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Gama Aviation Plc

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FY2017 Annual Report · Gama Aviation Plc
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/ BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

We are a multi-disciplinary, global aviation services 
company which specialise in providing support for 
individuals, corporations and government agencies; 
allowing them to deliver on the promises they make.

/ STRATEGIC REPORT

2017 Highlights 

Chief Executive Officer’s statement 

Business overview, strategy and model 

Operational performance review 
Chief Financial Officer’s review 

Principal risks and uncertainties 

Financial risk management objectives and policies 

/ GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors 

Corporate governance 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Corporate social responsibility 

Directors’ report 

/ FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent auditor’s report 

Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated balance sheet 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated cash flow statement 

Notes to the financial statements 

Parent company independent auditor’s report 

Parent company statement of financial position 

Parent company statement of changes in equity 

Notes to the parent company financial statements 

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GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

1

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSafe & DEPENDABLE

Strategic Report

2017 Highlights
Chief Executive Officer’s statement
Business overview, strategy and model
Operational performance review
Chief Financial Officer’s review
Principal risks and uncertainties
Financial risk management objectives and policies

2 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Safe & DEPENDABLE

Strategic Report

2017 Highlights

Chief Executive Officer’s statement

Business overview, strategy and model

Operational performance review

Chief Financial Officer’s review

Principal risks and uncertainties

Financial risk management objectives and policies

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

3

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS4 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ 2017 HIGHLIGHTS:

Gama Aviation Plc, one of the world’s largest business aviation service 
providers is pleased to announce the results for the year ended  
31 December 2017. 

/ Financial Highlights:

Revenue

$207.4m 

Up 5.8% on a constant 
currency basis (2016: $196.1m)

Underlying total operating profit 

$18.7m 

Up 28.3% on a constant 
currency basis (2016: $14.6m)

Net debt decreased by 

Operating cash flow increased by 

$6.4m to 
$13.0m

$21.6m to 
$23.8m 

(2016: $19.4m)

(2016: $2.2m) 

/ Financial summary:

USD millions (unless otherwise stated)

Underlying results1

Reported results

Revenue 

Gross profit

Gross profit %

Total operating profit3

Profit before tax

Basic earnings per share (cents)

Dec 17

Dec 16

207.4

47.2

22.8%

18.7

17.1

31.6

203.0

44.2

21.7%

15.1

13.7

30.1

Constant 
currency2
Dec 16

196.1

42.8

21.8%

14.6

13.2

29.0

Dec 17

Dec 16

207.4

47.2

22.8%

17.9

16.1

27.8

203.0

44.2

21.7%

10.9

19.3

42.9

1  Underlying results exclude exceptional items, share-based payment expense, amortisation, reversal of losses of associate and joint venture 
from prior years, profit on disposal of interest in associate, and unrealised foreign exchange movements included in finance costs, where 
applicable. In addition, the basic underlying earnings per share excludes a one off deferred tax charge arising in the US from recent tax rate 
changes. Detailed calculations are presented in the Financial review.

2  Calculated at a constant foreign exchange rate of $1.29 to £1, being the rate that represented the average for the 2017 financial period.

3  Total operating profit includes the share of results from Gama Aviation’s associate in the US and joint venture in Hong Kong. Please refer to page 17.

/ Operational Highlights:
 / US Air merger with BBA business proceeding well and the division is benefitting from the Wheels Up growth and contract wins
 / Europe Air operational efficiency initiatives completed in 2016 have produced strong improvements in operating profit margins
 / US Ground revenue up 27.5% driven by full period impact of new bases opened in 2016 and new contract wins 
 / Europe Ground revenue growth of 19.8% and operating profit margin of 19.3% 
 / Middle East and Asia showed encouraging progress

/ Strategic Highlights:
 / Acquisitions made in 2016 delivering at or above expectations
 / Pipeline of acquisition targets identified
 / Management teams and structures in place to support future growth and acquisitions
 / Middle East and Asia businesses consolidated into the Group to capture new market opportunities 
 / Successful placing raising £48m in February 2018, to accelerate the Group’s vision of becoming the leading global business 

aviation services group

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

5

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT

“I am very pleased to report on another year of strong 
progress for the business. We have delivered on a number  
of strategic initiatives and now have the leadership and 
management teams, systems, processes and capital 
in place for our next phase of growth.”

The business has performed well, with further progress 
made towards our operating margin targets in both the Air 
and Ground divisions, as well as a continued improvement in 
cash generation driven by a strong improvement in working 
capital management.

Group strategy
The Group’s strategy is to become the global market leader 
in business aviation services through organic, joint venture 
and acquisition-led profitable growth. The Group is focused 
on increasing the depth of its capabilities and expertise, 
broadening the regions it operates in and the services it 
offers in order to increase the scale of its presence in its 
chosen markets and to drive further revenue growth 
through cross selling opportunities.

The Group operates a robust and resilient business model 
and we have built a strong operational platform to support 
our growth. We have successfully raised £48m through 
an equity placing to allow us to capture the investment 
opportunities which we are currently presented with 
and to accelerate the next stage of our development. 

2017 Performance
The positive momentum seen in the first half of 2017 
continued into the second half and the Group delivered 
performance in line with expectations. Revenue growth 
and improving profitability were achieved in both divisions. 
Underlying total operating profit increased to $18.7m 
(2016: $14.6m) an increase of 28.3%. We achieved significant 
improvements in working capital resulting in a cash inflow 
from operations of $23.8m (2016: $2.2m), which led to a 
$6.4m reduction in net debt. 

The Air division delivered exceptional growth with Total 
Divisional revenue up 35% to $518m (2016: $383m), driven 
principally by the US associate’s merger with the BBA aircraft 
management business, growth in the Wheels Up contract 
and further contract wins. Total operating profit increased to 
$13.6m (2016: $7.4m) on the back of increasing scale. Total 
operating profit margin increased to 2.6% (2016: 1.9%). 

The Ground division also delivered strong growth of 
21% with Total Divisional revenue of $80m (2016: $66m). 
The total operating profit of $10.9m (2016: $9.7m) was 
underpinned by strong organic growth in our European 
business. There remains an opportunity to improve margins 
in our US business to our target levels through further 
growth, increasing our breadth of services and investment 
in our base maintenance capability. Total operating 
margins across the Division were 13.6% (2016: 14.8%). 

Our developing businesses in the Middle East and Asia have 
both made steady progress and we enhanced our positions 
in both geographies through the rationalisation of our 
ownership structures. In Asia, our joint venture with 
Hutchison, in collaboration with China Aircraft Services 
Limited (CASL), now has the regulatory approvals to offer 
line and base maintenance services at Hong Kong airport.

Acquisitions and corporate development
The Group successfully executed the merger of its US Air 
associate with the BBA aircraft management business, 
which has been completed delivering strong revenue growth. 

In 2016, the Group acquired Aviation Beauport and 
FlyerTech Both businesses have been successfully integrated 
into the Europe Air and Ground divisions and have met or 
exceeded management’s strategic and financial objectives 
since acquisition. 

In October 2017, we announced the acquisition of 
the remaining 51% interest in Gama MENA for a cash 
consideration of $5.1m. On the same date Gama MENA 
divested a 51% equity interest in Gama Aviation FZE, its 
Middle East Air Division for a nominal consideration in order 
to comply with national ownership requirements. Under an 
agreement between shareholders, Gama MENA will retain 
management and operational control of the Middle East Air 
Division and will be entitled to 80% of the dividends paid 
by Gama Aviation FZE. Under an agreement between 
shareholders, Gama MENA will also receive a branding 
fee of 0.5% of the revenues of Gama Aviation FZE.

6 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Equity Placing 
We announced on 9 February 2018 that we were raising 
further capital through the proposed placing of shares. The 
admission of the placing shares became effective on 2 March 
2018. The Group raised £48 million (approximately US$67 
million) to accelerate the Group’s strategy of becoming the 
leading global business aviation services group.

Hutchison Whampoa (China) Limited (“Hutchison”) subscribed 
for shares in the placing and now holds approximately 21% 
of the Company’s issued share capital. $19.8 million of the 
proceeds were used to acquire Hutchison’s Hong Kong aviation 
interests: its 50% stake in Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings 
Ltd and its 20% stake in China Aircraft Services Limited.

The balance of the proceeds are intended to be deployed 
during 2018 as follows:

 / $10 million capital investment in two Ground base 

maintenance facilities in the US; 

 / $10 million for the development of the Sharjah business 

aviation centre in the Middle East; and

 / the balance to target acquisitions in the Europe Air and 

Ground divisions and the Middle East Air division

Hutchison’s investment in the Company provides a strong 
endorsement of our stated strategy and our readiness to 
execute against that strategy. We welcome them as a long 
term strategic partner who shares our ambition of becoming 
the leading global business aviation services Company.

Outlook
Based on our performance to date and contract visibility, the 
Board is confident in the strength of the Group’s operations 
and believes the Group is well placed to deliver its strategic 
objectives and achieve its expectations for the current year.

The recently completed fund raising is an important 
development for the business. It will help us accelerate 
the next stage of profitable growth and support the 
delivery our strategic objectives in the fragmented aviation 
services markets. 

Marwan Khalek
Chief Executive Officer

The Group’s joint venture with Hutchison in Asia, which is 
active across both the Air and Ground divisions, established a 
commercial partnership with CASL at Hong Kong airport and 
is providing line maintenance to business aviation customers. 

Leadership 
The Company has strengthened its Board and the Group’s 
regional leadership and functional management teams to 
ensure it can execute its strategy and continue to grow 
profitably and sustainably. 

There have been a number of recent hires to supplement 
the already strong regional operational management teams. 
In addition the Group has enhanced its capabilities across 
a number of key business functions including: legal, finance, 
IT, business process, risk management and marketing.

Neil Medley, the Group’s Chief Operating Officer, who joined 
the Company in September 2016, was appointed to the Board 
in January 2018. Neil has a strong track record of managing 
change and business integration as well as implementing 
business systems, having previously been at Detica Group Plc 
and BAE Systems Plc. 

Dr Richard Steeves was also appointed to the Board as an 
independent Non-Executive Director and brings to the Group 
valuable experience in growing a business organically and 
through acquisitions, having founded and built Synergy Health 
Plc from a market capitalisation of £12 million in 2001 to 
£1.4 billion when it was sold in 2015. 

Chi Keung (Simon) To was appointed as a Non-Executive 
Director in line with the terms of the relationship agreement 
agreed with Hutchison as part of their strategic partnership 
and investment. His experience of doing business in Asia and 
as an AIM Director will be a valuable addition to the business. 
Simon is the Managing Director of Hutchison and Chairman 
and Executive Director of Hutchison China MediTech Limited, 
a company listed on AIM and Nasdaq with a market 
capitalisation of approximately US$4 billion. Simon joined 
Hutchison in 1980 and has helped build it from a relatively 
small trading company into a multi-billion dollar investment 
and distribution group.

On 1 February 2018, Kevin Godley resigned as a board director 
and as CFO. Since late December 2017 Michael Williamson has 
been appointed as interim CFO and an orderly handover has 
been undertaken. The Board wishes to thank Kevin for his 
efforts and contribution to the Company and to wish him 
the very best for the future.

On 8 March 2018, following the successful completion of 
the Group’s equity placing, we appointed Richard Kearsey as 
Director of Corporate Development. Richard is a chartered 
accountant by profession and for the last 27 years has worked 
as a Managing Director of Close Brothers’ Aviation & Marine 
Finance Division. Richard has deep experience across 
syndication, financing and corporate restructuring. Richard’s 
appointment will increase the Executive team’s capacity 
to pursue the Group’s growth strategy.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

7

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ BUSINESS OVERVIEW

We are a multi-disciplinary, global aviation services group that specialises 
in providing solutions for individuals, corporations and Government 
agencies; allowing them to deliver on the promises they make. 

/ Our vision
To be demanded and trusted by our clients, valued by our shareholders, prized by our people and admired by our peers.

/ Our mission
Our mission is simple - act responsibly to the people that matter: our clients, our shareholders and our people. This will be 
achieved by consistently improving; turning opportunity into reality, turning challenges into solutions, transforming normal 
to special. Fundamental to this will be continued, focused, strategic investment that increases our people’s expertise, 
our operational footprint and our value to clients. This has been our history and will be our future.

/ The market opportunity

/  80% of fleet operators  

manage 2–5 aircraft (Europe)

/  Only 9 fleet operators  

manage more than 20 (Europe)

We, the Board and our principal shareholders believe, that the fragmentation of the global business aviation market creates 
a substantial market opportunity as:

 / We command leading positions in fragmented markets however our market share is low single digits (we operate approx. 

1% of the US fleet and 1% of the European fleet).

 / No single Air operator has more than a 4% share.

 / There are few competitors that possess our global scale, breadth and depth of capabilities and expertise. 

(Source: EBAA, NBAA)

8 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ Our Strategy
The Group’s strategy is to become the global market leader in business aviation services through organic, joint venture and 
acquisition-led growth. In order to execute on this strategy, the Group is focused on increasing the depth of its capabilities 
and expertise, broadening the regions it operates in and the services it offers in order to increase the scale of its presence 
in its chosen markets and to drive further revenue growth through cross selling opportunities.

Scale
of presence

Breadth 
of geographies & service

Depth
of our capabilities & expertise

Scale of presence
We will identify, acquire and integrate 
earnings accretive opportunities that 
enhance our presence. This will 
create opportunities and economies 
that translate directly into tangible 
client benefits, direct competitive 
advantage and increased margins.

Cross selling opportunities

Breadth of geographies & services
We will increase our geographic 
breadth and services to meet our 
clients’ demands for support 
solutions that enable them to deliver 
on the promises they make. Our aim 
is to become an indispensable, 
embedded component, of their 
day-to-day operations.

Depth of our capabilities 
& expertise
We will increase the depth of 
our capabilities and expertise such 
that we offer class leading solutions 
that mirror the current and future 
demands of our clients. In achieving 
this we will raise the bar 
competitively, create demand, 
protect margins and enhance 
our position as a ‘go to’ provider.

Cross selling opportunities
We will maximise the value of every client engagement, increasing loyalty to, and advocacy of, our business. This will 
drive mutual value, increase our retention rates and allow us to become an indispensable, embedded component, 
of their day-to-day operations.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

9

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ OUR BUSINESS MODEL

Our business model has been continually enhanced over the last 34 years, 
creating a well proven, economically resilient platform of best of breed 
services. Services can then be utilised individually or as part of 
a turnkey solution.

/ Our business model

  d ivision

A i r

G

r

o

und d i

v ision

FBO

Line
Maintenance

Design &
Mods

Base
Maintenance

10 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW

/ Basis of presentation of operations review
The analysis of Gama Aviation’s operational performance by division and geography, is shown on a Total Division basis 
(for revenue, gross profit, underlying EBITDA and underlying total operating profit) reflecting 100% of the performance of 
the division including its associates and joint ventures. The analysis also includes inter-segment revenues, which represent 
the revenues that arise between divisions in order to present the underlying performance of each division.

Gama Aviation receives a fee in return for allowing its associates and joint ventures the use of the Gama Aviation brand. 
Such branding fees are excluded from the results on a Total Division basis but are recognised within Gama Aviation’s Group 
reported performance.

Under IFRS, the trading results of associates are not consolidated and are instead shown as a single line in the profit and loss 
account under ‘share of results from equity accounted investments’. 

With regard to foreign exchange movements Europe is the only region in the Group that is affected by any material currency 
changes, primarily between GBP and USD. The 2016 performance has been restated at the same average rate for USD to 
GBP as the 2017 financials. The average rate for 2017 was USD1.29 to GBP1.00. The commentary below is based on constant 
currency performance unless otherwise stated.

The Group operates through 8 divisions with clear lines of management responsibility. This represents the 4 geographies and 
2 business lines. Key financial indicators are measured and monitored on a continuous basis. In summary the key financial 
indicators by division are:

 / Revenue – growth and performance versus plan
 / Gross profit – growth and performance versus plan
 / Gross profit percentage
 / Total operating profit – growth and performance versus plan

The Group also measures and monitors internal non-financial key performance indicators to control and develop operating 
performance. These are reviewed regularly alongside the key financial indicators reported externally. 

  d ivision

A i r

/ Air Division
The Air division provides aircraft management, special mission and charter services. It offers a comprehensive fleet 
management service to business jet owners including the provision of management services, crew personnel, fuel, 
airworthiness, engineering oversight, insurance management, hangar space, valeting and all travel arrangements. 
It also works with public agencies providing outsourced solutions to manage aviation operations for a variety of 
complex, time critical services such as air ambulance provision and aerial survey. The Group also acts as a charter 
broker for its managed aircraft with revenue shared between the Group and the underlying aircraft owner.

Regional deployment of the Air division business model

Air

US

Aircraft management

Scale up

Special mission

Charter

Key

Evaluate

Scale up

Europe

Scale up

Scale up

Scale up

Middle East

Scale up

Evaluate

Scale up

Asia

Build

Evaluate

Scale up

Market analysis, market entry strategy 

Evaluate 
Launching  Market entry. Low market penetration. Develop via investment and / or JV 
Build 
Scale up 

Adding breadth & depth to the established launch platform via further investment and / or acquisition  
Proven, mature business with established client base scaling up via further investment and / or acquisition

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

11

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW (CONTINUED)

The Air division saw strong revenue growth primarily driven by the US Air associate on the back of the BBA aircraft 
management business merger, as well as organic growth, including development of the Wheels Up contract. In Europe 
revenues have now stabilised following the exit from difficult contracts. Total divisional revenue was up 35.5% to $518.4m 
(2016: $382.6m) and total operating profit increased to $13.6m (2016: $7.4m), driven by the major markets of US and 
Europe. Performance in our new markets in the Middle East and Asia continued to improve.

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Total

December
USD thousands

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

Revenue - reported

5,000

7,949

91,821 112,837

23,528

19,531

74

80 120,423 140,397

Associate

387,366 231,560

Branding fee

(4,000)

(5,788)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

14,730

16,525 402,096 248,085

(74)

(80)

(4,074)

(5,868)

Revenue

Gross profit

Gross profit %

Total operating profit

Total operating 
profit %

388,366 233,721

91,821 112,837

23,528

19,531

14,730

16,525 518,445 382,614

23,929

14,114

11,887

9,579

1,886

1,345

380

38,511

25,418

6.2%

9,154

6.0%

12.9%

6,089

4,512

8.5%

1,957

8.0%

6.9%

2.3%

7.4%

470

(80)

(583)

(544)

13,553

6.6%

7,422

809

5.5%

2.4%

2.6%

4.9%

1.7%

2.0%

(0.4%)

(4.0%)

(3.3%)

2.6%

1.9%

Associate

(7,355)

(5,904)

Branding fee

4,000

5,788

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

583

74

222

(6,772)

(5,631)

80

4,074

5,868

Total operating profit 
– reported

5,799

5,973

4,512

1,957

470

(80)

74

80

10,855

7,609

/ US Air (Associate)
The US Air associate, including the BBA aircraft management business merger from the start of 2017, has delivered 
significant growth with revenue up 66% to $388.4m (2016: $233.7m). The growth reflects the addition of the Landmark 
acquisition, as well as a high contract win rate in our core management business and the continued growth of our Wheels 
Up contract. 

US Air total operating profit was $9.2m (2016: $6.1m), with the total operating profit margin of 2.4% (2016: 2.6%). 
This reduction in operating margin was expected due to heavy investment in the Group’s US sales force in the final quarter 
of 2017 to enhance the growth of the managed fleet and charter. US Air profit margins are expected to increase towards 
the total operating profit margin target of 5% as the benefits of scale and operational gearing continue. 

The integration of the BBA business is delivering the envisaged benefits: adding complementary West Coast coverage to 
the US Air associate’s existing East Coast business, diversifying the client base, providing the ability to cross sell maintenance 
services into Gama Aviation’s wholly owned US ground business and delivering cost synergies. 

The business was rebranded as Gama Aviation Signature on 1 January 2017. It is the largest aircraft management business 
in the US and has significant growth prospects. The Group has a 24.5% interest and continues to account for the investment 
as an associate. 

/ Europe Air
The Europe Air division has continued to build on the operational efficiencies implemented in 2016, with significant 
margin improvements being realised in 2017. Revenue declined, as expected, reflecting the Group’s decision to exit certain 
underperforming contracts in 2016 and as a result Europe Air delivered a significantly improved total operating profit 
of $4.5m (2016: $2.0m) with a total operating profit margin of 4.9% (2016: 1.7%). 

/ Middle East Air
Revenue in the Middle Eastern Air business increased by 20.5% to $23.5m (2016: $19.5m). The division was profitable at 
the total operating profit line for the first time, delivering total operating profit of $0.5m and a 2.0% margin on the back 
of growth in revenue. The division’s prospects are strong with a healthy pipeline of contract tenders. 

/ Asia Air
Asia Air has made good progress establishing its brand alongside our joint venture partner, Hutchison. The division is well 
positioned for the future and following the end of the period the Group acquired the outstanding 50% of its joint venture 
with Hutchison to capture more of this growth potential. 

12 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Base
Maintenance

G

r

o

und d i

v ision

FBO

Line
Maintenance

Design &
Mods

/ Ground Division
The Ground division provides base and line maintenance, repair and overhaul, design and modification (MRO) and fixed base 
operations (FBO). 

Base maintenance refers to the planned maintenance required by the aircraft manufacturer or component supplier, whereas 
line maintenance is irregular maintenance activity often as a result of component failure or wear and tear and both services 
are offered on either a fee or contract basis. The design and modification services provided by the Group increase the 
operating life and/or capability of an aircraft through services such as avionics or cabin system upgrades and incorporation 
of special mission capability. The Ground division provides FBO facilities at Glasgow, Aberdeen, Jersey and Sharjah airports 
offering parking, hangarage, line maintenance and other related ground handling tasks such as the fuelling of aircraft.

