ATLANTIC COAST AIRLINES INC
10-Q, 1997-11-14
AIR TRANSPORTATION, SCHEDULED
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                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                        WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                               FORM 10-Q


  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
                         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997

Commission file number 0-21976

                     ATLANTIC COAST AIRLINES, INC.
        (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

              Delaware                               13-3621051
     (State or other jurisdiction of              (I.R.S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)             Identification No.)

     515-A Shaw Road, Dulles, Virginia               20166
     (Address of principal executive offices)     (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (703) 925-6000

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  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   X        No

As of November 10, 1997,  there were 7,186,099 shares of common stock, par value
$.02 per share, outstanding.



Part I.  Financial Information
         Item 1. Financial Statements
                                         Atlantic Coast Airlines, Inc.
                                                        and Subsidiary
                                           Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                              December 31, September 30,
(In thousands except for share data and par          1996           1997
values)                                                       (Unaudited)
Assets
Current:
    Cash and cash equivalents                  $  21,470      $  27,008
    Short term investments                             -         16,333
    Accounts receivable, net                      15,961         20,996
    Expendable parts and fuel inventory, net       1,759          2,552
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets      2,554          2,609
        Total current assets                      41,744         69,498
Property and equipment, net of accumulated
       depreciation and amortization              16,157         39,539
Preoperating costs, net of accumulated
       amortization                                  225          1,594
Intangible assets, net of accumulated              2,882          2,670
       amortization
Deferred tax asset                                 3,140          3,140
Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated                -          3,350
amortization
Aircraft deposits                                    570         17,480
Other assets                                          40             17
        Total assets                           $  64,758      $ 137,288
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current:
    Accounts payable                           $   3,770      $   3,035
    Current portion of long-term debt              1,319          1,499
    Current portion of capital lease               1,497          1,648
            obligations
    Accrued liabilities                           17,376         22,656
        Total current liabilities                 23,962         28,838
Long-term debt, less current portion               2,407         73,110
Capital lease obligations, less current            3,266          2,672
        portion
Deferred credits                                     486          3,251
        Total liabilities                         30,121        107,871
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, $.02 par value per share;
shares authorized 5,000,000; no shares
issued or outstanding in 1996 or 1997                  -              -
Common stock: $.02 par value per share;
shares authorized 15,000,000; shares issued
8,498,910 in 1996 and 8,607,599 in 1997              170            172
Class A common stock: nonvoting; par value;
$.02 stated value per share; shares
authorized 6,000,000; no shares issued or              -              -
outstanding
Additional paid-in capital                         37,689         37,979
Less: Common stock in treasury, at cost,             (125)       (17,069)
12,500 shares in 1996, 1,472,500 shares in
1997
Accumulated earnings (deficit)                     (3,097)         8,335
        Total stockholders' equity                 34,637         29,417
        Total liabilities and stockholders'     $  64,758      $ 137,288
               equity
    See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
                                       

                                       Atlantic Coast Airlines, Inc.
                                                      and Subsidiary
                               Consolidated Statements of Operations
                                                         (Unaudited)

Three months ended September 30,
(In thousands)                                          1996               1997
Operating revenues:
                                                  $                  $
Passenger                                              48,737             54,159
Other                                                     804                705
   Total operating revenues                            49,541             54,864

Operating expenses:
Salaries and related costs                             10,802             12,039
Aircraft fuel                                           4,321              4,514
Aircraft maintenance and materials                      4,735              4,908
Aircraft rentals                                        7,339              7,745
Traffic commissions and related fees                    7,477              8,937
Depreciation and amortization                             772                877
Other                                                   6,421              6,790
        Total operating expenses                       41,867             45,810
 
Operating income                                        7,674              9,054

Other income (expense):
Interest expense                                        (209)            (1,142)
Interest income                                           108                494
Other income                                              (4)               (55)
Total other expense                                     (105)              (703)

Income before income tax provision                      7,569              8,351
Income tax provision                                      438              3,507

Net income                                            $ 7,131            $ 4,844

Earnings per common and common equivalent shares:
              -primary                                  $0.79              $0.63
              -fully diluted                            $0.79              $0.50
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares:
              -primary                                  8,996              7,698
              -fully diluted                            8,996             10,881
   See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


                                       Atlantic Coast Airlines, Inc.
                                                      and Subsidiary
                               Consolidated Statements of Operations
                                                         (Unaudited)

Nine months ended September 30,
(In thousands)                                         1996            1997
Operating revenues:
Passenger                                          $ 135,433       $ 147,209
Other                                                  2,330           1,989
    Total operating revenues                         137,763         149,198
                                                      
Operating expenses:
Salaries and related costs                            32,802          35,772
Aircraft fuel                                         12,224          13,041
Aircraft maintenance and materia                      12,720          11,916
Aircraft rentals                                      21,799          22,855
Traffic commissions and related fees                  21,242          23,975
Depreciation and amortization                          2,061           2,363
Other                                                 17,346          19,217
     Restructuring charges (reversals)                  (426)              -
        Total operating expenses                     119,768         129,139

Operating income                                      17,995          20,059

Other income (expense):
Interest expense                                        (758)         (1,792)
Interest income                                          154             787
Other expense                                            (13)            (68)
Total other expense                                     (617)         (1,073)

Income before income tax provision                     17,378          18,986
Income tax provision                                      920           7,555

Net income                                           $ 16,458        $ 11,431

Earnings per common and common equivalent shares:
              -primary                                  $1.83           $1.33
              -fully diluted                            $1.83           $1.23
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares:
              -primary                                  8,969           8,599
              -fully diluted                            8,969           9,772
   See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.



                                         Atlantic Coast Airlines, Inc.
                                                        and Subsidiary
                                 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                                           (Unaudited)

Nine months ended September 30,
(In thousands)                                        1996      1997
Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net income                                           $ 16,458        $ 11,431
                                                             
Adjustments  to  reconcile  net  income  to net cash  provided  by  operating
activities:
     Depreciation and amortization                         2,061          2,363
     Provision for uncollectible accounts                     95             60
     Amortization of deferred financing costs                 23            147
     Amortization of deferred credits                        (16)           (83)
     Loss on disposal of fixed assets                          -            393
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
       Accounts receivable                                (4,346)        (5,095)
       Expendable parts and fuel inventory                   207           (792)
       Prepaid expenses and other current assets             289            (55)
       Preoperating costs                                      -         (1,555)
       Accounts payable                                      418          1,264
       Accrued liabilities                                 1,198          5,280
Net cash provided by operating activities                 16,387         13,358
Cash flows from investing activities:
   Purchase of property and equipment                     (1,250)       (24,305)
   Increase in short term investments                          -        (16,333)
   Increase in aircraft and other deposits                   (61)       (16,887)
Net cash used in investing activities                     (1,311)       (57,525)
Cash flows from financing activities:
   Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                    -         73,930
   Repayments of long-term debt                             (960)        (3,047)
   Payments of capital lease obligations                    (848)        (1,957)
   Net increase in lines of credit                             6              -
   Due from financial institution                              -              -
   Increase in deferred credits                              512            848
   Increase in intangible assets                            (230)        (3,417)
   Proceeds from exercise of stock options                   327            292
   1995 cumulative preferred dividends paid in              (335)             -
1996
   Redemption of Series A cumulative convertible
preferred stock                                           (3,825)             -
   Purchase of common stock                                    -        (16,944)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing                  (5,353)        49,705
activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                  9,723          5,538
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period             8,396         21,470
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                $ 18,119      $  27,008
                                                            
