Quarterlytics / Gama Aviation Plc

Gama Aviation Plc

gmaa · LSE
Claim this profile
Ticker gmaa
Exchange LSE
Sector
Industry
Employees 501-1000
← All annual reports
FY2019 Annual Report · Gama Aviation Plc
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
G

a

m

a

A

v

i

a

t

i

o

n

A

n

n

u

a

l

R

e

p

o

r

t

2

0

1

9

ANNUAL REPORT AND  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   2019

 
 
 
 
GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

 
/ 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

2019 Highlights 

Chief Executive Officer’s statement 

Business overview, strategy and model 

Operational performance review 
Chief Financial Officer’s review 

Principal risks and uncertainties 

Section 172 statement 

/ GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors 

Corporate governance 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Corporate social responsibility 

Directors’ report 

/ FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent auditors’ 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 statement of financial position 

Parent company statement of changes in equity 

Notes to the parent company financial statements 

5

6

8

11
19

25

28

32

34

36

40

42

46

55

56

57

58

59

60

113

114

115

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

1

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSafe and  
DEPENDABLE

Strategic Report
2019 Highlights
Chief Executive Officer’s statement
Business overview, strategy and model
Operational performance review
Chief Financial Officer’s review
Principal risks and uncertainties
Section 172 statement

Your mission, our passion.

2 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Safe and  

DEPENDABLE

Strategic Report

2019 Highlights

Chief Executive Officer’s statement

Business overview, strategy and model

Operational performance review

Chief Financial Officer’s review

Principal risks and uncertainties

Section 172 statement

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

3

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS4 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ 2019 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 2019. 

/ Financial Highlights:

Revenue

$246.8m 

Pre-IFRS 16 Adjusted EBIT

$3.3m 

Up 7.3% on an organic and constant currency basis1

Down 61% on a constant currency basis2

Net debt 

$37.8m

(2018: Net Debt of $2.5m)

/ Financial summary:

Continuing operations:

Revenue

Gross Profit

Gross Profit %

EBIT

Profit/(Loss) Before Tax

Earnings per share (cents) 

Operating cash outflow 

$12.3m

(2018: $20.4m cash outflow)

Adjusted1 $m

Statutory $m

Dec-19
Post-IFRS 16

Dec-19
Pre-IFRS 163

Dec-18
Restated4

Dec-19

Dec-18
Restated4

246.8

39.5

16.0%

5.6

1.6

0.7

246.8

39.3

15.9%

3.3

2.3

1.8

234.9

44.5

18.9%

8.4

8.3

11.3

246.8 

39.5

16.0%

(7.0)

(11.0)

(18.2)

234.9

44.5

18.9%

(34.0)

(34.2)

(57.5)

1 

 The Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) Adjusted EBIT, Organic Revenue and Net Debt are defined in Note 2 of the notes to the financial 
statements and reconciled to the nearest IFRS measure in Note 6 and Note 28.

2  To aid comparability 2018 results have also been calculated on a constant currency basis.  This has been calculated using a constant foreign 
exchange rate of $1.28 to £1, being the cumulative average USD-GBP exchange rate for 2019 instead of the reported exchange rate of $1.34 
to £1 for 2018. On a constant currency basis, 2018 Revenue is $227.9m, Gross Profit is $43.2m, Gross Profit percentage is 19.0% and Adjusted 
EBIT is $8.3m.

3  The Group adopted IFRS 16 from 1 January 2019 and the 2018 comparatives are not restated for IFRS 16. To achieve year on year 

comparability of the results, Adjusted EBIT, Gross Profit, Profit/(loss) before Tax and earning per share have been presented on a pre IFRS 16 
basis for 2019 (consistent with the presentation for 2018) as well as on a post-IFRS 16 basis. The impact of IFRS 16 on the 2019 results were 
to increase Gross Profit by $0.2m, increase Adjusted EBIT by $2.3m, decrease Adjusted Profit before Tax by $0.7m and reduce Earnings per 
Share by 1.1 cents per share.

4  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

 / Revenue $246.8m (2018: $234.9m), up 5%, at constant currency up 8%2.
 / Gross Profit $39.3m (2018: $44.5m), down 12%, at constant currency down by 9%2.
 / Gross Profit Margin 15.9% (2018:18.9%), down 3.0ppts, at constant currency down by 3.1ppts2.
 / Adjusted EBIT $3.3m (2018: $8.4m), down 61%, at constant currency down by 61%2.
 / Net Debt, stated on a pre IFRS 16 basis, increased to $37.8m (post IFRS 16 $98.0m) from $2.5m at 31 December 2018.
 / No dividend recommended in view of COVID-19 uncertainties (2018: 2 pence per share).

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

5

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS 
 
 
/ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT

The market environment throughout 2019 was very 
challenging and highly competitive across all of our 
operating divisions and regions. By maintaining focus on 
our core business and continuing to provide a suite of services 
that are relevant to our customers’ needs, we delivered solid 
revenue growth. This was driven largely by organic growth in 
our US Ground division and by Special Mission contract wins. 
However, overall, the conversion of this solid top line revenue 
performance into Adjusted EBIT has been disappointing. 

Growth opportunities through strategic and value enhancing 
acquisitions have been limited by the quality and pricing of 
available targets. This has frustrated our plans to scale up our 
operations across some divisions leaving us with a sub-optimal 
cost base, both regionally and centrally, with the corresponding 
adverse impact on margins and Adjusted EBIT. 

Our efforts to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of 
the finance function and control environment were hampered 
by the absence, for an eight-month period between May and 
December, of a Group CFO to lead the required transformation. 
This was compounded by further churn in the senior finance 
team and the relocation of our HQ in the USA. Consequently, 
the business was deprived of direction from the finance 
leadership that is essential to optimise operational and financial 
performance. As a result, the Group was slow in identifying 
and implementing necessary cost reductions to mitigate 
margin erosion. 

Following the appointment of Daniel Ruback as CFO in 
December 2019, together with a new Group Financial Controller 
and other senior finance staff in 2020, the Group’s finance team 
now has the skills, experience and leadership necessary to 
deliver the transformation program and to provide much 
needed partnering and support to the business. I am confident 
that Daniel and his team will bring the necessary focus, stability, 
financial disciplines and controls that will help ensure the 
Group’s financial performance again reflects the strong 
fundamentals of the business.

Strategy
The Group is currently undertaking a strategic review 
in the light of our performance and developments in the 
marketplace in recent years. Following a dispassionate 
assessment of our achievements and of the challenges 
we have experienced in executing the existing strategy (of 
increasing depth, breadth and scale), we are now developing 
an updated strategy to underpin our business planning for the 
next three years. The revised strategy will be finalised and 
communicated in the coming months, and will include a 
sharper focus on the opportunities with the greatest potential 
for value creation, where the Group has established capability 
and competitive advantage in the largest business aviation 
markets. Alongside defined growth imperatives will be a 
sustained emphasis on controlling and leveraging costs 
and investments globally, supported by increasingly 
robust business systems and processes.

6 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Meanwhile, the Group’s liquidity position remains strong with 
c$17m of cash and c$29m of its $50m revolving credit facilities 
available to draw down at 25 July 2020.

The Group benefits from operating to a resilient and 
robust business model whereby recurring revenues are 
derived from long standing contracts. This, together with 
diligent management and operation of the business, will 
allow the Group to maintain its strong liquidity position 
through this crisis. 

Therefore, the Board believes that the Group is well positioned 
to capture new opportunities, such as the recent wins of the 
Jersey and Guernsey Air Ambulance contracts, to emerge out 
of this crisis in a stronger position.

Marwan Khalek
Chief Executive Officer

COVID-19 Response
The Company continues to monitor this evolving pandemic 
carefully to ensure its response remains effective. Our prime 
concern will always be the health and well-being of our global 
workforce and the clients we serve, and we continue to adhere 
strictly to all national government guidelines. The Group’s 
Global Leadership Team holds regular calls to review the 
latest developments and update its policies, procedures and 
controls in response to the evolving pandemic. 

All our divisions remain operational, as they have been 
throughout this pandemic, delivering services in support of 
our clients’ missions, particularly for those delivering critical 
services such as NHS Scotland, the Ministry of Defence and 
other government agencies. 

During this period, the Group has maintained a strong focus 
on preserving cash in particular by eliminating discretionary 
spend where possible and increasing our focus on the close 
management of accounts receivable balances.

Outlook
As was most recently communicated on 23rd June, activity 
levels in certain parts of the Group have been impacted by the 
COVID-19 pandemic. Underlying trading in Q2 has progressed 
in line with management’s revised assumptions on cost 
containment and cash preservation measures and maintaining 
contracted revenue streams. An exception to this is the 
performance of the Group’s Hong Kong based associate, 
China Aircraft Services Limited, in which the Group owns a 
20% equity stake, which has suffered significant losses in 2020 
as a direct result of COVID-19 related reduced volumes. The 
Group continues to make use of all available government 
sponsored assistance measures in all regions, including the 
$5.75m forgivable loan received under the US Paycheck 
Protection Program (part of the CARES Act). 

Given the continuing operational and financial uncertainties 
resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group’s financial 
guidance for the year ending 31st December 2020 remains 
suspended.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

7

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ BUSINESS OVERVIEW, STRATEGY AND MODEL

We are a multi-disciplinary, global aviation services Group, trusted to deliver 
mission critical services to those who use aviation as a platform to perform. 

/ The market opportunity

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

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

/  The business aviation market is highly 
fragmented with no single Air, Ground or 
Global Service competitor holding more than 
a low single digit percentage market share 

/  Larger scale prime contractors in the 
business aviation and defence segments are 
sub contracting non-core competency services 
to trusted, stable businesses that operate at 
a similar scale

8 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ 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. 

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 to increase the scale of its presence in its chosen market segments and to 
drive further revenue growth through cross-selling opportunities. 