Regional deployment of the Ground division business model

Ground

US

Base maintenance

Launching

Line maintenance

Scale up

Design & 
modifications

FBO services

Key

Evaluate

N/A

Europe

Scale up

Scale up

Scale up

Build

Middle East

Asia

Evaluate

Launching

Launching

Launching

Evaluate

Build

Evaluate

Evaluate

Market analysis, market entry strategy 

Evaluate 
Launching  Market entry. Low market penetration. Develop via investment and / or JV 
Build 
Scale up 

Adding breadth & depth to the established launch platform via further investment and / or acquisition  
Proven, mature business with established client base scaling up via further investment and / or acquisition

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

13

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW (CONTINUED)

The Ground division grew revenues by 21.5% to $79.8m (2016: $65.7m). The division achieved a total operating profit of 
$10.8m (2016: $9.7m), with a total operating profit margin of 13.6% (2016: 14.8%). Margins in the Europe Ground business 
remain broadly in line with Group targets and there is a real opportunity to scale up the US, MENA and Asia businesses to 
develop towards the target margins. The recent placing of shares and fund raising with the planned strategic investments 
will be a key enabler of this.

US

Europe

Middle East

Total

December
USD thousands

2017

2016

2017

2016

Revenue - reported

30,775

24,130

60,462

36,430

–

–

–

–

(12,885)

(3,929)

–

–

30,775

24,130

43,648

36,430

6,116

5,560

18,439

16,746

2017

5,371

–

–

5,371

1,240

2016

2017

2016

5,170

96,608

65,730

–

–

(12,885)

(3,929)

–

–

5,170

79,794

65,730

1,697

25,795

24,003

19.9%

23.0%

42.2%

46.0%

23.1%

32.8%

32.3%

36.5%

2,348

2,401

8,408

7,282

85

32

10,841

9,715

7.6%

10.0%

19.3%

20.0%

1.6%

0.6%

13.6%

14.8%

Sale of aircraft

Sale of inventory

Revenue

Gross profit

Gross profit %

Total operating profit

Total operating profit %

/ US Ground
The US Ground division enjoyed strong organic growth during 2017, with revenue up 27.5% to $30.8m (2016: $24.1m) driven 
by the full period impact of new bases opened in 2016 and new contract wins. 

As planned, the operating margin and profit achieved in 2017 reflects the focus on scaling up, recruiting line maintenance 
engineers ahead of revenue growth and significant investment in training. There have been variations in the gross profit 
percentage as the business grows, driven by the addition of new bases and revenue mix. The total operating profit of $2.3m 
(2016: $2.4m) and margin of 7.6% reflects the effects of these investments. Having made these investments, the division 
is poised to return to low double digit margins in 2018.

/ Europe Ground
The European Ground division grew revenue by 19.8% to $43.6m (2016: $36.4m) reflecting the return of discretionary 
spending, albeit at low levels, and increased base maintenance activity at Oxford. Principally as a result of the restructuring 
in 2016, total operating profit was up 15.5% to $8.4m (2016: $7.3m). The division continues to operate broadly in line with 
management targets with the total operating margin at 19.3%. The division now has a solid platform to deliver growth 
and maintain the total operating margin of 20% at target levels. 

The sale of aircraft and inventory in Europe Ground was $16.8m (2016: $nil) and is excluded from the revenue above 
of Europe Ground. Europe Ground revenue including sales of aircraft and inventory was $60.5m as per note 5.

/ Middle East Ground
The Middle East Ground division had a stable year with the number of aircraft movements through the FBO facilities showing 
an improved trend. The division delivered a total operating profit of $0.1m. 

The division is now wholly owned following the acquisition of the 51% Jet Set interest in October 2017. This provides a strong 
foundation for our planned development in the region. 

/ Asia Ground
The business produced its first revenues in the fourth quarter 2017 through its collaboration with CASL. This is an exciting 
opportunity for new business going forward.

14 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REVIEW

Underlying profit before tax is up 24.8% at $17.1m (2016: $13.7m). 

Michael Williamson
Interim Chief Financial Officer

Group revenue

$207.4m

Underlying EBITDA

$20.1m

Underlying Total Operating Profit

$18.7m

Underlying PBT

$17.1m

Underlying EPS

31.6 cents

2017 dividend

2.75p

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

15

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REVIEW (CONTINUED)

Basis of presentation of financials
All financial commentary below is provided on a constant currency basis unless otherwise stated. The 2016 performance 
has been restated to the same average rate for USD to GBP as the reported 2017 financials. The average rate for 2017 
was USD1.29 to GBP1.00.

Group financial performance
Key financial indicators across the Group are reported below:

December
USD thousands

Revenue

Gross Profit

Gross Profit %

Underlying EBITDA

Underlying EBITDA %

Underlying Operating Profit

Underlying Operating Profit %

Underlying Profit before tax

Underlying Profit before tax %

Underlying Basic Earnings Per Share (cents)

2017
Total

2016
Total

Change
Total

207,360

203,037

47,206

22.8%

20,067

9.7%

18,744

9.0%

17,077

8.2%

31.6c

44,151

21.7%

17,294

8.5%

15,057

7.4%

13,678

6.7%

30.1c

2.1%

6.9%

1.1ppt

16.0%

1.2ppt

24.5%

1.6ppt

24.8%

1.5ppt

1.5c

Constant Currency

2016
Total

196,084

42,839

21.8%

16,783

8.6%

14,605

7.4%

13,320

6.7%

29.0c

Change
Total

5.8%

9.9%

1.0ppt

19.6%

1.3ppt

28.3%

1.6ppt

28.2%

1.5ppt

2.6c

Revenue 
Reported revenue grew by 5.8% to $207.4m (2016: $196.1m). We have seen growth in revenue in Air and Ground divisions 
across all geographies, with the exception of the Europe Air division, where the business continued to exit from onerous 
aircraft management contracts dating back to pre-2015. The revenue in the Europe Air division was $91.8m (2016: $112.8m). 

Gross profit 
Reported gross profit is up 10.2% to $47.2m (2016: $42.8m) and there has been an increase in the gross profit margin 
percentage by 1.0% to 22.8% (2016: 21.8%), on the back of increased scale and operational efficiencies. 

EBITDA
Underlying EBITDA is up 19.6% at $20.1m (2016: $16.8m). This represents an EBITDA margin of 9.7% against 8.6% for 2016. 
The improvement in EBITDA has been driven by the growth in revenue of 5.8% to $207.4m, improvements in gross profit 
margin percentages by 1.0% to 22.8% and control of administration expenses of $33.2m (2016: $32.9m). 

Reconciliation of underlying total operating profit to EBITDA

Constant 
Currency

December 
2017

December 
2016

December 
2016

18,744 

 1,845

(157)

(365)

15,057 

 2,041 

 330 

(134)

14,605

1,982

330

 (134)

20,067

17,294

16,783

USD thousands

Underlying total operating profit 

Depreciation

Share of associate’s results

Share of associate’s exceptional items

Underlying EBITDA

16 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Depreciation 
Depreciation which is set out in note 16 includes depreciation on property, plant and equipment of $1.8m (2016: $2.0m).

Share of associate’s results
The share of associate’s results represents the share of operating profit as reported in Gama Aviation LLC from the Group’s 
24.5% interest in Gama Aviation LLC. 

Share of associate’s exceptional items
The share of associate’s exceptional items represents the share of exceptional items as reported in Gama Aviation LLC from 
the Group’s 24.5% interest in Gama Aviation LLC. These represent transaction, integration and legal costs associated with 
the merger of the US Air associate with the BBA aircraft management business.

Total operating profit
The underlying total operating profit, which includes the operating profit attributable to Gama Aviation of the 100% owned 
group companies together with the results attributable to Gama Aviation from its associate and joint venture is up 28.3% 
to $18.7m (2016: $14.6m).

Underlying total operating profit is arrived at by taking operating profit before amortisation, exceptional items, share based 
payment expense and including the share of profits but excluding accumulated losses of equity accounted investments.

USD thousands

Continuing total operating profit

Amortisation

Exceptional items

Share of associate’s exceptional items

Share-based payment expense

Release of provisions in respect of losses of associate and joint venture  
from prior years 

Disposal of interest in associate

Underlying total operating profit

Constant 
Currency

December 
2017

December 
2016

December 
2016

17,855

10,937

10,621

1,441

2,622

365

195

(2,170)

(1,564)

1,438

2,548

134

–

–

–

1,367

2,482

134

–

–

–

18,744

15,057

14,605

Amortisation
Amortisation which is set out in note 15 includes amortisation on intangible assets of $1.4m (2016: $1.4m).

Exceptional items
Exceptional items amounted to $2.6m (2016: $2.5m), which are set out in note 7 and represent transaction costs $0.4m 
(2016: $1.4m), integration and restructuring costs $1.2m ($1.2m), and legal costs $1.1m (2016: $nil). Exceptional items include 
travel expenses and costs for executive management incurred in undertaking transactions, integration and restructuring 
together with the salary costs of certain permanent employees who are employed in place of external professional services.

Share-based payment expense 
On 10 August 2016, the Group announced that a total of 1,500,000 share options were granted at £1.55 to a number 
of employees. On 6 January 2017, 1,390,000 share options were formally awarded and accordingly there is a share-based 
payment charge, which is set out in note 32 of $0.2m (2016: $nil). 

Associates and joint ventures
The release of the provision for our share of associate and joint venture losses from prior years of $2.2m (2016: $nil) 
and the profit from the disposal of the interest in associate of $1.6m (2016: $nil) are excluded from the underlying total 
operating profit. 

US Air losses of associate from prior years
During the past few years, the US Air associate has been loss-making and the Group has been provisioning amounts in 
anticipation of additional resourcing requirements. Previously, these losses have been included in the Group’s underlying 
earnings and have therefore been included in the Group’s underlying EPS. With the strength of the Associate’s performance, 
its profit-making position and positive net assets position, together with a re-organised branding fee structure, the provisions 
of $1.5m are no longer required and have been released. The provision release has not been included in the Group’s 
underlying results in this period. 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

17

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REVIEW (CONTINUED)

Asia Air losses of joint venture from prior years
Similar to the US associate, the Group has been provisioning amounts in anticipation of additional resourcing requirements. 
Previously, these losses have been included in the Group’s underlying earnings and have therefore been included in the 
Group’s underlying EPS. The provisions of $669,000 are no longer required and have been released. The provision release 
has not been included in the Group’s underlying results in this period. 

Profit on disposal of interest in associate
On 1 January 2017 the Group and BBA Aviation Plc merged their US aircraft management and charter businesses. 
This merger resulted in the Group’s 49% interest in its associated company Gama Aviation LLC, being reduced to 24.5% 
and a profit of $1.6m being recorded on the disposal of the other 24.5% interest. 

The share of results from equity accounted investments derived by the Gama Aviation Group’s associates and joint ventures 
is set out in note 18 and the consolidated income statement effect is summarized below:

USD thousands

US associate share of results 

HK joint venture share of results 

US associate loss provisions release

Asia joint venture loss provisions release

Share of results from equity accounted investments

Profit before tax 

USD thousands

Continuing profit before tax

Amortisation

Exceptional items

Share of associate’s exceptional items

Share-based payment expense

Release of provisions in respect of losses of associate and joint venture from prior years 

Profit on disposal of interest in associate

Unrealised FX movements in finance costs

Underlying profit before tax

December 
2017

December 
2016

157

–

1,501

669

2,327

(8)

(322)

–

–

(330)

Constant 
Currency

December 
2017

December 
2016

December 
2016

16,146

19,308

19,024

1,441

2,622

365

195

(2,170)

(1,564)

1,438

2,548

134

–

–

–

1,367

2,482

134

–

–

–

42

(9,750)

(9,777)

17,077

13,678

13,231

Unrealised FX movements within finance costs
Within our global services business, we operate and manage geographically mobile assets. As a result, Gama Aviation 
is exposed to a number of currencies. With the exception of Europe, the rest of the regions trade in USD which is the 
same as our Group reporting currency, leaving little or no foreign exchange exposure.

The material currency exposure for Gama Aviation is within our Europe operations between GBP and USD. Gama Aviation 
experiences both realised and unrealised trading gains and losses on these exchange rate movements. These impact our 
operating performance, and finance income and costs. 

2016 was an especially volatile year between GBP and USD exchange rates and as a result we reported some material gains 
within finance income. This was due to the loan structure within the business and how the proceeds of equity and debt were 
deployed into subsidiary companies whereby translation differences arose where functional currencies differed from the 
Gama Aviation reporting currency of USD.

We reported during 2016, that Gama Aviation was looking to reduce this complexity by simplifying both the loan structure 
of the group and to carry out a review of the functional currencies of the subsidiaries in the group and we are pleased with 
the progress made. 

The unrealised FX movement in the period was a loss of $0.04m (2016: gain of $9.8m).

18 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Earnings per share (EPS)

USD thousands

Profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent:

Continuing operations

Add back:

Amortisation

Exceptional items

Share of associate’s exceptional items

Share-based payment expense

Release of provisions in respect of losses of associate and joint venture  
from prior years

Profit on disposal of interest in associate

Unrealised FX movements in finance costs

Deferred tax charge

Constant 
Currency

December 
2017

December 
2016

December 
2016

12,214

18,803

18,499

1,441

2,622

365

195

(2,170)

(1,564)

42

750

1,438

2,548

134

–

–

–

1,367

2,482

134

–

–

–

(9,750)

(9,777)

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders for adjusted earnings

13,895

13,174

12,706

Denominator

Weighted average number of shares used in basic EPS

43,994,442

43,827,775

43,827,775

Underlying basic earnings per share (cents) 

31.6c

30.1c

29.0c

Taxation
There is a total tax charge for the period of $3.9m (2016: $0.6m) and an effective tax rate of 24% on continuing activities. 
The group operates across a number of jurisdictions and the effective rate of tax reflects the blended rate of operating 
in different countries. The lower effective rate of tax in 2016 reflected the effect of the utilization of tax losses, which are 
no longer available. In 2017 the US enacted a lower tax rate which reduced the expected future benefits from temporary 
differences and operating loss carry forwards. As a consequence the tax charge in 2017 has a higher effective tax rate 
reflecting the release of deferred tax assets no longer available.

Included in the Group’s tax charge in 2017 is $0.75m in respect of a reduction in the value of the Group’s deferred tax 
asset as a consequence of the recently announced reduction in US corporate tax rates. As this tax charge does not relate 
to underlying earnings in 2017 it has been added back for the purpose of calculating underlying EPS.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

19

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REVIEW (CONTINUED)

Net debt and cash flow movements
The table below highlights the change in the net debt position which shows a $6.4m improvement in 2017. The Group 
has operated well within its banking covenants and net debt to underlying EBITDA was 0.6x (2016: 0.9x). Cash flow from 
operations was $23.8m (2016: $2.2m).

Over the last few years management has been focused upon improving its working capital management in an effort 
to reverse the sizeable outflows experienced in prior years. In 2017 the Group saw a working capital inflow of $10.6m, 
of which $6.5m resulted from client deposits which will unwind in 2018. The remaining positive inflow demonstrates the 
improvements in our working capital management and are consistent with the cash generative nature of our business model.

USD thousands

Underlying EBITDA

Working capital movement

Items not included in underlying EBITDA 

Other

Cash flow from operations

Capex movement

Net interest & tax paid

Free cash flow

Dividends paid

Acquisitions

Net debt foreign exchange movements

Change in net debt

Net debt 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Borrowings 

Obligations under finance leases 

December 
2017

December 
2016

20,067

10,634

(2,622)

(4,308)

23,771

(4,521)

(5,281)

13,969

(1,495)

(5,100)

(959)

17,294

(14,084)

(2,682)

1,656

2,183

(4,363)

(1,458)

(3,638)

(1,411)

(6,239)

923

6,415

(10,364)

(12,972) 

(19,387)

22,349 

11,174

(31,654)

(24,941)

(3,667)

(5,620)

Items not included in underlying EBITDA
Exceptional items in the cash flow movements are as set out in note 7 and represent transaction costs $0.4m, integration 
and restructuring costs $1.1m, and legal costs $1.1m.

Other items
Other items in the cash flow movements include losses from discontinued activities $2.4m as set out in note 8 and unrealized 
foreign exchange movements of $2m.

Discontinued operations
The operating losses incurred on the Group’s owned aircraft that are deployed on ad-hoc charter are also separated from 
the underlying EBITDA as this is a legacy element of the business model that the Group has classified as discontinued and 
is set out in note 8. The discontinued operations loss for the period was $2.4m (2016: $2.1m). During the period, the Group 
sold two of the three remaining owned aircraft. The book value of the one remaining asset held for sale is $1.5m. 

Capex movement
Capital expenditure includes the purchase of property, plant and equipment of $8.5m (2016: $3.7m) and intangibles of $1.6m 
(2016: $0.4m). The Group has invested in a hangar in Aberdeen, Sharjah facilities, an aircraft for a contract for a key customer 
and ongoing maintenance capital expenditure. Expenditure on intangibles includes investment in new technology and 
licenses and approvals. This capital expenditure has been offset by proceeds on the sale of two aircraft for $5.5m.

20 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Net interest and tax paid
The Group paid tax on profits of $3.6m (2016: $nil) in the UK and US including advance payments for 2017. In 2016 the Group 
benefited from the utilization of losses brought forward from prior years. Net interest paid in 2017 was $1.7m (2016: $1.5m) 
with the increase due to the higher level of utilization of the RBS credit facilities during the year.

Dividend
The Directors are recommending a dividend of 2.75p per share, an increase of 5.7% (2016: 2.6p per share).

Litigation and associated exceptional items, and prior year adjustment
The Group is involved in a number of legal proceedings, most of which arise from historic Hangar 8 trading activity, prior to 
the merger completed in January 2015, and those relating to disputes with Dustin Dryden (a former non-executive director of 
the Company and of Hangar 8 who resigned in September 2015) and affiliated entities. Taking account of the circumstances 
of each set of proceedings, legal advice received in relation to them and the Company’s views as to the merits of such 
proceedings, the Company intends to continue to vigorously pursue/defend such proceedings. 

The Company has incurred legal costs of US$1.1m associated with these proceedings in the year ended 31 December 2017, 
which are treated as an exceptional item. The Board believes a similar amount will be incurred for future legal costs, through 
to the conclusion of the various proceedings, which will also be treated as exceptional. In respect of one of the proceedings 
against the Company, amounting to US$1.9m, the Board has decided to make a US$1.1m provision in the form of a prior year 
adjustment. This arose as a result of an obligation in relation to one particular customer arrangement for services provided 
prior to 2014 in the Hangar 8 business, which had not been recognised at the time in error. This has resulted in an increase in 
the liabilities by $1.1m and reduced reserves by the same amount in the prior period. This has had no impact on the income 
statement in the prior period. 

The remaining proceedings fall into two categories, the first involves proceedings by the Company to recover long-standing 
trade receivables that amount to approximately US$5.5m. The Company has made adequate provisions or holds security 
against these claims and as a result the Board does not expect any further provisions will be required. In addition, based 
on legal advice, the Board considers the proceedings to recover these receivables are likely to be successful. 

The second involves a number of proceedings brought against the Company in which the claimants seek to recover damages 
for alleged contractual breaches which amount to approximately US$15.3m. Based on a detailed analysis of the claims and 
legal advice, the Board believes that these claims are speculative and/or overlapping and the Company continues to 
vigorously defend them and therefore no provision has been made in the accounts.

By the time all these proceedings, some of which are with the same counterparties, are determined or settled, the Board 
expects the overall awards and settlements to result in a cash inflow to the Company.

Michael Williamson
Interim Chief Financial Officer

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

21

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Regulatory burden and costs of compliance
To ensure very high levels of safety, the aviation industry 
has significant and complex regulation to cover training, 
engineering, safety and operations. Breaches of regulations 
are likely to lead to sanctions such as suspension of operations 
or other restrictions. The directors believe that the regulatory 
burden is likely to increase over time and have members of 
staff dedicated to liaising with the various regulatory bodies. 
In addition, staff are regularly trained and appraised to ensure 
their understanding and compliance.

Foreign exchange risk
Group’s activities expose it to the financial risks of changes 
in foreign currency (primarily sterling, US Dollars and euro) 
and interest rate changes. The Group does not use derivative 
financial instruments to hedge these risks, except for material 
risks on contracts. The Group’s approach to managing other 
risks applicable to the financial instruments concerned 
is shown below. 

The directors consider the principal risks to the business are:

 / Poor operational performance or air accident damaging the 

Group’s reputation 

 / Changes in economic climate that make private air 

transport less attractive

 / Increasing regulatory burden and costs of compliance
 / Foreign exchange risk 

Damage to the Group’s reputation
The Group’s reputation for safety, reliability and high service 
standards is essential for maintaining customer loyalty and 
ensuring premium pricing levels. The Group has systems and 
monitoring processes in place to ensure that it maintains high 
standards across all aspects of the Group, including customer-
facing crew as well as back-office operational staff. The Group 
carefully reviews any deviations from these standards and 
implements changes to prevent recurrence.

Changes in economic climate
The Group offers air transportation services that provide 
far greater flexibility, discretion and levels of service than is 
possible with general aviation services. The directors recognise 
that in a recessionary economic climate there may be pressure 
on customers to reduce their use of private aviation services. 
The directors mitigate this risk by regularly reviewing current 
and anticipated activity levels and reducing the Group’s cost 
base accordingly.

22 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

Trade receivables
Trade receivables are managed in respect of credit and 
cash flow by regular review of aged receivables and our 
customers’ credit rating. Cash flow risk is mitigated by 
requiring up-front payment for much of the Group’s work 
and short credit terms for all other customers. Provisions 
are made against any amount for which the recoverability 
is uncertain.

Other borrowings
Risks associated with borrowings relate principally to 
liquidity and interest rate risk. The Group manages the 
liquidity risk by ensuring there are sufficient funds to meet 
payments through the preparation of weekly cash forecasts. 
Interest rate risk is managed by maintaining an appropriate 
mix between fixed and floating rate borrowings. 

The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise:

 / Bank balances;
 / Trade payables;
 / Trade receivables; and
 / Other borrowings.

The main purpose of these instruments is to raise and 
maintain sufficient funds to finance the Group’s operations. 
Fuel price risk is passed to customers directly via their 
monthly recharges. The company’s approach to managing 
other risks applicable to the financial instruments concerned 
is shown below.

Bank balances
The Group has a formal overdraft facility with its principal 
banker in the UK, RBS. Most of the trading entities within the 
Group have multiple bank accounts to include Sterling, Euro 
and US Dollars, allowing them to invoice and receive funds 
in the same currency giving them an ability to be foreign 
currency neutral from a cash flow perspective.

General liquidity risk is managed by maintaining weekly cash 
forecasts to ensure positive cash balances. 