      See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


             ATLANTIC COAST AIRLINES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
         NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (Information as of September 30, 1997, and for the nine months ended
                   September 30, 1997, is unaudited)

1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The  consolidated  financial  statements  included  herein have been prepared by
Atlantic  Coast  Airlines,  Inc.  ("ACAI") and its  subsidiary,  Atlantic  Coast
Airlines  ("ACA"),  (ACAI and ACA,  together,  the  "Company"),  without  audit,
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The information  furnished in the  consolidated  financial  statements  includes
normal  recurring  adjustments  and reflects all  adjustments  which are, in the
opinion of management,  necessary for a fair  presentation of such  consolidated
financial statements. Results of operations for the three and nine month periods
presented are not  necessarily  indicative of the results to be expected for the
year ending December 31, 1997. Certain amounts as previously  reported have been
reclassified to conform to the current year  presentation.  Certain  information
and  footnote  disclosures  normally  included  in  the  consolidated  financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting  principles
have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations,  although
the Company  believes that the  disclosures are adequate to make the information
presented not misleading.  These  condensed  consolidated  financial  statements
should be read in conjunction with the consolidated  financial  statements,  and
the notes thereto,  included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1996.

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued two new disclosure
standards.  Results of operations  and financial  position will be unaffected by
implementation of these new standards.

Recently,  the  American  Institute  of Certified  Public  Accountants  issued a
proposed  statement  of position on  accounting  for start-up  costs,  including
preoperating  costs related to the  introduction of new fleet types by airlines.
The proposed  accounting  guidelines would require companies to expense start-up
costs as incurred.  If the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  approves the
proposed guidelines,  as expected, the Company believes the guidelines will most
likely  take  effect  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  December  15,  1998.
Presently,  the  Company is  deferring  certain  start-up  costs  related to the
introduction  of the  Canadair  Regional  Jets,  Series 200 ER ("CRJ")  and will
amortize  such costs to expense  ratably  over four years.  Should the  proposed
guidelines  become  effective  as  proposed,  the  Company  would be required to
expense any unamortized amounts of its previously  capitalized start-up costs in
the first quarter of 1999, and such costs would be expensed as incurred.


2.  SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS

As of September 30, 1997, the Company held $16.3 million of commercial paper and
municipal  debt  securities.  The Company has  classified  these  investments as
"available for sale" pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
115,  "Accounting for Certain  Investments in Debt and Equity  Securities  (SFAS
115)".  The  amortized  costs of such  investments  as of  September  30,  1997,
approximates  fair  market  value due to the short  term  nature of the  related
maturities.  Accordingly, no adjustment has been made to the stockholders equity
section for any unrealized differences.


3.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consist of the following:
                                            December 31,  September 30,
(In thousands)                                     1996          1997

Flight equipment, including rotable parts       $14,014       $37,068
Maintenance and ground equipment                  3,380         3,846
Improvements to aircraft                          2,350         2,398
Computer hardware and software                    1,464         1,854
Furniture and fixtures                              296           422
Leasehold improvements                              619         1,618
                                                 22,123        47,206
Less:  Accumulated depreciation and
amortization                                      5,966          7,667
                                                $16,157       $39,539







4.  ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
                                           December 31, September 30,
(In thousands)                                    1996          1997

Accrued payroll and employee benefits           $4,929        $6,165
Accrued income taxes                               103         3,151
Accrued interest                                     -         1,016
Air traffic liability                            2,703         1,857
Reservations and handling                        2,454         2,413
Engine overhaul costs                            3,311         3,440
Fuel                                             1,196           818
Other                                            2,680         3,796
                                               $17,376       $22,656


5.  DEBT

Pursuant to a Purchase  Agreement executed on June 27, 1997, between the Company
and Alex. Brown & Sons, Incorporated and The Robinson-Humphrey  Company, Inc. as
Initial Purchasers,  on July 2, 1997, the Company issued $50.0 million aggregate
principal  amount of 7.0% Convertible  Subordinated  Notes due July 1, 2004 (the
"Notes"),  pursuant to Rule 144A under the  Securities Act of 1933, and received
net proceeds of approximately $48.3 million related to the sale of the Notes. On
July 18, 1997 the Company issued an additional $7.5 million aggregate  principal
amount of the Notes to cover over-allotments,  and received net proceeds of $7.3
million related to the exercise of the over-allotment option.

The Notes are  convertible  into shares of Common Stock,  par value $0.02 of the
Company  (the  "Common  Stock")  by the  holders  at any time  after  sixty days
following  the latest date of original  issuance  thereof and prior to maturity,
unless previously  redeemed or repurchased,  at a conversion price of $18.00 per
share, subject to certain adjustments. Interest on the Notes is payable on April
1 and  October 1 of each year,  commencing  October  1, 1997.  The Notes are not
redeemable  by the  Company  until July 1, 2000.  Thereafter,  the Notes will be
redeemable,  at any  time,  on at  least 15 days  notice  at the  option  of the
Company,  in  whole  or in  part,  at the  redemption  prices  set  forth in the
Indenture  dated July 2, 1997 (the  "Indenture"),  in each case,  together  with
accrued  interest.  The Notes are unsecured and subordinated in right of payment
in full to all  existing  and  future  Senior  Indebtedness  as  defined  in the
Indenture.  The  holders  of the Notes have  certain  registration  rights  with
respect to the Notes and the underlying Common Stock.

On April 1, 1997, the Company executed a short-term promissory note for deposits
related to the acquisition of CRJs. The promissory note was paid in full on July
2,  1997 from the  proceeds  of the  Notes  issued on July 2, 1997 as  described
above.

During July 1997 the Company  retired $3.1 million of certain high interest rate
debt from the proceeds of the Notes.


