Pinnacle when regular FMS person is on vacation, leave, etc., (iii) Pinnacle will train new Pinnacle employees on FMS due to turnover, vacation, etc., (iv) problems at FBO regarding supply of fuel slips and bill of lading receipts will be addressed by Pinnacle personnel first before involving the Delta Fuel Department.

 

(d) Fuel Burn Review Procedures – CRJ.  Delta and Pinnacle agree to review the fuel burn performance (defined as gallons per block hour) of the Aircraft for compliance with annual performance measures including, but not limited to:

 

(i) Planned Fuel On Arrival (FOA)

 

(ii) Planned Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW)

 

(iii) Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Usage

 

Pinnacle will be responsible for the development and setting of the annual performance measure targets for the Aircraft, each as defined in Exhibit H, and an annual budgeted fuel burn rate expressed in gallons per block hour (“All-in Rate”), in a timeframe consistent with the development of the annual operating expense budget of each Party.  The All-in Rate shall encompass all scheduled and non-scheduled burned gallons and include the measures defined in (d)(i-iii) above and those measures the Parties may agree to subsequently add.  The annual targets for the performance measures and All-in Rate will be subject to Delta’s review and approval.  If the Parties are unable to reach agreement, the procedures set forth in Section 5.10(f) will be utilized to establish the annual targets and the All-in Rate.  Additional performance measures may be identified and added at a future date by mutual agreement of the Parties for purposes of reviewing the Aircraft’s annual fuel burn.  In the event data is not yet available for a given measure, no annual target will be set.  The Parties agree to use reasonable best efforts in researching and collecting data for purposes of adding performance measures and cooperation may not be unreasonably withheld by either Party.

 

Not later than sixty (60) days following the end of the year for which the targets applied, Pinnacle shall (i) deliver to Delta the analysis and conclusion of Pinnacle’s performance for the year then ended with respect to each of the performance measures and the All-in Rate, and (ii) provide Delta with the data used by Pinnacle to determine variances to each of the performance measure targets and the All-in Rate in a format specified by Delta.  The analysis shall include, but not be limited to, adjustment for changes in the operating schedule from the Annual Operating Plan.  For example, adjusting planned taxi time or average length of flight to actual experience for the year completed.  Delta shall have thirty (30) days from the receipt of Pinnacle’s analysis to complete its review.  If it is determined that Pinnacle exceeded one or more of the targets for the annual performance measures, and the cause of exceeding the targets was within the control of Pinnacle, a fuel penalty shall be assessed per the formulas set forth in Exhibit H.  If it is determined that Pinnacle exceeded the budget for the All-in Rate, after adjusting for variances to target for the performance measures, and the cause of exceeding the budget was within the control of Pinnacle, a fuel penalty shall be assessed per the formula set forth in Exhibit H.  Such penalty payment(s) shall be made in accordance with Section 5.07.

 

 

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Section 5.06  [***]

 

 

Section 5.07 Billing.  Delta and Pinnacle shall bill each other on a monthly basis in respect of amounts owed to each other under this Agreement not contemplated under Section 5.02.  If such billed items are not paid within twenty (20) days of the statement date, the aggregate amount of undisputed items may be offset against or included in the next scheduled wire transfer pursuant to Section 5.02(b), provided that, the Parties acknowledge and agree that Pinnacle will not be making the scheduled payments to be paid by Pinnacle on April 2, 2012 for amounts payable pursuant to Section 4.02 of this Agreement or the 2010 Restatement (with respect to periods before or after the Effective Date) or for amounts due for aircraft rent payable to Delta pursuant to any Lease and the payments scheduled to be paid by Pinnacle on May 1, 2012 for amounts payable pursuant to Section 4.02 of this Agreement or the 2010 Restatement and Delta shall be permitted to offset such amounts against Delta’s scheduled April 16, 2012 wire transfer pursuant to Section 5.02(b) of this Agreement or the 2010 Restatement.  Disputed amounts must be paid when the dispute is resolved, provided that such amount may be set off against or included in the next scheduled wire transfer pursuant to Section 5.02(b) if the formerly disputed amount is not paid within seven (7) days of resolution.  Delta may also offset against the next scheduled wire transfer pursuant to Section 5.02(b) the amount of any payment (including those under any Lease) with respect to which Pinnacle or any Affiliate of Pinnacle shall have defaulted and shall have failed to cure before the expiration of any applicable grace period.

 

Section 5.08 Monthly Margin Calculation and Payment.  The monthly Margin Payment shall be calculated as follows:

 

Monthly Margin Payment = ([***] * Aircraft Months)

 

where,

 

[***] is the Monthly Margin Rate for 2012.  Such rate shall be adjusted for 2013 and any year thereafter in accordance with Section 5.10.

 

Section 5.09 Preferred Customer Rates.  Notwithstanding anything in this Article V to the contrary, Pinnacle agrees that if, at anytime from and after the Effective Date and continuing during the remainder of the Term, Pinnacle enters into an agreement with another air carrier other than Delta to provide air transportation services under a capacity purchase arrangement (a “Comparable Agreement”) and the economic terms of the Comparable Agreement are more favorable to such other air carrier than the economic terms of this Agreement are to Delta, then Pinnacle will provide prompt written notice to Delta of the Comparable Agreement and, if requested by Delta, enter into an amendment to this Agreement effective as of the commencement date of the Comparable Agreement to reflect the economic terms of the Comparable Agreement.

 

Section 5.10 [***]

 

 

  

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Section 5.11 Reserved.

 

Section 5.12 Revised Annual Margin Adjustment Payment.  Effective for 2008 and each calendar year thereafter, the Parties will calculate Pinnacle’s Margin in accordance with Section 5.12(a) and, if required pursuant to Section 5.12(b) below, one Party will make a Margin Adjustment Payment to the other Party.

 

(a) Calculation of the Total Operating Cost and the Margin.  Not later than ninety (90) days following the end of 2008 and each subsequent calendar year during the Term, Pinnacle shall deliver to Delta its audited financial statements including the calculation of its operating margin for Regional Airline Services provided under this Agreement for the prior year (the “Margin”) by dividing (x) Pinnacle’s Total Operating Income for Regional Airline Services for such year by (y) Pinnacle’s Total Operating Revenue for Regional Airline Services for such year, subject to the following:

 

In calculating the Margin, the amount of any penalties (accounted for as a reduction to revenue) pursuant to Section 5.05, Section 5.13 and/or Section 5.14 below will not be included in Pinnacle’s Total Operating Revenue, and the following expenses will not be included in Pinnacle’s Total Operating Cost:

 

(i) Increment above predicted employee bonuses and incentives as set forth in Exhibit J hereto.  Predicted bonus and incentive levels are the amounts used in calculating the Block Hour, Cycle and Fixed cost rates for 2007, grown each year by multiplying by (1 + CPPI).

 

(ii) The amount of any penalties pursuant to Section 5.14 (if not accounted for as a reduction to revenue).

 

(iii) The amount of any depreciation expense associated with capital expenditures in excess of $250,000 which are designated by Delta as Section 5.13(a)(iii) items because Delta has determined that such capital expenditures are not necessary after taking into consideration the Annual Operating Plan and Pinnacle’s obligations under this Agreement, within seventy-five (75) days after receiving written notice from Pinnacle of such capital expenditure pursuant to Section 6.01(a)(iv) below.

 

(iv) The amount of any Fuel Burn Penalty Payment pursuant to Section 5.05(d) (if not accounted for as a reduction to revenue).

 

(v) The amount of any asset write-downs (excluding normal depreciation) or extraordinary charges as defined by GAAP.

 

(vi) The amount of any fines or penalties paid by Pinnacleor any Affiliate of Pinnacle to any governmental entity.

 

(vii) The CRJ 200 Aircraft and Spare Engine return costs including termination costs incurred by Pinnacle pursuant to Section 3.02(b) above.

 

 

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(viii) The amount of any late payment charges, penalties and/or fees incurred by Pinnacle or any Affiliates of Pinnacle.

 

(ix) The amount of any payment from Pinnacle to Delta pursuant to Section 5.13 (if not accounted for as a reduction to revenue).

 

(x) The amount of any non-recurring items or adjustments relating to the  Bankruptcy Cases.

 

The Margin shall be expressed as a decimal rounded to the fourth place.  The calculation of the Margin shall be derived from Pinnacle’s reported financial statements for such year and shall be determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

(b) Annual Adjustment to Margin Payment.  With respect to each calendar year effective 2008, if the Margin is greater than 8% but less than or equal to 13%, Delta shall receive from Pinnacle an amount determined as follows:

 

PDL = (Rev – [Total Operating Cost/([***])]) / 2

 

where,

 

PDL is the amount payable to Delta,

 

Rev is Total Operating Revenue for Regional Airline Services for the applicable calendar year excluding the items listed in Section 5.12(a), and

 

Total Operating Cost excludes items i-x in Section 5.12(a) above.

 

With respect to each calendar year effective 2008, if the Margin is greater than [***] Delta shall receive from Pinnacle an amount determined as follows:

 

PDL = (Rev – [Total Operating Cost/([***])])

 

where,

 

PDL is the amount payable to Delta,

 

Rev is Total Operating Revenue for Regional Airline Services for the applicable calendar year excluding the items listed in Section 5.12(a), and

 

Total Operating Cost excludes items i-x in Section 5.12(a) above.

 

An amount payable pursuant to this Section 5.12(b) is a “Margin Adjustment Payment.”  Delta shall add in or setoff, as appropriate, any Margin Adjustment Payment in the next wire transfer due to Pinnacle.

 

 

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(c) Audit of Total Operating Cost and the Margin.  Delta shall have the right to audit the calculation of the Total Operating Cost, the Margin and the Margin Adjustment Payment, and shall report any disputes to Pinnacle.  Any dispute not reported to Pinnacle in writing within ninety (90) days of the receipt of the audited financial statements and Margin calculation by Delta shall be deemed waived.  The payment in respect of any dispute shall be handled as a disputed amount in accordance with Section 5.07.

 

Section 5.13 Non-Scheduled Flight Refund.  With respect to each calendar year during the Term, Delta shall within thirty (30) days from the receipt of the final Block Hour Report received pursuant to Section 5.02 for the immediately preceding year, calculate and notify Pinnacle of the ratio of actual Block Hours for Non-Scheduled Flights to actual Block Hours for Scheduled Flights.  In the event that such ratio exceeds [***], Pinnacle shall remit to Delta (through a set-off of the next amount due from the Section 5.02 wire transfer) an amount equal to the following:

 

Refund Calculation:

 

Actual Block Hours for Non-Scheduled Flights in excess of .[***] of the actual Block Hours for Scheduled Flights multiplied by the Block Hour Rate in effect for the immediately preceding year pursuant to Section 5.03 and as adjusted pursuant to Section 5.10, plus the amount of any Margin Payments previously paid by Delta to Pinnacle in connection with such excess Block Hours; provided, however, that no refund will be paid to Delta with respect to Non-Scheduled Flights which are Aircraft delivery flights.

 

Section 5.14 Performance Levels and Penalties.

 

(a) Pinnacle shall be subject to certain performance levels and penalties with respect to the operation of Scheduled Flights as described in this Section 5.14(a) (“Performance Criteria”) which shall be deducted from the Block Hour Payment.  If Pinnacle does not achieve the performance criterion, then a penalty shall be charged against amounts owing to Pinnacle.  Any penalty charge incurred by failing to meet Performance Criteria shall be made in the wire transfer due on the 30th day of the second month following the end of the Performance Period in question pursuant to Section 5.02(b).  The applicable performance levels and penalties are as follows:

 

(i) Completion Factor (calculated in accordance with Section 2.11(a)):

 

	  	
Additional Penalty

	
 

Penalty

	
 

Neutral

	
Performance Level

	
(*)

	
(*)

	
(*)

	
Penalty per enplaned revenue passenger

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

 

  

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* The Performance Levels shall be established in accordance with Exhibit E.

 

(ii) On-Time Factors (calculated in accordance with Section 2.11(b)):

 

Departure (within zero minutes):

 

	  	
Additional Penalty

	
 

Penalty

	
 

Neutral

	
Performance Level

	
(*)

	
(*)

	
(*)

	
Penalty per enplaned revenue passenger

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

                      ________________

* The Performance Levels shall be established in accordance with Exhibit E.

 

Arrival (within zero Minutes):

 

	  	
Additional Penalty

	
 

Penalty

	
 

Neutral

	
Performance Level

	
(*)

	
(*)

	
(*)

	
Penalty per enplaned revenue passenger

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

________________

* The Performance Levels shall be established in accordance with Exhibit E.

In conjunction with Pinnacle’s on-time arrival performance, Pinnacle’s target block time performance (within zero minutes) shall not exceed [***]  If Pinnacle’s actual block time performance (within zero minutes) exceeds[***], Pinnacle’s actual arrival performance (within zero minutes) will be adjusted downward by [***]percentage point per 1.0 percentage point in excess of [***].

 

	  	
Additional Penalty

	
 

Penalty

	
 

Neutral

	
Performance Level

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
Penalty per enplaned revenue passenger

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

                                (iii)           Customer Experience/ISM (calculated in accordance to Section 2.11(c).  The performance period for Customer Satisfaction will be evaluated on a calendar quarter basis:

 

_

 

  

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(b) Reconciliation of Performance Standards.  For each Performance Period, (i) Delta shall determine the total number of enplaned revenue passengers on Scheduled Flights operated by Pinnacle, and (ii) Pinnacle shall prepare a reconciliation of its actual performance to the targeted performance with respect to its completion factor and its on-time factor. Such reconciliations will be completed and delivered to Delta within thirty (30) days after the end of each Performance Period.  Delta will have the right to audit the reconciliation prepared by Pinnacle and shall report any discrepancies to Pinnacle.  Any discrepancy not reported in writing within sixty (60) days of the end of any Performance Period shall be deemed waived.  The payment of in respect of any discrepancy shall be handled as a disputed amount in accordance with Section 5.07.

 

(c) Additional Performance Criteria.  During the Term, Delta may propose other performance criteria for Pinnacle’s operations pursuant to this Agreement.  The Parties agree that they will meet upon the introduction of additional performance levels for Delta’s operations, to develop similar performance targets for Pinnacle, taking into account the differences in operations between the carriers and Delta, and shall use their best commercially reasonable efforts to develop a system of performance levels and penalties for Pinnacle’s performance with respect thereto in a manner consistent with the performance standards agreed to herein.

 

(d) Adjustments to Performance Standards Goals.  During the Term, the Parties recognize and agree the performance standards goals for JFK and LGA set forth in Exhibit E may be modified or adjusted by mutual agreement if a material change to the schedule structure of the JFK and LGA operation exists.  A material structure change to the schedule would be defined as: less than [***] of the aircraft RONs from LGA and JFK are in a Service City with other Aircraft, eliminating the ability to effectively break-out Aircraft to/from other Hub Locations.

 

Section 5.15 Pinnacle Change of Control.  In the event a Pinnacle Change of Control shall occur, (i) Delta may, at its option, remove up to [***] of the Aircraft and related Spare Engines, as selected by Delta, from Pinnacle’s base fleet of one hundred forty (140) Aircraft (and related Spare Engines) on a schedule designated by Delta in its sole discretion; provided, however, that (A) the Aircraft (and related Spare Engines) shall be removed from Pinnacle’s fleet at a rate of no more than one-third of the Aircraft (and related Spare Engines) being removed in any twelve month period, and (B) notwithstanding the terms of any of the applicable Leases to the contrary, Pinnacle shall not be required to comply with the return conditions in the Leases to the extent that no Event of Default (as defined in the Leases) has occurred and is continuing at the time of the Change of Control; (ii) Delta may, at its option, extend the Term of the Agreement for a period of five (5) years and no rate adjustment pursuant to Section 5.10(e) above shall apply during such five (5) year period; (iii) the minimum completion factor set forth in Section 2.11(a) of this Agreement shall be increased to [***], and (iv) for purposes of Section 2.11 of the Agreement the definition of Performance Period shall be amended in its entirety to read as follows:  “‛Performance Period’ means a rolling three (3) month period during the Term of this Agreement.”

 

Section 5.16 Credit Card Chargebacks.

 

 

  

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(a) Pinnacle shall be billed for credit card chargebacks resulting from Pinnacle’s noncompliance with Delta’s credit card acceptance procedures.  Delta shall apply the same card acceptance procedures and standards to Pinnacle as applied to Delta by Delta’s credit card contractors.  Delta will inform Pinnacle in writing regarding any material changes in Delta’s agreements with its credit card contractors to the extent such changes will impact the procedures and standards to be applied by Pinnacle.

 

(b) With respect to all credit card charge forms returned to Pinnacle by Delta, Delta will furnish Pinnacle with a complete written explanation of the reason therefore accompanied by relevant documentation received from the credit card issuer or credit card holder.

 

(c) Upon receipt of a chargeback, Pinnacle shall have a reasonable period of time, but not to exceed thirty (30) days, to review the validity of the chargeback notice.  If the chargeback is valid (within the scope of the circumstances for the chargeback), Pinnacle shall remit to Delta within thirty (30) days a gross amount equal to such credit card charge form.  If, in Pinnacle’s good faith opinion, the chargeback is not valid, Pinnacle will so notify Delta and provide Delta with a complete written explanation of the transaction together with any necessary supporting documentation within the thirty (30) day period.

 

(d) All revisions to Delta’s credit card acceptance procedures must be in writing and must be submitted to Pinnacle at least thirty (30) days in advance of the effective date of such procedures or such shorter notification period as Delta may utilize in notifying its own personnel.

 

Section 5.17 Returned Checks.

 

(a) Pinnacle shall be billed pursuant to Section 5.07 above for all returned checks resulting from Pinnacle’s non-compliance with Delta’s check acceptance procedures.

 

(b) Delta will furnish Pinnacle with a complete written explanation of the reason therefore, accompanied with the relevant documentation.

 

(c) Pinnacle shall refund Delta the full amount of the dishonored check within thirty (30) days.  If, in Pinnacle’s reasonable opinion, the charge is not valid, Pinnacle will so notify Delta and provide Delta with a complete written explanation of the transaction together with any necessary supporting documentation within the thirty (30) day period.

 

(d) All revisions to Delta’s check acceptance procedures will be in writing and will be submitted to Pinnacle at least thirty (30) days in advance of the effective date of such procedures or such shorter notification period as Delta may utilize in notifying its own personnel.

 

(e) Section 5.18                      Fixed Cost Sharing Payments.  The Parties hereby agree that, in consideration of fixed cost sharing occurring prior to the Effective Date, Delta shall be entitled to (i) deduct from amounts otherwise owed to Pinnacle pursuant to Section 5.02 of this Agreement an amount equal to[***], which shall be deducted from Delta’s December 30, 2010

 

 

  

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provisional payment; and (ii) deduct from amounts otherwise owed to Pinnacle pursuant to Section 5.02 of this agreement a total of [***], which shall be deducted in twenty-four (24) monthly installments of [***] each from Delta’s monthly final wire payment for each of the months in 2011 and 2012.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

 

REPORTING OBLIGATIONS, AUDITING,

 

INSPECTIONS AND CONFIDENTIALITY/PUBLICITY

 

Section 6.01 Reporting Obligations.

 

(a) Certain Notices to Delta.  With respect to the Regional Airline Services operated pursuant to this Agreement, Pinnacle shall give prompt written notice to Delta of (i) any litigation involving an uninsured claim of more than $1,000,000 against Pinnacle, (ii) any proceeding before any governmental agency which, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect Pinnacle’s financial condition, affairs, operations or prospects, including but not limited to any significant FAA enforcement or civil penalty action, (iii) any other matter which would materially and adversely affect the financial condition, affairs, operations or prospects of Pinnacle Pinnacle’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement, and (iv) any proposed extraordinary capital expenditures and all capital expenditures in excess of $250,000.  Pinnacle shall also provide Delta the reports specified in Section 2.11(a) above and shall report to Delta not later than the last day of each month its completion factor and on-time factor for the prior month with respect to the Scheduled Flights operated pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(b) Financial and Reporting Covenants.  Pinnacle Corp. and Pinnacle shall promptly provide to Delta notice of and adequate information regarding any material weaknesses or reportable conditions noted in any management letters received by any such company from its independent auditors and the company’s responses thereto.  With respect to the Regional Airline Services operated pursuant to this Agreement, Pinnacle Corp., Pinnacle and all Affiliates of Pinnacle Corp. shall also provide Delta with monthly financial statements, annual expense budgets and periodic business plans and related projections.

 

(c) Certain Notices to Pinnacle.  Delta shall report to Pinnacle not later than the last day of each month the number of incidences of mishandled luggage, the number of customer complaints for the previous month or any other information necessary for Pinnacle to comply with the reporting requirements of the Department of Transportation and related to the Regional Airline Services provided hereunder.  Upon the reasonable prior written request by Pinnacle, Delta shall make available its books and records related to incidences of mishandled luggage, customer complaints or any other information necessary for Pinnacle to comply with the reporting requirements of the Department of Transportation and  in connection with the Regional Airline Services provided hereunder.

 

Section 6.02 Audits.

 

 

  

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(a) Compliance Audits.  Upon the reasonable prior written request by Delta, Pinnacle Corp. and Pinnacle shall make available for inspection by Delta their respective books and the books of all of their Subsidiaries and Affiliates, including but not limited to general ledger backup (monthly) for financial statements and records, to the extent that such books and records relate to the provision of Regional Airline Services operated pursuant to this Agreement, and otherwise to the extent reasonably necessary to audit Pinnacle Corp.’s, Pinnacle’s compliance with the terms hereof. Delta shall also be entitled to make copies and notes of such information as it deems necessary and to discuss such records and the finances and accounts of Pinnacle Corp. and Pinnacle with each Company’s Chief Financial Officer or other employee or agent of Pinnacle Corp. or Pinnacle knowledgeable about such records.

 

(b) Inventory Audits.  At Delta’s request, during the Term Pinnacle and Delta shall conduct an annual inventory audit of all spare parts, tooling and ground support equipment owned by Delta and leased to Pinnacle or owned by Delta and supplied to Pinnacle.  Such audit shall not be requested more than one time per calendar year.  In conducting such audit, the Parties shall tabulate the quantity and type of all spare parts and ground support equipment including recognition of spare parts and ground support equipment which were scrapped in the preceding year(s). Such audit, when completed and agreed to by the Parties, shall be final.

 

Section 6.03 Inspections.  Delta shall be entitled to conduct on-site observations of Pinnacle’s in-flight service, flight, maintenance, technical operations, gate-check in service, ground operations, Aircraft cleaning and any and all other services and operations performed under this Agreement to monitor Pinnacle’s operations in the same manner as similar functions are evaluated at Delta.  The purpose of such inspections shall be to determine Pinnacle’s compliance with applicable Governmental Regulations, state and local laws, equipment manufacturer’s instructions and the standards established by this Agreement.  Pinnacle’s operations will be evaluated according to the same standards as Delta taking into account the differences in size and operational capabilities between the airlines.  Such inspections may be announced or unannounced, but under no circumstances shall they interfere with the operation of Pinnacle’s business.  Delta shall report the findings of any such inspection to Pinnacle in writing.  Pinnacle shall provide a timely written response detailing a plan of corrective action to remedy any deficiencies noted in an inspection.  If any deficiency comes to the attention of Pinnacle through audits or any other means, Pinnacle shall take immediate corrective action.

 

Section 6.04 Confidentiality/Publicity.  Each of the Parties agrees that, except as otherwise required by Governmental Regulations or any other applicable law, it shall not disclose to others and shall keep confidential the terms of this Agreement and any confidential, non-public information concerning the other Parties that it obtains as a result of or pursuant to this Agreement.  Neither Pinnacle Corp., Pinnacle, nor any of their respective Affiliates shall  issue any press release or public announcement relating to new Scheduled Flights, the cessation of Scheduled Flights in any Service City, schedule changes, customer initiatives, marketing programs or promotions, without Delta’s prior written approval of the press release or public announcement.  In any such press release or public announcement, Pinnacle shall identify itself as a Delta Connection carrier.

 

 

  

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ARTICLE VII

 

 

DELTA IDENTIFICATION

 

Section 7.01 Identification License.  Delta hereby grants to Pinnacle a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license to use the DL Identification in connection with the operation of the Regional Airline Services as authorized hereunder.

 

Section 7.02 Designator License.  Delta hereby grants to Pinnacle a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license to use the Designator in connection with the operation of the Scheduled Flights as authorized hereunder.

 

Section 7.03 New Identifications.  From time to time in its sole discretion, Delta may change any DL Identifications and/or Designators upon notice to Pinnacle.  After receipt of such notice, Pinnacle shall, as soon as practicable, but no later than thirty (30) days thereafter, commence use solely of the new DL Identifications and/or Designators and cease all use of any superseded ones.  Delta shall reimburse Pinnacle for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Pinnacle in making such changes.

 

Section 7.04 Use of Identification.  Delta shall have exclusive control over the use and display of all DL Identifications and Designators, and Pinnacle shall comply with all policies and guidelines of Delta in this regard.  Pinnacle shall use the DL Identifications and Designators in good faith, in a dignified manner and in compliance with good trademark practice.  Pinnacle shall use the DL Identifications and Designators exactly as prescribed by Delta, and shall not use (a) any stylization, abbreviation or variation thereof or (b) the DL Identifications and Designators in connection or combination with any other Identification, in each case, without Delta’s prior written consent, which may be withheld in its sole discretion.

 

Section 7.05 Quality Control.  Pinnacle shall use the DL Identifications and Designators only in connection with products and services that comply with the high standards of quality associated with Delta. At Delta’s request, Pinnacle shall submit representative samples to Delta of all uses by Pinnacle of the DL Identifications and Designators pursuant to this Agreement, including Sections 2.02, 4.03(f), 4.07(d) and 4.09(e).  Pinnacle shall receive the prior written approval of Delta for any new uses of the DL Identifications and Designators, including on any advertising and promotional materials.  Once such approval is received, Pinnacle does not need to resubmit such materials for approval unless they contain non-trivial modifications.

 

Section 7.06 Reservation of Rights.  All rights not expressly granted to Pinnacle hereunder are expressly reserved by Delta, including without limitation the right to use or license others to use any DL Identifications or Designators.  Pinnacle shall not use the DL Identification or Designator except as expressly authorized herein, and has no right to use any other Identification of Delta other than the specific DL Identification in the exact form prescribed by Delta from time to time.

 

Section 7.07 Ownership.  Pinnacle hereby acknowledges that, as between the Parties, Delta is the sole owner of the names “Delta” and “ Delta Connection,” the initials “DL,”

 

 

  

46

  

and any Designators or DL Identifications related thereto or otherwise licensed to Pinnacle hereunder.  Pinnacle agrees not to directly or indirectly question attack, contest or impugn the validity and/or Delta’s rights in the Designators and DL Identifications, including without limitation by attempting to register title to or any intellectual property rights in same or by participating in any action or proceeding adverse to Delta in this regard.  Pinnacle agrees to cooperate fully with Delta in all actions to enforce, police and defend Delta’s rights in the Designators and DL Identifications, subject to reimbursement for its out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Section 7.08 Termination.  Should this Agreement expire or terminate for any reason, the licenses in Sections 7.01 and 7.02 shall immediately terminate (although Sections 7.07 and 7.08 shall survive), and Pinnacle shall promptly, but in any event within ninety (90) days (one hundred twenty (120) days with respect to any distinctive color scheme), take all such actions as may be necessary to change its facilities, equipment, uniforms, supplies and other materials to cease all use of any Designators and DL Identifications and to avoid any customer confusion or the suggestion or appearance that Pinnacle continues to have an operating relationship with Delta.

