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Air Transport Services Group

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FY2005 Annual Report · Air Transport Services Group
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2005 Annual Report

ABX  Air  2005  Annual  Report

Dear Fellow Stockholder

Our first two and a half years as an independent public
company have brought faster change than we had faced
in a decade. And while those changes created
opportunities,  they  also  brought  challenges.

In 2005, the challenges were exceptional, and
significantly affected our financial results. But we also
ended  2005  financially  stronger,  more  competitive  and
with more opportunities to grow and diversify our
business than we had a year ago.

The results we generated from our support of DHL, our
principal  customer,  were  disappointing.  While  revenues
increased  in  our  DHL  business  principally  because  of
expanded  package  processing  volumes,  our  earnings
decreased  $6.7  million,  to  $30.3  million  for  2005  as  we
fell  well  short  of  our  outstanding  2004  performance
against cost and service targets, particularly in the hub
and line-haul services we provide to DHL. Incremental
mark-up  revenues  from  DHL  hub  services  operations
were just $753,000 in 2005, compared with a very
strong  $7.2  million  in  2004.

Numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. We spent
much of the first half of the year working closely with
DHL  to  implement  its  aggressive  plan  to  consolidate
and upgrade its U.S. operations. Many of those changes
focused on the hub facilities we operate for DHL in Ohio
and around the country. That plan included significant
changes  in  both  the  volume  and  processes  used  to
track,  sort  and  transport  packages  throughout  DHL’s
U.S. network.

To  meet  DHL’s  needs,  we  hired  or  repositioned  more
than 1,000 employees and trained to take over new
systems and new facilities on the cutover date in early
September. Unfortunately, the combined effect of
volume, routing and technology changes all at one time
proved to be more difficult than we or DHL had expected.
DHL’s  own  results  improved  in  2005  compared  to  2004,
but during several weeks following the cutover, service
and cost levels fell well below our objectives.

There is no question we could have performed better
than we did. As such, we agreed to forfeit a portion of the
revenues that we otherwise were entitled to receive
under our DHL contracts. Our service quality has since
rebounded strongly, and our service is now at record
levels, even better than before the consolidation.

This March, we announced that DHL had exercised terms
of our Hub Services agreement to remove certain
services we had been performing for them. They will
take  back  management  of  line-haul  trucking  operations
and end our operation of DHL’s regional hub in
Allentown, Pa. when a new, automated hub opens in
that facility later this year. Our management of those
operations provided 15.2% of our net income and 6.4%
of  cash  flow  from  net  earnings  and  depreciation/
amortization  in  2005.

Although those numbers are significant, we believe that
we have are well positioned to replace them with
growing  earnings  and  cash  flow  from  our  non-DHL
business.  Our  transition  away  from  DHL  line-haul
management gives us a great opportunity to focus on
activities  closer  to  our  air  and  sorting  logistics  expertise,
which have attracted the attention of other customers,
including the U.S. Postal Service. We plan to prepare bid
proposals for eight U.S. Postal sorting facilities that the
U.S. Postal Service has announced it will solicit in 2006.

Our non-DHL revenues increased 27% last year, which
includes a full year's revenue for operating a U.S. Postal
Service sorting facility in Indiana and a seasonal sorting
facility in New Jersey. But non-DHL earnings were
slightly lower than a year ago. A one-time contract we
had in 2004 that did not recur in 2005, write-offs due to
airline  bankruptcies,  as  well  as  increased  mid-year
start-up  costs  associated  with  two  Boeing  767  freighter
aircraft that we deployed in our own charter operations
instead  of  DHL  service  combined  to  dampen  our  non-
DHL  earnings  in  2005.

The twelve additional 767 aircraft we will purchase from
Delta will make us a stronger competitor for ACMI
business  in  our  core  North American  markets,
particularly when the bulk of those aircraft are in service
during  2007.

The 767 is an ideal aircraft for the markets we intend to
serve, with its two-person crew, twin-engine efficiency,
and high reliability. Standard cargo doors on each of the
new 767s will increase the range of items we can carry
and offer us advantages over the older, less efficient
aircraft that our principal competitors operate. And finally,
with thirty 767s already in our fleet, we can leverage our
tremendously  dedicated  people  to  service  and  maintain
the aircraft cost-effectively.

Recent events have reinforced our commitment to our
core strategy: finding new ways to reduce costs while
delivering ever-improving service across the board for
DHL, and at the same time expanding our non-DHL
business  as  rapidly  as  possible.

We believe our non-DHL business has a bright future.
We look forward to expanding the profitability of our ACMI
and  on-demand  charter  operations  by  deploying  the
better-yielding  767s  and  tapping  the  mid-range  market
more  effectively  than  we  can  with  our  other  aircraft.

ABX Air 2005 Annual Report

As our results show, tackling tough problems always
contains risk. As DHL challenges its competitors in the
U.S. market, ABX Air is committed to working with them
to achieve those goals. Specifically, we will drive down
costs, improve the efficiency of our sort and airline
operations, and maintain high on-time service levels.
Doing so won’t be easy, but nothing worth achieving
ever is.

DHL has agreed in principal to amend the terms of our
promissory note to permit our Board of Directors to
implement a meaningful buyback program for our
common shares. While the terms have yet to be
negotiated, and there is no guarantee our Board will
initiate such a program after it is finalized, we recognize
the strong interest expressed by many of our
stockholders in such a program.

We will continue to focus on executing the strategy we
have outlined before: Providing excellent, cost-effective
service to our partner, DHL, while seizing opportunities
to build our non-DHL business. We believe we made
significant progress in that area last year. We are more
confident than ever that we can achieve greater
performance levels in 2006 and beyond, and are
strongly committed to that result.

Joseph C. Hete
President & Chief Executive Officer

addition, we will continue to offer and expand the range
of air-related services we offer, including maintenance
and repair services through our FAA-certified facilities
and teams, parts sales, flight training in our level-C
flight simulators, and where appropriate, selective,
complementary acquisitions that could round out our
service offerings or augment our air transport
capabilities. These are only a part of the ventures that
we believe can dramatically speed up our growth in the
latter part of 2006, and even more in 2007.

Even though we are excited about our non-DHL
opportunities, we share DHL’s conviction that it
eventually will achieve the same strong presence in the
U.S. market as it enjoys throughout the rest of the world.
We expect to remain their strong partner, and through
continued emphasis on service levels and cost controls,
we know we can help them get there. In particular, we
are  adopting new procedures to better recruit, train,
deploy and motivate the thousands of ABX Air
employees who are at the core of our sorting
operations. And we appreciate DHL’s substantial
investments in new facilities and more automated
equipment that will further drive productivity and
service quality.

We recently agreed to explore with DHL new ideas that
could make it even more competitive. These ideas
include expanding our opportunities to earn incentives,
but will likely result in making those incentives more
difficult to earn. They would include additional incentives
that would give us even greater potential rewards than
under our current structure if we and DHL’s other
affiliates can jointly develop breakthrough
savings strategies.

Board of Directors
Seated (l-r): James H. Carey, Director and
Chairman of the Board, Compensation
Committee Chair; Joseph C. Hete, Director.
Standing (l-r):
James E. Bushman,
Director, Nominating
and Governance
Committee Chair;
Jeffrey J. Vorholt,
Director, Audit
Committee Chair;
John D. Geary,
Director.

ABX Air 2005 Annual Report

Boeing 767-200SF

ABX Air is an experienced and trusted vendor of
parts and services related to the operation of the
Boeing 767.

In addition to over 80 other aircraft in its fleet, ABX
currently operates twenty-nine 767 aircraft, with
another twelve 767s joining the fleet over the next
two years.

Aircraft Specifications
Overall length: 159 ft, 2 in
Width (wingtip-to-wingtip): 156 ft, 1 in
Width (fuselage): 16 ft, 6 in
Tail height: 52 ft, 11 in
Weight: approx. 165,000 lb
Gross structural payload: 100,000 lb
Revenue payload: 80,821 lb
Engines: two General Electric CF6-80A / A2
Thrust: 46,930 to 48,670 lb
Fuel capacity: 16,700 gal
Typical Range: 3,300-4,000 nm
Crew: 2

Fuel Efficiency
The 767’s high-bypass-ratio engines and
automatic flight management systems allow
it to achieve significantly lower fuel consumption
rates than the DC-8 and DC-9.

Operational Range
The 767 has a typical operational range of up to
4,000 nautical miles. On the map below,
everything above the blue line is within non-stop
range of Wilmington, Ohio.

Flat Panel Display System (FPDS)
ABX Air offers an integrated flat panel display system
for 757/767 aircraft. This upgrade replaces the
existing cockpit instrumentation, provides enhanced
readability, reduce component count, improve
dispatch reliability, provide flexibility for future flight
deck upgrades.

HF Communications System
The high frequency communications system
available from ABX provides long-range
communication when out of VHF range. The
system is required over oceanic or remote areas
and is a typical upgrade for charter operations.
The system can be used to provide
datalink capability as well.

Cargo Door
The main cargo door provides
access for freight up to 134 inches
by 102 inches.

PMA Brakes
ABX Air has partnered with NASCO
Aircraft Brake, Inc. to develop FAA PMA-
approved braking systems that reduce cost.

ABX Air 2005 Annual Report

Satellite Communications
System (SCS)
ABX Air is developing a satellite communications
system for use with the Iridium Satellite Network to
provide complete global coverage for voice and data
communication with no transmission delay.

Maintenance, Repair,
and Overhaul
ABX Air’s heavy maintenance team performs
everything from airframe modifications and avionics
upgrades to complete overhauls and extensive
structural repairs.

Electronic Flight Bag (EFB)
Along with the development of the SCS above, ABX is
working on an electronic flight bag to allow operators
to move their data systems from paper to digital.
Prototype installation on the SCS and EFB for the
767 is planned for mid-2006.

In addition, ABX has over 300 experienced line
maintenance technicians providing both routine and
emergency maintenance support in over 80 cities,
complete with parts inventories.

Engineering and Technical Support
ABX Air’s full-service engineering department provides a wide range of airline
support services up to and including full supplemental type certificate (STC)

packages. In addition, we have comprehensive training and digital
documentation capabilities for all of the aircraft we operate.

Category III
Landing Capability
All of our 767s are equipped for Category III
landings with no minimum altitude limitation and a
reduced runway visual range (RVR) minimum of
600 feet (200 meters).

Component Repair
Our state-of-the-art FAA 145 repair station
specializes in overhaul and repair, fabrication, and
remanufacture of sheet metal and composite
components such as airframe, flight controls, doors,
panels, cowlings, and fairings. Our repair
capabilities include mechanical components,
avionics, instruments, electrical components,
wheels, brakes, crew seats, oxygen bottles and
regulators, landing gear, and engine accessories.
The machine shop at ABX is equipped to provide
repair and manufacturing services with CAD
capabilities and a dedicated engineering staff.

Parts
In addition to maintaining an extensive parts

inventory and asset management system, ABX

offers consignment, brokerage, and

warehousing services, along with

contract and warranty management.

Charter Operations
As the largest ACMI airline in the U.S., ABX Air has
the capability to ship practically anything to practically
anywhere, safely and reliably. Our 767s can
transport a payload of 98,000 lbs in a number of
pallet configurations.

Flight Training
ABX Air makes its level-C 757/767-200 flight
simulator available to third parties for wet/dry lease,
along with our DC-8 and DC-9 simulators. We also
offer international and domestic dispatch training.

ABX Air 2005 Annual Report

Other Aircraft

DC-8-63F
ABX operates thirteen DC-8 aircraft, eight of which
are DC-8-63F models.

DC-9-41
ABX operates seventy DC-9 aircraft, twenty-nine of
which are DC-9-41 models.

Specifications:
Overall length: 187 ft, 5 in
Width (wingtip-to-wingtip): 148 ft, 5 in
Weight: approx. 150,000 lb
Gross structural payload: 97,000 lb
Engines: four Pratt & Whitney JT3D-3B / 7
Thrust: 18,000 to 19,000 lb
Fuel capacity: 24,275 gal
Typical Range: 4,300 nm
Crew: 3

Specifications:
Overall length: 125 ft, 8 in
Width (wingtip-to-wingtip): 93 ft, 4 in
Weight: approx. 57,000 lb
Gross structural payload: 38,000 lb
Engines: two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7 / 9 / 11 / 15
Thrust: 14,000 to 15,500 lb
Fuel capacity: 3,679 gal
Typical Range: 1,100 nm
Crew: 2

Solutions and Services
Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM)
ABX offers RSVM solutions for DC-9 aircraft, utilizing
a highly accurate dual digital air data system that
allows the aircraft to be certified for RVSM operations
at 1,000 ft vertical separation.

Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS)
This advanced warning system offers forward-
looking terrain avoidance and situational awareness,
relative to current and predicted aircraft position. It
provides aural and visual alerts to avoid imminent
contact with the ground. For the DC-9, we also offer
the Honeywell Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning
System (EGPWS).

Universal Multi-Function Display (MFD-640)
ABX replaces legacy CRT-based radar indicators
with multi-function displays that can integrate
additional system interfaces, such as NAV/FMS,
TAWS or EGPWS, and TCAS. For the DC-9, we also
offer the Honeywell Multi-Function Radar
Display (MFRD).

Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul
ABX offers a wide variety of inspection, heavy
maintenance, line maintenance, component repair,
and airframe modifications for DC-8 and DC-9
aircraft. We also provide parts, engineering, and
documentation services for these aircraft as well.

#2 Mode-S Transponder
This transponder replaces the existing #2 ATCRBS
Mode-C Transponder in the DC-9 and provides the
TCAS II system (see below) with a second source
for aircraft interrogation replies.

Satellite Communication System (SCS), Electronic
Flight Bag (EFB), Nasco PMA Brakes
These installations available for the DC-9 are
similar to those offered for the B-767.

Primus 800 Digital Weather Radar System
This lightweight, X-band color, digital weather radar
system detects precipitation in storms along the
flight path and gives the crew a visual indication, in
color, of storm intensity and turbulence.

Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) II
The TCAS II system provides aural and visual traffic
advisory alerts and vertical maneuver resolution
advisories to avoid mid-air collisions.

Flight Training
ABX offers flight training, simulator rental, and
dispatch training for DC-8 and DC-9 aircraft.

Charter Operations
Our DC-8s and DC-9s are available to transport up
to 95,000 lb and 38,000 lb respectively. The DC-8
offers 18 pallet positions, while the DC-9 has eight.

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
È ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005

Commission file number 000-50368

ABX AIR, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State of Incorporation)

91-1091619
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

145 Hunter Drive, Wilmington, OH 45177
(Address of principal executive offices)

937-382-5591
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of class: none
Name of each exchange on which registered: none

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, Par Value $.01 per share
(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities

Act. YES ‘ NO È

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the

Act. YES ‘ NO È

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES È NO ‘

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein,
and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. È

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non accelerated filer

(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Accelerated filer È

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant

YES ‘ NO È

is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference
to the price at which the common equity was last sold, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed
second fiscal quarter: $472,286,518.

As of March 15, 2006, 58,270,400 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01, were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held May 9, 2006, are

incorporated by reference into Part III.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K, including “Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in Item 7, that are not historical facts are considered
forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995).
Words such as “projects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “will,” “estimates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends” and similar
words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements
are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this filing, and involve risks and
uncertainties that are inherently difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in
the forward-looking statements for any number of reasons, including those described in “Risk Factors” starting
on page 10 and “Outlook” starting on page 18.

Filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission

Our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including annual reports on Form 10-K,
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, are available free of charge from our website at
www.ABXAir.com.

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
2005 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
Item 1.
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 1A. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 2.
Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 3.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 4.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 6.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . .
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . .
Item 9.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 9B. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 11. Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal Accounting Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 14.

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SIGNATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART IV

Page

1
10
13
13
13
14

15
16
17
35
36
67
67
69

69
71

71
71
71

71
74

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Background

PART I

ABX Air, Inc. (“ABX”) operates a fleet of 112 aircraft as of December 31, 2005, providing air cargo
transportation. We complement our air transport capabilities with package handling, warehousing and line-haul
logistic services. We operate primarily in the United States but have the authority to fly worldwide. ABX’s
headquarters and the principal site of our airline hub and package sorting operation are located in Wilmington,
Ohio. We employ approximately 7,300 full-time employees and 4,200 part-time employees.

DHL Express (USA), Inc. (“DHL”) is our largest customer, constituting approximately 98% of our total
revenues in recent years. We manage a network of 19 hubs for DHL, providing package sorting and handling.
We process shipments ranging from individual letters to shipper-packaged pallets of electronic equipment, retail
catalogs, movies and pharmaceuticals. Using our aircraft, we assist DHL in providing domestic express delivery
services for cargo typically requiring next day delivery. We utilize contracted line-haul from third-party trucking
companies to transport deferred delivery cargo within the DHL network. Deferred delivery cargo is scheduled for
delivery at a specific time, but has longer service intervals than the express freight generally transported by our
aircraft. We do not provide local pickup and delivery services to consumers.

We also offer ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) and on-demand charter services to freight
forwarders and other major shippers. We sell aircraft parts, provide maintenance and repair services for airframes
and aircraft components and conduct flight-training services for customers. Additionally, we operate a sorting
facility for the U.S. Postal Service and have provided cargo transportation and sorting services to the U.S. Postal
Service, typically during seasonal volume peaks.

ABX was formed as a Delaware corporation in 1980. Between 1980 and August 2003, ABX was an affiliate
of Airborne, Inc. (“Airborne”), a publicly traded, integrated delivery service provider. On August 15, 2003, ABX
was separated from Airborne in conjunction with a merger agreement between Airborne and DHL Holdings
(USA), Inc., (“DHL Holdings”) a wholly-owned subsidiary of DHL Worldwide Express, B.V. The merger
agreement required Airborne to separate its air operations from its ground operations with the air operations
being retained by ABX. ABX became an independent publicly traded company. The separation of ABX from
Airborne occurred according to the terms and conditions of the separation agreement, which was included in our
S-4 registration statement amended on July 11, 2003. On January 1, 2005, Airborne was merged into DHL.

Business with DHL

In conjunction with the separation from Airborne, ABX and Airborne entered into an aircraft, crew,
maintenance and insurance agreement (“ACMI agreement”) and a hub and line-haul services agreement (“Hub
Services agreement”) effective August 16, 2003. After Airborne was merged into DHL, the ACMI agreement
and the Hub Services agreement were assumed by DHL. On January 1, 2006, DHL Express (USA), Inc. assigned
the agreement to DHL Network Operations (USA), Inc. Hereinafter, DHL Express (USA), Inc., DHL Holdings,
DHL Network Operations (USA), Inc. and the former Airborne will sometimes be referred to individually and
collectively as “DHL”.

Under these agreements we provide services to DHL on a cost plus basis. We assist DHL in providing
domestic express and deferred delivery services to its customers. DHL’s express delivery services include its
Next Day Services and DHL 2nd Day Service. Next Day Services are primarily transported by our fleet of aircraft
and sorted through our nightly hub operations. 2nd Day and DHL’s other deferred delivery services, which
include DHL@Home and DHL Ground Service, are primarily transported by contracted trucks and sorted
through our Wilmington daytime sort and regional hub operations. Some of the packages for 2nd Day Service and
for deferred delivery services may be transported on our aircraft.

1

Recent Development: On March 15, 2006 we entered into an agreement with DHL that will result in the
transition to DHL of the over-the-road line-haul services that we currently provide to DHL under the Hub
Services agreement. We also agreed that we will not manage DHL’s new Allentown hub facility when it opens in
the second half of this year. A more detailed description of this agreement is provided in “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Outlook,” on page 18 of this report.

We operate and maintain DHL’s primary U.S. sort facility located in Wilmington, Ohio. The Wilmington
facility handles approximately one million pieces during nightly sort operations each weekday. In addition to the
sort facility in Wilmington, we operate 18 regional hubs on behalf of DHL. These regional hub facilities
primarily sort shipments originating and having a destination within approximately 250 miles. We also conduct
daytime sort operations in Wilmington that process deferred delivery shipments. The day sort generally receives
shipments through a combination of aircraft and trucks originating from regional hubs, DHL station facilities or
customer sites. The night sort and day sort operations at Wilmington handle approximately 50% of the total
system-wide shipment weight, while the regional hubs handle the remaining 50%.

The 18 regional hubs are located near Allentown, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia; Baton Rouge, Louisiana;
Chehalis, Washington; Kansas City, Missouri; Denver, Colorado; Erie, Pennsylvania; Fresno, California;
Memphis, Tennessee; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Orlando, Florida; Phoenix, Arizona; Providence, Rhode Island;
Roanoke, Virginia; Salt Lake City, Utah; Riverside, California; South Bend, Indiana; and Waco, Texas.

ACMI Agreement

Air cargo transportation services are provided to DHL under the ACMI agreement on a cost-plus pricing
structure. Costs incurred under the ACMI agreement are generally marked-up 1.75% and recorded in revenues.
Certain costs, the most significant of which include fuel, rent, interest on a promissory note to DHL, ramp fees
and landing fees incurred under the ACMI agreement, are recorded in revenues without mark-up. By achieving
certain cost-related and service goals specified in the agreement, the mark-up can increase from a base of 1.75%
up to approximately 3.35%.

The initial term of the ACMI agreement expires August 15, 2010 and automatically renews for an additional
three years unless a one-year notice of non-renewal is given. DHL may terminate the ACMI agreement if, after a
cure period, ABX is not in compliance with applicable performance standards specified in the agreement. The
agreement allows DHL to reduce the air routes that we fly or to remove aircraft from service. For any aircraft
removed from service during the term of the ACMI agreement, the agreement allows us to put the aircraft to
DHL, requiring DHL to buy such aircraft from us at the lesser of book value or fair market value. If our
stockholders’ equity is less than or equal to $100 million at the time of sale, any amount by which the appraised
fair market value is less than net book value would be applied to a promissory note we owe to DHL. However, if
our stockholders’ equity is greater than $100 million, as it is now, any amount by which fair market value is less
than net book value would be recorded as an operating charge. For purposes of applying the $100 million
stockholders’ equity threshold, ABX’s stockholders’ equity will be calculated after including the effect of any
charges caused by the removal of aircraft.

Hub Services Agreement

Under the Hub Services agreement, we provide staff to conduct package sorting, warehousing, and line-haul
logistics as well as airport, facilities and equipment maintenance services for DHL. Costs incurred under the
agreements are generally marked-up 1.75% and included in revenues. By achieving certain cost and service goals
specified in the agreement, the mark-up can increase from a base of 1.75% up to approximately 3.85%.

The initial term of the Hub Services agreement expires August 15, 2007 and thereafter automatically renews
for periods of one year each unless a ninety-day notice of non-renewal is given. DHL may terminate the Hub
Services agreement if, after a cure period, ABX is not in compliance with applicable performance standards

2

specified in the agreement. DHL may also terminate the Hub Services agreement if the ACMI agreement has
been terminated. The agreement allows DHL to terminate specific services such as line-haul services or specific
hub operations after giving at least sixty days of advance notice.

In August 2005, DHL and ABX agreed to amend the Hub Services agreement to extend the initial term of
the Hub Services agreement in exchange for temporarily placing more of the Company’s revenue potential under
a cost-related incentive. The amendment
temporarily reduced the base mark-up under the Hub Services
agreement from 1.75% to 1.25% during the last six months of 2005. The maximum incremental mark-up that
ABX could earn during the third and fourth quarters of 2005 from our quarterly cost-related incentives under the
Hub Services agreement was temporarily increased from approximately 0.54% to 1.04%. Additionally, the initial
term of the Hub Services agreement was extended for an additional year and will not be subject to annual
renewals until August 15, 2007. Effective January 1, 2006, the base mark-up reverted to the previous level of
1.75% and the maximum incremental mark-up from the quarterly cost-related incentive reverted to the previous
level of approximately 0.54%. The amendment does not change the annual cost and service-related incremental
mark-up opportunities under the Hub Services Agreement. The amendment does not affect the mark-up or the
term of the ACMI agreement.

Other Products and Services

We also provide cargo transportation and aircraft-related services to customers other than DHL. Our
revenues from customers other than DHL were approximately 2% of our total revenues in 2005 and 2004. Our
services provided to non-DHL customers are described below. Financial information about our segments is
included in Note M to the consolidated financial statements.