6.  OTHER - AIRCRAFT FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

In September 1997,  approximately $112 million of pass through certificates were
issued in a private  placement by separate pass through trusts,  which purchased
with the proceeds  equipment notes (the "Equipment  Notes") issued in connection
with (i)  leveraged  lease  transactions  relating  to four  J-41s  and six CRJs
(delivered or expected to be  delivered),  all of which are or will be leased to
the Company (the "Leased Aircraft"),  and (ii) the financing of four J-41s owned
by the Company (the "Owned  Aircraft").  The Equipment Notes issued with respect
to the Owned Aircraft are direct obligations of ACA, guaranteed by ACAI and are
included in the accompanying  condensed consolidated financial  statements. 
The Equipment Notes issued
with respect to the Leased  Aircraft are not obligations of ACA or guaranteed by
ACAI.  The  Equipment  Notes for the owned  aircraft  carry a  weighted  average
interest  rate of  approximately  7.5% with three  notes  maturing at January 1,
2008, and one note maturing  January 1, 2010. The aggregate  principal amount of
the notes is approximately  $16.4 million.  Aggregate principal payments for the
next five years will be approximately  $1.0 million in each of the years of 1998
through 2001 and $1.1 million in 2002.


7.  INCOME TAXES

The Company's estimated effective tax rate for the third quarter of 1997 was 42%
and is slightly higher than the statutory rate due to revisions in estimates and
permanent  differences  between taxable and book income.  The Company  estimates
that its combined  state and federal  effective  tax rate will remain  unchanged
during the fourth quarter of 1997.


8.  EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The computation of primary  earnings per share is based on the weighted  average
number of outstanding common shares during the period plus, when their effect is
dilutive, common stock equivalents consisting of certain shares subject to stock
options.  On a fully diluted  basis,  both earnings and shares  outstanding  are
adjusted to assume the conversion of the Notes.

On July 2, 1997,  the Company  repurchased  1.46 million  shares of Common Stock
from a subsidiary of British Aerospace PLC ("British  Aerospace").  This had the
effect of reducing the weighted average number of outstanding  common shares for
both primary and fully diluted  calculations.  Fully diluted  earnings per share
reflects  adjustments to net income  available for common  shareholders  for the
elimination of related interest expense, net of tax, for the Notes. In addition,
the fully diluted weighted average number of outstanding shares was increased by
approximately 3.2 million shares to reflect the assumed conversion of the Notes.





















Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
               Condition and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

                    Third Quarter Operating Results
                                                            Increase
                                                          (Decrease)
Three months ended September 30,           1996      1997  % Change

Revenue passengers carried                397,563    476,857     19.9%
                                                  
Revenue passenger miles ("RPMs")          97,895   119,881     22.5%
(000's)                                                 
Available seat miles ("ASMs") (000's)     201,271  222,267     10.4%
                                                      
Passenger load factor                      48.6%    53.9%   5.3 pts
Break-even passenger load factor 1         41.0%    44.9%   3.9 pts
Revenue per ASM (cents)                     24.2     24.4      0.8%
Yield (cents)                               49.8     45.2     (9.2%)
Cost per ASM (cents)                        20.8     20.6     (1.0%)
Average passenger fare                    $122.59   $113.58     (7.4%)
Average passenger segment (miles)            246      251      2.0%
Revenue departures                        35,801   37,661      5.2%
Revenue block hours                       45,043   47,665      5.8%
Aircraft utilization (block hours)           9.5      9.3     (2.1%)
Average cost per gallon of fuel (cents)     81.4     78.4     (3.7%)
Aircraft in service (end of period)           57       60      5.3%



Comparison  of three months  ended  September  30,  1997,  to three months ended
September 30, 1996.

Results of Operations

           The  following   Management's   Discussion   and  Analysis   contains
forward-looking  statements  and  information  that are  based  on  management's
current  expectations  as of the date of this  document.  When used herein,  the
words "anticipate",  "believe", "estimate" and "expect" and similar expressions,
as they relate to the  Company's  management,  are  intended  to  identify  such
forward-looking  statements.  Such  forward-looking  statements  are  subject to
risks,  uncertainties,  assumptions  and other factors that may cause the actual
results of the Company to be materially  different from those  reflected in such
forward-looking  statements.  Such factors include,  among others, the extent to
which the  Company's  operation of CRJs is  coordinated  with the  marketing and
related   agreements  between  the  Company  and  United  (the  "United  Express
Agreements"),  the  costs of  implementing  CRJ  service,  the  response  of the
Company's  competitors to the Company's  business  strategy,  the ability of the
Company to obtain favorable financing terms for its aircraft,  market acceptance
of the new CRJ service, routes and schedules offered by the Company, the cost of
fuel,  the weather,  general  economic  conditions,  satisfaction  of regulatory
requirements, and the factors discussed below and in the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 1996.  The Company does not intend
to update these  forward-looking  statements  prior to its next required  filing
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     General

           In the third  quarter of 1997 the  Company  posted net income of $4.8
million  compared to net income of $7.1  million for the third  quarter of 1996.
The Company's  third  quarter 1997 results  contain a provision for income taxes
which  approximates  the statutory  rates. The third quarter of 1996 contained a
significantly  smaller  provision for income taxes due to the existence of a net
operating  loss  carryforward.  See  Note 7,  Condensed  Consolidated  Financial
Statements.  In the three months ended  September 30, 1997,  the Company  earned
pretax income of $8.4 million compared to $7.6 million in the three months ended
September 30, 1996.

     Operating Revenues

           The Company's  operating revenues increased 10.7% to $54.9 million in
the third  quarter of 1997  compared  to $49.5  million in the third  quarter of
1996.  The increase  resulted  from a 10.4%  increase in ASMs and an increase in
load factor of 5.3  percentage  points,  partially  offset by a 9.2% decrease in
yield.

           The  reduction  in yield is related in part to the  existence  of the
ticket tax during the entire third quarter 1997 which was not in effect for most
of the third  quarter  1996.  Revenue per ASM improved  slightly by 0.8% quarter
over  quarter.  Total  passengers  increased  19.9% in the third quarter of 1997
compared to the third quarter of 1996.


     Operating Expenses

          The Company's  operating  expenses increased 9.4% in the third quarter
of 1997 compared to the third quarter of 1996 due primarily to a 10.4%  increase
in ASMs, and a 19.9%  increase in passengers.  The increase in ASMs reflects the
net addition of three British Aerospace  Jetstream - 41 ("J-41") aircraft during
the first half of 1997.