 

Section 7.09 Bankruptcy.  The Parties intend that the identity of Pinnacle as the licensee hereunder is a material condition to Delta’s granting of the licenses in Section 7.01 and Section 7.02, and that this Agreement should be construed overall as a contract for the personal services of Pinnacle.  Therefore, in the event Pinnacle becomes subject to a bankruptcy proceeding, the Parties intend that this Agreement shall not be assumed and/or assigned by Pinnacle without Delta’s consent, provided that Delta hereby consents to Pinnacle’s assumption of this Agreement in connection with the Bankruptcy Cases.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

 

TAXES AND FEES

 

Section 8.01 Taxes and Fees.

 

(a) Pinnacle shall be liable for and pay the amount of any taxes (other than Ticket Taxes and Fees which are addressed separately in Section 8.02 below), duties, license fees, assessments, and other charges, together with any interest and penalties thereon, levied, assessed, or imposed by any federal, foreign, state or local taxing or airport authority related or attributable to (i) the property owned or used by Pinnacle, and (ii) the performance of Regional Airline Services pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(b) Excluded from the coverage of Section 8.01(a) are any taxes based on the net income of Delta.

 

Section 8.02 Ticket Taxes and Fees.

 

(a) For all sales by Pinnacle using Delta ticket stock or air waybills, Pinnacle shall be responsible for (i) collecting all Ticket Taxes and Fees, and (ii) remitting such Ticket Taxes and Fees to Delta at the same time as the revenues to which the Ticket Taxes and Fees relate are received by Delta.  Delta then shall be responsible for remitting to the appropriate governmental entities and taxing authorities Ticket Taxes and Fees remitted by Pinnacle to Delta.

 

 

  

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(b) Pinnacle shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Delta and its current or former officers, directors, employees, agents, and its affiliates (the “DL Indemnitees”) from and against all assessments or payments for Ticket Taxes and Fees related to all sales by Pinnacle using Delta ticket stock or air waybills, and any interest and/or penalties related thereto.  This indemnification specifically includes, but is not limited to, assessments or payments under Sections 4261, 4263, 4271, 4291, 6662, 6672, 6861 or 7275 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor provisions.  Pinnacle further agrees as part of this indemnification to reimburse the DL Indemnitees for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expenses, the DL Indemnitees have incurred in connection with any such assessment or payment.  The obligations of Pinnacle under this Section 8.02(b) shall remain in effect and shall survive without limitation the termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 8.03 Property Tax, Fuel Tax, and Sales and Use Tax Compliance.

 

(a) On the date thirty (30) days after Delta hires an appropriate individual to prepare Pinnacle property tax returns (the “Commencement Date”), Delta shall become responsible for administering Pinnacle’s property taxes, both real property and personal property.  Delta shall be responsible for notifying Pinnacle in writing of the Commencement Date.  As of the Commencement Date, Delta shall prepare all property tax returns once the appropriate information is gathered by Pinnacle and Delta.  Delta shall prepare the property tax returns with the same care, diligence, and expertise used in filing the property tax returns of Delta. As of the Commencement Date, Delta also shall be responsible for (i) the review of Pinnacle’s property tax assessment notices and accompanying workpapers, and the resolution of any disputes regarding such notices; (ii) the review of Pinnacle’s property tax bills; (iii) the preparation and filing of any property tax refund claims; and (iv) the management of any audits of Pinnacle’s property taxes.  The Parties shall cooperate to ensure that Pinnacle’s property tax returns, refund claims, and property tax bills are reviewed and signed by the properly authorized individual(s).  Depending on who signs the property tax returns or refund claims, the Parties shall cooperate to ensure the timely filing of such property tax returns and refund claims.

 

(b) With respect to fuel taxes, the Parties shall cooperate to ensure that Pinnacle are filing appropriate fuel tax returns and refund claims to minimize Pinnacle’s taxes.  Delta shall determine which entity, Delta or Pinnacle, shall be responsible for preparing and filing appropriate fuel tax returns and refund claims.  Unless Delta determines otherwise and notifies Pinnacle in writing, Pinnacle shall be responsible for all Pinnacle fuel tax filings and payments.  Upon the request of Delta, Delta shall be entitled to review any actual or proposed Pinnacle fuel tax filings.  Pinnacle shall notify Delta of the commencement of any fuel tax audit. Prior to resolving any fuel tax audit, Pinnacle shall receive approval from Delta to resolve any such audit.

 

(c) With respect to sales and use taxes, Delta and Pinnacle shall cooperate to ensure that Pinnacle is filing appropriate sales and use tax returns and refund claims to minimize Pinnacle’s taxes.  Delta shall determine which entity, Delta or Pinnacle, shall be responsible for preparing and filing appropriate sales and use tax returns and refund claims.  Unless Delta determines otherwise and notifies Pinnacle in writing, Pinnacle shall be responsible for all

 

 

  

48

  

Pinnacle sales and use tax filings and payments.  Upon the request of Delta, Delta shall be entitled to review any actual or proposed Pinnacle sales and use tax filings. Pinnacle shall notify Delta of the commencement of any sales or use tax audit. Prior to resolving any sales or use tax audit, Pinnacle shall receive approval from Delta to resolve any such audit.

 

(d) To the extent requested by Delta, Pinnacle shall cooperate with Delta to minimize Pinnacle’s property, fuel, excise, sales, use, value-added, or similar transactional taxes.  Pinnacle shall in good faith and using reasonable best efforts supply Delta with such information and documents reasonably requested by Delta to minimize Pinnacle’s property, fuel, excise, sales, use, value-added, or similar transactional taxes.  Unless Delta determines otherwise, Pinnacle shall use its reasonable best efforts to seek any and all applicable refunds or credits of excise, sales, use, value-added, or similar transactional taxes paid by Pinnacle.

 

Section 8.04 Refunds of Tax.  To the extent Delta prepares and/or is responsible for pursuing any refunds or refund claims related to Pinnacle’s fuel, excise, sales, use, value-added or similar transactional taxes, Delta shall be entitled to retain one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of any such refund, credit or other benefit.  To the extent Pinnacle prepares or is responsible for pursuing any such refunds or refund claims, Pinnacle, together, shall retain thirty percent (30%) of the amount of any such refund, credit or other benefit (inclusive of interest) it receives, and the remaining seventy percent (70%) (inclusive of interest) shall be paid to Delta within ten (10) days of its receipt or recognition of benefit by Pinnacle.  Any refunds, credits or other benefits received related to Pinnacle’s property taxes will be retained by Pinnacle and will act to reduce Pinnacle’s direct expenses pursuant to Section 5.06(l).

 

ARTICLE IX

 

 

LIABILITY, INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE

 

Section 9.01 Independent Contractor.

 

(a) Except for the limited purpose described in Section 5.01 hereof, Pinnacle shall act as independent contractors.  The employees, agents and/or independent contractors of Pinnacle engaged in performing any of the services Pinnacle is obligated to perform pursuant to this Agreement shall be employees, agents and independent contractors of Pinnacle for all purposes and under no circumstances shall employees, agents or independent contractors of Pinnacle be deemed to be employees, agents or independent contractors of Delta.  Except for the limited purpose described in Section 5.01 hereof, in its performance of obligations under this Agreement, Pinnacle shall act, for all purposes, as an independent contractor and not as an agent for Delta.  Delta shall have no supervisory power or control over any employees, agents or independent contractors engaged by Pinnacle in connection with Pinnacle’s performance of its obligations hereunder, and all complaints or requested changes in procedure shall, in all events, be transmitted by Delta to a designated representative of Pinnacle.  Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to limit or condition Pinnacle’s control over its operation or the conduct of its business as an air carrier, and Pinnacle assumes all risks of financial losses which may result from the operation of the air services to be provided by Pinnacle hereunder.

 

 

  

49

  

 

(b) Delta shall act as an independent contractor.  The employees, agents and/or independent contractors of Delta engaged in performing any of the services Delta is to perform pursuant to this Agreement shall be employees, agents and independent contractors of Delta for all purposes and under no circumstances shall employees, agents and independent contractors of Delta be deemed to be employees, agents or independent contractors of Pinnacle.  In performing its obligations under this Agreement, Delta shall act, for all purposes, as an independent contractor and not as an agent for Pinnacle.  Pinnacle shall not have any supervisory power or control over any employees, agents or independent contractors engaged by Delta in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder, and all complaints or requested changes in procedure shall, in all events, be transmitted by Pinnacle to a designated representative of Delta.  Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to limit or condition Delta’s control over its operation or the conduct of its business as an air carrier.

 

Section 9.02 Indemnification.

 

(a) Each Party assumes full responsibility for any and all liability to its own officers, employees or agents on account of injury or death resulting from or sustained in the performance of their respective services under this Agreement.  Each Party shall indemnify, defend, protect, save and hold harmless the other Party, its officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all liabilities, claims, demands, suits, judgments, damages and losses (including the costs, fees and expenses in connection therewith and incident thereto) brought against the other Party, its officers, employees or agents by or on behalf of any other person, by reason of damage to or destruction of property of any such person, or injury to or death of such person, caused by or arising out of any act or omission by the indemnifying Party occurring while this Agreement is in effect.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Party shall be liable for indemnifying the other for claims of third parties if caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the other.  Each Party shall give the other Party prompt and timely notice if it has actual knowledge of any claim made or suit instituted against the other Party which in any way results in indemnification hereunder, and the other Party shall have the right to compromise or participate in the defense of such claim or suit to the extent of its own interest.

 

(b) Delta shall indemnify Pinnacle against any physical loss of or damage to the Aircraft caused by Delta’s negligent operation of ground support equipment or other acts or omissions of Delta in performing Ground Handling Functions pursuant to Section 4.02 above; provided, however, that Delta’s liability shall be limited to any such loss or damage to the Aircraft not exceeding the amount of the deductible with respect to such Aircraft under Pinnacle’s hull risk insurance policy, except that loss or damage in respect of any incident below $3,000 shall not be indemnified.  For the avoidance of doubt, Delta shall not be liable to Pinnacle for any consequential loss or damage arising from physical loss of or damage to the Aircraft, and Pinnacle shall not make any claim against Delta and shall indemnify it against any liability in respect of any and all such consequential loss or damage howsoever arising.

 

(c) The obligations of Pinnacle and Delta under the indemnity and insurance provisions contained herein shall remain in effect and shall survive without limitation the

 

 

  

50

  

termination of this Agreement with respect to any occurrence or claims arising during the Term of or in connection with this Agreement.

 

(d) If Pinnacle joins the fuel consortium at a Service City (i) Pinnacle shall indemnify Delta against any liabilities, claims, demands, suits, judgments, fines, penalties, and actual damages (including the costs, fees and expenses in connection therewith and incident thereto) brought against Delta, its officers, employees or agents by or on behalf of any other person, by reason of Pinnacle’s acts or omissions in connection with or related to its participation in the fuel consortium at such Service City and which occur while this Agreement is in effect, and (ii) Delta shall indemnify Pinnacle against any liabilities, claims, demands, suits, judgments, fines, penalties, and actual damages (including the costs, fees and expenses in connection therewith and incident thereto) brought against Pinnacle, its officers, employees or agents by or on behalf of any other person, by reason of the acts or omission of Delta or any other party to such fuel consortium in connection with or related to the participation of Delta or such other party in the fuel consortium at such Service City and which occur while this Agreement is in effect.  Except as set forth in this Section 9.02(d), in all other respects the terms of the Agreement regarding relative liabilities and indemnification among the Parties hereto govern claims, damages, or liabilities caused by or arising from the act or omission of any Party hereto.

 

Section 9.03 Insurance.

 

(a) Pinnacle agrees, at its sole expense, to maintain in full force and effect the following insurance coverage with respect to Regional Airline Services:

 

(i) Workers’ compensation and occupational disease insurance, subject to the laws of the states wherein this Agreement is being performed.  Such coverage shall include employers liability insurance with a minimum limit of [***] per incident.

 

(ii) Comprehensive aviation bodily injury and property damage liability insurance with limits of not less than [***] combined single limit per occurrence (or such other minimum amount as may be reasonably requested by Delta from time to time), including, but not limited to, aircraft liability, passenger legal liability, premises and property damage liability, hangar keepers liability and baggage and cargo liability.  Such insurance shall include personal injury and contractual liability, and shall also include war risk and allied perils, hijack and confiscation coverage with a limit of not less than [***] per incident.

 

(iii) All risk hull insurance on the Aircraft, including hull war risk coverage as required by Delta.

 

(b) Prior to the commencement of Regional Airline Services under this Agreement and at least annually thereafter, certificates of insurance in a form satisfactory to Delta shall be delivered to Delta evidencing compliance with the insurance terms of this Agreement.  All of the above policies shall have deductible amounts as established by Delta, and, in any event, all of the above insurance shall be written through an insurance company or companies reasonably satisfactory to Delta, and the certificates of insurance shall be of a type

 

 

  

51

  

that unconditionally obligates the insurer to notify Delta in writing at least thirty (30) days (or such lesser period as may be available for war peril coverage) in advance of the effective date in the event of any material change in or cancellation of such insurance.  The policies of insurance required by paragraphs (ii) and (iii) of Section 9.03(a) shall provide coverage for events which occur during the policy period, are continuing in nature and not on a claims made basis, and shall include endorsements that provide:

 

(i) That the Underwriters acknowledge that the indemnification and hold harmless provisions of this Agreement are insured under Pinnacle’s blanket contractual liability coverage.

 

(ii) That Delta, its officers, agents and employees are named as additional insureds thereunder.

 

(iii) That the insurance is primary with respect to the matters within such coverage, irrespective of any insurance carried by Delta.

 

(iv) That with respect to the interest of Delta, the insurance shall not be invalidated by any breach of warranty by Pinnacle.

 

(v) That provide a severability of interest/cross liability endorsement.

 

(vi) That the insurer shall waive its subrogation rights against Delta, its officers, agents and employees.

 

(vii) That any waiver of rights of subrogation against other parties by Pinnacle will not affect the coverage provided with respect to Delta.

 

(c) In the event the U.S. Government reimburses Pinnacle or its Affiliates for excess insurance costs incurred as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks or other such occurrences, Pinnacle will promptly remit such reimbursement, including the applicable Margin Payment, if any, to Delta in immediately available funds.

 

(d) [***].

 

ARTICLE X

 

 

TERM AND TERMINATION

 

Section 10.01 Term.  The 2003 ASA was made effective as of January 1, 2003 (the “Initial Effective Date”), and the 2007 Restatement made effective as of January 1, 2007.  This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and, unless earlier terminated as provided herein, shall continue in effect until December 31, 2017; provided that, so long as Pinnacle is not in breach of its obligations under this Agreement on December 31, 2017 or, if Pinnacle is in breach on such date but thereafter cures any such breach within any applicable cure period such that Delta would not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.02 hereof, this Agreement shall continue in effect until July 1, 2022, provided further that, prior to December 31, 2017, Delta shall have the right to elect that each Aircraft be removed

 

 

  

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from Pinnacle’s fleet effective on the applicable expiration date of Delta’s financing arrangement with respect such Aircraft as of the Effective Date (whether occurring before or after July 1, 2022), as set forth in Exhibit N attached hereto (each, an “Aircraft Removal Date”), and in such case this Agreement shall terminate with respect to each Aircraft on the applicable Aircraft Removal Date (the “Renewal Term”), such period in which this Agreement remains in effect, including the Renewal Term, is hereinafter referred to as the “Term”.

 

Section 10.02 Termination by Either Party.

 

(a) In the event that Pinnacle Corp., Pinnacle or Delta (i) makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or becomes insolvent, (ii) files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, (iii) petitions for or acquiesces in the appointment of any receiver, trustee or similar officer to liquidate or conserve its business or any substantial part of its assets, (iv) commences under the laws of any competent jurisdiction any proceeding involving its insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, readjustment of debt, dissolution, liquidation or any other similar proceeding for the relief of financially distressed debtors, (v) becomes the object of any proceeding or action of the type described in (iii) or (iv) above and such proceeding or action remains undismissed or unstayed for a period of at least thirty (30) days, or (vi) is divested of a substantial part of its assets for a period of at least thirty (30) days, then Pinnacle Corp. or Pinnacle (in the event the foregoing occurs with respect to Delta) or Delta (in the event the foregoing occurs with respect to Pinnacle Corp. or Pinnacle) may by written notice terminate this Agreement immediately.

 

(b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 10.03, in the event of a breach of a nonmonetary provision of this Agreement by any Party remaining uncured for more than thirty (30) days after receipt of written notification of such default by the nondefaulting Party, or in the case of a breach requiring more than thirty (30) days notice to cure, the defaulting Party does not begin and pursue with due diligence a method of cure within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notification specifying in reasonable detail the nature of such default from the nondefaulting Party, then the nondefaulting Party may terminate this Agreement at its sole option; provided, however, in the case of a breach by Pinnacle of Section 2.11(c), Delta shall not be permitted to terminate this Agreement unless a breach by Pinnacle of such section shall remain uncured for a period of ninety (90) days or more.

 

(c) In the event of a breach of a monetary provision of this Agreement by either Party and such default remaining uncured for more than thirty (30) days after receipt of written notification specifying in reasonable detail the nature of such default from the nondefaulting Party, then the nondefaulting Party may terminate this Agreement at its sole option.

 

Section 10.03 Termination by Delta.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 10.02(b), Delta shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately and at its sole option if:

 

(a) Pinnacle shall default in the payment of any amount due under any Lease and such default shall continue for more than the period of grace, if any, specified therein and shall not have been waived.

 

 

  

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(b) Pinnacle shall default with respect to any other terms of any Lease, such default shall continue for more than the period of grace, if any, specified therein and shall not have been waived.

 

(c) Pinnacle shall fail to comply with the provisions of Section 9.03 and, as a result thereof, the insurance required thereunder is not in effect.

 

(d) Pinnacle’s failure to pass, in Delta’s reasonable discretion, a safety and codeshare audit to be conducted by Delta, at its sole discretion, at any time during the Term of this Agreement.

 

(e) More than fifty percent (50%) of the Aircraft do not operate any Scheduled Flights for more than seven (7) consecutive days or twenty-five percent (25%) of the Aircraft do not operate any Scheduled Flights for more than twenty-one (21) consecutive days, other than as a result of (i) an FAA order which grounds all commercial flights of all air carriers or grounds a specific Aircraft type of all air carriers, (ii) a scheduling action by Delta, or (iii) Delta’s inability to perform its obligations under this Agreement as a result of a strike by Delta employees.

 

(f) Pinnacle’s FAA or DOT Certification is for any reason revoked or otherwise not in full force and effect so as to permit Pinnacle to perform the Regional Airline Services required under this Agreement.

 

(g) Pinnacle or a Pinnacle Affected Company shall commence operating an aircraft type that causes Delta to be in violation of its collective bargaining agreement with its pilots as in effect on the Effective Date.

 

(h) Pinnacle or any Affiliate of Pinnacle shall default with respect to the material terms of any other agreement between Pinnacle or such Affiliate of Pinnacle and Delta or any Affiliate of Delta (any such agreement, a “Related Party Agreement”), and such default shall continue for more than the period of grace, if any, specified therein and shall not have been waived.

 

 

Section 10.4                      Effect of Termination.  Termination of this Agreement for any reason shall not relieve any Party of rights and obligations incurred prior to the effective date of termination.  A Party’s right to terminate this Agreement shall be in addition to any other rights or remedies, in law or equity, available to such party.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

  

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Section 11.01 Limitation on Performance.  The obligation of Delta and Pinnacle to perform under the terms of this Agreement shall be limited or modified by, and no such carrier shall be deemed to be in default hereunder as a result of any of the following causes:

 

(a) Acts of God or the public enemy, civil war, insurrections or riots; fires, floods, explosions, embargoes, earthquakes or serious accidents, epidemics, or quarantine restrictions; any act of government, governmental priorities, allocations, orders or Governmental Regulations affecting materials or facilities, inability after due and timely diligence to procure materials, accessories, equipment or parts; or due to any other cause to the extent it is beyond that carrier’s practical control or not occasioned by that carrier’s fault or negligence.

 

(b) Cessation, slow-down or interruption of work, or any other labor disturbance involving Delta.

 

Section 11.02 Mutual Cooperation.  Delta and Pinnacle shall use their reasonable best efforts to cooperate with each other in performing their respective obligations under this Agreement.

 

Section 11.03 Representations and Warranties.  Except as expressly set forth herein, neither Delta nor Pinnacle shall make any representations or warranties, expressed or implied, under or in connection with this Agreement.

 

Section 11.04 Assignment.  This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Parties.

 

Section 11.05 Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota, notwithstanding the choice of law provisions thereof.

 

Section 11.06 Interline and Other Agreements.  Delta agrees, to the extent it has the right to do so, to permit Pinnacle to avail itself of all its rights, privileges and amenities pursuant to its interline agreements and all industry trade or other agreements between Delta and any other air carriers. Delta shall take all action and execute such documents as may be necessary to enable Pinnacle to avail itself of the maximum benefits afforded by such agreements.  Subject to Delta's prior written approval, Pinnacle may enter into interline agreements with air carriers other than those air carriers covered by the two preceding sentences.

 

Section 11.07 Notices.  All notices given hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be delivered in person or deposited in the United States mail, certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, with adequate postage prepaid, or given by courier, telex, facsimile, or other expedient written means, addressed as follows:

 

 

  

55

  

	
If to Delta:

	
Delta Air Lines, Inc.

7500 Airline Drive, C009

Minneapolis, MN 55450-1101

Dept. 915

Attn: Senior Vice President- Delta Connection

Telecopy:  (612) 727-4104

	  	  
	
With copies to:

	
Delta Air Lines, Inc.

1030 Delta Boulevard

Atlanta, GA  30354

Dept. 981

Attn: Senior V.P. and General Counsel

Telecopy:  (404) 715-2233

 

	  	  
	
If to Pinnacle:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With copies to:

 

	
Pinnacle Airlines Corp.

One Commerce Square Building

40 South Main Street

Memphis, TN  38103

Attention:  Chief Financial Officer

Telecopy:  (901) 348-4262

 

Pinnacle Airlines Corp.

One Commerce Square Building

40 South Main Street

Memphis, TN  38103

Attention:  General Counsel

Telecopy:  (901) 348-4103

or to such other address as the respective Parties hereto shall designate by notice in writing to the other Party.  Notices shall be deemed received and given on the date of delivery or the date of refusal of delivery as shown by the return receipt.

 

Section 11.08 Parties.  Except as provided to the contrary herein, this Agreement, and the rights and obligations created hereunder, shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective Parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 11.09 Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall constitute one agreement.

 

Section 11.10 Severability.  If any term of this Agreement shall be judicially determined to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable at law or in equity, it shall be deemed to be void and of no force and effect to the extent necessary to bring such term within the provisions of

 

 

  

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any such applicable law or laws, and such terms as so modified and the balance of the terms of this Agreement shall remain enforceable.

 

Section 11.11 Captions, Section Headings and Table of Contents.  Captions, section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience only and are not a part of this Agreement and shall not be used in construing it.

 

Section 11.12 Availability of Equitable Remedies; Procedures.

 

(a) In the event of a breach by either Party of any provision of this Agreement, the nonbreaching Party may give notice thereof to the breaching Party, which notice shall specify in reasonable detail the nature of the breach and shall demand that the breaching Party either cure the breach or refrain from conduct constituting the breach (herein the “conduct”), as may be applicable.  If (i) the breaching Party has not cured the breach or refrained from the conduct, as may be applicable, within ten (10) days following receipt of the notice from the nonbreaching Party, or (ii) the breaching Party does not begin within ten (10) days following receipt of the notice to pursue with reasonable diligence a method of cure or begin to take steps toward ceasing the conduct where the breach or conduct is such that it requires more than ten (10) days to cure or to cease, as may be applicable, then the nonbreaching Party may seek to compel performance by the breaching Party in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (b) below.  If, upon receiving a notice contemplated by this paragraph (a), a breaching Party believes that a breach has not occurred or that the conduct specified in the notice does not constitute a breach of the provisions of this Agreement, but the breaching Party nonetheless cures the alleged breach or refrains from the conduct within ten (10) days following receipt of such notice, such Party may thereafter proceed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (b) below to seek a determination of whether a breach occurred or whether the specified conduct constituted a breach of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

(b) Because a breach of the provisions of this Agreement could not adequately be compensated by money damages, any Party shall be entitled, following notification in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a) above, to an injunction restraining such breach or threatened breach and to specific performance of any provision of this Agreement and, in either case, no bond or other security shall be required in connection therewith, and the Parties hereby consent to the issuance of such injunction and to the ordering of specific performance.  Further, in the event any Party refrains from the conduct of any activity alleged in a notice received pursuant to paragraph (a) above to constitute a breach of the provisions of this Agreement, such Party may thereafter proceed promptly to bring an action in the District Court, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota, for an expedited judicial determination as to whether the conduct specified constitutes a breach of the provisions of this Agreement and, upon a determination that the conduct does not constitute a breach, such Party may promptly thereafter recommence such conduct.

 

Section 11.13 Exhibits.  The Exhibits attached hereto are intended to be an integral part of this Agreement and are incorporated into the Agreement by reference for all purposes.

 

 

  

57

  

 

Section 11.14 Integration and Entire Agreement.  This Agreement (including the Exhibits) and the ancillary documents entered into in connection therewith are intended by the Parties as a complete statement of the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and all matters between the Parties related to the subject matter herein and therein set forth.  This Agreement may only be amended or modified by a written agreement between Pinnacle, on the one hand, and Delta, on the other, which specifically references this Agreement and expressly provides for such amendment.

 

Section 11.15 Relationship of Parties.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed as establishing between the Parties a partnership, joint venture or other similar arrangement.

 

Section 11.16 2010 Restatement.  The Parties agree that the 2010 Restatement is hereby amended and restated effective as of the Effective Date.  It is the intent of the Parties hereto that all rights, privileges, obligations and duties of the Parties arising prior to the Effective Date, including the calculation of any amounts due to any Party in respect of such period, shall be governed by the provisions of the 2010 Restatement; and all rights, privileges, obligations and duties of the Parties arising from and after the Effective Date, including the calculation of any amounts due to any Party in respect of such period, shall be governed by the provisions of this Agreement.

 

Section 11.17 Parent Guarantee.

 

(a) Pinnacle Corp. hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to Delta the due and punctual performance by Pinnacle of Pinnacle’s obligations, agreements and covenants arising under this Agreement and under each term and condition hereof (collectively, the “Obligations”).  If Pinnacle shall fail or be unable to perform any such Obligation as and when the same shall be required to be performed, then Pinnacle Corp., at its sole cost and expense, shall be obligated to promptly perform or cause to be promptly performed each such Obligation in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof.  This guaranty is a guaranty of payment, performance and compliance and not of collectibility and is in no way conditioned or contingent upon any attempt to collect from or enforce performance or compliance by Pinnacle or upon any other event or condition whatsoever.  If for any reason any payment Obligation amount shall not be paid by Pinnacle when due, Pinnacle Corp. shall immediately pay such amount to the person entitled thereto pursuant to this Agreement, as if such amount constituted the direct and primary obligation of Pinnacle Corp. and regardless of whether any person has taken any steps to enforce any rights against such Party to collect such amount.

 

                               (b)     To the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, the obligations of Pinnacle Corp. and Pinnacle hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional, shall be continuing and remain in full force and effect until final and irrevocable payment or performance, and shall not be released, discharged, affected or impaired in any respect by: (a) any amendment, modification, or cancellation of, or addition or supplement to this Agreement; (b) any exercise, acceleration, extension, compromise, settlement, non-exercise, waiver, release, or cancellation by Delta of any right, remedy, power or privilege under or related to this Agreement or any other guaranty of any obligations of Pinnacle; (c) the invalidity or unenforceability, in whole or in part,

 

  

58

  

of this Agreement; (d) any change in the corporate existence, structure or ownership of either Pinnacle Corp. or Pinnacle or any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting either of them or their assets; or (e) any other occurrence, circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether similar or dissimilar to the foregoing, whether foreseen or unforeseen, and any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable defense, release or discharge of the liabilities of a guarantor or surety, or which might otherwise limit recourse against Pinnacle Corp. or Pinnacle.  If acceleration of the time for the performance or payment of any Obligation is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of Pinnacle, all Obligations that are subject to acceleration under the terms of this Agreement shall nonetheless be performed or payable hereunder by Pinnacle Corp. or Pinnacle, as applicable.