Scale
of presence

Breadth 
of geographies and services

Depth
of our capabilities and expertise

Cross selling opportunities

Scale of 
presence

Breadth of geographies  
and services

Depth of our capabilities 
and expertise

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.

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.

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 value, 
increase our retention rates and allow us to become an indispensable, embedded component, of their day-to-day operations. 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

9

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ EXECUTING THE STRATEGY; OUR BUSINESS MODEL

Our business model has been continually enhanced over the last 
37 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

A i r

  d ivision
G l obal

G

r

o

Servi c e
und d i

s

v ision

FBO

Line
Maintenance

Design &
Mods

Base
Maintenance

10 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Air  o p eratio

n

s

/ Air Division
The Air Division provides global outsource services to customers using business aviation as an integral part of their mission, 
including corporations and public services such as air ambulance and aerial survey. It provides aircraft management, crewing, 
charter services, airworthiness and engineering oversight both to single aircraft operations and fleets, and delivers 
substantial special mission contracts for complex, time critical services.

Regional deployment of the Air Division business model

Air

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Aircraft management

Exit Part 135 
operations

Hold

Hold

Hold

Special missions

Evaluate

Scale 
organically

Evaluate

Evaluate

Charter

Evaluate

Evaluate

Hold

Evaluate

Key

Market entry via a commercial opportunity. Develop via JV.
Maintain position based on prevailing market conditions.

Evaluate  Market analysis, market entry strategy.
Enter 
Hold 
Develop  Adding breadth & depth to the established launch platform via further investment and/or acquisition.
Scale 
Exit 

Proven, mature business with established client base scaling up via further investment and/or acquisition.
Sale of business.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

11

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW (CONTINUED)

Base
Maintenance

G

r

o

u

nd op e r

Line
Maintenance

FBO

s

a tion

Design &
Mods

/ Ground Division
The Ground Division provides base and line maintenance, repair and overhaul, design and modification (MRO) and fixed base 
operations (FBO). As with the Air Division, Ground, offers its services to a variety of sectors including: Air Ambulance, Law 
Enforcement, Defence as well as commercial and business aviation operators. 

Regional deployment of the Ground division business model

Ground

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Base maintenance

Develop

Develop

Evaluate

Evaluate

Line & AOG maintenance

Develop

Evaluate

Hold

Hold

Design & modifications

Evaluate

Hold

Evaluate

Evaluate

FBO services

N/A

Evaluate

Building
through
investment

N/A

Key

Market entry via a commercial opportunity. Develop via JV.
Maintain position based on prevailing market conditions.

Evaluate  Market analysis, market entry strategy.
Enter 
Hold 
Develop  Adding breadth & depth to the established launch platform via further investment and/or acquisition.
Scale 
Exit 

Proven, mature business with established client base scaling up via further investment and/or acquisition.
Sale of business.

12 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

A i r

  d ivision
G l obal

Base
Maintenance

G

r

o

Servi c e
und d i

s

v ision

FBO

Line
Maintenance

Design &
Mods

/ Global Services Division
As from the 2018 Annual report, we are reporting FlyerTech and myairops Software in the Global Services Division, 
which were previously reported in Europe Air and Europe Ground respectively. 

FlyerTech provides consultancy services for change events inø the life cycle of an aircraft such as entry into service, lease 
hand-backs, repossession, modification, etc. Its services include continuing airworthiness management (CAM) and 
airworthiness review certification (ARC) that are regulatory requirements for business aviation and commercial 
airline operators. 

myairops Software has developed a suite of business aviation products deployed as “Software as a Service” (SaaS) and 
mobile app solutions for business aviation operators, FBOs and airports. The SaaS model allows for a far easier deployment, 
with users being able to be widely dispersed across several locations. 

Regional deployment of the Global Services division business model

Global Services

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

FlyerTech

myairops

Key

Develop

Develop
Organic investment: Rollout of SaaS platform

Market entry via a commercial opportunity. Develop via JV.
Maintain position based on prevailing market conditions.

Evaluate  Market analysis, market entry strategy.
Enter 
Hold 
Develop  Adding breadth & depth to the established launch platform via further investment and/or acquisition.
Scale 
Exit 

Proven, mature business with established client base scaling up via further investment and/or acquisition.
Sale of business.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

13

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW (CONTINUED)

/ GROUP OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Revenue

USD’000s

Air Division

Ground Division

Global Services Division

Total

Gross Profit

USD’000s

Air Division

Ground Division

Global Services Division

Total

Adjusted EBIT

USD’000s

Air Division

Ground Division

Global Services Division

Associates Division

Central Costs

Total

Statutory EBIT 

USD’000s

Air Division

Ground Division

Global Services Division

Associates Division

Central Costs

Total 

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements

14 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

2019

140,623

102,967

3,223

246,813

2019
(Post-IFRS 16)

2019
(Pre-IFRS 16)

12,947

24,131

2,395

39,473

12,837

24,050

2,395

39,282

2019
(Post-IFRS 16)

2019
(Pre-IFRS 16)

4,482

6,862

686

918

(7,383)

5,565

4,072

4,962

689

918

(7,377)

3,264

2018

Restated*

135,365

95,545

3,949

234,859

2018

Restated*
(Pre-IFRS 16)

15,938

25,868

2,662

44,468

2018

Restated*
(Pre-IFRS 16)

4,045

7,573

1,253

566

(5,024)

8,413

2018

2019
(Post-IFRS 16)

Restated*
(Pre-IFRS 16)

2,278

(28,234)

748

325

918

(11,271)

(7,002)

3,570

1,132

566

(11,023)

(33,988)

Operational highlights:

 / Air Division stable with solid performance in special mission contracts.
 / Revenue growth in Ground Division offset by increased costs.
 / Special mission contract performance remained strong with contractual KPIs achieved on all major contracts.
 / Middle East and Asia regions continue to be challenging.
 / myairops delivering software sales growth, however FlyerTech impacted by reduced revenues partly due to Brexit concerns.
 / Executive team strengthened by the appointment of new CFO Daniel Ruback in December 2019.

The above Group results are explained in detail below. 

/ AIR DIVISION

The Air Division provides global outsource services to customers using business aviation as an integral part of their mission, 
including corporations and public services such as air ambulance and aerial survey. It provides aircraft management, crewing, 
charter services, airworthiness and engineering oversight both to single aircraft operations and fleets, and delivers 
substantial special mission contracts for complex, time critical services.

Adjusted EBIT – pre IFRS 16

USD’000s

Revenue

Gross Profit

GP %

EBIT

EBIT %

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Total

2019

4,050

4,050

100%

3,898

96%

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018*

2019

2018*

2019

2018*

4,921

99,145

88,804

16,778

20,966

20,650

20,674

140,623 135,365

4,997

102%

4,892

99%

6,050

7,527

1,519

2,223

1,218

1,191

12,837

15,938

6%

622

1%

8%

186

0%

9%

11%

(571)

(1,361)

(3%)

(6%)

6%

123

1%

6%

328

2%

9%

12%

4,072

4,045

3%

3%

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements

Total Air Division revenue was $140.6m, representing growth of $5.2m (+4%) on last years $135.4m. This was mainly driven 
by a strong top-line performance in Europe Air, which increased by $10.3m partly due to a new UK special mission contract 
won in 2018, offset by weaker revenues in the other regions, particularly Middle East which fell by $(4.2)m due to reduced 
flight activity impacted by political challenges in the region. In addition, US revenues fell by $(0.9)m due to a one-off impact 
in the prior year relating to a branding fee termination agreement. US revenue includes $3.8m (2018: $3.8m) of licensing 
revenue and a $0.3m (2018: nil) modification gain in relation to a branding agreement.

Total Air Division Gross Profit was impacted by increases in direct costs (offset by overhead savings) and the impact from the 
prior year branding fee in the US. Total Air Division Adjusted EBIT was flat, with increased profit in Europe and reduced losses 
in the Middle East offset by profit reductions in the US (down by $(1.0)m) and Asia (down by $(0.2)m). The profit improvement 
in Europe by $0.4m to $0.6m was supported by a reduced loss allowance for doubtful debts and tighter management of 
costs. Losses in the Middle East reduced from $(1.4)m to $(0.6)m due to lower levels of funding of the start-up business in 
Saudi Arabia.

Special mission contract performance remained strong with contractual KPIs achieved on all major contracts, including the 
new five-year UK special mission contract won in late 2018, which commenced live operations on time in H2 2019. In addition, 
the in-sourcing by Europe Air of the helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) for the Scottish Ambulance Service 
progressed according to plan, leading to the successful go-live of this operation on 1st June 2020.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

15

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW (CONTINUED)

Adjustments to EBIT 

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Total

USD’000s

2019

2018

2019

2018

Exceptional items

(250)

(3,600)

(2,072)

Amortisation

Impairment charges

Profit on step 
acquisition

Application of IFRS 16

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

396

(846)

(334)

(24,915)

–

–

2019

134

–

–

–

–

2018

2019

2018*

2019

2018*

(27)

(16)

(57)

(2,204)

(4,530)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

14

–

(3,486)

986

–

–

–

–

410

(334)

(28,401)

986

–

Total adjustments

(250)

(3,600)

(1,676)

(26,095)

134

(27)

(2)

(2,557)

(1,794)

(32,279)

Discontinued 
operations

–

–

–

(807)

–

–

–

–

–

(807)

*  The effects of discontinued operations are shown on a single line on the face of the consolidated income statement. This effect is included 

already within the statutory result shown below and is split out in the table above to aid understanding. 