ACMI and Charter Services

We can use our aircraft to provide ACMI services and fly on-demand charters for customers other than
DHL. A typical ACMI contract requires ABX to supply, at a specific rate per block hour, the aircraft, crew,
maintenance and insurance for specified cargo operations, while the customer is responsible for substantially all
other aircraft operating expenses, including fuel, landing fees, parking fees and ground and cargo handling
expenses. On-demand charter agreements usually require ABX to supply fuel and other operating expenses in
addition to aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance for a fixed, all-inclusive price. Under our ACMI and charter
arrangements, we have exclusive operating control of our aircraft, and our customers must typically obtain any
government authorizations and permits required to service the designated routes. This model allows customers to
utilize our capabilities instead of committing to aircraft ownership. During 2005 and 2004, we flew
approximately 3,830 and 4,260 block hours, respectively, for customers other than DHL.

Airport-to-Airport Transportation of Freight on a Space-Available Basis

Our ACMI agreement with DHL allows us, subject to certain limitations described in the ACMI agreement,
to sell any aircraft space that DHL does not use to other customers. On the routes we operate for DHL, we sell
airport-to-airport transportation services to freight forwarders and to the U.S. Postal Service.

Aircraft Maintenance and Modification Services

We are a Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) certified repair station. We can leverage the repair
station facilities (including hangars and a component shop, which we lease) and our engineering capabilities to
perform airframe and component maintenance and repair services for other airlines and maintenance repair
organizations. We have developed technical expertise related to aircraft modifications as a result of our long
history in aviation. We own many Supplemental Type Certificates (“STCs”). An STC is granted by the FAA and
represents an ownership right, similar to an intellectual property right, which authorizes the alteration of an
airframe, engine or component. Prior to our separation from Airborne, we did not actively sell these services.
Since the separation, we have begun to market our capabilities. When we identify aviation-related maintenance
and modification opportunities, we attempt to match them to our capabilities.

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Our marketable capabilities include the implementation of terrain awareness warning systems (“TAWS”),
collision avoidance systems (“TCAS”) and heavy maintenance for McDonnell Douglas DC-9 (“DC-9”) aircraft.
We have developed a turnkey approach for installing FAA-certified Reduced Vertical Separation Minima
(“RVSM”) equipment in DC-9 and McDonnell Douglas DC-8 (“DC-8”) aircraft and signed an exclusive
distribution agreement to sell the related hardware. (RVSM is designed to reduce air traffic congestion by
permitting aircraft to fly closer together vertically above certain altitudes.) We perform airframe overhauls on
DC-9 and Boeing 767 aircraft and line maintenance on DC-8, DC-9, Boeing 747 and Boeing 767 aircraft. We
refurbish in-house approximately 60% of the airframe components for our DC-8 and DC-9 aircraft and the
wheels and brakes for our DC-8, DC-9 and Boeing 767 aircraft types. We can also perform intermediate repairs
on the engines for DC-8 aircraft and the engines and auxiliary power units for DC-9 aircraft. Additionally, we
update aircraft manuals for customers in conjunction with the modification of aircraft from passenger to cargo
configuration.

Aircraft Parts Sales and Brokerage

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Airborne FTZ, Inc. (“FTZ”), which holds a certificate relating to free trade
zone rights, is an ASA (Aviation Suppliers Association) 100 Certified reseller and broker of aircraft parts. FTZ
carries an inventory of DC-8, DC-9 and Boeing 767 spare parts and also maintains inventory on consignment
from original equipment manufacturers, resellers,
lessors and other airlines. FTZ’s customers include the
commercial air cargo industry, passenger airlines, aircraft manufacturers and contract maintenance companies
serving the commercial aviation industry, as well as other resellers.

Flight Crew Training

We are FAA-certificated to offer training to customers and rent usage of our flight simulators for outside
training programs. We train flight crewmembers in-house utilizing our own classroom instructors and facilities.
We own four flight simulators, including one Boeing 767, one DC-8 and two DC-9 flight simulators. Our Boeing
767 and one of our DC-9 flight simulators are level C certified, which allows us to qualify flight crewmembers
under FAA requirements without performing check flights in an aircraft. Our DC-8 and the other DC-9 flight
simulator are level B certified which allows us to qualify flight crewmembers by performing a minimum number
of flights in an aircraft.

U.S. Postal Service

We provide parcel-handling services for the U.S. Postal Service for its Hub and Spoke Program (“HASP”)
near Indianapolis, Indiana under a two-year agreement that expires in September 2006. We also provided parcel-
handling services in 2005 for a temporary handling facility in New Jersey, and, from time to time, we provide
airlift services for the U.S. Postal Service.

Airline Operations

Aircraft

We currently utilize pre-owned Boeing 767, DC-8 and DC-9 aircraft. Once acquired, aircraft are modified
for use in our cargo operation. As of December 31, 2005, our in-service fleet consisted of 112 aircraft, including
29 Boeing 767 aircraft, 13 DC-8 aircraft, and 70 DC-9 aircraft. We own 107 of these aircraft and lease five
Boeing 767s.

The majority of our aircraft are not equipped with standard cargo doors, but instead utilize the former
passenger doors for the loading and unloading of freight. This reduces the cost of modifying the aircraft from
passenger to cargo configuration but limits the size of the freight that can be carried onboard the aircraft and
necessitates the use of specialized containers and loading equipment. The absence of a cargo door also negatively

4

impacts the market value of the aircraft. We currently have eight DC-8 aircraft that are equipped with an
activated standard cargo door. At December 31, 2005, we have five Boeing 767 aircraft that were converted from
passenger aircraft to a standard cargo door configuration. We also have eight DC-9 aircraft that are equipped
with a standard cargo door; however, these doors are not currently activated.

In 2005, the Company acquired one additional Boeing 767 aircraft from Delta Airlines, Inc. (“Delta”) for
$3.3 million and agreed to purchase eleven additional Boeing 767 aircraft from Delta through 2008 for an
additional $35.8 million. The Company contracted with an aircraft maintenance and modification provider to
convert these aircraft from passenger configuration to industry standard freighter configuration. The first two
aircraft are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2006. The estimated costs of the remaining aircraft
purchase commitments and the anticipated modification costs approximate $196.2 million for the eleven aircraft.
The timing of acquisitions and modification payments are described on page 30 of this report.

Flight Operations and Control

Our flight operations, including aircraft dispatching, flight tracking and crew scheduling, are planned and
controlled by ABX personnel from the DHL Air Park in Wilmington, Ohio. We staff aircraft dispatching and
flight tracking 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Our flight operations office at the DHL Air Park also
coordinates the technical support necessary for our flights to operate into other airports. Because our flight
operations can be hindered by inclement weather, we use sophisticated landing systems and other equipment that
is intended to minimize the effect that weather may have on our flight operations. All of our Boeing 767 aircraft
are equipped for Category III landings. This allows our crews to land under weather conditions with runway
visibility of only 600 feet at airports with Category III Instrument Landing Systems. All of our DC-8 and DC-9
aircraft are equipped for Category II landings which enable landing with runway visibility of only 1,200 feet.

Maintenance

Our operations are regulated by the FAA for aircraft safety and maintenance. We are certificated as an FAA
repair station to perform maintenance on DC-8, DC-9 and Boeing 767 aircraft and their related avionics and
accessories. Our maintenance and engineering personnel coordinate all routine and non-routine maintenance
requirements. Our maintenance programs include tracking the maintenance status of each aircraft, consulting
with manufacturers and suppliers about procedures to correct irregularities and training ABX maintenance
personnel on the requirements of our FAA-approved maintenance program. We conduct nearly all of our own
maintenance training. Performing a majority of the aircraft maintenance ourselves reduces costs, minimizes the
out-of-service time for aircraft and achieves a higher level of reliability.

We perform major airframe maintenance and modification on our DC-9 and Boeing 767 aircraft. We
perform routine inspections and airframe maintenance, including Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletin
compliance on all of our aircraft. We contract with maintenance repair organizations to perform heavy
maintenance on our DC-8 and Boeing 767 airframes. We also contract with maintenance repair organizations for
the performance of heavy maintenance on our aircraft engines. We own a supply of spare aircraft engines,
auxiliary power units, aircraft parts and consumable items. The number of spare items we maintain is based on
the size of the fleet of each aircraft and engine type we operate and the reliability history of the item types.

Due to the nature of ABX’s business, our aircraft experience relatively low utilization. For this reason, we
have elected to schedule and perform heavy maintenance on our aircraft on a calendar basis as opposed to an
hourly use basis. This results in ABX’s aircraft undergoing inspections and maintenance on a more frequent
improving service to our
basis,
customers.

thereby improving mechanical reliability,

lowering costs and, ultimately,

Insurance

We are required by the Department of Transportation (“DOT”) to carry liability insurance on each of our
aircraft. Each of our aircraft leases and the ACMI agreement also require us to carry such insurance. We

5

currently maintain public liability and property damage insurance and aircraft hull and liability insurance for
each of the aircraft in our fleet in amounts consistent with industry standards.

Employees

As of December 31, 2005, there were approximately 11,500 ABX employees, including 7,300 full-time
employees and 4,200 part-time employees. We employ approximately 700 flight crewmembers, 1,380 aircraft
maintenance technicians and flight support personnel, 4,760 sort employees at the DHL Air Park, 3,090 sort
employees at the 18 regional hubs and HASP, 525 employees for airport and hub maintenance, 545 employees
for warehousing and logistics and 500 employees for administrative functions. We also use contracted labor
during business peaks, particularly during the fourth calendar quarter.

We perform employee background checks for a five or ten-year period prior to employment, depending on
the job, and, in fact, conduct a more in-depth pre-employment screening than is mandated by FAA regulations. In
addition, management personnel who are directly involved in the supervision of flight operations, training,
maintenance and aircraft inspection must meet experience standards prescribed by FAA regulations. All of our
employees are subject to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, and employees holding certain positions are
subject to subsequent random testing. Our flight crewmembers are our only group of unionized employees.

Labor Agreements

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“IBT”) is the duly designated and authorized representative of
ABX’s flight crewmembers under the Railway Labor Act (“RLA”), as amended. The flight crewmembers’
contract becomes amendable as of July 31, 2006. Under the RLA, labor agreements do not expire, so the existing
contract remains in effect throughout any negotiation process. If required, mediation under the RLA is conducted
by the National Mediation Board, which has the sole discretion as to how long mediation can last and when it
will end. In addition to direct negotiations and mediation, the RLA includes a provision for potential arbitration
of unresolved issues and a 30-day “cooling-off” period before either party can resort to self-help.

Training

ABX flight crewmembers are required to be licensed in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation
(“FAR”) Part 121, with specific ratings for the aircraft type to be flown, and to be medically certified as
physically fit to fly aircraft. Licenses and medical certification are subject to recurrent requirements as set forth
in the FARs to include recurrent training and minimum amounts of recent flying experience.

The FAA mandates initial and recurrent training for most flight, maintenance and engineering personnel.
Mechanics and quality control inspectors must also be licensed and qualified for specific aircraft. We pay for all
of the recurrent training required for our flight crewmembers and provide training of our ground service and
maintenance personnel. Our training programs have received all required FAA approvals.

Industry

The scheduled delivery industry is dominated by integrated, door-to-door carriers including DHL, the U.S.
Postal Service, Federal Express Corporation and United Parcel Service, Inc. We do not usually compete directly
with these integrated carriers; instead, we compete for domestic cargo volume principally with other cargo
airlines and passenger airlines which have substantial belly cargo capacity. Other cargo airlines include Astar Air
Cargo, Inc. (“Astar”), Atlas Air, Inc., Evergreen International, Inc. and Kitty Hawk, Inc. The industry is highly
competitive. At least one other cargo airline has an ACMI agreement with DHL. The primary competitive factors
in our industry are price, geographic coverage, flight frequency, reliability and capacity.

Cargo volumes within the U.S. are highly dependent on the economic conditions and the level of
commercial activity. Generally, time-critical delivery needs, such as just-in-time inventory management, increase
the demand for air cargo delivery. Historically, ABX and the cargo industry have experienced higher volumes
during the fourth calendar quarter of each year.

6

Intellectual Property

We own a small number of U.S. patents that are important to our business operations and have nominal
commercial value. We also own approximately 160 STCs issued by the FAA. Our most marketable STC involves
Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (“RVSM”) for DC-9 aircraft. RVSM is designed to reduce air traffic
congestion by permitting aircraft to fly closer together vertically above certain altitudes.

Information Systems

We have invested significant management and financial resources in the development of information
systems to facilitate cargo, flight, line-haul trucking and maintenance operations. We utilize our systems to
maintain records about the maintenance status and history of each major aircraft component, as required by FAA
regulations. Using our systems, we track and control inventories and costs associated with each maintenance
task, including the personnel performing those tasks. In addition, our flight operations system coordinates flight
schedules and crew schedules. We have developed and procured systems to track flight time, flight crewmember
duty and flight hours and crewmember training status. Our line-haul systems control the procurement and
monitor the status of third party trucks transporting freight within the network.

Regulation

Our air carrier operations are generally regulated by the DOT and the FAA. Our operations must comply
with numerous security and environmental laws, ordinances and regulations. In addition, we must also comply
with various other federal, state, local and foreign authorities.

Environment

Under current federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous
owner or operator of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or clean up of hazardous or toxic
substances on, under, or in such property. Such laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator
knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, the presence of
contamination from hazardous or toxic substances, or the failure to properly clean up such contaminated
property, may adversely affect the ability of the owner of the property to use such property as collateral for a loan
or to sell such property. Environmental laws also may impose restrictions on the manner in which a property may
be used or transferred or in which businesses may be operated and may impose remediation or compliance costs.
Under the DHL sublease, ABX and DHL are required to defend, indemnify and hold each other harmless from
and against certain environmental claims associated with DHL Air Park.

We are subject to the regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state and local
governments regarding air quality and other matters. In part, because of the highly industrialized nature of many
of the locations at which we operate, there can be no assurance that we have discovered all environmental
contamination for which we may be responsible.

Our aircraft currently meet all known requirements for engine emission levels. However, under the Clean
Air Act,
individual states or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may adopt regulations requiring
reduction in emissions for one or more localities based on the measured air quality at such localities. Such
regulations may seek to limit or restrict emissions by restricting the use of emission-producing ground service
equipment or aircraft auxiliary power units. There can be no assurance that, if such regulations are adopted in the
future or changes in existing laws or regulations are promulgated, such laws or rules would not have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

The federal government generally regulates aircraft engine noise at its source. However, local airport
operators may, under certain circumstances, regulate airport operations based on aircraft noise considerations.
The Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 provides that, in the case of Stage 3 aircraft (all of our operating
aircraft satisfy Stage 3 noise compliance requirements), an airport operator must obtain the carriers’ or the
government’s approval of the rule prior to its adoption. We believe the operation of our aircraft either complies

7

with or is exempt from compliance with currently applicable local airport rules. However, some airport
authorities are considering adopting local noise regulations, and, to the extent more stringent aircraft operating
regulations are adopted on a widespread basis, we may be required to spend substantial funds, make schedule
changes or take other actions to comply with such local rules.

The U.S. government, working through the International Civil Aviation Organization, has in the past
adopted more stringent aircraft engine emissions regulations with regard to newly certificated engines and
aircraft noise regulations applicable to newly certificated aircraft. Although these rules will not apply to any of
ABX’s existing aircraft, additional rules could be adopted in the future that would either apply these more
stringent noise and emissions standards to aircraft already in operation or require that some portion of the fleet be
converted over time to comply with these new standards.

Department of Transportation

the DOT continues to regulate many aspects of international aviation,

Although a majority of the economic regulation of domestic air transportation has been eliminated, the DOT
maintains authority over certain aspects of domestic air transportation, such as requiring a minimum level of
insurance and the requirement that a person be “fit” to hold a certificate to engage in air transportation. In
addition,
including the award of
international routes. The DOT has issued to ABX a Domestic All-Cargo Air Service Certificate for air cargo
transportation between all points within the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin
Islands, and a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (Route 377) to engage in scheduled foreign air
cargo transportation between the U.S. and Canada. Prior to issuing such certificates, the DOT examines a
company’s managerial competence, financial resources and plans, compliance disposition and citizenship in
order to determine whether the carrier is fit, willing and able to engage in the transportation services it has
proposed to undertake. By maintaining these certificates, ABX is vested with authority from the U.S. government
to conduct all-cargo, charter operations worldwide.

The DOT has the authority to modify, suspend or revoke our certificates for cause, including failure to
comply with federal law or DOT regulations. A corporation holding either of such certificates must qualify as a
U.S. citizen, which requires that (1) it be organized under the laws of the U.S. or a state, territory or possession
thereof, (2) that its president and at least two-thirds of its Board of Directors and other managing officers be U.S.
citizens, (3) that not more than 25% of its voting interest be owned or controlled by non-U.S. citizens, and
(4) that it not otherwise be subject to foreign control. Neither certificate confers proprietary rights on the holder,
and the DOT may impose conditions or restrictions on such certificates. We believe we possess all necessary
DOT-issued certificates and authorities to conduct our current operations and continue to qualify as a U.S.
citizen.

Federal Aviation Administration

The FAA regulates aircraft safety and flight operations generally, including equipment, ground facilities,
maintenance, flight dispatch, training, communications, the carriage of hazardous materials and other matters
affecting air safety. The FAA issues operating certificates and operations specifications to carriers that possess
the technical competence to conduct air carrier operations. In addition,
the FAA issues certificates of
airworthiness to each aircraft that meets the requirements for aircraft design and maintenance. ABX believes it
holds all airworthiness and other FAA certificates and authorities required for the conduct of its business and the
operation of its aircraft, although the FAA has the power to suspend, modify or revoke such certificates for cause,
including the failure to comply with federal law and FAA regulations.

The FAA has the authority to issue maintenance directives and other mandatory orders relating to, among
other things, the inspection and maintenance of aircraft and the replacement of aircraft structures, components
and parts, based on the age of the aircraft and other factors. For example, the FAA has required ABX to perform
inspections of its DC-9, DC-8 and Boeing 767 aircraft to determine if certain of the aircraft structures and

8

components meet all aircraft certification requirements. If the FAA were to determine that the aircraft structures
or components are not adequate, it could order operators to take certain actions, including but not limited to,
grounding aircraft, reducing cargo loads, strengthening any structure or component shown to be inadequate, or
making other modifications to the aircraft. New mandatory directives could also be issued requiring ABX to
inspect and replace aircraft components based on their age or condition.

Transportation Security Administration

The Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”), an administration within the Department of Homeland
Security, is responsible for the screening of passengers, baggage and cargo and the security of aircraft and
airports. ABX complies with all applicable aircraft and cargo security requirements. TSA is currently considering
the adoption of additional cargo security-related rules that, if adopted as proposed, could impose additional
burdens on ABX, which could have an impact on our ability to efficiently process cargo or otherwise increase
costs. In addition, we may be required to reimburse the TSA for the cost of security services it may provide to
ABX in the future.

Other Regulations

We believe our current operations are substantially in compliance with the numerous regulations to which
our business is subject; however, various regulatory authorities have jurisdiction over significant aspects of our
business, and it is possible that new laws or regulations or changes in existing laws or regulations or the
interpretations thereof could have a material adverse effect on operations. In addition to the above, other laws
and regulations to which we are subject, and the agencies responsible for compliance with such laws and
regulations, include the following:

• ABX’s labor relations are generally regulated under the Railway Labor Act, which vests in the National
Mediation Board certain regulatory powers with respect to disputes between airlines and labor unions
arising under collective bargaining agreements,

•

The Federal Communications Commission regulates ABX’s use of radio facilities pursuant to the
Federal Communications Act of 1934, as amended,

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspects cargo imported from ABX’s international operations,

• ABX must comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations regarding the citizenship

of its employees,

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspects animals, plants and produce imported from ABX’s

international destinations, and

• ABX must comply with wage, work conditions and other regulations of the Department of Labor

regarding its employees.

Security and Safety

Security

We have instituted various security procedures to comply with FAA and TSA regulations and comply with
the directives outlined in the federal Domestic Security Integration Program. DHL customers are required to
inform us in writing of the nature and composition of any freight which is classified as “Dangerous Goods” by
the DOT. In addition, we conduct background checks of our employees, restrict access to our aircraft, inspect our
aircraft for suspicious persons or cargo, and inspect all dangerous goods. Notwithstanding these procedures,
ABX could unknowingly transport contraband or undeclared hazardous materials for customers, which could
result in fines and penalties and possible damage to our aircraft.

Safety and Inspections

Management is committed to the safe operation of our aircraft. In compliance with FAA regulations, our
aircraft are subject to various levels of scheduled maintenance or “checks” and periodically go through phased

9

overhauls. In addition, a comprehensive internal review and evaluation program is in place and active. Our
aircraft maintenance efforts are monitored closely by the FAA. We also conduct extensive safety checks on a
regular basis.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The risks described below could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. The risks
below are not the only risks that ABX faces. Additional risks that are currently unknown to us or that we
currently consider immaterial or unlikely could also adversely affect ABX.

We rely on a single customer for substantially all of our revenue and operating cash flows.

We rely on DHL for substantially all of ABX’s revenues and the majority of ABX’s net operating cash
flows. DHL competes in the U.S. against Federal Express Corporation and United Parcel Services, Inc. each of
which has significant resources, market penetration and brand recognition. DHL has incurred large operating
losses in the U.S. since its acquisition of Airborne in 2003. DHL has placed increasing pressure on its vendors
and services providers, including ABX, to reduce costs and improving productivity in the aftermath of these
losses. ABX may experience declines in its revenues and operating cash flows as a result of volume reductions
from DHL.

DHL could reduce the scope of service provided by ABX.

DHL can, after a contractual advance notice period, reduce the scope of services that ABX provides under
the ACMI or Hub Services agreements. For example, DHL can reduce the number of aircraft or the number of
routes that we fly or DHL can transfer the management of any or all of the hubs that we operate. Since 2003,
DHL has assumed administration of charters for tertiary markets that ABX previously contracted from other
airlines, transferred the international gateway operations from ABX, removed seven ABX aircraft from service
under the ACMI agreement, and given ABX notification of its intent
to remove line-haul services and
management of the Allentown, Pennsylvania regional hub from the Hub Services agreement.

We have a credit facility agreement that subjects ABX to covenants and stipulates events of default. The
removal of services from the ACMI or Hub Services agreement could trigger a covenant violation or result in a
condition of default that could limit our use of the credit facility.

ABX is dependent upon the economic conditions in the U.S.

An economic downturn in the U.S. is likely to adversely affect demand for delivery services offered by
DHL, in particular expedited services shipped via aircraft. During an economic slowdown, customers generally
use ground-based delivery services instead of more expensive air delivery services. A prolonged economic
slowdown may increase the likelihood that DHL would reduce the scope of services we provide under the ACMI
agreement. Although the cost of jet fuel does not directly affect our net earnings, increased prices of jet fuel
could also reduce the demand for air delivery services from DHL or our other ACMI customers.

Certain terms of the ACMI agreement and Hub Services agreement with DHL may adversely affect ABX’s
operating results.

Under the ACMI agreement and Hub Services agreement, if we do not meet certain performance standards,
after a cure period, DHL may terminate the ACMI agreement and Hub Services agreement prior to the end of
their respective terms. A recurring work slowdown or strike by one or more groups of employees, such as our
mechanics, sorters or flight crews could adversely impact our operating performance. These events could result
in reductions by DHL to the scope of services we provide under the DHL agreements, leading to the termination
of those agreements.

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Although the ACMI agreement and Hub Services agreement with DHL are structured as cost plus
arrangements, the costs for which we can be reimbursed are subject to certain limitations. For instance, labor rate
increases are capped at predetermined levels and certain other costs are non-reimbursable. Accordingly, if labor
costs sharply increase or we incur excessive non-reimbursable costs, there can be no assurance that the revenues
from these agreements will generate sufficient income to recover our costs.

DHL can dispute whether expenses we have incurred are reimbursable under the agreements. The
agreements give DHL the right to audit our expenses. Further, the agreements stipulate dispute and arbitration
procedures. Our earnings could be negatively impacted if disputed expenses are not reimbursed by DHL.

The ACMI agreement with DHL may limit our ability to provide services to third parties.

The ACMI agreement limits our ability to use the aircraft designated for use under the ACMI agreement to
perform services for parties other than DHL by permitting such use only if (1) it does not interfere in any
material respect with ABX’s performance of ACMI services for DHL, (2) ABX does not solicit DHL’s
customers in competition with DHL, (3) it does not involve ABX providing air cargo transportation services to
major integrated international air express delivery companies with annual revenues in excess of $5 billion (other
than the U.S. Postal Service or any affiliate of DHL) and (4) an ABX event of default shall not have occurred and
be continuing.