(c) Each of Pinnacle Corp. and Pinnacle hereby specifically agrees that it shall not be necessary or required as a condition to enforcement of the obligations hereunder against it, that there be (and each of Pinnacle Corp. and Pinnacle, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, specifically waives) diligence, presentment, or protest of any kind whatsoever with respect to the respective guaranty by Pinnacle Corp. and Pinnacle or the Obligations; such waiver includes, without limitation: (i) presentment for payment upon Pinnacle Corp. or Pinnacle or the making of any protest; (ii) any requirement to exhaust any remedies exercisable upon a default under this Agreement or to give any notice of non-performance or non-payment; (iii) any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge, release or defense of a guarantor or surety; or (iv) so long as any Obligation remains outstanding, any right of subrogation by virtue of any performance or payment made hereunder.  Each of Pinnacle Corp. and Pinnacle agrees that any payment or performance of the Obligations guaranteed by it hereunder or other act that tolls any statute of limitations applicable to enforcement of the Obligations shall similarly operate to toll any statute of limitations applicable to any liability of Pinnacle Corp. or Pinnacle pursuant to this Section 11.17.  In addition, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each of Pinnacle Corp. and Pinnacle waives the benefit and advantage of any and all valuation, stay, appraisement, extension or redemption laws which, but for this provision, agreement and waiver, might be applicable to any sale made under any judgment, order or decree of any court or otherwise based on the respective guaranty of Pinnacle Corp. and Pinnacle pursuant to this Section 11.17.  All waivers made by Pinnacle Corp. or Pinnacle in this Section 11.17 are intentional and made by Pinnacle Corp. or Pinnacle, as applicable, after due consideration of all the consequences thereof.

 

(d) All of the terms and conditions of this Section 11.17 shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of the Parties; provided that neither Pinnacle Corp. nor Pinnacle may assign, delegate or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior consent of Delta.

 

 

  

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Delta, Pinnacle and Pinnacle Corp. have executed this Agreement on the Effective Date.

 

	
PINNACLE AIRLINES, INC.

 

 

 

By:        /s/ Brian T. Hunt

  Brian T. Hunt

Vice President and General Counsel

 

	
DELTA AIR LINES, INC.

 

 

 

By:    /s/ Donald T. Bornhorst      

          Donald T. Bornhorst

Senior Vice President – Delta Connection

	  	  
	  	  
	  	  
	
PINNACLE AIRLINES CORP.

 

 

 

By:        /s/ Brian T. Hunt

Brian T. Hunt

Vice President and General Counsel

	  

 

 

  

60

  

EXHIBIT D

 

	
  

	
CANCELLATION CODES

 

 

19G – Inter Carrier Substitution – Delta Requested

19H – Delta Requested Cancellation

19K – Passenger Overfly

 

 

61

  

EXHIBIT E

	
  

	
OPERATIONAL METRICS – GOAL ESTABLISHMENT

 

 

1.           Completion Factor – is calculated by taking a weighted average of the performance levels by category based on the number of combined actual departures and arrivals within each category during the Performance Period.

 

CF Performance Levels:

 

	
Category

	
Additional Penalty

	
Penalty

	
Neutral

	
JFK/LGA

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
All Other

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
Threshold

	
Calculated

	
Calculated

	
Calculated

 

Formula :

 

TSDA = Total system departures and arrivals

 

TNDA = Total departures and arrivals to/from LGA/JFK

 

TNDA/TSDA = TNY

 

1-TNY = TSY

 

Additional Penalty Range = < (JFK/LGA Additional Penalty Value)(TNY) + (All Other Additional Penalty Value)(TSY)

 

Penalty Range = (JFK/LGA Penalty Value Low Range)(TNY) + (All Other Penalty Value Low Range)(TSY) – <(JFK/LGA Penalty Value Upper Range)(TNY) + (All Other Penalty Value Upper Range)(TSY)

 

Neutral = ≥ (JFK/LGA Neutral Value)(TNY) + (All Other Neutral Value)(TSY)

 

 

Example:

 

	
·  

	
JFK/LGA represents 10% of system arrivals/departures in Performance Period

 

	
·  

	
“All other” represents 90% of system arrivals/departures in same period

 

	
·  

	
Neutral threshold: ([***] * .10) + ([***] * .90) = [***]

 

 

2.           On-Time – is calculated by taking a weighted average of the performance levels by category based on the number of combined actual departures and arrivals within each category during the Performance Period.

 

 

62

  

D0 Performance Levels:

 

	
Category

	
Additional Penalty

	
Penalty

	
Neutral

	
JFK/LGA

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
All Other

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
Treshold

	
Calculated

	
Calculated

	
Calculated

 

A0 Performance Levels:

 

	
Category

	
Additional Penalty

	
Penalty

	
Neutral

	
JFK/LGA

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
All Other

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
Treshold

	
Calculated

	
Calculated

	
Calculated

 

Minimum On-Time – is calculated by taking the sum of the weighted averages of the performance levels by category based on the number of combined actual departures and arrivals within each category during the applicable Performance Period.

 

	
Category

	
A0

	
D0

	
JFK/LGA

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
All Other

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
Minimum Threshold

	
Calculated

	
Calculated

 

 

  

63

  

EXHIBIT F

PASS TRAVEL PRIVILEGES

 

Attached as Exhibit F-1 is the Parties’ agreement with respect to pass travel benefits made available to Pinnacle upon the effective date of the 2003 ASA.

 

Without expanding or limiting (or modifying in any way) any of the Parties’ rights and obligations with respect to pass travel benefits as set forth in the 2003 ASA, the Parties acknowledge and agree that the space available leisure pass travel benefits under Delta’s Pass Travel Policies applicable to employees of Pinnacle as of the Effective Date (other than with respect to paragraph III.10 in Exhibit F-1) are set forth in Exhibit F-2 attached hereto.

 

 

  

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Exhibit F-1

 

PASS TRAVEL PRIVILEGES

 

[***]

 

65

  

Exhibit F-2

 

DELTA CONNECTION EMPLOYEE NON-REVENUE

 

SPACE AVAILABLE PASS TRAVEL POLICIES

 

[***]

 

 

 

  

66

  

EXHIBIT G

 

HUB CITY FACILITY CHARGES

 

Rental rates chargeable to Pinnacle for the sub-leased space at all Hub Cities shall be [***] per month in the aggregate, regardless of the number or identity of Hub Cities.

 

 

67

  

EXHIBIT H

 

CRJ FUEL BURN (PENALTY) FORMULAS

 

Note:  The formulas below are to be used for the calculation of fuel burn penalty as it pertains to each performance measure and the All-in Rate.  The penalty, while settled on an annual basis, is based on a monthly calculation.  The result of the calculation for each performance measure shall be netted together to produce a net penalty, if one should exist.  To the extent that formulas do not yet exist (i.e., Cruise Speed and Altitude), the Parties mutually agree to document those formulas when those performance measures are implemented.  Per Section 5.05(d), the All-in Rate is first adjusted for the variances that exist with respect to each performance measure, and then to the extent an unfavorable variance to budget exists, the penalty formula below for the All-in Rate is applied.  A penalty is assessed if the cause of variance is deemed within the control of Pinnacle.  An example for a month is illustrated in Attachment 1 hereto.

 

1.           Excess Planned Fuel on Arrival (FOA)

 

Monthly Penalty:

(Average Actual FOA in lbs-Target) x CTC / [***] / Block Hours per Cycle x Total Block Hours x Fuel cost per gallon

 

Plus Margin applicable to the fuel expense reimbursement pursuant to Section 5.08 or Section 5.12.

 

Assumptions:

	
·  

	
Block Hours based on scheduled and unscheduled operations/cycles that returned legitimate FOA values (on the flight history database)

 

	
·  

	
Cost to Carry (CTC) varies with average enroute time; CTC = ([***] x Avg ETE) + [***]

 

	
·  

	
Fuel cost per gallon = actual price per gallon incurred by Delta per Section 5.05(a)(ii) including into-plane fees and taxes.

 

2.           Excess Planned Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW)

 

Monthly penalty:

(Average Planned ZFW - Average Actual ZFW-target tolerance in lbs) x CTC x CTC / [***] / Block Hours per Cycle x Total Block Hours x Fuel cost per gallon

 

Plus Margin applicable to the fuel expense reimbursement pursuant to Section 5.08 or Section 5.12.

 

Assumptions:

	
·  

	
Block Hours based on scheduled and unscheduled operations

 

	
·  

	
Cost to Carry (CTC) varies with average enroute time; CTC = ([***] x Avg ETE) + [***]

 

	
·  

	
Fuel cost per gallon = actual price per gallon incurred by Delta per Section 5.05(a)(ii) including into-plane fees and taxes.

 

 

68

  

3.           Excess Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Burn

 

Monthly Penalty:

(Average Actual APU hrs per flight hour-Target) x Flt to Blk Hour Ratio x Total Block Hours x [***] x Fuel cost per gallon

 

Plus Margin applicable to the fuel expense reimbursement pursuant to Section 5.08 or Section 5.12.

 

Assumptions:

	
·  

	
APU burn rate = [***] pph per Bombardier (w/Air and electric load)

 

	
·  

	
APU runs almost exclusively w/air load but not necessarily electric. Reduction in rate w/electric removed insignificant per 9E

 

	
·  

	
Flight hours and Block hours based on all 9E operations (scheduled and unscheduled)

 

	
·  

	
Fuel cost per gallon = actual price per gallon incurred by Delta per Section 5.05(a)(ii) including into-plane fees and taxes.

 

4.           Cruise Speed

 

To be determined.

 

5.           Cruise Altitude

 

To be determined.

 

6.           All-in Rate

 

(To be applied after adjusting for known variances to performance measures above as shown in the sample calculation set forth in Attachment 1 hereto)

 

Monthly Penalty:

(Actual All-in Gallons per block hour-Target) x Total Block Hours x Fuel cost per gallon

 

Plus Margin applicable to the fuel expense reimbursement pursuant to Section 5.08 or Section 5.12.

 

Assumptions:

	
·  

	
Fuel cost per gallon = actual price per gallon incurred by Delta per Section 5.05(a)(ii) including into-plane fees and taxes.

 

 

69

  

EXHIBIT I

 

PARITY PAY AGREEMENT

 

Parity Pay Agreement

 

The Parties agree that labor costs resulting from pay rates in excess of Parity Pay Rates for the pilot, flight attendant, customer service/reservations agent, ramp service, and mechanic workgroups will be excluded from Total Operating Cost when calculating the Margin pursuant to Section 5.10(a) and 5.13(a).

 

The Parties agree that labor costs resulting from any significant work rule and/or Premium changes, in lieu of above Parity Pay Rates will be excluded from Total Operating Cost when calculating the Margin pursuant to Section 5.10(a) and 5.13(a).

 

The Parties agree that labor costs resulting from benefits which are in excess of industry parity for the pilot, flight attendant, customer service/reservations agent, ramp service, and mechanic workgroups will be excluded from Total Operating Cost when calculating the Margin pursuant to Section 5.10(a) and 5.13(a).

 

The following definitions are used throughout this parity pay agreement:

 

“Comparison Airlines” shall have the meaning throughout Exhibit I as the five largest (by revenue) publicly traded U.S. domestic regional airlines operating primarily regional jet aircraft.

 

“Premiums” shall mean separate line, longevity, shift, license, skill or other premiums.

 

“RAA” shall mean the Regional Airline Association, Washington, D.C.

 

Definitions provided in the sections below are applicable only to the section in which such terms appear.

 

Pilot and Flight Attendant Employees

 

A.           Procedures

 

Pinnacle’s Pay Rates for the pilot and flight attendant workgroups plus hourly impact of any Bonus Rate are compared to Parity Pay Rates.

 

If Pay Rates exceed Parity Pay Rates in any classification, the labor cost for that classification will be multiplied by the overage percentage and such product will be deducted from Total Operating Cost for purposes of calculating the Margin.

 

Significant work rule and Premiums changes are evaluated on a case by case basis.

 

 

  

70

  

B.           Definitions

 

“Pay Rates” shall be the top of scale hourly rates of pay excluding Premiums.

 

“Bonus Rate” shall be the average bonus payment divided by the timeframe covered (based on 2,080 hours per year).

 

“Parity Pay Rates” shall be the simple average of the Pay Rates at the Comparison Airlines within a classification.  In the event that a comparison airline reduces or eliminates its Premiums and simultaneously increases its basic hourly rates, the portion of the basic hourly rate equal to the Premiums shall be excluded in determining Parity Pay Rates.

 

Customer Service/Reservations Agent, Ramp Service and Mechanic Employees

 

A.           Procedures

 

Pinnacle’s actual Pay for customer service/reservations agent, ramp service, and mechanic workgroups is compared to projected Parity Pay.

 

If Pay exceeds Parity Pay in any classification, the difference will be deducted from Total Operating Cost for purposes of calculating the Margin.

 

Significant work rule and Premiums changes are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

 

B.           Definitions

 

“Pay” is the sum of all customer service/reservation, agent, ramp service and mechanic employees pay, including any bonus payments, within a classification (i.e. customer service agents) and shall exclude Premiums and any overtime premium.

 

“Parity Pay” shall be the sum of all customer service/reservation, agent, ramp service and mechanic employees Pay re-calculated using the Parity Pay Scale in place of actual Pay rates.

 

“Parity Pay Scale” shall be constructed by taking the average pay rates for Pay steps for all levels new hire to year 10 (top step) of the Comparison Airlines as reported by the RAA.

 

Benefits – All Employees

 

A.           Procedures

 

Pinnacle’s actual Benefits for all above employee groups are compared to the average Benefits of the same or similar classifications of the Comparison Airlines as reported by the RAA.

 

 

71

  

B.           Definitions

 

“Benefits” include but are not limited to pension, 401(k), health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, and other post retirement benefits.  Benefits are evaluated on an individual basis (i.e., Pinnacle’s pilot pension is compared to the average pilot pension at the Comparison Airlines as reported by the RAA).

 

Data Requirements

 

In order to assess compliance with the Parity Pay Agreement, Pinnacle agrees to provide Delta with data including but not limited to the following:

 

	
  

	
–

	
Total labor costs by workgroup or classification (e.g., pilot).

 

	
  

	
–

	
Pay scales to the extent they exist for all Pinnacle’s workgroups.

 

	
  

	
–

	
Pay scales for the Comparison Airlines as reported by the RAA for requested workgroups.

 

	
  

	
–

	
Individual employees’ information including workgroup, longevity or hire date, bonus payments received, hourly rate(s) of pay, hours paid at hourly rate(s) of pay, projected hours paid at each pay step (1 – 10) if not currently paid based on a defined pay scale, for requested workgroups.

 

 

  

72

  

EXHIBIT J

PREDICTED EMPLOYEE BONUSES AND INCENTIVES

 

 

	  	
2003

	
2004

	
2005

	
Subsequent Years

	
Employee Bonuses & Incentives

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
Multiply amount for prior year by (1+ CPPI)

 

 

  

73

  

EXHIBIT K

AIRFRAME MAINTENANCE COST ALLOCATION

[***]

 

 

  

74

  

EXHIBIT L

LIST OF AIRCRAFT NOT SUBJECT TO AIRFRAME MAINTENANCE COST ALLOCATION PROCEDURES

	
N601XJ

	
N602XJ

	
N840AY

	
N836AY

	
N835AY

	
N834AY

	
N833AY

	
N832AY

	
N831AY

	
N8976E

	
N8974C

	
N8971A

	
N8965E

	
N8948B

	
N8946A

	
N8944B

	
N8943A

 

75

  

EXHIBIT M

EXCLUDED INVOICES

[***]

 

 

 

  

76

  

EXHIBIT N

AIRCRAFT REMOVAL DATES

 

 

[***]

 

 

 

  

77exhibit10-106.htm

EXHIBIT 10-106

 

CERTAIN PORTIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN OMITTED.  THE SYMBOL “[***]” HAS BEEN INSERTED IN PLACE OF THE PORTIONS SO OMITTED.

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

 

2010 DELTA CONNECTION AGREEMENT

 

by and among

 

PINNACLE AIRLINES CORP.

 

PINNACLE AIRLINES, INC.

 

and

 

DELTA AIR LINES, INC.

 

	  

Dated as of April 1, 2012

 

  

1

  

	
 

	
AMENDED AND RESTATED

2010 DELTA CONNECTION AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED 2010 DELTA CONNECTION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated and made effective this 1st day of April, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and among Delta Air Lines, Inc., whose principal address is 1030 Delta Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia  30320 (“Delta”), Pinnacle Airlines Corp., whose principal address is One Commerce Square Building, 40 South Main Street, Memphis, TN  38103 (“Parent”), and Pinnacle Airlines, Inc., whose principal address is One Commerce Square Building, 40 South Main Street, Memphis, TN  38103 (“Pinnacle”).

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, Delta, Parent, Pinnacle and Mesaba Aviation, Inc., a Minnesota corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (“Mesaba”), entered into that certain 2010 Delta Connection Agreement dated as of July 1, 2010 (the “2010 DCA”);

 

WHEREAS, effective January 4, 2012 upon transfer by Mesaba of certain of the Aircraft to Pinnacle, Mesaba assigned to Pinnacle and Pinnacle assumed from Mesaba (with the consent of Delta) all obligations of Mesaba under the 2010 DCA pursuant to that certain Assignment, Assumption and Consent Agreement dated as of January 4, 2012 by and among Pinnacle, Mesaba and Delta, and, as a result of such agreement, Mesaba ceased to be a party to the 2010 DCA;

 

WHEREAS, Delta, Parent, Pinnacle and certain other subsidiaries of Parent have entered into a commitment letter of even date herewith, pursuant to which Delta has agreed to provide the Pinnacle Debtors a $74,285,000 senior secured super-priority debtor-in-possession credit facility (the “DIP Credit Facility”), which may, subject to certain conditions, convert into an exit credit facility (the “Exit Loan”), all on the terms and conditions set forth in the Summary of Terms and Conditions attached to such commitment letter as Annex A (the commitment letter together with such term sheet, the “Commitment Letter”) in the event the Pinnacle Debtors elect to file a chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding under title 11 of the United States Code (together the “Bankruptcy Cases”);

 

WHEREAS, Delta, Parent and Pinnacle have entered into a Third Amended and Restated Airline Services Agreement of even date herewith (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and together with all exhibits, schedules and attachments thereto, the “Third Amended and Restated Airline Services Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, Delta, Parent and Pinnacle have entered into Amendment No. Two to Delta Connection Agreement of even date herewith, pursuant to which the parties amended certain provisions of, and agreed to terminate early, that certain Delta Connection Agreement dated as of April 27, 2007 by and among Delta, Parent and Pinnacle (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, for so long as such agreement is in effect, and together with all exhibits, schedules and attachments thereto, the “2007 CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement”);

 

  

2

  

WHEREAS, Delta, Pinnacle Corp, Pinnacle and Mesaba have entered into a Setoff and Mutual Release of even date herewith (the “Setoff and Release”), the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference as though fully restated in this Agreement, pursuant to which the parties thereto agreed to an offset of certain amounts in dispute between the parties and to a mutual release of claims related to such disputed amounts; and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to amend and restate the 2010 DCA and are entering into this Agreement contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of the Commitment Letter, the Third Amended and Restated Airlines Services Agreement, the Amendment No. Two to the 2007 CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement and the Setoff and Release.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each of the Parties, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:

 

                    ARTICLE I                      

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01 Definitions

 

.  For all purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

 

	
1.  

	
the terms as defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;

 

	
2.  

	
all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and

 

	
3.  

	
the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article or other subdivision; and

 

	
4.  

	
Exhibit A includes defined terms that have meanings assigned to them in such Exhibit.

 

“2007 CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“2010 DCA” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“Accident” means [***].

 

“ACARS” means the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System, or any replacement system, which provides datalink communications between the Aircraft and Pinnacle with respect to operational matters.

 

“Affected Party” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 19.01.

 

  

3

  

“Affiliate” means, as applied to a Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, that Person.  For purposes of this definition “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling”, “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of that Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

“Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flights” means the Scheduled Flights and the “Delta Connection Flights” (as defined in the 2007 CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement) scheduled pursuant to the 2007 CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement.

 

“Air Navigation Fees” means fees or charges assessed on air operators by a governmental authority to recover the costs for the provisions or availability of air navigation services provided by such governmental authority.

 

“Aircraft” means the (i) forty-one (41) CRJ900 aircraft (including airframe, on-wing engines and other associated equipment described in the applicable Lease for such aircraft) in Pinnacle’s Delta Connection fleet as of the Effective Date as set forth on Schedule 1-A attached hereto and made a part hereof and (ii) any additional aircraft to be mutually agreed between the Parties (including airframe, on-wing engines and other associated equipment described in the applicable Lease for such aircraft), when and as such aircraft are added to Pinnacle’s Delta Connection fleet pursuant to Section 3.02.  Any Aircraft removed from Pinnacle’s fleet shall cease to be an “Aircraft” hereunder upon the date of removal of such Aircraft from scheduled operations (other than for maintenance).

 

“Aircraft Rental Expense” means the Basic Rent charged in the Leases between Delta and Pinnacle with respect to each of the Aircraft.

 

 “Airport Landing Fees” means all landing fees, aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) fees, airport user fees and other airfield assessments to the extent such fees and assessments are attributable to or a result of Regional Airline Services.

 

“APUs” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.02(iii).

 

“Bankruptcy Cases” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“Basic Rent” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Leases.

 

 “Block Hour” means the period of time (in minutes) beginning when an Aircraft first moves from the ramp blocks in connection with an operated Scheduled Flight, a Non-Scheduled Flight or a Charter Flight and ending when the Aircraft next comes to a stop at the ramp blocks at any station or other point of termination as recorded by ACARS or another mutually agreed system, divided by sixty (60).

 

“Bombardier” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.04.

 

“Change of Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.03.

 

“Charter Flights” means revenue passenger flights using the Aircraft (other than Scheduled Flights).

 

“Colgan” means means Colgan Air, Inc., a Virginia corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent.

 

“COMAT” means company material, including but not limited to priority aircraft maintenance parts.

 

“Commitment Letter” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“Confidential Information” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 19.01.

 

“Contract of Carriage” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.15.

 

“CRJ900 DCA Aircraft” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.02(C).

 

“CRJ900 Spare Engines” means (i) the three (3) General Electric CF34-8C5 spare engines in Pinnacle’s Delta Connection fleet as of the Effective Date and (ii) any additional spare engines to be mutually agreed between the Parties when and as such spare engines are added to the fleet of Aircraft covered by this Agreement pursuant to Section 3.02(a)(ii).  Any CRJ900 Spare Engine removed from the fleet of Aircraft covered by this Agreement shall cease to be an “CRJ900 Spare Engine” hereunder upon the date of removal of such engine from scheduled operations (other than for maintenance).

 

“CSM” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.07.

 

“Cycle” means an actual takeoff at an origin city and landing at a destination city of an Aircraft in connection with a Scheduled Flight, a Non-Scheduled Flight or a Charter Flight.

 

“Data Communication Equipment” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.04.

 

“Delta Connection Carrier” means an airline operating regional jet and/or turboprop air transportation services as a Delta Connection carrier pursuant to a Delta Connection agreement or other similar airline services agreement between such airline and Delta.

 

“Delta Connection Safety Standards” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.09.

 

“Delta Identification” means any Identification designated by Delta from time to time in its sole discretion for use by Pinnacle in connection with the Regional Airline Services (including without limitation “Delta Connection” or any similar or successor name).

 

“Delta Indemnitee” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 9.02(b).

 

“Delta Lease” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.03.

 

“Designator” means “DL” or such other designator code designated by Delta from time to time in its sole discretion to identify Delta’s flights.

 

“DIP Credit Facility” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“Direct Costs” means Delta’s, Pinnacle’s or Parent’s, as applicable, actual paid or accrued cost incurred for goods and services without any, with respect to Direct Costs of Pinnacle, added surcharge for administrative or general overhead expenses of Pinnacle.

 

“Direct Expenses” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Exhibit A.

 

“Disclosing Party” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 19.01.

 

“DOT” means the United States Department of Transportation or any successor agency to its functions with respect to the regulation of air transportation.

 

“DOT Certification” means any and all certifications and approvals by the DOT, the FAA and other regulatory agencies required for Pinnacle to operate the Aircraft and to perform pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and all Governmental Regulations.

 

“EAS” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.01(b).

 

“Effective Date” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

“Employee Pass Travel Privileges” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.01(b).

 

“Equipment” means the Aircraft, the CRJ900 Spare Engines, the QECs and the Spare APUs.

 

“Exchange Act” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.03.

 

“Exit Loan” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“FAA” means the Federal Aviation Administration or any successor organization or agency.

 

“Force Majeure Event” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.04.

 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles at the time prevailing in the United States for companies engaged in businesses similar to that of Pinnacle, consistently applied.

 

“Governmental Authority” means any foreign or United States federal or state (or any subdivision thereof), agency, authority, bureau, commission, department or similar body or instrumentality thereof, or any governmental court or tribunal.

 

“Governmental Regulations” means the rules and regulations prescribed by an airport authority at a Service City or by any local, state or federal unit of government having authority and jurisdiction to regulate the business and affairs of an air carrier having DOT Certification, including without limitation, the DOT, DOD and the FAA.

 

“Ground Handling Functions” means the ground handling functions performed in connection with the Regional Airline Services, including, but not limited to, the following:  (i) gate check-in activities, (ii) passenger enplaning/deplaning activities, (iii) sky cap and

 

wheelchair services, (iv) aircraft loading/unloading services, included but not limited to airside busing, (v) passenger ticketing, (vi) jetbridge maintenance, (vii) janitorial services, (viii) deicing services, (ix) pushback, tow or taxi, (x) airstarts, and (xi) aircraft overnight cleaning, including lavatory service and water service, but excluding turn cleaning unless otherwise directed by Delta.

 

“Hub Locations” means each of Atlanta (ATL), Cincinnati (CVG), Detroit (DTW), Los Angeles (LAX), New York-John F. Kennedy (JFK), New York-LaGuardia (LGA), Memphis (MEM), Minneapolis (MSP) and Salt Lake City (SLC) and any other airport which has an average fifty (50) or more departures per day that are operated by Delta or one or more Delta Connection Carrier under the Designator.  If any Hub Location has an average of fewer than fifty (50) departures per day that are operated by Delta or one or more Delta Connection Carrier under the Designator, such Hub Location shall not be considered a Hub Location for purposes of this Agreement until such Hub Location returns to having an average fifty (50) or more departures per day that are operated by Delta or one or more Delta Connection Carrier under the Designator.

 

“Identification” means a trade name, trademark, service mark, graphic, logo, distinctive color scheme or other trade dress, domain name, aircraft livery and/or other identification or indication of source or origin.

 

“Indemnified Party” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 9.02(g).

 

“Indemnifying Party” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 9.02(g).

 

“Indemnity Notice” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 9.02(g).

 

“Lease” means (i) the leases, subleases and/or sub-subleases (including any and all amendments thereto) in effect as of the Effective Date by and between Delta (or an Affiliate of Delta) and Pinnacle in respect of the Aircraft, (ii) the leases, subleases and/or sub-subleases (including any and all amendments thereto) in effect as of the Effective Date by and between Delta (or an Affiliate of Delta) and Pinnacle in respect of CRJ900 Spare Engines and QECs.