Trade payables
Trade payables liquidity risk is managed by ensuring 
sufficient funds are available to meet amounts due.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

23

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSContinually 
developing our 
EXPERTISE

Governance

Board of Directors
Corporate governance 
Directors’ remuneration report 
Corporate social responsibility 
Directors’ report

24 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

25

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The right mix of expertise to support growth.

Sir Ralph Robins
Chairman

Marwan Abdel-Khalek
Chief Executive Officer

Captain Stephen Wright
Executive Director

Neil Medley
Executive Director 

Marwan is Chief Executive 
Officer of Gama Aviation 
Plc. He is a successful 
entrepreneur with a proven 
record of building value 
through organic and 
inorganic growth, as 
evidenced by the scale 
of Gama Aviation’s 
development over the 
last three decades. Gama 
Aviation’s growth, over a 
period marked by a number 
of profound economic 
recessions, has resulted in 
it becoming a leading global 
aviation services group. 
He graduated with a BEng 
in Civil Engineering from 
the University of London. 
Marwan is also Chairman 
of the BBGA.

Stephen co-founded Gama 
Aviation together with 
Marwan Khalek in 1983. 
He has been fundamental to 
the institution of a number 
of process improvements 
that have been commended 
by regulators and industry 
auditors alike. Stephen 
retains a flying role both on 
the line and in training, 
regularly flying helicopters 
and fixed wing aircraft. 
His flying duties have placed 
him in regular contact with 
a wide variety of clients, 
allowing him to have a direct, 
qualitative understanding 
of their needs and 
requirements.

Neil Medley, the Company’s 
current Chief Operating 
Officer (“COO”), has also 
been appointaed to the 
Board. Neil joined Gama in 
September 2016, as COO, 
a new position within the 
leadership team. Neil joined 
the business from his former 
post of COO of BAE Systems 
Applied Intelligence 
(formerly Detica plc until its 
acquisition by BAE Systems 
plc). Neil has been working 
alongside Marwan Khalek, 
Chief Executive of Gama 
Aviation, to improve business 
performance across all 
geographies.

Sir Ralph Robins graduated 
from Imperial College, 
London and joined Rolls-
Royce as a graduate 
apprentice in 1955. He 
served on the Board of 
Rolls-Royce for 20 years 
as Managing Director from 
1984, Deputy Chairman 
from 1989 and latterly as 
Executive Chairman from 
1992-2003. He has also 
served as Chairman of 
Cable & Wireless plc and 
as a Director of Standard 
Chartered plc, Schroders plc 
and Marks & Spencer plc. Sir 
Ralph is a former Chairman 
of The Defence Industries 
Council and former President 
of The Society of British 
Aerospace Companies. 
He is a Fellow of The Royal 
Academy of Engineering, 
a Fellow of Imperial College, 
an Honorary Fellow of The 
Institute of Mechanical 
Engineers and an Honorary 
Fellow of the Royal 
Aeronautical Society.

26 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Peter Brown
Non-Executive Director

Michael Peagram 
Non-Executive Director

Dr Richard Steeves
Non-Executive Director 

Chi Keung (Simon) To
Non-Executive Director

Peter is a chartered 
accountant with over 25 
years’ experience at board 
level in the leisure and 
travel industry. He adds 
complementary skills to 
Gama Aviation’s founding 
directors, having been CEO 
of a major British leisure 
airline and managing the 
mergers, acquisitions and 
group finance functions of a 
variety of service companies. 
Peter graduated from 
University College, Cardiff 
with a BSc in Economics.

Richard founded and built 
up Synergy Health plc 
(“Synergy”), the FTSE 250 
outsourcer, established in 
1991. Synergy grew from a 
£12 million market cap at 
the 2001 listing on AIM into 
a global medical hygiene 
business worth £1.4 billion 
at the time of its takeover 
by Steris Inc, the Ohio-based 
sterilisation equipment 
maker, on 2 October 2015. 
Richard grew Synergy both 
organically and through 
acquisition and brings to the 
Board valuable experience 
in building an international 
outsourcing service business.

Michael qualified as a 
chemist at Oxford University 
and subsequently obtained 
an MBA from Manchester 
Business School. His initial 
industrial career in various 
management roles was at 
Pfizer and Croda, where he 
was Managing Director of 
the Chemical Division. He 
turned round and built up 
the Holliday Chemicals 
Group, which floated on the 
Main Market of the London 
Stock Exchange in 1993 and 
was subsequently sold to 
Yule Catto in 1998 where he 
was Deputy Chairman until 
2007. He has experience as 
Chairman and Director of 
a number of other publicly 
listed and private SMEs. 
Michael also served on the 
Council for Management 
Studies at Oxford University 
(Said Business School) 
from 1991 to 2009.

Simon is Hutchison’s 
proposed appointee to 
the Board. Simon is the 
Managing Director of 
Hutchison and Chairman 
and Executive Director of 
Hutchison China MediTech 
Limited, a company listed 
on AIM and Nasdaq with 
a market capitalisation of 
approximately US$4.3 billion 
as at the Last Practical Date. 
Simon joined Hutchison in 
1980 and has helped build 
it from a relatively small 
trading company into 
a multi-billion dollar 
investment and distribution 
group. Simon holds a First 
Class Honours Bachelor’s 
Degree in Mechanical 
Engineering from Imperial 
College, London and a 
Master’s Degree in Business 
Administration from 
Stanford University’s 
Graduate School of Business.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

27

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

and were attended by Board members in office at the time of 
the meetings. To enable the Board to discharge its duties, all 
directors receive appropriate and timely information and the 
Chairman ensures all directors, including the non-executive 
directors, may take independent professional advice at the 
Group’s expense if required.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is chaired by Peter Brown, supported 
by Michael Peagram, who is deemed by the Board to have 
recent and relevant financial expertise. The meeting minutes 
are circulated to the Board at the next available Board 
meeting, at which the Audit Committee Chairman provides 
a verbal report of the committee’s proceedings.

Under its terms of reference it must meet twice a year and 
is responsible for keeping under review the internal controls 
of the company, the scope and results of the audit, its cost 
effectiveness and the independence and objectivity of the 
auditors. The Group currently has no internal audit function 
but the Audit Committee will keep this under review with 
a view to adding this function as the business grows. The 
Group’s auditors may provide additional professional services 
and in line with its terms of reference, the Audit Committee 
continually assesses their objectivity and independence.

The company is listed on the Alternative Investment Market 
(AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. The Board of Gama 
Aviation complies with the provisions of the Financial 
Reporting Council’s Corporate Governance code insofar as 
it considers them to be appropriate to a company of its size 
and nature. The company has not adopted the code and 
makes no statement of compliance with the code overall 
and does not explain in detail any aspect of the code 
which they do not comply with.

Board of Directors
The Board is responsible for guidance and direction, playing 
its role in reviewing strategy, monitoring performance, 
understanding risk and reviewing controls. It is collectively 
responsible for the success of the Group.

The Board is made up of three executive and four 
non-executive directors and has the appropriate balance 
of skills, experience independence and knowledge of the 
company to enable it to discharge its duties effectively. 

The non-executive directors are independent of 
management and do not participate in the Group’s bonus, 
pension or benefit schemes although they may hold shares.

The Board meets at least ten times a year and has a formal 
schedule of matters specifically referred to it for decision, as 
required by the Companies Act. In addition to these matters, 
the Board will also consider strategy and policy, acquisition 
and divestment proposals, approval of major capital 
investments, risk management policy, significant financing 
matters and statutory shareholder reporting. During the 
year, all Board meetings were convened with a formal 
agenda, relevant documentation and documented minutes 

28 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Michael 
Peagram, supported by Peter Brown and Simon To. The 
meeting minutes are circulated to the Board at the next 
available Board meeting, at which the Chairman provides 
a verbal report of its proceedings.

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee is chaired by Sir Ralph Robins, 
supported by Richard Steeves. The meeting minutes are 
circulated to the Board at the next available Board 
meeting, at which the Chairman provides a verbal report 
of its proceedings.

Under its terms of reference it must meet twice a year and 
is responsible for ensuring that the executive director and 
officers and other key employees are fairly rewarded (which 
extends to all aspects of remuneration) for their individual 
contribution to the overall performance of the Group. 
No director is involved in deciding their own remuneration. 
A detailed remuneration report is included on pages 30 to 32.

Under its terms of reference it must meet twice a year and 
is responsible for ensuring the composition of the Board, 
retirements and appointments of additional and replacement 
Directors and makes appropriate recommendations thereon 
to the Board.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

29

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

Below is set out the annual report of the Remuneration 
Committee (“the Committee”). The report comprises a 
description of how the Committee operates; a brief overview 
of the remuneration policy; and details of compensation 
paid to the Board of Directors within the financial year.

 / To consult with key shareholders with regards to 

remuneration where appropriate, and take their views into 
account; and 

 / To manage reporting and disclosure requirements relating 

to Executive remuneration. 

On Admission to AIM the Committee reviewed the 
remuneration of the Executive Directors in order to align 
their interests with shareholders in terms of value creation 
in the crucial post-listing period, with a broader review of 
remuneration policy to follow during the year. This review 
was undertaken during the spring of 2015 with a view to 
ensure remuneration levels set were competitive, recognised 
the skills and experience of the Executive Directors and 
reflected the Company’s status on AIM. The Committee 
further reviewed the operation of variable incentive plans 
to ensure they have the correct link between performance 
and reward. 

As a result of this review the Committee proposed some 
changes to the operation of the policy for 2017, which 
are summarised below:

 / Increases to certain base salary levels which set them 

in line with equivalent roles at companies of a similar size 
and complexity, recognising the capabilities and strong 
performance in role to date;

 / Introduction of a market rate pension contribution;
 / Setting of a broad framework for annual bonus targets 
to be set by reference to each individual’s salary, with 
performance assessed against financial measures 
commensurate with shareholder value; and

 / Re-basing the fees paid to Non-Executive Directors, 
in some cases reducing them, reflecting the time 
commitments as an established AIM-listed company.

The Committee is satisfied that the revised remuneration 
policy operates in such a way as to incentivise Company 
growth and development, and reward for strong performance. 

Remuneration Committee Report
The Committee is appointed by the Board, and is formed 
solely of Non-Executive Directors. In the year the Committee 
was chaired by Michael Peagram. The other member of the 
Committee is Peter Brown. The Committee met three times 
during the year and all Committee members attended 
the meetings. 

The Committee’s principal duties are as follows:

 / To review and make recommendations in relation to the 

Company’s senior executive remuneration policy;
 / To apply these recommendations when setting the 

specific remuneration packages for each Executive Director, 
the Company Chairman and other selected members of 
senior management and to include annual bonuses, the 
eligibility requirements for long-term incentive schemes, 
pension rights, contracts of employment and any 
compensation payments;

 / To ensure that the remuneration policy is aligned with the 

short- and long-term strategy of the Company; 

 / To manage performance measurement and make awards 

under the Company’s annual bonus and long-term 
incentive plans; 

Pay Policy
The remuneration policy is designed to provide an 
appropriate level of compensation to senior management 
such that they are sufficiently incentivised and rewarded 
for their strong performance, responsibility and experience. 
Using appropriate measures of performance as well as 
equity-based reward helps to align the interests of the 
Directors with those of the Company’s shareholders. 

The Committee has taken into account market data when 
setting remuneration levels – positioning Executives’ pay at 
a broadly mid-market level relative to similar-sized AIM-listed 
companies. This provides a package which is both fair and 
competitive within the market.

Base Salary
Base salaries are reviewed on an annual basis, and any 
increases become effective from the start of the new 
fiscal year. From 1 April 2017, Marwan Khalek was entitled 
to a base salary of £330,000, Steve Wright £178,000, 
Kevin Godley £220,000 and Neil Medley £300,000. 

Pension & Benefits
Executive Directors are entitled to a pension contribution 
as follows: Marwan Khalek: 22.5%; Steve Wright: 18%, 
Kevin Godley 15% and Neil Medley 12% of salary on a 
non-contributory basis in the form of a defined contribution 
to a pension plan and/or as a cash supplement. In addition, 
the Executives are entitled to benefits in kind including the 
provision of life assurance, group income protection, 
and private medical insurance.

Annual Bonus
The remuneration policy allows the Committee, at its 
discretion, to make annual cash bonus awards to the 
Executive Directors, which will normally be limited 
to a value of 100% of salary per annum. 

A bonus pool equal to 50% of the amount by which the 
Company’s Adjusted EBITDA exceeds market consensus may, 
at the Committee’s discretion, be allocated to a bonus pool. 
The pool is then allocated by the Committee to the Executive 
Directors and senior management on a scale basis. 

No such awards were made in the year.

Long-Term Incentives
No long-term incentives were paid in the year. 

Non-Executive Director Fees
Fees for Non-Executive Directors, which are approved 
by the remuneration committee, are set with reference to 
market data, time commitment, and chairmanship of Board 
committees. From 1 April 2017, the Chairman of the Board, 
Sir Ralph Robins, is eligible for a fee of £50,000 per annum. 
The remaining Non-Executive Directors annual fees are not 
exceeding £46,000. 

30 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Service agreements
The Executive Directors’ Service Agreements provide that their employment with the Company is on a rolling basis, 
subject to written notice being served by either party of not less than 6 months. The current service contracts and letters 
of appointment include the following terms:

Directors

Executive Directors

Marwan Khalek

Steve Wright

Neil Medley

Non-Executive Directors

Sir Ralph Robins

Peter Brown 

Michael Peagram

Dr Richard Steeves

Chi Keung To

Date of Contract

Notice Period

6 January 2015

6 January 2015

8 September 2016

8 December 2014

8 December 2014

8 December 2014

 3 January 2018

2 March 2018

12 months

12 months

6 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

Under these service contracts, the Company may terminate an Executive Director’s employment immediately by making 
a payment in lieu of base salary, benefits and statutory entitlements, and any bonus or commission payments pro-rated 
for the duration of notice period. No bonus would be payable in the event of an Executive Director resignation.

Directors’ Remuneration Report 
The Directors received the following remuneration for the financial year ended 31 December 2017:

Salary 
& fees

Consultancy  
fees

Benefits in
 Kind1

Pension

2017 
Total

£’000

Executive Directors

Marwan Khalek

Steve Wright

Kevin Godley

Non-Executive Directors

Sir Ralph Robins

Nigel Payne

Peter Brown

George Rolls

Michael Peagram

Aggregate Emoluments

341

191

206

50

–

46

–

18

852

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

26

26

2016
Total

427

215

184

50

76

42

28

42

41

13

8

–

–

–

–

–

77

34

31

–

–

–

–

–

459

238

245

50

–

46

–

44

62

142

1,082

1,064

1   Including the provision of life assurance, group income protection, and private medical insurance.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

31

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Statement of Directors’ Interests
The table below sets out the beneficial interests in shares and fully-vested share options of all Directors holding office 
as at 31 December 2017.

Executive Directors

Marwan Khalek1

Steve Wright

Kevin Godley

Ordinary Shares

Unexercised Share Options

Total Interests

At 31 
December 
2017

At 31 
December 
2016

At 31 
December 
2017

At 31 
December 
2016

At 31 
December 
2017

At 31 
December 
2016

13,924,502

15,424,502

263,188

263,188

20,000

20,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

13,924,502

15,424,502

263,188

263,188

20,000

20,000

1  including 3,000,000 shares held in trust for the benefit of family members.

32 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Our environment
We will do our utmost to reduce the environmental impact 
of our services wherever possible. In this respect we:

 / are exempt from the Emission Trading Scheme as our 
Group fuel burn was less than 10,000 tonnes for 2016.
 / operate responsible flight procedures and operations 
to limit fuel burned, while maintaining the highest 
safety standards.

 / engage in waste recycling schemes throughout our 

operations, limiting our environmental impact as best  
we can.

 / review all areas of consumption particularly of paper 

through activities such as using Electronic Flight Bags 
(EFB), removing all marketing brochures, and using 
certified sustainable paper stocks.

Our community
As an employer, infrastructure owner and service provider 
we understand we have responsibilities to the communities 
we serve. We will therefore aim to:

 / build infrastructure that conforms (where operationally 
and financially possible) to the highest prevailing energy 
and material conservation standards.

 / invest socially in schemes that support the communities 

we serve or are present in.

 / provide opportunities to local communities with 

internships, apprenticeships and full time employment.
 / help our employees promote vitality and health within 

the community.

We recognise our commitment to society and the environment. 
The structure broadly follows that suggested by ISO26000, the 
international standard for helping organisations address their 
social responsibilities and we aim to evolve our corporate and 
social responsibilities practices to meet this standard.

Our corporate governance
Our governance structure determines:

 / the expected conduct of our employees at all levels 

and how they represent the company.

 / the need to apply global best practice and comply with 

local legislation to prevent corruption, bribery and other 
such practices from taking place within the business.

 / the need to remain vigilant to the threat of cyber-attack 
and have plans to minimise loss and maintain operations 
if one happens.

Our people
As a service business we fully understand the fundamental 
role of our people, and so we have a duty to inform, educate 
and protect them to the best of our ability. Therefore we will:

 / take a rigorous approach to health and safety, using our 

Safety Management System; seeking to constantly  
improve this.

 / take a rigorous approach to doing business that favours 

understanding why incidents happen, and preventing them 
from happening.

 / continue to promote and develop diversity amongst our 
people, managers and leaders, though based on merit.
 / take a sensible approach to employee well-being during 

times of absence, as well as promoting a healthy  
work/life balance. 

 / place a high priority on developing skills.
 / take a proactive approach to developing people’s careers, 

allowing them to make best use of the opportunities 
available within a global organisation.

 / take a proactive approach to vitality, providing regionally 

appropriate employee benefits that encourage our people 
to maintain their health.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

33

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The directors present their report together with the audited 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

Directors
The directors who served the company throughout the 
period were as follows:

Sir R Robins 
M Khalek 
S Wright 
N Medley (appointed 3 January 2018) 
K Godley (resigned 1 February 2018) 
P Brown 
M Peagram  
Dr R Steeves (appointed 3 January 2018) 
CK To (appointed 2 March 2018)

Dividends
The Group remains committed to maintaining a progressive 
dividend policy and the Directors are recommending a 
dividend of 2.75p per share, up from 2.6p per share in 2016, 
an increase of 5.7%.

Post balance sheet events
These are detailed in note 36 of the financial statements.

Principal activities
The Group is one of the world’s largest business aviation 
service providers, providing management, charter, special 
missions, logistics, maintenance, design and FBO services 
to our business aviation customers. 

Employment of disabled persons
The Group gives full consideration to applications for 
employment from disabled persons where the requirements 
of the jobs can be adequately fulfilled by a handicapped or 
disabled person. Where an existing employee becomes 
disabled, it is the Group’s policy wherever practicable to 
provide continuing employment under normal terms and 
conditions and to provide training and career development 
and promotion to disabled employees wherever appropriate.

Employee involvement
During the year the policy of providing employees with 
information about the Group has been continued through 
internal media methods in which employees have also been 
encouraged to present their suggestions and views on the 
Group’s performance. Regular meetings are held between 
local management and employees to allow a free flow of 
information and ideas. 

Matters included in the strategic report
Financial risk management policies and objectives and future 
developments are covered in the strategic report.

Qualifying third party indemnity provisions
The Group has made qualifying third party indemnity 
provisions for the benefit of its directors which were 
in place during the year and to the date of this report.

34 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Directors’ responsibilities statement
The directors are responsible for preparing the Group 
Strategic report, Directors’ report, and the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations. 

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law, the 
directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRS”) as adopted by the E.U. and have elected to prepare 
company financial statements in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice including 
FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’. Under company 
law, the directors must not approve the financial statements 
unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of 
the state of affairs of the Group and of the profit or loss of 
the Group for that year. In preparing these financial 
statements, the directors are required to:

 / select suitable accounting policies and then apply  

them consistently;

 / make judgements and estimates that are reasonable  

and prudent;

 / state whether applicable International Financial Reporting 

Standards have been followed; and

 / prepare the financial statements on the going concern 

basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group 
will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain 
the Group’s transactions and disclose with reasonable 
accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and 
enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply 
with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for 
safeguarding the assets of the Group and hence for taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud 
and other irregularities.

Going concern
The directors have performed a detailed analysis of the cash 
flow projections for the Group as a whole covering the period 
through to the financial year ended 31 December 2018 and 
beyond. The key assumptions in this forecast include the 
profitable growth of the trading businesses and the 
knowledge that the Group has material headroom 
in its debt covenants. 

The directors are therefore of the opinion that in all reasonably 
foreseeable circumstances the company will remain a going 
concern for at least twelve months from the date on which 
these financial statements have been approved and signed. 
Accordingly, the going concern basis has been adopted in the 
preparation of these financial statements.

Disclosure of information to the auditor
Each of the persons who is a director at the date of the 
approval of this report confirms that:

 / So far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Group’s auditor is unaware; and
 / the director has taken all steps that he ought to have taken 
as a director in order to make himself aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the Group’s auditor 
is aware of that information.

Auditor
Grant Thornton UK LLP have expressed their willingness 
to continue in office. In accordance with section 489(4) 
of the Companies Act 2006 a resolution to reappoint 
Grant Thornton UK LLP as auditor of the Company will be 
proposed at the forthcoming annual general meeting. 

On behalf of the Board

M Khalek
Director

16 March 2018

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

35

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSPERFORMANCE  
Driven

Financial statements

Independent auditor’s report
Consolidated income statement
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Consolidated balance sheet
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Consolidated cash flow statement
Notes to the financial statements
Parent company independent auditor’s report
Parent company statement of financial position
Parent company statement of changes in equity
Notes to the parent company financial statements

36 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

PERFORMANCE  

Driven

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

37

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Independent auditor’s report to the members 
of Gama Aviation Plc

Opinion: Our opinion on the group financial statements 
is unmodified.

We have audited the group financial statements of 
Gama Aviation Plc for the year ended 31 December 2017, 
which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Cash flow Statement 
and notes to the financial statements, including a summary 
of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in their preparation is 
applicable law and International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. 

In our opinion, the group financial statements:

 / give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s affairs 
as at 31 December 2017 and of its profit for the year then 
ended; and

 / have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs 

as adopted by the European Union.