          A summary of operating  expenses as a percentage of operating revenues
and cost per ASM for the three months ended  September 30, 1996,  and 1997 is as
follows:

                                          1996               1997
                                     Percent   Cost     Percent   Cost
                                          of                 of
                                   Operating  per ASM  Operating per ASM
                                                   
                                    Revenues  (cents)  Revenues  (cents)
                                                       
  Salaries and related costs           21.8%     5.4     22.0%      5.4
  Aircraft fuel                         8.7%     2.1      8.2%      2.0
  Aircraft maintenance and              9.5%     2.4      8.9%      2.2
      materials
  Aircraft rentals                     14.8%     3.6     14.1%      3.5
  Traffic commissions and related      15.1%     3.7     16.3%      4.0
      fees
  Depreciation and amortization         1.6%     0.4      1.6%      0.4
  Other                                13.0%     3.2     12.4%      3.1
      Total                            84.5%    20.8     83.5%     20.6
 

           Cost per ASM decreased 1.0% to 20.6 cents during the third quarter of
1997 compared to 20.8 cents during the third quarter of 1996  primarily due to a
10.4%  increase  in ASMs in the  third  quarter  of 1997  compared  to the third
quarter of 1996.  The increase in ASMs  resulted  from the net addition of three
J-41 aircraft and a 5.8% increase in block hours.

          Salaries and related costs per ASM remained  unchanged at 5.4 cents in
the third  quarter of 1997  compared to the third  quarter of 1996.  In absolute
dollars,  salaries and related costs  increased  11.5% from $10.8 million in the
third  quarter  of 1996 to $12.0  million  in the  third  quarter  of 1997.  The
increase  resulted  primarily  from  additional  flight  crew hours as well as a
contractual rate increase for pilots effective March 1, 1997.

           The cost per ASM of aircraft fuel decreased to 2.0 cents in the third
quarter of 1997  compared to 2.1 cents in the third quarter of 1996. In absolute
dollars,  aircraft  fuel expense  increased  4.5% from $4.3 million in the third
quarter of 1996 to $4.5 million in the third quarter of 1997. The increased fuel
cost resulted from the 5.8% increase in block hours,  partially offset by a 3.7%
decrease in the average cost per gallon of fuel.  Aircraft fuel prices fluctuate
with a  variety  of  factors,  including  the  price of crude  oil,  and  future
increases or  decreases  cannot be  predicted  with a high degree of  certainty.
There is no  assurance  that  future  increases  will not  adversely  affect the
Company's operating expenses.

           The cost per ASM of aircraft  maintenance and materials  decreased to
2.2  cents in the  third  quarter  of 1997  compared  to 2.4  cents in the third
quarter of 1996. In absolute dollars, aircraft maintenance and materials expense
increased 3.7% from $4.7 million in the third quarter of 1996 to $4.9 million in
the third quarter of 1997.  The increased  expense  resulted from an increase in
the  average  age of the  fleet,  expiration  of  warranty  coverage  on certain
aircraft, and rate increases in contract maintenance agreements.

          The  Company's  maintenance  accounting  policy  is a  combination  of
expensing  events as incurred and accruals for maintenance  events.  Maintenance
accruals  are  estimated  on a cost per flight  hour or per cycle  basis for all
aircraft, including those under warranty.

           The cost per ASM of aircraft  rentals  decreased to 3.5 cents for the
third  quarter of 1997  compared to 3.6 cents for the third  quarter of 1996. In
absolute dollars, aircraft rentals increased 5.5% from $7.3 million in the third
quarter of 1996 to $7.7 million in the third quarter of 1997  reflecting the net
addition of three J-41 aircraft.

           The cost per ASM of traffic commissions and related fees increased to
4.0  cents in the  third  quarter  of 1997  compared  to 3.7  cents in the third
quarter of 1996.  In absolute  dollars,  traffic  commissions  and related  fees
increased  19.5% from $7.5 million in the third  quarter of 1996 to $8.9 million
in the third  quarter of 1997.  The  increase  in costs  resulted  from an 11.1%
increase in passenger revenue,  a 19.9% increase in passengers,  and contractual
rate increases in program fees paid to United Airlines, Inc. ("United").

           The cost per ASM of depreciation  and  amortization  was unchanged at
0.4 cents in the third quarter of 1997 compared to the third quarter of 1996. In
absolute  dollars,  depreciation  and  amortization  increased  13.6%  from $0.8
million  in the third  quarter of 1996 to $0.9  million in the third  quarter of
1997 primarily as a result of additional  spare parts  associated  with the CRJs
and the net addition of three J-41 aircraft.
           The cost per ASM of other operating  expenses  decreased to 3.1 cents
in the third  quarter of 1997 from 3.2 cents in the third  quarter  of 1996.  In
absolute dollars,  other operating  expenses increased 5.7% from $6.4 million in
the third  quarter  of 1996 to $6.8  million in the third  quarter of 1997.  The
increased  costs  result   primarily  from  increased   facilities   rentals  at
Washington-Dulles International Airport ("Washington-Dulles").

           As a result of the  foregoing  changes in operating  expenses,  and a
10.4% increase in ASMs,  total cost per ASM decreased to 20.6 cents in the third
quarter of 1997 compared to 20.8 cents in the third quarter of 1996. In absolute
dollars, total operating expenses increased 9.4% from $41.9 million in the third
quarter of 1996 to $45.8 million in the third quarter of 1997.

           The Company's combined effective tax rate for state and federal taxes
during the third quarter of 1997 was  approximately  42% as compared to 6.0% for
the third  quarter  1996  which  included  the  effect of a net  operating  loss
carryforward.  The Company  estimates  that the  effective  tax rate will remain
unchanged in the fourth quarter of 1997.




                     Nine Months Operating Results
                                                               Increase
                                                              (Decrease)
                                                                      
Nine months ended September 30,            1996        1997   % Change

Revenue passengers                     1,093,226  1,200,616      9.8%
Revenue passenger miles ("RPMs")         267,326    298,494     11.7%
(000's)
Available seat miles ("ASMs")            571,896    617,823      8.0%
(000's)
Passenger load factor                      46.7%      48.3%    1.6 pts
Break-even passenger load factor          40.7%       41.7%    1.0 pts
Revenue per ASM (cents)                     23.7       23.8       0.4%
Yield (cents)                               50.7       49.3     (2.7%)
Cost per ASM (cents)2                       21.0       20.9     (0.5%)
Average passenger fare                   $123.88    $122.61     (1.0%)
Average passenger segment (miles)            245        249      1.6%
Revenue departures                      109,909     111,016      1.0%
Revenue block hours                      127,923    134,179      4.9%
Aircraft utilization (block hours)           9.7        9.4     (3.1%)
Average cost per gallon of fuel            79.8        80.1      0.4%
(cents)
Aircraft in service (end of period)          57          60      5.3%



Comparison  of nine months  ended  September  30,  1997,  to nine  months  ended
September 30, 1996.