 

“Letter Agreements” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.04.

 

“Maintenance Facilities” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.03(i).

 

“Maintenance Program” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Leases.

 

“Merger” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.03.“Non-Scheduled Flights” means all flights using the Aircraft which are not Scheduled Flights or Charter Flights.

 

“Obligations” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 20.01.

 

“OCC” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.11(a).

 

 “Operational Performance Standards” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.11(b).

 

  

4

  

“Paint Cycle” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.05.

 

“Party” means, respectively, each of Delta, Parent and Pinnacle.

 

“Performance Period” means each calendar month or portion thereof occurring during the Term of this Agreement.

 

“Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, business trust, joint stock company, limited liability company, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity of whatever nature.

 

“Pinnacle Identification” means any Identification selected by Pinnacle from time to time for use in connection with the business of Pinnacle, including without limitation “Pinnacle,” “Pinnacle Airlines” or any similar name.

 

“Pinnacle Indemnitee” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 9.02(c).

 

“Pinnacle Non-Cancelled Flight” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.11(a).

 

“Pinnacle Party” means, respectively, each of Parent and Pinnacle.

 

“Premises” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.03(a).

 

“QECs” means quick engine change kits.

 

“Regional Airline Services” means the provisioning by Pinnacle to Delta of Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights using the Aircraft, and all related activities, in accordance with this Agreement.

 

“Related Party Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.03.

 

“Representatives” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 19.01.

 

“Revenue Passenger” means a revenue passenger flown on a Scheduled Flight or a Charter Flight.

 

“Rockwell Avionics Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.06.

 

“Scheduled Flights” means revenue passenger flights (other than Charter Flights) using an Aircraft which, regardless of frequency, and published in the customary and applicable schedule distribution systems, such as the Official Airline Guide (“OAG”), or published by Delta in its own system timetables.

 

“Service Cities” means those cities identified from time to time by Delta to which Pinnacle shall provide Regional Airline Services.

 

“Setoff and Release” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

  

5

  

“Spare APUs” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.02(iii).

 

“Substitute Flight” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.11(a).

 

“Support Agreements” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.9.

 

“Term” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.1.

 

“Termination Date” means the date on which this Agreement terminates pursuant to Article X.

 

“Third Amended and Restated Airline Services Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.

 

“Ticket Taxes and Fees” means any taxes pursuant to Sections 4261 or 4271 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended or succeeded, on any amounts paid by customers for transportation of persons or packages by air, and any passenger facility charges, airport improvement fees, security fees or charges, stamp taxes, excise taxes, value-added taxes (in the nature of a sales or use tax), gross receipts taxes (in the nature of a sales or use tax), U.S. APHIS user and aircraft inspection fees, U.S. Customs user fees, U.S. Immigration user fees, and any other taxes and/or user fees imposed by any domestic or foreign governmental entity, airport or taxing authority on a per-passenger basis on any travel or on any amounts paid by customers for transportation of persons or packages by air.

 

“Transaction Taxes” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 8.02.

 

“TSA” means the United States Transportation Security Administration or any successor governmental organization or agency.

 

                       ARTICLE II                      

 

PROVISION OF REGIONAL AIRLINE SERVICES

 

Section 2.01 Operation of Scheduled Flights

 

.

 

(a)           Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Pinnacle shall use the Aircraft to operate Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights as shall be designated by Delta from time to time in Delta’s sole discretion.  Delta, in its sole discretion, shall establish and publish all schedules for the Aircraft, including city-pairs served, frequencies, and timing of scheduled departures, taking into consideration the Aircraft type, maintenance requirements, crew  training and scheduling requirements, aircraft rotation requirements, applicable route and slot or other regulatory restrictions.  So that the information can be properly disseminated to Pinnacle for pilot and flight attendant staffing, and related operational requirements, Delta will, from time to time, notify Pinnacle of the preliminary schedule times, frequencies and related information for the Aircraft no later than seventy-five (75) days prior to the commencement of such schedule.  Pinnacle shall provide to Delta the proposed block times for the Aircraft, Aircraft performance analysis on operational items such as passenger and baggage limitations (together with relevant assumptions) and airfield appropriateness applicable to airports specified in Delta’s request for each of the city pair in the preliminary schedule from Delta no later than fourteen (14) days of Pinnacle’s receipt of the preliminary schedule times provided by Delta.   Notwithstanding the

 

above, upon written notice to Pinnacle, Delta may assume responsibility for establishing the Aircraft block times for Pinnacle.  Regardless of whether Delta or Pinnacle establishes the Aircraft block times, such block times shall be based on a block time reliability rate of between [***] and [***] or the block time reliability rate used for scheduling Delta mainline service, whichever is greater.  No later than forty (40) days prior to the commencement of such schedule, Delta will notify Pinnacle of the final schedule times, frequencies and related information for the Aircraft.  Where practical, Delta will collaborate with Pinnacle to determine mutually optimal schedules.  Pinnacle shall operate the Aircraft in the city pairs designated by Delta, subject to the frequency and other scheduling requirements established by Delta from time to time in accordance with this Section 2.01.  Delta and Pinnacle shall meet by October 1 each year to discuss an annual operating plan for the succeeding year with respect to the Aircraft, including Delta’s forecasted level of operations, block hours and cycles and the utilization of the Aircraft, and any other matters as Delta and Pinnacle shall determine.  Minimum turn times shall be set by Delta in conformity with standard industry practices and Aircraft type.(b)EAS Markets.  With respect to Essential Air Service (“EAS”) cities designated by Delta from time to time as a Service City hereunder:

(i) Pinnacle agrees to (A) bid on and enter into EAS agreements with the DOT, at the direction of Delta, (B) maintain and comply with its obligations under such agreements during the Term, (C) unless otherwise agreed by Delta in writing, provide air transportation services pursuant to any such agreement solely in connection with providing Regional Airline Services hereunder, and (D) refrain from modifying or amending the terms of such agreements without the prior written consent of Delta, and

 

(ii) In the event this Agreement expires or terminates in accordance with the provisions hereof (other than as a result of a breach by Pinnacle hereunder) prior to the expiration or permitted termination of any EAS agreement entered into by Pinnacle in accordance with the provisions hereof, then Delta will or will cause another carrier, to the extent permitted under the terms of such EAS agreement, to perform Pinnacle’s obligations under such EAS agreement.

 

Section 2.02 Use of Designator, DL Identification and Related Matters

 

.  Subject to Section 2.03 below and the applicable provisions of Article VII below, Pinnacle shall operate the Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights provided under this Agreement exclusively using the Designator and the designator code of any codeshare partner of Delta approved by Delta in its sole discretion.  The Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights shall be identified by Pinnacle solely with flight numbers assigned by Delta.  Subject to Section 2.03 below and the applicable provisions of Article VII below, Pinnacle shall use only the Delta Identification for the Aircraft (except as otherwise required by Governmental Regulations), and for all airport terminal facilities (such as gates, passenger waiting areas and jetways), signage, equipment, uniforms and advertising, promotional and business materials in any form or media that are used in connection with the Regional Airline Services; provided, however, all employee uniforms  of Pinnacle be determined by Pinnacle, provided that such uniforms shall at all times be consistent with Delta’s uniform standards in effect at the applicable time and subject to the approval of Delta (including approval of any use of the Delta Identification thereon) which shall not be unreasonably withheld.  Pinnacle shall not use Pinnacle’s Identification for the Aircraft (except as required by Governmental Regulation), airport terminal facilities (such as gates, passenger waiting areas and jetways), signage or advertising, promotional or business materials in any form or media that are

 

used in connection with the Regional Airline Services; provided, however, nothing in the foregoing prohibition shall preclude Pinnacle from using its Pinnacle Identification for general corporate purposes, responding to customer inquiries, on crew wings and employee service pins, and for purposes that are not covered by the foregoing prohibition and do not involve interaction with customers or passengers.

Section 2.03 Use of Other Designators

 

.  Pinnacle shall not use on the Aircraft or in connection with the Regional Airline Services hereunder the airline designator, Identification, or any other identifying feature of a foreign or United States airline other than Delta (except as otherwise required by Governmental Regulations), without the express prior written consent of Delta, or unless Delta directs Pinnacle to use such other designator, Identification, or identifying feature.  At the request of Delta, Pinnacle shall enter into such agreement(s) with another air carrier as may be necessary to implement code-sharing on the Scheduled Flights with such other air carrier.

 

Section 2.04 Personnel and Dispatch Control

 

.  Pinnacle shall be responsible for providing all crews (flight and cabin) to operate the Scheduled Flights and any Charter Flights to be operated by it and for all aspects (personnel and other) of dispatch control, including but not limited to load control.

 

Section 2.05 Inventory Management

 

.  Delta shall have complete control and discretion over all inventory management functions for all Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights operated pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, overbooking levels, discount seat levels, and allocation of seats among the various fare buckets.   In performing such inventory management, Delta shall conform in all material respects to its own procedures and standards, taking into account the Aircraft type.

 

Section 2.06 Passenger Fares

 

.  Delta shall be the sole authority for filing tariffs for Scheduled Flights operated pursuant to this Agreement, and Delta shall establish all passenger fares for Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights operated pursuant to this Agreement.  All charges for filing of fares or tariffs for Scheduled Flights operated pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid by Delta.

 

Section 2.07 DOT Certification

 

.  Pinnacle has and shall maintain DOT Certification and all other permits, licenses, certificates and insurance required by any Governmental Authority and Article IX hereof to enable Pinnacle to perform the services required by this Agreement.

 

Section 2.08 Compliance with Governmental Regulations

 

.  All flight operations, dispatch operations and all other operations undertaken by Pinnacle pursuant to this Agreement shall be conducted and operated by Pinnacle in strict compliance with all Governmental Regulations, including, without limitation, those relating to security, the use and transportation of hazardous materials, flight crew and mechanic qualifications and licensing requirements, crew training and hours, and customs and immigration requirements.  All Equipment shall be operated and maintained by Pinnacle in strict compliance with all Governmental Regulations, Pinnacle’s own operations manuals and maintenance manuals and procedures, and all applicable equipment manufacturer’s instructions.  At all times, Pinnacle shall operate with the highest standards of care.

 

Section 2.09 Safety Standards

 

.  Pinnacle shall actively participate in and comply with the Delta Connection Safety Alliance and at all times during the Term (i) comply with Delta’s safety standards for Regional Airline Services including, without limitation, as set forth in the Delta Connection Carriers Non-Regulatory Safety Program Standards document and the Delta Connection Ground Operations Manual, provided, with respect to any changes Delta may make to such safety standards after the Effective Date, Delta shall, at its discretion, do one of the following: (x) pay directly for the incremental Direct Costs incurred by Pinnacle attributable to such change; (y) treat the incremental Direct Costs incurred by Pinnacle attributable to such change as a Direct Expense or (z) adjust the Aircraft Month Rate to reflect the incremental increase or decrease to the Direct Costs incurred by Pinnacle attributable to such change (ii) within a reasonable timeframe of inception of this Agreement, comply with and maintain all IATA Operational Safety Audit requirements and certification, Cockpit Aviation Safety Action Program (subject to consent of Pinnacle’s union representation and FAA), Flight Operations Quality Assurance (subject to consent of Pinnacle’s union representation and FAA) and all other safety initiatives applicable to the regional jet service industry, and (iii) Pinnacle shall be required to successfully complete a DOD audit under a regular bi-annual inspection program (collectively, as amended from time to time, the “Delta Connection Safety Standards”).

 

Section 2.10 Quality of Service

 

.           Delta policies, procedures, performance standards (including but not limited to Delta’s Sky Priority initiative) and means of measurement thereof concerning the provision of air passenger and air cargo services shall be applicable to all services provided by Pinnacle under this Agreement.  Pinnacle shall achieve, with respect to the provision of Regional Airline Services, at least the same quality of airline service as that provided by Delta, subject to limitations imposed by the type of Aircraft, its route network, the availability of equipment and facilities at the Service Cities and the performance by Delta of its obligations under this Agreement.  Pinnacle shall maintain adequate staffing levels to ensure at least the same level of customer service and operational efficiency that Delta achieves.  Pinnacle shall cooperate with Delta in any way necessary or desirable to provide such comparable level of customer service in connection with the operation of Regional Airline Services; and Pinnacle shall maintain new hire and recurrent training programs for all job descriptions, and such programs, as they pertain to customer service, shall be reasonably acceptable to Delta.

 

Section 2.11 Service Standards

 

.  Without limiting Sections 2.09 and 2.10, Pinnacle shall achieve the following specific performance standards with respect to any Performance Period during the Term:

 

(a) Performance Standards.

 

(i) Minimum Completion Factor.  Pinnacle shall maintain an aggregated completion rate with respect to the scheduled Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flights as set forth on Schedule 2.11 attached hereto and made a part hereof.  For purposes of this Agreement, the determination of completion rate of the scheduled Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flights shall be calculated on an all-in basis, such that all cancellations or uncompleted flights -- regardless of the reason -- shall be counted as cancelled flights which Pinnacle has not completed, with the following exceptions:

 

  

6

  

(A) Any Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flight that is cancelled by Pinnacle, but through coordination with Delta’s Operation Control Center (“OCC”) is successfully operated by either Delta or another operator within the Delta Connection program other than Pinnacle (i.e. Cancellation Codes 19A-F set forth on Exhibit C attached hereto and made a part hereof) (a “Substitute Flight”), shall be treated as a completed Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flight.  Pinnacle shall use its best efforts to coordinate Substitute Flights with Delta’s OCC when known cancellations are imminent;

 

(B) Any Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flight that is cancelled at Delta’s request, as determined by Delta’s OCC (i.e. Cancellation Code 19H set forth on Exhibit C);

 

(C) Any Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flight operated by Pinnacle with no revenue passengers and not completed within two (2) hours of its scheduled arrival time shall be considered a non-completed flight, unless at the direction of Delta’s OCC; and

 

(D) Any Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flight requested by Delta’s OCC to be cancelled for purposes of substitution (i.e. Cancellation Code 19G set forth on Exhibit C) shall be treated as a completed flight.

 

If Delta requests Pinnacle to cancel one or more scheduled Delta Connection Flights, Pinnacle shall comply with any such request within the time period reasonably requested by Delta.  In the event Pinnacle does not cancel any such flight, or does not cancel any such flight within the time period reasonably requested by Delta (each, a "Pinnacle Non-Cancelled Flight"), each Pinnacle Non-Cancelled Flight, for all purposes of this Agreement, shall not be regarded as a completed flight, and Delta shall not be obligated to pay Pinnacle any compensation or any other reimbursements in connection with such Pinnacle Non-Cancelled Flights.

 

(ii) Minimum On-Time Arrival Reliability.  Pinnacle shall maintain an aggregate percentage of on-time arrivals for all  Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flights as set forth on Schedule 2.11 attached hereto and made a part hereof.

 

(iii) Minimum ISM Score.  Pinnacle shall maintain an ISM score as set forth on Schedule 2.11 attached hereto and made a part hereof. The ISM score will be calculated by Delta taking a simple average of the Delta Customer Satisfaction Survey results for the Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flights during the applicable Performance Period in each of the following categories:

 

On-Board Timely & Accurate Information

 

Flight Attendant Helpful & Courteous

 

Flight Attendant Availability

 

  

7

  

Flight Attendant Professional Appearance

 

Clean Lavatory

 

Clean Cabin

 

Condition of Aircraft Interior & Cabin Appearance

 

For purposes of measuring Pinnacle’s ISM Score, the Performance Period shall be each calendar quarter during the Term.  Delta shall deliver Pinnacle’s ISM Score to Pinnacle not more than sixty (60) days following the end of the applicable calendar quarter.

 

(iv) Minimum On-Time Departure Reliability.  Pinnacle shall maintain an aggregate percentage of on-time departures for all  Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flights as set forth on Schedule 2.11 attached hereto and made a part hereof.

 

(b) Each of the requirements set forth in Section 2.11(a) above shall be defined as the “Operational Performance Standards.”  If Delta is concerned about Pinnacle’s performance in connection with any of the Operational Performance Standards, Pinnacle agrees to discuss with Delta such performance and potential ways to improve such performance at Delta’s request.  The Parties shall have ten (10) days to determine appropriate solutions and/or a corrective action plan, and Pinnacle agrees to diligently comply with the terms and conditions of any such solutions and corrective action plans that are mutually agreed by the Parties.

 

(c) Adjustments to Performance Standards.  The Parties recognize and agree that the performance standards set forth on Schedule 2.11 may be modified or adjusted by mutual agreement of the Parties hereto from time to time during the Term of this Agreement.

 

Section 2.12 Service Recovery

 

.  If requested by Delta, Pinnacle shall provide Revenue Passengers with service recovery and passenger amenities in accordance with Delta’s standard policies and procedures.  Delta shall reimburse Pinnacle for all Direct Costs incurred as a result of providing such service recovery and, upon request, Pinnacle shall submit to Delta supporting documentation with sufficient detail to allow Delta to verify the invoiced amount.

 

Section 2.13 In-flight Food, Beverages and Supplies

 

.  For all Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights, Delta shall provide, or cause to be provided, catering services, food and beverages for passengers and crews, all at Delta’s sole cost.  Pinnacle shall collect the appropriate amounts from passengers for all sales of in-flight food products and/or beverages in accordance with Delta’s policies and procedures, and any revenue associated with on-board sales of the food product and/or beverages shall be remitted to and the sole property of Delta.

 

Pinnacle shall institute and maintain adequate controls to efficiently manage the usage of in-flight food, beverages and supplies.  Pinnacle will also institute and maintain adequate controls to minimize the breakage or otherwise loss of product or revenue ("shrinkage") associated with in-flight food and beverage sales.  Pinnacle may be required to provide reports detailing the ratio of usage and shrinkage on an ad-hoc basis as requested by Delta from time to time.

 

  

8

  

Pinnacle shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining, at its own expense (which expense shall not be a Direct Expense), all licenses necessary for the serving of in-flight food and beverages on Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights.

 

Delta shall furnish Pinnacle, at Delta’s sole cost, adequate supplies of its customary in-flight supplies including, but not limited to, the Delta in-flight magazine, flatware, dishes, cups, napkins, pillows, blankets, trash bags, sick sacks, lavatory supplies, creamers, swizzle sticks and sugar in a form similar or identical to that used by Delta.  Pinnacle will purchase any and all liquor to be provided to passengers on its Scheduled Flights or Charter Flights, and Delta shall reimburse Pinnacle for such liquor expenses and associated liquor taxes as a Direct Expense pursuant to Exhibit A.  All in-flight product and customer service specifications will be at the sole discretion of Delta.

 

Section 2.14 Exclusivity Arrangements

 

.  During the Term, except as otherwise directed or approved in writing by Delta, in Delta’s sole discretion, Pinnacle shall not operate more than [***] departures per day under its own flight designator code into or out of any Hub Location.

 

(a) If, during the Term, Pinnacle operates a jet aircraft certificated in the United States with a Maximum Gross Take Off Weight greater than [***] pounds and certificated for [***] or fewer passenger seats but configured with [***] or fewer passenger seats for itself or a carrier other than Delta or an Affiliate of Delta, then Pinnacle shall not operate any jet aircraft configured with between [***] and [***] passenger seats for itself or a carrier other than Delta or an Affiliate of Delta in any city pair that is served, on a non-stop basis by Delta or an Affiliate of Delta.

 

(b) Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude Delta from entering into code share, alliance or other commercial cooperation arrangements with any other airline or entering into similar or other arrangements with other carriers for the provisioning of regional airline services using CRJ900 aircraft or any other aircraft to or from the Hub Locations, the Service Cities or elsewhere.

 

(c) Except as set forth in Section 2.14(a) and (b) above, nothing in this Agreement shall preclude Pinnacle from operating an aircraft for another carrier other than Delta or an Affiliate of Delta, under the flight designator code of such other carrier, into any Hub Location or preclude an Affiliate of Parent other than Pinnacle from operating any aircraft for itself or a carrier other than Delta or an Affiliate of Delta to or from the Hub Locations, the Service Cities or elsewhere.

 

Section 2.15 Contract of Carriage

 

.  Pinnacle shall adopt as its own, for the Regional Airline Services, Delta’s Terms and Conditions of Contract of Carriage (“Contract of Carriage”), cargo tariffs, bills of lading, baggage liability policies and denied boarding compensation policies, each as amended from time to time, and be bound by their respective terms with respect to its operation of the Regional Airline Services.

 

                               ARTICLE III                                

 

EQUIPMENT

 

  

9

  

Section 3.01 Use of the Equipment

 

.  Pinnacle agrees (a) that the Equipment shall be used only to provide and/or support the Regional Airline Services contemplated by this Agreement and (b) that the Equipment shall not be used by it for any other purpose without the prior written consent of Delta.

 

Section 3.02 Fleet Size and Related Matters

 

.  As of the Effective Date, Pinnacle’s Delta Connection fleet operated pursuant to this Agreement consists of the Aircraft.

 

(i) Unscheduled Aircraft.  Subject to Pinnacle’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Delta shall determine the appropriate level of unscheduled Aircraft to be included in Pinnacle’s fleet of Aircraft from time to time.

 

(ii) Spare Engine Requirements.

 

(A)           Delta shall make available to Pinnacle for use on the Aircraft CRJ900 Spare Engines in the quantity set forth in Table 1 below for the applicable year during the Term.  Table 1 represents the full and complete obligation of Delta for spare engine support with respect to the Aircraft based upon known and projected LLP and service performance at the time of this Agreement.  The quantities specified in Tables 1 and 2, excluding operational Spare Engines, may change based upon operations, maintenance schedules and production planning by mutual agreement of the Parties.  The CRJ900 Spare Engines may be substituted at any time, at Delta’s sole discretion, by any engine maintenance agreement that contains a minimum serviceable spares support provision.

 

 

Table 1:

 

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

 

(B)           Pinnacle shall make available for use on the CRJ900 DCA Aircraft spare engines in the quantity set forth in Table 2 below for the applicable year during the Term.  Such spare engines may be substituted at any time, at Pinnacle’s sole discretion, by any engine maintenance agreement that contains a minimum serviceable spares support provision:

 

Table 2:

 

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

 

  

10

  

(C)           Cross Utilization of CRJ900 Spare Engines.  The CRJ900 Spare Engines, together with the engines on the Aircraft as of the Effective Date, may be cross utilized between the Aircraft and the CRJ900 aircraft operated by Pinnacle pursuant to the 2007 CRJ900 Delta Connection Agreement (the “CRJ900 DCA Aircraft”), but no other aircraft, provided that each of the following conditions are, and remain, satisfied:

 

	
1.  

	
The spare engines for the CRJ900 DCA Aircraft, together with the engines on the CRJ900 DCA Aircraft as of the Effective Date (as set forth on Schedules 1-A and 1-B attached to this Agreement and made a part hereof), are cross utilized for the Aircraft at substantially the same rates as the CRJ900 Spare Engines and the engines on the Aircraft as of the Effective Date are cross-utilized on the CRJ900 DCA Aircraft.

 

	
2.  

	
The CRJ900 Spare Engines and the engines on the Aircraft as of the Effective Date shall not be negatively discriminated against in any way, in Delta’s commercially reasonable judgment, including with respect to, but not limited to, utilization, configuration, handling and storage.

 

	
3.  

	
Spare engines are assets specifically designed for replacement of non-scheduled removals induced by exceeding the operating or mechanical allowable limits for revenue flight.  Spare engines may also be used to support a planned removal of an engine that is operating with sustained restrictions that preclude normal routing of an Aircraft.  The minimum number of Spare engines for the purposes of this Agreement is [***].

 

	
4.  

	
Upon the termination or expiration of the Agreement, at Pinnacle’s sole cost, Pinnacle shall return each of the (i) engines on an Aircraft as of the Effective Date and (ii) the CRJ900 Spare Engines to a position on the Aircraft and the remaining engines to a spare stand and correct any configuration discrepancies, including but not limited to Pinnacle owned LRUs installed on the Aircraft and such engines.

 

If it is determined, in Delta’s commercially reasonable judgment, that any of the above conditions is not satisfied, then Delta may, at it’s sole discretion, upon 30 days advance notice to Pinnacle require that neither the CRJ900 Spare Engines, nor the engines on the Aircraft as of the Effective Date, may be utilized on any of the CRJ900 DCA Aircraft, and within 90 calendar days of the date of such notice, Pinnacle must comply with Condition 4 above.

 

(D)           Delta will provide additional spare engines as reasonably required by Pinnacle in addition to the engines set forth in Tables 1 and 2 above; provided, however, Delta shall have no obligation to provide any such additional spare engines if Pinnacle’s requirement for additional spare engines is due to or as a result of any of the following:

 

(i)           engine removals due to any maintenance performed unreasonably in advance of the time such maintenance is required in accordance with the Maintenance Program and not mutually agreed to by Delta;

 

  

11

  

(ii)            any engine maintenance that is required due to the negligence of Pinnacle or any of its maintenance service providers;

 

(iii)            inadequate engine maintenance by Pinnacle or Pinnacle’s failure to  follow procedures approved by the OEM or Delta. 

 

(E)           If Delta and Pinnacle mutually agree that additional spare engines are required due to an operational necessity for an extended period of time, Pinnacle will fully share engine maintenance and scheduling practices and will work with Delta to change or adjust these practices to minimize spare engine support.

 

(iii) Spare APUs.

 

(A) Delta shall make available to Pinnacle for use on the Aircraft spare auxiliary power units (“APUs”) in the quantities during the corresponding years as set forth in the following Table 3 (the “Spare APUs”).  Table 3 represents the full and complete obligation of Delta for spare APU support with respect to the Aircraft based upon known and projected LLP and service performance at the time of this Agreement.  The quantities specified, in Tables 3 and 4 excluding operational Spare APUs, may change based upon operations, maintenance schedules and production planning by mutual agreement of the Parties.  The Spare APUs may be substituted at any time, at Delta’s sole discretion, by any APU maintenance agreement that contains a minimum serviceable spares support provision.

 

  

12

  

Table 3:

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

 

(B)           Pinnacle shall make available for use on the CRJ900 DCA Aircraft spare APUs in the quantities during the corresponding years as set forth in the following Table 4.  Such spare APUs may be substituted at any time, at Pinnacle’s sole discretion, by any APU maintenance agreement that contains a minimum serviceable spares support provision:

 

Table 4:

 

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

	
[***]

[***]

 

 

(C)           Cross Utilization of Spare APUs.  The Spare APUs, together with the APUs on the Aircraft as of the Effective Date (as set forth on Schedule 1-C attached to this Agreement and made a part hereof), may be cross utilized between the Aircraft and the CRJ900 DCA Aircraft, but no other aircraft, provided that each of the following conditions are, and remain, satisfied:

 

 

	
1.  

	
The spare APUs for the CRJ900 DCA Aircraft, together with the APUs on the CRJ900 DCA Aircraft as of the Effective Date, are cross utilized for the Aircraft at substantially the same rates as the Spare APUs and the APUs on the Aircraft as of the Effective Date are cross-utilized on the CRJ900 DCA Aircraft.

 

	
2.  

	
Pinnacle is able to be added to and will become a party to the APU maintenance agreement that covers the Aircraft APUs as of the Effective Date, and such agreement has provisions to allow for cross utilization of the APUs between the CRJ900 DCA Aircraft and the Aircraft.

 

	
3.  

	
The Spare APUs and the APUs on the Aircraft as of the Effective Date shall not be negatively discriminated against in any way, in Delta’s commercially reasonable judgment, including with respect to, but not limited to, utilization, configuration, handling and storage.

 

	
4.  

	
Spare APUs are assets specifically designed for replacement of non-scheduled removals induced by exceeding the operating or mechanical allowable limits for revenue flight.  Spare APUs may also be used to support a planned removal of an APU that is operating with sustained restrictions that preclude normal routing of an Aircraft and scheduling of such removals will be coordinated between Delta

 

  

13

  

and Pinnacle.  The minimum number of Spare APUs for the purposes of this Agreement is [***].