 / have been prepared in accordance with the requirements 

of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities under those standards are further described in 
the ‘Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the group financial 
statements section’ of our report. We are independent of the 
group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are 
relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, 
including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, 
and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements. We believe that the 
audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate 
to provide a basis for our opinion.

Who we are reporting to
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, 
in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might 
state to the company’s members those matters we are required 
to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. 

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or 
assume responsibility to anyone other than the company 
and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, 
for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Conclusions relating to going concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters 
in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you 
where:

 / the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting 
in the preparation of the group financial statements is not 
appropriate; or

 / the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements 

any identified material uncertainties that may cast 
significant doubt about the group’s ability to continue to 
adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period 
of at least twelve months from the date when the financial 
statements are authorised for issue.

Overview of our audit approach
 / Overall materiality: $835,000, which represents 5% of 

the group’s profit before tax from continuing operations, 
excluding exceptional and one-off items at the planning 
stage of the audit.

 / Key audit matters were identified as revenue recognition, 
debtors’ recoverability and legal disputes, presentation of 
recurring items as exceptional, impairment of non-current 
assets and management override of controls.

 / The operations that were subject to full-scope or targeted 
audit procedures made up 85% of consolidated revenues 
and 81% of total assets.

Key audit matters
The graph below depicts the audit risks identified and their 
relative significance based on the extent of the financial 
statement impact and the extent of management judgement. 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional 
judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the group 
financial statements of the current period and include the most 
significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or 
not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included 
those that had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; 
the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts 
of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in 
the context of our audit of the group financial statements as 
a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters.

High

Potential
financial
statement
impact

Revenue
recognition

Debtors’ recoverability 
and legal disputes

Impairment of 
non-current assets

Presentation
of recurring
items as
exceptional

Management
override
of controls

Employee 
remuneration

Creditor 
completeness

Inventory 
valuation and 
existence 

Valuation of 
tangible assets

Related party
transactions

Low

Low

38 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Extent of management judgement

High

 
Key Audit Matters

Revenue recognition

How the matter was addressed in the audit

Revenues of $207.4 million have been recognised in the year 
ended 31 December 2017, arising substantially from the 
sale of services.

Revenue is the most significant item in the consolidated 
income statement and impacts a number of key 
performance indicators, and key strategic indicators set out 
in the Chief Executive’s Statement and Strategic Report. 

There is a risk of incorrect revenue recognition, arising from:

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to: 

 / testing of revenue recognition policies to ensure in 

accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 
18 ‘Revenue’ via testing a sample of individual revenue 
items during the year and around the year-end, agreeing 
items selected for testing through to flight management 
system and evidence of flight taking place, performing 
proof in total calculations and checking contracts exist 
for revenue recognised; and

 / Analytical review procedures to identify significant 

 / recognition of revenue without entitlement to that revenue;
 / revenue is not recognised in accordance with IFRSs as 

fluctuations and trends and corroborating explanations 
for unusual variances.

adopted by the European Union; and 

 / specifically in relation to significant and complex 

contracts such as that with the MOD.

We therefore identified revenue recognition as a significant 
risk, which was one of the most significant assessed risks 
of material misstatement.

Debtors’ recoverability and legal disputes 
The group financial statements comprise a number of 
accounting estimates made by management, which leads 
to a risk that the financial results are influenced through 
management bias in determining such estimates. One 
of the key estimates is in relation to the provisions for 
significantly overdue debtor balances, which total $3.8m 
whereby assessment is made as to the adequacy of the 
provision based on the historic position and ongoing 
payments. The group has recognised total provisions 
against debtors of $3m. The other is in relation to the 
outcome of legal claims outstanding against the group. 

We therefore identified management override arising from 
the recognition and valuation of judgemental provisions as 
a significant risk, which was one of the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement.

Presentation of recurring items as exceptional
The group financial statements comprise $2.6m (2016: 
$2.5m) of costs incurred in the year, which have been 
classified as exceptional.

The group presented underlying performance measures 
on the face of its consolidated income statement. These 
measures included underlying EBITDA. The profit before 
tax from continuing operations was adjusted for 
exceptional items, share based payments, amortisation and 
depreciation. Management believes that these performance 
measures provide investors with a means of evaluating 
performance of the Group on a consistent basis and in 
a way that is similar to the way in which management 
evaluates performance. Management consider that 
these non-recurring, infrequent or non-cash items are 
not indicative of the underlying operating performance 
of the group. 

We therefore identified management over-ride arising 
from the presentation of recurring items as exceptional 
as a significant risk, which was one of the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement.

The group’s accounting policy on revenue is shown in note 3 
to the financial statements and related disclosures are 
included in note 5. 

Key observations
We have concluded that revenue recognised in the year is 
materially correct on the basis of the procedures performed. 

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to: 

 / Using data analytics and data interrogation techniques 
to identify journal entries with increased risk and ensure 
journals are in line with expectations; including 
corroborating any unusual entries to source 
documentation; 

 / Consideration of management judgments in relation to 
recognition of provisions against doubtful debts against 
subsequent evidence; and

 / Comparing external solicitors letter responses to annual 
report disclosures and information gained throughout 
the audit process.

The group’s accounting policy on debtors’ existence and 
recoverability is shown in note 3 and 4 to the financial 
statements and related disclosures are included in note 20 
and note 29. 

Key observations
Based on our audit work, we concluded that the recognition 
of provisions was appropriate. We concluded that 
appropriate disclosures of the legal issues have been made. 

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to: 

 / Obtaining a breakdown of exceptional items, comparing 
to third party support and considering the sufficiency of 
disclosures explaining the nature of the exceptional items 
via comparison between management breakdown and 
financial statement detail;

 / Checking consistency of items presented as exceptional are 
consistent with Group accounting policies by comparing key 
headings in disclosure to specifics of accounting policy; and

 / Checking disclosures in the annual report are consistent 

with the treatment in prior periods via comparison of items 
included year on year.

The group’s accounting policy on exceptional items is shown 
in note 3 to the financial statements and related disclosures 
are included in note 7. 

Key observations
Based on our audit work, we concluded that those items 
presented as exceptional are appropriate, as they are 
significant to the underlying results of the Group.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

39

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Key Audit Matters

Impairment of non-current assets
The directors are required to make an annual assessment 
to determine whether the Group’s goodwill and intangible 
assets, which stand at $40.7 million and $11.6 million, 
respectively, are impaired.

The process for assessing whether impairment exists under 
International Accounting Standard (IAS) 36 ‘Impairment of 
assets’ is complex. The process of determining the value 
in use, through forecasting cash flows related to cash 
generating units (CGUs) and the determination of the 
appropriate discount rate and other assumptions to be 
applied can be highly judgemental and can significantly 
impact the results of the impairment review.

We therefore identified impairment of non-current assets 
as a significant risk, which was one of the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement.

Management override of controls
The group financial statements comprise a number of 
accounting estimates made by management, which leads 
to a risk that the financial results are influenced through 
management bias in determining such estimates. 

We therefore identified management override as a 
significant risk, which was one of the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement.

How the matter was addressed in the audit

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to: 

 / obtaining management’s impairment analysis and 
recalculating the arithmetical accuracy of those 
calculations including the sensitivity analyses;

 / comparing the assumptions utilised in the impairment 
models, including growth rates, discount rates and 
terminal values to budgets, previous results and third 
party support;

 / challenging management’s assessment of impairment 

indicators relating to intangible assets; 

 / comparing current market capitalisation to carrying value 
of net assets and calculated value in use for the Group; 

 / testing the accuracy of management’s forecasting through 

a comparison of budget to actual data and historical 
variance trends and reviewing the cash flows for 
exceptional or unusual items or assumptions; and

 / considering the detailed disclosures to ensure information 
provided in the financial statements is compliant with the 
requirements of IAS 36 and consistent with the results 
of the impairment review.

The group’s accounting policies on non-current assets are 
shown in note 3 to the financial statements and related 
disclosures are included in notes 14 and 15. 

Key observations
Based on our audit work, we have concluded that there 
is no impairment of the intangible assets required to be 
recognised in the financial statements. 

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to: 

 / Comparison of accounting estimates, judgements and 
decision made by management to third party and post 
balance sheet evidence;

 / Using data analytics and data interrogation techniques 
to identify journal entries with increased risk and ensure 
journals are in line with expectations; including 
corroborating any unusual entries to source 
documentation; 

Key observations
Based on our audit work, we concluded that the accounting 
estimates in the financial statements were reasonable. 

Our application of materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the 
economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality 
in determining the nature, timing and extent of our audit work and in evaluating the results of that work. 

We determined materiality for the audit of the group financial statements as a whole to be $835,000, which is 5% of the 
group’s profit before tax from continuing operations, excluding any exceptional and one-off items at the planning stage of 
the audit. This benchmark is considered the most appropriate because it is a key focus area for management and the users 
of the accounts and represents underlying profitability of the business.

Materiality for the current year is lower than the level that we determined for the year ended 31 December 2016, reflecting 
the change in reported results.

We use a different level of materiality, performance materiality, to drive the extent of our testing and this was set at 60% 
of financial statement materiality for the audit of the group financial statements. 

The graph below illustrates how performance materiality interacts with our overall materiality and the tolerance for 
potential uncorrected misstatements.

40 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Overall materiality

Performance materiality       60%
Tolerance for potential 
uncorrected mistatements  40%

We also determine a lower level of specific materiality for directors’ remuneration and related party transactions. 

We determined the threshold at which we will communicate misstatements to the audit committee to be $42,000. 
In addition, we will communicate misstatements below that threshold that, in our view, warrant reporting on 
qualitative grounds.

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our audit approach was based on a thorough understanding of the Group’s business and is risk-based. An interim visit 
was conducted before the year end for all significant components of the Group to complete advance substantive audit 
procedures and to evaluate the Group’s internal controls environment including its IT systems. The components of the Group 
were evaluated by the Group audit team based on a measure of materiality considering each as a percentage of total Group 
assets, liabilities, revenues and profit before taxes, to assess the significance of the component and to determine the planned 
audit response. 

For those components that were evaluated as significant, either a full-scope or targeted audit approach was determined 
based on their relative materiality to the Group and our assessment of the audit risk. For significant components requiring 
a full-scope approach, we evaluated controls over the financial reporting systems identified as part of our risk assessment, 
reviewed the accounts production process and addressed critical accounting matters. We then undertook substantive 
testing on significant transactions and material account balances. 

In order to address the audit risks described above as identified during our planning procedures, we performed a full-scope 
audit of the financial statements of the Parent Company, and of the financial information of Gama Aviation (UK) Limited, 
Gama Group Limited, GA FM54 Limited, Gama Leasing Limited, Gama Aviation (Engineering) Limited, Gama Aviation 
(Engineering) Inc, Gama Aviation FZE and Gama Aviation (Training) Limited. We performed targeted procedures over the 
other component entities in the US and Dubai. The operations that were subject to full-scope or targeted audit procedures 
made up 85% of consolidated revenues and 81% of total assets. Statutory audits of subsidiaries, where required by local 
laws, were performed to lower materiality where applicable.

Revenues

Full scope 
Analytical procedures 

Total assets
Full scope 
Analytical procedures 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

41

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the 
annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements 
does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express 
any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the group financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, 
in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the group financial statements or our 
knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies 
or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement of the group 
financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, 
we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Our opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 is unmodified. 
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 / the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the group financial 

statements are prepared is consistent with the group financial statements; and

 / the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report under the Companies Act 2006
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, 
we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us 
to report to you if, in our opinion:

 / certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
 / we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

Responsibilities of directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 35, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the group financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal 
control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of group financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the group financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s ability to continue as a 
going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting 
unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

42 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the group financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the group financial statements as a whole are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable 
assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always 
detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, 
individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken 
on the basis of these group financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting 
Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Other matter
We have reported separately on the parent company financial statements of Gama Aviation Plc for the year ended 
31 December 2017. That report includes details of the parent company key audit matters; how we applied the concept 
of materiality in planning and performing our audit; and an overview of the scope of our audit. 

Nicholas Watson 
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP 
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants 
London

16 March 2018

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

43

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSNote

5

7

6

6

18

18

10

11

6

12

8

Year 
ended 
2017
$’000

207,360

(160,154)

47,206

(33,242)

20,067

(2,817)

(3,286)

13,964

2,327

1,564

17,855

–

(1,709)

16,146

(3,886)

Year 
ended
 2016
$’000

203,037

(158,886)

44,151

(32,884)

17,294

(2,548)

(3,479)

11,267

(330)

–

10,937

9,750

(1,379)

19,308

(615)

12,260

18,693

(2,412)

9,848

9,802

46

9,848

(2,127)

16,566

16,676

(110)

16,566

/ CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Continuing operations

Revenue 

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administrative expenses

Underlying EBITDA

Items not included in underlying EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

Operating profit

Share of results from equity accounted investments

Profit on disposal of interest in associate

Total operating profit

Finance income

Finance costs

Profit before tax from continuing operations

Taxation 

Profit from continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Loss after tax from discontinued operations

Profit for the year

Attributable to:

Owners of the Company:

Non-controlling interests

44 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Profit for the year

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:

Prior year adjustment

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Gains on cash flow hedges

Total comprehensive income / (loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income / (loss) is attributable to:

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interest

Note

39

35

Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the parent 

13

–  basic (cents)

–  diluted (cents)

Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the parent 

–  basic (cents) –  continuing operations

–  diluted (cents) –  continuing operations

Year 
ended 
2017 

$’000

9,848

–

2,732

127

12,707

12,753

(46)

12,707

22.28c

22.05c

27.76c

27.48c

Year 
ended 
2016 
(restated)
$’000

16,566

(1,133)

(18,440)

–

(3,007)

(3,117)

110

(3,007)

38.05c

38.05c

42.90c

42.90c

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

45

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 
/ AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2017

Non-current assets

Goodwill 

Other intangible assets 

Total intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment 

Investments accounted for using equity method

Deferred tax asset

Current assets

Assets held for resale

Inventories

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Obligations under finance leases 

Provisions for liabilities

Borrowings 

Deferred revenue

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings 

Obligations under finance leases

Provisions for liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Shareholders’ equity

Share capital 

Share premium 

Other reserves

Foreign exchange reserve

Accumulated profit

Total shareholders’ equity

Non-controlling interest

Total equity

Note

14

15

16

18

22

16

19

20

24

21, 23

30

21

34

21

21, 23

30

22

25

25

25

26

2017 
$’000

40,716

11,564

52,280

20,051

1,721

2,689

76,741

1,500

9,705

47,718

22,349

81,272

158,013

(54,510)

(1,654)

(540)

(30,642)

(4,388)

(91,734)

66,279

(1,012)

(2,013)

–

(1,549)

(4,574)

(96,308)

61,705

684

–

61,699

(20,797)

18,595

60,181

1,524

61,705

2016 
(restated) 
$’000

37,631

9,987

47,618

12,215

–

4,557

64,390

7,200

8,410

46,473

11,174

73,257

137,647

(42,815)

(1,644)

(2,416)

(24,018)

(4,315)

(75,208)

62,439

(923)

(3,976)

(492)

(1,649)

(7,040)

(82,248)

55,399

684

–

61,377

(23,529)

16,286

54,818

581

55,399

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue on 16 March 2018 on behalf of the board of directors by

M Khalek
Director

46 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Balance at  
1 January 2016

Issuance of 
shares

Cancellation of 
share premium 

Transactions with 
owners

Profit for the year 

Dividend paid

Other 
comprehensive 
income

Total 
comprehensive 
income

Balance at 31 
December 2016

Prior year 
adjustment  
(note 39)

Balance at  
31 December 
2016 (restated)

Credit to equity 
for equity settled 
share-based 
payments 
(note 32)

Transactions with 
owners 

Profit for the year 

Other 
comprehensive 
income

Dividend paid

Acquisition of 
non-controlling 
interest

Total 
comprehensive 
income

Balance at 31 
December 2017

–

–

–

–

684

–

684

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

684

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Share
capital 
$’000

Share 
premium 
$’000

Other 
reserves 
$’000

Foreign 
exchange 
reserve 
$’000

Accumulated 
profit/
(losses) 
$’000

Total 
shareholders’ 
equity
 $’000

Non-
controlling 
interest 
$’000

Total  
equity 
$’000

670

35,458

57,228

(5,089)

(33,304)

54,963

691

55,654

14

–

4,149

–

(35,458)

–

14

(35,458)

4,149

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,163

35,458

–

35,458

16,676

4,163

16,676

(1,411)

(1,411)

(18,440)

–

(18,440)

–

–

–

4,163

–

4,163

(110)

16,566

–

–

(1,411)

(18,440)

(18,440)

15,265

(3,175)

(110)

(3,285)

–

–

–

–

61,377

(23,529)

17,419

55,951

581

56,532

–

–

(1,133)

(1,133)

–

(1,133)

61,377

(23,529)

16,286

54,818

581

55,399

195

195

–

–

–

–

–

–

9,802

195

195

9,802

127

2,732

–

2,859

(1,496)

(1,496)

–

–

–

–

–

–

46

–

–

195

195

9,848

2,859

(1,496)

(5,997)

(5,997)

897

(5,100)

127

2,732

2,309

5,168

943

6,111

61,699

(20,797)

18,595

60,181

1,524

61,705

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

47

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

Purchases of intangibles

Purchases of assets held for resale

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds on disposal of assets held for sale

Investment in joint venture

Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities 

Issuance of shares (net of share issue costs)

Consideration for acquisition of non-controlling interest

Repayments of obligations under finance leases

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Dividend paid to equity holders of the parent

Net cash from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year 

Effect of foreign exchange rates 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year 

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and bank balances

Note

27

28

28

28

Year 
 ended 
2017
 $’000

18,489

(8,498)

(1,573)

–

–

5,550

–

–

(4,521)

–

(5,100)

(1,953)

8,223

(4,000)

(1,495)

(4,325)

9,643

11,174

1,532

22,349

2017 
$’000

22,349

Year 
ended 
2016 
$’000

725

(3,697)

(400)

(266)

–

–

–

(6,239)

(10,602)

–

–

(1,900)

17,798

(40)

(1,411)

14,447

4,570

8,457

(1,853)

11,174

 2016 
$’000

11,174

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and bank balances. The carrying amount of these assets is approximately equal to 
their fair value.

48 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

1. General information
Gama Aviation Plc (previously Hangar8 Plc) is incorporated in the United Kingdom. The address of the registered office is the 
Business Aviation Centre, Farnborough Airport, Hampshire, GU14 6XA. The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal 
activities are set out in the directors’ report.

The Group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of Gama Aviation Plc and all its subsidiary undertakings 
drawn up to 31 December each year.

2. Changes in accounting policies
Adoption of new and revised standards
No amendments to these financial statements have been made as a result of adopting new and revised standards and 
interpretations.

Standards and Interpretations in issue but not yet effective
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations which have not 
been applied in these financial statements were in issue but not yet effective (and in some cases had not yet been adopted 
by the EU):

 / IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
 / IAS 36 (amendments) Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets
 / IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers
 / IFRS 16 Leases

The directors do not expect that the adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 36 will have a significant impact on the financial statements 
of the Group in future periods. 

IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers establishes a five-step model that will apply to revenue arising from 
contracts with customers. Revenue is recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to 
be entitled in exchange for goods and services and at a point when the performance obligations associated with these goods 
and services have been satisfied. The Group is currently assessing the impact to revenue accounting on adoption of IFRS 15. 

On adoption of IFRS 16, it is expected that both net debt and non-current assets will increase as obligations to make future 
payments under leases currently classified as operating leases are recognised on the balance sheet, along with the related 
‘right-of-use’ asset. The impact of implementing IFRS 16 is being evaluated by the Group. 

3. Significant accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
as adopted by the E.U.

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value 
of the consideration given in exchange for the assets acquired. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the 
Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December each year. Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has rights 
to, variable returns from its involvement in the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over 
the entity. 

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred in a business 
combination shall be measured at fair value, which shall be calculated as the total of the acquisition date fair values of the 
assets transferred by the Group, the liabilities incurred by the Group to former owners, the equity issued by the Group and 
the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the proportional share of the acquiree’s 
identifiable net assets. The consideration transferred also includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from 
a contingent consideration arrangement.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated income statement from 
the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. Where necessary, adjustments are 
made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used in line with those used by the Group. 
All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity 
therein. Non-controlling interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination 
and the minority’s share of changes in equity since the date of the combination. Profit or loss and each component of other 
comprehensive income are attributed to the equity holders of the parent of the Group and to the non-controlling interests, 
even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, 
without a loss of control is accounted for as an equity transaction, being a disposal or acquisition of non-controlling interest.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

49

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS3. Significant accounting policies (continued)
Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position 
are set out in the Business Review which forms part of the Strategic Report. The strategic report also describes the financial 
risk management objectives of the Group and its exposure to credit risk and liquidity risk.

The directors have performed a detailed analysis of the cash flow projections for the Group as a whole covering the period 
through to the financial year ended 31 December 2018 and beyond. The key assumptions in this forecast include the 
profitable growth of the trading businesses and the knowledge that the Group has material headroom in its debt covenants. 

The directors are therefore of the opinion that in all reasonably foreseeable circumstances the company will remain a going 
concern for at least twelve months from the date on which these financial statements have been approved and signed. 
Accordingly, the going concern basis has been adopted in the preparation of these financial statements.

Cash and cash equivalents
The Group’s cash and cash equivalents in the statements of financial position comprise cash at bank and on hand and 
short-term deposits with a maturity of three months or less from inception, which are subject to an insignificant risk of 
changes in value.

For the purpose of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short term deposits, 
as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts as they are considered an integral part of the Group’s cash management.

Assets held for sale
The Group classifies assets as held for sale if their carrying value will be recovered principally through sale rather than through 
continuing use. Such assets are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Costs to sell are 
the incremental costs directly attributable to the sale, excluding finance costs and income tax expense. The criteria for assets 
held for sale is regarded as only met when the sale is highly probable and the asset is available for immediate sale in its present 
condition. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are not depreciated or amortised once classified as held for sale.

Events or circumstances may extend the period to complete the sale beyond one year. An extension of the period required to 
complete a sale does not preclude an asset from being classified as held for sale if the delay is caused by events or circumstances 
beyond the entity’s control and there is sufficient evidence that the entity remains committed to its plan to sell the asset.