Results of Operations

     Operating Revenues

           The Company's  operating revenues increased 8.3% to $149.2 million in
the first nine  months of 1997  compared  to $137.8  million  for the first nine
months of 1996. The increase resulted from an 8.0% increase in ASMs as well as a
1.6 percentage point increase in load factor partially offset by a 2.7% decrease
in yield.

            The  reduction in yield is related in part to the  reinstatement  of
the 10.0%  ticket tax on March 7,  1997,  which was not in effect for the period
January 1 through  August 26, 1996.  Revenue per ASM increased  slightly by 0.4%
and  revenue  passengers  increased  9.8%  during the first nine  months of 1997
compared to the first nine months of 1996.
     Operating Expenses

          The  Company's  operating  expenses  increased  7.4% in the first nine
months of 1997 compared to operating  expenses before reversals of restructuring
charges in the first nine months of 1996 due  primarily  to an 8.0%  increase in
ASMs, and a 9.8% increase in revenue passengers. The increased capacity reflects
the net addition of three J-41s during the first nine months of 1997.

          A summary of operating  expenses as a percentage of operating revenues
and cost per ASM for the nine months ended  September  30, 1996,  and 1997 is as
follows:

                                          1996               1997
                                     Percent   Cost     Percent   Cost
                                          of                 of
                                    Operating  per ASM  Operating per ASM
                                                        
                                    Revenues   (cents)  Revenue  (cents)
                                                     
  Salaries and related costs           23.8%     5.8     24.0%      5.8
  Aircraft fuel                         8.9%     2.1      8.7%      2.1
  Aircraft maintenance and              9.2%     2.2      8.0%      1.9
 materials
  Aircraft rentals                     15.8%     3.8     15.3%      3.7
  Traffic commissions and related      15.4%     3.7     16.1%      3.9
 fees
  Depreciation and amortization         1.5%     0.4      1.6%      0.4
  Other                                12.6%     3.0     12.9%      3.1
 Total (before restructuring
 charge
    reversals)                         87.2%    21.0     86.6%     20.9


           Cost per ASM before  reversals  of  restructuring  charges  decreased
slightly  to 20.9 cents  during the first nine  months of 1997  compared to 21.0
cents during the first nine months of 1996  primarily due to an 8.0% increase in
ASMs.  The increased  ASMs resulted from the net addition of three J-41 aircraft
and a 4.9% increase in block hours.

          Salaries and related costs per ASM remained unchanged at 5.8 cents for
the first nine  months of 1997  compared  to the first nine  months of 1996.  In
absolute  dollars,  salaries and related costs  increased  9.1% to $35.8 million
from  $32.8  million  year  over  year.  The  increase  results  primarily  from
additional flight crew hours, profit sharing and a contractual rate increase for
pilots effective March 1, 1997.

          The cost per ASM of aircraft  fuel was  unchanged  at 2.1 cents in the
first nine months of 1997 compared to the first nine months of 1996. In absolute
dollars,  aircraft  fuel  expense  increased  6.7% to $13.0  million  from $12.2
million year over year.  The increased fuel cost resulted from the 4.9% increase
in block hours and a 0.4% increase in the average cost per gallon of fuel.

           The cost per ASM of aircraft  maintenance and materials  decreased to
1.9 cents in the first nine  months of 1997  compared  to 2.2 cents in the first
nine months of 1996. In absolute  dollars,  aircraft  maintenance  and materials
expense  decreased  6.3% to $11.9  million  from $12.7  million  year over year.
During  the  first  nine  months  of 1997  the  Company  recognized  credits  of
approximately  $0.9  million  for  manufacturer   penalties  related  to  engine
overhauls and dispatch  reliability,  and $0.4 million related to reimbursements
for engine  spare  parts,  offset by  increased  maintenance  related to the net
addition of three J-41  aircraft  and the  expiration  of warranty  coverage for
certain aircraft.

           The cost per ASM of aircraft  rentals  decreased  to 3.7 cents in the
first nine  months of 1997  compared  to 3.8 cents for the first nine  months of
1996. In absolute dollars, aircraft rentals increased 4.8% to $22.9 million from
$21.8  million year over year.  The  increase  resulted  primarily  from the net
addition of three J-41 aircraft.

           The cost per ASM of traffic commissions and related fees increased to
3.9 cents in the first nine  months of 1997  compared  to 3.7 cents in the first
nine months of 1996. In absolute dollars,  traffic  commissions and related fees
increased 12.9% to $24.0 million from $21.2 million year over year. The increase
resulted  primarily from an 8.7% increase in passenger  revenue, a 9.8% increase
in passengers and contractual rate increases in program fees paid to United.

           The cost per ASM of depreciation and amortization  remained unchanged
at 0.4 cents for the first nine months of 1997 compared to the first nine months
of 1996. In absolute dollars,  depreciation and amortization  increased 14.7% to
$2.4 million from $2.1 million year over year. The increase  resulted  primarily
from the  acquisition of rotable spare parts  associated with additional CRJ and
J-41  aircraft,  ground  equipment,  computer and office  equipment and facility
leasehold improvements.

           The cost per ASM of other operating  expenses  increased to 3.1 cents
in the first  nine  months of 1997  from 3.0 cents in the first  nine  months of
1996. In absolute  dollars,  other operating  expenses  increased 10.8% to $19.2
million from $17.3 million year over year. The increase resulted  primarily from
higher  facility  rentals at  Washington-Dulles  and  passenger  claims  expense
partially offset by reduced glycol expense.

           As a result of the  foregoing  changes in  operating  expenses and an
8.0%  increase in ASMs,  total cost per ASM before  reversals  of  restructuring
charges  decreased  slightly  to 20.9  cents in the  first  nine  months of 1997
compared  to 21.0  cents  during  the first  nine  months of 1996.  In  absolute
dollars,  total operating  expenses  increased 7.8% from $119.8 million in first
nine months of 1996 to $129.1 million in the first nine months of 1997.

           The Company  generated  operating  income of $20.1 million and earned
income before income tax provision of $19.0 million for the first nine months of
1997 compared to operating  income of $18.0 million and income before income tax
provision  of $17.4  million for the first nine months of 1996.  Results for the
first  nine  months of 1996 also  included a  reversal  of excess  restructuring
reserves of $0.4 million.

           In the first nine months of 1997 the Company  recorded  net income of
$11.4 million  compared to net income of $16.5 million for the first nine months
of 1996.  The  Company's  results for the first nine  months of 1997  reflect an
estimated effective tax rate of approximately 40% as compared to the results for
the first nine months of 1996 which  reflect an estimated  effective tax rate of
approximately 5% due to the existence of a net operating loss carryforward.

Outlook

           This Outlook section  contains  forward-looking  statements which are
subject to the risks and uncertainties set forth above on pages 11 and 12.