 

	
5.  

	
Upon the termination or expiration of the Agreement, at Pinnacle’s sole cost, Pinnacle shall return each of the (i) APUs on an Aircraft as of the Effective Date and (ii) the Spare APUs to a position on the Aircraft and the remaining APUs to a spare stand and correct any configuration discrepancies, including but not limited to Pinnacle owned LRUs installed on the Aircraft and such APUs.

 

If it is determined, in Delta’s commercially reasonable judgment, that any of the above conditions is not satisfied, then Delta may, in its sole discretion, upon 30 days advance notice to Pinnacle require that neither the Spare APUs, nor the APUs on an Aircraft as of the Effective Date may be utilized on any of the CRJ900 DCA Aircraft, and within 90 calendar days of the date of such notice, Pinnacle must comply with Condition 5 above, and at such point, Delta’s sole responsibility will be to provide Spare APUs for the Aircraft.

 

(D)           Delta will provide additional spare APUs as reasonably required by Pinnacle in addition to the APUs set forth in Tables 3 and 4 above; provided, however, Delta shall have no obligation to provide any such additional spare APUs if Pinnacle’s requirement for additional spare APUs is due to or as a result of any of the following:

 

(i)           APU removals due to any maintenance performed unreasonably in advance of the time such maintenance is required in accordance with the Maintenance Program and not mutually agreed to by Delta;

 

(ii)            any APU maintenance that is required due to the negligence of Pinnacle or any of its maintenance service providers;

 

(iii)            inadequate APU maintenance by Pinnacle or Pinnacle’s failure to  follow procedures approved by the OEM or Delta. 

 

(E)           If Delta and Pinnacle mutually agree that additional spare APUs are required due to an operational necessity for an extended period of time, Pinnacle will fully share APU maintenance and scheduling practices and will work with Delta to change or adjust these practices to minimize spare APU support.

 

(iv) QECs.  Subject to Pinnacle’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Delta shall determine the appropriate quantity of QECs to be included in Pinnacle’s fleet of Aircraft from time to time.

 

Section 3.03 Lease of the Equipment

 

.  As of the Effective Date, Pinnacle and Delta (and/or an Affiliate of Delta) have entered into Leases with respect to each of the Aircraft, each of the CRJ900 Spare Engines and each of the QECs.

 

Section 3.04 Manufacturer Benefits Agreement

 

.  Pursuant to a letter dated June 27, 2005 and a letter dated February 13, 2007 (the “Letter Agreements”) from Delta (as successor by merger to Northwest Airlines, Inc.) to Bombardier Aerospace (“Bombardier”), Delta has made

 

available to Pinnacle certain benefits under the Purchase Agreements between Delta and Bombardier, which benefits relate to, among other things, manufacturer credits, inventory service representatives, field service representatives and technical manuals.  All such benefits under the Purchase Agreements shall be utilized by Pinnacle and applied to reduce the Direct Expenses of Pinnacle.  In addition, Delta shall have the sole right to enter into future manufacturer benefit agreements that may have the effect of further reducing Pinnacle’s Direct Expenses.

Section 3.05 Equipment Maintenance, Servicing and Cleaning

 

.  Pinnacle shall be responsible for all aspects of maintenance of the Equipment used by it in accordance with the Maintenance Program (including any maintenance or modifications required by FAA airworthiness directives and all routine and non-routine maintenance), and for servicing and cleaning (except turn cleaning performed as part of customary ground handling services to be performed by the ground handler selected by Delta pursuant to Section 4.02(a)) the Equipment (including repainting of worn aircraft exteriors and replacement of interior items in accordance with this Section 3.05 below).

 

With respect to maintenance of the Aircraft and the CRJ900 Spare Engines, the baseline maintenance program will be the most current version of the CRJ900 MSG3 Maintenance Review Board Report.  Pinnacle may deviate from the baseline maintenance program in accordance with Pinnacle’s Maintenance Program, provided that Pinnacle shall notify Delta at least thirty (30) days in advance regarding any such deviations from the baseline maintenance program.  Pinnacle’s responsibility with respect to the Maintenance Program includes, but is not limited to, incorporating the latest revision of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Maintenance Program, collecting log page, non-routine, equipment check findings and Service Difficulty Reports (SDR).  Any Maintenance Program changes or Service Bulletins on the Aircraft and CRJ900 Spare Engines that involve expenses pursuant to Exhibit A, Section 1.03 (Direct Expenses) shall be reviewed by Delta prior to implementation and shall require Delta’s approval to be considered Direct Expenses for payment purposes.  Pinnacle may, however, on its own authority and cost (with no reimbursement from Delta) make Maintenance Program changes on the Aircraft and CRJ900 Spare Engines.

 

On a quarterly basis during the Term, Pinnacle will provide to Delta a list of Maintenance Program changes on the Aircraft and CRJ900 Spare Engines, including required labor, estimated costs to implement, any expenses that are deemed Direct Expenses and implementation status.  The list shall include:

 

(a) Deletion or escalation of a routine task (this does not include a complete “check” such as “A” check),

 

(b) Deletion of steps to a routine task or procedure that may result in a change to the task intent or task scope,

 

(c) De-escalation of a task,

 

(d) Escalation or de-escalation of a “check” such as an “A” check,

 

(e) Addition of a routine task (adding a function not currently being performed), and

 

  

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(f) Addition of steps to a routine task or procedure that may result in change to the intent or work scope (a change of access or area for inspection, and/or change of method for inspection).

 

With respect to painting the Aircraft, Pinnacle shall re-paint each Aircraft at least once every six (6) years (a “Paint Cycle”) or as otherwise directed or waived by Delta on a case-by-case basis.  The Aircraft shall be painted in livery as determined by Delta in its sole discretion, and any changes or deviations are subject to Delta’s prior approval.  Painting of any Aircraft, including the vendor to be used, must be approved in advance by Delta and will be paid by Pinnacle and considered a Direct Expense for payment purposes.

 

With respect to modifications to the Aircraft interiors, all such modifications must be coordinated with Delta and approved in advance by Delta, and the costs thereof will be paid by Pinnacle, provided that Delta shall reimburse Pinnacle for a prorated portion of such costs, such prorated portion to equal the total Direct Cost of such modification multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be equal to the number of days remaining until the next regularly scheduled replacement of the interior to be modified and the denominator of which shall be equal to the total number of days between the most recent replacement thereof and the next regularly scheduled replacement thereof.

 

The Parties shall coordinate with respect to Aircraft painting and interior modifications as required to facilitate the applicable Pinnacle’s operational planning and budget requirements.

 

With respect to interior cabin maintenance and exterior cleaning of the Aircraft, Pinnacle shall comply with the following standards and replacement schedule, provided that such standards and schedules may be amended from time to time by Delta upon no less than thirty (30) days prior notice to Pinnacle:

 

Interior:

	
·  

	
Extensive Interior Clean (EIC) – at intervals not to exceed 30 days and using the vendors designated by Delta from time to time

	
·  

	
Carpet – Deep-cleaned with each EIC, runner replaced every 120 days, and under-seat replaced every 12 months

	
·  

	
Seat Covering – conditioned every 90 days, refurbished every 2 years and replaced every 6 years

	
·  

	
Seat cushions – seats replaced every 3-4 years, back cushions every 6-7 years

	
·  

	
Galley/Lav Floor laminate – replaced every heavy maintenance event

Exterior:

	
·  

	
Wash at intervals not to exceed 60 days

	
·  

	
APU exhaust wipe-down no greater than 10 days

	
·  

	
Polish leading edge and engine inlet every 18 months

With respect to any changes Delta may make to the standards and schedules set forth above, Delta shall, at its discretion, do one of the following: (i) pay directly for the incremental Direct Cost of such change; (ii) treat the incremental Direct Cost of such change as a Direct

 

Expense or (iii) adjust the Aircraft Month Rate to reflect the incremental increase or decrease to the Direct Cost attributable to such change.

 

Section 3.06 Maintenance Agreements

 

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For each of the engines on the Aircraft and the CRJ900 Spare Engines, Pinnacle shall utilize the Delta selected vendor(s) for all major shop-level engine maintenance (e.g. maintenance in accordance with the engine original equipment manufacturer shop manual) in accordance with terms and conditions negotiated by Delta after review and concurrence by Pinnacle that such agreements contain reasonably satisfactory arrangements in respect of Pinnacle’s operational requirements, such review and concurrence not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

In the event Delta enters into agreements for APU and associated component maintenance, avionics maintenance and/or landing gear overhauls with respect to the Aircraft, Pinnacle shall utilize the vendors in such agreements for such services; provided, however, Pinnacle’s utilization of such vendors shall be subject to (i) termination of Pinnacle’s existing vendor contracts, if any, and Delta’s payment of any early termination penalties imposed pursuant to Pinnacle’s terminated contracts, (ii) reasonably satisfactory arrangements in respect of Pinnacle’s operational requirements and (iii) adjustment (if any) to the payment rates set forth in Section 1.02 of Exhibit A.

 

In the event spare parts pooling agreements are established for Delta Connection Carriers, Pinnacle will participate in such agreements so long as such agreements adequately address Pinnacle’s inventory needs, logistics requirements and configuration concerns and are not contrary to any FAA regulation and such agreements do no materially interfere with or adversely affect other contractual or legal obligations of Parent or Pinnacle in existence at such time or materially interfere with Pinnacle’s operational or maintenance standards or performance requirements, each as necessary to comply with its obligations under this Agreement.

 

In the event spare engine pooling agreements are established for Delta Connection Carriers, Pinnacle will participate in such agreements so long as such agreements adequately address Pinnacle’s inventory needs, logistics requirements and configuration concerns and are not contrary to any FAA regulation and such agreements do not materially interfere Pinnacle’s operational or maintenance standards or performance requirements, each as necessary to comply with its obligations under this Agreement.

 

In the event Pinnacle is or becomes a party to such agreements as outlined in this Section 3.06, Pinnacle shall not execute any amendment or side letter to extend or terminate any of those agreements without Delta’s prior written consent.

 

The use of such vendors and related agreements by Pinnacle as provided for in this Section 3.06 shall be subject to Pinnacle formally approving such vendors as part of its FAA approved Maintenance Program, with such approvals not unreasonably withheld or delayed.  Pursuant to Pinnacle’s FAA approved Maintenance Program, Pinnacle may cease the use of such vendors, with the prior consent of Delta, with such consent not being unreasonably withheld or delayed, as a remedy for quality control related issues associated with non-compliance with Pinnacle’s FAA approved Maintenance Program or FAA regulatory requirements.

 

  

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The Parties acknowledge and agree that (i) as of the Effective Date, the avionics associated with the Aircraft are maintained under that certain Rockwell Collins Dispatch Plus Maintenance and Inventory Support Agreement dated June 12, 2009 (the “Rockwell Avionics Agreement”); (ii) the Rockwell Avionics Agreement and all services and inventory provided thereunder shall be used by the Pinnacle Parties solely to support the Aircraft and the seventeen (17) CRJ-200 aircraft in the Mesaba fleet prior to January 4, 2012; and (iii) no Pinnacle Party shall use the services and inventory provided pursuant to the Rockwell Avionics Agreement to support any aircraft other than the Aircraft and such seventeen (17) CRJ-200 aircraft without the prior written consent of Delta.  The Parties agree to use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to mutually seek a replacement agreement, or amendment, to the Rockwell Avionics Agreement that would provide avionics maintenance to the Aircraft, such seventeen (17) CRJ-200 aircraft and all other CRJ-200 and CRJ-900 aircraft operated by Pinnacle pursuant to agreements with Delta as of the Effective Date.

 

Section 3.07 Aircraft and Engine/APU Configuration; Aircraft Records

 

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Pinnacle shall be responsible for review, justification and implementation of OEM safety and reliability service bulletins with respect to the Aircraft, the CRJ900 Spare Engines and the CRJ900 APUs.

 

In order to maintain consistency in engine and APU configuration, Delta will work with the respective Delta Connection Carriers to create and maintain one Engine Configuration Specification Manual (“CSM”) and one APU CSM.  Pinnacle agrees to participate in the CSM process, and Delta shall obtain the concurrence of Pinnacle prior to any changes being made to the CSMs, including incorporation of any service bulletins, and Pinnacle shall not unreasonably withhold or delay such concurrence.  If concurrence between such Parties cannot be achieved, then Pinnacle may, on its own authority and cost (with no reimbursement by Delta) incorporate revisions to the CSM.  Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, if requested by Delta, Pinnacle shall restore any engine or APU to CSM configuration at Pinnacle’s sole cost.

 

The baseline Aircraft configuration will be maintained to Original-Equipment-Manufacturer (OEM) approved configurations, provided that Pinnacle may deviate from the OEM-approved configurations in accordance with the Maintenance Program.  Pinnacle shall notify Delta in advance regarding any deviations from OEM-approved configurations unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties, and Pinnacle shall be responsible for all costs (with no reimbursement from Delta) associated with such deviations.  Pinnacle shall return the Aircraft in an OEM approved configuration unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by Delta and Pinnacle.  Any cost associated with reconfiguring the Aircraft will be Pinnacle’s responsibility.

 

Delta shall have responsibility for oversight of aircraft modifications and/or projects for incorporation on the Aircraft fleet subject to the following criteria:

 

(a) All such aircraft modifications/projects that involve expenses deemed Direct Expenses, shall, prior to implementation, be reviewed by Delta and shall require Delta’s approval to be considered Direct Expenses for payment purposes.  Should Delta not approve such modifications or projects, Pinnacle may elect to perform such activity solely at its expense and shall perform such actions in accordance with terms of its Aircraft Lease;

 

  

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(b) All Engine/APU costs (i) involving work outside the scope of a third-party contract  or (ii) charged on a “time and materials” basis as a Direct Cost shall require Delta’s workscope approval prior to shop induction; and

 

(c) A listing of all in-production and pending ADs, Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM), safety-related, reliability, operator-designed and Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Aircraft projects shall be provided by Pinnacle to Delta on a quarterly basis.  The listing shall include Aircraft/Engine/APU affectivity and implementation status.

 

Pinnacle is responsible for managing its respective Aircraft records and shall meet the requirements of 14 C.F.R. 121.380 (including but not limited to the items detailed below), or any successor thereto, and verify that Part 145 Repair Stations contracted to work on its Aircraft maintain the necessary maintenance records.  Pinnacle will ensure that the following records are retrievable by Aircraft and/or by component serial number, as applicable:

 

	
1.  

	
Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s)

 

	
2.  

	
Airworthiness Directive (AD) compliance

 

	
3.  

	
Service Bulletin (SB) compliance

 

	
4.  

	
Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC’s) (transferable and non-transferable)

 

	
5.  

	
Component overhaul records

 

	
6.  

	
Aircraft discrepancy log books

 

	
7.  

	
Non-routines

 

	
8.  

	
Major repairs and alterations

 

	
9.  

	
Routine scheduled checks (A, C, D, etc.)

 

	
10.  

	
Aircraft delivery documents

 

	
11.  

	
Back to birth trace for all life limited parts (LLP’s).

 

Section 3.08 Third Party Guarantees and Warranties

 

.  Pinnacle shall administer, track and pursue warranty and guaranty claims under the purchase, support and service agreements for the Equipment, so as to minimize operating costs for the Equipment.  Such efforts shall include establishment of all systems and procedures necessary to track and submit warranty and guaranty claims, including providing reports and information required to be provided under the purchase, support or services agreement.  Pinnacle shall not operate or maintain the Equipment in a manner that could result in any warranty or guaranty being terminated or voided, without the prior written consent of Delta.

 

Section 3.09 Related Transfer Arrangements

 

.  All leases and subleases of simulators, tooling and spare parts inventory agreements and vendor and/or maintenance agreements with respect to the Equipment (collectively “Support Agreements”) entered into by Pinnacle after the Effective Date shall be assignable to Delta without the consent of the other party to such Support Agreement on termination of this Agreement.  On termination or expiration of this Agreement, if mutually agreed to by Pinnacle and Delta, Pinnacle shall assign to Delta such Support Agreements as Delta shall designate.  Pinnacle shall use reasonable efforts to obtain the consent of the other party to any such Support Agreements in effect as of the Effective Date and, subject to obtaining such consents, if necessary, if mutually agreed to by Pinnacle and Delta, Pinnacle

 

shall assign such Support Agreements to Delta on termination or expiration of this Agreement.  On the expiration or termination of this Agreement, if mutually agreed to by Pinnacle and Delta, Delta may purchase from Pinnacle or its Affiliate all simulators, tooling and spare parts inventory then owned by Pinnacle or its Affiliate which are used with or related to the Equipment, for an amount to be determined by Pinancle and Delta.  Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, Pinnacle shall make available to Delta at no cost all aircraft records and manuals required in order to operate and maintain the Equipment in advance of transfer.

Section 3.10 Equipment Financing Coordination

 

.  Pinnacle shall coordinate and cooperate with Delta with respect to Equipment sale, purchase and lease transactions.  Such coordination and cooperation shall include, but is not limited to, cooperating with Delta in structuring the closing of Equipment sale, purchase or lease transactions in a manner that will minimize the imposition of any local, city, county, state, provincial, federal or foreign taxes or other governmental transfer charges related to such transactions, providing Delta with financial information (audited and unaudited) that Delta may then provide to third parties, assisting Delta in raising capital through the sale of either debt and/or equity in connection with the financing or leasing of the Equipment where and as requested by Delta (including but not limited to participating in meeting with the manufacturer, potential investors and sources of financing or lease equity to discuss Pinnacle’s financial and operational performance and outlook), and full cooperation in meeting appropriate return conditions of the Equipment upon expiration of the Equipment’s Lease.  All of Pinnacle’s reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses arising from cooperation under the foregoing shall be reimbursed by Delta.

 

Section 3.11 Spare Parts Inventory; Application of Credits

 

.  If Delta possesses any manufacturer, supplier or servicer credits and Pinnacle intends to acquire spare parts or inventory from Bombardier or General Electric, Pinnacle shall purchase from Delta such credits at the face value of such credits in an amount up to to the amount to be purchased from Bombardier or General Electric, as applicable (but only to the extent Bombardier or General Electric, as applicable, will accept such credits).  Delta shall provide Pinnacle notice from time to time upon Delta obtaining eligible credits that are available pursuant to this Section 3.11.  Following notification by Pinnacle to Delta of Pinnacle’s intent to utilize credits, Delta shall deduct the amount of such credits from the next payment due to Pinnacle hereunder, and on such date, Delta shall deliver to Pinnacle a credit memorandum equal to the amount of such credits purchased by Pinnacle.

 

                                  ARTICLE IV                                

 

ANCILLARY ARRANGEMENTS

 

Section 4.01 Coordination with Pinnacle

 

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(a) Schedules and Timetables.  Delta shall file and maintain schedules with all applicable schedule distribution systems for all Scheduled Flights, and such schedules shall be filed and maintained by Delta together with the schedules for its flights.  Delta shall include and list all Scheduled Flights providing Regional Airline Services in the schedule publication program of Delta.  Delta shall include Scheduled Flights operated by Pinnacle in all appropriate flight information systems on which Delta flights are listed.

 

  

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(b) Travel Privileges.  As of the Effective Date, Pinnacle shall be entitled to make available for its employees, the travel privileges set forth on Exhibit B attached hereto in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth therein (the “Employee Pass Travel Privileges”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, [***], such travel privileges shall be substantially similar to those travel privileges provided by Delta to employees of other Delta Connection Carriers.    Delta shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to change, alter, modify, reduce or discontinue the Employee Pass Travel Privileges at any time upon no less than sixty (60) days prior written notice to Parent.

 

Section 4.02 Ground Handling and Weather-event Recovery

 

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(a) Ground Handling.  With respect to the Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights, Delta shall be responsible for all Ground Handling Functions at all Service Cities.  Delta at its option may: (i) perform all Ground Handling Functions directly, (ii) contract with Pinnacle pursuant to the Airport Services Master Agreement between Pinnacle as Handling Company and Delta dated as of December 2, 2008, as amended from time to time or (iii) sub-contract performance of the Ground Handling Functions to an Affiliate of Delta or a third party vendor, or a combination of any of the foregoing.

 

(b) Weather-event Recovery.  With respect to recovery from weather events that disrupt the Regional Airline Services operated by Pinnacle, Pinnacle’s System Operations Control shall coordinate with Delta’s System Operations Control for returning to normal operations.

 

Section 4.03 Facilities

 

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(a) Airport Facilities.  During the Term and subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 4.03, Delta shall provide Pinnacle with access on a non-exclusive, shared use basis to a portion of the airport premises and facilities leased by Delta pursuant to a use and lease agreement or other agreement with the applicable airport authority or other third party (each, a “Delta Lease” and collectively, the “Delta Leases”) at each of the Service Cities served by Pinnacle hereunder and at other airport locations designated in writing by Delta from time to time, the types, location and square footage of which shall be designated in writing by Delta from time to time (together with any other premises and facilities of Delta to which Pinnacle may have access for purposes of this Agreement, the “Premises”). Delta may, at its expense, relocate any of the Premises used by Pinnacle at anytime during the Term.  The Premises shall be used by Pinnacle solely for the performance of Regional Airline Services hereunder and for no other purpose except as otherwise approved in writing by Delta.  In the event Delta  determines that Pinnacle requires additional facilities at any Service City for the performance of Regional Airline Services hereunder, Delta may elect (i) to lease or acquire the right to use such facilities and, in such event,  Delta shall provide Pinnacle with access to such facilities on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 4.03 and such facilities shall be deemed to be “Premises” hereunder, or (ii) to require Pinnacle to lease or acquire the right to use such facilities and, in such event Pinnacle shall ensure that any use and lease agreement or other agreement entered into with the applicable airport authority or other third party with respect to such facilities contains a provision that allows such agreement to be assigned by Pinnacle to Delta without the

 

consent of such airport authority or other third party upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, the withdrawal of Scheduled Flights from such airport, or upon written notice from Delta to Pinnacle, provided that if the consent of such airport authority or other third party is required by contract or Governmental Regulations, Pinnacle will use its best efforts to obtain such consent at the time of any such termination, withdrawal or written notice.  Upon the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, the withdrawal of Scheduled Flights from any such airport or upon receipt of written notice from Delta, promptly upon Delta’s request, Pinnacle shall assign all of its right, title and interest in and to such agreement to Delta, provided that such assignment does not give rise to an event of default under such agreement, that Pinnacle is released from obligations arising under such agreement from and after the date of assignment, and, to the extent consent of the airport authority or other third party is required, Pinnacle is able to obtain such consent after using its best efforts to obtain the consent of the airport authority or other third party to any such assignment do so.

(b) Facilities Rent.  Except as otherwise provided herein, with respect to each Service City served by Pinnacle hereunder, Pinnacle shall not be obligated to pay any portion of the rent or facility charges payable by Delta pursuant to the applicable Delta Lease, provided that Delta may elect, with respect to one or more such Service Cities, to cause Pinnacle to pay the rent directly to the lessor of such Premises and Delta shall reimburse Pinnacle for the Direct Costs incurred by Pinnacle as a result of such election.  Pinnacle shall submit to Delta supporting documentation reasonably requested by Delta with sufficient detail to allow Delta to verify the accuracy of the invoiced amount.

 

(c) Airport Landing Fees.  With respect to Airport Landing Fees payable with respect to any flight operated by Pinnacle pursuant to this Agreement to or from any Service City or other location to which a such flight to or from any Service City is diverted, Delta may elect to pay such fees directly to the applicable airport authority based on the reports submitted by Pinnacle to Delta or such airport authority pursuant to Section 4.03(g) hereof or, at Delta’s election (or Delta’s failure to pay such fees), to cause Pinnacle to pay directly to the applicable airport authority such landing fees in the amounts required pursuant to the applicable Delta Lease or any operating permit or other agreement between Pinnacle and such airport authority with respect to such flight and, in such event, such fees shall constitute Direct Expenses of Pinnacle hereunder for which Pinnacle shall be reimbursed by Delta pursuant to Exhibit A, Section 1.03 hereof.

 

(d) Passenger Facility Charges.  Delta shall be responsible for the collection and remittance in accordance with the applicable Delta Lease of all passenger facility charges, if any, with respect to flights operated by Pinnacle in accordance with this Agreement.

 

(e) Other Airport Charges.  Except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.03, Pinnacle shall be responsible for the payment of all fees and expenses, if any, incurred by Delta or Pinnacle pursuant to the applicable Delta Lease or any operating permit or similar agreement between Pinnacle and the applicable airport authority with respect to any flight operated by Pinnacle in accordance with this Agreement, including without limitation, employee badging fees, employee parking fees, license fees, fees or penalties on payments made after the due date as a result of an action or inaction of Pinnacle, and repair and maintenance costs and expenses.  Such fees and expenses shall not constitute Direct Expenses of Pinnacle and Delta shall not be obligated to reimburse Pinnacle for such fees and expenses.

 

(f) Signatory Status.  Upon the request of any airport authority at any Service City served by Pinnacle hereunder and subject to Delta’s prior written consent, Pinnacle shall enter into an operating permit or similar agreement with such airport authority to permit Pinnacle to serve such Service City.  In all such events, subject to Delta’s prior written consent, Pinnacle shall take all actions required to obtain signatory status at any Service City served by it hereunder and shall perform all conditions required by the applicable airport authority to obtain such status, including without limitation the posting of a bond or letter of credit and furnishing evidence of insurance coverage as may be required by such airport authority, provided that any expenses incurred in obtaining such signatory status shall constitute Direct Expenses of Pinnacle hereunder for which Pinnacle shall be reimbursed by Delta pursuant to Exhibit A, Section 1.03 hereof.  In the event Pinnacle qualifies as a signatory carrier at any Service City served by it hereunder, Pinnacle agrees to vote on any matter submitted to the signatory carriers at such Service City for a vote as directed by Delta. All costs and continuing liabilities, including fiscal year shortfall adjustments, associated with Pinnacle’s obligations under such operating permit or similar agreement to pay landing fees, common use charges or other rates, charges and fees to the airport operator the Signatory obligations of Pinnacle shall be included in Direct Expense during the Term, and any such obligations payable after the term of the Agreement shall be paid upon invoice from Pinnacle to Delta. If Pinnacle is unable to terminate the operating permit or similar agreement conferring signatory status without cause and without penalty effective upon termination of the Agreement, if requested by Pinnacle, Delta will cooperate with Pinnacle to transfer Pinnacle’s signatory obligations to Delta, when permitted by the airport authority.

 

(g) Reporting Obligations.  During the Term, Pinnacle shall prepare and timely deliver to Delta or to the applicable airport authority at each Service City, as directed by Delta, all reports and other information required to be provided pursuant to each of the Delta Leases with respect to any flight operated by Pinnacle hereunder, including without limitation all landing and passenger data.  In the event Delta incurs any fees, fines, penalties or expenses as a result of any failure to deliver or delay by Pinnacle in the delivery of such information, Delta shall have the right to deduct any such fee, fine, penalty or expense from amounts owed by Delta hereunder.

 

(h) Invoice Processing; Accounting Entries.  With respect to those Service Cities designated by Delta from time to time during the Term, Pinnacle shall be responsible for reviewing all invoices received by it or Delta for fees and charges submitted by the applicable airport authority, reconciling all amounts set forth on such invoices, certifying to Delta that such amounts are payable in accordance with the applicable Delta Lease, and obtaining payment authorization with respect to such fees and charges.