ABX is making a significant investment in Boeing 767 aircraft.

We are adding 12 Boeing 767 aircraft to the ABX in-service fleet through 2008. These aircraft are not
included in the ACMI agreement with DHL. Our future operating results and financial condition will depend on
our ability to successfully deploy these aircraft in activities that provide a positive return on our investment. Our
success will depend, in part, on our ability to obtain and operate additional cargo volumes with customers other
than DHL.

We intend to convert the aircraft to a standard freighter configuration. We plan to finance the cost of
modifying the aircraft with existing cash and contractor-provided financing during the modification period. Upon
completion of the modification, we anticipate some aircraft will be sold and leased back to ABX through a
syndication process being arranged by our lead bank. Currently the financing is not committed but we except to
finalize an arrangement in 2006. Our future operating results will be affected by the interest rates, limits and
other terms and conditions of the new borrowings or leases. See page 19 for further discussion of these aircraft.

If insurance coverage becomes unavailable, it would adversely affect our ability to operate.

Following the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, commercial insurance providers initially cancelled war
risk liability insurance coverage and thereafter began offering such coverage on a more limited basis and at
substantially higher rates. For this reason, the U.S. government has been and is continuing to offer war risk
insurance to U.S. airlines at rates below the commercial insurance market. The U.S. government has committed
to offer war risk insurance to airlines through December 31, 2006, after which it may be necessary to procure war
risk insurance in the commercial market. The war risk insurance available to airlines in the commercial market
may be more limited in coverage and/or may not be available on commercially reasonable terms.

Although we believe that our insurance coverage is adequate, there can be no assurance that the amount of
such coverage will not be changed upon renewal or that we will not be forced to bear substantial losses from
accidents. Substantial claims resulting from an accident could have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition and could affect our ability to obtain insurance in the future.

Penalties, fines, and sanctions levied by governmental agencies or the costs of complying with government
regulations could negatively affect our results of operations.

Our operations are subject to complex aviation, transportation, environmental, labor, employment and other
laws and regulations. These laws and regulations generally require us to maintain and comply with a wide variety

11

of certificates, permits, licenses and other approvals. Our inability to maintain required certificates, permits or
licenses, or to comply with applicable laws, ordinances or regulations, could result in substantial fines or, in the
case of DOT and FAA requirements, possible revocation of our authority to conduct our operations.

All aircraft in our in-service fleet of 112 aircraft were manufactured prior to 1990. The average ages of our
Boeing 767, DC-8 and DC-9 aircraft are approximately 21, 37 and 35 years, respectively. Manufacturer Service
Bulletins and the FAA Airworthiness Directives issued under its “Aging Aircraft” program cause aircraft
operators of such aged aircraft to be subject to extensive aircraft examinations and require such aircraft to
undergo structural inspections and modifications to address problems of corrosion and structural fatigue at
specified times. Airworthiness Directives have been issued that require inspections and both major and minor
modifications to such aircraft. It is possible that additional Service Bulletins or Airworthiness Directives
applicable to the types of aircraft or engines included in our fleet could be issued in the future. The cost of
compliance with Airworthiness Directives and of following Service Bulletins cannot currently be reasonably
estimated but could be substantial.

ABX is currently a party to legal proceedings involving governmental regulations. We could incur
significant expenses to meet governmental requests for information, file briefings or defend ABX’s positions
with respect to regulations.

ABX and a few employees in our Human Resources Department are currently the targets of a criminal
investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) regarding whether we violated U.S. immigration laws in
respect of our use of contract employees being supplied to us by Garcia Labor, Inc., a temporary employment
agency. While ABX believes that neither it nor its employees engaged in any wrongdoing, the investigation
could result in proceedings being initiated against the Company. In the event proceedings were initiated against
ABX that resulted in an adverse finding, ABX could be subjected to a financial penalty that is materially greater
than the amount we have accrued and restrictions on our ability to engage in business with agencies of the U.S.
Government.

Our operations are geographically concentrated.

Our aircraft repair station, headquarters, and principal site of hub services is located in Wilmington, Ohio. If
these facilities were damaged or our access to these facilities was limited, for example, due to security concerns,
severe weather or natural disaster, our operations and financial conditions could be adversely affected.

Failure to maintain ABX’s operating certificates and authorities would adversely affect our business.

We have the necessary authority to conduct flight operations within the U.S. and maintain a Domestic
All-Cargo Air Service Certificate for our domestic services, a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
for Route 377 for our Canada service, and an Air Carrier Operating Certificate issued to ABX by the FAA. The
continued effectiveness of such authority is subject to our compliance with applicable statutes and DOT and FAA
rules and regulations, including any new rules and regulations that may be adopted in the future.

Under U.S. laws and DOT precedents, non-U.S. citizens may not own more than 25% of, or have actual
control of, a U.S. certificated air carrier. The separation of ABX from Airborne required us to file a notice of a
substantial change with the DOT. In connection with the filing, the DOT will determine whether ABX continues
to be fit, willing and able to engage in air transportation of cargo and a U.S. citizen. The DOT may determine that
DHL actually controls ABX as a result of the commercial arrangements (in particular, the ACMI agreement and
the Hub Services agreement) between ABX and DHL. If the DOT determined that ABX was controlled by DHL,
the DOT could bring an enforcement action against ABX to revoke its certificates. The DOT could take action
requiring ABX to show cause that it is a U.S. citizen and that it is fit, willing and able to engage in air
transportation of cargo, or requiring amendments or modifications of the ACMI agreement, the Hub Services
agreement or the other transaction documents. If we were unable to modify such agreements to the satisfaction of
the DOT, the DOT may seek to suspend, modify or revoke our air carrier certificates and/or authorities.

The loss of our authorities, including in the situation described above, would materially and adversely affect

our operations and would effectively eliminate our ability to operate the air services.

12

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We lease our corporate offices, 210,000 square feet of maintenance hangars and a 100,000-square-foot
component repair shop from DHL. These facilities are located at the DHL Air Park in Wilmington, Ohio. We
also have the non-exclusive right to use the airport which includes two runways, taxi ways, and ramp space
comprising approximately 300 paved acres. The term of the lease runs concurrently with the term of the ACMI
agreement with DHL. We believe our existing facilities are adequate to meet our current and reasonably
foreseeable future needs.

The following table contains detailed information about our in-service aircraft fleet. We own 107 of these

aircraft and lease five Boeing 767s.

Aircraft Type

DC-8-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DC-8-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DC-8-63F(2)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DC-9-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DC-9-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DC-9-32F (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DC-9-33F (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DC-9-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
767-205 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
767-231 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
767-281 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
767-281SF (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Number of
Aircraft as of
Dec. 31, 2005

Year of
Manufacture

Gross Payload
(Lbs.)

Still Air Range
(Nautical Miles)

1
4
8
18
15
3
5
29
1
4
19
5

1968-1969
1968-1970
1967-1972
1967-1971
1967-1972
1967-1968
1968-1970
1969-1978
1984
1983
1983-1988
1985-1987

40,000-83,000
47,000-97,000
40,000-97,000
26,000-36,000
26,000-36,000
26,000-36,000
26,000-38,000
26,000-38,000
67,000-91,000
67,000-91,000
67,000-91,000
67,000-91,000

2,200-3,800
2,800-4,400
2,600-4,300
550-1,100
550-1,100
550-1,100
500-1,100
500-1,100
1,800-4,400
1,800-4,400
1,800-3,000
1,800-3,000

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

112

(1) These aircraft were manufactured with a cargo door for transporting freight. The cargo doors are currently

deactivated.

(2) These passenger aircraft were modified to a cargo configuration, including activated cargo doors.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Department of Transportation (“DOT”) Continuing Fitness Review

ABX filed a notice of substantial change with the DOT arising from its separation from Airborne. In
connection with the filing, which was initially made in mid-July of 2003 and updated in April of 2005, the DOT
will determine whether ABX continues to be fit, willing and able to engage in air transportation of cargo and a
U.S. citizen.

Under U.S. laws and DOT precedents, non-U.S. citizens may not own more than 25% of, or have actual
control of, a U.S. certificated air carrier. The DOT may determine that DHL actually controls ABX as a result of
its commercial arrangements (in particular, the ACMI agreement and Hub Services agreement) with DHL. If the
DOT determines that ABX is controlled by DHL, the DOT could require amendments or modifications of the
ACMI and/or other agreements between ABX and DHL. If ABX were unable to modify such agreements to the
satisfaction of the DOT, the DOT could seek to suspend, modify or revoke ABX’s air carrier certificates and/or
authorities, and this would materially and adversely affect the business.

The DOT has yet to specify the procedures it intends to use in processing ABX’s filing. We believe the
DOT should find that ABX is controlled by U.S. citizens and continues to be fit, willing and able to engage in air
transportation of cargo.

13

ALPA Lawsuit

On August 25, 2003, ABX intervened in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of
New York by DHL Holdings and DHL Worldwide Express, Inc. (“DHL Worldwide”) against the Air Line Pilots
Association (“ALPA”), seeking a declaratory judgment that neither DHL entity is required to arbitrate a
grievance filed by ALPA. ALPA represents the pilot group at Astar. The grievance seeks to require DHL
Holdings to direct its subsidiary, Airborne, now DHL Network Operations (USA), Inc., to cease implementing its
ACMI agreement with ABX on the grounds that DHL Worldwide is a legal successor to Astar. ALPA similarly
filed a counterclaim requesting injunctive relief that includes having DHL’s freight currently being flown by
ABX transferred to Astar.

The proceedings were stayed on September 5, 2003, pending the National Labor Relations Board’s
(“NLRB”) processing of several unfair labor practice charges ABX filed against ALPA on the grounds that
ALPA’s grievance and counterclaim to compel arbitration violates the National Labor Relations Act. In March
2004, the NLRB prosecuted ALPA on the unfair labor practice charges. On July 2, 2004, an Administrative Law
Judge (“ALJ’) for the NLRB issued a decision finding that ALPA’s grievance and counterclaim violated the
secondary boycott provisions of the National Labor Relations Act, and recommended that the NLRB order ALPA
to withdraw both actions. ALPA appealed the ALJ’s finding to the full NLRB, which subsequently affirmed the
ALJ’s decision in its own decision and order dated August 27, 2005.

On September 14, 2005, ALPA filed a petition for review with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth
Circuit and that Court subsequently granted ABX’s motion to intervene in the case. The parties are currently in
the process of preparing and filing briefs in the matter. We believe that the NLRB’s decision will be sustained on
appeal and that ALPA’s grievance and counterclaim will be denied.

Alleged Violations of Immigration Laws

ABX reported in January of 2005 that it was cooperating fully with an investigation by the U.S. Department
of Justice (“DOJ”) with respect to Garcia Labor Co., Inc., (“Garcia”) a temporary employment agency based in
Morristown, Tennessee, and ABX’s use of contract employees that were being supplied to it by Garcia. The
investigation concerns the immigration status of the Garcia employees assigned to ABX.

ABX terminated its contract with Garcia in February of 2005 and replaced the Garcia employees.

In October of 2005, the DOJ notified ABX that ABX and a few Company employees in its human resources
department, in addition to Garcia, were targets of a criminal investigation. Since that time, ABX has continued to
cooperate with the investigation and has held discussions with the DOJ regarding this matter. Please see Risk
Factors starting on page 10 of this report for additional information. ABX’s position is that neither it nor its
employees have engaged in any wrongdoing with respect to Garcia and its employees.

Other

In addition to the foregoing matters, we are also currently a party to legal proceedings in various federal and
state jurisdictions arising out of the operation of our business. The amount of alleged liability, if any, from these
proceedings cannot be determined with certainty; however, we believe that our ultimate liability, if any, arising
from the pending legal proceedings, as well as from asserted legal claims and known potential legal claims which
are probable of assertion, taking into account established accruals for estimated liabilities, should not be material
to our financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2005.

14

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS,
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Common Stock

Our common stock became publicly traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol ABXA.OB on
August 15, 2003 and on the NASDAQ under the symbol ABXA on May 9, 2005. The following table shows the
range of high and low closing prices per share of our common stock for the periods indicated as quoted on the
OTC Bulletin Board and the NASDAQ. Over-the-counter market prices reflect inter-dealer prices without retail
mark-up, mark-down or commission.

2005 Quarter Ended:

Low

High

December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 30, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
March 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$6.97
$7.93
$7.17
$7.06

$8.35
$9.01
$8.50
$8.64

2004 Quarter Ended:

Low

High

December 31, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
June 30, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
March 31, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$6.52
$5.77
$3.60
$4.28

$8.95
$7.25
$6.83
$7.48

On March 13, 2006, there were 3,119 stockholders of ABX common stock. The closing price of ABX

common stock was $ 8.00 on March 15, 2006.

Dividends

We are restricted from paying dividends on our common stock in excess of $1.0 million during any calendar
year under the provisions of our promissory note due to DHL and our credit facility agreement. No cash
dividends have been paid or declared.

Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans

Plan

2005 Long-Term Incentive Compensation

Maximum number
of common shares
contingently issuable
(a)

Weighted average
exercise prices of
outstanding options,
warrants, or rights
(b)

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column a)
(c)

Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

326,750

N/A

2,673,250

The 2005 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan was approved by shareholders in May 2005.
Performance-Based Stock Units and Time-Based Restricted Stock were awarded to employees and Time-Based
Restricted Stock Units were awarded to non-employee directors under the Plan. The awards are described in Note
K, Stock-Based Compensation, beginning on page 63 of this report. ABX does not have any equity compensation
plans that were not approved by its shareholders.

15

ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

Comparability of financial data among years is affected by ABX’s separation from Airborne on August 15,
2003. The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and the notes thereto and the information contained in Item 7 of Part II, “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

The selected consolidated financial data and the consolidated operations data below are derived from ABX’s

audited consolidated financial statements.

As of and for the Years Ended December 31,

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

(In thousands, except per share data)

OPERATING RESULTS:

Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,464,390
1,425,627
8,451

$1,202,509
1,157,511
8,025

$1,160,959
1,720,125
16,379

$1,173,735
1,125,200
25,866

$1,165,037
1,121,543
21,147

Earnings (loss) before income taxes . . .
. . . . . . . .
Income tax benefit (expense)

30,312
—

36,973
—

(575,545)
128,644

22,669
(9,383)

22,347
(9,527)

Net earnings (loss) (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

30,312

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$
$

0.52
0.52

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

58,270
58,475

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL DATA:

Unrestricted and restricted cash . . . . . .
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advances from parent . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt
Capital lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

69,473
381,645
516,043
—
92,276
80,908
$ 113,079

$

$
$

$

$

36,973

$ (446,901) $

13,286

$

12,820

0.63
0.63

$
$

(8.52) $
(8.52) $

0.25
0.23

$
$

0.25
0.22

58,270
58,270

52,474
52,474

52,107
58,521

52,107
58,521

38,749
351,646
472,923
—
92,949
88,861
87,949

$

65,741
312,803
413,106
—
92,949
96,193
58,666

$

33
1,089,485
1,174,008
474,608
76,318
37,825
$ 232,322

$

33
1,137,912
1,220,623
547,431
80,882
39,754
$ 223,999

(1) Operating expenses for 2003 include an impairment charge of $600.9 million recorded in conjunction with
ABX’s separation from Airborne, Inc. A tax benefit of $134.8 million occurred primarily as a result of
recording the impairment charge. See Note A to the consolidated financial statements.

16

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis has been prepared with reference to the historical
financial condition and results of operations of ABX Air, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“ABX”) and should be read in
conjunction with the “Risk Factors” on page 10 of this report, our historical financial statements, and the related
notes contained in this report.

INTRODUCTION

ABX is an independent airline that provides cargo transportation and, through a network of 19 hubs,
package sorting, handling and line-haul services within the United States for DHL Express (USA), Inc. (“DHL”),
formerly Airborne. We operate an in-service fleet of 112 aircraft as of December 31, 2005 and employ
approximately 7,300 full-time employees and 4,200 part-time employees. DHL is our largest customer,
constituting approximately 98% of our total revenues. Our prospects for growth and financial security are
dependent on our relationship with DHL and its parent companies.

ABX became a publicly-owned company on August 15, 2003, when it was separated from its former parent,
Airborne. The separation of ABX from Airborne was a condition of the merger agreement between Airborne and
DHL Worldwide Express, B.V., an integrated, global cargo carrier, competing with Federal Express Corporation
and United Parcel Services, Inc. The merger agreement required Airborne to separate its air operations from its
ground operations with the air operations being retained by ABX. Immediately prior to the separation, certain
assets and liabilities related to Airborne’s ground operations and airport were transferred out of ABX to
Airborne. ABX was capitalized with $60.0 million of cash and a $92.9 million promissory note payable to
Airborne. All inter-company advances, totaling $457.3 million, were cancelled. On January 1, 2005, Airborne
was merged into DHL.

ABX operates in two reportable segments:

DHL: Prior to the separation, we were Airborne’s primary provider of air cargo transportation services
within the U.S. and to Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as Airborne’s primary provider of package handling,
warehousing and line-haul logistics services. After the separation from Airborne, we have continued to be
the primary provider for these same services to DHL under the commercial agreements described below.
We operate in a competitive market to provide ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) and hub
services to DHL. Future operating results for this segment will depend, in part, on DHL’s ability to compete
in the U.S. where Federal Express Corporation and United Parcel Services, Inc. have significant resources,
market penetration and brand recognition.

Charter/ACMI: We also offer ACMI, (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) and on-demand charter
services to freight forwarders and other shippers. We usually charge customers based on the number of
block hours flown, and typical agreements specify a minimum number of block hours to be charged
monthly. During 2005, the Charter segment became a reportable segment when its assets, which are
predominantly aircraft, became more than 10% of ABX’s total assets.

Our other activities, which include contracts with the U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) and aircraft parts sales
and maintenance services, do not constitute reportable segments.

Agreements with DHL

At the time of the separation, ABX and DHL entered into an aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance
agreement (“ACMI agreement”) and a hub and line-haul services agreement (“Hub Services agreement”). Under
the ACMI agreement, ABX provides air cargo transportation to DHL on a cost plus pricing structure. Under the
Hub Services agreement, ABX provides staff to conduct package handling, package sorting, warehousing, and

17

line-haul logistics services, as well as airport facilities and equipment maintenance services for DHL, also on a
cost plus pricing structure. Costs incurred under these agreements are generally marked-up by 1.75% and
included in revenues. Both agreements also allow ABX to earn incremental mark-up above the base 1.75%
mark-up (up to an additional 1.60% under the ACMI agreement and an additional 2.10% under the Hub Services
agreement) from the achievement of certain cost-related and service goals specified in the two agreements. Fuel,
rent, interest on the promissory note to DHL, and ramp and landing fees incurred under the ACMI agreement are
the most significant cost items reimbursed without mark-up. The ACMI agreement and the Hub Services
agreement have initial terms of seven and four years, expiring in August 2010 and August 2007, respectively.
However, DHL can terminate specific ACMI aircraft, add to, delete or modify the air routes we operate under the
ACMI agreement and increase or reduce the scope of services we provide under the Hub Services agreement.
Additionally, DHL can terminate the agreements if ABX does not comply with certain performance standards
specified in the agreements.

In August 2005, DHL and ABX agreed to amend the Hub Services agreement to extend the initial term of
the Hub Services agreement in exchange for temporarily placing more of ABX’s revenue potential under a cost-
related incentive. The amendment temporarily reduces the base mark-up under the Hub Services agreement from
1.75% to 1.25% during the last six months of 2005. The maximum incremental mark-up that ABX can earn from
costs incurred during the third and fourth quarters of 2005 from its quarterly cost-related incentives under the
Hub Services agreement was temporarily increased from approximately 0.54% to 1.04%. In 2006, the base
mark-up will revert to the previous level of 1.75% and the maximum incremental mark-up from the quarterly
cost-related incentive will revert to the previous level of approximately 0.54%. The amendment does not change
the annual cost and service-related incremental mark-up opportunities under the Hub Services agreement. The
amendment does not affect the mark-up or the term of the ACMI agreement.

(On January 1, 2006, DHL Express (USA), Inc. assigned the agreements to DHL Network Operations

(USA), Inc.)

Outlook

On March 15, 2006 we entered into an agreement with DHL which provides for the following:

• DHL will take over responsibility for the over-the-road truck line-haul network we currently manage for
DHL. Although the timetable for the transition of these services is not yet finalized, we anticipate that
the transition will be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2006.

• We will not operate or manage DHL’s new Allentown hub facility. This facility is expected to open in
the third quarter of 2006 and will replace the existing facility that we currently operate. The Allentown
hub is the largest of DHL’s 18 regional hubs in the United States.

• We have agreed to negotiate with DHL modifications to our Hub Services agreement and our ACMI
agreement to create greater risk/reward metrics for our performance under these agreements. The
modifications will focus on service quality, process and performance improvements and cost reduction.

• DHL and ABX agreed to cost budgets for 2006 under the Hub Services agreement and the ACMI
agreement. DHL agreed to additional performance incentives for 2006 beyond the existing contractual
incentives in the event we achieve very significant cost reductions under our commercial agreements.
Achievement of these additional incentives will be extremely difficult.

• As discussed below under “Results of Operations”, we agreed to reduce amounts totaling approximately
$2.8 million owed to us by DHL under the Hub Services agreement in recognition of higher than
budgeted costs during the fourth quarter of 2005 under that agreement.

Hub Services

We estimate that the line-haul and Allentown services to be transitioned to DHL comprised $292.3 million
of revenues, $287.7 million of expenses subject to mark-up and $4.6 million in net earnings and net cash flow

18

during 2005. The earnings from these operations were 15.2% of ABX’s 2005 consolidated net income. Effective
April 1, 2006, ABX will not earn a mark-up on line-haul expenses during the second quarter 2006 transitional
period. The impact of the reductions on fiscal 2006 gross revenues, earnings and cash flows will depend upon the
ultimate timing of implementation by DHL, the level of mark-up attained, and the increase or decrease in
expenses for these services during 2006.

In January 2006, DHL assumed the management of the international gateway operation within the
Wilmington hub. The switch involves approximately 400 positions and $3.9 million of our 2005 revenues. The
gateway operations contributed less than $0.1 million to our 2005 earnings and cash flows.

In September 2005, DHL completed the consolidation of its Northern Kentucky hub operations into a
central U.S. hub at its Wilmington, Ohio facilities, which we operate under the Hub Services agreement. The
consolidation included the construction of an additional 1.2 million square feet of sort space and 1.5 million
square feet of ramp space in Wilmington. Since 2003, DHL has also expanded its ground networks by increasing
capacity at its regional sorting hubs and adding seven new regional sorting hubs during the last four months of
2004. ABX operates these seven new hubs under the Hub Services agreement. During the third quarter of 2005,
two regional hubs were relocated to larger capacity facilities, and we continue to operate the relocated hubs for
DHL. As of December 31, 2005, ABX employs approximately 7,850 sort personnel (including approximately
500 sort personnel relating to the Allentown, Pennsylvania hub) to operate the central hub in Wilmington and the
18 regional hubs for DHL under the Hub Services agreement. This represents an increase of approximately 125%
since December 2003.

Our objectives in 2006 include driving costs down and improving the productivity of our sorting operations
while maintaining high on-time service levels. Productivity, as measured by pieces handled per labor hour,
declined in 2005 as compared to 2004 and 2003, reflecting the impact of a greater proportion of box volume to
total volume handled, DHL’s request for additional package-handling processes, operational challenges from the
2005 hub consolidation and the relocation of certain non-Ohio hubs. We believe better productivity and service
will be achieved through improvements in the design and efficiency of sorting equipment, longer tenured
staffing, more employee training and incremental logistical improvements.

ACMI

DHL continues to review its air network cost, including excess air routes among its airlift suppliers. As
previously reported, on November 3, 2004, DHL notified ABX of its plans to remove twenty-six of ABX’s
aircraft from service during 2005. DHL further indicated that the number of affected aircraft, the air routes and
the timing of planned reductions were subject to change. To date, seven aircraft have been removed from active
service under the ACMI agreement since November 3, 2004. A reduction in scheduled routes flown by ABX was
implemented in September 2005, at the time of the central hub consolidation in Ohio. The total block hours we
flew under the ACMI agreement declined approximately 22% in the fourth quarter of 2005 compared to the
fourth quarter of 2004. However, ABX has not received further notification from DHL regarding the release of
specific aircraft from the ACMI agreement. The timing and number of additional aircraft reductions are at the
discretion of DHL. At this time, we do not know when or the extent to which DHL may reduce the ACMI
services that we provide.