           A central  element of the Company's  growth strategy is the expansion
of its aircraft fleet, primarily through the addition of regional jets. Regional
jets have greater  flying range and  capacity and  generally  operate at a lower
unit cost than the Company's turboprop aircraft. In addition,  regional jets fly
faster and  provide a higher  degree of  passenger  comfort  than the  Company's
turboprops.  Accordingly, the introduction of the CRJs to the Company's fleet is
expected  to expand  the  Company's  business  into new  markets  and expand the
Company's customer base.

           The  United  Express  Agreements  require  that  the  Company  obtain
United's  consent to operate the CRJs under the "United  Express"  name, and the
Company is seeking such consent.  Pending final agreement with United  regarding
operation  of the CRJs as United  Express,  or in the event such an agreement is
not reached,  the Company anticipates  entering into an alternative  arrangement
whereby  United would provide many of the same services  relating to the CRJs as
United  currently  provides for the  Company's  turboprops  operating  under the
United Express Agreements. In the event that the Company is unable to enter such
an arrangement  with United,  the Company may enter into  agreements  with other
parties to provide the ground support and other  services  needed to operate the
CRJs.  To the extent that the Company does not contract  with third  parties for
such  services,  the  Company  would  provide  at least  some of them  directly.
Alternatively,  the Company  could,  subject to United's  consent,  enter into a
code-sharing arrangement with other parties for its CRJs.

           On November 18, 1997,  the United pilots  represented  by the Airline
Pilots  Association  ("ALPA")  will vote on a proposal by United  management  to
allow the operation of the CRJs under the United Express  program.  The proposal
has been  reviewed  by the ALPA Master  Executive  Council  representing  United
pilots which has presented it to the pilots with a recommendation for passage.

           The  addition  of the CRJs to the  Company's  fleet  will  result  in
increased  lease  obligations  and operating,  maintenance,  airport,  training,
personnel and other expenses. The Company is exploring various third party lease
financing  arrangements for these and other aircraft.  United has also agreed to
reimburse  the Company for its aircraft  lease  expense for the CRJs and for the
cost of the  associated  flight crews related to the CRJs that are delivered but
not in operation during the period September 11, 1997 through December 31, 1997.

            On March 11, 1994,  the  Aircraft  Mechanics  Fraternal  Association
("AMFA")  was  certified  by the  National  Mediation  Board (the  "NMB") as the
collective bargaining  representative elected by mechanics and related employees
of the Company.  As of November 1, 1997,  AMFA  represented 115 of the Company's
employees.  The Company and AMFA have been  attempting  to  negotiate an initial
contract under federal  mediation  since December 1994, but have failed to reach
an  agreement.  A tentative  agreement  was  reached  with AMFA in June 1997 but
failed  ratification  by the membership in July 1997. The NMB has indicated that
it favors continuing the negotiations, and the Company anticipates participating
in  further  negotiations.  If at some  point,  the NMB should  decide  that the
parties are deadlocked,  the NMB may declare an impasse and a thirty day cooling
off period.  If an  agreement  has not been  reached at the  conclusion  of that
period,  AMFA would have the authority to use self-help,  including the right to
strike.  The Company and AMFA are also engaged in litigation  which is described
more fully below.

           The Company's  contract  with the  Association  of Flight  Attendants
("AFA") became amendable on April 30, 1997. Negotiations regarding amendments to
this contract began in August 1997 and are continuing. The Company will continue
to  operate  under  the  terms of the  existing  agreement  until  new terms are
negotiated.

           The Company was obligated to collect a U.S. transportation excise tax
of 10% of passenger ticket revenue through September 30, 1997. A revised formula
for ticket tax collections for travel commenced October 1, 1997. The new formula
is comprised of a percentage of passenger ticket revenue plus a per segment fee,
adjusted on an annual basis. For the period October 1, 1997,  through  September
30, 1998, the ticket tax will be equal to 9% of passenger  ticket revenue plus a
$1 per flight segment fee.  Management does not anticipate that this change will
have a material impact on passenger revenues for the next twelve months.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

          The Company's working capital improved during the first nine months of
1997 compared to the first nine months of 1996.  As of September  30, 1997,  the
Company had cash, cash equivalents,  and short term investments of $43.3 million
and working capital of $40.7 million compared to $18.1 million and $16.7 million
respectively  as of September  30,  1996.  During the first nine months of 1997,
cash  and  cash  equivalents  increased  by $5.5  million,  reflecting  net cash
provided by operating  activities of $13.4  million,  net cash used in investing
activities  of $57.5  million and net cash  provided by financing  activities of
$49.7  million.  The net cash provided by operating  activities is primarily the
result  of the net  income  from  operations.  The net  cash  used in  investing
activities  consisted  primarily of deposits for CRJs,  the  acquisition of four
J-41s as part of a pass  through  certificate  financing  described  below,  and
increases  in  short  term  investments.  The net  cash  provided  by  financing
activities consisted primarily of the proceeds from the sale of $57.5 million of
7.0%  Convertible  Subordinated  Notes due July 1, 2004 (the "Notes")  discussed
below,  and the issuance of $16.4 million in equipment notes related to the pass
through  certificates,  and  partially  offset by the use of funds to repurchase
1.46 million shares of Common Stock also described below.

     Other Financing

           The Company has an  asset-based  lending  agreement  with a financial
institution  that  provides  the  Company  with a line of  credit of up to $20.0
million,  depending  on the amount of assigned  ticket  receivables.  Borrowings
under the line of credit can  provide  the  Company a source of working  capital
until proceeds from ticket coupons are received.  The line is  collateralized by
all of the  Company's  receivables  and general  intangibles,  and there were no
borrowings  under the line  during the first nine  months of 1997.  The  Company
pledged  $4.5  million of this line of credit as  collateral  for a $9.6 million
letter of credit  (including  interest  component) issued in connection with the
Company's new maintenance facility at Washington-Dulles.

           On July 2, 1997, the Company issued $50.0 million aggregate principal
amount of the Notes. The Company  received net proceeds of  approximately  $48.3
million related to the sale of the Notes.  In addition,  the Company granted the
initial  purchasers  a thirty day option to  purchase up to an  additional  $7.5
million aggregate principal amount of the Notes solely to cover over-allotments.
On July 18, 1997, the Company  received net proceeds of $7.3 million  related to
the exercise of this option.

           The net proceeds of the Note  offering  have been and will be used to
support the  introduction of the Company's  regional jet fleet,  repurchase 1.46
million shares of the Company's Common Stock from British Aerospace as described
below, retire higher interest rate debt, and for general corporate purposes.