 

(i) Maintenance Facilities.  During the Term, Pinnacle shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining adequate maintenance facilities required for the maintenance of all Equipment operated or utilized in connection with the performance of services pursuant to this Agreement (the “Maintenance Facilities”).  With respect to any agreement to purchase, lease, sublease or otherwise obtain the use of any Maintenance Facilities or any amendment to any such existing agreement entered into by Pinnacle after the Effective Date, Pinnacle shall obtain Delta’s written consent prior to entering into any such agreement or amendment and Delta shall be entitled to elect to enter into any such agreement or amendment in its own name in place of

 

Pinnacle and, in any such case, Delta shall grant to Pinnacle the right to use such facilities on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

(j) Signage.  Subject to Governmental Regulations and the provisions of the applicable Delta Lease, Pinnacle shall display at all locations within the Premises such signage or other forms of advertising as Delta may specify.  All signage utilizing a Delta trademark shall be provided by Delta at its sole cost and expense, shall remain the property of Delta and any use thereof shall be subject to the provisions of Article VII hereof.  Pinnacle shall not, without the prior written consent of Delta, use any other trademarks on any signage or other forms of advertising displayed on any Equipment or at any facility used by Pinnacle to provide Regional Airline Services hereunder or used to identify or promote the Regional Airline Services, except as may be required by Governmental Regulations.

 

(k) Subject to Delta Lease.  Any right granted to Pinnacle hereby to use any Delta facilities is in all respects subject and subordinate to the terms and conditions of the applicable Delta Lease and Pinnacle shall comply with such Delta Lease in all respects to the extent applicable to Pinnacle’s use of the Premises.  Pinnacle shall not commit or permit to be committed any act or omission that shall violate any term or condition of any of the Delta Leases or any applicable law, rule or regulation, and shall make no alterations, additions or improvements to such facilities.  Pinnacle shall obtain and maintain in good standing any licenses, permits, approvals or consents required in connection with its use of such facilities.  Pinnacle shall maintain the Premises used by it in a neat, clean, and sanitary condition and shall not permit trash, rubbish, or waste to accumulate at such Premises.  Pinnacle shall dispose of all such materials, including without limitation hazardous waste materials, in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances and Delta’s Environmental Programs Manual.  Should Pinnacle cease to provide Regional Airline Services at any Service City where the Premises are located, Pinnacle shall return the Premises to Delta in their original condition, subject only to ordinary wear and tear, and Pinnacle shall properly remove and dispose of all trash, rubbish and waste.

 

(l) No Warranties.  Any equipment and facilities provided to Pinnacle by Delta hereunder are provided AS-IS, WHERE-IS, AND WITH ALL FAULTS.  Delta makes no warranties, express or implied with respect to merchantability, fitness for intended use or condition of any equipment or facilities provided hereunder.  IN NO EVENT SHALL DELTA’S LIABILITY OF ANY KIND WITH RESPECT TO SERVICES, EQUIPMENT OR FACILITIES PROVIDED TO COMPANY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDE ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

 

(m) Separate Facilities Use Agreement.  Should the airport operator or other third party lessor under the Delta Lease at any Service City require a separate facilities use agreement between Delta and Pinnacle with respect to the Premises, Pinnacle shall sign such agreement prepared by Delta containing terms and conditions generally consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

Section 4.04 Data Communications

 

. If necessary for Pinnacle’s operation of the Regional Airline Services hereunder, Delta shall provide to Pinnacle at all Service Cities served by Pinnacle, at Delta’s sole expense, data circuit lines, any required data networking equipment, the use of computer reservation terminals, printers and modems, including hardware, software

 

and maintenance support for such equipment (the “Data Communication Equipment”).  Such Data Communication Equipment shall be of the same type and quality as that used by Delta in its airline operations.  In connection with the commencement of Regional Airline Services at a new Service City,  if necessary for Pinnacle’s operation of the Regional Airline Services hereunder, Delta will provide Pinnacle with Delta’s standard Data Communications Equipment at Delta’s sole expense.

Section 4.05 Security

 

.  Delta shall be responsible for the systems which are programmed to perform all the Department of Homeland Security and foreign government requirements relating to watchlist vetting, CAPPS, and passenger APIS submission.  Delta and Pinnacle’s personnel are each responsible to ensure all required government and airline security and customs/immigration procedures are followed and each Party will ensure that its staff has received the appropriate training as required by applicable law and by the carrier.

 

In regard to security investigations, Pinnacle will cooperate with Delta during the investigation of alleged or actual security compliance violations, security issues, fraud, theft, vandalism, and other possible criminal acts involving any employee, passenger or agent of Pinnacle or relating to the Regional Airlines Services provided by Pinnacle hereunder.

 

Airport security and passenger screening is conducted by the TSA as of the Effective Date.  To the extent airlines have responsibility for airport security and/or passenger screening Delta shall be responsible for Pinnacle’s allocated share with respect to the Regional Airline Services only of all maintenance expenses associated with all security equipment and Pinnacle’s allocated share of all personnel expenses (including overtime) associated with the operation of such equipment and all airport security-related functions, including, without limitation, passenger screening and activities related to security directives imposed by Governmental Regulations.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties acknowledge and agree that should the U.S. government augment or change the directives, requirements, processes, procedures or the activities related to passenger screening as may be imposed by future Governmental Regulations, then the parties will negotiate in good faith regarding any changes to this Agreement that may be necessary as a result.

 

Section 4.06 Reservation Services

 

.  During the Term, Delta shall handle, at its sole expense, reservations for all passenger air transportation on Scheduled Flights operated pursuant to this Agreement.  Reservations shall be handled in the same manner and subject to the same standards utilized by Delta for its own reservations.  All reservations shall be made in the name of Delta unless otherwise required by Governmental Regulations.  Delta shall be sole owner of any customer or passenger data relating to the Scheduled Flights and related reservation services.  However, upon the reasonable request of Pinnacle, Delta will share with Pinnacle such customer or passenger data relating to the Scheduled Flights and related reservation services when reasonably necessary solely for the purpose of resolving Customer/Passenger complaints or claims, or if Pinnacle is required to produce such customer or passenger data relating to the Scheduled Flights and related reservation services in response to a valid subpoena, order of a court or other governmental body of the United States or any political subdivision thereof (provided, however, that Pinnacle shall have given notice to Delta and shall allow Delta to make a reasonable effort to obtain a protective order requiring that such information so disclosed shall be used only for the purposes for which the order was issued) or if otherwise required by law, or if necessary to establish rights or enforce obligations under this Agreement.  Pinnacle shall not

 

have any right to disclose or use such information other than as expressly provided herein or otherwise permitted by Delta in writing.

Section 4.07 Baggage Claims and Baggage Delivery

 

.  With respect to baggage claims and delivery costs in connection with the provision of the Regional Airline Services, Delta shall be responsible for such claims and any Direct Costs incurred by Pinnacle.

 

Section 4.08 Ticketing Services and Ticketing Procedures

 

.

 

(a) Frequent Flyer Program.  Pinnacle agrees to accept Delta frequent flyer tickets and to provide transportation services pursuant to such tickets at no charge to Delta.  All travel under the frequent flyer program solely on Pinnacle shall entitle a passenger to such credit as shall be equivalent to the credit offered on Delta for comparable mileage segments.  Delta will provide such credit to members of its frequent flyer program who travel on Pinnacle at no charge to Pinnacle.

 

(b) Ticketing Costs.  All travel agency commissions attributable to Scheduled Flights shall be Delta’s expense.  Delta shall pay all computer reservation system fees attributable to passengers on Scheduled Flights.

 

Section 4.09 Air Cargo Handling Services

 

.  With respect to the Scheduled Flights, Delta shall be responsible for all air cargo handling services at all Service Cities.  Delta at its option may: (i) perform all air cargo handling functions directly; (ii) contract with Pinnacle pursuant to the Airport Services Master Agreement between Pinnacle as Handling Company and Delta dated as of December 2, 2008, as amended from time to time or (iii) sub-contract performance of the air cargo handling functions to an Affiliate of Delta or a third party vendor, or a combination of any options above.

 

Section 4.10 Air Cargo Acceptance & Claims

 

.

 

(a) At each location at which Delta operates ticketing services, Delta shall at no charge to Pinnacle accept air cargo for shipment on flights to be operated by and over the routes of Pinnacle or Delta. Delta shall issue appropriate documentation in accordance with current operations procedures for all shipments.

 

(b) For purposes of air cargo claims, Delta will be responsible for all air cargo claims arising from the Regional Airline Services performed hereunder, provided that all loss/damage/delay claims involving routing on both Delta and Pinnacle will be determined and managed by Delta’s cargo claims department.  If Delta determines Pinnacle is liable for the loss, Delta will invoice Pinnacle and provide sufficient documentation as to Delta’s investigation and conclusion for the claim loss, and the claim will be forwarded to Pinnacle for review and reimbursement to Delta.  If Pinnacle disputes the invoice, Pinnacle shall provide written notice to Delta within thirty (30) days from the date of invoice and Pinnacle’s obligation to pay the invoice shall be suspended until the dispute is resolved.

 

Section 4.11 Use of COMAT

 

.  Delta and Pinnacle shall each provide to the other, at no cost to the other and on a non-discriminatory basis, access to its respective COMAT system for the movement and acquisition of priority aircraft maintenance parts and other company material.  Delta’s failure to deliver timely a maintenance component via COMAT, whether timely or at all,

 

shall not cause an affected Scheduled Flight to be excluded in calculating Pinnacle’s on-time performance and completion factors.  Wherever possible, bookings should be made in advance, and all access shall be consistent with Delta’s and Pinnacle’s respective published COMAT procedures and policies, as amended from time to time.

Section 4.12 Slots and Route Authorities

 

.  If Delta schedules Pinnacle to operate a Delta Connection Flight to a location for which Pinnacle requires an airport takeoff or landing slot or route authority, Delta will either (i) provide such airport takeoff or landing slot or route authority to Pinnacle or instruct Pinnacle to obtain such airport takeoff or landing slot or route authority and Delta shall reimburse Pinnacle for any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Pinnacle in obtaining such airport takeoff or landing slot or route authority.  During the Term or upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, Delta may, in its sole discretion, require Pinnacle to transfer to Delta or its designee at no charge any airport takeoff or landing slots, route authorities or other regulatory authorities as Delta shall designate which have been or are being used for Regional Airlines Services under this Agreement, provided that Pinnacle does not require such airport takeoff or landing slot, route authority or other regulatory authority for the provision of Regional Airline Services pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Section 4.13 Emergency Response and Family Assistance Agreement

 

.  Delta shall enter into a separate written agreement with Pinnacle with respect to emergency response and family assistance services to be provided to Pinnacle by Delta at no net cost to Pinnacle (after receipt of any insurance claim proceeds) in connection with the Regional Airlines Services operated under this Agreement.

 

                       ARTICLE V                      

 

REVENUES, PAYMENTS AND SETOFF

 

Section 5.01 Revenues

 

.  Pinnacle acknowledges and agrees that all revenues resulting from the sale and issuance of passenger tickets and cargo air waybills associated with the operation of the Aircraft and all other sources of revenue associated with the operation of the Aircraft are the sole property of Delta, including without limitation ticket change fees and other fees or charges which are applicable pursuant to Delta’s tariffs, fuel surcharges, governmental subsidies, EAS subsidies, revenue guarantees, unaccompanied minor fees, liquor charges, snack/beverage services, SkyMall products and services and other in-flight products, luggage fees, advertising revenue, excess baggage fees and nonrevenue pass travel charges.  All EAS subsidies received by Pinnacle shall be paid to Delta promptly upon receipt and in any event within five (5) business days after such receipt.

 

Section 5.02 Payments to Pinnacle

 

.  Delta will pay Pinnacle for the Regional Airline Services in accordance with Exhibit A hereto.

 

Section 5.03 Billing

 

.  Delta and Pinnacle shall bill each other on a monthly basis (or as otherwise agreed) in respect of amounts owed to each other under this Agreement not contemplated under Exhibit A.  If such billed items are not paid by the applicable Party within twenty (20) days of the invoice date, the aggregate amount of any undisputed unpaid items may be offset against or included, as applicable, in the next scheduled payment pursuant to Exhibit A.  Disputed amounts must be paid when the dispute is resolved to the satisfaction of the Parties, provided that such amount may be set off against or included, as applicable, in the next

 

scheduled payment pursuant to Exhibit A if the formerly disputed amount is not paid within seven (7) days of resolution.  Delta may also offset against the next scheduled payment pursuant to Exhibit A the amount of any payment owed to Delta or an Affiliate of Delta (including, without limitation, those under any Lease, the 2007 CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement, the SAAB Agreement and the Second Amended and Restated Airline Services Agreement) with respect to which Pinnacle or any Affiliate of Pinnacle or Parent shall have defaulted and shall have failed to cure before the expiration of any applicable cure period.

                                    ARTICLE VI                                

 

REPORTING OBLIGATIONS, AUDITING, INSPECTIONS AND CONFIDENTIALITY/PUBLICITY

 

Section 6.01 Reporting Obligations

 

.

 

(a) Certain Notices to Delta.  In addition to the other reporting requirements set forth in this Agreement, Parent shall give written notice (within ten (10) business days) to Delta of (i) any litigation involving an uninsured claim of more than $1,000,000 against any Pinnacle Party, (ii) any proceeding before any Governmental Authority which, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect the financial condition, affairs, operations or prospects of any Pinnacle Party, including but not limited to a copy of any significant FAA enforcement or civil penalty action, (iii) any in-flight injuries resulting in severe bodily harm and (iv) any other matter which would materially and adversely affect the financial condition, affairs, operations or prospects of any Pinnacle Party or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement.  Pinnacle shall also provide to Delta not later than the last day of each month the completion factor and on-time factor for the prior month with respect to the Scheduled Flights operated pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(b) Financial and Reporting Covenants.  Parent shall promptly provide to Delta notice of and adequate information regarding any material weaknesses noted in any management letters received by any Pinnacle Party from its independent auditors and such company’s responses thereto.

 

Section 6.02 Audits

 

.

 

(a) Audit of Costs, Operations and Service Levels.  The Pinnacle Parties shall maintain complete and accurate books and records to support and document all revenues, costs and expenses related to the Aircraft and the Regional Airline Services provided hereunder, in accordance with GAAP and in accordance with the accounting policies and procedures used by the Parties to develop the payment rates set forth in Section 1.02 of Exhibit A (as amended or reset from time to time) and the Direct Expenses.  Delta’s in-house finance staff and any independent consultants selected by Delta shall be entitled, following reasonable notice to Pinnacle, to audit and inspect the respective books and records of the Pinnacle parties relevant to the services provided hereunder, the service levels achieved, and the determination of charges due pursuant to this Agreement for the sole purposes of (i) prospectively adjusting the Aircraft Month Rate, Block Hour Rate,  and Cycle Rate in connection with any rate reset pursuant to Exhibit A hereof and/or (ii) auditing any Direct Expenses or incentive compensation due or paid hereunder.  Any such audit will be conducted during regular business hours and be paid for by Delta unless such audit determines that one or more Pinnacle Party owes Delta in excess of

 

$500,000, in which case Pinnacle shall pay Delta the costs and expenses incurred by Delta in connection with such audit.

(b) Inventory Audits.  At Delta’s request, during the Term Pinnacle and Delta (or its designee) shall conduct periodic inventory audit of all spare parts, tooling and equipment owned by Delta and leased to Pinnacle or owned by Delta and supplied to Pinnacle.  In conducting such audit, the applicable Parties shall tabulate the quantity and type of all spare parts and equipment including recognition of spare parts and equipment which were scrapped in the preceding year(s).

 

Section 6.03 Inspections

 

.  Delta or its designee shall be entitled to conduct a codeshare safety audit, on-site observations, inspections and audits of Pinnacle’s in-flight service, flight, maintenance, technical operations, Aircraft cleaning and any and all other services and operations performed under this Agreement to monitor Pinnacle’s operations, safety, performance and overall customer experience in the same manner as similar functions are evaluated at Delta.  Pinnacle’s operation will be evaluated according to the same standard as Delta taking into account the differences in size and operational capabilities between Delta and Pinnacle.  Such observations, inspections and audits may be announced or unannounced, but under no circumstances shall they materially interfere with the operation of Pinnacle’s business.  Delta shall report the findings of any such inspection to Pinnacle in writing.  Pinnacle shall provide a prompt written response detailing a plan of corrective action to remedy any deficiencies noted in any inspection. If any deficiency with respect to operational safety, flight service, maintenance, or technical operations comes to the attention of Pinnacle through internal audits or any other means, Pinnacle shall take immediate corrective action with respect thereto. In addition, Pinnacle shall promptly notify Delta of any of the following deficiencies that come to the attention of Pinnacle:

 

	
  

	
1.

	
Any notice of civil penalty from a Governmental Authority;  

	
  

	
2.  Findings from a third party source (IATA, DOD, etc.) regarding safety deficiencies not immediately resolved during the audit; and

	
3.  

	
Self disclosures involving systemic issues. 

Section 6.04 Confidentiality/Publicity

 

.  Each of the Parties agrees that, except as otherwise required by Governmental Regulations or any other applicable law or legal process, or as may be required to comply with or enforce the terms hereof, it shall not disclose to others and shall keep confidential the terms of this Agreement and any confidential, non-public information concerning the other or any of its Affiliates that it obtains as a result of or pursuant to this Agreement.  The Parties agree, however, that each Party may share this Agreement, and the terms and details herein, with its respective outside financial auditors or attorneys without the consent of the other Parties, and without breach or violation of this Section 6.04 or this Agreement.  No Pinnacle Party shall issue any press release or public announcement relating to new Scheduled Flights, the cessation of Scheduled Flights in any Service City, schedule changes, customer initiatives, marketing programs or promotions, without Delta’s prior written approval of the press release or public announcement.  In any such press release or public announcement, Pinnacle shall identify itself as a Delta Connection Carrier.

 

  

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                                ARTICLE VII                                

 

DELTA IDENTIFICATION

 

Section 7.01 Identification License

 

.  Delta hereby grants to Pinnacle a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license to use the DL Identification in connection with its operation of the Regional Airline Services as authorized hereunder.

 

Section 7.02 Designator License

 

.  Delta hereby grants to Pinnacle a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license to use the Designator in connection with its operation of the Scheduled Flights as authorized hereunder.

 

Section 7.03 New Identifications

 

.  From time to time in its sole discretion, Delta may change any DL Identifications and/or Designators upon notice to Pinnacle.  After receipt of such notice, Pinnacle shall, as soon as practicable, but no later than sixty (60) days thereafter, commence use of the new DL Identifications and/or Designators and cease all use of any superseded ones.  Delta shall reimburse Pinnacle for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it in making such changes.

 

Section 7.04 Use of Identification

 

.  Delta shall have exclusive control over the use and display of all DL Identifications and Designators, and Pinnacle shall comply with all policies and guidelines of Delta in this regard.   Pinnacle shall use the DL Identifications and Designators in good faith, in a dignified manner and in compliance with good trademark practice.  Pinnacle shall use the DL Identifications and Designators exactly as prescribed by Delta, and shall not use (i) any stylization, abbreviation or variation thereof or (ii) the DL Identifications and Designators in connection or combination with any other Identification, in each case, without Delta’s prior written consent, which may be withheld in its sole discretion.

 

Section 7.05 Quality Control

 

.  Pinnacle shall use the DL Identifications and Designators only in connection with products and services that comply with the high standards of quality associated with Delta. At Delta’s request, Pinnacle shall submit representative samples to Delta of all uses by it of the DL Identifications and Designators pursuant to this Agreement, including Sections 2.02 and 4.03.  Pinnacle shall receive the prior written approval of Delta for any new uses of the DL Identifications and Designators, including on any advertising and promotional materials.  Once such approval is received, Pinnacle need not resubmit such materials for approval unless they contain non-trivial modifications.

 

Section 7.06 Reservation of Rights

 

.  All rights not expressly granted to Pinnacle hereunder are expressly reserved by Delta, including without limitation the right to use or license others to use any DL Identifications or Designators.  Pinnacle shall not use the DL Identification or Designator except as expressly authorized herein, nor has any right to use any other Identification of Delta other than the specific DL Identification in the exact form prescribed by Delta from time to time.

 

Section 7.07 Ownership

 

.  Each Pinnacle Party hereby acknowledges that, as between the Parties, Delta is the sole owner of the names “Delta” and “Delta Connection,” the Delta “widget” logo, the initials “DL,” and any Designators or DL Identifications related thereto or

 

  

19

  

otherwise licensed to Pinnacle hereunder.  Each Pinnacle Party agrees not to directly or indirectly question, attack, contest or impugn the validity and/or Delta’s rights in the Designators and DL Identifications, including without limitation by attempting to register title to or any intellectual property rights in same or by participating in any action or proceeding adverse to Delta in this regard.  Each Pinnacle Party agrees to cooperate fully with Delta in all actions to enforce, police and defend Delta’s rights in the Designators and DL Identifications, subject to reimbursement for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

Section 7.08 Termination

 

.  Should this Agreement expire or terminate for any reason and not be replaced with another airline services agreement among the Parties, the licenses in Sections 7.01 and 7.02 shall immediately terminate (although Sections 7.07 and 7.08 shall survive), and Pinnacle shall promptly, but in any event within ninety (90) days (one hundred twenty (120) days with respect to any distinctive color scheme), take all such actions as may be necessary to change its facilities, equipment, uniforms, supplies and other materials to cease all use of any Designators and DL Identifications and to avoid any customer confusion or the suggestion or appearance that Pinnacle continues to have an operating relationship with Delta.

 

Section 7.09 Bankruptcy

 

.  The Parties intend that the identity of Pinnacle as the licensee hereunder is a material condition to Delta’s granting of the licenses in Section 7.01 and Section 7.02, and that this Agreement should be construed overall as a contract for the personal services of Pinnacle.  Therefore, in the event Pinnacle becomes subject to a bankruptcy proceeding, the Parties intend that this Agreement shall not be assumed and/or assigned by Pinnacle or its representative without Delta’s prior consent, provided that Delta hereby consents to Pinnacle’s assumption of this Agreement in connection with the Bankruptcy Cases.

 

                                ARTICLE VIII                                

 

TAXES AND FEES

 

Section 8.01 Taxes and Fees

 

.  Pinnacle shall be liable for and pay the amount of any taxes (other than Ticket Taxes and Fees), duties, license fees, assessments, and other charges, together with any interest and penalties thereon, levied, assessed, or imposed by any federal, foreign, state or local taxing or airport authority related or attributable to (i) the property owned or used by Pinnacle, and (ii) the performance of Regional Airline Services pursuant to this Agreement, excluding any taxes based on the net income of Delta.  Delta shall reimburse Pinnacle for taxes as set forth on Exhibit A.

 

Section 8.02 Property Tax, Fuel Tax, and Sales and Use Tax Compliance

 

.

 

(a) With respect to any property taxes, fuel taxes, sales and use taxes, excise taxes, liquor taxes, and similar transaction taxes (“Transaction Taxes”), Delta and the Pinnacle Parties shall cooperate to ensure that Pinnacle is timely filing appropriate tax returns and refund claims to minimize its respective Transaction Taxes.  Delta shall determine which entity, Delta or Pinnacle, shall be responsible for preparing and filing appropriate such tax returns and refund claims.  Unless Delta determines otherwise and notifies Pinnacle in writing, Pinnacle shall be responsible for all such Transaction Tax filings and payments. Upon the request of Delta, (i) Delta shall be entitled to review any actual or proposed tax filings of Pinnacle related to Transaction Taxes and (ii) Pinnacle shall execute and deliver a power of attorney and/or an assignment of refund claim in favor of Delta, in each case with respect to any Transaction Taxes.

 

Pinnacle shall notify Delta of the commencement of any tax audit. Prior to resolving any tax audit, Pinnacle shall receive approval from Delta to resolve any such audit.

(b) Pinnacle shall use its reasonable best efforts to, and cooperate with Delta to, minimize its respective Transaction Taxes.  Pinnacle shall in good faith and using reasonable best efforts supply Delta with such information and documents reasonably requested by Delta to minimize its respective Transaction Taxes.  Unless Delta determines otherwise, Pinnacle shall use its reasonable best efforts to seek any and all applicable refunds or credits of Transaction Taxes paid by Pinnacle.  Any such refunds for Transactional Taxes will be to the sole benefit of Delta.

 

Section 8.03                      New International Service Cities.  With respect to taxes associated with any Regional Airline Services to new international Service Cities, which are commenced after the Effective Date, Delta and Pinnacle shall use reasonable best efforts to agree to the administration of all responsibilities for such taxes and how such taxes shall be reimbursed in accordance with Exhibit A hereto.

 

 

                               ARTICLE IX                                

 

LIABILITY, INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE

 

Section 9.01 Independent Contractor

 

.

 

(a) Each of the Pinnacle Parties shall act hereunder as an independent contractor.  The employees, agents and/or independent contractors of the applicable Pinnacle Party engaged in performing any of the services such Pinnacle Party is obligated to perform pursuant to this Agreement shall be employees, agents and independent contractors of such Pinnacle Party for all purposes and under no circumstances shall employees, agents or independent contractors of any Pinnacle Party be deemed to be employees, agents or independent contractors of Delta.  In its performance of obligations under this Agreement, each of the Pinnacle Parties shall act, for all purposes, as an independent contractor and not as an agent for Delta.  Delta shall have no supervisory power or control over any employees, agents or independent contractors engaged by any Pinnacle Party in connection with their performance of their respective obligations hereunder, and all complaints or requested changes in procedure shall, in all events, be transmitted by Delta to a designated representative of Parent.  Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to limit or condition Operator control over its operation or the conduct of its business as an air carrier

 

(b) Delta shall act hereunder as an independent contractor. The employees, agents and/or independent contractors of Delta engaged in performing any of the services Delta is to perform pursuant to this Agreement shall be employees, agents and independent contractors of Delta for all purposes and under no circumstances shall employees, agents and independent contractors of Delta be deemed to be employees, agents or independent contractors of any Pinnacle Party.  In performing its obligations under this Agreement, Delta shall act, for all purposes, as an independent contractor and not as an agent for any Pinnacle Party.  No Pinnacle Party shall have any supervisory power or control over any employees, agents or independent contractors engaged by Delta in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder, and all complaints or requested changes in procedure shall, in all events, be transmitted by any

 

Pinnacle Party to a designated representative of Delta.  Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to limit or condition Delta’s control over its operation or the conduct of its business as an air carrier.

Section 9.02 Indemnification

 

.

 

(a) At all times while Regional Airline Services are being furnished hereunder, including without limitation, while Ground Handling Functions are being performed with respect to any Aircraft, an employee or agent of Pinnacle shall be in charge, custody and control of any Aircraft operated by Pinnacle by Delta or its contractors and Delta shall at no time be considered a bailee of or as having care, custody or control of such Aircraft.

 

(b) Each Pinnacle Party, jointly and severally, shall be liable for and hereby agrees fully to defend, release, discharge, indemnify, and hold harmless Delta and its Affiliates, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees and agents (each, a “Delta Indemnitee”) from and against any and all claims, demands, damages, liabilities, suits, judgments, actions, causes of action, losses, costs and expenses of any kind, character or nature whatsoever (in each case whether groundless or otherwise), including reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and expenses in connection therewith and expenses of investigation and litigation thereof, which may be suffered by, accrued against, charged to, or recoverable from any Delta Indemnitee in any manner arising out of, connected with, or attributable to this Agreement, the performance, improper performance, or nonperformance of any and all obligations to be undertaken by a Pinnacle Party pursuant to this Agreement, or the operation, non-operation, or improper operation by a Pinnacle Party of the Equipment or the Premises, excluding only claims, demands, damages, liabilities, suits, judgments, actions, causes of action, losses, costs and expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any Delta Indemnitee.