Investments in associate and joint venture
An associate is an entity over which the Group is in a position to exercise significant influence, but not control or joint control, 
through participation in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee. 

A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the 
net assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only 
when decisions about the relevant activities require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. 

The considerations made in determining significant influence or joint control are similar to those necessary to determine control 
over subsidiaries. 

The Group’s investments in its associate and joint venture are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The 
investment is carried in the balance sheet at cost as adjusted by post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the net assets 
of the investment, less any impairment in the value of the investment. Losses in excess of the Group’s interest in the investment 
(which includes any long-term interests that, in substance, form part of the Group’s net investment) are recognised only to the 
extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the investment.

Where a Group company transacts with an associate of the Group, profits and losses are eliminated to the extent of the 
Group’s interest in the relevant associate. Losses may provide evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred in which 
case appropriate provision is made for impairment. The Group’s share of the changes in the carrying value of the investments 
in associates is recognised in the income statement.

Goodwill
Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the amount of any non-controlling 
interests in the acquiree and the Group’s interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of a subsidiary, 
associate or jointly controlled entity at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is 
subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill which is recognised as an asset is reviewed 
for impairment at least annually. Any impairment is recognised immediately in profit or loss and is not subsequently reversed.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Group’s cash-generating units expected to benefit 
from the synergies of the combination. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment 
annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the 
cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying 
amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying 
amount of each asset in the unit. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period.

On disposal of a subsidiary or associate, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss 
on disposal.

50 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017Revenue recognition
The Group measures revenue as the fair value of consideration received or receivable and represents amounts received for 
goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, estimated customer returns, VAT and other 
sales-related taxes. 

Revenue is recognised when the amount can be reliably estimated, collection is probable, the Group retains neither 
continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control of the goods 
sold, and the inherent risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have been transferred to the other party. 

Where contracts include provisions for adjustments, including yearly increases based on external benchmarks, these are not 
taken into consideration until they are known.

Rendering of services
Revenue from services is primarily derived from the management or provision of aircraft which includes the revenues 
generated by special mission support, logistics support and charter. These services are referred to within the Group as “Air”. 
Revenue includes fixed contract fees and variable fees such as revenue earned with reference to flying hours. Revenue also 
includes the recharges for costs incurred relating to the management or provision of the aircraft. We record revenue relating 
to services rendered using an accrual method and in accordance with the terms of the contracts pursuant to which such 
services are rendered. Revenue from aircraft services is recognised based on contractual rates as the related services are 
performed. 

“Ground” revenues are materially associated with engineering activity which represents amounts derived from the provision 
of services to customers during the year, including aircraft maintenance and overhauls. The amount of profit attributable to 
the stage of completion of an engine and maintenance overhaul contract is recognised when the outcome of the contract 
can be foreseen with reasonable certainty. Revenue for such contracts is stated at the cost appropriate to the stage of 
completion plus attributable profits, less amounts recognised in previous years. The stage of completion is measured by 
reference to costs (mainly hours and materials) incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated costs for each contract. 
Provision is made for any losses as soon as they are foreseen. Other services within “ground” include design and modification 
work with revenue recognised on the same basis as that of the engineering and FBO operations and software. Revenues for 
FBO operations and software are recognised at the point of service delivery. 

Sale of goods
Revenues associated with the sale of goods represent amounts derived from sales activity whereby the Group procures 
aircraft, parts or components on behalf of customers for their use. Revenue is recognised when all the following conditions 
are satisfied: 

 / the Group has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods;
 / the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
 / it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity;
 / the costs incurred or to be in incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably; and
 / the Group retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective 

control over the goods sold.

Interest revenue
Interest income is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the amount of 
revenue can be measured reliably. Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding 
and at the effective interest rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through 
the expected life of the financial asset to that asset’s net carrying amount on initial recognition.

Leasing
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards 
of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Group at their fair value or, if lower, at the present value 
of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability to the lessor 
is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between finance expenses 
and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. 

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to income on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. 
In the event that lease incentives are received to enter into operating leases, such incentives are recognised as a liability. 
The aggregate benefit of incentives is recognised as a reduction of rental expense on a straight-line basis.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

51

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS3. Significant accounting policies (continued)
Foreign currencies 
The individual financial statements of each Group company are presented in the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which it operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the 
results and financial position of each Group company are expressed in US Dollars, which is the functional currency of the 
Company, and the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements. These financial statements are presented 
in US dollars because that is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates.

In preparing the financial statements of the individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s 
functional currency (foreign currencies) are recognised at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. 
At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at 
the rates prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are 
translated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured 
in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s foreign operations 
are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the 
average exchange rates for the period. Exchange differences arising are recognised in other comprehensive income and 
accumulated in equity. Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets 
and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate for each year end.

Total operating profit/(loss)
Total operating profit/(loss) is stated after the share of results of associates but before finance income and finance costs.

Retirement benefit costs 
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense when employees have rendered the 
service entitling them to the contributions. Payments made to state-managed retirement benefit schemes are dealt with as 
payments to defined contribution schemes where the Group’s obligations under the schemes are equivalent to those arising 
in a defined contribution retirement benefit scheme.

Intangible assets
Internally generated intangible assets are recognised only if they satisfy the IAS 38 criteria in that a separately identifiable 
asset is created from which future economic benefits are expected to flow and the cost can be measured reliably. The life 
of each asset is assessed individually. Where the life is considered to be indefinite no amortisation is charged. Included in 
intangible assets are internally generated assets relating to the costs incurred to commence operations in the United Arab 
Emirates in the process of gaining an AOC (Air Operators Certificate). The certificate has an indefinite life and without the 
certificate the operation cannot perform legally and as such amortisation is not charged.

Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in 
a business combination is their fair value at the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried 
at cost less any accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Included in intangible assets acquired are 
Part 145 approvals, licences and brand, customer relations and workforce, and computer software. 

 / Part 145 Approvals – These relate to the recognised regulatory approvals required by a business to perform maintenance 

in the EU and US Ground business.

 / Licence and brand, customer relations and software – recognised on acquisitions.

A summary of the policies applied to the Group’s acquired intangible assets is as follows:

Part 145 approvals   
Licences   
Brand 
Customer relations  
Software  

indefinite useful life, no amortisation charged, annual impairment review 
10% per annum, straight line method 
amortised over 18 months, straight line method 
10% per annum, straight line method 
33% per annum, straight line method

Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the 
income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further 
excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates and laws 
that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets 
and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and 
is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable 
temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be 
available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the 
temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business 
combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

52 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017 
 
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, 
except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary 
difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is 
no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet 
date that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. 

Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly 
to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends 
to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs incurred in bringing each product to its present 
location and condition are accounted for as follows:

 / Raw materials and consumables: purchase cost on a first in, first out basis
 / Work in progress: cost of direct materials and labour and a proportion of manufacturing overheads based on the normal 

operating capacity, but excluding borrowing costs 

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of completion and 
the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.

Property, plant and equipment
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment loss.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives, using the 
straight-line method, on the following bases:

Leasehold property  
Aircraft hull and refurbishments 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 
Motor vehicles 

Life of lease 
Remaining life of the aircraft, various rates between 5% and 20% per annum 
20% per annum 
20% per annum

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets or, where 
shorter, over the term of the relevant lease.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds 
and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the income statement.

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets excluding goodwill
At each balance sheet date the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine 
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the 
recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the 
asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of 
the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is tested for impairment 
at least annually and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future 
cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the 
time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying 
amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised 
immediately in profit or loss. 

Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group’s balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the 
contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets
Trade receivables and other receivables are measured at amortised cost less provision for doubtful debts, determined as set 
out below in “impairment of financial assets”. Any write-down of these assets is expensed to the income statement. 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

53

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS 
 
 
3. Significant accounting policies (continued)
Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. Financial assets are impaired where 
there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial 
asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been affected. 

For certain categories of financial asset, such as trade receivables, assets that are assessed not to be impaired individually 
are, in addition, assessed for impairment on a collective basis. Objective evidence of impairment for a portfolio of receivables 
could include the Group’s past experience of collecting payments, an increase in the number of delayed payments in the 
portfolio past the average credit period, as well as observable changes in national or local economic conditions that correlate 
with default on receivables.

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of the impairment is the difference between the asset’s carrying 
amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.

The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception 
of trade receivables, where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance account. When a trade receivable 
is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written 
off are credited against the allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognised 
in profit or loss.

Financial liabilities and equity
Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the 
contractual arrangement. 

Equity instruments
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its 
liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Group are recognised at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Other financial liabilities 
Other financial liabilities, including borrowings and payables, are initially measured at fair value and subsequently 
at amortised cost, net of transaction costs. 

Derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities
The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or 
when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. 
On derecognition of a financial asset measured at amortised cost, the difference between the asset’s carrying amount 
and the sum of the consideration received and receivable is recognised in profit or loss.

The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they 
expire. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognised and the consideration paid and 
payable, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognised in profit or loss.

Derivative financial instruments
The Group enters into derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to foreign exchange rate, using foreign 
exchange forward contracts.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently 
remeasured to their fair value at each balance sheet date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately 
unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition 
in profit or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship.

A derivative with a positive fair value is recognised as a financial asset whereas a derivative with a negative fair value 
is recognised as a financial liability. 

Hedge accounting
Hedges of foreign exchange risk on firm commitments are accounted for as cash flow hedges. 

At the inception of the hedge relationship, the entity documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and 
the hedged item, along with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. 
In addition, at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Group documents whether the hedging instrument 
is highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item. 

Cash flow hedges
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the foreign currency contracts that are designated and qualify as cash 
flow hedges is recognised in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised 
immediately in profit or loss.

Amount previously recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in 
the periods when the hedged item is recognised in profit or loss, in the same line of the income statement as the recognised 
hedged item. 

54 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Group revokes the hedging relationship, the hedging instrument expires 
or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. Any gain or loss recognised in other 
comprehensive income at that time is accumulated in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately 
recognised in profit or loss. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gain or loss accumulated 
in equity is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Provisions and contingent liabilities
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it 
is probable that the Group will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of 
the obligation. The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present 
obligation at the balance sheet date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a 
provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present 
value of those cash flows.

A contingent liability is disclosed where the existence of the obligation will only be confirmed by future events, or where the 
amount of the obligation cannot be measured reliably.

Exceptional items
Exceptional items relate to items which do not contribute to the underlying performance of the Group, and as a result are 
presented separately in the consolidated income statement. Their determination is made after consideration of their nature 
and materiality and is applied consistently from period to period. 

4. Key accounting estimates and judgements
Preparing financial statements in conformity with IFRS as adopted by the E.U. requires estimates and assumptions that 
affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The estimates and 
underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period 
in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods 
if the revision affects both current and future periods. Judgements and estimates made by management in applying the 
accounting policies that could have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are set 
out below: 

 / The directors have carried out their review of the accounting treatment of the various Group companies and ensuring that 
those that the Group exercises control, by virtue of the day to day control over the investee are deemed to be subsidiaries 
and for those where the Group is not able to exhibit day to day control, those entities are accounted for as associates or 
joint ventures under the equity method. 

 / For the financial year ended 31 December 2016, the Group considered that it controlled Gama Aviation FZE, Gama Support 
Services FZE and Gama Group Mena FZE even though it owned less than 50% of the voting rights. This was because the 
Group was the single largest shareholder with 49% equity interest and it enjoyed power over the day to day operations of 
the business. This gave the Group the ability to direct the relevant activities and therefore was able to use these powers to 
affect the amount of the investor returns. The results of Gama Aviation FZE, Gama Support Services FZE and Gama Group 
Mena FZE were therefore fully consolidated within the financial statements. As of 18 October 2017, Gama Aviation Plc now 
owns 100% of Gama Support Services FZE and Gama Group Mena FZE. The ownership of Gama Aviation FZE remains 
unchanged. Please refer to note 26, Non-controlling interest. 

 / For the financial year ended 31 December 2016, the Group owned 49% of Gama Aviation LLC, but it was classified as an 
associate because although it had exposure to variable returns from its shareholding it only held 25% of the shareholder 
voting rights and could only appoint one of the five Board Directors (20%). In addition, the Group did not possess any 
contractual or special relationship with any of the Board members or shareholders and as such the Group did not hold 
power over the Gama Aviation LLC business. The results of Gama Aviation LLC are therefore treated as an associate. As of 
1 January 2017, Gama Aviation Plc now owns 24.5% of Gama Aviation LLC, with the other 24.5% belonging to BBA Aviation 
Plc. Please refer to note 18, investments accounted for using the equity method.

 / In addition, the Group enjoys joint control over the day to day running and ability to direct the relevant activities of Gama 
Aviation Hutchison Limited, our Hong Kong joint venture. There are a number of reserved matters which are prescriptive 
and require approval by both Gama Aviation and our Hutchison partners and as a result Gama Aviation does not have the 
ability on its own to use the powers to affect the investor’s returns. As a result, the trading performance of Gama Aviation 
Hutchison Limited is treated as a Joint Venture in the financial statements. As of 2 March 2018, Gama Aviation Plc now 
owns 100% of Gama Aviation Hutchison Limited. Please refer to note 36, post balance sheet event. 

 / The goodwill and intangibles impairment reviews require the use of estimates related to future profitability and the cash 

generating ability of the related businesses. The estimates used may differ from the actual outcome. Details of the 
impairment review performed are set out in notes 14 and 15.

 / The allowance for doubtful debts is calculated based on management’s best estimate of the amounts which will be 

recovered from trade receivables. A proportion of the trade receivables balance is with individuals, for whom it is more 
difficult to establish a credit rating. Management are in constant communication with all debtors and assess the likelihood 
of recoverability on a regular basis. The estimate of the allowance for doubtful debts may vary from the actual amounts 
recovered if an individual becomes unable to pay. An analysis of the trade receivables balance and indications of credit 
concentration are provided in note 20.

 / The directors undertake an annual assessment to determine if there is any indicator of impairment of the Group’s aircraft. 
Where there is an indicator of impairment the directors undertake a full impairment review considering both the value in 
use and the recoverable amount of the aircraft. The value in use of aircraft is determined based on current levels of charter 
volumes and rates. The recoverable amount is assessed by reference to the aircraft’s market value. The market values of 
business aircraft have been volatile since 2008 and the low number of transactions for some model types makes valuation 
difficult in some circumstances. Where there is a lack of recent data the directors have taken a prudent view of valuation 
based on recent sales of similar aircraft types when assessing recoverable amount. This determination is applied to all the 
Group’s aircraft, including those held for sale within current assets.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

55

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS4. Key accounting estimates and judgements (continued) 
 / The directors’ consider exceptional costs to be those that do not contribute to the underlying performance of the Group. 

As a result, these costs need to be disclosed separately to be able to provide more relevant and reliable financial information. 
The exceptional items recorded in the income statement relate to transaction costs, and subsequent business integration 
and re-organisation costs, and legal costs arising from historic Hangar 8 activity. 

 / The residual values of the owned aircraft are the directors’ best estimate of their applicable values given the current market 

place for second hand aircraft using current data available and the expert aviation market experience of the senior 
management team. In 2016, an aircraft with a carrying value of $5.6 million was transferred to assets held for resale under 
IFRS 5. Two of the aircraft that were held for sale at 31 December 2016 were sold in 2017. 

 / The directors determined that the business model for the Group no longer includes the ownership of owned aircraft that 

are deployed on ad-hoc charter. As such, those aircraft to which this was applicable were reclassified as held for sale within 
current assets. Although the time period to sell the assets classified as held for sale has exceeded one year, this has 
occurred due to circumstances beyond the directors’ control, and is not unusual given the nature of the assets, and the 
directors remain committed to the plan of selling the remaining aircraft. The aircraft continues to be actively marketed 
for sale and is held at values that the directors believe are realisable within the current second-hand market place.

 / The directors exercise judgement in measuring and recognising provisions and exposures to contingent liabilities related 
to pending litigation and outstanding claims. Judgement is necessary to assess the likelihood that a pending claim will 
succeed, or a liability will arise and estimates are required to determine the possible range of any financial settlement. Due 
to the inherent uncertainty of such matters, the estimates used may differ from the actual outcome. Details of contingent 
liabilities are included in note 29.

 / Expected rebates from certain suppliers are calculated based upon actual and estimated future costs for the duration of 

the contract. When an agreement spans a financial period end, the Directors exercise judgement in estimating future costs, 
and hence determining the amount to be recognised in the current financial year.

5. Segment information
For management purposes, the Group is organised into business units, based on line of business and geographical location. 

Reported
An analysis of the Group’s revenue, gross profit, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted operating profit for the year ended  
31 December 2017 is as follows:

US: Air

Europe: Air

MENA: Air

Asia: Air

US: Ground

Europe: Ground

MENA: Ground

Other

Eliminations

Totals

Total
Revenue
$’000

5,000

91,821

23,528

74

120,423

30,775

60,462

5,371

96,608

2,488

(12,159)

Gross 
profit
$’000

5,076

11,887

1,886

Gross 
profit
%

>100

12.9

8.0

74

100.0

18,923

6,116

18,439

1,240

25,795

2,488

–

15.7

19.9

30.5

23.1

26.7

100.0

–

22.8

207,360

47,206

Underlying total operating profit

Amortisation

Exceptional items 

Share of associate’s exceptional items

Share-based payment expense

Profit on disposal of interest in associate 

Reversal of prior year losses of associate

Reversal of prior year losses of joint venture

Finance income

Finance costs

Profit before tax from continuing operations

56 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Underlying
EBITDA
$’000

Underlying
EBITDA
%

Underlying 
total 
operating 
profit
$’000

Underlying 
total 
operating 
profit
%

5,354

4,979

549

74

10,956

2,901

8,922

240

12,063

(2,952)

–

20,067

>100

5.4

2.3

100.0

9.1

9.4

14.8

4.5

12.5

(>100)

–

9.7

>100

4.9

2.0

100.0

9.0

7.6

13.9

1.6

22.4

(>100)

–

9.0

5,799

4,512

470

74

10,855

2,348

8,408

85

10,841

(2,952)

–

18,744

18,744

(1,441)

(2,622)

(365)

(195)

1,564

1,501

669

–

(1,709)

16,146

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017Reported
An analysis of the Group’s revenue, gross profit, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted operating profit for the year ended  
31 December 2016 is as follows:

US: Air

Europe: Air

MENA: Air

Asia: Air

US: Ground

Europe: Ground

MENA: Ground

Other

Eliminations

Totals

Total
Revenue
$’000

7,949

118,387

19,531

80

145,947

24,130

38,321

5,170

67,621

1,676

(12,207)

Gross 
profit
$’000

6,160

10,006

1,345

Gross 
profit
%

77.5

8.5

6.9

80

100.0

17,591

5,560

17,615

1,697

24,872

1,688

–

12.1

23.0

46.0

32.8

36.8

>100

–

21.7

203,037

44,151

Underlying total operating profit

Amortisation

Exceptional items

Share of associate’s exceptional items

Finance income 

Finance costs

Profit before tax from continuing operations

Underlying
EBITDA
$’000

Underlying
EBITDA
%

Underlying 
total 
operating 
profit
$’000

Underlying 
total 
operating 
profit
%

5,927

2,543

30

80

8,580

2,778

8,383

273

11,434

(2,720)

–

17,294

74.6

2.1

0.2

100.0

5.9

11.5

21.9

5.3

16.9

(>100)

–

8.5

75.2

1.7

(0.4)

(>100)

5.5

10.0

20.0

0.6

14.9

(>100)

–

7.6

5,173

2,031

(80)

(242)

7,682

2,401

7,660

32

10,093

(2,718)

–

15,057

15,057

(1,438)

(2,548)

(134)

9,750

(1,379)

19,308

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

57

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS5. Segment information (continued)
An analysis of the Group’s assets and liabilities by segment is as follows

US: Air

US: Ground

Europe: Air

Europe: Ground

MENA: Air

MENA: Ground

Asia: Air

Other

Investment eliminations

Other Group adjustments and eliminations

An analysis of the Group’s revenue is as follows:

Continuing operations

Sale of business aviation services

Sale of aircraft

Sale of inventories

Branding fees

Totals

Geographic information

Non-current assets

US

Europe

MENA

Assets

Liabilities

2017
 $’000

19,177

10,141

37,457

45,938

5,970

2,049

889

2016
 $’000

16,674

8,407

44,000

32,145

5,165

1,040

263

2017 
$’000

(6,342)

(1,481)

 2016 
$’000

(1,866)

(1,168)

(30,882)

(38,387)

(17,870)

(5,974)

(758)

(15)

(8,715)

(4,878)

(4,655)

(18)

150,267

143,686

(34,244)

(21,977)

(113,044)

(110,963)

–

(831)

(2,770)

1,258

–

(584)

158,013

137,647

(96,308)

(82,248)

Year 
ended 
2017 
$’000

186,472

12,885

3,929

4,074

207,360

2017 
$’000

2,720

16,148

1,183

20,051

Year 
ended
 2016 
$’000

197,169

–

–

5,868

203,037

2016
 $’000

2,217

9,577

421

12,215

Non-current assets for this purpose consist of property, plant and equipment.

58 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 20176. Operating profit for the year
Operating profit for the year has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):

Net foreign exchange loss / (gain)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (see note 16)

Amortisation of intangibles (see note 15)

Impairment of assets held for sale (1) (see note 16)

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense (See note 19)

Write-down/(back) of inventories recognised as an expense

Staff costs (see note 9)

Impairment losses recognised on trade receivables (see note 20)

Reversal of impairment losses recognised on trade receivables (see note 20)

Auditors’ remuneration:

Audit of the company’s annual accounts

Audit of the accounts of subsidiaries

Tax advisory services

Other assurance services

Year 
ended 
2017
 $’000

(425)

1,845

1,441

–

–

13,998

(384)

53,107

384

(68)

95

260

–

18

Year 
ended 
2016 
$’000

1,157

2,041

1,438

1,828

8

10,979

992

48,904

1,804

(514)

95

264

23

85

1  The directors observed in the year ended 31 December 2016, market values for second hand aircraft had been difficult and the number of 

distress sales had lowered the resale value of small and medium sized business aircraft. As a result, the Group undertook a detailed impairment 
review and determined that an impairment of $1,828,000 was necessary and recorded within assets held for sale. The directors carried out 
a similar review in the year ended 31 December 2017 and determined that no impairment was necessary.