           The Notes  are  convertible  into  shares  of  Common  Stock,  unless
previously  redeemed or repurchased,  at a conversion price of $18.00 per share,
subject to certain adjustments.  Interest on the Notes is payable on April 1 and
October 1 of each year, commencing October 1, 1997. The Notes are not redeemable
by the Company until July 1, 2000. Thereafter,  the Notes will be redeemable, at
any time,  on at least 15 days notice at the option of the Company,  in whole or
in part, at the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture dated July 2, 1997,
in each case, together with accrued interest.
          As of  November  1, 1997,  none of the Notes had been  converted  into
shares of Common Stock.

           In April 1997, the Company  executed a short term promissory note for
deposits related to the acquisition of the CRJs. The promissory note was paid in
full on July 2, 1997 from the net proceeds of the Notes.

          In July 1997,  the  Company  repurchased  1.46  million  shares of the
Company's common stock from British  Aerospace for  approximately  $16.9 million
from the net proceeds on the sale of the Notes as described above. The stock was
repurchased  at a 22.5%  discount  from the  average of the  closing  bid prices
during the period June 24 through June 30, 1997.

           During July 1997,  the  Company  retired  $3.1  million of other high
interest rate debt from the proceeds of the Notes.

           In July 1997,  the Company  entered into a zero cost collar  interest
rate hedge in the amount of $39.8 million.  The hedge was executed by purchasing
six contracts  maturing  between March and  September  1998 with Banker's  Trust
Canada as the counter party. The hedge is designed to limit approximately 50% of
the Company's  exposure to interest rate changes until  permanent  financing for
its second six CRJ aircraft,  which are scheduled for delivery between March and
September 1998, is secured.

          In September 1997,  approximately $112 million of pass through
certificates were
issued in a private  placement by separate pass through trusts,  which purchased
with the proceeds  equipment notes (the "equipment  notes") issued in connection
with (i)  leveraged  lease  transactions  relating  to four  J-41s  and six CRJs
(delivered or expected to be  delivered),  all of which are or will be leased to
the company (the "Leased Aircraft"),  and (ii) the financing of four J-41s owned
by the company (the "Owned  Aircraft").  The equipment notes issued with respect
to the owned aircraft are direct obligations of ACA,  guaranteed by ACAI and are
included in the accompanying condensed  consolidated  financial statements.  The
equipment  notes issued with respect to the Leased  Aircraft are not obligations
of ACA or guaranteed by ACAI.
          
      With respect to six Leased Aircraft  (comprised of two CRJs that have
not been delivered and four CRJs for which equity  financing has not been put in
place) (the "Prefunded  Aircraft"),  the proceeds from the sale of the Equipment
Notes have been  deposited  into  collateral  accounts,  to be  released  at the
closing of leveraged  leases related to the Prefunded  Aircraft.  The Company is
seeking  commitments  from  prospective  equity  investors  with respect to such
Prefunded Aircraft.  If, on June 30, 1998,  leveraged leases with respect to the
Prefunded  Aircraft  have not closed,  the Company  will be required to purchase
such aircraft and assume the related Equipment Notes,  however, if such aircraft
have not been  delivered to the Company by the  manufacturer  at such time,  the
related  Equipment  Notes will be redeemed.  Before June 30, 1998, to the extent
that  earnings on funds in the  collateral  accounts  are  insufficient  to fund
interest accrued and payable on the Equipment Notes, the Company is obligated to
pay such interest on demand.

     Aircraft

           In  January  1997,  the  Company   entered  into  an  agreement  with
Bombardier,  Inc. to purchase twelve CRJs with options for thirty-six additional
aircraft.  The delivery  schedule  provides for the Company to take  delivery of
five aircraft in 1997  commencing in July,  with the remaining seven aircraft to
be  delivered  during  1998.  The first four  aircraft  were  delivered in July,
August, September, and October 1997, respectively.

           On February 23, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with Aero
International  (Regional)  (the  "BA J-41  Agreement")  to  acquire  12 new J-41
aircraft,  and into a related  agreement  that gave the  Company  permission  to
refinance through third parties up to fifteen previously delivered J-41 aircraft
that were under leases supported by British Aerospace.  The new aircraft were to
be  delivered  under  long-term  leases with  British  Aerospace,  but were also
eligible for third party financing.  Four of the new aircraft had been delivered
as of May 29, 1997,  when British  Aerospace  announced  that it would no longer
manufacture  the J-41 as part of its regular  product line. On July 2, 1997, the
Company  and  British  Aerospace  amended  the BA J-41  Agreement  to cancel any
further  deliveries of J-41s pursuant to the BA J-41  Agreement.  As part of the
amended BA J-41 Agreement, the Company will receive certain manufacturer credits
and support.  The amendment  also provides that British  Aerospace  will provide
additional asset value support for such contemplated third party financings.

           During the third quarter of 1997, the Company  completed  third party
financings  of fifteen J-41  aircraft as follows:  On August 1, 1997,  three new
J-41s through  leveraged  leases with a third party;  on September 15, 1997, two
used J-41s through single  investor  leases with a third party; on September 26,
1997, four used J-41s through leveraged leases with a third party as part of the
pass through certificates as described above; on September 26, 1997, one new and
three used J-41s  purchased by the Company with debt as part of the pass through
certificates;  and on September 30, 1997, two used J-41s through single investor
leases with a third party.  All of these  aircraft  were already on lease to the
Company at the time of  closing,  and prior  leases were  terminated  as part of
these  transactions.  As compared to the prior leases,  these  refinancings have
resulted in reduced  payment  obligations,  shorter  lease  terms,  and improved
return conditions. Four other J-41s in the Company's fleet are also eligible for
refinancing,  and the Company is  soliciting  offers from third party lessors on
terms  similar to certain of the recent  transactions.  The  number,  if any, of
these J-41 aircraft that are ultimately  refinanced,  the terms of  refinancing,
and the closing dates,  all remain under  negotiation  and are subject to market
conditions.

           In November,  1997,  the Company  entered into a term sheet with Aero
International  (Regional)  for the  acquisition  of one additional new J-41. The
Company will be required to arrange third party  financing of this aircraft,  or
to purchase it outright, no later than April 15, 1998.

     Capital Equipment and Debt Service

           Capital  expenditures  for the first  nine  months of 1997 were $25.9
million  compared  to  $2.1  million  for  the  same  period  in  1996.  Capital
expenditures  in the  first  nine  months  of 1997  consisted  primarily  of the
purchase  of four  J-41  aircraft,  rotable  spare  parts  for the  J-41 and CRJ
aircraft, facility leasehold improvements, ground equipment, computer and office
equipment, and other capital expenditures. For the remainder of 1997 the Company
anticipates spending  approximately $5.0 million for rotable spare parts related
to J-41 and CRJ aircraft, ground service equipment,  facilities,  computers, and
software.