ABX’s operating results, cash flows and financial condition will depend upon uncertain factors including
the number and timing of potential aircraft removals, the air routes that will be affected, the fair market value of
the aircraft removed and the demand for cargo airlift. If reductions occur, we anticipate removals will occur from
our older DC-8 and DC-9 aircraft with non-standard cargo doors. Our average annual operating expenses that are
subject to mark-up under the ACMI agreement are approximately $1.9 million for each of these aircraft. These
expenses include flight crew, maintenance and approximately $0.1 million of annual depreciation expense. At
our current level of stockholders’ equity, the removal of subsequent aircraft from the ACMI agreement would
result in non-reimbursable impairment charges for removed aircraft in which the fair market value is less than
their carrying value.

19

Pursuant to the terms of the ACMI agreement, we have certain rights to put to DHL any aircraft that is
removed from service. We can sell such aircraft to DHL at the lesser of fair market value or net book value.
Provisions of the ACMI agreement stipulate that if our stockholders’ equity is less than or equal to $100 million
at the time of sale, any amount by which the appraised fair market value is less than net book value would be
applied to a promissory note we owe to DHL. However, if our stockholders’ equity is greater than $100 million,
as it is now, any amount by which fair market value is less than net book value would be recorded as an
impairment charge. For purposes of applying the $100 million stockholders’ equity threshold, ABX’s
stockholders’ equity will be calculated after including the effect of any charges caused by the removal of aircraft.
We can foresee situations in which we may not sell an aircraft to DHL and instead may retain or deploy the
aircraft in other market opportunities such as part sales and charter operations. The decision to put aircraft to
DHL as they are removed from service will depend on a number of factors, including the anticipated number of
aircraft to be removed, the type of aircraft removed, demand for cargo airlift and the market value for our
aircraft.

Of the seven aircraft removed from the ACMI contract, one DC-9 aircraft was sold to DHL under the put
provision. The six other aircraft (two DC-9 and four DC-8 aircraft) have been retained by ABX. We are using the
retained aircraft as back-ups to support our network, as spare parts for our fleet and in our inventory of saleable
parts. Certain aircraft could be utilized for our non-DHL ACMI and charter operations in lieu of freighter aircraft
scheduled within the DHL network if we are successful at obtaining additional ACMI or charter contracts. The
carrying values of these aircraft and usable parts approximate their fair market values.

In 2005, we were notified by DHL that it intended to assume administration of those charter aircraft that we
previously contracted from other airlines to operate in tertiary markets. The transition of contracted aircraft to
DHL occurred during September of 2005. Our revenues and earnings for 2005 included approximately $15.4
million and $0.4 million, respectively, for administration of these charters.

During the second quarter of 2006, we expect to place two Boeing 767 freighter aircraft that are currently
flying in our non-DHL ACMI segment into service under the ACMI agreement with DHL. These aircraft, plus
another Boeing 767 freighter placed in service to DHL in December 2005, are projected to generate
approximately $4.2 million in reimbursable depreciation expense under the ACMI agreement during 2006.

Non-DHL Business

Since our separation from Airborne, we have continually tried to diversify our sources of revenues and
earnings. During 2005 and 2004, ABX’s non-DHL revenues increased approximately 27% and 130%,
respectively, compared to the previous years. Our diversification strategy includes selling charter/ACMI services
and unused air cargo space to freight forwarders and shippers. We have also marketed our technical expertise,
aircraft maintenance services and training to other airlines. Additionally, we have been awarded contracts by the
USPS to transport and sort mail. In September 2004, we were awarded a contract to operate a sort facility for the
USPS through September 2006. Additionally, in October 2005, the USPS awarded ABX a three-month contract
to sort seasonal mail volumes through January 2006. In December 2004, we operated a temporary, seasonal
air-network for the USPS.

Our non-DHL business activities often pose opportunities for operating margins relative to revenues that are
higher than the margin on our DHL business. Our margin relative to revenues on the DHL agreements is
predicated on large business volumes and reflects long-term agreements with a financially strong international
company. The non-DHL opportunities typically involve single sales or short-term service arrangements across
many different customers. These opportunities have different economic and risk profiles that often dictate a
higher sales price and expected return than our DHL business. We expect that revenues and earnings from
non-DHL business could vary widely among quarters, due to the capacity of our facilities, availability of aircraft,
and the timing of our non-DHL customers’ demand for services. Our direct costs to develop, market and offer
services to non-DHL customers are not reimbursed by DHL.

20

During 2005, we acquired one additional Boeing 767 passenger aircraft from Delta Airlines, Inc. (“Delta”)
for $3.3 million and agreed to purchase eleven additional Boeing 767 passenger aircraft from Delta through 2008
for an additional $35.8 million. ABX contracted with an aircraft maintenance and modification provider to
convert these aircraft from passenger configuration to an industry standard cargo configuration. Our intention is
to modify all of these aircraft to an industry standard freighter configuration and deploy them in ACMI
operations. The first two aircraft are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2006 and three more are
scheduled for completion by the end of 2006. Some of the former Delta aircraft may be contracted to DHL after
the modifications are complete. (The timing of acquisitions and modification payments are described on page 30
of this report.) We believe the fuel efficiency, cubic capacity, payload and operating cost of the Boeing 767 make
it a desirable freighter aircraft in the domestic, Atlantic and other medium-range international air cargo markets
(less than 3,000 nautical miles).

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2005 compared to 2004

Net earnings declined $6.7 million to $30.3 million for 2005 compared to $37.0 million in 2004. The decline
in our net earnings was primarily due to achieving a lower level of incremental mark-up under the DHL Hub
Services agreement in 2005 compared to 20041. Our incremental mark-up from hub services declined $6.4 million
and base earnings from the DHL agreements declined $2.2 million during 2005 compared to 2004. Additionally,
our incremental mark-up earnings from the DHL ACMI agreement declined by $0.3 million, and our earnings
from non-DHL charter operations declined by $1.4 million. These declines were partially offset by non-DHL
interest income of $2.4 million and improved earnings on all other activities of $1.2 million.

DHL

While our revenues from DHL increased 21.6% during 2005, reflecting increased activity to support the
growth of DHL’s ground delivery services and the expansion of DHL’s ground network compared to last
year, our 2005 earnings from the DHL segment declined $8.9 million to $21.3 million. Earnings for
achieving cost-related and service goals declined $6.7 million to $7.8 for 2005. The decline in our 2005
DHL earnings and in the annual cost-related and service mark-up is primarily due to lower achievement of
incentives within the Hub Services agreement. No mark-ups from the annual cost-related or service-related
goals under the Hub Services agreement were recognized for 2005 compared to $5.9 million that were
recognized in 2004. The decline in incremental hub services revenues primarily reflects the operational
issues we experienced during the Wilmington hub consolidation, the relocation of two other hubs and other
changes that were made by DHL in 2005 to their network. In an effort to share responsibility and support
our commitment to DHL, we agreed to forego approximately $0.9 million of annual service incentive
revenue that was otherwise earned under the agreement.

Our base earnings for 2005 declined $2.2 million to $13.5 million compared to $15.7 million for 2004. Our
base earnings for 2005 were negatively impacted by $1.9 million of credits we granted to DHL stemming
from cost overruns incurred since the hub consolidation in September 2005. We agreed to grant these credits
in recognition of the operational difficulties and higher than anticipated cost associated with DHL’s hub
network changes in 2005. The decline in base earnings also reflects the temporary reduction in the base
mark-up during the second half of 2005 (see page 16 for description of amendment) and increases in
operating expenses that were not reimbursed by DHL. These include employee stock compensation and
costs related to certain legal matters (see page 14).

1

The two agreements with DHL allow ABX to earn additional incremental mark-up for meeting certain quarterly cost-related goals,
annual cost-related goals and annual service goals. The maximum incremental mark-up available from the quarterly cost goals is
approximately 0.54% of cost eligible for mark-up under each agreement, except during the last six months of 2005, when the incremental
mark-up under the Hub Services agreement for cost-related goals was approximately 1.04%. The maximum incremental mark-up
available from the annual service goals is 0.25% of costs subject to mark-up under the ACMI agreement and 0.75% of costs eligible for
mark-up under the Hub Services agreement. The maximum incremental mark-up available from the annual cost-related goals is
approximately 0.81% of costs subject to mark-up under the ACMI agreement and approximately 0.81% of costs eligible for mark-up
under the Hub Services agreement. Incremental mark-ups earned on the annual goals are only recognized in the fourth quarter.

21

During the fourth quarters of 2005 and 2004, we recognized $4.0 million, or approximately 100%, of the
maximum available incremental mark-up from the annual cost-related goal under the ACMI agreement.
Also, during the fourth quarter of 2005, we recognized revenue from the annual service goal in the ACMI
agreement of $0.7 million, or 60.0% of the maximum available. During the fourth quarter of 2004, we
recognized revenue from the annual service goal in the ACMI agreement of $0.9 million, or 80.0% of the
maximum available.

Charters

Our revenues from non-DHL charter/ACMI services were $13.9 million in 2005 compared to $16.7 million
in 2004, which included $4.5 million of revenues related to the temporary network that was not contracted
by the USPS in 2005. Our earnings from non-DHL charter/ACMI were $1.1 million in 2005 compared to
$2.5 million in 2004. During 2005, we reached an agreement with DHL to temporarily defer two Boeing
767 freighter aircraft from DHL service and instead deploy the aircraft in our non-DHL charter operations
for a 12-month period. As a result, during the twelve months, the depreciation, maintenance and other
operating costs associated with the aircraft are being borne by ABX and not reimbursed by DHL under the
ACMI agreement. Earnings for 2005 declined due to the absence of the USPS air network and start-up costs
during mid-2005 to deploy the two Boeing 767 freighter aircraft. We expect that during the second quarter
of 2006, the aircraft will be placed into service for DHL and their costs reimbursed under the ACMI
agreement. At approximately that time, we expect to deploy two newly modified Boeing 767 cargo aircraft
into our non-DHL charter business.

All Other

Other, non-DHL revenues increased $10.2 million to $20.2 million in 2005 compared to $10.0 million for
2004, while earnings increased $1.2 million to $5.5 million. The revenue and earnings growth was driven by
aircraft part sales, maintenance services and sorting services for the USPS. Earnings on these business
activities were negatively impacted by bad debt provisions stemming from bankruptcy filings by customers.

22

A summary of our revenues, expenses and earnings is shown below (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,

2005

2004

Revenues:

DHL Contracts
ACMI

Base mark-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Incremental mark-up - cost goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Incremental mark-up - service goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 480,322
6,319
708

$ 475,826
6,341
935

Total ACMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

487,349

483,102

Hub Services

Base mark-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Incremental mark-up - cost goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Incremental mark-up - service goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total Hub Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Reimbursable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

605,094
753
—

605,847
337,151

440,602
3,917
3,248

447,767
244,935

Total DHL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,430,347
13,864
20,179

1,175,804
16,673
10,032

Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,464,390

$1,202,509

Expenses

DHL Contracts
ACMI
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hub Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Reimbursable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 472,283
599,591
337,151

$ 467,642
433,024
244,935

Total DHL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,409,025
12,726
14,681

1,145,601
14,147
5,788

Total Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,436,432

$1,165,536

Earnings

DHL Contracts
ACMI
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hub Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Reimbursable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

Total DHL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

15,066
6,256
—

21,322
1,138
5,498
2,354

15,460
14,743
—

30,203
2,526
4,244
—

Total Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

30,312

$

36,973

Our earnings from customers other than DHL do not include an allocation of overhead expenses that are
reimbursed by DHL. Our agreements with DHL require that after our non-DHL revenues reach 10% of our
total revenues, we must allocate a portion of our overhead expenses to the non-DHL business.

23

Operating Expenses

Our expenses are driven by operational variables including the volume and size of packages handled for
DHL, the services that DHL requests (such as electronic package scanning) and the number of instances in which
a package is handled during the sort and transportation process. Generally, we do not influence or control these
factors. The design of the air and ground network, which includes routing standards and transportation
determinations, are generally communicated to us by DHL. The table below compares selected operating
statistics for the years ended December 31.

Year Ended December 31,

Percentage
Increase (Decrease)

2005

2004

2003

2005

2004

Pieces handled (millions)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pounds processed (millions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pieces handled per labor hour paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gallons of aviation fuel consumed (millions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average price per gallon of aviation fuel

644
2,834
31.14
142
$ 1.85

541
2,382
36.10
148
$ 1.32

475
2,139
33.85
148
$ 1.00

14%
11%
7%

19%
19%
-14%
-4% —
40%

32%

Pieces handled reflects the number of times we handle a single package as it moves through the DHL
network. Similarly, pounds processed reflects the weight of a package at multiple times as it moves through the
network. The increase in pieces handled and pounds processed were a result of the growth in DHL’s ground
delivery service and additional inter-hub shipments required by the design of DHL’s expanded ground network.
Pieces handled per labor hour in 2005 declined as compared to 2004, reflecting the impact of a greater proportion
of box volume to total volume handled, DHL’s request for additional package handling processes and
construction in Ohio for the hub consolidation, which occurred in September of 2005. The decline in pieces
handled per labor hour also reflects the more severe 2005 winter in Ohio and in the Northeast and the
replacement of a large number of contract workers at certain hubs during the first quarter of 2005.

Salaries, wages and benefits expense increased 21.7% during 2005 compared to 2004. Total paid hours
increased 38.1% in 2005 compared to 2004. The increases are primarily due to the higher levels of staffing and
contracted labor necessary to operate the consolidated hub and the seven additional hubs and to process increased
piece counts compared to the previous year. In June 2005, ABX’s Board of Directors granted stock incentive
awards to certain employees pursuant to a long-term incentive plan which had previously been approved by
ABX’s stockholders. The 2005 expense associated with these awards was approximately $0.5 million and is not
reimbursed by DHL.

Purchased line-haul expense increased $78.9 million or 33.8% during 2005 compared to 2004. The increase
reflects growth in DHL’s deferred delivery products that are generally transported via truck, as well as additional
line-haul to accommodate more inter-hub shipments for DHL’s ground network.

Fuel expense increased 30.2% in 2005 compared to 2004. The increases were driven by higher market
prices for aviation fuel. The average aviation fuel price was $1.85 and $1.32 per gallon in 2005 and 2004,
respectively. We consumed 142 million gallons and 148 million gallons of aviation fuel in 2005 and 2004,
respectively. We do not hedge fuel prices or purchase fuel derivatives. The volatility of fuel prices are effectively
assumed by DHL through the ACMI agreement.

The level of maintenance, materials and repairs expense was unchanged in 2005 compared to 2004.
Expenses for aircraft maintenance declined $5.4 million, primarily due to fewer DC-8 aircraft undergoing heavy
maintenance in 2005 compared to 2004. Reductions in expenses for aircraft maintenance were offset by
increased expenses necessary to support DHL’s expanded hub network. These included additional expenses for
incremental building space, conveyors, scales, ground vehicles, loaders and other material handling equipment,
which we maintain for DHL under the Hub Services agreement.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.3 million in 2005 compared to 2004. The increase is
primarily a result of five additional Boeing 767 aircraft that we placed in service since the second quarter of

24

2004. Our future depreciation expense will be impacted by the timing and the number of aircraft that DHL may
elect to remove from the ACMI agreement, as well as additional Boeing 767 aircraft that we will place into
service. Our depreciation expense for 2006 will be impacted by the timing and the number of aircraft that DHL
may elect to remove from the ACMI agreement, as well as additional Boeing 767s that we anticipate placing into
service and the number of those additional aircraft which we may finance. At this time, we estimate that
depreciation expense will approximate $43.3 million in 2006.

Landing and ramp expense increased by 15.1% during 2005 compared to 2004. These expenses were higher
due to rate increases at the airports we utilize. Additionally, this category includes deicing costs, which were
higher in 2005 due to more severe winter weather in the first quarter of 2005 as compared to 2004.

Rent expense increased $0.5 million during 2005 compared to 2004, due to additional equipment rentals to

support the expanded DHL network.

Other operating expenses include pilot travel, professional fees, insurance, utilities, and packaging supplies.
Other operating expenses increased by $12.3 million in 2005 compared to 2004. The increases were primarily
due to bad debt reserves related to our non-DHL customer billings, as well as logistic services, utilities, travel,
recruiting, relocations, security and other costs necessary to support the hub consolidation project and other
changes in the DHL network.

Interest Income and Expense

Our interest expense increased by $1.8 million in 2005 compared to 2004 due primarily to a reduced amount
of interest capitalized during the cargo modification process of aircraft. Capitalized interest cost declined by $1.4
million in 2005 compared to 2004 because fewer aircraft were being modified during 2005. Interest income
increased by $1.4 million in 2005 compared to 2004 due to holding a higher level of cash and cash equivalent
balances compared to 2004 and by achieving higher yields. During 2004, interest earned on cash and cash
equivalents reduced interest expense when calculating revenue under the DHL agreements. Beginning in 2005,
interest earned on cash and cash equivalents is not included in the DHL revenue calculation.

Income Tax

ABX did not record a tax expense in 2004 or 2005 due to its net operating loss carryforwards. During 2005,
the State of Ohio enacted comprehensive tax reform legislation. The Ohio corporate franchise tax will be phased
out over five years and replaced with a commercial activity tax on gross receipts. We have written off the $6.3
million deferred tax asset and Ohio net operating loss carryforward attributable to Ohio, since we do not believe
any part of the asset will be realized by 2009. The write-off of the Ohio deferred tax assets had no net provision
effect since it was previously fully reserved.

We continue to fully reserve the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2005. The realization of deferred
tax assets, including net operating loss carryforwards (“NOL CFs”), depends on the existence of sufficient
taxable income within the applicable carryback or carryforward periods. After considering both positive and
negative evidence of sources of future taxable income, ABX continues to maintain a full valuation allowance
against its deferred tax assets, including NOL CFs, due to the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will not be
realized. While ABX has had positive pre-tax income since separation from Airborne, excluding the 2003
impairment charge, it also has accumulated significant taxable losses during the post-separation period, primarily
due to temporary differences in depreciating its aircraft fleet. These historical taxable losses and near-term
projected taxable losses weighed significantly in the overall assessment. Also, in considering possible sources of
taxable income in assessing the realization of the deferred tax assets, the company has not relied upon future
taxable income from DHL contracts beyond the contract termination dates. The results of operations might be
favorably impacted in the future by reversals of the valuation allowances if the company is able to demonstrate
positive evidence, such as contract renewals or extensions, that indicate the deferred tax assets will be realized.

25

2004 compared to 2003

Net earnings were $37.0 million for 2004 compared to a net loss of $446.9 million in 2003. Net earnings for
2004 increased $17.8 million compared to non–GAAP earnings of $19.2 million for 2003, excluding the 2003
impairment charge and related tax benefits. Our operating results for 2003 reflect 138 days as a separate,
independent business and 227 days as a subsidiary of Airborne. Our net earnings increased compared to 2003
non-GAAP earnings due to additional incremental revenues earned under the DHL agreements, a reduction of
income tax expense and growth in non-DHL business activities. These changes were partially offset by the lower
base mark-up earned under the DHL contracts.

Incremental mark-ups: Earnings from incremental mark-ups for achieving service goals and certain cost-
related goals increased $10.8 million to $14.4 million during 2004. The incremental mark-ups were applied to
the expenses incurred during the entire twelve months of 2004. During 2003, incremental mark-ups for service
goals and certain cost-related goals were applied to costs incurred only during the 138 days occurring after the
separation from Airborne.

Income taxes: During 2003, ABX recognized a net income tax benefit of $128.6 million largely due to the
impairment charge of $600.9 million. Excluding the tax benefit of the impairment charge, income tax expense
was $6.1 million in 2003. No income tax provision was recorded in 2004 due to ABX’s net operating loss
carryforwards.

Non-DHL earnings: Non–DHL pretax earnings increased to $6.8 million in 2004 from pre-tax earnings of
$3.1 million in 2003. Higher earnings were driven by increased ACMI, charter and aircraft maintenance
services.

Base revenues: DHL revenues calculated from the base mark-up declined $2.8 million in 2004 compared to
2003. Prior to the August 15, 2003 separation, revenues from Airborne were calculated as the sum of pretax
net expenses incurred plus 2.00%. Net expenses included all operating and interest expenses reduced by
revenues recorded from our non-Airborne customers. Since the separation, our DHL base revenues are
generally based on costs incurred plus a base mark-up of 1.75%, except for certain costs, including fuel, rent,
interest on the promissory note to DHL and ramp and landing fees, that are recorded in revenues without
mark-up. Our expenses, and accordingly our revenues for 2003, included depreciation expense related to the
ground equipment that was transferred to Airborne in the separation. Additionally, depreciation expense and
our revenues were lower in 2004 due to the effects of the impairment charge, which we recorded immediately
after the separation from Airborne. Also, our expenses and revenues for the first 227 days of 2003 included
Airborne packaging and labeling supplies, interest allocations and administrative cost allocations which we no
longer record after the separation.

Our 2004 earnings from the DHL agreements were $30.2 million including revenue of $3.5 million from
incremental mark-up for achieving quarterly cost-related goals during the year and $10.9 million for achieving
annual cost-related and service goals. The two agreements with DHL allow ABX to earn additional incremental
mark-up for meeting certain quarterly cost-related goals, annual cost-related goals and annual service goals. The
maximum incremental mark-up available from the annual service goals is 0.25% of costs subject to mark-up
under the ACMI agreement and 0.75% of costs eligible for mark-up under the Hub Services agreement. The
maximum incremental mark-up available from the annual cost-related goals is approximately 0.81% of costs
subject to mark-up under the ACMI agreement and approximately 0.81% of costs eligible for mark-up under the
Hub Services agreement. Incremental mark-up earned on the annual goals is only recognized in the fourth
quarter. During the fourth quarter of 2004, we recognized $4.0 million, or 100% of the maximum available
incremental mark-up from the annual cost-related goal under the ACMI agreement, and $2.7 million, or 76% of
the maximum annual cost-related goals under the Hub Services agreement. During the fourth quarter of 2004,
ABX recognized revenue from the annual service goal in the ACMI agreement of $0.9 million, or 80% of the
maximum available. Mark-up earned in the fourth quarter from the annual service goal under the Hub Services
agreement totaled $3.3 million, or 100% of the maximum available under that contract.

26

Total revenues increased 3.6% for 2004 compared to 2003. Revenues from DHL increased 2.3% during
2004, reflecting increased activity to support the growth of DHL’s ground delivery services and the expansion of
DHL’s ground network compared to last year.

Non-DHL revenues increased $15.1 million to $26.7 million in 2004 compared to $11.6 million for 2003.
The growth was driven by charter/ACMI services, aircraft part sales and maintenance services. Non-DHL
charter/ACMI service revenues grew $11.0 million to $17.0 million during 2004 compared to 2003. Hours flown
for ACMI and charters increased approximately 2,350 hours to approximately 4,260 hours in 2004 compared to
2003. ACMI and charter revenues and hours for 2004 include $4.5 million and 315 hours for a seasonal air
network that we provided to the USPS during seven days in December of 2004. We did not operate such a
network in 2003 for the USPS. Revenues from aircraft part sales and maintenance services grew 69% to $7.6
million during 2004, compared to 2003.

Operating Expenses

The increases in the number of pieces handled and pounds processed were a result of several factors,
particularly the growth in DHL’s ground delivery service, the expansion of DHL’s ground network and the
impact of one additional operating day in 2004. Pieces handled per labor hour improved 6.6% during 2004
compared to 2003, reflecting additional inter-hub shipments to accommodate the expansion of DHL’s ground
network and growth in ground delivery services.

Salaries, wages and benefits expense increased 6.1% during 2004 compared to 2003. The increase includes
the impact of one additional payroll day in 2004 compared to 2003. The increase also reflects incentive
compensation and salary inflation adjustments of 4.0% in our flight crew pay scale effective on August 1, 2003
and a flight crew salary adjustment of 2.0% effective on August 1, 2004. Total paid hours increased 6.9% in 2004
compared to 2003. The increase was driven by additional labor at the regional hubs necessary to support the
expanded DHL ground network.