Statutory EBIT

USD’000s

EBIT

EBIT %

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Total

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018*

2019

2018

2019

2018*

3,648

1,292

(1,054)

(25,909)

(437)

(1,388)

90%

26%

(1%)

(29%)

(3%)

(7%)

121

1%

(2,229)

2,278

(28,234)

(11%)

2%

(21%)

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements

Air Division Statutory EBIT increased from a loss of $28.2m in 2018 to a profit of $2.3m in 2019. In addition to the movements 
discussed above, the key items impacting profit in 2018 were impairments of $24.9m in Europe and $3.5m in Asia in 2018 that 
did not recur in 2019; a decrease in exceptional items from $4.5m in 2018 to $2.2m in 2019, most significantly in the US; and a 
profit on the step acquisition of Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings Ltd of $1.0m in Asia in 2018 that did not recur in 2019.

/ GROUND DIVISION

The Ground Division provides global support to the business aviation, air ambulance, law enforcement and military sectors, 
deploying a service mix that is designed to deliver new capability and maintain availability of the aircraft to the operator. 
With a global network and increasingly rare independence from manufacturer ownership, the Division maintains all the 
necessary approvals to maintain aircraft from Gulfstream, Dassault Falcon, Bombardier, Embraer and Textron, providing 
heavy, ad-hoc and emergency maintenance as well as modifications and refurbishments.

Adjusted EBIT – pre IFRS 16

USD’000s

Revenue

Gross Profit

GP %

EBIT

EBIT %

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Total

2019

2018

2019

2018*

2019

48,943

37,517

48,176

52,301

6,360

8,101

15,605

15,720

13%

22%

32%

(268)

1,887

6,247

(1%)

5%

13%

30%

6,146

12%

4,372

1,453

33%

(466)

(11%)

2018

4,636

1,374

30%

(342)

(7%)

2019

1,476

632

43%

(551)

(37%)

2018*

2019

2018*

1,091 102,967

95,545

673

24,050

25,868

62%

23%

(118)

4,962

(11%)

5%

27%

7,573

8%

The Ground Division grew revenues by 8% to $103.0m (2018: $95.5m), resulting from continued organic growth in the US 
(30% growth to $48.9m) and Asia (35% growth to $1.5m) offset by reductions in Europe (8% down to $48.2m, or 3% down on 
a constant currency basis) and Middle East (6% down to $4.4m). In the US, the revenue growth was driven by major fleet 
customers including a new ‘service hub’ contract for a major private jet operator along with strong retail sales at our network 
of line maintenance stations. In Asia, growth was achieved through the Business Jet Maintenance Collaboration (BJMC) 
agreement with China Aircraft Services Limited (CASL) as expected. In the Middle East, FBO movements slightly reduced 
from 2018 with a knock-on effect on MRO revenues, while parking and hangarage remained close to capacity.

16 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Adjusted EBIT fell by 34% to $5.0m, primarily due to an Adjusted EBIT loss in the US of $(0.3)m (2018: profit of $1.9m) as a 
result of start-up losses and poor gross margin performance at the Florida Paint Shop, a loss allowance for doubtful debt 
with a fleet operator no longer trading, growth in operational management costs, and revenue shortfalls associated with the 
separation and divestment of the US Air business. These factors were exacerbated by financial reporting deficiencies 
following a major transition of the US finance team, resulting in the business being slow to identify adjustments required to 
the cost base. In Europe Gross Profit was maintained, supported by increased productivity associated with the new 
Bournemouth facility. The Middle East and Asia businesses were impacted by increased overheads, principally ground rent on 
the Business Aviation Centre in Sharjah and additional overheads in Asia as a result of increased rent for a new office and a 
strengthened management team.

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Total

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

Adjustments to EBIT 

USD’000s

Exceptional items

Amortisation

Impairment

Application of IFRS 16

2019

(657)

(6)

(4,891)

(2,630)

–

(633)

(540)

538

–

–

–

–

1,169

(113)

–

–

Total adjustments

(659)

(639)

(3,722)

(2,743)

–

–

–

193

193

2

(26)

–

(5,574)

(2,634)

(273)

–

–

–

–

–

(350)

–

(1,369)

–

–

(540)

1,900

–

–

(271)

(26)

(350)

(4,214)

(4,003)

Statutory EBIT

USD’000s

EBIT

EBIT %

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Total

2019

2018

2019

2018*

2019

2018

2019

2018*

2019

2018*

(927)

1,248

2,525

3,403

(2%)

3%

5%

7%

(273)

(6%)

(613)

(577)

(13%)

(39%)

(468)

(43%)

748

1%

3,570

4%

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements

Ground division Statutory EBIT fell from a profit of $3.6m in 2018 to a profit of $0.7m in 2019. In addition to the movements 
discussed above, the key items impacting profit in 2019 were an increase in exceptional costs in Europe from $2.6m in 2018 to 
$4.9m in 2019; impairment charges in the US in 2019 of $0.5m for which there was no equivalent cost in 2018; and an 
increase in statutory EBIT of $1.9m in 2019 as a result of the impact of the adoption of IFRS 16.

/ GLOBAL SERVICES 

The Global Services Division comprises two businesses, FlyerTech and myairops. FlyerTech provides continuing airworthiness 
management (CAM) and airworthiness review certification (ARC) services for business aviation and commercial airline 
operators. myairops has developed a suite of business aviation products deployed as “Software as a Service” (SaaS) and 
mobile app solutions for business aviation operators, flight support companies, FBOs and regional airports.

Adjusted EBIT – pre IFRS 16

USD’000s

Revenue

Gross Profit

GP %

EBIT

EBIT %

Total

2019

3,223

2,395

74%

689

21%

2018

3,949

2,662

67%

1,253

32%

After a relatively weak first half year, overall divisional performance in the second half year has improved significantly over 
the first half, resulting in full year revenues of $3.2m (2018: $3.9m) and EBIT of $0.7m (2018: $1.3m).

FlyerTech continues to generate healthy profit margins but results were impacted by the loss of CAM and ARC revenues from 
airline customers who ceased operations and by the loss of CAM work partly in relation to Brexit-related concerns from 
existing and prospective European customers in relation to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) accreditations.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

17

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW (CONTINUED)

myairops revenues and gross profits have grown significantly as sales of the new SaaS products have outstripped the phasing 
out of enhancement and support work on legacy “on premise” installations. Amortisation of product development 
investment has also increased significantly as new products have been launched, but EBIT has nevertheless improved. 
Market interest in the new products remains high with the true cloud capability of myairops offering strong differentiation.

Adjustments to EBIT

USD’000s

Exceptional items

Amortisation

Application of IFRS 16

Total adjustments

Statutory EBIT

USD’000s

EBIT

EBIT %

Total

2019

(45)

(316)

(3)

(364)

Total

2019

325

10%

2018

(121)

–

–

(121)

2018

1,132

29%

Global services Statutory EBIT fell from a profit of $1.1m in 2018 to a profit of $0.3m in 2019. In addition to the movements 
discussed above, statutory EBIT in 2019 also included amortisation of $0.3m in respect of software for which there was no 
equivalent amount in 2018.

/ ASSOCIATE INVESTMENTS

The US Air associate was sold after the end of the reporting period, see note 35 of the notes to the financial statements for 
further details. 

Overall, associate Adjusted EBIT increased from $0.6m in 2018 to $0.9m in 2019, with improvements in both China Aircraft 
Services Limited (CASL) and the US Air Associate.

Adjusted and Statutory EBIT

USD’000s

EBIT

US Air
Associate

China Aircraft
Services Limited

Total

2019

518

2018

359

2019

400

2018

207

2019

918

2018

566

18 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REVIEW

Group revenue is up 5.1% on a reported basis at $246.8m (2018: $234.9m) 
and 7.3% on an organic and constant currency basis.

Daniel Ruback
Chief Financial Officer

Group revenue

Pre-IFRS 16 Adjusted EBIT

$246.8m 

$3.3m 

Adjusted basic EPS 

Basic EPS

$0.7 cents

$(18.2) cents 

Operating cash outflow

Loss before tax

$20.4m to 
$12.3m

$34.2m to 
$11.0m

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

19

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

The 2019 year end process has been challenging, being significantly disrupted by COVID-19 and the related adjustments 
required to the normal ways of working. In addition, the effect of a significant amount of change in the finance function, 
primarily in respect of people, processes and systems, has caused additional challenge. Furthermore, in 2019 the Group 
changed auditors from Grant Thornton UK LLP to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 

As was disclosed in a recent market update, following my arrival in December 2019 a number of initiatives had been planned to 
strengthen and enhance the finance function and the Group’s accounting and financial reporting systems and processes. 
Unfortunately, these were significantly impeded and delayed by the impact of COVID-19. However, I am pleased to say that over 
the past weeks progress has been made in enhancing the strength of the finance team with several new appointments already 
in place and making a positive impact.

Progress in strengthening the financial processes, procedures and controls has also now started to accelerate. As an example, 
an enhanced governance and reporting framework has been implemented in parts of the Group to better manage customer 
collections, an area of challenge in certain areas of the business in recent years. In addition, system enhancements have been 
made, and continue to be made, to increase automation and reduce the quantum of manual intervention and reconciliations 
required between operational and financial systems. This should improve the timeliness and accuracy of management 
information.

The remainder of 2020 and beyond into 2021 will continue to see the Group working diligently through an improvement plan, 
focusing on reviewing, reassessing and revising processes, procedures and controls to position the Group with a strong platform 
to take advantage of its future growth and operational efficiency aspirations.

Strengthening the financial processes, procedures and controls remains a key priority for the Board. This will support and 
enhance the solid financing platform now available to the Group. In November a new $50m revolving credit facility was secured 
with HSBC and more recently in February a £20m loan was secured with HSBC to provide financing for three new Airbus H145 
helicopters, purchased to strengthen the Group’s position in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service market.