           Debt  service  including  capital  leases for the nine  months  ended
September 30, 1997, was $7.7 million compared to $3.3 million in the same period
of 1996. The increase is primarily the result of interest  payments  relating to
the  $57.5  million  Notes  issued  in July  1997 as well as  interest  payments
associated  with the pass through  certificates  issued in  connection  with the
acquisition of four J-41 aircraft in September 1997.
           The Company  believes that, in the absence of unusual  circumstances,
its cash flow from operations,  the accounts  receivable  credit  facility,  and
other  available  equipment  financing  will be  sufficient  to meet its working
capital needs, capital expenditures,  and debt service requirements for the next
twelve months.

     Recent Accounting Pronouncements

            Recently,  the American  Institute of Certified  Public  Accountants
issued a proposed  statement  of  position on  accounting  for  start-up  costs,
including  preoperating  costs related to the introduction of new fleet types by
airlines.  The proposed accounting guidelines would require companies to expense
start-up costs as incurred. If the Financial Accounting Standards Board approves
the proposed guidelines,  as expected,  the Company believes the guidelines will
most likely take effect for fiscal  years  beginning  after  December  15, 1998.
Presently,  the  Company is  deferring  certain  start-up  costs  related to the
introduction  of the CRJs and will amortize  such costs to expense  ratably over
four years.  Should the proposed  guidelines  become effective as proposed,  the
Company would be required to expense any  unamortized  amounts of its previously
capitalized start-up costs in the first quarter of 1999, and such costs would be
expensed as incurred.



                     ATLANTIC COAST AIRLINES, INC.
                  FISCAL QUARTER ENDED June 30, 1997


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


     ITEM 1.  Legal Proceedings.

           The  Company is a party to  routine  litigation  and FAA  proceedings
incidental to its business, none of which is likely to have a material effect on
the Company's financial position.

           The Company is also engaged in litigation with AMFA over whether AMFA
has a right to strike  prior to the  exhaustion  of  mediation  pursuant  to the
Railway Labor Act. This issue arose when the Company  imposed  certain work rule
changes during the period between union  certification and an initial collective
bargaining  agreement.  On December 14, 1995,  the U.S.  District  Court for the
Southern  District  of New  York  declined  to  render  a  declaratory  judgment
requested by AMFA and expressly stated that AMFA was prohibited from striking at
that time.  In  Aircraft  Mechanics  Fraternal  Association  v.  Atlantic  Coast
Airlines,  55 F.3d 90 (1995).  The U.S.  Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
affirmed the District  Court's  ruling.  AMFA  subsequently  petitioned the U.S.
Court of  Appeals  for the Second  Circuit to  consider  whether  the  Company's
actions, although legal, should allow AMFA to engage in self-help, including the
right to strike  even if the NMB does not declare an impasse.  On  September  4,
1997, the court ruled in favor of the Company. AMFA has the right to appeal this
decision but had not done so as of November 13, 1997.

           The Company is also a party to an action pending in the United States
District  Court for the Eastern  District of Virginia,  Afzal v. Atlantic  Coast
Airlines,  Civil  Action  No.  96-1537-A.  Plaintiff  alleges  that the  Company
violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in terminating his employment
as a pilot.  The Company  believes that it has  meritorious  defenses;  however,
there can be no assurance as to the outcome of the case or that the Company will
not incur any liability in connection with the proceeding.





     ITEM 2.  Changes in Securities.

           On July 2, 1997, the Company issued $50.0 million aggregate principal
amount of 7.0% Convertible  Subordinated  Notes due July 1, 2004 as further
discussed in the Company's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly
period ended June 30, 1997.


     ITEM 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

          None to report.


     ITEM 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

          None to report.


     ITEM 5. Other Information.

          None to report.


     ITEM 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

          (a) Exhibits

               11.1 Computation of Per Share Earnings
               27.1 Financial Data Schedule

          (b) Reports on Form 8-K

                A report on Form 8-K was filed on October 6, 1997, reporting the
          closing of the sale of approximately  $112 million of its pass through
          certificates,  pursuant to Rule 144A under the  Securities Act of 1933
          on September 25, 1997.

                 A report on Form 8-K was filed on October 29, 1997,  indicating
          a change in auditors.





                               SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the  requirements  of the  Securities  and Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.





                          ATLANTIC COAST AIRLINES, INC.



November 14, 1997                  By:  /S/ Paul H. Tate
                                   Paul H. Tate
                                   Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer


November 14, 1997                  By:  /S/ Kerry B. Skeen
                                 Kerry B. Skeen
                                   President and Chief Executive
Officer










  
- -------------------------------
1 "Break-even  passenger  load factor"  represents  the percentage of ASMs which
must be  flown  by  revenue  passengers  for the  airline  to  break-even  after
operating expenses excluding amounts related to restructuring.  2 "Cost per ASM"
for the nine month period ended  September  30, 1996 and 1997  represents  total
operating expenses excluding amounts related to restructuring divided by ASMs.


Exhibit 11.1   STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS




(In thousands except for earnings     Primary            Primary
per share data)                                 Fully              Fully
                                      Earnings  Diluted   Earnings  Diluted
                                       per    Earnings    per     Earnings
                                      Common      per   Common      per
                                       Share   Common    Share   Common
                                                Share             Share
September 30, 1997                      Three months           Nine months
Share calculation:
Average number of common shares            7,093    7,093    8,035    8,035
outstanding
Common stock equivalents due to              463      398      420      402
assumed exercise of options
Common stock equivalents due to                      3,117             1,039
assumed conversion of debt

Total common shares and common             7,698   10,881    8,599    9,772
stock equivalents
Adjustments to net income:
Net income                                $4,844   $4,844   $11,431  $11,431
                                                             
Plus:  Interest expense on                            564               564
converted debt
Net income available to common             4,844    5,408   11,431   11,995
shareholders
Earnings per share                           .63      .50     1.33     1.23
 


<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
     (Replace this text with the legend)
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                                    1000
<CURRENCY>                                     U.S. Dollars
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                   SEP-30-1997
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                1.00
<CASH>                                         27,008
<SECURITIES>                                   16,333
<RECEIVABLES>                                  20,996
<ALLOWANCES>                                   0
<INVENTORY>                                     2,552
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               69,498
<PP&E>                                         39,539
<DEPRECIATION>                                0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                137,288
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          28,838
<BONDS>                                        0
                          0
                                    0
<COMMON>                                          172
<OTHER-SE>                                     29,245
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  137,288
<SALES>                                       147,209
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                              149,198
<CGS>                                         0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                 129,139
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                1,073
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              1,792
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                18,986
<INCOME-TAX>                                    7,555
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            0
<DISCONTINUED>                                 0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                0
<CHANGES>                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                   11,431
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    1.33
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    1.23
        


</TABLE>


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