Purchased line-haul expense increased $61.2 million or 35.6% during 2004 compared to 2003. The increase
reflects growth in DHL’s deferred delivery products that are generally transported via truck, as well as additional
line-haul to accommodate more inter-hub shipments for DHL’s ground network. During 2004, we added line-
haul to support the expansion of DHL’s ground network.

Fuel expense increased 31.5% in 2004 compared to 2003. The increases were driven by higher market
prices for aviation fuel. The average aviation fuel price was $1.32 and $1.00 per gallon in 2004 and 2003,
respectively. We consumed 148 million gallons of aviation fuel in 2004 and 2003.

Maintenance, materials and repairs decreased 4.9% in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily due to reduced cost

of expendable aircraft parts and lower contracted maintenance rates in 2004.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $61.7 million in 2004 compared to 2003. The primary
reasons for the decline in expense are the transfer of approximately $183.8 million of depreciable assets to
Airborne as part of the separation transaction, and the impairment charge recorded in 2003 which reduced
depreciable assets by approximately $600.9 million. Additionally, at the time of our separation from Airborne,
we reassessed the estimated useful lives of our aircraft. We estimate that reducing the useful lives of the aircraft
increased depreciation expense approximately $4.9 million in 2004 and affected earnings per share by less than
$0.01 annually.

Prior to ABX’s separation from Airborne, all depreciation and heavy maintenance expenses were charged
against the Airborne business. Between August 15, 2003 and December 31, 2004, all depreciation and heavy
maintenance expenses incurred by ABX were charged to DHL under the commercial agreements. Because ABX
did not charge depreciation and heavy maintenance expenses against the non-DHL business, ABX did not
experience a favorable impact on its post-separation, non-DHL results as a result of the write-off and transfer of
assets.

27

Landing and ramp expense decreased by 15.9% during 2004 compared to 2003. Effective with our
separation from Airborne on August 15, 2003, certain ramp leases were transferred to DHL. Also, included in
this category are deicing costs, which were higher in 2003 due to adverse winter weather in the first quarter.

Rent expense decreased $2.8 million during 2004 compared to 2003 due to the transfer of facility lease
agreements to Airborne in conjunction with the separation, including the majority of lease agreements for the
regional hubs, warehouse facilities and airport locations. Our expenses during 2004 included $2.0 million of
lease expense for facilities at the Wilmington Air Park.

Other operating expenses include pilot travel, professional fees, insurance, utilities, and, prior to August 16,
2003, administrative allocations from Airborne and Airborne packaging and labeling supplies. Other operating
expenses decreased by $24.8 million in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily due to approximately $26.6 million of
Airborne packaging and labeling supplies which were recorded by ABX in 2003 while we were a subsidiary of
Airborne. After the separation, packaging and labeling supplies are no longer expenses of ABX.

Separation Impairment

The separation of ABX from Airborne, and the execution of the related commercial agreements collectively
constituted an event which required us to evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of long-term assets
under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”)
No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Under SFAS No. 144, ABX was
required to record an impairment charge for the excess of the carrying value of the long-lived asset group over its
fair value. The fair value of ABX’s aircraft was derived using a market approach by comparing recent sales of
similar assets and adjusting these comparables for factors such as age and condition. The fair value of aircraft,
aircraft-related spare parts inventory, maintenance tooling and equipment and other ABX fixed assets was
derived utilizing a cost approach in which replacement cost was adjusted downward to reflect reduction in value
due to physical depreciation and functional obsolescence. As a result of the fair value analysis, we recorded a
pre-tax, non–cash charge to write down assets and inventory by $600.9 million. The impairment charge resulted
in a net deferred tax asset, which, under provisions of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” was fully
offset by a valuation allowance which was established due to the likelihood that future taxable earnings generated
would not allow for the asset’s full utilization. Due to the impairment charge, an income tax benefit of $134.8
million was provided, net of the valuation allowance of $81.0 million.

Interest Expense

Our interest expense decreased by $7.6 million in 2004 compared to 2003, due to interest allocations from

Airborne that were no longer recorded by ABX since our separation from Airborne on August 15, 2003.

Income Tax

ABX did not record a tax provision in 2004 due to its net operating loss carryforwards and recorded a tax
benefit in 2003 of $128.6 million. We had fully reserved the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2004 and
2003.

2003 Non-GAAP Earnings

For purposes of the above discussions on the results of operations, we have excluded the impairment charge
of $600.9 million and its related tax benefit of $134.8 million from non-GAAP earnings. Non-GAAP earnings,
which exclude the impairment charge, should not be considered a measure of financial performance under
GAAP. We believe that excluding the impairment charge from our earnings is a significant component in
understanding and assessing our financial performance. The impairment charge was triggered by our separation
from Airborne, an event unlikely to recur. Excluding the impairment charge from our earnings is useful when

28

comparing ABX’s financial results to previous periods and current periods or forming expectations of future
results. Non-GAAP earnings should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income, cash flows
generated by operations, or other financial statement data presented in the consolidated financial statements as an
indicator of financial performance or liquidity.

The table below presents a reconciliation of our non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP

measure for the year ended December 31, 2003 (in thousands):

GAAP net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unusual items:

$(446,901)

Impairment charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax benefit on impairment and separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

600,871
(134,738)

Non-GAAP earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 19,232

GAAP diluted loss per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of unusual items, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of anti-dilutive equivalent shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

(8.52)
8.88
(0.03)

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

0.33

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Operating Cash Flows

Operating cash flows were $119.1 million, $57.2 million and $101.4 million for 2005, 2004 and 2003,
respectively. Our operating cash flows are primarily a function of aircraft depreciation expense reimbursed by
DHL and the mark-up earned under our commercial agreements with DHL. The increase in operating cash flows
in 2005 compared to 2004 is primarily a result of receiving amounts from DHL related to 2004 revenues offset
by larger cash outflows for accounts payable and accrued expenses. At the end of 2004, we had a large receivable
due from DHL primarily as a result of expanded DHL business activity during the fourth quarter 2004, which
resulted in actual expenses exceeding funded expenses during the quarter.

Capital Expenditures

Total capital expenditures were $60.7 million in 2005 compared to $73.7 million and $88.5 million in 2004
and 2003, respectively. Our capital expenditures in recent years have primarily been for the acquisition and cargo
modification of Boeing 767 aircraft. During 2004 and 2003, we acquired two and three Boeing 767 aircraft,
respectively. These aircraft were modified into cargo configurations and placed in service during 2004 and 2005.
During 2005, we completed three of the Boeing 767 cargo modifications and acquired one additional Boeing 767
aircraft from Delta which was undergoing cargo modification at year end. Our capital spending in 2006 will be
primarily for the acquisition and modification of additional Boeing 767 aircraft described under “Commitments”
below. The level of capital spending for 2006 is anticipated to be approximately $125 million. We plan to finance
approximately 50% of these expenditures through aircraft leases or other borrowings.

Commitments

In September 2005, we reached an agreement with Delta committing ABX to purchase eleven additional
Boeing 767 aircraft from Delta between January 2006 and December 2008. We contracted with an aircraft
maintenance provider to modify these aircraft from passenger to freighter configurations. The estimated costs of
the remaining aircraft purchase commitments and the anticipated modification costs approximate $196.2 million
for the twelve Delta aircraft.

29

The table below summarizes our contractual obligations and commercial commitments (in thousands) as of
December 31, 2005. It does not include cash contributions for pension funding due to the absence of scheduled
maturities. The timing of pension payments cannot be determined, except for amounts estimated to be paid in
2006, which are discussed above below “Postretirement Obligations.” The long-term debt bears interest at
5.00% per annum, payable semi-annually.

Contractual Obligations

Long-term debt, including interest payments . . . . . . . . .
Capital lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unconditional purchase obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Payments Due By Period

Total

$196,664
112,469
16,279
196,151

Less Than
1 Year

$

4,614
15,075
4,536
104,279

2-3 Years

$

9,228
30,069
7,575
91,872

4-5
Years

After 5
Years

$ 9,228
29,941
4,168
—

$173,594
37,384
—
—

Total contractual cash obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$521,563

$128,504

$138,744

$43,337

$210,978

The unconditional purchase obligations consist of commitments to acquire and modify aircraft to a standard
cargo configuration. We plan to finance the cost of modifying the aircraft with existing cash and contractor
provided financing during the modification period. Upon completion of the modification, we anticipate some
aircraft will be sold and leased back to ABX through a syndication process being arranged by our lead bank. Our
future operating results will be affected by the interest rates and other terms and conditions of the new
borrowings or leases.

Liquidity

At December 31, 2005, we had approximately $69.5 million of cash balances, $20.0 million of marketable
securities and $10.6 million due from DHL. Also, DHL guarantees our financing obligations for three in-service
Boeing 767 aircraft. ABX has a $45.0 million credit facility through a syndicated Credit Agreement that expires
in March 2007. Borrowings under the agreement are collateralized by substantially all of ABX’s assets. The
agreement contains an accordion feature to increase the borrowings to a total of $50.0 million if ABX needs
additional borrowing capacity. The agreement contains covenants restricting the level of annual capital
expenditures. The agreement was recently modified to exclude from the covenants capital expenditures for the
twelve aircraft modifications described above beginning in 2005. The agreement provides for the issuance of
letters of credit on ABX’s behalf. As of December 31, 2005, the unused credit facility totaled $37.7 million, net
of outstanding letters of credit of $7.3 million. We plan to renew these letters of credit through the credit facility
agreement when the letters expire.

We believe that our current cash balances and forecasted cash flows provided by commercial agreements
with DHL, combined with our credit facility and anticipated financing for aircraft acquisitions, will be sufficient
to fund our planned operations and capital expenditures for 2006.

The promissory note due to DHL limits cash dividends that we can pay up to $1.0 million annually. We
have not declared any cash dividends and intend to retain earnings to finance future growth and operating
requirements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As part of our ongoing business, we do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with
unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special
purpose entities (“SPEs”), which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet
arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As of December 31, 2005, we are not involved
in any material unconsolidated SPE transactions.

30

Certain of our operating leases and agreements contain indemnification obligations to the lessor or one or
more other parties that are considered ordinary and customary (e.g. use, tax and environmental indemnifications),
the terms of which range in duration and are often limited. Such indemnification obligations may continue after
the expiration of the respective lease or agreement. No amounts have been recognized in our financial statements
for the underlying fair value of guarantees and indemnifications.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” as well as
certain disclosures included elsewhere in this report, are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which
have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The preparation of these financial statements requires us to select appropriate accounting policies and make
estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related
disclosure of contingencies. In certain cases, there are alternative policies or estimation techniques which could
be selected. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our selection of policies and the estimation techniques we use,
including those related to revenue recognition, post-retirement liabilities, bad debts, self-insurance reserves,
accruals for labor contract settlements, valuation of spare parts inventory, useful lives, salvage values and
impairment of property and equipment, income taxes, contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on
historical experience, current conditions and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable
under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of
assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources, as well as for identifying and assessing our
accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. Actual results may differ from these
estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following significant and critical accounting
policies involve the more significant judgments and estimates used in preparing the consolidated financial
statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from DHL are recognized when the related services are performed. Prior to August 16, 2003,
revenues from Airborne were calculated as the sum of pretax net expenses incurred plus 2.0%. Prior to
August 16, 2003, net expenses included all operating and interest expenses, including allocated expenses from
Airborne, less revenues recorded from customers other than Airborne. Since August 16, 2003, revenues from
DHL are determined based on the expenses incurred during a reporting period for the ACMI and Hub Services
agreements. Expenses incurred under these agreements are generally subject to a base mark-up of 1.75%, which
is recognized in the period during which the expenses are incurred. Certain costs, the most significant of which
include fuel costs, interest on the promissory note to DHL, airport rent, ramp and landing fees incurred for
performance under the ACMI agreement, are reimbursed and included in revenues without mark-up.

In addition to a base mark-up of 1.75%, both the ACMI and Hub Services agreements provide for an
incremental mark-up potential above the base 1.75%, based on our achievement of specified cost-related and
service goals. The ACMI agreement provides for a maximum potential incremental mark-up of 1.60%, with
1.35% based on cost-related goals and 0.25% based on service performance. The Hub Services agreement
provides for a maximum potential incremental mark-up of 2.10%, with 1.35% based on cost-related goals and
0.75% based on service performance. Both contracts call for 40% of any incremental mark-up earned from cost-
related goals to be recognized based on quarterly results, with 60% measured against annual results. Accordingly,
a maximum incremental mark-up of approximately 0.54% may be achieved based on quarterly results and
recognized in our quarterly revenues. Up to a maximum incremental mark-up of approximately 0.81% based on
annual cost-related goals could be recognized during the fourth quarter, when full year results are known.
Incremental mark-up potential associated with the service goals (0.25% in the ACMI agreement and 0.75% in the
Hub Services agreement) is measured annually and any revenues earned from their attainment would be
recognized during the fourth quarter, when full year results are known. Management cannot predict to what
degree ABX will be successful in achieving incremental mark-up.

31

In August 2005, DHL and ABX agreed to amend the Hub Services agreement to extend the initial term of
the Hub Services agreement in exchange for temporarily placing more of ABX’s revenue potential under a cost-
related incentive. The amendment temporarily reduces the base mark-up under the Hub Services agreement from
1.75% to 1.25% during the last six months of 2005. The maximum incremental mark-up that ABX can earn
during the third and fourth quarters of 2005 from its quarterly cost-related incentives under the Hub Services
agreement was temporarily increased from approximately 0.54% to 1.04%. Additionally, the initial term of the
Hub Services agreement was extended for an additional year and will not be subject to annual renewals until
August 15, 2007. In 2006, the base mark-up will revert to the previous level of 1.75% and the maximum
incremental mark-up from the quarterly cost-related incentive will revert to the previous level of approximately
0.54%. The amendment does not change the annual cost and service-related incremental mark-up opportunities
under the Hub Services agreement. The Hub Services agreement, as amended, continues to allow DHL to
terminate specific services upon providing at least sixty-days notice. The amendment does not affect the mark-up
or the term of the ACMI agreement, incepted on August 15, 2003, which is for seven years and automatically
renews for an additional three years unless a one-year notice of non-renewal is given.

ABX derives a portion of its revenues from customers other than DHL. ACMI and charter service revenues
are recognized on scheduled and non-scheduled flights when the specific flight has been completed. Aircraft
parts and fuel sales are recognized when the parts and fuel are delivered. Revenues earned and expenses incurred
in providing aircraft-related maintenance repair services or technical maintenance services are recognized in the
period in which the services are completed and delivered to the customer.

Depreciation

Depreciation of property and equipment is provided on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the asset’s
useful life or lease term. We periodically evaluate the estimated service lives and residual values used to
depreciate our property and equipment. The acceleration of depreciation expense or the recording of significant
impairment losses could result from changes in the estimated useful lives of our assets. We may change the
estimated useful lives due to a number of reasons, such as the existence of excess capacity in our air system or
ground networks or changes in regulations grounding or limiting the use of aircraft.

Self-Insurance

We self-insure certain claims relating to workers compensation, aircraft, automobile, general liability and
employee healthcare. We record a liability for reported claims and an estimate for incurred claims that have not
yet been reported. Accruals for these claims are estimated utilizing historical paid claims data, recent claims
trends and, in the case of employee healthcare, an independent actuarial report. Changes in claim severity and
frequency could result in actual claims being materially different than the costs provided for in our annual results
of operations.

Contingencies

We are involved in legal matters that have a degree of uncertainty associated with them. We continually
assess the likely outcomes of these matters and the adequacy of amounts, if any, provided for these matters.
There can be no assurance that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not differ materially from our
assessment of them. There also can be no assurance that we know all matters that may be brought against us at
any point in time.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the provisions of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” The
objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the
current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been
recognized in the company’s financial statements or tax returns. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax
consequences of events that have been recognized in the ABX’s financial statements or tax returns. Fluctuations
in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact the company’s financial position
or its results of operations.

32

Postretirement Obligations

We sponsor qualified defined benefit plans for our pilots and other eligible employees. We also sponsor
unfunded postretirement healthcare plans for our flight crewmembers and non-flight crewmember employees.
We also sponsor non-qualified, unfunded excess plans that provide benefits to executive management and pilots
that are in addition to amounts permitted to be paid through our qualified plans under provisions of the tax laws.

The accounting and valuation for these postretirement obligations are determined by prescribed accounting
and actuarial methods that consider a number of assumptions and estimates. The selection of appropriate
assumptions and estimates is significant due to the long time period over which benefits will be accrued and paid.
The long-term nature of these benefit payouts increases the sensitivity of certain estimates on our postretirement
costs. In actuarially valuing our pension obligations and determining related expense amounts, assumptions we
consider most sensitive are discount rates, expected long-term investment returns on plan assets and future salary
increases. Additionally, other assumptions concerning retirement ages, mortality and employee turnover also
affect the valuations. For our postretirement healthcare plans, consideration of future medical cost trend rates is
an important assumption in valuing these obligations. Actual results and future changes in these assumptions
could result in future costs that are materially different than those recorded in our annual results of operations.

The plan assets related to our funded pension plans have experienced an actual investment return of
approximately 8.2% over the last ten years. Our actuarial valuation includes an assumed long-term rate of return
on plan assets of 8%. Our assumed rate of return is based on a targeted long-term investment allocation of 60%
equity securities and 40% fixed income securities. The actual asset allocation at December 31, 2005 was 61%
equities and 39% fixed income.

In evaluating our assumption regarding expected long-term investment returns on plan assets, we consider a
number of factors including: our historical plan returns in connection with our asset allocation policies, assistance
from investment consultants hired to provide oversight over our actively managed investment portfolio and long-
term inflation assumptions. The selection of the expected return rate materially affects our pension costs. We
selected an expected rate of return of 8% in 2005 and continue to use this rate for valuation and determining
pension costs in 2006. We continue to believe that 8% is a reasonable long-term rate of return. If we were to
lower our long-term rate of return assumption by a hypothetical 100 basis points, expense in 2006 would be
increased by approximately $4.7 million. We use a market value of assets as of the measurement date for
determining pension expense.

In selecting the interest rate to discount estimated future benefit payments that have been earned to date to
their net present value (defined as the projected benefit obligation) we match the plan’s benefit payment streams
to high-quality bonds of similar maturities. The selection of the discount rate not only affects the reported funded
status information as of December 31 (as shown in Note J to the consolidated financial statements) but also
affects the succeeding year’s pension and postretirement healthcare costs. The discount rate selected for
December 31, 2005, based on the method described above, was 5.70% compared to 5.85% at December 31,
2004. If we were to lower our discount rate by a hypothetical 50 basis points, pension expense in 2006 would be
increased by approximately $7.8 million.

The assumed future increase in salaries and wages is also a significant estimate in determining pension
costs. In selecting this assumption, we consider our historical wage and pensionable earnings increases, future
wage increase projections, our collective bargaining agreement with pilots, and inflation. We have used a 4%
salary increase assumption for non-pilots and a 4.5% salary increase for pilots in 2005 and will use the same
assumptions for 2006. In 2006, if we used a salary increase assumption which was 100 basis points higher than
that used, pension costs would have increased by approximately $7.4 million.

33

The following table illustrates the sensitivity of the aforementioned assumptions on our pension expense.

Change in assumption

100 basis point decrease in rate of return . . . . . . . . . . . .
50 basis point decrease in discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . .
100 basis point increase in compensation rates . . . . . . . .
Aggregate effect of all the above changes . . . . . . . . . . .

Effect of change
(in thousands)

December 31, 2005

2006
Pension
expense

$ 4,700
7,792
7,418
20,907

Funded
status

$(10,621)
(48,849)
(33,973)
(99,650)

Additional
minimum
liability

$10,367
27,363
—
39,860

We estimate that cash contributions to the defined benefit pension plans will approximate $53.6 million in
2006. Funding for the contributions will be generated primarily from our operating agreements with DHL. Under
our agreements with DHL, the actuarial expense of our pension and postretirement health care plans is
reimbursed with mark-up.

The actual contributions to the defined benefit pension plans during 2006 will depend upon a discount rate
formula that will be affected by the passage of pension funding bills pending approval by the U.S. Congress and
the signature of the President. If the bills, as currently anticipated, do not become law, our 2006 pension funding
may be higher than estimated above.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note B to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

34

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

In the ordinary course of our business, we are exposed to market risk for changes in the price of jet and

diesel fuel; however, this risk is largely mitigated by reimbursement through the ACMI agreement.

We have interest rate risk as a result of debt obligations. As of December 31, 2005, we have $123.2 million

of fixed interest rate debt and $50.0 million of variable interest rate debt outstanding.

Variable interest rate debt exposes us to differences in future cash flows resulting from changes in market
interest rates. This risk is largely mitigated, however, because, at this time, our interest expense for the debt with
variable rate risk is marked up and charged to DHL under our ACMI agreement. Variable interest rate risk can be
quantified by estimating the change in annual cash flows resulting from a hypothetical 20% increase in interest
rates. A hypothetical 20% increase in interest rates would have resulted in an increase in interest expense of
approximately $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.

The debt issued at fixed interest rates is exposed to fluctuations in fair value resulting from changes in
market interest rates. Fixed interest rate risk can be quantified by estimating the increase in fair value of our long-
term debt through a hypothetical 20% decrease in interest rates. As of December 31, 2005, a 20% decrease in
interest rates would have increased the fair value of our fixed interest rate debt by approximately $13.7 million.

ABX also faces financial exposure to changes in interest rates. ABX has a portfolio of marketable securities
consisting primarily of U.S. Government agency obligations. These securities are classified as available-for-sale
and, consequently, are recorded at fair market value with unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate
component of stockholders’ equity. The following table presents expected cash flows from market-risk sensitive
financial instruments. These financial instruments are denominated in U.S. dollars and are not held for the
purpose of trading.

Fair
Value

Contractual
Maturities

2006

2007

Fixed Rate Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted Average Interest Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$19,028

$15,651

$3,400

4.76%

4.77%

Variable Rate Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted Average Interest Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 1,001

$ —

$1,000

0.00%

4.14%

ABX does not have any derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2005.

35

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page

37
38
39
40
41
42

36

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of ABX Air, Inc.
Wilmington, Ohio

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ABX Air, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
“Company”) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income,
stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005. Our
audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15a(2). These financial
statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our
audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

As discussed in Note A to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s principal customer accounts
for approximately 98% of the Company’s revenues. The Company’s financial security is dependent on its
relationship with this customer.

As discussed in Note A to the consolidated financial statements, the Company determined that the carrying
value of its long-lived assets had been impaired during 2003. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards
No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,
the Company recorded an
impairment charge of approximately $600.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.

As discussed in Note C, prior to August 16, 2003, the Company operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Airborne, Inc. Accordingly,
the accompanying consolidated financial statements may not necessarily be
representative of the results of operations that would have been attained if the Company would have operated as
an unaffiliated entity. Certain expenses prior to August 16, 2003 represent allocations made from and applicable
to Airborne, Inc. as a whole.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of ABX Air, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial
statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole,
present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 15, 2006 expressed an
unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE, LLP

March 15, 2006
Dayton, Ohio

37

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)

December 31

2005

2004

ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $872 and $244 in 2005 and 2004 . . . . . . .
Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 69,473
15,776
14,014
15,637
5,546

120,446
381,645
13,952

$ 38,749
54,677
15,045
—
2,550

111,021
351,646
10,256

TOTAL ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 516,043

$ 472,923

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Salaries, wages and benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current portion of postretirement liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current portion of long-term obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unearned revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 78,068
47,249
9,240
14,701
8,612
4,399

$ 62,635
44,689
7,020
12,706
7,954
7,565

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

162,269

142,569

Long-term obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

164,572

173,856

Postretirement liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

74,618

67,063

Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,505

1,486

Deferred income tax liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note I)

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred stock, 20,000,000 shares authorized, including 75,000 Series A Junior

Participating Preferred Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

—

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 75,000,000 shares authorized;

58,385,100 and 58,270,400 shares issued and outstanding in 2005 and 2004
respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted stock compensation awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

584
430,026
(688)
(297,890)
(18,953)

583
428,637
—

(328,202)
(13,069)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

113,079

87,949

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 516,043

$ 472,923

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

38

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)

REVENUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OPERATING EXPENSES:

Year Ended December 31

2005

2004

2003

$1,464,390

$1,202,509

$1,160,959

Salaries, wages and benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchased line-haul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, materials and repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Landing and ramp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

610,251
312,286
257,710
108,343
41,167
26,522
7,506
61,842
—

501,419
233,367
197,879
108,425
36,817
23,040
6,993
49,571
—

472,028
172,126
150,454
114,032
98,503
27,385
9,748
74,978
600,871

INTEREST EXPENSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INTEREST INCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INCOME TAX BENEFIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES:

1,425,627
(10,805)
2,354

1,157,511
(8,956)
931

1,720,125
(16,517)
138

$

$

$

$

30,312
—

30,312

0.52

0.52

$

$

$

$

36,973
—

$ (575,545)
128,644

36,973

$ (446,901)

0.63

0.63

$

$

(8.52)

(8.52)

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

58,270

58,475

58,270

58,270

52,474

52,474

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

39

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

Year Ended December 31

2005

2004

2003

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by

$ 30,312

$ 36,973

$(446,901)

operating activities:

Impairment charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Postretirement liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory and prepaid supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued expenses, salaries, wages, benefits and other liabilities . . .
Unearned revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—
—
41,167
5,294

—
38,901
(3,929)
4,871
4,799
(3,166)
862

—
—
36,817
5,307

600,871
(134,738)
98,503
(2,751)

2,640
(49,195)
(899)
19,280
10,378
(4,736)
609

(2,640)
(3,293)
2,082
(7,925)
(14,720)
12,301
644

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES . . . . . . .

