![]()
Wheels Up Experience Inc. has announced that its lead strategic investor, Delta Air Lines, has agreed to extend the lock-up restriction for its common stock shares.
The stock is issued under the Investment and Investor Rights Agreement and will now be extended through May 22, 2027. As a result of this decision, over 35% of the company's total outstanding shares will be subject to the lock-up restriction and Delta is leading to a new $100 million committed term loan. Wheels Up also reported on May 11 that its total gross bookings were $267.2 million, which was 10% more than in 2025. Wheels Up states that the growth is driven by Signature memberships and strong charter demand.
These show that charter demand is still strong on its own and is sustained in 2026. For first-time turbine buyers who are comparing the benefits and drawbacks of charter and ownership, they should be aware that increased demand could affect prices when flying with charter companies like Wheels Up. Aircraft owners weighing on leaseback programs or fractional entry may find profit in the charter market.
The Wheels Up-Delta partnership also shows that commercial aviation and private charter are becoming more integrated with each other. This integration could affect how operators price and position their aircraft, which would affect the price and availability of flights for both commercial passengers and charter passengers.
RELATED STORIES:
Wheels Up closes deal on $68 M facility for fleet modernization plans
Wheels Up doubles down with another reverse stock split
Wheels Up launches new Signature Membership program
"Our partnership with Delta is broad and deeply integrated across our entire business," said Wheels Up CEO George Mattson. "This lock-up extension, along with Delta's leadership on our recently announced commitment for a $100 million term loan, reflects their strong confidence in our strategy and the accelerating momentum in our one-of-a-kind strategic partnership."
Anyone looking to compare aircraft ownership and charter for themselves can use Globalair.com's A.Buyer Researcher. Those who decide that private ownership is right for them can check out our private jets for sale.