 

(c) Except as limited by Section 9.02(d) below, Delta shall be liable for and hereby agrees fully to defend, release, discharge, indemnify, and hold harmless Pinnacle, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents (each, a “Pinnacle Indemnitee”) from and against any and all claims, demands, damages, liabilities, suits, judgments, actions, causes of action, losses, costs and expenses of any kind, character or nature whatsoever (in each case whether groundless or otherwise), including reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and expenses in connection therewith and expenses of  investigation and litigation thereof, which may be suffered by, accrued against, charged to, or recoverable from any Pinnacle Indemnitee in any manner arising out of, connected with, or attributable to Delta’s performance, improper performance or nonperformance of any and all obligations to be undertaken by Delta pursuant to this Agreement,  or the operation, non-operation or improper operation of Delta's aircraft, equipment or facilities at any location, excluding only claims, demands, damages, liabilities, suits, judgments, actions, causes of action, losses, costs and expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any Pinnacle Indemnitee.   Delta will do all things necessary to cause and assure, and will cause and assure, that Delta will at all times be and remain in custody and control of any aircraft, equipment and facilities of Delta used in connection with performance of this Agreement, and no Pinnacle Indemnitee shall, for any reason, be deemed to be in the custody or control, or a bailee, of such Delta aircraft, equipment or facilities.

 

(d) Delta shall be liable for and hereby agrees fully to defend, release, discharge, indemnify, and hold harmless Pinnacle Indemnity against any physical loss of or damage to the

 

Aircraft caused solely by Delta's negligent operation of ground support equipment while providing Ground Handling Functions PROVIDED ALWAYS THAT Delta's liability shall be limited to any such loss of or damage to Pinnacle’s Aircraft not exceeding the lesser of (i) $500,000 or (ii) the deductible on Pinnacle’s hull insurance policy covering the damaged Aircraft, except that loss or damage in respect of any incident below [***] shall not be indemnified.

(e) The Pinnacle Parties and Delta agree to comply with all lawful rules, regulations, directives and similar instructions of appropriate governmental, judicial and administrative entities including, but not limited to, airport authorities, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation (and any successor agencies) with respect to the Regional Airline Services.

 

(f) OTHER THAN ANY WARRANTIES SPECIFICALLY CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY DISCLAIMS AND THE OTHER PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ORAL OR WRITTEN, WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ITS PERFORMANCE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR INTENDED USE RELATING TO ANY EQUIPMENT, DATA, INFORMATION OR SERVICES FURNISHED HEREUNDER.  EACH PARTY AGREES THAT NO OTHER PARTY IS LIABLE TO IT OR ANY OTHER PERSONS FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

 

(g) Indemnification Claims.  A party (the “Indemnified Party”) entitled to indemnification from the other party under the terms of this Agreement (the “Indemnifying Party”) shall provide the Indemnifying Party with prompt written notice (an “Indemnity Notice”) of any third party claim which the Indemnified Party believes gives rise to a claim for indemnity against the Indemnifying Party hereunder, and the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled, if it accepts financial responsibility for the third party claim, to control the defense of or to settle any such third party claim at its own expense and by its own counsel; provided that the Indemnified Party’s prior written consent (which may not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) must be obtained prior to settling any such third party claim.  If the Indemnifying Party does not accept financial responsibility for the third party claim or fails to defend against the third party claim that is the subject of an Indemnity Notice within thirty (30) days of receiving such notice (or sooner if the nature of the third party claim so requires), or otherwise contests its obligation to indemnify the Indemnified Party in connection therewith, the Indemnified Party may, upon providing written notice to the Indemnifying Party, pay, compromise or defend such third party claim.  The Indemnified Party shall provide the Indemnifying Party with such information as the Indemnifying Party shall reasonably request to defend any such third party claim and shall otherwise cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in the defense of any such third party claim.  Except as set forth above in this Section 9.02(g), the Indemnified Party shall not enter into any settlement or other compromise or consent to a judgment with respect to a third party claim as to which the Indemnifying Party has an indemnity obligation hereunder without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party (which may not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and the entering into any settlement or compromise or the consent to any judgment in violation of the foregoing shall constitute a waiver by the Indemnified Party of its right to indemnity hereunder to the extent the Indemnifying Party was prejudiced thereby.  Any Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to the rights of the Indemnified Party to the extent that the Indemnifying Party pays

 

for any Loss suffered by the Indemnified Party hereunder.  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 9.02(g) to the contrary, any Pinnacle Party and Delta will cooperate in the defense of any claim imposed jointly against them or as the result of the conduct of the other.

(h) The respective obligations of the Parties under the indemnity and insurance provisions contained in this Agreement shall remain in effect and shall survive without limitation the termination of this Agreement with respect to any occurrence or claims arising during the term of or in connection with this Agreement.

 

Section 9.03 Insurance

 

.

 

(a) Pinnacle agrees, at its sole expense, to maintain in full force and effect the following insurance coverage with respect to Regional Airline Services:

 

(1) All risk hull (including spares) insurance and hull war risk insurance on an agreed value basis.

 

(2) Comprehensive airline liability insurance (including premises, hangarkeepers, mobile equipment, contractual, cargo and products and completed operations liability) covering bodily injury, personal injury and property damage in an amount not less than [***] per occurrence and in the aggregate where applicable.

 

(3) Workers' compensation for statutory limits.

 

(4) Employer's liability in an amount not less than [***].

 

(5) Baggage liability limit of [***] or tariff, whichever is greater

 

(6) Automobile liability for public road use in an amount not less than [***] combined single limit per occurrence.

 

(7) War, Hijacking and Other Allied Perils insurance protecting against the perils in AVN52D, as amended from time to time, or its U.S. equivalent in an amount not less than [***] per occurrence.  Such insurance may be maintained through a combination of primary and excess layers.

 

(8) In lieu of commercial War Risk coverages required in Sections 9.03(a)(1) and (7) above, evidence of indemnification by the United States Government shall be acceptable.

 

(b) Prior to the commencement of Regional Airline Services under this Agreement and upon renewal of the required coverages, Pinnacle shall issue a Certificate of Insurance to Delta evidencing the above coverage requirements.  Except for Workers Compensation, the Certificates of Insurance must include the following special insurance provisions:

 

(1) Delta, its Affiliates and each of their respective it directors, officers, employees and agents are included as Additional Insureds to the extent Pinnacle’s liability to Delta and such entities herein.

 

(2) Pinnacle’s insurance coverages are primary without right of contribution from Delta’s insurance.

 

(3) Pinnacle’s insurers will waive their rights of subrogation against Delta, its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents, but only to the extent Pinnacle has waived its rights against such parties pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

(4) With respect to the insurance afforded Delta, its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents, Pinnacle’s insurance shall not be invalidated by and breach or warranty by any Pinnacle Party.

 

(5) Provide cross liability and severability of interest provisions.

 

(6) In the event the required coverages are cancelled or materially changed, Pinnacle’s insurers will provide thirty (30) days prior notice (7 days as respect War Coverages and 10 days as respects non payment of premium) to Delta.

 

(c) Pinnacle shall comply with all insurance provisions in any Lease for any Aircraft that Pinnacle leases or subleases from Delta.

 

(d) [***].

 

                        ARTICLE X                      

 

TERM AND TERMINATION

 

Section 10.01 Term

 

.  This Agreement shall commence on and shall be effective as of July 1, 2010 and, unless earlier terminated as provided herein, shall continue in effect until the twelfth (12th) anniversary of such date (the “Term”).

 

Section 10.02 Termination by Either Party

 

.

 

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 10.01, Delta may terminate this Agreement immediately if any Pinnacle Party files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, fails to secure dismissal of any involuntary petition in bankruptcy within sixty (60) days after the filing thereof, or petitions for reorganization, liquidation, or dissolution under any federal or state bankruptcy or similar law.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 10.01, the Pinnacle Parties may terminate this Agreement immediately if Delta files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, fails to secure dismissal of any involuntary petition in bankruptcy within sixty (60) days after the filing thereof, or petitions for reorganization, liquidation, or dissolution under any federal or state bankruptcy or similar law.

 

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 10.01, in the event of a material breach of this Agreement by either any Pinnacle Party or Delta remaining uncured for more than thirty

 

  

20

  

(30) days after receipt of written notification of such breach by the nonbreaching Party, then the nonbreaching Party may immediately terminate this Agreement at its sole option.

Section 10.03 Termination by Delta

 

.  Notwithstanding, and in addition to, the provisions of Section 10.02, Delta shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately and at its sole option upon the occurrence of one or more of the following:

 

(i) Any Pinnacle Party agrees to merge into or with any entity other than an Affiliate of Parent, agrees to be acquired by any entity other than Affiliate of Parent, agrees to sell substantially all of its assets or enters into a letter of intent, or similar document, to merge into or with any entity other than an Affiliate of Parent, to be acquired by any entity other than an Affiliate of Parent, or to sell substantially all of its assets (each such event, a “Merger”);

 

(ii) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended, the “Exchange Act”)) (a “Person”) other than an Affiliate of Parent of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of more than forty-nine percent (49%) of either (a) the then outstanding shares of common stock of any Pinnacle Party, or (b) the combined Voting Power of the then outstanding voting securities of any Pinnacle Party entitled to vote generally in the election of such entity’s directors or managers, as applicable (each such event, a “Change of Control”);

 

(iii) Pinnacle’s level of safety with respect to its operation of the Aircraft or the Regional Airline Services is not reasonably satisfactory to Delta;

 

(iv) a breach by Pinnacle of Section 2.08 hereof;

 

(v) Pinnacle’s failure to pass, in Delta’s reasonable discretion, a safety and codeshare audit to be conducted by Delta, at its sole discretion, at any time during the Term of this Agreement;

 

(vi) Pinnacle fails to achieve any of the Operational Performance Standards set forth on Schedule 2.11 with respect to the Aggregate CRJ900 Delta Connection Flights during [***];

 

(vii) a material breach by any Pinnacle Party of any representation or warranty in Section 11.01(e);

 

(viii) Pinnacle’s failure to comply with the insurance provisions of Section 9.03 hereof;

 

(ix) Pinnacle’s FAA or DOT Certification is for any reason suspended or revoked or otherwise not in full force and effect so as to permit Pinnacle to provide the Regional Airline Services required under this Agreement;

 

(x) Pinnacle shall commence operating an aircraft type which causes Delta to be in violation of its collective bargaining agreement with its pilots, as may be amended from time to time;

 

(xi) any Pinnacle Party shall default with respect to the material terms of any other agreement between any Pinnacle Party or any Affiliate of any Pinnacle Party, on the one hand, and Delta or an Affiliate of Delta, on the other hand (any such agreement, a “Related Party Agreement”), and such breach shall continue for more than the period of grace, if any, specified therein and shall not have been waived; provided, however, that each of (i) the 2007 CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement; (ii) the SAAB Agreement and (iii) the Second and Amended Restated Air Services Agreement shall not be a Related Party Agreement hereunder until July 1, 2011; or

 

(xii) Pinnacle’s failure to pass, any audit conducted by the DOT, FAA, DOD or IOSA, at any time during the Term of this Agreement.

 

Section 10.04 Force Majeure

 

.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 10.01, 10.02 and 10.03, in the event any acts of God, acts of terrorism or hostilities, war, strike, labor disputes, work stoppage, fire, act of government, court order, or any other act reasonably beyond the control of that party, including but not limited to, non-delivery or delay in delivery of the Aircraft or delay in the completion of required training of Pinnacle’s employees by the Aircraft manufacturer (each, a “Force Majeure Event”) substantially prevents one Party’s performance of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement, for a period of fifteen (15) or more consecutive days, Delta may (y) temporarily suspend some or all of the Aircraft from the scope of this Agreement upon written notice to Parent, or (z) terminate this Agreement in its entirety upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to Parent.

 

Section 10.05 Effect of Termination

 

.  Termination of this Agreement for any reason shall not relieve any Party of rights and obligations incurred prior to the effective date of termination.  A Party’s right to terminate this Agreement shall be in addition to any other rights or remedies, in law or equity, available to such party.

 

                              ARTICLE XI                                

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 11.01 Representations; Warranties and Covenants of Pinnacle Parties

 

.  Each of the Pinnacle Parties represents and warrants to Delta as of the Effective Date as follows:

 

(a) Organization and Qualification.  Each Pinnacle Party is a duly organized and validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws of its state of incorporation and has the corporate power and authority to own, operate and use its assets and provide the Regional Airline Services.

 

(b) Authority Relative to this Agreement.  Each Pinnacle Party has the corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms hereof.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of each Pinnacle Party.  This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each Pinnacle Party and is, assuming due execution and delivery thereof by Delta and that Delta has full legal power and right to enter into

 

  

21

  

this Agreement, a valid and binding obligation of each Pinnacle Party, enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms.

(c) Conflicts; Defaults.  Neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement nor the performance by any Pinnacle Party of the transactions contemplated hereby will (i) violate, conflict with, or constitute a default under any of the terms of such entity’s articles of incorporation, by-laws, or any provision of, or result in the acceleration of any obligation under, any contract, sales commitment, license, purchase order, security agreement, mortgage, note, deed, lien, lease, agreement or instrument, including without  limitation, any order, judgment or decree relating to the Regional Airline Services, (ii) result in the creation or imposition of liens in favor of any third person or entity, (iii) violate any law, statute, judgment, decree, order, rule or regulation of any governmental authority, or (iv) constitute any event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would result in such violation, conflict, default, acceleration or creation or imposition of liens.

 

(d) Broker.  No Pinnacle Party has retained or agreed to pay any broker or finder with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(e) Compliance.  All Regional Airline Services performed pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise by Pinnacle shall be conducted in full compliance with all applicable statutes, orders, rules, regulations and notifications, whether now in effect or hereafter promulgated, of all governmental agencies having jurisdiction over its operations, including, but not limited to, the FAA, DOD, and DOT.  Pinnacle’s compliance with such governmental statutes, orders, rules, regulations and notifications will be the sole and exclusive obligation of each Pinnacle, and Delta will have no obligation, responsibility, or liability, whether direct or indirect, with respect to such matters.

 

Section 11.02 Representations and Warranties of Delta

 

.  Delta represents to each Pinnacle Party as of the Effective Date as follows:

 

(a) Organization and Qualification.  Delta is a duly incorporated and validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the corporate power and authority to own, operate and use its assets and to operate the Delta Connection program.

 

(b) Authority Relative to this Agreement.  Delta has the corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms hereof.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Delta.  This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Delta and is, assuming due execution and delivery thereof by each Pinnacle Party and that each Pinnacle Party has full legal power and right to enter into this Agreement, a valid and binding obligation of Delta, enforceable against Delta in accordance with its terms.

 

(c) Conflicts; Defaults.  Neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement nor the performance by Delta of the transactions contemplated hereby will (i) violate, conflict with, or constitute a default under any of the terms of Delta’s articles of incorporation, by-laws, or any

 

provision of, or result in the acceleration of any obligation under, any contract, sales commitment, license, purchase order, security agreement, mortgage, note, deed, lien, lease, agreement or instrument, including without limitation, any order, judgment or decree relating to the Regional Airline Services, (ii) result in the creation or imposition of any liens in favor of any third person or entity, (iii) violate any law, statute, judgment, decree, order, rule or regulation of any governmental authority, or (iv) constitute any event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would result in such violation, conflict, default, acceleration or creation or imposition of liens.

(d) Broker.  Delta has not retained or agreed to pay any broker or finder with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(e) Compliance.  All air transportation-related actions performed pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise by Delta shall be conducted in full compliance with all applicable statutes, orders, rules, regulations and notifications, whether now in effect or hereafter promulgated, of all governmental agencies having jurisdiction over its operations, including, but not limited to, the FAA, DOD, and DOT. Delta’s compliance with such governmental statutes, orders, rules, regulations and notifications will be the sole and exclusive obligation of Delta, and no Pinnacle Party will have any obligation, responsibility, or liability, whether direct or indirect, with respect to such matters.

 

                               ARTICLE XII                                

 

COVENANTS OF PINNACLE

 

Pinnacle hereby covenants and agrees that:

 

(a) Pinnacle shall not enter into any binding agreement or arrangement (or series of agreements or arrangements) with any third party (excluding any employee collective bargaining units) for the procurement of any goods or services relating to Pinnacle, the Aircraft or operation of any of the Scheduled Flights or Charter Flights that will result in a material increase in Pinnacle’s Direct Expenses to perform its services hereunder without the prior written consent of Delta, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld and shall be provided in a timely manner in order to permit Pinnacle to satisfy its conditions hereunder (it being understood that Delta’s consent shall not be required if Pinnacle does not pass any such increased costs to Delta as a Direct Expense or otherwise).

 

(b) [***]

 

(c) Pinnacle shall file all reports and plans relating to its operations with the DOD, DOT, FAA, NTSB or any state or airport authority, and Pinnacle shall promptly furnish Delta with copies of all such reports and such other available traffic and operating reports as Delta may request from time to time.  Additionally, Pinnacle will promptly furnish Delta with a copy of every report and plan that Pinnacle prepares, whether or not such report is filed with the FAA, NTSB or any other governmental agency, relating to any accident or incident involving an Aircraft when such accident or incident is claimed to have resulted in the death or injury to any person or the loss of, damage to or destruction of any property.

 

(d) In the event Parent is no longer a public reporting company, Pinnacle shall furnish to Delta (1) within 45 days after the end of each of the three interim calendar quarters, unaudited

 

financial statements including Pinnacle's then current corporate balance sheet and profit and loss statement and  (2) within 91 days after the end of Pinnacle's fiscal year, Pinnacle's then current, audited financial statements including, either separately or on a consolidated basis, the balance sheet and the profit and loss statement, together with associated footnotes, and a copy of the independent auditor's report.  Notwithstanding the reporting status of Parent, Pinnacle shall furnish to Delta within 91 days after the end of Pinnacle's fiscal year, a profit and loss statement with respect to Pinnacle’s Delta Connection operations prepared by SEC line-item and certified by Pinnacle’s chief financial officer.

ARTICLE XIII

 

CONTRACT INTERPRETATION

 

Section 13.01 

 

This Agreement is subject to, and will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, excluding conflicts of laws principles, and of the United States of America.  Any action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any right arising out of, this Agreement may only be brought in the courts of the State of New York in New York County, or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such action or proceeding and waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection to venue laid therein.  Process in any action or proceeding referred to in the proceeding sentence may be served on any party anywhere in the world.  Each party further agrees to waive any right to a trial by jury.

 

Section 13.02 

 

The descriptive headings of the several articles and sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only, confer no rights or obligations on either party, and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.

 

Section 13.03 

 

Time is of the essence in interpreting and performing this Agreement.

 

Section 13.04 

 

This Agreement (including the Exhibits and Schedules hereto) constitutes the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and any other prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral, are expressly superseded hereby.

 

Section 13.05 

 

If any part of any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, such part shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability only, without in any way affecting the remaining parts of such provision or the remaining provisions.

 

Section 13.06 

 

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, including via facsimile, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 13.07 

 

Because a breach of the provisions of this Agreement could not adequately be compensated by money damages, any party shall be entitled to an injunction restraining such breach or threatened breach and to specific performance of any provision of this Agreement and, in either case, no bond or other security shall be required in connection therewith, and the parties hereby consent to the issuance of such injunction and to the ordering of specific performance.

 

  

22

  

 

Section 13.08 

 

NO PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST REVENUES, LOST PROFITS, OR LOST PROSPECTIVE ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE, ARISING FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY BREACH HEREOF.

 

ARTICLE XIV

 

CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THE PARTIES' CONTROL

 

With the exception of outstanding rights and obligations, and Delta’s right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.04 hereof, each Party will be relieved of its obligations under this Agreement in the event, to the extent and for the period of time that performance is delayed or prevented caused by any Force Majeure Event.

 

ARTICLE XV

 

MODIFICATION AND WAIVER

 

No amendment, modification, supplement, termination or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, and no consent to any departure by any Party therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless in writing signed by authorized representatives of each Party hereto, and then only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose given.

 

ARTICLE XVI

 

NOTICES

 

Unless otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests and other communications required or provided for hereunder shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar teletransmission or writing) and shall be given at the following addresses:

 

(1)  If to Delta:

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

7500 Airline Drive, C009

Minneapolis, MN 55450-1101

Dept. 915

Attn: Senior Vice President- Delta Connection

Telecopy:  (612) 727-4104

with copies to:

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

1030 Delta Boulevard

Atlanta, GA  30354

Dept. 981

Attn: Senior V.P. and General Counsel

Telecopy:  (404) 715-2233

(2)  If to any Pinnacle Party:

  

23

  

Pinnacle Airlines Corp.

One Commerce Square Building

40 South Main Street

Memphis, TN  38103

Attention:  Chief Financial Officer

Telecopy:  (901) 348-4262

with copies to:

Pinnacle Airlines Corp.

One Commerce Square Building

40 South Main Street

Memphis, TN  38103

Attention:  General Counsel

Telecopy:  (901) 348-4103

Any such notice, request or other communication shall be effective (i) if given by mail, upon the earlier of receipt or the third business day after such communication is deposited in the United States mails, registered or certified, with first class postage prepaid, addressed as aforesaid or (ii) if given by any other means including, without limitation, by air courier, when delivered at the address specified herein.  A Party may change its address for notice purposes by notice to the other Parties in the manner provided herein.

 

ARTICLE XVII

 

ASSIGNMENT

 

This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of Delta, Parent and Pinnacle, and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, neither party may assign or transfer this Agreement or any portion hereof to any person or entity without the express written consent of the other party.  Any assignment or transfer, by operation of law or otherwise, without such consent shall be null and void and of no force or effect.

 

ARTICLE XVIII

 

GOOD FAITH

 

Each Party shall exercise good faith in its dealings with the other Parties hereto and in performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE XIX

 

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

Section 19.01 

 

Except as otherwise provided below, each Party shall, and shall ensure that its directors, officers, employees, Affiliates and professional advisors (collectively, the “Representatives”), at all times, maintain strict confidence and secrecy in respect of all Confidential Information (as defined below) of the other Parties (including their respective Affiliates) received directly or indirectly as a result of this Agreement.  If a Party (the “Disclosing Party”) in good faith determines that it is required to disclose any Confidential Information of another Party (the “Affected Party”) in order to comply with any applicable law

 

or government regulation, or under the terms of a subpoena or order issued by a court or governmental body, it shall (a) notify the Affected Party immediately of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request, (b) consult with the Affected Party on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request and (c) if any disclosure of Confidential Information is required to prevent the Disclosing Party from being held in contempt or subject to other legal penalty, furnish only such portion of the Confidential Information as it is legally compelled to disclose and use commercially reasonable efforts (at the cost of the party whose Confidential Information is being protected) to obtain an order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment shall be accorded to the disclosed Confidential Information.  Each Party agrees to transmit Confidential Information only to such of its Representatives as required for the purpose of implementing and administering this Agreement, and shall inform such Representatives of the confidential nature of the Confidential Information and instruct such Representatives to treat such Confidential Information in a manner consistent with this Article XIX.

For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall mean (a) all confidential or proprietary information of a party, including, without limitation, trade secrets, information concerning past, present and future research, development, business activities and affairs, finances, properties, methods of operation, processes and systems, customer lists, customer information (such as passenger name record or “PNR” data) and computer procedures and access codes; and (b) the terms and conditions of this Agreement and any reports, invoices or other communications between the parties given in connection with the negotiation or performance of this Agreement; and (c) excludes (i) information already in a party’s possession prior to its disclosure by other party; (ii) information obtained from a third person or entity that is not prohibited from transmitting such information to the receiving party as a result of a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation to the party whose information is being disclosed; (iii) information that is or becomes generally available to the public, other than as a result of disclosure by a party in violation of this Agreement; or (iv) information that has been or is independently acquired or developed by a party, or its Affiliate, without violating any of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section XIX(A) to the contrary, the parties acknowledge that this Agreement may constitute a material contract for purposes of Parent’s disclosure obligations arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and/or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that Parent may make any such required disclosure, subject to the prior review by, and meaningful consultation with, Delta.

 

Section 19.02 

 

Each Party acknowledges and agrees that in the event of any breach of this Article XIX, the Affected Party shall be irreparably and immediately harmed and could not be made whole by monetary damages.  Accordingly, it is agreed that, in addition to any other remedy at law or in equity, the Affected Party shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions (without the posting of any bond and without proof of actual damages) to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this Article XIX and/or to compel specific performance of this Article XIX.

 

Section 19.03 

 

The confidential obligations of the Parties under this Article XIX shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

  

24

  

ARTICLE XX

 

PARENT GUARANTEE

 

Section 20.01 

 

Parent hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to Delta the due and punctual performance by Pinnacle of Pinnacle’s obligations, agreements and covenants arising under this Agreement and under each term and condition hereof (collectively, the “Obligations”).  If Pinnacle shall fail or be unable to perform any such Obligation as and when the same shall be required to be performed, then Parent, at its sole cost and expense, shall be obligated to promptly perform or cause to be promptly performed each such Obligation in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof.  This guaranty is a guaranty of payment, performance and compliance and not of collectibility and is in no way conditioned or contingent upon any attempt to collect from or enforce performance or compliance by Pinnacle or upon any other event or condition whatsoever.  If for any reason any payment Obligation amount shall not be paid by Pinnacle when due, Parent shall immediately pay such amount to the person entitled thereto pursuant to this Agreement, as if such amount constituted the direct and primary obligation of Parent and regardless of whether any person has taken any steps to enforce any rights against Pinnacle to collect such amount.

 

Section 20.02 

 

To the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, the obligations of Parent and Pinnacle hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional, shall be continuing and remain in full force and effect until final and irrevocable payment or performance, and shall not be released, discharged, affected or impaired in any respect by: (a) any amendment, modification, or cancellation of, or addition or supplement to this Agreement; (b) any exercise, acceleration, extension, compromise, settlement, non-exercise, waiver, release, or cancellation by Delta of any right, remedy, power or privilege under or related to this Agreement or any other guaranty of any obligations of Pinnacle; (c) the invalidity or unenforceability, in whole or in part, of this Agreement; (d) any change in the corporate existence, structure or ownership of Pinnacle or Parent or any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting either of them or their assets; or (e) any other occurrence, circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether similar or dissimilar to the foregoing, whether foreseen or unforeseen, and any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable defense, release or discharge of the liabilities of a guarantor or surety, or which might otherwise limit recourse against Parent or Pinnacle.  If acceleration of the time for the performance or payment of any Obligation is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of Pinnacle, all Obligations that are subject to acceleration under the terms of this Agreement shall nonetheless be performed or payable hereunder by Parent or Pinnacle, as applicable.

 

Section 20.03 

 

Each of Parent and Pinnacle hereby specifically agrees that it shall not be necessary or required as a condition to enforcement of the obligations hereunder against it, that there be (and each of Parent and Pinnacle, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, specifically waives) diligence, presentment, or protest of any kind whatsoever with respect to the respective guaranty by Parent and Pinnacle or the Obligations; such waiver includes, without limitation: (i) presentment for payment upon Pinnacle or Parent or the making of any protest; (ii) any requirement to exhaust any remedies exercisable upon a default under this Agreement or to give any notice of non-performance or non-payment; (iii) any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge, release or defense of a guarantor or

 

surety; or (iv) so long as any Obligation remains outstanding, any right of subrogation by virtue of any performance or payment made hereunder.  Each of Parent and Pinnacle agrees that any payment or performance of the Obligations guaranteed by it hereunder or other act that tolls any statute of limitations applicable to enforcement of the Obligations shall similarly operate to toll any statute of limitations applicable to any liability of Parent or Pinnacle pursuant to this Article XX.  In addition, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each of Parent and Pinnacle waives the benefit and advantage of any and all valuation, stay, appraisement, extension or redemption laws which, but for this provision, agreement and waiver, might be applicable to any sale made under any judgment, order or decree of any court or otherwise based on the respective guaranty of Parent and Pinnacle pursuant to this Article XX.  All waivers made by Parent or Pinnacle in this Section 20.03 and elsewhere throughout this Article XX are intentional and made by Parent or Pinnacle, as applicable, after due consideration of all the consequences thereof.