119,111

57,174

101,433

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases of marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sales of aircraft and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(60,685)
(24,362)
4,250
466

(73,668)
—
—
—

(88,524)
—
—
—

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(80,331)

(73,668)

(88,524)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Principal payments on long-term obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Line of credit and financing fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from promissory note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distribution of promissory note proceeds to Airborne, Inc.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Advances from Airborne, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7,953)
(103)
—
—
—

(7,333)
(525)
—
—
—

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING

ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8,056)

(7,858)

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR . . . . . . . .

30,724
38,749

(24,352)
63,101

(7,332)
(306)
89,021
(29,021)
(2,203)

50,159

63,068
33

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 69,473

$ 38,749

$ 63,101

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Accrued aircraft modification expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 10,562

—

—

Interest paid, net of amount capitalized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 10,251

$ 9,440

$ 13,665

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

40

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except share data)

Common Stock

Number

Amount

Add’l
Paid-in
Capital

Restricted
Stock

Retained
(Deficit)
Earnings

Accumulated
Other Comp.
Income
(Loss)

Total

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31,

2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52,107,129

$521

$

410

$ — $ 237,070

$ (5,679)

$ 232,322

Separation from Airborne, Inc.:

Dividend of certain assets and liabilities

to Airborne, Inc. (Note A) . . . . . . . . . .

Cancellation of advances payable to

Airborne, Inc. (Note A) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distribution of promissory note proceeds
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

to Airborne, Inc.

Issuance of shares to note holders of

Airborne’s Convertible Senior Notes
(Note D)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Comprehensive loss:

Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income (loss), net

of tax:
Unrealized interest rate swap gain . . .
Minimum pension liabilities . . . . . . . .

Total comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . .

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31,

457,310

(29,021)

6,163,271

62

(62)

(155,344)

(155,344)

457,310

(29,021)

—

(446,901)

(446,901)

2,204
(1,904)

2,204
(1,904)

$(446,601)

2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58,270,400

$583

$428,637

$ — $(365,175)

$ (5,379)

$ 58,666

Comprehensive income

Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive (loss)

Minimum pension liabilities . . . . . . . .

Total comprehensive income . . . . . . . .

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31,

36,973

36,973

(7,690)

(7,690)

$ 29,283

2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58,270,400

$583

$428,637

$ — $(328,202)

$(13,069)

$ 87,949

Stock-based compensation plans

Amortization of stock awards . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of restricted stock . . . . . . .

Comprehensive income

Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive (loss)

Minimum pension liabilities . . . . . . . .
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale

securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total comprehensive income . . . . . . . .

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31,

114,700

1

496
893

(894)
206

496
—
206

30,312

30,312

(5,829)

(5,829)

(55)

(55)

$ 24,428

2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58,385,100

$584

$430,026

$(688)

$(297,890)

$(18,953)

$ 113,079

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

41

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three years ended December 31, 2005

NOTE A—BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Nature of Operations

ABX Air, Inc. (“ABX” or the “Company”) is a U.S.-certificated air carrier that provides air cargo
transportation services primarily within the U.S. The Company also provides package handling, truck line-haul
services, warehousing, and other air cargo transportation related services. Airborne, Inc. (“Airborne”), now DHL
Express (USA), Inc., (“DHL”) provided the Company with approximately 98% of its revenues in 2005, 2004 and
2003. The Company also offers ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) and on-demand charter
services to other customers, including freight forwarders and major shippers.

The Company provides air cargo transportation services through the operation of a fleet of 112 in-service
aircraft. At December 31, 2005, the fleet consisted of 29 Boeing 767, 70 McDonnell Douglas DC-9 (“DC-9”) and
13 McDonnell Douglas DC-8 (“DC-8”) aircraft. The Company operates and maintains DHL Express’s main air
hub and package sorting center, located in Wilmington, Ohio and 18 regional sort facilities. The Company
provides truck line-haul services through contracts with independent trucking companies.

Separation Agreement

On August 15, 2003, DHL Worldwide Express, B.V., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, DHL Holdings
(USA), Inc. (“DHL Holdings”), acquired the ground and related operations of Airborne and ABX was separated
from Airborne, becoming an independent publicly traded company. The separation of the Company from
Airborne was a condition of the merger agreement between Airborne and DHL Worldwide Express, B. V. The
merger agreement required Airborne to separate its air operations from its ground operations with the air
operations being retained by ABX. Immediately prior to the separation, certain assets and liabilities related to
Airborne’s ground operations were transferred out of the Company to Airborne. The separation of the Company
from Airborne occurred according to the terms and conditions of the separation agreement, which was included
in ABX’s amended registration statement filed on July 11, 2003. On January 1, 2005, Airborne was merged into
DHL. (Hereinafter, DHL Holdings, DHL Express and Airborne will sometimes be referred to individually and
collectively as “DHL”.)

42

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

Transfer of Assets and Liabilities

Immediately prior to the separation from Airborne, the net assets and liabilities of the ground operations of
the Company (including its central and regional sort facilities, runways, taxiways, aprons, buildings serving as
aircraft and equipment maintenance facilities, storage facilities, a training center and both operations and
administrative offices) were transferred to Airborne. Additionally, ABX transferred the membership interests of
Wilmington Air Park, Inc. which owned the Wilmington Air Park airport, to Airborne. The carrying amount of
the assets and liabilities transferred was $199.2 million and $43.8 million, respectively. The table below
summarizes the assets and liabilities transferred to Airborne.

Dividend from
Retained Earnings

(in thousands)

Assets

Cash received from Airborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable and prepaids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare parts and inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

(46)
375
10,020
2,346
183,821
2,646

Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$199,162

Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net transfer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

1,192
10,942
31,684

$ 43,818

$155,344

Capitalization of ABX

At the time of separation, the Company split its stock and issued 52,106,129 additional shares of ABX Air,
Inc. common stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share to the Airborne stockholders under terms of the merger
agreement. The advances from Airborne of $457.3 million were cancelled. The Company issued a promissory
note to DHL in the amount of $89.0 million and transferred $29.0 million to Airborne, leaving ABX with a cash
balance of $60.0 million. The note was subsequently increased to $92.9 million to true up certain separation
adjustments and leave total stockholders’ equity of $50.0 million after recording the impairment charge discussed
below. The principal of the note is due in 2028 and the note bears interest at 5.00% per annum, payable semi-
annually. The interest expense on the promissory note is reimbursable, as discussed below, without mark-up. The
stock split has been retroactively reflected in the computation of earnings per share and in the consolidated
balance sheets and related footnotes for all periods presented.

Commercial Agreements

In connection with the separation, the Company entered into a number of commercial agreements with DHL
including an aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance agreement (“ACMI agreement”) and a hub and line-haul
services agreement (“Hub Services agreement”). Under these agreements, the Company provides air cargo
logistics and airport, equipment and facilities
line-haul
transportation, package handling, warehousing,

43

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

maintenance services to DHL and receives compensation generally as determined by cost plus a base mark-up
percentage of 1.75%. Both agreements also allow the Company to earn incremental mark-up above the base
1.75% mark-up (up to 1.60% under the ACMI agreement, and 2.10% under the Hub Services agreement) as
determined from achievement of cost and service goals outlined in the two commercial agreements. Certain costs
under the agreements are reimbursable only, without mark-up. These costs primarily include jet fuel expense,
landing and ramp rental charges, certain facility rent, and interest expense on the note payable to DHL. Income
tax expense incurred by the Company, as well as direct expenses incurred to secure revenue from customers
other than DHL, are not reimbursed under the terms of the two commercial agreements. The ACMI agreement
has an initial term of seven years, through August 15, 2010, with an automatic renewal for an additional three
years, unless an advance notice of one year is given, or if the Company is not in compliance with applicable
performance standards specified in the agreement. The Hub Services agreement expires August 15, 2007, with
one-year automatic renewals, unless ninety days advance notice is given.

The ACMI agreement allows DHL to reduce the air routes that the Company flies or remove aircraft from
service. DHL can change the scope of services under the Hub Services agreement by terminating specific
services at one or more hub facilities after giving at least sixty days notice to the Company. For any aircraft
removed from service during the term of the ACMI agreement, the agreement allows the Company to put the
aircraft to DHL, requiring DHL to buy such aircraft from the Company at book value or fair value depending on
its level of stockholders’ equity and the amount of the promissory note to DHL at the time the put is executed.

In August 2005, DHL and the Company agreed to amend the Hub Services agreement to extend the initial
term of the Hub Services agreement in exchange for temporarily placing more of the Company’s revenue
potential under a cost-related incentive. The amendment temporarily reduces the base mark-up under the Hub
Services agreement from 1.75% to 1.25% during the last six months of 2005. The maximum incremental
mark-up that the Company can earn during the third and fourth quarters of 2005 from its quarterly cost-related
incentives under the Hub Services agreement was temporarily increased from approximately 0.54% to 1.04%.
Additionally, the initial term of the Hub Services agreement was extended for an additional year and will not be
subject to annual renewals until August 15, 2007. In 2006, the base mark-up will revert to the previous level of
1.75% and the maximum incremental mark-up from the quarterly cost-related incentive will revert to the
previous level of approximately 0.54%. The amendment does not change the annual cost and service-related
incremental mark-up opportunities under the Hub Services agreement. The Hub Services agreement, as amended,
continues to allow DHL to terminate specific services upon providing at least sixty-days notice. The amendment
does not affect the mark-up or the term of the ACMI agreement, incepted on August 15, 2003, which is for seven
years and automatically renews for an additional three years unless a one-year notice of non-renewal is given.

On March 15, 2006 the Company entered into an agreement with DHL which will reduce certain services
that the Company provides to DHL under the Hub Services agreement. See discussion at “DHL Business Plans.”

Impairment

The separation of the Company from Airborne and the execution of the related commercial agreements,
collectively constituted an event requiring the Company to evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of its
long-term assets as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting
for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Under SFAS No. 144, ABX is required to record an
impairment charge for the excess of the carrying value of the long-lived asset group over its fair value.

Reductions in air travel in recent years and depressed economic conditions have resulted in a surplus of
aircraft within the airline and air cargo industries. The fair value of the Company’s aircraft was derived using a

44

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

market approach by comparing recent sales of similar assets and adjusting these comparables for factors such as
age and condition. The fair value of aircraft-related parts and equipment was derived from a cost approach in
which replacement costs were adjusted downward for reduction in value due to physical depreciation and
functional obsolescence. As a result of the fair value analysis, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $600.9
million to write down aircraft, aircraft-related parts and equipment to their fair values on August 16, 2003. The
impairment charge generated an income tax benefit of $134.8 million, such that the net impact to earnings of the
impairment recorded was $466.1 million.

In conjunction with the fair value evaluation of its assets, the Company reassessed the useful lives and
residual values of its aircraft. As a result, the Company changed the useful lives used to amortize its Boeing 767,
DC-9 and DC-8 aircraft to 15, 7 and 5 years, respectively, beginning August 16, 2003. Prior to the separation
from Airborne, the Company depreciated its Boeing 767, DC-9 and DC-8 aircraft over 18, 10 and 7 years,
respectively. Had the Company not changed the estimated useful lives of the aircraft, 2005, 2004 and 2003
depreciation expense would have been approximately $6.2 million, $4.9 million and $1.8 million less than
reported, respectively. The impact represents less than $0.01 per diluted share in 2005, 2004 and 2003 due to
reimbursement of depreciation expense under the Company’s contracts with DHL.

The following table shows the impairment charge by aircraft type, parts and equipment (in thousands):

Impairment
Charge

Aircraft type:

DC-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DC-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boeing 767 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare parts and inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 32,806
76,549
455,199
33,303
3,014

Total

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$600,871

Stock-Based Compensation

Prior to the separation from Airborne, officers and certain key employees of the Company participated in
and were granted stock options to acquire shares of Airborne’s common stock under plans approved by
Airborne’s stockholders. Vesting of these options occurred over a three or four-year period depending on the
specific plan from which the options were granted. Options granted had exercise prices equal to the fair market
value of Airborne’s stock on the date of grant and terms of ten years.

45

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

No compensation expense has been recorded by the Company for these options. Had expense been
measured under the fair value provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” the
Company’s net earnings and earnings per basic and diluted share for 2003 would have been as follows (in
thousands, except per share data):

Net earnings (loss):

As reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less stock-based employee compensation expense for Airborne stock

Year Ended
December 31,
2003

$(446,901)

options granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(438)

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

As reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pro forma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

As reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pro forma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(447,339)

$

$

$

$

(8.52)

(8.52)

(8.52)

(8.52)

In conjunction with the separation, all unexercised Airborne options granted to employees of the Company
were cancelled. The weighted average fair value for Airborne options granted in 2003, computed utilizing the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model, was $7.17. Significant assumptions used in the estimation of fair value and
compensation expense are as follows:

Weighted average expected life (years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Volatility of Airborne stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividend yield of Airborne stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Year Ended
December 31,
2003

6.8
3.4%
46.0%
1.0%

DHL Business Plans

On March 15, 2006, DHL notified the Company of its intent to reduce certain services provided under the
Hub Services agreement. Specifically, DHL intends to directly manage the over-the-road truck line-haul network
currently managed by the Company and transition the operation of its regional hub in Allentown, Pennsylvania,
from the Company’s management. The earnings from these operations were 15.2% of the Company’s 2005
consolidated net income. In November 2004, DHL notified the Company of its plans to remove twenty-six
specific aircraft from service during 2005. DHL further indicated that the number of affected aircraft, the air
routes and the timing of planned reductions would be subject to change. Through March 15, 2006, seven aircraft
have been removed from active service in the ACMI agreement since the Company received the November 2004
notification.

The Company has not received further notification from DHL regarding the release of aircraft from the
ACMI agreement. The timing and number of additional aircraft reductions are at the discretion of DHL. At this

46

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

time, the Company does not know when or the extent that DHL may reduce the ACMI services. The Company
projects that DHL will transition the line-haul network during the second quarter of 2006 and the Allentown hub
during the third quarter of 2006. During the transition of the line-haul during the second quarter of 2006, the
Company has agreed to forego charging a mark-up on the line-haul expense.

The Company’s future operating results, cash flows and financial condition will depend upon several factors
that are uncertain. These factors include the number and timing of aircraft removals, the air routes that will be
affected, the fair market value of the aircraft, the demand for cargo airlift and the timing of hub services
reductions. At the Company’s current level of stockholders’ equity, the removal of additional aircraft from the
ACMI agreement will result in impairment charges for aircraft in which their fair market values are less than
their carrying value.

Pursuant to the terms of the ACMI agreement, the Company has certain rights to put to DHL any aircraft
that is removed from service. The Company can sell such aircraft to DHL at the lesser of fair market value or net
book value. The decision to put aircraft to DHL depends on a number of factors, including the anticipated
number of aircraft to be removed, the type of aircraft removed, the demand for cargo airlift and the market value
for aircraft. Management assesses the number and type of aircraft that it may want to put to DHL as the aircraft
are removed from service. Provisions of the ACMI agreement stipulate that if the Company’s equity is less than
or equal to $100 million at the time of the put to DHL, any amount by which fair market value is less than net
book value would be applied to the promissory note owed to DHL. However, if equity is greater than $100
million, as it is now, any amount by which the fair market value is less than net book value would be recorded as
an operating charge. For purposes of applying the $100 million stockholders’ equity threshold, stockholders’
equity will be calculated after including the effect of any charges caused by the removal of aircraft.

Of the seven aircraft removed from service, one was sold to DHL during 2005 and six are being used for
spare parts, as service backups, surplus part sales or in furtherance of the Company’s non-DHL charter/ACMI
operations. The Company sold the aircraft, a DC-9, for its net book value of $0.6 million. The sale consideration
consisted of $0.4 million payable in cash and $0.2 million recorded as a reduction in the promissory note owed to
DHL. Additionally, the Company and DHL reached an agreement to settle the Company’s put rights on two of
the DC-8 aircraft removed from service. The net book value of these two aircraft exceeded the appraised fair
market value by $0.4 million. In lieu of selling the aircraft to DHL for fair market plus a reduction in the
promissory note, as permitted by the put provisions of the ACMI agreement, the Company elected to retain
ownership of these aircraft, and the balance of the promissory note due to DHL was reduced by $0.4 million with
a corresponding reduction in aircraft net book value.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are eliminated
upon consolidation. The consolidated financial statements for 2003 also include allocations of certain expenses,
assets and liabilities that previously were recorded in the accounts of Airborne. The allocations are necessary to
report the Company’s operations, cash flows and financial position as if the Company had operated on a stand-
alone basis for all periods presented. Management believes these allocations were made on a reasonable basis.
However, the results depicted by these financial statements may not be indicative of the conditions that would
have existed or the results of operations if the Company had operated as a separate entity in 2003.

Prior to August 16, 2003, the Company operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airborne. Accordingly,
the Company’s 2003 consolidated financial statements include only 138 days of operations as an independent

47

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

publicly-owned company. The Company’s operating results prior to separation from Airborne do not reflect the
effects of the pricing structure under the ACMI agreement and Hub Services agreement, the new capital structure
of the business, the current tax status, the cost of new corporate functions and other changes resulting from the
separation from Airborne.

NOTE B—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported
in the consolidated financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are used to record allowances for
uncollectible amounts, self-insurance reserves, spare parts inventory, depreciation and impairments of property
and equipment, labor contract settlements, postretirement obligations, income taxes, contingencies and litigation.
Changes in these estimates and assumptions may have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company classifies short term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or

less as cash and cash equivalents. These investments are recorded at cost, which approximate fair value.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash at December 31, 2003 consisted of cash held in designated accounts that collateralized
certain letters of credit held as collateral primarily for insurers of workers’ compensation benefits. There was no
restricted cash as of December 31, 2005 or 2004.

Inventory

The Company’s inventory is comprised primarily of expendable spare parts and supplies used for internal
consumption. These items are generally charged to expense when issued for use. The Company values aircraft
spare parts inventory at weighted-average cost and maintains a related obsolescence reserve. The Company
records an obsolescence reserve on a base stock of inventory for each fleet type. Inventory amortization for the
obsolescence reserve corresponds to the expected life of each fleet type. Additionally, the Company monitors the
usage rates of inventory parts and segregates parts that are technologically outdated or no longer used in its fleet
types. Slow moving and segregated items are actively marketed and written down to their estimated net
realizable values based on market conditions.

Management analyzes the inventory reserve for reasonableness at the end of each calendar quarter. That
analysis includes consideration of the expected fleet life, amounts expected to be on hand at the end of a fleet
life, and recent events and conditions that may impact the usability or value of inventory. Events or conditions
that may impact the expected life, usability or net realizable value of inventory include additional aircraft
maintenance directives from the Federal Aviation Administration, changes in Department of Transportation
regulations, new environmental laws and technological advances.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at their estimated fair market values and
any unrealized gains and losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive gain or loss within
stockholders’ equity. Interest on marketable securities is included in interest income. Realized gains and losses of
any securities sold are based on the specific identification method.

48

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of any impairment recorded, in accordance with SFAS
No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” The cost and accumulated
depreciation of disposed property and equipment are removed from the accounts with any related gain or loss
reflected in earnings from operations.

Depreciation of property and equipment is provided on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the asset’s

useful life or lease term. Depreciable lives are as follows:

Aircraft and flight equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Package handling and ground support equipment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicles and other equipment

5 to 15 years
3 to 10 years
3 to 8 years

The Company periodically evaluates the useful lives, salvage values and fair values of property and
equipment. Acceleration of depreciation expense or the recording of significant impairment losses could result
from changes in the estimated useful lives of assets due to a number of reasons, such as an assessment done
quarterly to determine if excess capacity exists in the air or ground networks, or changes in regulations governing
the use of aircraft.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset
may not be recoverable. For assets that are to be held and used, impairment is recognized when the estimated
undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset or group of assets is less than their carrying value. If
impairment exists, an adjustment is made to write the asset down to its fair value, and a loss is recorded as the
difference between the carrying value and fair value. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values,
discounted cash flows or internal and external appraisals, as applicable. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the
lower of carrying value or fair value less the cost to sell.

The costs of major airframe and engine overhauls, as well as routine maintenance and repairs, are charged to

expense as incurred.

Capitalized Interest

Interest costs incurred while aircraft are being modified are capitalized as an additional cost of the aircraft
until the date the asset is placed in service. Capitalized interest was $1.1 million, $2.5 million and $1.6 million
for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income taxes have been computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred income taxes
are provided for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the
Company’s assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes are measured using provisions of currently enacted tax laws. A
valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more than likely that such assets will not be
fully realized. Tax credits are accounted for as a reduction of income taxes in the year in which the credit
originates. Through August 15, 2003, the Company was included in Airborne’s consolidated tax return. The
Company’s tax provisions were calculated on a stand-alone basis.

Restricted Stock

The Company’s restricted stock consists of stock granted to employees which vest over a service period.
The restrictions on the non-vested restricted stock awards lapse for employees actively employed at the Company
on December 31, 2007. Restrictions could lapse sooner upon death, disability or after qualifying for retirement.

49

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income or loss includes net income or loss and other comprehensive income or loss. Other
comprehensive income or loss for the Company consists of changes from minimum pension liabilities, unrealized
gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities and, during 2003, changes in the fair value of an
interest rate swap agreement.

Interest Rate Swap Agreement

Airborne, on behalf of the Company, entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage its exposure to
interest rate movements by effectively converting variable rate debt incurred on certain aircraft financings to
fixed rate debt. Prior to the separation of the Company, Airborne settled the interest rate swap agreement. The
interest rate swap had maturity dates, interest rate reset dates, and notional amounts that matched those of the
underlying debt of the Company. The Company accounted for the interest rate swap under the provisions of
SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended. This statement
requires that each derivative instrument be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured
at its fair value, and that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific
hedge accounting criteria are met. The statement also establishes criteria for a derivative to qualify as a hedge for
accounting purposes. Changes in fair value of derivatives designated as hedges of forecasted transactions are
deferred and recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged forecasted
transaction occurs and is recognized in earnings. In addition, all derivatives used in hedge relationships must be
designated, reassessed and documented pursuant to provisions of SFAS No. 133.

The differential between the variable and fixed rates to be paid or received was accrued as interest rates
changed and was recorded as an adjustment to interest expense. Changes in fair value of the interest rate swap
were reported, net of related income taxes,
in accumulated other comprehensive loss. This amount was
reclassified into interest expense as a yield adjustment in the same period in which the related interest, on the
aircraft financings, affected earnings. Because the critical terms of the interest rate swap and the underlying
obligation were the same, there was no ineffectiveness recorded in the consolidated statements of operations.
Incremental interest expense incurred as a result of the interest rate swap was $1.1 million in 2003.