Continuing operations:

Revenue

Gross Profit

Gross Profit %

EBIT

Profit/(Loss) Before Tax

Earnings per share (cents) 

Adjusted1 $m

Statutory $m

Dec-19
Post-IFRS 16

Dec-19
Pre-IFRS 162

Dec-18
Restated3

Dec-19

Dec-18
Restated3

246.8

39.5

16.0%

5.6

1.6

0.7

246.8

39.3

15.9%

3.3

2.3

1.8

234.9

44.5

18.9%

8.4

8.3

11.3

246.8 

39.5

16.0%

(7.0)

(11.0)

(18.2)

234.9

44.5

18.9%

(34.0)

(34.2)

(57.5)

1  The Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) Adjusted Earnings before interest and tax (Adjusted EBIT), Organic Revenue and Net Debt are 
defined in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements and reconciled to the nearest IFRS measure in Note 6 and Note 28 to the financial 
statements.

2  The Group adopted IFRS 16 from 1 January 2019 and the 2018 comparatives are not restated for IFRS 16. To achieve year on year 

comparability of the results, Adjusted EBIT, Gross Profit, Profit/(loss) before Tax and earning per share have been presented on a pre IFRS 16 
basis for 2019 (consistent with the presentation for 2018) as well as on a post-IFRS 16 basis. The impact of IFRS 16 on the 2019 results were 
to increase Gross Profit by $0.2m, increase Adjusted EBIT by $2.3m, decrease Adjusted Profit before Tax by $0.7m and reduce Earnings per 
Share by 1.1 cents per share.

3  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

20 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

 
 
 
Revenue Bridge

Revenue – 2018 (restated)**

Impact of foreign exchange movements

Revenue – 2018 at 2019 exchange rate*

Acquisition of Florida Paint-Shop

Air Division

Ground Division

Global Services Division

Revenue – 2019

234.9

(7.0)

227.9

2.3

9.5

7.7

(0.6)

246.8

*  The Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) are defined in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements and reconciled to the nearest 

IFRS measure in Note 6. Constant currency calculations using a constant foreign exchange rate of $1.28 to £1, being the cumulative average 
USD-GBP exchange rate for 2019 instead of the reported exchange rate of $1.34 to £1 for 2018. On a constant currency basis, 2018 Revenue 
is $227.9m, Gross Profit is $43.2m, Gross Profit percentage is 19.0% and Adjusted EBIT is $8.3m.

**  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

 / Air Division was mainly driven by a strong performance in Europe Air, which increased partly as a result of the new UK 

special mission contract won in 2018, offset by weaker revenues in the other regions, particularly Middle East which fell 
by $4.2m due to reduced flight activity impacted by political challenges in the region. 

 / The Ground Division grew revenues by 8% to $103.0m (2018: $95.5m), resulting from continued growth in the US (30% 
growth to $48.9m) and Asia (35% growth to $1.5m) offset by reductions in Europe (8% down to $48.2m, or 3% down 
on a constant currency basis) and Middle East (6% down to $4.4m). 

 / Global Services revenue fell by $0.6m following a weak first half.

Adjusted EBIT Bridge

Adjusted EBIT – 2018 (restated)*

Decrease in gross profit

Increase in administrative expenses

– Decrease in impairment of financial assets

– Increase in depreciation and amortisation

– Increase in inventory obsolescence

– Decrease in other administrative expenses

Increase in associates

Adjusted EBIT – 2019

8.4

(5.2)

(0.2)

0.4

(0.9)

(2.9)

3.2

0.3

3.3

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

 / The impact of the application of IFRS 16 is set out in further detail in Note 23 of the notes to the financial statements. The 

Adjusted EBIT bridge is pre-IFRS 16 and excludes the impact of IFRS 16 on adjusted gross profit of $0.2m, on administrative 
expenses of $2.1m and on EBIT of $2.3m.

 / Gross profit is down by $5.2m because of a fall of $3.1m in Air, $1.8m in Ground and $0.3m in Global Services. Further detail 

is provided in the operational review.

 / The loss allowance for impairment of financial assets decreased by $0.4m to $0.4m (2018: $0.8m).
 / Depreciation and amortisation of $3.5m is up by $0.9m from the $2.6m reported in the prior year. This includes increased 
depreciation of $0.3m on fixtures, fittings and equipment related to office moves and $0.4m increased amortisation of 
software on internally developed software costs arising in myairops as well as purchased software, relating to operational 
and financial systems.

 / Inventory obsolescence increased due to $1.4m write-down in Europe Ground in line with the accounting policy set out in 
Note 2 of the financial statements, $0.4m write-down in US Ground to measure inventories at the lower of cost or net 
realisable value and $1.1m write-back in the prior year.

 / Associates are up following increased profit in both China Aircraft Services Limited (CASL) and Gama Aviation LLC year 

on year.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

21

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

Statutory EBIT Bridge

Statutory EBIT – 2018 (restated)*

Impact of application of IFRS 16 on adjusted EBIT

Decrease in adjusted EBIT as tabulated above

Decrease in exceptional costs

– Decrease in exceptional transaction costs

– Increase in impairment of right-of-use asset

– Decrease in other exceptionals

Increase in share-based payment expense

Decrease in acquired intangible amortisation

Decrease in profit on step acquisition 

Decrease in goodwill and intangible impairment

Statutory EBIT – 2019

(34.0)

2.3

(5.1)

1.7

3.5

(2.3)

0.5

(0.3)

1.5

(1.0)

27.9

(7.0)

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

 / The fall in exceptional costs is largely due to significant transaction costs of $3.5m in the prior year, partially offset 

by $2.3m impairment of the right of use asset associated with the Fairoaks lease. Note 6 of the notes to the financial 
statements provides further detail on other movements in exceptional items year on year.

 / Share based payment is up following reduced forfeitures year on year.
 / Amortisation of acquired intangibles is $1.5m lower following changes in useful lives in the prior year and as well as 

significant impairment of acquired intangibles in the prior year.

 / The prior year impairment of goodwill and acquired intangibles of $28.4m comprises $18.3m of goodwill in Europe Air, 

$2.8m goodwill on Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings Ltd (GAHH) in Asia Air and $7.3m impairment of acquired customer 
relationship intangibles comprising $2.8m on GAHH in Asia Air and $4.5m in Europe Air. In the current year $0.5m of 
acquired intangibles relating to the acquisition of the Florida Paint-Shop have been impaired.

Interest
There is a net interest charge for the period of $4.0m (2018: charge of $0.2m). The increase in the charge is as a result 
of $3.1m discounting on lease liabilities following the application of IFRS 16 and $0.6m of loan arrangement fees upon 
refinancing. Interest on borrowings remains in line with prior year at $1.0m.

Taxation
There is a total tax charge for the period of $0.5m (2018: charge of $0.5m). The Group operates across a number of 
jurisdictions and the effective rate of tax reflects the blended rate of operating in different countries. 

Earnings per share (EPS) and adjusted earnings per share
While shares in issue remain unchanged year on year, the weighted average number of shares in issue has increased from 
60.3m to 63.6m shares due to the share issue on 2 March 2018 weighting more heavily on 2019 than the prior year.

The fall in adjusted EPS from 11.3c to 0.7c includes the reduction in adjusted EBIT referred to earlier (7.8c), the adverse 
impact of shares in issue referred to above (0.3c), increased finance costs as a result of the write-off of existing arrangement 
fees on refinancing (0.6c) and the application of IFRS 16 (1.1c).

The loss per share improved from 57.5c to 18.2c, primarily due to the impairment of goodwill and intangibles impacting prior 
year EPS by 43.1c.

22 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Net debt and cash flow movements

Statutory EBIT (continuing and discontinued operations)
Non-cash components of EBIT
Net movement in working capital excluding Contribution to US Air Associate 
Contribution to US Air Associate
Gama International Saudi Arabia (“GISA”) operation startup funding
Taxes paid
Net cash expended on operating activities
Lease payments
Pre-IFRS 16 net operating cash flow

Capital expenditure net of disposals
Investment in China Aircraft Services Limited
Step-acquisition of Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings

Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired
Issuance of shares (net of share issue costs)
Net interest paid

Dividend paid to equity holders of the parent
Net cash from/(used in) investing and financing activities

(Increase)/ decrease in net debt
Net debt at the beginning of year 
Movement in capitalised arrangement fees

Application of IFRS 16 resulting in Obligations under leases

Effect of foreign exchange rates and other non-cash movements

Net debt at the end of year 

Analysis of net debt

Cash

Borrowings

Net Debt pre IFRS 16

Leases

Net debt at the end of year 

Dec-19

Dec-18
Restated*

(7.0)
23.3
(13.6)
–
–
(1.0)
1.7
(14.0)
(12.3)

(18.2)
–
–

(1.3)
–
(0.9)

(1.6)
(22.0)

(34.3)
(2.5)
0.3

(60.2)

(1.3)

(98.0)

(34.0)
31.9
(12.1)
(3.6)
(1.0)
(1.6)
(20.4)
–
(20.4)

(7.1)
(16.0)
(2.6)

–
63.7
(0.9)

(2.3)
34.8

14.4
(18.0)
0.4

–

0.7

(2.5)

Dec-19

Dec-18
Restated*

8.4

(46.2)

(37.8)

(60.2)

(98.0)

10.0

(12.5)

(2.5)

–

(2.5)

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements

 / Refinancing completed on 14 November 2019, providing a new $50.0m revolving credit facility.
 / Operating cash outflow pre-IFRS 16 decreased from $20.4m to $12.3m, due to improvement in working capital with the 

exception of collections on receivables, which is being actively addressed.

 / Capex of $18.2m comprises, $8.4m down payment on helicopters, $3.1m on software predominately in myairops, 

$2.3m investment in Sharjah, $2.3m Furniture, Fittings & Equipment, $1.1m Aircraft & hull refurbishment and $0.8m 
leasehold improvement.

