In a strategic move, the air ambulance giant, Air Methods, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection recently. While the company frames this decision as a unique maneuver to optimize its balance sheet, industry experts speculate whether it signals potential turbulence ahead for the broader air ambulance sector. This development sheds light on the challenges faced by companies operating in an industry increasingly influenced by private equity firms seeking returns amidst financial pressures from insurers and government regulations.
Air Methods currently operates an impressive fleet of 365 aircraft, predominantly helicopters, stationed across 275 bases in 47 states. The scale of its operations underscores its significance within the industry, making the Chapter 11 filing a matter of broader concern for stakeholders and industry observers.
Financial Restructuring of the Air Ambulance Company
As part of its pre-packaged bankruptcy filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Air Methods aims to eliminate a substantial $1.7 billion in debt. Notably, $1.25 billion of this debt is tied to variable interest loans, due to rising interest rates, with an impending maturity date of April 2024. An additional $500 million, stemming from 8% interest bonds, is due in 2025. The company’s financial restructuring efforts are positioned as critical steps toward ensuring sustainability.
Challenges Faced by the Air Ambulance Industry
Financial analysts have been warning of the industry’s sustainability challenges since 2017. Air Methods’ reliance on frequent transport price hikes to private payers and insurance companies in a saturated market was a red flag. It was exacerbated by below-cost reimbursements from government regulations. Overall, it presented a not-so-great business model. The incorporation of the “No Surprises Act” in 2021 further complicated matters, granting insurance companies significant power in settling billing disputes.
Operational Headwinds Hampered Profits
Beyond financial woes, Air Methods has grappled with high-profile civil cases and tragic accidents. The settlement of a $100 million civil case related to a 2015 crash in Colorado and a fatal crash in Wisconsin in 2018, coupled with accidents in 2021, contributed to the company’s challenges. These incidents added operational complexities further impacting Air Methods’ trajectory.
Air Methods has Assured Stakeholders
Despite the turbulence, Air Methods has emphasized its commitment to maintaining normal operations throughout the bankruptcy process. The company assured vendors, suppliers, and employees that they would be paid in full without interruption. With expectations to conclude the bankruptcy proceedings shortly, Air Methods aims to navigate through the financial storm with the support of its first lien lenders and bondholders.
