17. Related Parties

During 2015, 2014 and 2013, there were certain transactions between us and other companies our majority shareholder either controlled or in which he had an ownership interest.  In addition, there were transactions with a company that employs the spouse of our majority shareholder.  Our majority shareholder owns an aircraft that the Company used and reimbursed him for such use and for his use.  Airplane services were charged to us at rates that were either equal to or below rates charged by non-related, third-party companies.  Airplane services transactions were approximately $1.1 million, $0.9 million and $1.2 million for the years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Our majority shareholder has ownership interests in certain wells operated by us (such ownership interests pre-date our initial public offering).  Revenues are disbursed and expenses are collected in accordance with ownership interest.  Proportionate insurance premiums were paid to us and proportionate collections of insurance reimbursements attributable to damage on certain wells were disbursed.  W&T hired the services of a directional drilling services company, in which our majority shareholder owns a minority ownership interest and serves on its board of directors, and W&T paid no amounts in 2015 and paid $0.2 million and $0.2 million for drilling related services during 2014 and 2013, respectively.  A company that provides marine transportation and logistics services to W&T employs the spouse of our majority shareholder.  The spouse received commissions partially based on services rendered to W&T which totaled less than $0.2 million per year for 2015, 2014 and 2013.  During 2015, an entity controlled by our majority shareholder participated in the 9.00% Term Loan for a $5.0 million principal commitment on the same terms as the other lenders.