 / On 10 January 2019, the Group acquired a paint and interior completion business previously operated by Lotus Aviation 

Group at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (“Paint-Shop”) for $1.3m.

 / $14.0m of lease payments include $5.5m for helicopters, which will end in 2020 following the insourcing and purchase 

of helicopters, $1.9m on aircraft in Europe Air, $2.6m in Europe Ground on hangars and facilities, and $3.7m in US Ground 
on facilities. 

 / Net Debt increased by $35.3m, as a result of increased Borrowings, including the initial funding for the three Helicopters 
for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) to support the Scottish Ambulance Service. In addition, on application 
of IFRS 16 obligation under leases of $60.2m have been included in net debt.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

23

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

/ Dividend
Given the desirability of conserving cash during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Board does not recommend a dividend for 
2019 (2018: 2.0 pence per share). 

Litigation
The Group was previously involved in legal proceedings relating to historic Hangar 8 trading activity prior to the merger 
in January 2015 and relating to disputes with SPC Aviation Limited. The Company reached an agreement with SPC Aviation 
Limited to settle the legal proceedings between the parties on 9 December 2019 under the terms of a settlement agreement 
which was in full and final settlement of the court proceedings between the parties. 

Following the settlement of the disputes with SPC Aviation Limited, the remaining proceedings in which the Company and 
a number of its subsidiaries are parties relate to disputes where the Company and its subsidiaries are claimants.

The Company has issued proceedings to recover long-standing trade receivables that amount to approximately $3m. 
The Company has made adequate provisions against these claims and as a result the Board does not expect any further 
provisions will be required.

Daniel Ruback
Chief Financial Officer

24 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

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 air transport less 

attractive such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

 / Following the UK departure from the EU any changes to 

the open skies arrangement that may impact air travel, and 
a slow-down in customs processes that may lead to delays 
in the cross-border flow of fuel, materials and engines, 
both for Gama Aviation, our suppliers and their upstream 
supply chains, and customers shipping engines for repair 
and overhaul.

 / 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 and COVID-19
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 and given the ongoing 
COVID-19 pandemic 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.

“Brexit” update
The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020 and we 
continue to monitor the impact of Brexit on the business 
through the transition period. No significant alteration has 
been made to the Group’s strategy or operating model in 
response to the Brexit uncertainty as the range of possible 
outcomes and resulting impact on the Group is too difficult 
to model reliably.

The Group has identified the following Brexit related risks:

 / Economic conditions: increased overall uncertainty 

including the specific impacts on growth, inflation, interest 
and currency rates;

 / Laws and regulations: potential changes to UK and 

EU-based law and regulation; and
 / Talent: mobility of the workforce

The Group has held a series of workshops tasked with 
assessing and monitoring the impacts on its business and 
to communicate updates and guidance as the Brexit process 
has evolved.

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.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

25

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES (CONTINUED)

Foreign exchange risk
The Group’s activities expose it to the financial risks of 
changes in foreign currency (primarily Pounds Sterling, 
US Dollars and Euro) and interest rate changes. The Group 
occasionally uses derivative financial instruments to hedge 
these risks, but only for significant contracts, which give rise 
to foreign currency cash flows. The Group’s approach to 
managing other risks applicable to the financial instruments 
concerned is shown below.

The Group’s principal financial assets and liabilities comprise:

 / Bank balances;
 / Trade payables;
 / Trade receivables;
 / Obligation under leases; and
 / 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.

Treasury management
The Group has no formal overdraft facility with National 
Westminster Bank Plc (2018: £2.0m overdraft facility). The 
Group’s principal banker in the UK is National Westminster 
Bank Plc, formerly called Royal Bank of Scotland. 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.

On 14 November the Group entered into a $50.0m revolving 
credit facility (“RCF”) with HSBC Bank Plc that replaced the 
existing facilities.

Refer to note 35 of the financial statements for details on a 
new £20m term loan secured with HSBC after the balance 
sheet date.

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

Trade receivables
Trade receivables are managed in respect of credit and cash 
flow by regular review of aged receivables. Cash flow risk is 
mitigated to some extent by requiring up-front payment for 
elements of the Group’s work and short credit terms for all 
other customers. Loss allowances are made against amounts 
for which the recoverability is uncertain.

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. 

Effective risk management
On a quarterly basis the executive directors and the 
Group Director of Risk Management and Assurance meet 
to review the existing Group risk register, discuss internal 
and external political, economic, social, technology, legal 
and environmental risks that may affect or influence the 
execution of Group Strategy. The review includes the 
consideration of the regulatory frameworks and compliance 
obligations applicable to the Group’s businesses, including 
the full supply chain. 

Newly emerging risks identified within the business are 
reviewed on an ad hoc basis, with mitigating action taken 
when required. The Group risk register is presented to the 
Board twice per year. A monthly input is also provided to 
the Board by the Group Director of Risk Management and 
Assurance as part of an independent reporting process.

All processes are undertaken using tools, matrices and 
escalation and tolerance protocols established by the 
directors. For non-routine activities, such as project 
management, a RAID log is used, which feeds into the 
wider risk management framework.

26 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

The Group Director of Risk Management and Assurance 
holds a number of meetings and workshops throughout 
the year at the divisional level, which involves the divisional 
leadership team and other key personnel as required. This 
process involves a regular review of the divisional level risk 
registers. Workshops are used to identify the risks associated 
with the delivery of the respective divisional strategic plans 
and to implement risk mitigation plans as necessary. 
Progress in implementing these plans is reported regularly 
during divisional meetings and is escalated to the executive 
team meetings where appropriate.

Business unit managing directors are required to report 
progress on risk management activities via quarterly 
business reviews, which are chaired by the Chief Operating 
Officer. Safety related risks identified during this process, 
or requiring additional action, are escalated to the Safety 
Review Board.

The Group’s risk function continues to focus on enhanced 
and standardised risk reporting to the business as well as 
greater operational risk oversight. 

Internal audit
In the prior year, the Group appointed KPMG as internal 
auditors. KPMG’s work included a multi-site “health-check” 
designed to independently assess the strengths and 
weaknesses of the Group’s internal control environment. 
The findings are being used to formulate an internal audit 
plan that ensures work is focused on the key risks identified 
by the auditors and directors.

Approval
This report was approved by the board of directors on 
6 August 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

Marwan Khalek
Chief Executive Officer

7 August 2020

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

27

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ SECTION 172 STATEMENT

Section 172 of the Companies Act requires every director to 
act in the way they consider, in good faith, would be most 
likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit 
of its members as a whole and in doing so have regard 
(amongst other matters) to: 

1.  The likely consequences of any decision in the long term;
2.  The interests of the company’s employees;
3.  The need to foster the company’s business relationships 

with suppliers, customers and others;

4.  The impact of the company’s operations on the 

community and the environment;

5.  The desirability of the company maintaining a reputation 

for high standards of business conduct; and 
6.  The need to act fairly as between members 

of the company.

This section aims to describe how the directors apply and 
comply with these principles and aim to discharge their 
duties under company law.

Likely consequence of any decision in the long term 
The Board takes a long-term view which helps form the 
background of all decisions. Growth opportunities, either 
through acquisitions or organic growth, are evaluated 
carefully in a disciplined and diligent way and only executed 
on where they meet strategic objectives and enhance the 
company’s investment proposition for shareholders. 

For example, in terms of acquisitions, in January 2019 the 
Group completed a trade and asset purchase of a paint and 
interior completion business currently operated by the Lotus 
Aviation Group at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in the 
US. This represented a significant milestone for the Group’s 
long-term organic growth strategy in the US including 
scaling up its US maintenance business in light of future 
development opportunities. 

The Board also considered a number of other possible 
acquisition opportunities during 2019, both in Europe and the 
US, which were ultimately not taken forward because they 
were not considered sufficiently value accretive in the longer 
term according to the Group’s investment criteria or because 
of a longer-term focus on preserving covenant headroom 
under key banking facilities.

Interest of the Company’s employees 
The Board takes a rigorous and diligent approach to the 
health, safety and wellbeing of its people and actively 
promotes equality and diversity among its workforce. 
Regular investments are made in employee training and 
education and a proactive approach is taken to developing 
peoples’ careers, including making opportunities available 
internationally where appropriate. Employees are regularly 
provided with information about the Group’s activities 
through internal media and otherwise and regular meetings 
are held between local management and employees 
to facilitate a free flow of information and ideas. 

In 2019, the Group established an intranet facility called 
Horizon which serves as a platform for employees to share 
access to online training and other materials including 
accessing various courses on health and safety and key 
operational matters.

Foster business relationships with suppliers, customers 
and others 
Long-term relationships with key customers and suppliers is 
fundamental to the sustainability of the Group’s business 
and, as such, there is an ongoing focus on standards of 
customer service and supplier relations. The Board is 
regularly updated on interactions and broader relationships 
with key customers and suppliers, which inform both specific 
and general decision making. 

For example, in 2019, the Board was regularly updated on 
KPI performance under its major contracts with the Ministry 
of Defence and the Scottish Air Ambulance Service. Through 
detailed examination of operational reports in Board 
meetings, the Board was able to measure the Group’s 
contractual performance with key customers and analyse 
possible areas of growth. As a result, decisions were taken in 
2019 to extend air ambulance services to other geographical 
areas and new contracts were entered into with the State of 
Guernsey and the Government of Jersey. 

The Board also has a strong focus on relationships with 
lenders and on long-term compliance with covenants under 
its major banking facilities. During 2019, due to the strength 
of the Group’s relationship with HSBC, it was able to transfer 
its revolving credit facility to HSBC on improved terms.