Fair Value Information

The carrying amounts for accounts receivable and current liabilities approximate fair value. The fair value
of the promissory note due to DHL was approximately $90.0 million at December 31, 2005, about $2.3 million
less than the carrying value.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from DHL are determined based on expenses incurred during a period and recognized when the
related services are performed. Prior to August 16, 2003 revenues from Airborne were calculated as the sum of
pretax net expenses incurred plus 2.00%. Prior to August 16, 2003, net expenses included all operating and
interest expenses, including allocated expenses from Airborne, less revenues recorded from customers other than
Airborne. Since August 16, 2003, revenues from DHL are determined based on the expenses incurred during a
reporting period under the two commercial agreements (see Note A). Expenses incurred under these agreements
are generally subject to a base mark-up of 1.75%, which is recognized in the period the expenses are incurred.
Certain costs, the most significant of which include fuel, interest on the promissory note due to DHL, rent and
ramp and landing fees incurred under the two commercial agreements are reimbursed and included in revenues
without mark-up. During the last six months of 2005, the base mark-up on the Hub Services agreement was
temporarily reduced to 1.25%, while the incremental quarterly mark-up was temporarily increased from 0.54% to
1.04% (see Note A).

50

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

Both agreements also allow the Company to earn incremental mark-up above the base 1.75% mark-up (up to
1.60% under the ACMI agreement, and 2.10% under the Hub Services agreement) as determined from the
achievement of certain cost-related and service goals outlined in the two commercial agreements. The
agreements stipulate the setting of quarterly and annual cost-related goals and annual service goals expressly
specified in each of the two agreements. At the end of each fiscal year, the Company measures the achievement
of annual goals and records any incremental revenues earned by achieving the annual goals. In a similar way, the
Company measures quarterly goals and records incremental revenues in the quarter in which earned.

See discussion under “DHL Business Plans” in Note A for recent developments.

The Company derives a portion of its revenues from customers other than DHL. ACMI and charter service
revenues are recognized on scheduled and non-scheduled flights when the specific flight has been completed.
Aircraft parts and fuel sales are recognized when the parts and fuel are delivered. Revenues earned and expenses
incurred in providing aircraft-related maintenance repair services or technical maintenance services are
recognized in the period in which the services are completed and delivered to the customer. Revenues derived
from transporting freight and sorting parcels are recognized upon delivery of shipments and completion of
service.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 47,
“Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143” (FIN
47). FIN 47 requires an entity to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation
if the fair value can be reasonably estimated. The Company adopted this new accounting standard during the
fourth quarter of 2005. The adoption of FIN 47 did not have any impact on the Company’s financial statements.

NOTE C—AIRBORNE AND DHL TRANSACTIONS

The Company’s revenues, cash flows and liquidity resources are highly dependent on DHL. Substantially all
of the Company’s revenues are derived through contracted services provided to DHL. Revenues from contracted
services performed for Airborne and DHL were $1.4 billion, $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion for 2005, 2004 and
2003, respectively.

The Company’s balance sheet included the following balances related to revenue transactions with DHL (in

thousands):

Asset (Liabilities)

December 31

2005

2004

Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unearned revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$10,574
(395)
(4,151)

$46,141
(395)
(6,631)

Net asset

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 6,028

$39,115

As specified in the two commercial agreements with DHL, the Company is advanced funds on the first
business day of each week for the costs budgeted to be incurred for the upcoming week. Unearned revenue
reflects the portion of a scheduled payment from DHL that relates to revenues earned in the next year. Accounts
receivable is primarily from the revenues earned under the commercial agreements. Accounts payable is interest
payable on the promissory note. The Company’s expenses during 2005 and 2004 included approximately $2.0
million of lease expense for facilities at the DHL Air Park.

51

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

Shared Service Allocations

Prior to August 16, 2003, Airborne performed various corporate functions in support of the activities of the
consolidated group, which included the Company. Airborne provided the Company with certain insurance
coverage, information technology support, accounting, audit, tax, cash management and treasury administration,
employee benefit plan administration, governmental affairs, and other services. Included in other expenses in the
consolidated statements of operations are allocations for these services as follows (in thousands):

Insurance premiums and claims processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Letters of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information technology support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounting, tax, cash management and treasury support
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employee benefits administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Government affairs and industry trade group fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Year Ended
December 31,
2003

$ 403
1,231
41
300
275
37
77
130

$2,494

Interest Expense

Prior to August 16, 2003, interest expense included allocations to the Company of interest cost incurred by
Airborne in addition to interest expense incurred on obligations of the Company. The Company was allocated
interest expense based upon its proportionate share of stockholders’ equity, inclusive of advances from Airborne,
in comparison to the consolidated totals of Airborne. An allocation of $8.6 million was made for 2003.

NOTE D—COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share follows (in thousands, except per share

amounts):

December 31

2005

2004

2003

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . .

$30,312

$36,973

$(446,901)

Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per

share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

58,270

58,270

52,474

Common equivalent shares:

Effect of stock-based compensation awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

205

—

—

Weighted-average shares outstanding assuming dilution . . . . . . . .

58,475

58,270

52,474

Basic earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

0.52

0.52

$

$

0.63

0.63

$

$

(8.52)

(8.52)

Basic weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of basic earnings per share are less than the shares
outstanding due to 114,700 shares of restricted stock which are accounted for as part of diluted weighted average
shares outstanding in diluted earnings per share.

52

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

In December 2003, the Company issued approximately 6.2 million shares to note holders of Airborne’s
5.75% Convertible Senior Notes, due on April 1, 2007. According to the terms of those notes, after Airborne
underwent the merger with DHL, the note holders became entitled to receive, upon a voluntary conversion of the
notes, the merger consideration paid in connection with the merger, which included ABX common stock
deliverable by the Company. By December 31, 2003, all outstanding Airborne notes had been converted. The
Company did not receive any proceeds from the issuance of shares of common stock to the note holders. The
calculation of diluted earnings per share for 2003 does not include approximately 5.8 million weighted average
shares for the common stock issued to the Airborne note holders in December 2003. The shares were not
included in the 2003 dilutive calculation because doing so would have had an anti-dilutive effect on the diluted
earnings per share.

NOTE E—MARKETABLE SECURITIES

The marketable securities held by the Company consist of debt securities, which are classified as
available-for-sale. Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at their estimated fair market
values and any unrealized gains and losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive gain or loss within
stockholders’ equity. Interest on marketable securities is included in interest income. Realized gains and losses of
any securities sold are based on the specific identification method. Marketable securities of approximately $4.4
million contractually mature during 2007 and are included in other assets within the Company’s consolidated
balance sheets. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of certain
securities may have the right to prepay the obligations without prepayment penalties.

The following is a summary of the Company’s marketable securities (in thousands):

Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Obligations of U.S. corporations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Company did not have any marketable securities on December 31, 2004.

NOTE F—PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands):

December 31,
2005

Estimated Fair
Market Value

$12,977
7,052

$20,029

December 31,

2005

2004

Aircraft and flight equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance and support equipment
Vehicles and other equipment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 601,982
47,136
2,192
147

$ 538,798
44,750
1,715
13

Accumulated depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

651,457
(269,812)

585,276
(233,630)

Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 381,645

$ 351,646

53

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

Property and equipment includes $35.4 million of property held under capital leases at December 31, 2005
and 2004, and accumulated depreciation and amortization includes $5.9 million and $3.4 million for property
held under capital leases as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

NOTE G—INCOME TAXES

The Company’s income tax provision for 2005 is fully offset by the reduction in the Company’s valuation
allowance against its deferred tax asset. The valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets was $67.1 million
and $78.0 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

At December 31, 2005, the Company had cumulative net operating losses for federal income tax purposes of
approximately $140.6 million which begin to expire in 2022. The Company also had state income tax loss
carryforwards of $2.3 million at December 31, 2005 which have remaining lives ranging from 5 to 20 years.

In June 2005, the State of Ohio enacted comprehensive tax reform. The Ohio Corporate Franchise Tax will
be phased out over the next five years and replaced by a gross receipts tax. As a result, the Company reduced the
deferred tax assets, including the Ohio state franchise tax NOL CFs, of approximately $6.5 million in 2005, since
the Company concluded these assets would not be realized within the applicable phase-out period. These
deferred tax assets were already reserved by the valuations allowance. Therefore the reduction did not impact
current year operations.

During 2004, ABX was notified by Airborne, its former parent, that Airborne would not be able to fully
utilize federal net operating losses incurred by ABX while it was a member of Airborne’s Federal consolidated
group. Accordingly, the Company increased its federal net operating loss carryforward by $26.1 million and
recorded an additional deferred tax asset of $9.2 million in 2004 that was fully offset by an increase in the
valuation allowance.

Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following (in thousands):

Net operating loss carryforward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital and operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Postretirement employee benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employee benefits other than postretirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accelerated depreciation and impairment charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31,

2005

2004

$ 51,478
28,318
20,118
7,695
323
2,577
(43,447)
(67,062)

$ 37,493
31,102
17,892
6,767
5,790
276
(21,304)
(78,016)

Net deferred income tax asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ —

$ —

54

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

Income tax benefit consists of the following (in thousands):

Current:
Federal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred:
Federal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Year Ended December 31,

2005

2004

2003

$—
—

—

—
—

—

$—
—

—

—
—

—

$ (2,561)
(464)

(3,025)

122,105
9,564

131,669

Total income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$—

$—

$128,644

The income tax rate differed from the Federal statutory rate as follows:

Taxes computed at statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State taxes, net of federal benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax effect of nondeductible expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase/(decrease) of Federal NOL CF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Elimination of Ohio state NOL CF and deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase in state NOL CF and state deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Year Ended December 31,

2005

2004

2003

(35.0)% (35.0)% 35.0%
(1.6)% (3.9)% 0.9%
(4.2)% (1.6)% (0.1)%
(0.6)% 24.9% 0.0%
(13.9)% 0.0% 0.0%
0.0% 17.9% 0.0%
55.3% (2.3)% (13.4)%

Effective income tax benefit rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.0% 0.0% 22.4%

NOTE H—LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

Long-term obligations consist of the following (in thousands):

December 31,

2005

2004

Promissory note due to DHL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 92,276
80,908

$ 92,949
88,861

Total long-term obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

173,184
(8,612)

181,810
(7,954)

Total long-term obligations, net

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$164,572

$173,856

The unsecured promissory note is due in 2028 and bears interest at 5.00% per annum payable semi-
annually. Interest on the promissory note is reimbursable under the ACMI agreement without mark-up. The
capital lease obligations are for five Boeing 767 aircraft, and consist of two different leases, both expiring in
2011 with an option to extend into 2017. The capital lease payments for three of the five aircraft include
quarterly principal and variable interest of LIBOR plus 2.50% (6.875% at December 31, 2005). The capital lease
for the other two Boeing 767 aircraft carries a fixed implicit interest rate of 8.55%. At the termination of the
leases, ABX is subject to normal aircraft return provisions for maintenance of the aircraft.

55

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

The scheduled annual principal payments on long-term debt are (in thousands) $8,612, $9,329, $10,102,

$10,940, and $11,860 for 2006 through 2010, respectively.

The Company has a $45.0 million credit facility through a syndicated credit agreement that expires in
March 2007. Borrowings under the agreement are collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s assets, and
bear interest equal to the prime rate or a short term LIBOR (a one, two or three-month LIBOR, at the Company’s
discretion) plus 2.25%. The agreement contains an accordion feature to increase the borrowings to a total of
$50.0 million if the Company needs additional borrowing capacity. The agreement provides for the issuance of
letters of credit on the Company’s behalf. As of December 31, 2005, the unused credit facility totaled $37.7
million, net of outstanding letters of credit of $7.3 million. There were no borrowings outstanding under the
credit agreement.

Under the credit agreement, the Company is subject to other expenses, covenants and warranties that are
usual and customary. The agreement stipulates events of default and contains covenants including, among other
things, limitations on certain additional indebtedness, guarantees of indebtedness, level of cash dividends, and
certain other transactions as defined in the agreement. The credit agreement contains covenants restricting the
level of annual capital expenditures. The agreement was recently amended to exclude from the covenants capital
expenditures for the twelve aircraft modifications described below beginning in 2005. The amendment cured a
violation of the capital expenditure limit for 2005. Additionally, the lending banks have waived any default
resulting from the reduction in services for DHL line-haul and the Allentown hub as described in Note A.

The unsecured promissory note and the credit facility agreement restrict

the Company from paying

dividends on its common stock in excess of $1.0 million annually.

NOTE I—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases

The Company leases airport facilities and certain operating equipment under various long-term operating
lease agreements. In conjunction with the separation from Airborne, the Company entered into a sublease
agreement with DHL for portions of the DHL Air Park. The term of the sublease expires at the end of the
transition period that follows termination of the ACMI agreement. The annual rent payable by the Company
under the lease is approximately $2.0 million and is reimbursed by DHL without mark-up.

Lease commitments under long-term capital and operating leases at December 31, 2005, are as follows (in

thousands):

Capital
Leases

Operating
Leases

2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2011 and beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 15,075
15,047
15,022
14,992
14,949
37,384

$ 4,536
3,898
3,677
2,818
1,350
—

Total minimum lease payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$112,469

$16,279

56

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

Commitments

In July 2005, the Company acquired one additional Boeing 767 aircraft that the Company is committed to
converting from its original passenger configuration to an industry standard freighter configuration. In September
2005, the Company reached an agreement with Delta Airlines, Inc. (“Delta”) committing the Company to
purchase eleven additional Boeing 767 aircraft from Delta through 2008. The Company has contracted with an
aircraft maintenance and modification provider
to freighter
configuration. The estimated costs of the remaining aircraft purchase commitments and the anticipated
modification costs approximate $196.2 million for the twelve aircraft. Payments by period are estimated below
(in thousands):

from passenger

these aircraft

to convert

Aircraft and modification commitments . . . . . . . . . . .

$104,279

$56,358

$35,514

$196,151

2006

2007

2008

Total

The Company’s credit agreement contains covenants restricting the level of annual capital expenditures. The
agreement was recently modified to exclude from the covenants capital expenditures for the twelve aircraft
modifications described above beginning in 2005.

Guarantees and Indemnifications

Certain operating leases and agreements of the Company contain indemnification obligations to the lessor,
or one or more other parties that are considered ordinary and customary (e.g. use, tax and environmental
indemnifications), the terms of which range in duration and are often limited. Such indemnification obligations
may continue after expiration of the respective lease or agreement.

No amounts have been recognized in its financial statements for the underlying fair value of guarantees and

indemnifications.

Department of Transportation (“DOT”) Continuing Fitness Review

The Company filed a notice of substantial change with the DOT arising from its separation from Airborne.
In connection with the filing, which was initially made in mid-July of 2003 and updated in April of 2005, the
DOT will determine whether the Company continues to be fit, willing and able to engage in air transportation of
cargo and a U.S. citizen.

Under U.S. laws and DOT precedents, non-U.S. citizens may not own more than 25% of, or have actual
control of, a U.S. certificated air carrier. The DOT may determine that DHL actually controls the Company as a
result of its commercial arrangements (in particular, the ACMI agreement and Hub Services agreement) with
DHL. If the DOT determines that the Company is controlled by DHL, the DOT could require amendments or
modifications of the ACMI and/or other agreements between the Company and DHL. If the Company were
unable to modify such agreements to the satisfaction of the DOT, the DOT could seek to suspend, modify or
revoke the Company’s air carrier certificates and/or authorities, and this would materially and adversely affect
the business.

The DOT has yet

intends to use in processing the Company’s filing.
Management believes the DOT should find that the Company is controlled by U.S. citizens and continues to be
fit, willing and able to engage in air transportation of cargo.

to specify the procedures it

57

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

ALPA Lawsuit

On August 25, 2003, the Company intervened in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York by DHL Holdings and DHL Worldwide Express, Inc. (“DHL Worldwide”) against the Air
Line Pilots Association (“ALPA”), seeking a declaratory judgment that neither DHL entity is required to arbitrate
a grievance filed by ALPA. ALPA represents the pilot group at Astar. The grievance seeks to require DHL
Holdings to direct its subsidiary, Airborne, now DHL Network Operations (USA), Inc., to cease implementing its
ACMI agreement with ABX on the grounds that DHL Worldwide is a legal successor to Astar. ALPA similarly
filed a counterclaim requesting injunctive relief that includes having DHL’s freight currently being flown by
ABX transferred to Astar.

The proceedings were stayed on September 5, 2003, pending the National Labor Relations Board’s
(“NLRB”) processing of several unfair labor practice charges the Company filed against ALPA on the grounds
that ALPA’s grievance and counterclaim to compel arbitration violates the National Labor Relations Act. In
March 2004,
the NLRB prosecuted ALPA on the unfair labor practice charges. On July 2, 2004, an
Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ’) for the NLRB issued a decision finding that ALPA’s grievance and
counterclaim violated the secondary boycott provisions of the National Labor Relations Act, and recommended
that the NLRB order ALPA to withdraw both actions. ALPA appealed the ALJ’s finding to the full NLRB, which
subsequently affirmed the ALJ’s decision in its own decision and order dated August 27, 2005.

On September 14, 2005, ALPA filed a petition for review with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth
Circuit and that Court subsequently granted the Company’s motion to intervene in the case. The parties are
currently in the process of preparing and filing briefs in the matter. Management believes that the NLRB’s
decision will be sustained on appeal and that ALPA’s grievance and counterclaim will be denied.

Alleged Violations of Immigration Laws

The Company reported in January of 2005 that it was cooperating fully with an investigation by the U.S.
Department of Justice (“DOJ”) with respect to Garcia Labor Co., Inc. (“Garcia”), a temporary employment
agency based in Morristown, Tennessee, and ABX Air’s use of contract employees that were being supplied to it
by Garcia. The investigation concerns the immigration status of the Garcia employees assigned to the Company.

The Company terminated its contract with Garcia in February of 2005 and replaced the Garcia employees.

In October of 2005, the DOJ notified the Company that the Company and a few Company employees in its
human resources department, in addition to Garcia, were targets of a criminal investigation. Since that time, the
Company has continued to cooperate with the investigation and has held discussions with the DOJ regarding this
matter. The Company’s position is that neither it nor its employees engaged in any wrongdoing with respect to
Garcia and its employees. In the event proceedings were initiated against the Company that resulted in an adverse
finding, the Company could be subjected to a financial penalty that is materially greater than the amount we have
accrued and restrictions on our ability to engage in business with agencies of the U.S. Government.

Other

In addition to the foregoing matters, the Company is also currently a party to legal proceedings in various
federal and state jurisdictions arising out of the operation of our business. The amount of alleged liability, if any,
from these proceedings cannot be determined with certainty; however, we believe that our ultimate liability, if
any, arising from the pending legal proceedings, as well as from asserted legal claims and known potential legal
claims which are probable of assertion, taking into account established accruals for estimated liabilities, should
not be material to our financial condition or results of operations.

58

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

Employees Under Collective Bargaining Agreements

As of December 31, 2005, all of the Company’s flight crewmembers were covered under a collective
bargaining agreement that becomes amendable on July 31, 2006. Flight crewmembers were 6.1% of the
Company’s total full-time and part-time employees as of December 31, 2005.

NOTE J—PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Benefit and Postretirement Healthcare Plans

The Company sponsors a qualified defined benefit plan for its pilots and a qualified defined benefit plan for
its other employees that meet minimum eligibility requirements. The Company also sponsors non-qualified
defined benefit pension plans for certain employees. These non–qualified plans are unfunded. The Company
sponsors a postretirement healthcare plan which is unfunded. Prior to the Company’s separation from Airborne,
the Company participated in similar plans sponsored by Airborne. In conjunction with the separation, the
Company established its own plans with provisions identical to the Airborne plans. For funded plans, assets were
transferred from the trust of the Airborne-sponsored plans to a separate trust for the Company-sponsored plans.
The separation was based on specific obligations related to the Company’s employees and the proportionate
share of the plan assets.

The accounting and valuation for these postretirement obligations are determined by prescribed accounting
and actuarial methods that consider a number of assumptions and estimates. The selection of appropriate
assumptions and estimates is significant due to the long time period over which benefits will be accrued and paid.
The long-term nature of these benefit payouts increases the sensitivity of certain estimates of our postretirement
costs. The assumptions considered most sensitive in actuarially valuing the Company’s pension obligations and
determining related expense amounts are discount rates, expected long-term investment returns on plan assets
and future salary increases. Additionally, other assumptions concerning retirement ages, mortality and employee
turnover also affect the valuations. Consideration of future medical cost trend rates is a critical assumption in
valuing the Company’s postretirement healthcare obligations. Actual results and future changes in these
assumptions could result in future costs significantly higher than those recorded in our results of operations.

On September 1, 2005, the Company closed its qualified defined benefit plan to newly hired, non-flight
crewmember employees. Instead, new non-flight crewmember employees will receive an annual contribution
based on a fixed percentage of eligible compensation to a defined contribution plan.

On May 19, 2004, the FASB issued a FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) addressing the appropriate accounting
and disclosure requirements for companies sponsoring a postretirement healthcare plan that provide prescription
drug benefits. The new guidance from the FASB was necessary as a result of the 2003 Medicare prescription law
which includes a federal subsidy for qualifying companies. FSP 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure
Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003,”
requires (a) that the effects of the federal subsidy be considered an actuarial gain and treated like similar gains
and losses, and (b) certain disclosures for employers that sponsor postretirement healthcare plans that provide
prescription drug benefits. The Company adopted the new FSP effective April 1, 2004.

The Company’s actuary has advised management that the prescription drug benefits provided by the
Company-sponsored postretirement healthcare plan qualify for a subsidy under the 2003 Medicare prescription.
In connection with the Company’s adoption of FSP 106-2, on April 1, 2004, the accumulated benefit obligation
was re-measured to include the effects of the subsidy related to benefits attributed to past service. As a result of
the time of adoption. At
the subsidy,
December 31, 2005, the accumulated benefit obligation does not reflect any subsidy because the Company does
not intend to apply.

the accumulated benefit obligation decreased by $1.1 million at

59

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

Information regarding the Company’s sponsored defined benefit pension plan, and postretirement healthcare

plans is for the measurement dates of December 31 and follows below (in thousands):

Pension Plans

Postretirement
Healthcare Plans

2005

2004

2005

2004

Change in benefit obligation

Obligation as of January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service cost
Interest cost
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plan transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actuarial (gain) loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 403,234
29,820
23,405
588
(5,845)
82,492

$ 327,286
26,225
19,755
556
(3,882)
33,294

$ 27,418
1,993
1,581
—
(419)
3,598

$ 17,173
1,526
1,247
—
(496)
7,968

Obligation as of December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 533,694

$ 403,234

$ 34,171

$ 27,418

Accumulated benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 367,076

$ 299,558

$ 34,171

$ 27,418

Change in plan assets

Fair value as of January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actual gain on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plan transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employer contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 241,538
19,067
588
42,306
(5,846)

$ 188,941
21,323
556
34,600
(3,882)

$ —
—
—
419
(419)

$ —
—
—
496
(496)

Fair value as of December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 297,653

$ 241,538

$ —

$ —

Funded status

Funded status as of December 31 . . . . . . . . .
Unrecognized prior service cost
. . . . . . . . . .
Unrecognized net actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . .

$(236,041)
21,520
171,820

$(161,696)
25,231
94,983

$(34,171)

—
14,904

$(27,418)
16
12,308

Accrued benefit cost

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (42,701)

$ (41,482)

$(19,267)

$(15,094)

Amounts recognized in the balance sheets at

December 31

Accrued benefit liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional minimum liability . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible asset

$ (42,701)
(27,450)
6,377

$ (41,482)
(23,194)
7,950

$(19,267)

$(15,094)

—
—

—
—

The accrued benefit liability is recorded in the current portion of postretirement liabilities and in the long-
term postretirement liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The additional minimum liability is included in
the Company’s long-term postretirement liabilities. The intangible asset is included in other assets on the
consolidated balance sheets. The Company charged $5.8 million, $7.7 million and $1.9 million to other
comprehensive income in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, for changes in the additional minimum pension
liability.

The projected benefit obligation increased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to a number of factors including a
lower discount rate, lower expectations of employee turnover rates and retirement rates, an increase in the
number of participants and higher than expected employee compensation.

60

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The Company’s net periodic benefit costs for its defined benefit pension plans and postretirement healthcare

plans are as follows (in thousands):

Pension Plans

Postretirement Healthcare Plans

2005

2004

2003

2005

2004

2003

Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected return on plan assets . .
Net amortization and deferral . . .