Section 20.04 

 

All of the terms and conditions of this Article XX shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of the Parties; provided that neither Parent nor Pinnacle may assign, delegate or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior consent of Delta.

 

ARTICLE XXI

 

RESTATEMENT

 

The Parties agree that the 2010 DCA is hereby amended and restated effective as of the Effective Date.  It is the intent of the Parties hereto that all rights, privileges, obligations and duties of the Parties arising prior to the Effective Date, including the calculation of any amounts due to any Party in respect of such period, shall be governed by the provisions of the 2010 DCA; and all rights, privileges, obligations and duties of the Parties arising from and after the Effective Date, including the calculation of any amounts due to any Party in respect of such period, shall be governed by the provisions of this Agreement.

 

  

25

  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Delta, Parent and Pinnacle have each executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

	
PINNACLE AIRLINES, INC.

 

 

 

By: _/s/ Brian T. Hunt

Brian T. Hunt

Vice President and General Counsel

 

	
DELTA AIR LINES, INC.

 

 

 

By: _/s/ Donald T. Bornhurst

Donald T. Bornhurst

Senior Vice President – Delta Connection

 

	
 

 

PINNACLE AIRLINES CORP.

 

 

 

By: _/s/ Brian T. Hunt

Brian T. Hunt

Vice President and General Counsel

 

	  

  

26

  

Schedule 1-A

Aircraft

 

	
ShipNo

	
RegNo

	
MSN

	
Eng1

	
Eng2

	
4950

	
N600LR

	
15142

	
194618

	
194621

	
4951

	
N601LR

	
15145

	
194626

	
194629

	
4952

	
N602LR

	
15151

	
194638

	
194639

	
4953

	
N604LR

	
15152

	
194643

	
194644

	
4954

	
N605LR

	
15160

	
194663

	
194660

	
4901

	
N901XJ

	
15130

	
194586

	
194587

	
4902

	
N902XJ

	
15131

	
194589

	
194590

	
4903

	
N903XJ

	
15134

	
194601

	
194598

	
4904

	
N904XJ

	
15135

	
194605

	
194600

	
4905

	
N905XJ

	
15137

	
194607

	
194606

	
4906

	
N906XJ

	
15138

	
194609

	
194608

	
4907

	
N907XJ

	
15139

	
194611

	
194610

	
4908

	
N908XJ

	
15140

	
194617

	
194612

	
4909

	
N909XJ

	
15141

	
194619

	
194616

	
4910

	
N910XJ

	
15143

	
194623

	
194620

	
4912

	
N912XJ

	
15144

	
194627

	
194624

	
4913

	
N913XJ

	
15148

	
194565

	
194632

	
4914

	
N914XJ

	
15149

	
194637

	
194634

	
4915

	
N915XJ

	
15150

	
194653

	
194652

	
4916

	
N916XJ

	
15154

	
194647

	
194642

	
4917

	
N917XJ

	
15155

	
194649

	
194646

	
4918

	
N918XJ

	
15156

	
194651

	
194648

	
4919

	
N919XJ

	
15163

	
194665

	
194668

	
4920

	
N920XJ

	
15167

	
194677

	
194678

	
4921

	
N921XJ

	
15172

	
194689

	
194687

	
4922

	
N922XJ

	
15174

	
194669

	
194686

	
4923

	
N923XJ

	
15177

	
194697

	
194698

	
4924

	
N924XJ

	
15179

	
194700

	
194701

	
4925

	
N925XJ

	
15183

	
194711

	
194708

	
4926

	
N926XJ

	
15184

	
194713

	
194710

	
4927

	
N927XJ

	
15188

	
194719

	
194716

	
4928

	
N928XJ

	
15190

	
194723

	
194724

	
4929

	
N929XJ

	
15191

	
194725

	
194726

	
4930

	
N930XJ

	
15192

	
194727

	
194728

	
4931

	
N931XJ

	
15193

	
194731

	
194732

	
4932

	
N932XJ

	
15194

	
194735

	
194734

	
4933

	
N933XJ

	
15196

	
194739

	
194740

	
4934

	
N934XJ

	
15198

	
194749

	
194746

	
4935

	
N935XJ

	
15199

	
194743

	
194748

	
4936

	
N936XJ

	
15201

	
194753

	
194758

	
4937

	
N937XJ

	
15210

	
194779

	
194784

 

  

27

  

Schedule 1-B

 

Reserved

 

 

  

28

  

Schedule 1-C

 

APUs

 

	
SN

	
P-535

	
P-536

	
P-540

	
P-590

	
P-545

	
P-539

	
P-546

	
P-548

	
P-550

	
P-552

	
P-554

	
P-559

	
P-560

	
P-566

	
P-567

	
P-569

	
P-572

	
P-584

	
P-588

	
P-544

	
P-592

	
P-595

  

29

  

	
P-600

	
P-601

	
P-607

	
P-608

	
P-581

	
P-543

	
P-610

	
P-614

	
P-612

	
P-623

	
P-622

	
P-628

	
P-648

	
P-551

	
P-556

	
P-562

	
P-563

	
P-565

	
P-615

	
P-312

 

  

30

  

Schedule 2.11

 

MINIMUM PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

 

	
1.  

	
Completion Rate:  No less than the threshold calculated in accordance with the Minimum Completion Factor Standard in Exhibit D.

 

	
2.  

	
On-time Reliability:  No less than the threshold calculated in accordance with the Minimum A0 Performance Standards in Exhibit D of all Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flights flown and arriving at scheduled destination within less than 1 minute of scheduled arrival time.

 

	
3.  

	
On-Time Departures:  No less than the threshold calculated in accordance with the Minimum D0 Performance Standards in Exhibit D of all Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flights flown and departing from scheduled origin less than 1 minute of scheduled departure time.

 

	
4.  

	
Customer Experience:  [***].

 

  

31

  

EXHIBIT A

PAYMENT TERMS

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all section references in this Exhibit A refer to the corresponding section of this Exhibit A.

 

Section 1.01.   Payment Terms.

 

(a) Payments

 

For purposes of this Section 1.01, payments to Pinnacle shall be calculated as follows for any applicable period:

 

(i)           the Aircraft Month Payment, which will be equal to the then applicable Aircraft Months Rate (as set forth in Section 1.02 of this Exhibit A) multiplied by Aircraft Months for such period for Scheduled Flights, Non-Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights, plus

 

(ii)           the Block Hour Payment, which will be equal to the then applicable Block Hour Rate (as set forth in Section 1.02 of this Exhibit A) multiplied by Block Hours for such period for Scheduled Flights, Non-Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights, plus

 

(iii)           the Cycle Payment, which will be equal to the then applicable Cycle Rate (as set forth in Section 1.02 of this Exhibit A) multiplied by Cycles for such period for Scheduled Flights, Non-Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights, plus

 

(iv)           the Direct Expense Payment, which will be determined in accordance with Section 1.03 of this Exhibit A, plus

 

(v)           the Margin, which shall equal the then applicable Margin Rate (as set forth in Section 1.02 of this Exhibit A) multiplied by Aircraft Months for such period for Scheduled Flights, Non-Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights.

 

(b) Provisional Billing and Payment Schedule

 

On a monthly basis and in a format agreeable to Delta, the Pinnacle Parties shall provide estimates of the upcoming monthly Aircraft Month Payment, Block Hour Payment, Cycle Payment Direct Expense Payment (excluding Equipment Rental Expense that is deducted herefrom in payment of Rent pursuant to the terms of the Leases) and Margin.  Such estimates shall be based upon the schedule (including Scheduled Flights, Non-Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights) to be operated by Pinnacle during the upcoming month (assuming a [***] completion rate) and shall be provided no later than 10 days prior to the start of the upcoming month in which the wire transfers shall be made.  Delta shall review such estimates for each Aircraft Month Payment, Block Hour Payment, Cycle Payment, Direct Expense Payment and Margin for accuracy and reasonableness.  To the extent any such estimates are determined to be inaccurate or unreasonable, the Pinnacle Parties, upon request from Delta, shall provide supporting documentation and/or explanations for such estimates or correct such estimates as provided by Delta.

 

  

32

  

Except as set forth below, on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day of the applicable month (or if not a business day, on the following business day), Delta will advance to Pinnacle twenty-five percent (25%) of the aggregate cost estimates of such month’s Aircraft Month Payment, Block Hour Payment, Cycle Payment, Direct Expense Payment (excluding Equipment Rental Expense that is deducted herefrom in payment of Rent pursuant to the terms of the Leases) and Margin (each such advance, a “Provisional Payment”).  Each Provisional Payment shall be made via wire transfer or through the Airline Clearing House (the “Clearing House”), in Delta’s discretion (but in any event on the dates set forth above) or, if any Provisional Payment is not paid by Delta on any such date, then in Pinnacle’s discretion.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Delta shall be entitled, without notice, to deduct from any payment owed to Pinnacle hereunder any amounts that are, at the time of such payment, due and owing under (i) that certain Promissory Note dated July 1, 2010 issued by Pinnacle, Parent and Mesaba to Delta (the “Promissory Note”), (ii) the DIP Credit Facility, and (iii) the Exit Loan.

 

(c) Monthly Reconciliation

 

Reconciliation of each month’s Provisional Payments to reflect actual operating statistics and Direct Expenses (excluding rents payable under the Leases) paid or accrued under Section 1.03 shall be completed on a monthly basis as follows:

 

a.           On or before the fifth (5th) Business Day after the last day of each calendar month, in a format mutually agreeable to Delta and Parent, Pinnacle shall submit to Delta a report detailing actual operational statistics pertaining to the Aircraft Month Payment, the Block Hour Payment and the Cycle Payment and its actual Direct Expenses for such month.  Delta and the Pinnacle Parties agree to make a good faith effort to expeditiously reconcile any differences in operational statistics data used to calculate reconciliation payments.  In addition, if requested by Delta, the Pinnacle Parties shall submit to Delta documentation sufficient to support its actual Direct Expense items, including copies of all invoices.

 

b.           Within five (5) business days of completing such reconciliation, Delta or Pinnacle, as the case may be, shall pay, via wire transfer or the Clearing House in Delta’s discretion, to an account designated by the other Party, monies equal to the reconciled amount.  If certain actual costs are not known by the completion of the reconciliation, the Pinnacle Parties shall provide Delta with a good faith estimate of such unknown costs and such estimated amount shall be included in the initial reconciliation.  As soon as commercially reasonable, such estimated amounts shall be reconciled with the actual costs for such expenses, and Delta or Pinnacle, as the case may be, shall pay, via wire transfer or the Clearing House in Delta’s discretion or, if not paid by Delta on any such date, then in Pinnacle’s discretion, to an account designated by the other Party, monies equal to the reconciled amount.

 

c.           Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event Pinnacle is unable to operate any of the Aircraft, or any of the Scheduled Flights, Non-Scheduled Flights or Charter Flights, for any reason other than as a result of weather, fire, war, terrorism, other act of hostilities, an industry-wide ATC action, an industry-wide directive by the FAA, TSA or other governmental agency or act of God, Delta shall not be obligated to pay Pinnacle any portion of the Aircraft Month Payment, the Block Hour

 

  

33

  

Payment, the Cycle Payment, the Direct Expenses, any incentive compensation, or any other amounts, in connection with such non-operated Aircraft, Scheduled Flights, Non-Scheduled Flights or Charter Flights.  If the non-operated Aircraft, Scheduled Flight, Non-Scheduled Flight or Charter Flight is caused by weather, fire, war, terrorism, other act of hostilities, an industry-wide ATC action, an industry-wide directive by the FAA, TSA or other governmental agency or act of God, Delta shall only be obligated to pay the following fixed costs associated with such non-operated Aircraft, Scheduled Flight, Non-Scheduled Flight or Charter Flight:  Equipment Rental Expense, Hull Insurance and Property Taxes, but not any variable costs, incentive compensation, or any other amounts with respect to such non-operated Aircraft, Scheduled Flights, Non-Scheduled Flights or Charter Flights during the period that Pinnacle is unable to operate such Aircraft, Scheduled Flight, Non-Scheduled Flight or Charter Flight.

 

Section 1.02                      [***]

 

Section 1.03                      [***]

 

Section 1.04                      Fuel

 

(a) Fuel Administration.  Pinnacle will join the fuel consortium at a Service City upon Delta’s request.  In connection with the Regional Airline Services, Delta will provide to Pinnacle the following fuel-related services:  (i) fuel supply and into-plane fuel services, including negotiation of fuel supply, fuel storage and into-plane service contracts for the Aircraft and (ii) payment of all into-plane and fuel invoices in respect of the Aircraft.  Delta will reimburse Pinnacle for any fees associated with joining or being a member of a consortium.

 

(b) Fuel Burn Review Procedures.  Commencing as of January 1, 2011, Delta and Pinnacle agree to review the fuel burn performance (defined as gallons per block hour) of the Aircraft for compliance with annual performance measures including, but not limited to:

 

(i) Planned Fuel On Arrival (FOA)

 

(ii) Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Usage

 

Pinnacle will be responsible for the development and setting of the annual performance measure targets for the Aircraft, each as defined in Attachment B, and an annual budgeted fuel burn rate expressed in gallons per block hour (“All-in Rate”), in a timeframe consistent with the development of the annual operating expense budget of each party.  The All-in Rate shall encompass all scheduled and non-scheduled burned gallons and include the measures defined in (b)(i-ii) above and those measures the Parties may agree to subsequently add.  The annual targets for the performance measures and All-in Rate will be subject to Delta’s approval.  The Parties agree to work in good faith to resolve any differences that may exist with respect to setting annual targets.  Pinnacle shall implement industry best practices to efficiently manage FOA to ensure target achievement (i.e. Alternate Exemptions 3585C, etc.)  For the APU target, in the event agreement can not be reached, the target will be based on the then-applicable APU target of Pinnacle with appropriate operational adjustments.  Additional performance measures may be identified and added at a future date by mutual agreement of the parties for purposes of reviewing the Aircraft’s annual fuel burn.  In the event data is not yet available for a given

 

  

34

  

measure, no annual target will be set.  The Parties agree to use reasonable best efforts in researching and collecting data for purposes of adding performance measures and cooperation may not be unreasonably withheld by either Party.

 

Although fuel tankering does not reduce Aircraft fuel burn it does reduce overall fuel expense.  If Pinnacle does not already have a tankering program in place, the Parties agree to use reasonable best efforts in researching and collecting data for purposes of adding tankering measures.  The Parties agree that tankering shall be reviewed and assessed at a future date to determine procedures for implementation and agree to implement a mutually agreed fuel tankering program.

 

Not later than sixty (60) days following the end of the year for which the targets applied, Pinnacle shall each (i) deliver to Delta the analysis and conclusion of its performance for the year then ended with respect to each of the performance measures and the All-in Rate, and (ii) provide Delta with the data used by it to determine variances to each of the performance measure targets and the All-in Rate in a format specified by Delta.  Delta shall have thirty (30) days from the receipt of Pinnacle’s analysis to complete its review.  If it is determined that Pinnacle exceeded one or more of the targets for the annual performance measures, and the cause of exceeding the targets was not attributed to operational exceptions out of Pinnacle’s control (e.g. runway closure for construction requiring more holding fuel during periods of peak arrival demand), a fuel penalty shall be assessed per the formulas set forth in Attachment B (a “Fuel Burn Penalty Payment”).  If it is mutually determined by Pinnacle and Delta that Pinnacle exceeded the budget for the All-in Rate, after adjusting for variances to target for the performance measures, and the cause of exceeding the budget was within the control of Pinnacle, a Fuel Burn Penalty Payment shall be assessed per the formula set forth in Attachment B.  Such Fuel Burn Penalty Payment(s) shall be made in accordance with Section 5.03 of the Agreement.

 

Pinnacle and Delta agree to negotiate in good faith to develop a revised goal structure for FOA, APU and All-in Rate to be implemented by January 1, 2011. Such revised goal structure will provide for incentives as well as penalties.

 

Section 1.05                      Performance Levels and Related Incentives and Penalties.

 

(a) Pinnacle shall be subject to certain monthly performance levels together with incentive payments and/or penalties as described in this Section 1.05(a) (“Performance Criteria”).  If Pinnacle achieves the performance criterion, then Delta shall pay Pinnacle the applicable incentive amount set forth below and if Pinnacle does not achieve the performance criterion, then Delta shall charge Pinnacle the applicable penalty amount set forth below.  All incentives and penalties are monthly, unless otherwise specified as quarterly, and stated in dollars per Aircraft.  In the case of Aircraft additions or removals within a monthly or quarterly period, such incentive amounts will be prorated.  Any monthly incentive amount shall be added to, and any monthly penalty charge shall be deducted from, the monthly settlement payment.  Any quarterly incentive amount shall be added to, and any quarterly penalty charge shall be deducted from, the next monthly settlement payment following the tenth day after the delivery by Delta of Pinnacle’s ISM Score pursuant to Section 2.11(a)(iii).  The applicable performance levels and corresponding incentives and penalties are as follows:

 

  

35

  

(i) Completion Factor (calculated in accordance with Section 2.11(a)(i) of the Agreement):

 

	  	
Penalty 2

	
Penalty 1

	
Neutral

	
Incentive 1

	
Incentive 2

	
Performance Level

	
*

	
*

	
*

	
*

	
*

	
Penalty/Incentive per Aircraft

	
 

[***]

	
 

[***]

	
[***]

	
 

[***]

	
 

[***]

 

* The Performance Levels shall be established in accordance with Exhibit D.

 

 

(ii) On-Time Arrival within 0 Minutes (calculated in accordance with Section 2.11(a)(ii) of the Agreement):

 

	  	
Penalty 2

	
Penalty 1

	
Neutral

	
Incentive 1

	
Incentive 2

	
Performance Level

	
*

	
*

	
*

	
*

	
*

	
Penalty/Incentive per Aircraft

	
 

[***]

	
 

[***]

	
[***]

	
 

[***]

	
 

[***]

 

* The Performance Levels shall be established in accordance with Exhibit D.

 

 

In conjunction with Pinnacle’s on-time arrival performance, Pinnacle’s target block time performance (within zero minutes) shall not exceed [***] with respect to the Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flights.  If Pinnacle’s actual block time performance (within zero minutes) exceeds [***]with respect to the Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flights, Pinnacle’s actual arrival performance (within zero minutes) will be adjusted downward by 0.7 percentage point per 1.0 percentage point in excess of [***].

 

 

(iii) Customer Satisfaction (measured in accordance with Section 2.11(a)(iii) of the Agreement) (The Performance Period for Customer Satisfaction will be assessed on a calendar quarter basis):

 

  

36

  

	  	
 

Penalty 2

	
 

Penalty 1

	
Neutral

	
 

Incentive 1

	
 

Incentive 2

	
Performance Level

	
≤ [***]

	
≤ [***] but > [***]

	
> [***] but < [***]

	
≥ [***]but  < [***]

	
≥ [***]

	
Penalty/Incentive per Aircraft

	
 

[***] per quarter

	
 

[***] per quarter

	
[***] per quarter

	
 

[***]

per quarter

	
 

[***] per quarter

 

 

(iv)           On-Time Departure within 0 Minutes (calculated in accordance with Section 2.11(a)(iv) of the Agreement):

 

	  	
Penalty 2

	
Penalty 1

	
Neutral

	
Incentive 1

	
Incentive 2

	
Performance Level

	
*

	
*

	
*

	
*

	
*

	
Penalty/Incentive per Aircraft

	
 

[***]

	
 

[***]

	
 

[***]

	
 

[***]

	
 

[***]

 

* The Performance Levels shall be established in accordance with Exhibit D.

 

 

(b) Reconciliation of Performance Standards.  Following each month, (i) Pinnacle shall prepare a reconciliation of its actual performance to the targeted performance with respect to the completion factor and on-time arrival factor with respect to the Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flights and (ii) Delta shall prepare a reconciliation of Pinnacle’s actual performance to targeted performance with respect to the Customer Satisfaction results of the Aggregated CRJ900 Delta Connection Flights. Such reconciliations will be completed and delivered to the other Party within twenty (20) days after the end of each month.  Delta and Pinnacle will have the right to audit the reconciliations prepared by the other and shall report any discrepancies to the other.  Any discrepancy not reported in writing within sixty (60) days of the end of any month shall be deemed waived.

 

  

37

  

Attachment A

Definitions

 

For purposes of this Exhibit A, the following terms are defined as set forth below.  (Other defined terms are set forth in Article I of the Agreement).

 

“2018 Rate Reset” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.02(e) of this Exhibit A.

 

“AAR Agreement” means that certain Aircraft Maintenance Agreement effective as of August 8, 2011 among AAR Aircraft Services, Inc., Delta and Mesaba, as may be amended, modified or extended in accordance with the terms of such agreement.

 

“Aircraft Months” means an Aircraft each month after such Aircraft has been placed in service by Pinnacle and remains in service for Delta (including non-scheduled Aircraft).  An Aircraft placed in service by Pinnacle by the 15th of a month is assumed to have been in service for the entirety of such month.

 

“Aircraft Month Payment” means the payment for Aircraft Months to be made pursuant to Section 1.01(a) of Exhibit A.

 

“Aircraft Months Rate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.02 of this Exhibit A.

 

“All-in Rate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.04 of this Exhibit A.

 

“Block Hour Payment” means the payment for Block Hours to be made pursuant to Section 1.01(a) of this Exhibit A.

 

“Block Hour Rate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.02 of this Exhibit A.

 

“Clearing House” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.01(b) of this Exhibit A.

 

“Comparable Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.02(e) of this Exhibit A.

 

“CPPI” means the percent increase, if any, in the PPI for finished goods published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, which increase occurred during the immediately preceding calendar year, defined as (PPI for the prior calendar year/PPI for the two years prior)-1, but in no event in excess of [***] and in no event less than zero.  For example, when calculating the Block Hour Rate for 2014 in Section 1.03, CPPI is calculated as follows: (2013 PPI / 2012 PPI) – 1.

 

“CPPIB” means the percent increase, if any, in the PPI for finished goods published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, defined as (PPI for the prior calendar year/PPI for the year of 2009)-1, but in no event will the compound annual growth rate

 

  

38

  

be in excess of [***] or less than zero.  For example, when calculating the Block Hour Rate for 2012 in the Section 1.03, CPPIB is calculated as follows: (2011 PPI / 2009 PPI) – 1.

 

“Cycle” means an actual takeoff at an origin city and landing at a destination city of an Aircraft in connection with a Scheduled Flight, a Non-Scheduled Flight or a Charter Flight.

 

“Cycle Payment” means the payment for Cycles to be made pursuant to Section 1.01(a) of this Exhibit A.

 

“Cycle Rate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.02 of this Exhibit A.

 

“Delta Sourcing Initiative” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.03 of this Exhibit A.

 

“Direct Expenses” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.03 of this Exhibit A.

 

“Direct Expense Payment” means the payment for Direct Expenses to be made pursuant to Section 1.01(a) of this Exhibit A.

 

“Equipment Rental Expense” means the Aircraft Rental Expense, the Spare Engine Rental Expense and the QEC Rental Expense.

 

 “Fuel Burn Penalty Payment” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.04 of this Exhibit A.

 

“Margin Rate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.02 of this Exhibit A.

 

“Monthly Payment” means the payment each month to be made pursuant to Section 1.01(a) of this Exhibit A.

 

“Monthly Rate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.02 of this Exhibit A.

 

“Performance Criteria” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.05(a) of this Exhibit A.

 

 “PPI” means Producer Price Index for finished goods published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and, if no longer published, any comparable successor index selected by Delta.

 

“Promissory Note” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.01(b) of this Exhibit A.

 

“Provisional Payment” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.01(b) of this Exhibit A.

 

“QEC Rental Expense” means the Basic Rent charged in the Leases between Delta and Pinnacle with respect to each of the QECs.

 

  

39

  

Attachment B

 

Aircraft Fuel Burn (Penalty) Formulas

 

Note: The formulas below are to be used for the calculation of Fuel Burn Penalty Payments as they pertain to each performance measure and the All-in Rate in Section 1.04 of Exhibit A.  The Penalty, while settled on an annual basis, is based on a monthly calculation.  The result of the calculation for each performance measure shall be netted together to produce a net Penalty, if one should exist.  To the extent that formulas do not yet exist the parties mutually agree to document those formulas when those performance measures are implemented.  Per Section 1.04, the All-in Rate is first adjusted for the variances that exist with respect to each performance measure and actual operating schedule, and then to the extent an unfavorable variance to budget exists, the penalty formula below for the All-in Rate is applied.  A Penalty is assessed if the cause of the All-in Rate variance is deemed within the control of Pinnacle.  An example for a month is illustrated below in Attachment C hereto.

 

1.           Excess Planned Fuel on Arrival (PFOA)

 

Monthly Penalty:

(Average Planned FOA in lbs-Target) x CTC / [***] / Block Hours per Cycle x Total Block Hours x fuel cost per gallon

Assumptions:

	
·  

	
Block Hours based on scheduled and unscheduled operations/Cycles that returned legitimate FOA values (on the flight history database)

	
·  

	
Cost to Carry (CTC) varies with average enroute time; CTC = ([***] x Avg ETE) - [***]

	
·  

	
Fuel cost per gallon = actual price per gallon incurred by Delta, including into-plane fees and taxes.

Definition:

Planned Fuel on Arrival (PFOA) is comprised of:

	
  

	
1)

	
Domestic Reserve Fuel.  This is a fixed amount of fuel required by FAR to be carried on all operations.

	
  

	
2)

	
Alternate Fuel.  This is the fuel required to fly from the intended destination to an alternate destination.  This fuel is required on some but not all flights according to FAR and Pinnacle’s policies related to destination weather.

	
  

	
3)

	
Holding fuel (Contingency).  This fuel is required, by FAR and Pinnacle’s policies, for expected holding, potential delays and diversions.

2.           Excess Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Burn

 

Monthly Penalty:

(Average Actual APU hrs per Cycle-Target) x Total Cycle x [***] x Fuel cost per gallon

Assumptions:

	
·  

	
APU burn rate = [***] pph per CRJ900 Aircraft (w/Air and electric load)

	
·  

	
APU runs almost exclusively w/air load but not necessarily electric

  

40

  

	
·  

	
Cycles based on all Pinnacle operations (scheduled and unscheduled)

	
·  

	
Fuel cost per gallon = actual price per gallon incurred by Delta per Section 1.04 of this Exhibit A including into-plane fees and taxes.

3.           All-in Rate (to be applied after adjusting for known variances to performance measures above as shown in the sample calculation set forth in Attachment C hereto)

Monthly Penalty:

(Actual All-in Gallons per block hour-Target) x Total Block Hours x Fuel cost per gallon

Assumptions:

	
·  

	
Fuel cost per gallon = actual price per gallon incurred by Delta per Section 1.04 of this Exhibit A including into-plane fees and taxes.

  

41

  

Attachment C

 

Example of One Month Penalty Calculation

 

[***]

 

  

42

  

Attachment D

 

Cost Categories

[***]

  

43

  

EXHIBIT B

Pass Travel Privileges

 

[***]

 

  

44

  

EXHIBIT C

 

Cancellation Codes

19A – Substitution – Air Operations

 

19B – Substitution – Information Services

 

19C – Substitution – Flight Operations

 

19D – Substitution – Inflight Services

 

19E – Substitution – Maintenance

 

19F – Substitution – Airport Customer Service

 

19G – Inter Carrier Substitution – Delta Requestd

 

19H – Delta Requested Cancellation

 

  

45

  

EXHIBIT D

	
  

	
PERFORMANCE LEVELS AND MINIMUM STANDARDS ESTABLISHMENT

 

 

	
  

	
[***]

 

 

 

 

  

46

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