28 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Impact of the Company’s operations on the community 
and the environment 
The directors are conscious of the possible environmental 
impact of the Group’s activities and do their utmost to 
reduce it wherever possible. The Group has been awarded 
the internationally recognised Carbon Footprint Standard for 
demonstrating low carbon credentials and the directors work 
hard to identify and carry out carbon and energy reduction 
opportunities where possible. Responsible flight procedures 
and operations are followed in order to minimise emissions 
and waste recycling schemes are implemented throughout 
the Group’s operations to limit environmental impact. 

All divisions of the business allow employees time to 
volunteer to support local environmental projects, including 
coppicing, beach cleaning, land clearance and maintenance 
of charity gardens. 

The Group also works with an independent external 
organisation to monitor its Greenhouse Gas Emissions and 
the results for this exercise during 2019 are set out in the 
Governance section of this Annual Report. This is the first 
carbon footprint assessment the Group has carried out and 
will serve as a basis for ongoing future assessments.

As regards the community, among other things, the Group 
invests in schemes that support local communities, provides 
internship and apprenticeship opportunities and provides 
volunteering opportunities in the local community. For 
example, in 2019, employees volunteered at Bells Piece Day 
Service, Urban Root and Green Spaces at Basingstoke and 
Deane Borough Council.

The desirability of the Company maintaining a 
reputation for high standards of business conduct 
High standards of ethical business conduct and a reputation 
for maintaining these standards are critical to the ability of 
the Group to run a sustainable business. The directors aim 
to create and maintain a corporate culture based on ethical 
values and behaviours.

All directors and employees are expected to act with 
integrity and to comply at all times with the laws of the 
countries in which the they operate. Employees are provided 
with resources to obtain advice, report grievances or any 
alleged or actual wrongdoing. During 2019, the Group’s 
employee handbook and code of conduct were updated 
and are regularly reviewed and augmented as appropriate 
in order to reflect the Group’s development and in light 
of any recent events. 

The need to act fairly between members of the company 
As a company with a number of major shareholders, the 
Board recognises the need to act fairly as between all its 
members. Decisions are taken on the basis of the Board’s 
objective appraisal of whether a particular course of action 
will benefit shareholders as a whole and any conflicts of 
interest are carefully managed. All directors, including 
independent non-executive directors, are entitled to obtain 
independent professional advice at the Group’s expense 
if required.

Where considered necessary and in line with customary 
market standards, the Board enters into appropriate 
contractual arrangements with major shareholders in order 
to ensure that minority shareholders are not prejudiced, that 
transactions with major shareholders are on arm’s-length 
commercial terms and that the Company is able to maintain 
and preserve its independence.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

29

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSContinually 
developing our 
EXPERTISE

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

Your mission, our passion.

30 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

31

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The right mix of expertise to support growth.

Chi Keung (Simon) To
Chairman

Stephen Wright
Executive Director

Simon is Hutchison’s 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$3.0bn. 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.

Simon was appointed as non-executive Chairman of the 
Group and Company on 3 April 2019.

Stephen co-founded Gama Aviation together with 
Marwan Khalek in 1983. He has been fundamental to the 
implementation of several 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
Chief Operating Officer

Neil, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer (“COO”), 
has also been appointed 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. 

Daniel Ruback
Chief Financial Officer

Daniel was appointed as Chief Financial Officer in December 
2019 having previously held the position of Finance Director, 
Signature Flight Support EMEA, a part of Signature Aviation 
plc.  From 2006 to 2015 Daniel worked in several different 
roles at Smiths Group plc, the FTSE 100 global technology 
company, including a two-year assignment as Director, 
Operational Finance, Smiths Detection USA and finally as 
Head of Divisional Business Partnering, Smiths Detection. 
Daniel is a qualified chartered accountant. 

Marwan Abdel-Khalek
Chief Executive Officer

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 several 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 Westminster. 

32 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Michael Howell
Non-Executive Director

Peter Brown
Non-Executive Director

An engineer by training, Michael Howell has a background in 
transportation and worked in the motor industry after 
graduating from Trinity College, Cambridge and before 
completing MBAs at INSEAD and Harvard. He worked with 
Cummins Engine Company and General Electric Company 
(GE) in the USA, latterly as general manager of GE 
Transportation Systems. Subsequently, he was an Executive 
Director of Railtrack Group plc during its privatisation. 

Formerly he was a Non-Executive Director of Hutchison 
China Meditech, the innovative biopharmaceutical company. 
Currently, Michael serves on the Board of Wabtec, 
the US$7bn leading supplier of products and systems 
for the rail industry, based in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

Peter is a chartered accountant with over 30 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. 

Stephen Mount
Non-Executive Director

Stephen is a member of the Audit Quality Review Committee 
of the Financial Reporting Council and of the Regulatory 
Decisions Committee of the Financial Conduct Authority, 
chairs the Finance & Investment Committee and is a 
member of the Audit Committee of a major NHS Foundation 
Trust. He also acts internationally as an expert witness on 
corporate governance, financial reporting, accounting and 
auditing matters. He retired in 2016 as a senior partner 
with PwC after a career spanning three decades auditing 
and advising companies across a broad range of industry 
sectors including aviation, engineering, defence, software, 
technology, services and long-term contracting. He acted 
as lead engagement and global relationship partner for 
clients ranging from Fortune 500/FTSE to smaller NASDAQ/
AIM companies listed on UK, US, European and Asian stock 
exchanges and was frequently involved in major capital 
market transactions including IPOs, rights issues, 
mergers and acquisitions as well as advising on strategic, 
performance improvement, regulatory and structuring 
issues. Stephen is a Chartered Accountant and an MBA. 

Christopher Clarke
Non-Executive Director

Christopher Clarke has over 30 years’ experience as a senior 
partner with leading international law firms in Asia, including 
Denton Hall, CMS Cameron McKenna and DLA Piper. He has 
acted as a professional and business advisor to a wide range 
of entrepreneurs and executives of international (including 
listed) companies; and has wide ranging corporate 
governance, regulatory and commercial experience. 

Christopher has been a Non-Executive director of Hong 
Kong, UK listed and private companies. Currently, he is a 
Sufficiently Independent Director of London Power 
Networks Plc, Eastern Power Networks Plc and South 
Eastern Power Networks Plc; and an Independent Director 
of Myanmar Strategic Holdings and Arnhold Holdings Ltd. 
He is also currently a Non- Executive director of Green 
Family Holdings. 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

33

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Governance code
The company is listed on the Alternative Investment Market 
(AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. The Board of Gama 
Aviation has adopted the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA) 
Corporate Governance Code.

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.

Chairman’s Statement on Corporate Governance 
Recognising the importance of effective corporate governance, 
the Board last year adopted the QCA. Its principles and 
disclosures provide a framework to ensure Gama Aviation has 
appropriate corporate governance structures and processes in 
place to promote the success of the Company and long-term 
value for shareholders alongside a corporate culture that is 
based on ethical values and behaviours.

Since my appointment as Chairman in April 2019, we 
have made a number of key INED appointments, leading 
to changes in the compositions of the Audit Committee, 
Remuneration Committee and the Nomination Committee. 
All these were aimed at enhancing governance and generally 
strengthening the skills and expertise of the Board. 

We also appointed PriceWaterhouseCoopers in May 2019 as 
our new auditors and in addition, appointed Daniel Ruback as 
the new Chief Financial Officer (in December 2019) with a 
clear mandate to transform the finance functions of the 
Company.

In that connection, we have also taken steps both to strengthen 
our resources within the finance team and are developing 
accountability and Board assurance frameworks for the Group 
that address mechanisms, systems and processes within the 
Group’s various functions, in particular the finance function. 
This will provide timely assurance to the Board on the Group’s 
short and long term performances against budget and market 
expectations and progress against its long-term strategies. It 
will also reinforce risk management. 

The Board measures adherence to the ten Principles of 
the QCA Code at least once annually, in line with the 
Code’s requirements, and against individual principles more 
frequently, whenever deemed appropriate and to encourage 
continuous improvement. Further information on how the 
Company is applying the ten Principles of the QCA Code is 
contained in the Corporate Governance Statement published 
on the group’s website at https://www.gamaaviation.com/
investors/corporate-governance. This will be updated by the 
Company after the date of the Annual Report detailing the 
steps taken by the Company to comply with the ten 
principles and other improvements to be made.

Progress on compliance continues to be made in 2020 
despite the impediments of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 
Board continues to monitor diligently the progress of these 
initiatives and to ensure that the Company has sufficient 
resources, procedures and controls in place to meet its other 
regulatory obligations. 

Simon To
Chairman of the Board

34 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

The Board was made up of four executive and five non-executive 
directors during 2019. Whilst subsequent to the year end there 
have been a number of changes, the Board 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 ongoing bonus, pension or 
benefit schemes although they may hold shares. The executive 
directors are full-time employees of the Group and the 
non-executive directors are expected to devote at least one full 
working day in each calendar month to the business of the 
Company and to use reasonable endeavours to attend all 
meetings of the Board and committees of the Board of which 
they are members, and to attend all general meetings of the 
Company. The Board has not yet designated a Senior 
Independent Director.

The Board meets at least eight 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 and were attended 
by Board members in office at the time of the meetings. 
The attendance record of each director is shown below.

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.

Board member

Simon To

Marwan Khalek

Stephen Wright

Neil Medley

Daniel Ruback

Stephen Mount

Peter Brown 

Christopher Clarke

Michael Howell

Sir Ralph Robins 
(resigned 3 April 2019)

Michael Peagram 
(resigned 30 April 2019)

Richard Steeves 
(resigned 31 Jan 2019)

David Stickland 
(resigned 31 May 2019)

Meetings 
attended

Eligible to 
attend

14

14

13

14

–

4

14

7

7

6

6

4

8

14

14

14

14

–

5

14

7

7

6

8

4

9

Board skills and evaluation 
The Board has the appropriate balance of skills, experience, 
independence and knowledge of the Company and the 
business aviation industry in which it operates to enable it 
to discharge its duties effectively. The members of the Board 
have been selected primarily for the skills and experience 
that they bring to the Company. Details of the skills and 
experience of the directors are identified above at pages 
32 and 33 of this Annual Report. 