7. Items not included in underlying EBITDA

Exceptional items

Transaction costs

Integration and business re-organisation costs

Legal costs

Share-based payments expense (note 32)

Year 
ended
 2017 
$’000

403

1,160

1,059

2,622

195

2,817

Year 
ended 
2016
 $’000

1,355

1,193

–

2,548

–

2,548

Transactions costs represent expenses incurred in respect of the transactions completed in the period, as well as costs 
associated with seeking out new potential investment opportunities. Integration and business re-organisation costs represent 
the subsequent third party and internal costs associated with the acquisitions. Legal costs relate to expenses incurred with 
respect to historic Hangar 8 activity, which do not form part of the underlying earnings of the business. Exceptional items 
include travel expenses and costs for executive management incurred in undertaking transactions, integration and 
restructuring together with the salary costs of certain permanent employees who are employed in place of external 
professional services.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

59

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS8. Discontinued operations
The losses from discontinued operations are generated by the owned aircraft within the Group that are held for sale as part 
of the Group strategy to exit the business model of owned aircraft that are deployed solely for the purposes of ad-hoc charter. 
The Group believes that operating the aircraft whilst held for sale reduces the losses borne in discontinued operations and 
helps to maintain their airworthiness, assisting the sale process. Two aircraft that were held for sale at 31 December 2016 
were sold in 2017. The results of these discontinued operations are presented below:

Discontinued operations

Revenue

Expenses

Operating loss

Net finance income

Loss before and after tax for the year from discontinued operations

Earnings per share

Basic – cents

Diluted – cents

The weighted average number of ordinary shares is included in Note 13. 

The net cash flows incurred by discontinued operations are as follows:

Operating activities

Investing activities

Net cash inflow/(outflow)

9. Staff costs 
The average monthly number of employees (including executive directors) was:

Operations and administration

Pilots and cabin crew

Aircraft engineering

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs (see note 33)

Year 
ended 
2017 
$’000

141

(2,563)

(2,422)

10

(2,412)

(5.48c)

(5.43c)

5,579

(5,550)

29

Year
ended 
2017 
Number

316

118

232

666

Year
 ended 
2017 
$’000

45,363

6,702

1,042

53,107

Year 
ended 
2016
 $’000

690

(2,916)

(2,226)

99

(2,127)

(4.85c)

(4.85c)

234

(267)

(31)

Year 
ended 
2016 
Number

285

106

195

586

Year
 ended 
2016 
$’000

42,362

5,551

991

48,904

Details of directors’ remuneration are given in the Remuneration Report on pages 30 to 32. The share option costs relating 
to these directors amounted to $56,000 (2016: nil).

60 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201710. Finance income

Foreign currency translation on intercompany balances

Total finance income

11. Finance costs

Interest on bank overdrafts and loans

Interest on obligations under finance leases

Other similar charges payable

Total finance costs 

12. Taxation

Corporation tax:

Current year charge

Deferred tax (note 22)

Total tax charge for the year

Year 
ended
 2017
 $’000

–

–

Year 
ended 
2017 
$’000

1,526

141

42

1,709

Year
 ended 
2017 
$’000

2,110

1,776

3,886

Year
 ended 
2016 
$’000

9,750

9,750

Year 
ended 
2016
 $’000

598

284

497

1,379

Year
ended 
2016 
$’000

1,612

(997)

615

The tax charge for the year, based on the tax rate in the United Kingdom, can be reconciled to the profit per the income 
statement as follows:

Continued operations

Discontinued operations

Profit before tax

Tax at the corporation tax rate of 19% (2016: 20%)

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Differences between capital allowances and depreciation

Utilisation of tax losses

Effect of tax rates in different jurisdictions

Other timing differences

Total tax charge for the year

Year 
ended 
2017 
$’000

16,146

(2,412)

13,734

2,609

(88)

(139)

(71)

1,593

(18)

3,886

Year
 ended
 2016
 $’000

19,308

(2,127)

17,181

3,436

2,421

(322)

(3,430)

(209)

(1,281)

615

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

61

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS13. Earnings per share (“EPS”)
The calculation of earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to the ordinary shareholders divided by the 
weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.

Numerator

Profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent: 

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent for basic earnings

Denominator

Weighted average number of shares used in basic EPS

Effect of dilutive share options

Weighted average number of shares used in diluted EPS

Earnings per share

Basic (cents)

Diluted (cents)

Basic – continuing operations (cents)

Diluted – continuing operations (cents)

Year 
ended 
2017
 $’000

12,214

(2,412)

9,802

Year 
ended 
2016 
$’000

18,803

(2,127)

16,676

43,994,442

43,827,775

450,572

–

44,445,014

43,827,775

22.28c

22.05c

27.76c

27.48c

38.05c

38.05c

42.90c

42.90c

To calculate the EPS for discontinued operations (note 8), the weighted average number of ordinary shares for both the basic 
and the diluted EPS is as per the table above. The following table provides the loss amount used.

Loss from discontinued operations for the basic and diluted EPS calculations

Year 
ended 
2017
 $’000

(2,412) 

Year 
ended
 2016 
$’000

(2,127)

62 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201714. Goodwill

Cost

At 1 January 2016

Recognised upon acquisition

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2017

Reclass from intangibles

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2017

Accumulated impairment losses

At 1 January 2016, 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2017

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

The recoverable amount of goodwill is allocated to the following cash generating units:

Europe: Air

Europe: Ground

2017
 $’000

18,972

21,744

40,716

$’000

43,566

5,015

(7,253)

41,328

(549)

3,634

44,413

3,697

40,716

37,631

2016 
$’000

17,792

19,839

37,631

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be 
impaired. The recoverable amounts of each business are determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions  
for the value in use calculations are those regarding the discount rates, growth rates and expected changes to direct costs 
during the period.

At the year end, the directors carried out an impairment review of the carrying value of the goodwill recorded in the  
Balance Sheet. Discounted cash flows over a 5 year period based on approved budgets and forecasts, were carried out  
using a discount factor of 11.5% (independently calculated by a third party), revenue growth of 5% with direct costs growing 
at between 3-5% and overheads growing at 2%. The results showed that the carrying values could be supported by the 
future cash flows. Accordingly, the directors have not recorded an impairment in the year.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

63

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS15. Other intangible assets

Cost

At 1 January 2016

Recognised upon acquisition

Additions

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 December 2016

Reclass from goodwill

Additions

Foreign exchange differences

Commence
 operations
$’000

Part 145 
approvals 
$’000

Licences 
and Brands 
$’000

Customer 
relations 
$’000

Computer 
software 
$’000

1,474

2,842

–

–

(21)

1,453

–

–

35

–

400

(481)

2,761

–

600

228

1,136

226

–

(216)

1,146

126

–

111

At 31 December 2017

1,488

3,589

1,383

Amortisation and accumulated impairment losses

At 1 January 2016

Amortisation

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 December 2016

Amortisation

Foreign exchange differences

1,201

2,842

–

(21)

1,180

–

35

–

(481)

2,361

–

228

664

416

(151)

929

243

96

At 31 December 2017

1,215

2,589

1,268

 Total
 $’000

13,958

4,261

400

(2,522)

16,097

548

1,573

1,461

9

11

–

(3)

17

12

973

47

1,049

19,679

3

6

(1)

8

9

–

17

5,562

1,438

(890)

6,110

1,441

564

8,115

8,497

4,024

–

(1,801)

10,720

410

–

1,040

12,170

852

1,016

(236)

1,632

1,189

205

3,026

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

273

273

1,000

400

115

217

9,144

9,088

1,032

11,564

9

9,987

The intangible assets relating to the commencement of operations were incurred in gaining an AOC (Air Operators 
Certificate) in the United Arab Emirates. These commencement costs meet the capitalisation requirements of IAS 38. This 
asset, the AOC, has not been amortised because the directors believe it has an indefinite life. The intangible assets relating 
to Part 145 approvals were incurred to be able to obtain Part 145 approvals in the United Kingdom and in United States. 
This asset, Part 145, has not been amortised because the directors believe it has an indefinite life. In addition, there are other 
intangible assets that meet the capitalisation requirements within IAS 38 which were acquired with the purchase of Hangar8 
Plc in 2015 and Aviation Beauport Group, FlyerTech Limited and Aerstream Limited in 2016. These include licences and 
brands, customer relations and workforce and computer software. 

The recoverable amounts of each business are determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions for the value 
in use calculations are those regarding the discount rates, growth rates and expected changes to direct costs during the 
period. The Group prepares cash flow forecasts derived from the most recent financial budgets approved by management 
for the next five years. The rate used to discount the forecast cash flows is 11.5% (2016: 11.5%). The directors have 
determined that no such impairments are required in the years ended 31 December 2016 and 2017.

64 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201716. Property, plant and equipment

Cost

At 1 January 2016

Additions

Additions due to acquisition

Reclassified as assets held for resale

Disposals

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2016

Additions

Disposals

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2017

Accumulated depreciation

At 1 January 2016

Charge for the year

Reclassified as assets held for resale

Eliminated on disposals

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2016

Charge for the year

Eliminated on disposals

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2017

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

Leasehold 
property 
$’000

Aircraft 
hull and 
refurbishments
$’000

Fixtures, 
fittings and 
equipment 
$’000

Motor 
vehicles 
$’000

13,529

4,387

4,719

2,678

2,712

–

–

(874)

9,235

4,294

–

779

14,308

2,638

799

–

–

(277)

3,160

471

–

163

–

–

(7,875)

–

(955)

4,699

2,599

–

577

7,875

3,106

303

(2,239)

–

(177)

993

281

–

109

648

262

–

(28)

(517)

4,752

1,201

(283)

279

2,510

781

–

(20)

(322)

2,949

867

(283)

184

3,794

1,383

3,717

10,514

6,075

6,492

3,706

2,232

1,803

(25)

(2,371)

5,949

1,407

Total
$’000

23,289

3,697

2,978

(7,875)

(28)

19,690

8,507

(306)

1,648

29,539

8,483

2,041

(2,239)

(20)

(790)

7,475

1,845

(297)

465

9,488

20,051

12,215

654

371

4

–

–

1,004

413

(23)

13

229

158

–

–

(14)

373

226

(14)

9

594

813

631

The Group’s obligations under finance leases (see note 23) are secured by the lessors’ title to the leased assets, which 
have a carrying amount of $6.7million (2016: $9.2million), being $6 million of aircraft and $0.7 million of motor vehicles 
(2016: $8.7 million of aircraft and $0.5 million of motor vehicles).

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

65

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS16. Property, plant and equipment (continued)
Assets held for resale
At the beginning of 2015, the Group had five aircraft that were held for resale. During the course of 2015, the Group disposed 
of three of these aircraft directly to third parties. In 2016, an aircraft with a carrying value of $5.6 million was transferred 
to assets held for resale under IFRS 5. The additions to its book value in the year are directly related to the continuing 
airworthiness of the aircraft. Two aircraft that were held for sale at 31 December 2016 with a book value of $5.7 million 
were sold in the first half of 2017. As at 31 December 2017, there is only one aircraft classified as held for sale. 

Although the time period to sell the assets classified as held for sale has exceeded one year, this has occurred due to 
circumstances beyond the Group’s control, and the Group remains committed to the plan of selling the remaining aircraft. 
The aircraft continues to be actively marketed for sale and is held at a value that the directors believe are realisable within 
the current second-hand market place.

Total 
$’000

20,043

7,875

266

28,184

(18,514)

9,670

16,917

2,239

1,828

20,984

(12,814)

–

8,170

1,500

7,200

Cost

At 1 January 2016

Reclassified from property, plant and equipment

Additions

At 31 December 2016

Reclassified from property, plant and equipment

At 31 December 2017

Provision for impairment

At 1 January 2016

Reclassified from property, plant and equipment

Impairment

At 31 December 2016

Reclassified from property, plant and equipment

Impairment

At 31 December 2017

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

66 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201717. Subsidiaries
Details of the Company’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2017 are as follows:

Name

Aerstream Limited*

Airops Software Limited*

Aravco Limited*

Avialogistics Limited**

Aviation Crewing Limited

FlyerTech Limited*

Gama Aviation (Asset 2) Limited*

Gama Aviation (Engineering) Limited (formerly 
Gama Engineering Group Limited)*

Gama Aviation Group Limited*

Gama Aviation (Training) Limited**

Gama Aviation (UK) Limited*

GA 259034 Limited*

Gama (Engineering) Limited*

GA FM54 Limited*

Gama Group Limited

Gama Leasing Limited*

Gama Support Services Limited*

Hangar8 AOC Limited

Hangar8 Engineering Limited

Hangar8 Management Limited

Infinity Flight Crew Academy Limited

International JetClub Limited

Optimum Aviation Limited

Ronaldson Airmotive Limited*

Aviation Beauport Holdings Limited*

Ferron Trading Limited*

Gama Aviation (Beauport) Limited 
(formerly Aviation Beauport Limited)*

Gama Aviation (Engineering) Jersey Limited 
(formerly Aviation Beauport (Hangar Services) 
Limited)*

Place of 
incorporation 
and operation

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Gama Aviation Holdings (Jersey) Limited

Jersey

Gama Aviation SA*

Oasis Flight Malta

Gama Aviation FZC*

Gama Group Mena FZE

Gama Holding FZC*

Gama Support Services FZE*

Switzerland

Malta

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

Proportion of voting 
and ownership  
interest

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

49%

Nature of business

Airworthiness management

Aviation software

Aviation management

Non-trading

Dormant

Airworthiness management

Aircraft operation

Holding company

Holding company

Aviation training

Aviation management 

Dormant

Dormant

Aircraft leasing

Holding company

Aviation management 

Dormant

Aviation charter

Aviation maintenance

Aviation management

Aviation training

Aviation management

Aviation management and charter

Dormant

Holding company

Holding company

Aviation management

Aviation maintenance

Holding company

Aviation management 

Dormant

Aviation management

Holding company

Holding company

Aviation design and engineering

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

67

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS17. Subsidiaries (continued)

Name

Gama Aviation (Engineering) Inc.  
(formerly Gama Support Services Inc.)*

Gama Aviation (Management) Inc.  
(formerly Gama Aviation Inc.)*

Gama Group Inc.*

Gama Aviation Limited*

Gama Group (Asia) Limited*

Gama Support Services Limited*

Star-Gate Aviation (Proprietary) Limited

South Africa

Hangar8 Nigeria Limited***

Hangar8 Mauritius Limited

Nigeria

Mauritius

Place of 
incorporation 
and operation

Proportion of voting 
and ownership  
interest

Nature of business

USA

USA

USA

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Aviation design and engineering

Aviation management

Holding company 

Aviation management

Holding company

Aviation design and engineering

Holder of South African AOC

Applicant of Nigerian AOC

Holding company

* 

indicates indirect holding

**  For the year ending 31 December 2017 below companies were exempt from the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to the audit 

of individual financial statements by parental guarantee. Gama Aviation plc has indirect holdings in these subsidiaries undertaken:

Avialogistics Limited, registration number 02265525 
Gama Aviation (Training) Limited, registration number 09234102

***  The consolidated financial statements include amounts relating to Hangar8 Nigeria Limited, a company established in Lagos, Nigeria. The 

Group holds 11% of the share capital, of which 7% is owned through a wholly owned subsidiary, Hangar8 Mauritius Limited. Whilst the Group 
therefore does not have legal control of this entity, the directors and officers comprise only of management from the Group who have the 
ability to adopt, amend and control the operating and financial policies of the entity. Local regulations prevent the Group holding a legally 
controlling shareholding and therefore 89% of the share capital is held on behalf of the Group by Tinubu Investment Company Limited. 
Accordingly, the entity has been treated as a wholly owned subsidiary in these financial statements.

Gama Aviation Plc holds a 49% shareholding in Gama Aviation FZE. The results of Gama Aviation FZE are fully consolidated 
within the financial statements because Gama Aviation Plc is exposed to variable returns from its involvement, and has the 
ability to affect the returns through its power over these companies. 

68 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017 
Details of the Company’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2016 are as follows:

Name

Aerstream Limited*

Airops Software Limited*

Aravco Limited*

Avialogistics Limited*

Aviation Crewing Limited

FlyerTech Limited*

Gama Aviation (Asset 2) Limited*

Gama Aviation (Engineering) Limited  
(formerly Gama Engineering Group Limited)*

Gama Aviation Group Limited*

Gama Aviation (Training) Limited*

Gama Aviation (UK) Limited*

GA 259034 Limited*

Gama (Engineering) Limited*

GA FM54 Limited*

Gama Group Limited

Gama Leasing Limited*

Gama Support Services Limited*

Hangar8 AOC Limited

Hangar8 Engineering Limited

Hangar8 Management Limited

Infinity Flight Crew Academy Limited

International JetClub Limited

Optimum Aviation Limited

Ronaldson Airmotive Limited*

Aviation Beauport Holdings Limited*

Ferron Trading Limited*

Gama Aviation (Beauport) Limited  
(formerly Aviation Beauport Limited)*

Gama Aviation (Engineering) Jersey Limited 
(formerly Aviation Beauport (Hangar Services) 
Limited)*

Gama Aviation Holdings (Jersey) Limited

Gama Aviation SA*

Oasis Flight Malta

Gama Aviation FZE*

Place of 
incorporation 
and operation

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Switzerland

Malta

UAE

Proportion of voting 
and ownership  
interest

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

49%

Nature of business

Airworthiness management

Aviation software

Aviation management

Aviation cleaning

Aviation crewing

Airworthiness management

Aircraft operation

Holding company

Holding company

Aviation training

Aviation management 

Aircraft leasing

Aviation design and engineering

Aircraft leasing

Holding company

Aviation management 

Aviation design and engineering

Aviation charter

Aviation maintenance

Aviation management

Aviation training

Aviation management

Aviation management and charter

Aircraft servicing and rebuilding

Holding company

Holding company

Aviation management

Holding company

Holding company

Aviation Management

Dormant

Aviation management 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

69

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS17. Subsidiaries (continued)

Name

Gama Group Mena FZE*

Gama Aviation (Engineering) Inc.  
(formerly Gama Support Services Inc.)*

Gama Aviation (Management) Inc.  
(formerly Gama Aviation Inc.)*

Gama Group Inc.*

Gama Aviation Limited*

Gama Group (Asia) Limited*

Gama Support Services Limited*

* 

indicates indirect holding

Place of 
incorporation 
and operation

Proportion of voting 
and ownership  
interest

UAE

USA

USA

USA

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

49%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Nature of business

Holding company

Aviation design and engineering

Aviation management 

Holding company 

Aviation management

Holding company

Aviation design and engineering

**  The consolidated financial statements include amounts relating to Hangar8 Nigeria Limited, a company established in Lagos, Nigeria. The 

Group holds 11% of the share capital, of which 7% is owned through a wholly owned subsidiary, Hangar8 Mauritius Limited. Whilst the Group 
therefore does not have legal control of this entity, the directors and officers comprise only of management from the Group who have the 
ability to adopt, amend and control the operating and financial policies of the entity. Local regulations prevent the Group holding a legally 
controlling shareholding and therefore 89% of the share capital is held on behalf of the Group by Tinubu Investment Company Limited. 
Accordingly, the entity has been treated as a wholly owned subsidiary in these financial statements.

Gama Aviation Plc holds a 49% shareholding in Gama Aviation FZE, Gama Support Services FZE and Gama Group Mena FZE. 
The results of Gama Aviation FZE, Gama Support Services FZE and Gama Group Mena FZE are fully consolidated within the 
financial statements because Gama Aviation Plc is exposed to variable returns from its involvement, and has the ability to 
affect the returns through its power over these companies. 

18. Investments accounted for using the equity method
Details of the Group’s investments accounted for using the equity method at 31 December 2016 and 2017 are as follows:

Name

Gama Aviation LLC

Investment

Associate

Place of 
incorporation and 
operation

USA

Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings

Joint venture

Hong Kong

Proportion of 
ownership interest

Proportion of voting 
power held

24.5%

50.0%

25.0%

50.0%

At 31 December 2016, the Group held a 49% interest in Gama Aviation LLC and accounted for this investment as an associate. 
On 1 January 2017, Gama Aviation LLC merged its aircraft management and charter operations with Landmark Aviation LLC, 
a wholly owned subsidiary of BBA Aviation Plc. As a consequence, the Group transferred a 24.5% interest to BBA Aviation Plc 
in return for 24.5% of the net assets of Landmark Aviation LLC. This transaction has resulted in the recognition of a profit on 
disposal of interest in associate of $1,564,000. The Group has retained the remaining 24.5% and continues to account for 
the investment as an associate. 

The results of the equity accounted investments are as follows:

Associate

Joint venture

Year ended  
2017  
$’000

387,366

(386,730)

Year ended  
2016  
$’000

231,560

(231,592)

Year ended  
2017  
$’000

14,793

(15,335)

Year ended  
2016  
$’000

16,542

(17,185)

636

–

636

157

1,501

1,658

(32)

16

(16)

(8)

–

(8)

(542)

–

(542)

–

669

669

(643)

–

(643)

(322)

–

(322)

Revenue

Expenditure

Profit / (loss) before tax

Income tax expense

Profit / (loss) after tax

Group’s share of net profit / (loss)

Reversal of prior year losses

Share of results from equity accounted 
investments

70 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017The summary financial positions of the equity accounted investments are as follows:

Associate

Joint venture

Year ended  
2017  
$’000

Year ended  
2016  
$’000

Year ended  
2017  
$’000

Year ended  
2016  
$’000

At 1 January

Share of net profit / (loss)

Included in provisions

Profit on disposal of interest in associate

At 31 December

–

157

–

1,564

1,721

–

(8)

8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

The summary financial positions of the equity accounted investments are as follows:

Total assets

Total liabilities

Net assets / (liabilities)

Group’s share of net assets / (liabilities)

Goodwill arising on disposal of investment

Included in provisions

Investment accounted for using the equity 
method (*)

Associate

Joint venture

Year ended  
2017  
$’000

41,276

(37,317)

3,959

970

751

–

1,721

Year ended  
2016  
$’000

18,120

(21,186)

(3,066)

(1,501)

–

1,501

–

Year ended 
2017  
$’000

5,500

(7,381)

(1,881)

(941)

–

–

–

(*) The Group has discontinued recognising its share of losses in the joint venture as the carrying value of this investment is $nil.