$ 29,820
23,405
(20,482)
10,217

$ 26,225
19,755
(16,200)
7,302

$ 24,406
17,581
(10,241)
8,856

$1,993
1,581
—
1,019

$1,526
1,247
—
547

$1,108
968
—
228

Net periodic benefit cost . . . . . . .

$ 42,960

$ 37,082

$ 40,602

$4,593

$3,320

$2,304

Assumptions

Assumptions used in determining the Company’s pension obligations at December 31 were as follows:

Pension Plans

2005

2004

2003

Discount rate (for qualified and non-qualified plans) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase (pilots)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase (non-pilots) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.70% 5.85% 6.25%
8.00% 8.00% 8.00%
4.50% 4.50% 5.00%
4.00% 4.00% 4.00%

The discount rate used to determine postretirement healthcare obligations was 5.70%, 5.85% and 6.25% at
December 31 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Postretirement healthcare plan obligations have not been
funded.

The healthcare cost trend rate used in measuring postretirement healthcare benefit costs was 11% for 2006,
decreasing each year by 1% until it reaches a 5% annual growth rate in 2012. The effects of a 1% increase and
decrease in the healthcare cost trend rate on 2005 cost and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at
December 31, 2005, are shown below (in thousands):

Effect on service and interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 367
$3,847

$ (302)
$(3,121)

1% Increase

1% Decrease

Plan Assets

The weighted-average asset allocations by asset category:

Asset category

Composition of Plan Assets
on December 31,

2005

2004

U.S. equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
International equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed income securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

47%
14%
39%

48%
12%
40%

100%

100%

61

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

The Company uses an investment management firm to advise it in developing and executing an investment
policy. The portfolio is managed with consideration for diversification, quality and marketability. The targeted
asset allocation is 60% equity securities and 40% fixed income securities. The investment policy permits the
following ranges of asset allocation: equities – 47.5% to 72.5%; fixed income securities – 37.5% to 42.5%; cash
– 0% to 5%. Except for U.S. Treasuries, no more than 10% of the fixed income portfolio and no more than 5% of
the equity portfolio can be invested in securities of any single issuer.

An actuarial firm advised the Company in developing the overall expected long-term rate of return on plan
assets. The overall expected long-term rate of return was developed using various market assumptions in
conjunction with the plans’ targeted asset allocation. The assumptions were based on historical market returns.

Cash Flows

In 2005, the Company made contributions to its qualified defined benefit pension plans of $42.0 million.
The Company estimates that its contributions in 2006 will be approximately $53.6 million for its qualified
defined benefit pension plans, $0.5 million for its non-qualified defined benefit pension plans and, $1.0 million
for its postretirement healthcare plans.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be

paid as follows (in thousands):

2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Years 2011 to 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

Pension
Benefits

7,679
10,446
13,309
15,953
19,216
145,189

Postretirement
Healthcare
Benefits

$

972
1,253
1,578
1,887
2,206
14,375

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors defined contribution capital accumulation plans (401k) that are funded by both
voluntary employee salary deferrals of up to 75% of annual compensation and by employer matching
contributions on employee salary deferrals of up to 6% of annual compensation. The Company also sponsors a
defined contribution profit sharing plan, which is coordinated and used to offset obligations accrued under the
qualified defined benefit plans. Contributions to this plan, except contributions for the Company’s pilots, were
discontinued in 2000. Expenses for these plans are as follows (in thousands):

Capital accumulation plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Profit sharing plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$6,998
1,069

$6,563
1,038

$4,911
1,073

Total expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$8,067

$7,601

$5,984

Year Ended December 31

2005

2004

2003

62

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

NOTE K—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

In June 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors granted stock incentive awards to certain employees and
board members pursuant to a long-term incentive plan which had previously been approved by the Company’s
stockholders. Employees were awarded non-vested stock units (Performance-Based Stock Units) and non-vested
restricted stock (Time-Based Restricted Stock). Board members were granted time-based awards (Time-Based
Stock Units). The Company expects to settle all the awards by issuing new shares of stock. The awards are
described below:

•

•

•

The non-vested stock units will be converted into Company stock after December 31, 2007, based on
performance and market conditions. The performance condition awards will be converted into a number
of shares of Company stock depending on the Company’s average return on equity between April 1,
2005 and December 31, 2007. Similarly, the market condition awards will be converted into a number
of shares of Company stock depending on the appreciation of the Company’s stock compared to the
total shareholder return of the NASDAQ Transportation Index between April 1, 2005 and December 31,
2007. A portion of the performance and market condition awards can be earned if the employee retires,
dies, or becomes disabled before December 31, 2007, and the performance and market conditions are
met. The Company expects to settle the performance and market condition awards by issuing new
shares of stock.

The restrictions on the non-vested restricted stock awards lapse for employees actively employed at the
Company on December 31, 2007. Restrictions could lapse sooner upon death, disability or after
qualifying for retirement.

The Board members time-based awards vested through December 31, 2005 and will settle when a board
member ceases to be a director of the Company.

To account for the awards, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.”
The standard requires the Company to measure the cost of services received in exchange for stock-based awards
using the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost of the awards is recognized over the period during which
service is required to be provided. No compensation cost will be recognized for awards in which the service is
not rendered. The grant-date fair value of each non-vested stock unit award, time-based award and performance
condition award granted by the Company was $7.79, the value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The
grant-date fair value of each market condition award was $9.91. The market condition awards were valued using
a Monte Carlo simulation technique, a risk-free interest rate of 3.68%, a term of 30 months, and a volatility of
45.2% based on historical volatility over one year using daily stock prices. For the year ended December 31,
2005, the Company recorded expense of $0.7 million for stock incentive awards. At December 31, 2005, there
was $1.7 million of unrecognized expense related to the stock incentive awards that is expected to be recognized
over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. As of December 31, 2005, awards totaling 264,600 had been
granted and were outstanding. None of the time-based awards, performance condition awards or market
condition awards were convertible, and none of the non-vested restricted stock had vested as of December 31,
2005. These awards could result in a maximum number of 326,750 additional outstanding shares of the
Company’s common stock depending on service, performance and market results through December 31, 2007.

63

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

NOTE L—OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the following transactions and tax effects for the years ended

December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively (in thousands):

Before
Tax

Income Tax
(Expense)
or Benefit

Net of
Tax

2005
Minimum pension liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized loss on marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(5,829)
(55)

$ — $(5,829)
(55)

—

Other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(5,884)

$ — $(5,884)

2004
Other comprehensive loss—minimum pension liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(7,690)

$ — $(7,690)

2003
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap arising during the periods . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net earnings . . . . . . . . . .

$

(41)
3,623

16
$
(1,394)

$

(25)
2,229

Net unrealized gain on interest rate swap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum pension liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3,582
(1,904)

(1,378)
—

2,204
(1,904)

Other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 1,678

$(1,378)

$

300

64

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

NOTE M—SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates in two reportable segments. The air cargo transportation, line-haul logistics and
package handling services provided to DHL under the ACMI and Hub Services agreements are aggregated below
as “DHL” (see Note A). The ACMI and charter services that the Company provides to customers other than DHL
are referred to as “Charter” below. The Company’s other activities, which include contracts with the U.S. Postal
Service and aircraft parts sales and maintenance services, do not constitute a reportable segment and are
combined in “All other” below. During 2005, the Charter segment became a reportable segment when its assets,
which are predominantly aircraft, became more than 10% of the Company’s total assets. The Company’s
segment information for 2005, 2004 and 2003 is presented below (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31
2004

2003

2005

Revenues:

DHL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,430,347
13,864
20,179

$1,175,804
16,673
10,032

$1,149,365
6,012
5,582

Total

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,464,390

$1,202,509

$1,160,959

Depreciation expense:

DHL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earnings (Loss):

DHL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

$

$

$

$

35,531
3,241
122

38,894

21,322
1,138
7,852

34,412
5
6

$

97,838
—
—

34,423

$

97,838

30,203
2,525
4,245

$ (469,172)
(333)
2,604

Total

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

30,312

$

36,973

$ (466,901)

December 31

2005

2004

Assets:

DHL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 368,733
62,392
84,918

$ 463,904
5,128
3,891

Total

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 516,043

$ 472,923

All of the Company’s interest expense is attributable to the DHL segment. During 2004 and 2003, interest
earned on cash and cash equivalents reduced interest expense when calculating revenue under the DHL
agreements. Beginning in 2005, interest earned on cash and cash equivalents is not included in the DHL revenue
calculation. Accordingly, interest income of $2.4 million is included in all other earnings for 2005. In 2003, the
Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $600.9 million to write down aircraft, aircraft-related parts and equipment
of the DHL segment to their fair values. The DHL segment did not have any income tax expense in 2005 or 2004
and had a net income tax benefit of $129.1 million in 2003 primarily generated by the impairment charge. For

65

ABX AIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Three years ended December 31, 2005

purposes of internal reporting, the Company does not allocate overhead costs that are reimbursed by DHL to its
other activities. The provisions of the commercial agreements with DHL do not require an allocation of such
overhead cost until such time as the Company derives more than 10% of its total revenue from non-DHL
business activities.

NOTE N—QUARTERLY RESULTS (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of quarterly results of operations (in thousands except per share data):

2005
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average shares:

1st
Quarter

2nd
Quarter

3rd
Quarter

4th
Quarter

$346,594
7,083

$351,237
6,755

$369,921
7,391

$396,638
9,083

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

58,270
58,270

58,270
58,454

58,270
58,322

58,270
58,449

Earnings per share

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$
$

0.12
0.12

$
$

0.12
0.12

$
$

0.13
0.13

$
$

0.16
0.16

2004
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average shares:

$276,686
5,980

$274,654
5,826

$289,808
7,099

$361,361
18,068

Basic and diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

58,270

58,270

58,270

58,270

Earnings per share

Basic and diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

0.10

$

0.10

$

0.12

$

0.31

During the fourth quarter of 2005 and 2004, the Company recognized revenues of $4.7 million and $10.9
million, respectively, for achieving annual cost-related and service goals under the ACMI and Hub Services
commercial agreements with DHL. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company agreed to reduce
revenues by $1.9 million for credits granted to DHL stemming from higher than anticipated cost since the hub
consolidation in September.

66

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2005, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the
participation of the Company’s management, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon the evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive
Officer, and its Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were
effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by
it under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in
Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the
fourth quarter of 2005 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s
internal controls over financial reporting

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

The management of ABX Air, Inc. and its subsidiaries is responsible for establishing and maintaining
adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control system is designed to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those
systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement
preparation and presentation.

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2005. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework.

Based on management’s assessment of those criteria, management believes that, as of December 31, 2005,

the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

The Company’s registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on our assessment of the

Company’s internal control over financial reporting. That report follows.

March 15, 2006

67

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of ABX Air, Inc.
Wilmington, Ohio

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal
Controls Over Financial Reporting, that ABX Air, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) maintained effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s
management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of
the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing
and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the
company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by
the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies
and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on
the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of
collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be
prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control
over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal
Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Treadway
Commission. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules as of and for the year ended
December 31, 2005 of the Company and our report dated March 15, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on those
financial statements and financial statement schedules.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE, LLP

Dayton, Ohio
March 15, 2006

68

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

On March 15, 2006 ABX entered into an agreement with DHL which provides for the following:

• DHL will take over responsibility for the over-the-road truck line-haul network we currently
manage for DHL. Although the timetable for the transition of these services is not yet finalized,
we anticipate that the transition will be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2006.

• We will not operate or manage DHL’s new Allentown hub facility. This facility is expected to
open in the third quarter of 2006 and will replace the existing facility that we currently operate.
The Allentown hub is the largest of DHL’s 18 regional hubs in the United States.

• We have agreed to negotiate with DHL modifications to our Hub Services agreement and our
to create greater risk/reward metrics for our performance under these
focus on service quality, process and performance

ACMI agreement
agreements. The modifications will
improvements and cost reduction.

• DHL and ABX agreed to cost budgets for 2006 under the Hub Services agreement and the
ACMI agreement. DHL agreed to additional performance incentives for 2006 beyond the
existing contractual incentives in the event we achieve very significant cost reductions under our
commercial agreements.

• We agreed to reduce amounts owed to us by DHL for the fourth quarter of 2005 under the Hub
Services agreement in recognition of higher than budgeted costs during the fourth quarter of
2005 under that agreement.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The response to this Item is contained in part in the Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Compliance,” “Code of Ethics,” and “Audit Committee Report.” The information contained therein is
incorporated herein by reference.

Executive Officers

The following table sets forth information about ABX’s executive officers. The executive officers serve at

the pleasure of ABX’s Board of Directors.

Name

Age

Information

Joseph C. Hete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

51

President and Chief Executive Officer, since August 15, 2003.

Dennis A. Manibusan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

56

Mr. Hete was President and Chief Operating Officer from
January 2000 to August 2003. From 1997 until January 2000,
Mr. Hete held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer. Mr. Hete served as Senior Vice President,
Administration from 1991 to 1997 and Vice President,
Administration from 1986 to 1991. Mr. Hete joined ABX in
1980.

Senior Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering, since
May 1993.

Mr. Manibusan held positions as Assistant Vice President of
Engineering and Assistant Vice President of Maintenance at
Alaska Airlines, Senior Director of Maintenance and Director
of Line Maintenance at Continental Airlines, Director of
Engineering and Technical Services and Director of Line
Maintenance at Ozark Airlines before joining ABX.

69

Name

Age

Information

Robert J. Morgenfeld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

57

Senior Vice President, Flight Operations, since April 1994.

In January of 1992 until 1994, Mr. Morgenfeld was Vice
President of Flight Operations. Prior to that he was Senior
Director of Operations/System Chief Pilot from 1990 to
1992, Director of Operations/System Chief Pilot from 1989
to 1990, System Chief Pilot from 1988 to 1990, Manager of
DC-9 Flight Standards from September of 1987 to 1988,
DC-9 Flight Standards Pilot
from July of 1987 to
September of 1987 and Assistant Chief Pilot from October
of 1985 to 1987

W. Joseph Payne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

42 Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, since

January 2004.

Mr. Payne was Corporate Secretary/Counsel from January
1999 to January 2004, and Assistant Corporate Secretary
from July 1996 to January 1999. Mr. Payne joined ABX in
April 1995.

Thomas W. Poynter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

58

Senior Vice President, Ground Operations, since May 1993.

Prior to May 1993, Mr. Poynter was Vice President of
Ground Operations from 1989 to May 1993, Senior
Director of Ground Operations from 1988 to 1989 and
Director of Ground Operations from 1987 to 1988. Mr.
Poynter joined ABX as Sort Manager in January 1985.

Gene Rhodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

53 Vice President, Human Resources, since January 2004.

Edward P. Smethwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

61 Vice President, Air Park Services, since July 1989.

Mr. Rhodes was Corporate Director of Human Resources
since September 2000. Prior to that he was Vice President
of Human Resource Operations for The Health Alliance,
Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1995 to September 2000.

Quint O. Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

43 Chief Financial Officer, since December 2004.

Mr. Smethwick was Senior Director of Air Park Services
from 1986 to 1989 and Director of Product Support/
Equipment and Property Maintenance from 1985 to 1986.
He joined ABX in 1981 as Director of Product Support.

Mr. Turner was Vice President, Administration from
February 2002 to December 2004. Mr. Turner was
Corporate Director of Financial Planning and Accounting
from 1997 to 2002. Prior to 1997, Mr. Turner held positions
of Manager of Planning and Director of Financial Planning.
Mr. Turner joined ABX in 1988 as a Staff Auditor.

The executive officers of the Company are appointed annually at the Board of Directors meeting held in
conjunction with the annual meeting of stockholders. There are no family relationships between any directors or
executive officers of the Company.

70

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The response to this Item is contained in the Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
under the caption “Executive Compensation,” and the information contained therein is incorporated herein by
reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND

RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The response to this Item is contained in part in the Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders under the captions “Voting at the Meeting” and “Stock Ownership of Management,” and the
information contained therein is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

None.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The response to this Item is contained in the Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
under the caption “Principal Accountant Fees,” and the information contained therein is incorporated herein by
reference.

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

PART IV

(a) List of Documents filed as part of this report:

(1) Consolidated Financial Statements

The following are filed in Part II, item 8 of this Form 10-K Annual Report:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2) Financial Statement Schedule

The following consolidated financial statement schedules of the Company is included as follows:

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or are not required, or because the
required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

(3) Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference into this report.

Exhibit No.

Description of Exhibit

Plan of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or succession.

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 25, 2003, by and among Airborne, Inc., DHL
Worldwide Express B.V. and Atlantis Acquisition Corporation (included as Appendix A to the
proxy statement/prospectus which is a part of this registration statement). (1)

Articles of Incorporation

Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of ABX Air, Inc. (1)

Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of ABX Air, Inc. (1)

2.1

3.1

3.2

71

Instruments defining the rights of security holders

Specimen of common stock of ABX Air, Inc. (3)

Form of Preferred Stock Rights Agreement dated the effective date of the merger, by and between
ABX Air, Inc. and a rights agent. (1)

Material Contracts

Form of Master Separation Agreement dated as of the effective date of the merger, by and among
Airborne, Inc., ABX Air, Inc. and Wilmington Air Park LLC. (included as Appendix B to the proxy
statement/prospectus which is a part of this registration statement) (1)

Form of ACMI Service Agreement, dated as of the effective date of the merger, by and between ABX
Air, Inc. and Airborne, Inc. (Certain portions have been omitted based upon a request for confidential
treatment. The nonpublic information has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.) (2)

Form of Hub and Line-Haul Services Agreement dated as of the effective date of the merger, by and
between ABX Air, Inc. and Airborne, Inc. (1)

Form of Performance Guaranty dated as of the effective date of the merger, by and between DHL
Holdings USA, Inc. and Airborne, Inc. with respect to the Hub and Line-Haul Services Agreement. (1)

Form of Performance Guaranty dated as of the effective date of the merger, by and between DHL
Holdings USA, Inc. and Airborne, Inc. with respect to the ACMI Service Agreement. (1)

First Non-Negotiable Promissory Note issued by ABX Air, Inc. in favor of Airborne Inc., (5)

Form of Second Non-Negotiable Promissory Note issued by ABX Air, Inc. in favor of DHL Holdings
(USA), Inc. (1)

Form of Transition Services Agreement, dated as of the effective date of the merger, by and between
ABX Air, Inc. and Airborne, Inc. (1)

Form of Wilmington Airpark Sublease, dated as of the effective date of the merger, by and between
ABX Air, Inc. and Airborne, Inc. (1)

Form of Employee Matters Agreement dated as of the effective date of the merger, by and between
Airborne, Inc. and ABX Air, Inc. (1)

Form of Tax Sharing Agreement dated as of the effective date of the merger, by and between
Airborne, Inc. and ABX Air, Inc. (1)

Participation Agreement dated as of August 16, 2001, among ABX Air, Inc., as lessee, Mitsui & Co.
Ltd., as finance lessor, Tomair LLC, as Owner Participant, and Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, National
Association, as Owner Trustee. (1)

Lease Agreement dated as of August 21, 2001, between Owner Trustee, as lessor, and ABX Air, Inc.,
as lessee. (1)

Form of change in control agreement with CEO and each of the next four highest paid officers. (4)

Form of Retention Bonus Agreement with CEO and each of the next four highest paid officers. (4)

Director compensation fee summary. (6)

Form of Executive Incentive Compensation Plan for CEO and the next four highest paid officers. (9)

Credit Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2004. (7)

Amendment No.1-dated June 18, 2004 to the Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2004. (8)

Form of Long-Term Incentive Compensation plan for officers, dated July 12, 2005. (10)

Amendment to the Hub and Line-Haul Services Agreement, dated August 9, 2005. (11)

Form of Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan for directors, dated October 4, 2005. (12)

4.1

4.2

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16

10.17

10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21

10.22

72

10.23

10.24

Aircraft modification agreement with Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., filed herewith.*

Consent to Assignment of ACMI Service Agreement and Hub & Line-Haul Services Agreement, filed
herewith.*

10.25

Agreement with DHL, filed herewith.*

Code of Ethics

14.1

Code of Ethics — CEO and CFO. (6)

List of Subsidiaries

21.1

List of Subsidiaries of ABX Air, Inc. filed within.*

Consent of experts and counsel

23.1

Consent of independent registered public accounting firm, filed herewith.*

Certifications

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)
(7)
(8)

(9)

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.*

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.*

Certification Pursuant
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.*

to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant

to Section 906 of the

Certification Pursuant
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.*

to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant

to Section 906 of the

Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement Form S-4 filed on May 9, 2003 with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement Form S-4/A filed on June 18, 2003 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, as amended.
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement Form S-4/A filed on July 9, 2003 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, 2003, as amended.
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 14, 2003
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report of Form 10-K filed on March 25, 2004 with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 8-K filed on April 7, 2004.
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2004 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 14, 2004 with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

(10) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 8-K filed on July 12, 2005.
(11) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 8-K filed on August 9, 2005.
(12) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s 8-K filed on October 4, 2005.
*

Exhibits can be viewed by accessing ABX’s Form 10-K for 2005 at www.ABXAir.com/ir/index.html or at
www.sec.gov.

73

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant

has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

ABX Air, Inc.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/

JOSEPH C. HETE
Joseph C. Hete

President and Chief Executive Officer

March 16, 2006

/s/ QUINT O. TURNER

Chief Financial Officer

March 16, 2006

Quint O. Turner

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by

the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:

Signature

Title

Date

/s/

JAMES H. CAREY
James H. Carey

/s/

JAMES E. BUSHMAN
James E. Bushman

/s/

/s/

JOHN D. GEARY
John D. Geary

JOSEPH C. HETE
Joseph C. Hete

/s/

JEFFREY J. VORHOLT
Jeffrey J. Vorholt

Director and Chairman of the Board

March 16, 2006

Director

Director

Director

Director

March 16, 2006

March 16, 2006

March 16, 2006

March 16, 2006

/s/ QUINT O. TURNER

Chief Financial Officer

March 16, 2006

Quint O. Turner

74

ABX Air, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Description

Inventory obsolescence reserve:

Year ended:

Balance at
beginning of
period

Additions
charged to
cost and
expenses

Deductions

Balance at
end of period

December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$2,086,370
1,429,769
5,000,000

$1,277,418
1,796,201
2,699,342

$ 874,688
1,139,600
6,269,573

$2,489,100
2,086,370
1,429,769

Description

Accounts receivable reserve:

Year ended:

Balance at
beginning of
period

Additions
charged to
cost and
expenses

Deductions

Balance at
end of period

December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 244,000
268,500
209,000

$ 692,349
8,827
64,500

$

64,349
33,327
5,000

$ 872,000
244,000
268,500

75

ABX Air 2005 Annual Report

ABX Air awarded for extensive training

For the third year in a row the ABX Maintenance &
Engineering Department has qualified for the FAA
Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond Award. This
award, the highest given by the FAA, requires at least 50
percent of a company’s eligible employees to participate
in aviation maintenance training during the
calendar year.

In addition to the company’s award, the FAA gives
individual recognition to aircraft technicians taking
varying amounts of training within a calendar year.
Aircraft Training Instructor Jesse Daniel and Master
Instructors Ron Keim and Dave Miller qualified for the
Diamond Award in 2005. Dave Miller has won the award
for four consecutive years.

To be eligible for the Diamond Award, an individual must
receive 10 days or 58 hours of Aviation Maintenance
Training, along with at least 40 classroom hours or three
semester credits in approved college-level courses.

Other awards presented to maintenance technicians
include the Ruby, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards. In
2005, 150 ABX Air employees received the Ruby Award,
85 earned the Gold Award, 271 qualified for the Silver
Award, and 143 took home the Bronze Award.

ABX  Air  2005  Annual  Report

Investor Information

Stock Information
NASDAQ: ABXA
Company documents electronically
filed with the SEC also may be found
at www.abxair.com.

Registrar and Transfer Agent
National City Bank
Shareholder  Services
PO Box 92301
Cleveland,  Ohio  44101-4301
(800)  622-6757

Independent Auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Dayton, Ohio

Annual Meeting
The  annual  meeting  of  stockholders
will be May 9, 2006, at 11 a.m. EDT
at Roberts Convention Centre,
188  Roberts  Road,  Wilmington,  Ohio.

Investor Relations
Telephone  inquiries  may  be  directed  to
(937)  434-2700.

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145 Hunter Drive
Wilmington,  Ohio  45177
www.abxair.com