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is chaired by Stephen Mount, who is 
deemed by the Board to have recent and relevant financial 
expertise, supported by Peter Brown and Michael Howell. 
The Audit Committee was previously chaired by Peter Brown 
until Stephen Mount’s appointment on 27 June 2019. At the 
next available Board meeting, the Chairman provides a 
verbal report of its 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’s auditors may provide additional 
professional services and in line with its terms of reference, 
the Audit Committee continually assesses their objectivity 
and independence.

Audit Committee Report
The purpose of any Audit Committee is to provide 
oversight of, and governance over, the financial integrity of 
the Group’s financial reporting to ensure that the interests 
of the Company’s shareholders are well protected; to assess 
the robustness of the systems, processes and controls the 
Group has in place to identify and manage risk and account 
for the results of its operations and financial position, and 
to oversee the independence and quality of external audit. 

As noted above, a number of steps had already been taken 
to strengthen the Company’s governance arrangements. 
Shareholders will be aware of the various RNS the Company 
issued in 2019 relating to overpayments and related party 
transactions, potential re-classification of 2017 and 2018 
accounts, resignation of the Group’s Chief Financial Officer 
and changes in Non-Executive Director appointments and 
Board Chairman. PwC were appointed in May 2019, to 
replace Grant Thornton as independent auditors, and an 
initial report was commissioned from KPMG identifying 
areas for improvement in internal control.

The Group’s determination to improve its control 
environment and finance function effectiveness was 
significantly frustrated by the absence of a Group CFO for 
more than half the year, compounded by further churn in the 
senior finance team and reorganisation in the USA. Although 
this has now been resolved by the appointment of Daniel 
Ruback as CFO in December 2019, together with a new 
Group Financial Controller and senior finance staff in 2020, 
most of the finance team’s attention to date has necessarily 
focused on meeting the Company’s regulatory requirements. 
The Board engaged proactively with its primary regulators, 
AIM and the Financial Reporting Council, who have been 
constructively supportive of the approach we have taken.

The Audit Committee met formally 5 times during the period 
from April 2019 following release of the 2018 Annual Report 
and Accounts, and has met informally on many further 
occasions both in person, by telephone and more recently 
virtually. The external auditors, PwC, have been closely 
involved in many of these meetings. During this period the 
Committee’s main focus has necessarily been on ensuring 

the Group’s compliance with its various financial reporting 
obligations, and the robustness with which those obligations 
have been met. As shareholders will again have seen, this 
has resulted in a number of RNS updating on the Group’s 
performance including some prior year restatements. 
The Committee was involved in the selection of both 
the new CFO and Group Financial Controller.

As part of its review of the 2019 Annual Report and 
Accounts the Committee gave careful consideration to the 
completeness of key risks identified, and reasonableness of 
judgements made, by the CFO and PwC; and whether the 
overall Report and Accounts present a fair, balanced and 
understandable view of the Group’s results, financial 
position and cashflows on both a statutory and adjusted 
basis. This has involved consideration of legacy inventory 
and receivables balances, some of which date back to 
Hangar 8, and the likely future impact of COVID-19 on those 
parts of the aviation sector in which the Group is active. 

Priorities for the Committee in 2020 will include 
management’s plan to strengthen and enhance the finance 
function and the Group’s financial planning and reporting 
framework, addressing control and accounting observations 
raised by PwC and KPMG and assessing the impact of the 
strategic review currently being undertaken by the Board 
on culture, values, structure, people, systems, controls, 
financial planning, timeliness and quality of reporting, 
regulatory compliance and carrying values of investments. 

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee was chaired by Sir Ralph Robins 
until his resignation in April 2019 and since that date by 
Simon To. At the next available Board meeting, the 
Chairman provides a verbal report of the committee’s 
recent proceedings.

Under its terms of reference, the Nomination Committee 
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.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee (“Committee”) comprised 
of three members, of which two are independent non-
executive directors and one non-executive director 
(Chairman of the Board). Since 29 April 2019, the Committee 
is chaired by Christopher Clarke, supported by Michael 
Howell and Simon To. The Committee met three times 
during the year.

At the next available Board meeting, the Chairman of the 
Committee will provide a verbal report of the Committee’s 
recent proceedings.

During the year, the Committee has

 / Reviewed the annual salary awards and bonus of the 

executive directors and senior management;

 / Reviewed the share option scheme and proposed awards;
 / Engaged the services of MM&K so that, with respect to 

each of the executive director, it has a better insight into 
the appropriateness of the pay levels; the composition and 
structure of remuneration packages; and benchmarkings 
against comparable companies;

 / Approved salary, bonus and share option proposals put 

forward by the executives;

 / Participated in the appointment of the new CFO;
 / Discussed LTIPs proposals put forward by the 

executive directors.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

35

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

As the Company is listed on the AIM, requirements of the 
remuneration reporting regulations do not apply to it. 
Notwithstanding, the Committee endeavours to adopt such 
of those requirements that it so determines that will best 
serve the interests of the shareholders in the longer term. 
Progress is being made during the year and will continue 
to do so in 2020 despite impediments from COVID-19.

A remuneration report is included on pages 36 to 39.

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.

Remuneration Committee Report
The Committee is appointed by the Board and is formed 
solely of non-executive directors. The Remuneration 
Committee was chaired by Michael Peagram until his 
resignation on 29 April 2019 and since that date by 
Christopher Clarke. The other members of the Committee 
are Michael Howell and Simon To. The Committee met 
three times during the year and all Committee members 
attended the meetings. In the course of its work, the 
Committee has also liaised directly with the Company’s 
external professional advisors as required from time to time.

In particular the Committee instructed remuneration 
consultants MM&K to undertake a detailed benchmark 
report and review and recommend changes to the 
Company’s remuneration policy (including advice on 
matters such as annual bonus award to executive directors, 
long-term incentive plans and benefits). These are currently 
being considered by the Committee in conjunction with 
management and the Board, in the context of a review of the 
Group’s strategy (including the impact of and response to 
the COVID-19 pandemic) and a consequent re-assessment 
of the Group’s prospects, projections, targets, management 
structure, roles and responsibilities.

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;

 / 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.

The committee’s Terms of Reference are available on the 
company’s website at https://www.gamaaviation.com/
investors/corporate-governance.

36 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Pay Policy
The Committee believes that the overall level of 
compensation for directors and senior managers should 
compare favourably with similar-sized industry and other 
peer groups, such that they are sufficiently rewarded for 
their responsibility and experience, incentivised for strong 
performance and that the Group is able to retain and develop 
the management capability and qualities needed for timely 
delivery of its strategy. The setting of corporate, divisional 
and personal targets, mix of short and longer-term 
remuneration and its settlement in cash and shares, 
is intended to align as closely as possible executive 
reward with shareholder interests.

Base Salary
Base salaries are reviewed on an annual basis, and any 
increases become effective from 1 April each year. From 
1 April 2019, Marwan Khalek was entitled to a base salary 
of £362,250, Steve Wright £198,900 and Neil Medley 
£335,000. Daniel Ruback, who joined the Group on 16 
December 2019 is entitled to a base salary of £240,000.

Pension & Benefits
Executive directors are entitled to a pension contribution 
as follows: Marwan Khalek: 22.5%; Steve Wright: 18%, 
Daniel Ruback 12% 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 reduced 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 and staff.

A budgeted bonus pot was included in the 2019 Annual Plan 
to fund discretionary bonus payments to eligible staff in late 
Q1 2020 to be determined by the Group’s generation of 
an Adjusted EBIT target. The Group did not achieve the 
Adjusted EBIT target and as a result no bonus was approved 
in the year. The calculation for the bonus pot may vary from 
year to year.

The following one-off awards were paid in the year and are 
included in the salary and fees amount shown in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report:

 / Steve Wright £nil (2018: £150,000).
 / Neil Medley £nil (2018: £33,000).
 / Peter Brown £25,000 (2018: £30,000).

Option awards
During the year a number of options were awarded to 
executives, senior managers and other staff. These awards 
were approved by the Committee on the recommendation 
of the CEO.

Long-Term Incentives
An equity-based Long-Term Incentive Programme (LTIP) 
is currently being considered with the advice of MM&K.

Director’s Loan
In September 2018 the Company provided Neil Medley 
with a short-term loan of £52,000 against certain income 
tax items relating to share based payment awards. 
At 31 December 2019 the outstanding balance was nil 
(2018: £39,000).

Non-Executive Director Fees
Fees for non-executive directors, are approved by the Board, 
however individual non-executive directors do not vote on 

Directors

Executive Directors

Marwan Khalek

Steven Wright

Neil Medley

Daniel Ruback

Non-Executive Directors

Christopher Clarke

Peter Brown 

Stephen Mount

Michael Howell

Chi Keung To

their own fee. Fees for non-executive directors are set 
with reference to market data, time commitment, and 
chairmanship of Board committees. From 1 April 2019, 
the Chairman of the Board, is eligible for a fee of £52,000 
per annum (2018: £53,000 per annum). The annual fee 
of the remaining individual non-executive directors does 
not exceed £48,000 (2018: £49,000).