19. Inventories

Raw materials and consumables

Work in progress

2017 
$’000

7,085

2,620

9,705

–

(322)

322

–

–

Year ended  
2016  
$’000

3,914

(5,252)

(1,338)

(669)

–

669

–

2016 
$’000

6,347

2,063

8,410

The directors consider that the carrying value of inventories is approximately equal to their fair value. The cost of inventories 
recognised as an expense was $13,998,000 (2016: $10,979,000).

20. Other financial assets

Trade and other receivables 

Amount receivable for the sale of services 

Allowance for doubtful debts

Other debtors

Prepayments

Accrued income

2017
$’000

22,995

(2,968)

20,027

5,265

6,558

15,868

47,718

2016 
$’000

27,694

(3,985)

23,709

3,975

5,396

13,393

46,473

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

71

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS20. Other financial assets (continued)
Trade receivables
Trade receivables disclosed above are classified as loans and receivables and are therefore measured at amortised cost.

The average credit period taken on sales of goods is 28 days (2016: 28 days). No interest is charged on overdue receivables 
(2016 – nil). The Group recognises an allowance for doubtful debts on a customer by customer basis, based on an analysis 
of the counterparty’s current financial position, against its current overdue debt. 

Before accepting any new customer, the Group assesses the potential customer’s credit quality and requests payments 
on account, where considered appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. 

Of the trade receivables balance at the end of the year, $3.3 million (2016: $3.3 million) is due from the Group’s largest 5 
customers who comprise 16% (2016: 14%) of the ledger value at the year-end. 

Trade receivables disclosed above include amounts (see below for aged analysis) which are past due at the reporting 
date but against which the Group has not recognised an allowance for doubtful receivables because there has not been 
a significant change in credit quality and the amounts are still considered recoverable. 

Ageing of past due but not impaired receivables

30-60 days

61-90 days 

91-120 days

121-360 days

361+ days

Total

Movement in the allowance for doubtful debts

At 1 January

Impairment losses recognised in income statement

Amounts written off as uncollectible

Amounts recovered during the year

Foreign exchange translation gains and losses

At 31 December

2017 
$’000

2,228

461

217

907

2,741

6,554

2017
 $’000

3,985

384

(1,664)

(68)

331

2,968

2016 
$’000

3,414

1,474

660

4,519

1,799

11,866

2016 
$’000

3,751

1,804

(486)

(514)

(570)

3,985

In determining the recoverability of a trade receivable the Group considers any change in the credit quality of the trade 
receivable from the date credit was initially granted up to the reporting date. 

Ageing of impaired trade receivables

< 30 days 

30-60 days 

61-90 days 

91-120 days

121+ days

Total

2017
 $’000

40

39

6

2

2,881

2,968

2016 
$’000

79

1

40

7

3,858

3,985

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables is approximately equal to their fair value. 
No security is taken on trade receivables.

72 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201721. Borrowings

Secured borrowings at amortised cost

Finance lease liabilities (note 23)

Other loans

Total borrowings

Finance lease liabilities

Other loans

Amount due for settlement within 12 months

Finance lease liabilities

Other loans

Amount due for settlement after 12 months

Analysis of borrowings by currency:

31 December 2017

Finance lease liabilities

Other loans

31 December 2016

Finance lease liabilities

Other loans

2017
$’000

3,667

31,654

35,321

1,654

30,642

32,296

2,013

1,012

3,025

Sterling 
$’000

US Dollars
 $’000

–

31,654

31,654

1,794

20,941

22,735

3,667

–

3,667

3,826

4,000

7,826

2016 
$’000

5,620

24,941

30,561

1,644

24,018

25,662

3,976

923

4,899

Total
 $’000

3,667

31,654

35,321

5,620

24,941

30,561

The other principal features of the Group’s borrowings are as follows.

(i)  Finance lease liabilities are secured by the assets leased. Interest arises at an average of 2.8% (2016: 2.4%) and the leases 

expire in 2022.

(ii)  Other loans include:

 / £0.75 million (2016: £0.75 million), which has no fixed repayment term and carries an interest rate of 9.5% per annum  

(2016: 9.5%). 

 / £22.0 million (2016: £15.5 million) revolving credit facility with a repayment term of less than 1 year and carries an interest 

rate of LIBOR + 1.95%.

 / A loan amounting to $4.0 million in 2016 was repaid in 2017. This carried an interest rate of 12% per annum and was 

repayable on demand. 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

73

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS22. Deferred tax
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the Group and movements thereon during 
the current and prior reporting period.

At 1 January 2016

Movement in year

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2016

Movement in year

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2017

Fixed asset 
temporary 
differences 
$’000

(1,395)

(198)

(56)

(1,649)

(70)

4

(1,715)

Tax losses
 $’000 

3,407

1,195

(45)

4,557

(1,706)

4

2,855

Total 
$’000

2,012

997

(101)

2,908

(1,776)

8

1,140

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the Group has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the 
analysis of the deferred tax balances for financial reporting purposes:

Deferred tax asset

Deferred tax liability

Net deferred tax asset

2017 
$’000

2,689

(1,549)

1,140

2016
 $’000

4,557

(1,649)

2,908

The Group has not recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of losses brought forward of $3.6 million (2016: $5.2million) 
because the future recoverability of the asset is uncertain. 

The Group are able to recognise the deferred tax asset and its expected utilisation in future periods based on future 
profitable projections for that entity in which the deferred tax asset arose.

23. Obligations under finance leases

Amounts payable under finance leases:

Within one year

In the second to fifth years inclusive

Less: future finance charges

Present value of lease obligations

Minimum lease payments

2017 
$’000

1,751

2,121

3,872

(205)

3,667

2016
 $’000

1,801

4,144

5,945

(325)

5,620

74 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017Amounts payable under finance leases:

Within one year

In the second to fifth years inclusive

After more than five years

Present value of lease obligations

Present value of minimum lease payments

2017 
$’000

1,654

2,013

–

3,667

2016 
$’000

1,644

3,976

–

5,620

It is the Group’s policy to lease aircraft and cars under finance leases. The average lease term is ten years for aircraft and five 
years for cars. For the year ended 31 December 2017, the average effective borrowing rate was 4.6% (2016: 2.4%). Interest 
rates are variable. 

The fair value of the Group’s lease obligations is different to their carrying amount as shown in note 35.

The Group’s obligations under finance leases are secured by the lessors’ rights over the leased assets disclosed in note 16.

24. Other financial liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Trade and other payables

Accruals

2017 
$’000

45,068

9,442

54,510

2016
(restated)
 $’000

33,928

8,887

42,815

Trade payables and accruals principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. The average 
credit period taken for trade purchases is 50 (2016: 50) days. No interest is charged on the trade payables. The Group has 
financial risk management policies in place to ensure that all payables are paid within agreed credit terms.

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade payables approximates to their fair value.

25. Issued capital and reserves

Ordinary shares: authorised, issued and fully paid

At 1 January 2016

Issuance of share capital 

At 31 December 2016

Issuance of share capital

At 31 December 2017

Number

GBP

$’000

42,994,442

1,000,000

43,994,442

–

429,944

10,000

439,944

–

43,994,442

439,944

670

14

684

–

684

Share capital represents the amount subscribed for share capital at nominal value. The Company has one class of ordinary 
shares with a nominal value of £0.01 and no right to fixed income. 

On 1 March 2016, the issued share capital was increased by £10,000 by the issue of 1,000,000 shares of £0.01 each as part 
of the consideration paid for Aviation Beauport Limited. 

Share premium

At 1 January 2016

Cancellation of share premium account

Balance at 31 December 2016 and 2017

$’000

35,458

(35,458)

–

Share premium represents the amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value. The share premium account 
was cancelled on 22 June 2016. 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

75

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS25. Issued capital and reserves (continued)
Other reserves

Merger 
relief 
reserve 
$’000

Reverse 
takeover
 reserve
 $’000

Other 
reserve
 $’000

Own  
shares 
reserve
$’000

Cash  
flow hedge 
reserve
$’000

At 1 January 2016

Issuance of shares 

132,847

(95,828)

20,209

4,149

–

–

Balance at 31 December 2016

136,996

(95,828)

20,209

Share-based payment expense  
(Note 32)

Gains recognised on cash flow hedge  
(Note 35)

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance at 31 December 2017

136,996

(95,828)

20,209

–

–

–

195

–

195

–

–

–

–

127

127

Total
$’000

57,228

4,149

61,377

195

127

61,699

The merger relief reserve represents differences between the fair value of the consideration transferred and the nominal 
value of the shares. In 2015, this occurred as a result of the reverse takeover. The reserve was increased in 2016 upon the 
acquisition of Aviation Beauport Limited when shares were included as part of the consideration. 

The reverse takeover reserve represents the balance of the amount attributable to equity after adjusting the accounting 
acquirer’s capital to reflect the capital structure of the legal parent in a reverse takeover. 

Other reserve is the result of the application of merger accounting to reflect the combination of the results of Gama Aviation 
(Holdings) Jersey Limited with those of Gama Holding FZC, following the share for share exchange transacted on  
16 December 2014.

Own shares reserve is used to recognise the value of equity-settled share-based payments, provided to employees, 
including key management personnel, as part of their remuneration. Refer to note 32 for further details of these plans. 

Cash flow hedge reserve represents the cumulative amount of gains and losses on hedging instruments deemed effective 
in cash flow hedges. 

26. Non-controlling interest

Balance at 1 January 2016

Total comprehensive profit attributable to minority interests

Balance at 31 December 2016

Total comprehensive profit attributable to minority interests

Non-controlling interest movement

Balance at 31 December 2017

$’000

691

(110)

581

46

897

1,524

On 18th October 2017, Gama Holdings FZC, a subsidiary of Gama Aviation Plc, transferred its entire shareholding in Gama 
Group Mena FZC to Gama Aviation Plc, and became converted to an FZE. On the same date, Gama Aviation Plc acquired 
the remaining 51% shareholding in Gama Group Mena FZE. This is represented by the non-controlling interest movement 
of $897,000. 

76 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201727. Net cash generated by operating activities

Profit before tax from continuing operations

Loss before tax from discontinued operations

Profit before tax

Adjustments for:

Finance income

Finance costs

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Amortisation of intangible assets

Impairment of assets held for sale

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Loss on disposal of assets held for sale

Share of (profit) / loss of associate and joint venture

Profit on disposal of interest in associates

Share-based payment

Unrealised foreign exchange movements

Operating cash inflow before movements in working capital

Increase in inventories

Decrease/(increase) in receivables

Increase/(decrease) in payables

Decrease in deferred revenue

Decrease in provisions

Cash generated by operations

Taxes paid

Interest received

Interest paid

Net cash generated by operating activities

28. Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities

2017 
$’000

16,146

(2,412)

13,734

–

1,699

1,845

1,441

–

–

150

(2,327)

(1,564)

195

(2,037)

13,136

(543)

699

10,950

(223)

(249)

23,770

(3,624)

–

(1,657)

18,489

2016 
$’000

19,308

(2,127)

17,181

(9,928)

1,458

2,041

1,438

1,828

8

–

330

–

–

1,911

16,267

(2,432)

(462)

(9,624)

(1,407)

(159)

2,183

–

–

(1,458)

725

Borrowings

Finance lease liabilities

Total

At 1 January 2017

923

24,018

3,976

1,644

Long-term 
$’000

Short-term 
$’000

Long-term 
$’000

Short-term 
$’000

Cash flow:

Repayments

Proceeds

Non-cash:

Acquisitions

Reclassification

Foreign exchange movement

At 31 December 2017

–

–

–

–

(4,000)

8,223

–

–

89

1,012

2,401

30,642

(2,589)

(1,644)

–

–

626

–

–

2,280

(626)

–

2,013

1,654

$’000

30,561

(8,233)

8,223

2,280

–

2,490

35,321

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

77

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS29. Contingent liabilities
The banking facilities of Gama Aviation Plc and its subsidiary undertakings are secured by a fixed and floating charge over 
the assets of that company and its subsidiaries. The directors consider it highly improbable that any liability will crystallise 
as a result of this composite company multilateral guarantee.

The Group is involved in legal proceedings relating to historic Hangar 8 trading activity prior to the merger in January 2015 
and relating to disputes with Dustin Dryden and affiliated entities. 

There are currently proceedings by the Group to recover long-standing trade receivables. In addition there are proceedings 
brought against the Group in which claimants are seeking to recover damages for alleged contractual breaches. 
Further details of the litigations are provided in the Chief Financial Officer’s review.

The remaining proceedings fall into two categories, the first involves proceedings by the Company to recover long-standing 
trade receivables that amount to approximately US$5.5m. The Company has made adequate provisions or holds security 
against these claims and as a result the Board does not expect any further provisions will be required. In addition, 
based on legal advice, the Board considers the proceedings to recover these receivables are likely to be successful. 

The second involves a number of proceedings brought against the Company in which the claimants seek to recover damages 
for alleged contractual breaches which amount to approximately US$15.3m. Based on a detailed analysis of the claims 
and legal advice, the Board believes that these claims are speculative and/or overlapping and the Company continues 
to vigorously defend them and therefore no provision has been made in the accounts.

30. Provisions for liabilities

Losses of associate (note 18)

Losses of joint venture (note 18)

Consideration for subsidiary acquisition 

Amount due for settlement within 12 months

Amount due for settlement after 12 months

Total provisions

Provision brought forward

Utilisation of provision

Released to income statement

Foreign exchange movement

Provision carried forward

2017
$’000

–

–

540

540

2017
$’000

540

–

540

Losses of
associate
$’000

1,502

–

(1,502)

–

–

Losses of joint 
venture
$’000

Consideration for 
subsidiary 
acquisition
$’000

669

–

(669)

–

–

737

(249)

–

52

540

2016
$’000

1,502

669

737

2,908

2016
$’000

2,416

492

2,908

Total
$’000

2,908

(249)

(2,171)

52

540

78 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201731. Operating lease arrangements
The Group as lessee

Lease payments under operating leases recognised as an expense in the year

2017
 $’000

7,204

At the balance sheet date, the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under  
non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year

In the second to fifth years inclusive

After five years

2017
 $’000

3,837

10,115

6,181

20,133

2016 
$’000

7,290

2016
$’000

3,100

7,962

4,769

15,831

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for leasing of property, plant and machinery and cars. 
Leases are negotiated for an average term of 5 years.

32. Share-based payments
Equity-settled share option scheme
In 2017, options were granted on 6 January 2017 to certain employees of the Group. Options are exercisable at a price 
equal to $1.54. The vesting period is 3 years. If options remain unexercised after a period of 10 years from the grant date, 
the options expire. Options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before the options vest.

Details of the options outstanding during the year are:

At 1 January

Granted during the year

Forfeited during the year

At 31 December

Exercisable at 31 December

The estimated fair values of the options granted is $585,753 (2016: $nil).

The inputs into the Black-Scholes model are as follows:

Share price, US$

Exercise price, US$

Expected volatility

Expected life, years

Risk-free rate

Expected dividend yields

2017 
‘000

–

1,390

(80)

1,310

–

2017

154.00

155.00

28.36%

10

1.18%

1.66%

2016 
’000

–

–

–

–

–

2016

–

–

–

–

–

–

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price since 5 January 2015. The 
Group recognises total expenses of $195,251 (2016: $nil) related to equity settled share-based payment transactions in 2017.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

79

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS33. Retirement benefit schemes
The Group operates defined contribution retirement benefit schemes for all qualifying employees. The assets of the schemes 
are held separately from those of the Group in funds under the control of independent trustees. Where there are employees 
who leave the schemes prior to vesting fully in the contributions, the contributions payable by the Group are reduced by the 
amount of forfeited contributions $1,042,297 (2016: $991,000) represents contributions payable to these schemes by the 
Group at rates specified in the rules of the plans. As at 31 December 2017, contributions of $nil (2016: $nil) due in respect 
of the current reporting period had not been paid over to the schemes.

34. Deferred revenue

Deferred revenue 

2017
$’000

4,388

2016 
$’000

4,315

The deferred revenue arises in respect of management fees invoiced in advance. 

35. Financial instruments
The Group’s financial assets and liabilities, as defined under IAS 39 and their estimated fair values are as follows:

At 31 December 2017

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Net financial assets/(liabilities)

At 31 December 2016

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Net financial assets/(liabilities)

Loans and 
receivables 
$’000

22,349

40,813

–

–

63,162

Loans and 
receivables 
$’000

11,174

27,684

–

–

38,858

Financial 
liabilities at
amortised
 cost 
$’000

–

–

(51,063)

(31,654)

(82,717)

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost 
$’000

–

–

(41,682)

(24,941)

(66,623)

Book 
value 
 total 
$’000

22,349

40,813

(51,063)

(31,654)

(19,555)

 Book 
value
 total 
$’000

11,174

27,684

(41,682)

(24,941)

(27,765)

Fair 
value 
total 
$’000

22,349

40,813

(51,063)

(33,845)

(21,746)

 Fair 
value
 total 
$’000

11,174

27,684

(41,682)

(33,142)

(35,966)

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and trade and other payables approximate their 
carrying amounts due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of obligations under finance leases 
and borrowings are categorised within the level 3 hierarchy, and calculated using the discounted cash flow method. 

Financial risk management objectives
The Group is exposed to financial risks in respect of:

 / Capital risk;
 / Foreign currency;
 / Interest rates;
 / Credit risk; and 
 / Liquidity risk.

80 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017A description of each risk, together with the policy for managing risk, is given below. 

35.1 Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that the company and its subsidiaries will be able to continue as going concerns 
while maximising the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balances. The Group’s overall 
strategy remains unchanged from 2016.

The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in note 21, cash and cash 
equivalents and equity, comprising issued capital, reserves and accumulated profit as disclosed in the consolidated 
statement of changes in equity and in note 25. 

The Board of Directors reviews the capital structure on a regular basis. As part of this review, the committee considers 
the cost of capital and the risks associated with each class of capital, against the purpose for which the debt is intended.

A combination of finance leases and loans are taken out to fund aircraft which are owned by the Group. Debt is also secured 
to support the on-going operations and future growth of the Group. 

35.2 Market risk
The Group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest 
rates. The Group seeks to reduce foreign exchange exposures arising from transactions in various currencies through 
a policy of matching, as far as possible, receipts and payments across the Group in each individual currency. There has 
been no change to the Group’s exposure to market risks or the manner in which these risks are managed and measured. 
Interest rate risk is discussed further in section 35.2.2 Interest rate risk management.

35.2.1 Foreign currency risk management
The Group undertakes transactions denominated in foreign currencies; consequently exposures to exchange rate fluctuations 
arise. In particular the Group is exposed to sterling, euro and swiss franc exchange rate fluctuations. The Group seeks to 
reduce foreign exchange exposures arising from transactions in various currencies through a policy of matching, as far as 
possible, receipts and payments across the Group in each individual currency. In addition, where necessary, exchange rate 
exposures are managed by entering into foreign exchange forward contracts.

The following table summarises the Group’s derivative financial instrument that was entered into during the year. 

 Average exchange rate

 Foreign currency

Notional value

Fair value

Outstanding  
contract

2017 
$’000

2016
 $’000

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

2017 
$’000

2016
 $’000

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

Cash flow hedges

Floating USD forward 
up to 31 December 
2018

$1.345/£

–

12,000

–

8,922

–

127

–

This forward contract is forecast to be fully effective. As at 31 December 2017, the gain under the forward foreign exchange 
contract deferred in the cash flow hedge reserve relating to the anticipated future transactions is $127k. It is forecast that 
the sales and purchases will take place during 2018, at which time the amount deferred in equity will be reclassified to the 
income statement. The fair value of the forward foreign currency contract is categorised within the level 2 hierarchy and 
is measured at the market value of forward contracts with similar terms and conditions at the balance sheet date.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

81

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS35. Financial instruments (continued)
The table below summarises the FX exposure on the net monetary position of entities against their respective functional 
currency, expressed in group’s presentational currency:

At 31 December 2017

Entities with functional currency USD

Entities with functional currency GBP

Entities with functional currency CHF

Total

At 31 December 2016

Entities with functional currency USD

Entities with functional currency GBP

Entities with functional currency CHF

Total

USD/GBP
$’000

GBP/EUR
$’000

GBP/CHF
$’000

USD/Other
$’000

27

6,524

–

6,551

(1,807)

2,309

–

502

–

(115)

–

(115)

–

(658)

(6)

(664)

–

–

(2,248)

(1,465)

–

(4)

(2,248)

(1,469)

(87)

–

(13)

(100)

6

–

(14)

(8)

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 10 per cent change in the relevant foreign currencies. This percentage 
has been determined based on the average market volatility in exchange rates in the previous 24 months. The sensitivity 
analysis includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at the year 
end for a 10 per cent change in foreign currency:

At 31 December 2017

Total effect on profit of positive movements

Total effect on profit of negative movements

At 31 December 2016

Total effect on profit of positive movements

Total effect on profit of negative movements

USD/GBP
$’000

GBP/EUR
$’000

GBP/CHF
$’000

655

(655)

(12)

12

50

(50)

(225)

225

(66)

66

(147)

147

82 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201735.2.2 Interest rate risk management
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk as it finances fixed asset purchases using both fixed and floating interest rates. 
The risk is managed by the Group by maintaining an appropriate mix between fixed and floating rate borrowings. 

The Group’s exposure to interest rates on financial liabilities is detailed in section 35.3 Liquidity risk management section. 
The Group’s exposure to interest rates on financial assets has been assessed by management as insignificant. 

Interest rate sensitivity analysis
The sensitivity analysis below has been determined based on the exposure to interest rates for non-derivative instruments 
at the balance sheet date. For floating rate liabilities, the analysis is prepared based on the average liability held by the Group 
over the year. A 1 per cent increase or decrease represents management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change 
in interest rates. 

If interest rates had been 1% basis points higher and all other variables were held constant, the Group’s:

 / profit for the year ended 31 December 2017 would decrease by $454,000 (2016: $308,000); and 
 / other comprehensive income would not be impacted (2016: nil). 

The Company’s sensitivity to interest rates has increased during the current year due to the increase in the value 
of loans held. 

35.3 Liquidity risk management
Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the board of directors. The Group manages liquidity risk 
by maintaining adequate reserves and banking facilities, by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows, and by 
matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities wherever possible. There has been no change to the Group’s 
exposure to liquidity risks or the manner in which these risks are managed and measured during the year. Further details are 
provided in the Strategic Report.

The maturity profile of the financial liabilities is summarised below. The table has been drawn up based on the undiscounted 
cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the Group can be required to pay. 

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest 
rate %

n/a

2.8%

4.4%

n/a

2.4%

4.5%

Less than
1 year
 $’000

54,510

1,751

30,642

41,682

1,801

24,579

2-5 years
 $’000

–

2,126

1,012

–

4,144

1,010

After 
more than 
5 years 
$’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total 
$’000

54,510

3,877

31,654

41,682

5,945

25,589

31 December 2017

Trade & other payables

Finance lease creditors

Loans

31 December 2016

Trade & other payables

Finance lease creditors

Loans

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

83

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS35. Financial instruments (continued)
35.4 Credit risk management
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to 
the Group. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with credit worthy counterparties and requesting payments 
on account, where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. The Group’s exposure 
is continuously monitored.

Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers, coming from diverse backgrounds and geographical areas. 
On-going review of the financial condition of accounts receivable is performed. Further details are in note 20.

The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements represents the Group’s maximum exposure 
to credit risk. There has been no change to the Group’s exposure to credit risk or the manner in which these risks are managed 
and measured during the year.

36. Events after the balance sheet date
On 9 February 2018, Gama Aviation Plc announced its intention to raise further capital through the proposed placing of 
shares. The admission of the placing shares became effective on 2 March 2018. The Group raised £48 million (approximately 
US$67 million) to accelerate the Group’s strategy of becoming the leading global business aviation services group. Hutchison 
Whampoa (China) Limited (“Hutchison”) subscribed for shares in the placing and now holds approximately 21% of the issued 
share capital. $19.8 million of the proceeds were used to acquire Hutchison’s Hong Kong aviation interests: its 50% stake in 
Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings Ltd and its 20% stake in China Aircraft Services Limited. The balance of the proceeds is 
intended to be deployed in two Ground base maintenance facilities in the US and the development of the Sharjah business 
aviation centre in the Middle East and through acquisitions targeting Air opportunities in Europe and the Middle East and 
Ground opportunities in Europe.

37. Related party transactions
Balances and transactions between the company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on 
consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Transactions between the Group and its associates are disclosed below.

Trading transactions
During the year, Group companies entered into the following transactions with related parties who are not members 
of the Group:

Sale of services

Purchase of services

Gama Charters LLC

Saudi Bin Laddin

Crescent Investment LLC

Air Arabia, UAE

Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings

Zulu X-Ray Services Limited

G Khalek

Valentia Properties Limited

Merlin Financial Advisors

Oneti

Gebu Partners Limited

2017 
$’000

–

–

3,118

212

2,072

–

–

–

–

4,112

–

2016
 $’000

17,954

5,397

2,990

199

427

298

36

–

–

–

–

2017 
$’000

–

–

567

–

17

–

–

33

–

–

–

2016
$’000

316

–

859

–

–

–

–

17

85

–

31

84 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017The following amounts were outstanding at the balance sheet date:

Gama Charters LLC

Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings

Oneti Ltd

Crescent Investment LLC

Saudi Bin Laddin

Valentia Properties Limited

Zulu X-Ray Services Limited

Amounts owed by  
related parties

Amounts owed to  
related parties

2017  
$’000

–

1,522

–

–

–

–

–

2016  
$’000

–

1,388

–

–

371

–

–

2017  
$’000

–

–

2016  
$’000

31

–

142

4,000

–

–

–

–

165

300

15

113

Mr M A Khalek, a director and shareholder of the company, controls 24% of the voting rights of Zulu X-Ray Services Limited. 

The Group controls 25% of the voting rights of Gama Charters LLC, a company registered in the USA, indirectly through 
Operator Holdings LLC. 

The Group controls 50% of the voting rights of Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings, a company registered in Hong Kong. 

Crescent Investment LLC is an investor in Growthgate Capital, a director and shareholder of the company. 

The majority shareholder of Oneti Ltd is Mr G Khalek, a related party to Mr M A Khalek, a shareholder of the Group. 

King Salman, Saudi Bin Laddin, Air Arabia and M Sukkar and Co are entities under common management and control with 
the Group.

Merlin Financial Advisors is owned by Mr N Payne, a non-executive director of the Group up to 4 November 2016. 

Gebu Partners Limited is owned by Mr G Rolls, a non-executive director of the Group up to 3 June 2016. 

Valentia Limited is owned by Mr M Peagram, a non-executive director of the Group. 

All sales and purchases of services are made at market price. 

Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of the directors and other key management personnel of the Group are set out below in aggregate 
for each of the categories specified in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures. 

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Termination benefits

Share-based payments

2017  
$’000

2,135

225

–

79

2016  
$’000

1,935

188

68

–

2,439

2,191

Details of directors’ remuneration are given in the Remuneration Report on pages 30 to 32.

Ultimate controlling party
The Company’s ordinary shares are publicly traded on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock 
Exchange. There is no single controlling party. 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

85

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS38. Provision for employees end of service indemnity
Provision for employees’ end of service indemnity is made in accordance with the U.A.E. labour laws, and is based on current 
remuneration and cumulative years of service at the reporting date.

At 1 January

Amounts charged for the year

Paid during the year

At 31 December

2017  
$’000

296

109

(72)

333

2016  
$’000

264

61

(29)

296

39. Prior year adjustment
A liability of US$1.1 million has been raised in the form of a prior year adjustment. This arose as a result of an obligation in 
relation to one particular customer arrangement for services provided prior to 2014 in the Hangar 8 business, which had not 
been recognised at the time in error. This has resulted in an increase in the liabilities by $1.1m and reduced reserves by the 
same amount in the prior period. This has had no impact on the income statement in the prior period. 

86 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017/ PARENT COMPANY INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Independent auditor’s report to the members 
of Gama Aviation Plc

Opinion: Our opinion on the parent company financial 
statements is unmodified
We have audited the parent company financial statements 
of Gama Aviation Plc for the year ended 31 December 2017, 
which comprise the parent company statement of financial 
position, the parent company Statement of Changes in 
Equity and notes to the financial statements, including a 
summary of significant accounting policies. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied in their 
preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting 
Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ (United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:
 / give a true and fair view of the state of the parent 

company’s affairs as at 31 December 2017; 

 / have been properly prepared in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
 / have been prepared in accordance with the requirements 

of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities under those standards are further 
described in the ‘Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 
parent company financial statements section’ of our report. 
We are independent of the parent company in accordance 
with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit 
of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s 
Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have 
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence 
we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide 
a basis for our opinion.

Who we are reporting to
This report is made solely to the company’s members, 
as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the 
Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken 
so that we might state to the company’s members those 
matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s 
report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent 
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility 
to anyone other than the company and the company’s 
members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, 
or for the opinions we have formed.

Conclusions relating to going concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following 
matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us 
to report to you where:

 / the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting 

in the preparation of the parent company financial 
statements is not appropriate; or

 / the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements 

any identified material uncertainties that may cast 
significant doubt about the parent company’s ability to 
continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for 
a period of at least twelve months from the date when the 
financial statements are authorised for issue.

Overview of our audit approach
 / Overall materiality: £387,000, which is 2% of the parent 

company’s total assets, restricted to 75% of group materiality.

 / Key audit matters were identified as impairment of 

non-current assets.

Key audit matters
The graph below depicts the audit risks identified and their 
relative significance based on the extent of the financial 
statement impact and the extent of management judgement. 

High

Potential
financial
statement
impact

Low

Low

Impairment of 
non-current assets

Intercompany 
balances

Extent of management judgement

High

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

87

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS 
/ PARENT COMPANY INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the parent 
company financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement 
(whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those that had the greatest effect on: the overall 
audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters 
were addressed in the context of our audit of the parent company financial statements as a whole, and in forming our 
opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Key Audit Matters

Impairment of non-current assets
The directors are required to make an annual assessment 
to determine whether the Company’s investment of £92.7m 
are impaired.

The process for assessing whether impairment exists under 
International Accounting Standard (IAS) 36 ‘Impairment 
of assets’ is complex. The process of determining the value 
in use, through forecasting cash flows related to cash 
generating units (CGUs) and the determination of the 
appropriate discount rate and other assumptions to be 
applied can be highly judgemental and can significantly 
impact the results of the impairment review.

We therefore identified impairment of non-current assets 
as a significant risk, which was one of the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement.

How the matter was addressed in the audit

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to: 

 / obtaining management’s impairment analysis and 
recalculating the arithmetical accuracy of those 
calculations including the sensitivity analyses;

 / comparing the assumptions utilised in the impairment 
models, including growth rates, discount rates and 
terminal values to budgets, previous results and third 
party support;

 / challenging management’s assessment of impairment 

indicators relating to intangible assets; 

 / comparing current market capitalisation to carrying value 

of net assets and calculated value in use for the subsidiaries; 

 / testing the accuracy of management’s forecasting 
through a comparison of budget to actual data and 
historical variance trends and reviewing the cash flows for 
exceptional or unusual items or assumptions; and

 / considering the detailed disclosures to ensure information 
provided in the financial statements is compliant with the 
requirements of IAS 36 and consistent with the results of 
the impairment review.

The company’s accounting policies on non-current assets 
are shown in note 1 to the parent company financial 
statements and related disclosures are included in note 4. 

Key observations
Based on our audit work, we have concluded that there is 
no impairment of the investments required to be recognised 
in the financial statements. 

88 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Our application of materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement 
in the financial statements that makes it probable that the 
economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person 
would be changed or influenced. We use materiality in 
determining the nature, timing and extent of our audit 
work and in evaluating the results of that work. 

We determined materiality for the audit of the parent company 
financial statements as a whole to be £387,000, which is 2% of 
the parent company total assets restricted to 75% of group 
materiality This benchmark is considered the most appropriate 
because it is a key focus area for management and the users of 
the accounts and represents underlying results of the business.

Materiality for the current year is lower than the level that 
we determined for the year ended 31 December 2016, 
reflecting the change in reported results.

We use a different level of materiality, performance materiality, 
to drive the extent of our testing and this was set at 60% of 
financial statement materiality for the audit of the parent 
company financial statements. 

The graph below illustrates how performance materiality 
interacts with our overall materiality and the tolerance 
for potential uncorrected misstatements.

Overall materiality

Performance materiality       60%
Tolerance for potential 
uncorrected mistatements  40%

We also determine a lower level of specific materiality for 
related party transactions of nil based on their significance 
to the financial statements. 

We determined the threshold at which we will communicate 
misstatements to the audit committee to be £19,000. 
In addition, we will communicate misstatements below 
that threshold that, in our view, warrant reporting on 
qualitative grounds.

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our audit approach was based on a thorough understanding 
of the company’s business and is risk-based. An interim visit 
was conducted before the year end to complete advance 
substantive audit procedures and to evaluate the internal 
controls environment including its IT systems. There has 
been no change in the scope of the audit from prior year. 

Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. 
The other information comprises the information included 
in the annual report, other than the financial statements 
and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial 
statements does not cover the other information and, except 
to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do 
not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the parent company 
financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other 
information and, in doing so, consider whether the other 
information is materially inconsistent with the parent 
company financial statements or our knowledge obtained 
in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 
If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent 
material misstatements, we are required to determine 
whether there is a material misstatement of the parent 
company financial statements or a material misstatement 
of the other information. If, based on the work we have 
performed, we conclude that there is a material 
misstatement of this other information, we are required 
to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Our opinion on other matters prescribed by the 
Companies Act 2006 is unmodified
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course 
of the audit:

 / the information given in the strategic report and the 

directors’ report for the financial year for which the parent 
company financial statements are prepared is consistent 
with the parent company financial statements; and

 / the strategic report and the directors’ report have been 

prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

89

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ PARENT COMPANY INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONTINUED)
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Matters on which we are required to report under the 
Companies Act 2006
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the 
parent company and its environment obtained in the course 
of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements 
in the strategic report or the directors’ report.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following 
matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 
requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

 / adequate accounting records have not been kept by the 
parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have 
not been received from branches not visited by us; or
 / the parent company financial statements are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
 / certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified 

by law are not made; or

 / we have not received all the information and explanations 

we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities 
statement set out on page 35, the directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the parent company financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors 
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of parent 
company financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the parent company financial statements, 
the directors are responsible for assessing the parent 
company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, 
as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the 
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either 
intend to liquidate the parent company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the parent 
company financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the parent company financial statements as a whole 
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our 
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, 
but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance 
with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement 
when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error 
and are considered material if, individually or in the 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence 
the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of 
these parent company financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for 
the audit of the financial statements is located 
on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at:  
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This 
description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Other matter
We have reported separately on the group financial 
statements of Gama Aviation Plc for the year ended 
31 December 2017. That report includes details of the 
group key audit matters; how we applied the concept 
of materiality in planning and performing our audit; 
and an overview of the scope of our audit. 

Nicholas Watson
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants
London

16 March 2018

90 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Fixed assets 

Tangible fixed assets 

Investments

Current assets

Debtors due within one year 

Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Provision for liabilities

Deferred tax liability

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Called up equity share capital 

Merger reserve

Share-based payment expense

Profit and loss account

Equity shareholder funds

Note

3

4

5

6

7

2017 
£’000

–

92,619

92,619

33,486

111

33,597

(25,348)

8,249

100,868

2016
 £’000

–

85,583

85,583

32,212

100

32,312

(15,923)

16,389

101,972

–

–

100,868

101,972

440

89,495

195

10,738

100,868

440

89,495

–

12,037

101,972

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 16 March 2018, and are signed 
on their behalf by:

M Khalek
Director

The notes on pages 93 to 96 form part of these parent company financial statements.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

91

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

At 1 January 2016

Loss for the year

Total comprehensive income for  
the period

Issuance of shares

Cancellation of share premium

Dividend paid 

At 31 December 2016

Loss for the year 

Total comprehensive income for  
the year

Share-based payment contribution

Dividend paid 

At 31 December 2017

Share  
capital
£’000

Share 
premium 
£’000

430

22,770

–

–

10

–

–

440

–

–

–

–

440

–

–

–

(22,770)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Share-based 
payment 
reserve 
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

195

–

195

Merger 
reserve
£’000

86,506

–

–

Retained 
earnings
£’000

Total
£’000

(9,522)

100,184

(145)

(145)

(145)

(145)

2,989

–

2,999

–

–

22,770

(1,066)

–

(1,066)

89,495

12,037

101,972

–

–

–

–

(155)

(155)

(155)

–

(155)

195

(1,144)

(1,144)

89,495

10,738

100,868

92 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

/ NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

1. Accounting policies
Statement of Compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and in accordance with 
Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘The Reduced Disclosure Framework’ (FRS 101). The principal accounting policies adopted 
in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. These polices have all been applied consistently throughout 
the period unless otherwise stated. The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis. The Company’s 
financial statements are presented in Sterling. 

Changes in accounting policies
There have been no changes in accounting policies during the year.

Disclosure exemptions adopted
The following disclosure exemptions have been adopted:

 / Preparation of a cash flow statement
 / The requirements in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to disclose related party transactions entered into between two 

or more members of the Group as they are wholly owned within the Group.

 / Presentation of comparative reconciliations for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
 / Disclosure of key management personnel compensation
 / Capital management disclosures
 / Disclosures in respect of standards in issue not yet effective

The following disclosure exemption has also been adopted as equivalent disclosures are provided in the parent consolidated 
financial statements:

Reduced financial instruments disclosures relating to IFRS 7 as equivalent disclosures are provided by the parent entity.

Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The company recorded a loss of £155k for the year 
(2016: loss of £145k), had net current assets of £8,249k (2016: £16,389k net current assets), and had net assets of £100,868k 
(2016: £101,972k).

The directors have considered the cash flow requirement for the Group for a period including twelve months from the date 
of approval of these financial statements. Based on these projections the directors consider that the company and the Group 
will have sufficient cash resources during this period to pay it liabilities as they fall due.

Debtors
Debtors are recognised and carried at the lower of their original invoiced value and recoverable amount. Provision is made 
when there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to recover balances in full. Balances are written off when 
probability of recovery is assessed as being remote.

Taxation
Current tax, including UK corporation tax is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and 
laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all temporary differences that have originated but not reversed by the 
balance sheet date, except that the recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that the Company anticipates 
making sufficient taxable profits in the future to absorb the reversal of the underlying temporary differences. Deferred tax 
balances are not discounted.

Valuation of investments
Investments are stated at cost less any provision for impairment. Profits or losses arising from disposals of fixed asset 
investments are treated as part of the result from ordinary activities. At each balance sheet date Gama Aviation Plc 
reviews the carrying amount of its investment to determine whether there is any indication that this asset has suffered 
an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine 
the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. 
In assessing the value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount 
rate that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the investment asset 
for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to 
be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment 
loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Fixed assets
Fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation 
is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual values over their estimated useful lives, using the straight 
line method over 3 – 8 years. 

2. Loss attributable to shareholders
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, no separate Company profit and loss account has been 
included in these financial statements. The Company made a loss after tax of £154,944 for the year (2016: loss of £146,000). 
The total fees of the Group’s auditor, Grant Thornton UK LLP, for services provided are analysed in note 6 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

93

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

3. Tangible fixed assets

Cost

Balance at 1 January 2016

Balance at 31 December 2016

Eliminated on disposal

Balance at 31 December 2017

Accumulated depreciation

Balance at 1 January 2016

Balance at 31 December 2016

Eliminated on disposal

Balance at 31 December 2017

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

4. Investments

Balance at 1 January 2016

Impairment

Balance at 31 December 2016

Additions

Transfers from subsidiary undertaken

Contributions to subsidiaries and associates

Closing balance at 31 December 2017

Total 
£’000

53

53

(53)

–

53

53

(53)

–

–

–

Total
 £’000

85,676

(93)

85,583

3,859

2,982

195

92,619

Details of the Company’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2017 are as follows:

Name

Aerstream Limited*

Airops Software Limited*

Aravco Limited*

Avialogistics Limited*

Aviation Crewing Limited

FlyerTech Limited*

Gama Aviation (Asset 2) Limited*

Gama Aviation (Engineering) Limited  
(formerly Gama Engineering Group Limited)*

Gama Aviation Group Limited*

Gama Aviation (Training) Limited*

Gama Aviation (UK) Limited*

Place of 
incorporation 
and operation

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Proportion of voting 
and ownership  
interest

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Nature of business

Airworthiness management

Aviation software

Aviation management

Non-trading

Dormant

Airworthiness management

Aircraft operation

Holding company

Holding company

Aviation training

Aviation management 

94 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Name

GA 259034 Limited*

Gama (Engineering) Limited*

GA FM54 Limited*

Gama Group Limited

Gama Leasing Limited*

Gama Support Services Limited*

Hangar8 AOC Limited

Hangar8 Engineering Limited

Hangar8 Management Limited

Infinity Flight Crew Academy Limited

International JetClub Limited

Optimum Aviation Limited

Ronaldson Airmotive Limited*

Aviation Beauport Holdings Limited*

Ferron Trading Limited*

Gama Aviation (Beauport) Limited  
(formerly Aviation Beauport Limited)*

Gama Aviation (Engineering)  
Jersey Limited (formerly Aviation  
Beauport (Hangar Services) Limited)*

Gama Aviation Holdings (Jersey) Limited

Gama Aviation SA*

Oasis Flight Malta

Gama Aviation FZC*

Gama Group Mena FZE 

Gama Holding FZC*

Gama Support Services FZE*

Gama Aviation (Engineering) Inc.  
(formerly Gama Support Services Inc.)*

Gama Aviation (Management) Inc.  
(formerly Gama Aviation Inc.)*

Gama Group Inc.*

Gama Aviation Limited*

Gama Group (Asia) Limited*

Gama Support Services Limited*

Place of 
incorporation 
and operation

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Jersey

Switzerland

Malta

UAE

UAE

UAE

UAE

USA

USA

USA

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Star-Gate Aviation (Proprietary) Limited

South Africa

Hangar8 Nigeria Limited**

Hangar8 Mauritius Limited

*   indicates indirect holding.

Nigeria

Mauritius

Proportion of voting 
and ownership  
interest

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

49%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Nature of business

Dormant

Dormant

Aircraft leasing

Holding company

Aviation management 

Dormant

Aviation charter

Aviation maintenance

Aviation management

Aviation training

Aviation management

Aviation management and charter

Dormant

Holding company

Holding company

Aviation management

Aviation maintenance

Holding company

Aviation maintenance

Dormant

Aviation management

Holding company

Holding company

Aviation design and engineering

Aviation design and engineering

Aviation management

Holding company

Aviation management 

Holding company

Aviation design and engineering

Holder of South African AOC

Applicant of Nigerian AOC

Holding company

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 

95

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

5. Debtors

Amounts owed from group companies

Other debtors

Tax and social security

Prepayments and accrued income

6. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings

Trade creditors

Other payables

Bank loan

Overdrafts

Accruals and deferred income

2017 
£’000

33,351

128

–

7

2016
 £’000

32,058

128

24

2

33,486

32,212

2017 
£’000

2,982

231

19

21,962

–

154

25,348

2016 
£’000

–

155

5

15,522

49

192

15,923

The bank loan is a revolving credit facility with a repayment term of less than 1 year and carries an interest rate of LIBOR 
+1.95% (2016: LIBOR +1.95%).

7. Share capital

Issued and fully paid 
ordinary shares

At the beginning of the 
period

Issued in settlement of 
acquisition consideration

Other issues for cash 
during the year

At the end of the period

Nominal  
value

2017  
number

2017  
£’000

2016  
number

2016  
£’000

1p

1p

1p

1p

42,994,442

440

42,994,442

–

–

–

–

1,000,000

–

43,994,442

440

43,994,442

430

10

–

440

Further details of movements in the Company’s authorised and issued share capital are given in note 25 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

8. Related party transactions
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption not to disclose transactions with 100% owned members of the Group 
headed by Gama Aviation Plc on the grounds that 100% of the voting rights of the Company are controlled within the Group, 
and the Company is included in the consolidated financial statements.

96 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017