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 

Date of Contract

Notice Period

6 January 2015

6 January 2015

 8 September 2016

16 December 2019

24 April 2019

8 December 2014

27 June 2019

24 April 2019

2 March 2018

12 months

12 months

6 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.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

37

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)

Directors’ Remuneration Report 
The directors received the following remuneration for the financial year ended 31 December 2019:

Salary
& fees2 

Bonus 
award

Consultancy
fees

Benefits
in Kind1

Pension

2019
Total3

2018
Total

£’000

Executive Directors

Marwan Khalek

Steve Wright

Neil Medley

David Stickland 
(resigned 31 May 2019)

Daniel Ruback  
(appointed 16 December 2019)

Kevin Godley  
(resigned 1 February 2018)

Non-Executive Directors

Sir Ralph Robins  
(resigned 3 April 2019)

Peter Brown

Richard Steeves 
(resigned 31 January 2019)

CK To

Michael Peagram  
(resigned 30 April 2019)

Christopher Clarke  
(appointed 24 April 2019)

Michael Howell  
(appointed 24 April 2019)

Stephen Mount  
(appointed 27 June 2019)

362

207

345

264

12

–

27

48

4

52

20

32

32

24

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

25

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

17

2

1

1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

82

36

34

25

1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

461

245

380

290

13

–

27

73

4

52

20

32

32

24

487

397

401

67

–

150

82

78

35

35

47

–

–

–

21

178

1,653

1,779

Aggregate Emoluments

1,429

25

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

2  Reimbursements for travel are not remuneration and therefore are excluded. Salary & fees include car allowances where applicable.

3  Remuneration for David Stickland includes a settlement on departure of £192,500 (2018: £nil).

38 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Statement of Directors’ Interests
The table below sets out the beneficial interests in shares and unexercised share options of all directors holding office as at 
31 December 2019.

Executive Directors

Marwan Khalek1

Steve Wright

Neil Medley2

Non-executive Directors

Simon To

Michael Howell

Peter Brown

Michael Peagram

Sir Ralph Robbins

Ordinary Shares

Unexercised Share Options

Total Interests

At 31 
December 
2019

At 31 
December 
2018

At 31 
December 
2019

At 31 
December 
2018

At 31 
December 
2019

At 31 
December 
2018

14,179,607

14,179,607

–

–

14,179,607

14,179,607

263,188

75,000

263,188

50,000

525,000

425,000

450,000

788,188

713,188

300,000

500,000

350,000

130,000

68,752

20,000

–

–

–

–

20,000

132,000

10,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

130,000

68,752

20,000

–

–

–

–

20,000

132,000

10,000

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

2  Including 25,000 shares held for the benefit of family members.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

39

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

We recognise the important of integrating social and 
environmental concerns into its business operations and 
interactions with stakeholders.  

Our corporate governance 
To ensure economic standards and good business practices, 
we operate: 

 / Risk management framework to ensure risks are identified 

and appropriate controls are implemented.

 / Comprehensive legal compliance framework and audit 
schedule to ensure compliance obligations are met.

 / Ethical business practices and associated codes of conduct. 
 / Continual development to ensure business continuity 

and responsible growth.

Environment: Making a difference 
All divisions have volunteered their employees’ time 
to support local community projects that promote 
environmental benefits- these have included coppicing, 
beach cleans, land clearance and charity gardens.

‘What can I say but a huge thank you for all your hard work 
yesterday… It was quite a big task and one we had not been 
able complete ourselves, both our teams in the garden and 
art studio are thrilled to have both the greenhouse and shed 
looking so clean and tidy. I hope you had an enjoyable day, 
we certainly enjoyed having you visit us. Bells Piece is a very 
special place supporting adults with learning disabilities, 
your support is greatly appreciated by everyone here’.

Volunteer Coordinator, Bells Piece Day Service

Our people 
To ensure the best service is provided to our clients and 
to promote social standards, we will:

 / Take a rigorous approach to Occupational Health 

and Safety.

 / Promote equality and diversity amongst our people and 

management approach.

 / Invest in employee training and education.
 / 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.

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

 / Have been awarded the Carbon Footprint Standard.
 / Have identified Carbon and Energy reduction opportunities 

and are now working hard to implement these.

 / Continue to operate responsible flight procedures and 

operations to minimise emissions, while maintaining the 
highest safety standards.

 / Engage in waste recycling schemes throughout our 

operations, limiting our environmental impact as best 
we can.

 / Volunteer employee days to support local 

environmental projects.

‘Just to say a big thanks to the team for coming out to 
work in Malls Mire today, much appreciated!’

Growing Connections Project Manager, Urban Root

‘Please can you pass on a HUGE thank you to your 
colleagues for all their hard work earlier this month!’

Green Spaces, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

Our community
As a global company we recognise we can add social, 
economic and environmental benefit to our local 
communities. We will therefore aim to: 

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

 / Take a positive approach to the Health, Safety and 

Environmental activities at bases.

 / Invest 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 learning within the 

community by volunteering at local schools and businesses. 

40 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

‘Gama Aviation has sponsored the Liberty High School 
Football program on behalf of AJ for the last 2 years for 
which he is very grateful. AJ attends Liberty High School 
in Las Vegas, Nevada and will be graduating high school 
May 2020. He’s the eldest of my 4 children and born in 
San Francisco, Ca. He’s a San Francisco 49er fan by birth and 
father’s preference! We moved to Las Vegas, NV when he 
was 2yrs old. AJ started playing tackle football at the age of 
9yrs old and was coached by me for the majority of his youth 
football career. AJ is a student athlete as a 4 year lettermen 
on the Liberty High School Varsity Football team in 
Henderson, NV with a 4.23 GPA and will be graduating with 
High Honors.  He’s 6’2” 290lbs and started as an Offensive 
Guard on the varsity team as a Sophomore. He was voted 
unanimously by his teammates to be one of 3 captains for 
his final high school year in which his team won the 2019-
2020 Nevada State Division 4A Championship. AJ was 
acknowledged for his leadership and awarded the Liberty 
Patriot Award for his accoladed on and off the field in 
academics. His Liberty HS Football team won the school’s 
first ever Nevada State Football Championship- ending a 10 
year state championship run of the 3 time national champion 
and national powerhouse football program of Bishop 
Gorman – Las Vegas, NV.

AJ received several full scholarship offers from colleges 
to further his education and football career. On December 
18, 2019, AJ accepted a full scholarship offer and signed 
a Letter of Intent to attend Northern Arizona University 
in Flagstaff, Arizona and play Division 1 NCCA football 
as a Defensive Tackle.’

Alofa Maluia – Chief Inspector US Ground & AJ’s Dad

Carbon and energy management
We recognise the importance of protecting our environment 
and minimising our carbon and energy footprint.

In respect of this, the company has: 

 / Completed a Carbon Footprint assessment for the 

Global group.

 / Completed an ESOS submission for European companies 

and divisions.

 / Maintained ISO14001:2015 in Group, EU Air, EU Ground 

and Airops Software Limited.

We have also been working with an independent external 
organisation who assessed its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) 
emissions, from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019. 
The assessment represents all Gama divisions and sites. 
Scopes 1 and 2 are provided below: 

Scope Activity Tonnes CO2e – Global activities, including 
all Gama sites: 

Scope 1 subtotal

Scope 2 subtotal

Total (Scopes 1 & 2)

1,058.06

2,677.81

3,735.87

These figures equate to 4.51 Tonnes CO2e per employee or 
30.67 Tonnes CO2e per £ million.

This is the first carbon footprint assessment we have carried 
out and, therefore, it will serve as a base year for future 
carbon footprint assessments.

We are in the process of establishing a Carbon and Energy 
Strategy that will focus on Elimination, Reduction and 
Offsetting measures. An update on these will be provided 
in next year’s annual report.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

41

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The directors present their report together with the audited 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019.

Directors
The directors who served the company throughout the 
period, unless otherwise stated, were as follows:

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. In addition, research and 
development occurs in myairops which has developed a suite 
of business aviation products deployed as “Software as a 
Service” (SaaS) and mobile app solutions for business 
aviation operators, flight support companies, FBOs and 
regional airports.

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 are 
disclosed in the strategic report and note 34 of the Financial 
Statements, and future developments are disclosed 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.

M Khalek
S Wright
N Medley 
D Stickland (resigned 31 May 2019)
D Ruback (appointed 16 December 2019)
CK To 
Sir R Robins (resigned 3 April 2019)
P Brown
M Peagram (resigned 30 April 2019)
Dr R Steeves (resigned 31 January 2019)
C Clarke (appointed 24 April 2019)
M Howell (appointed 24 April 2019)
S Mount (appointed 27 June 2019)

Dividends
The Group remains committed to maintaining a progressive 
dividend policy. However, given the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic the directors are recommending the suspension 
of the final dividend (2018: 2 pence per share).

Post balance sheet events
These are detailed in note 35 of the financial statements.

Charitable and political donations 
Group donations to charities worldwide were $51,934 
(2018: $2,689). No donations were made to any political 
party in either year.

Engagement with employees and other stakeholders
The section 172 statement on page 28 provides 
further details on engagement with employees 
and other stakeholders.

42 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Directors’ responsibilities statement
The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 
Report and the financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulation. 

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law the 
directors have prepared the group financial statements in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and parent 
company financial statements in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 
“Reduced Disclosure Framework”, and applicable law). 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 parent 
company and of the profit or loss of the group and parent 
company for that period. In preparing the financial 
statements, the directors are required to:

 / Select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently;

 / State whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the European 

Union have been followed for the group financial 
statements and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, 
comprising FRS 101, have been followed for the company 
financial statements, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
 / Make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent; and

 / Prepare the financial statements on the going concern 

basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group 
and parent company will continue in business.

The directors are also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the group and parent company and hence for 
taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of 
fraud and other irregularities.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain 
the group and parent company’s transactions and disclose 
with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position 
of the group and parent company and enable them to ensure 
that the financial statements comply with the Companies 
Act 2006.

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 Operational Review and Chief 
Financial Officer’s report.

The emergence of COVID-19 during 2020 has increased 
uncertainty surrounding the future trading environment 
for the Group, and performance in FY20 to date has been 
adversely impacted compared to the directors’ original 
expectations of performance. To support their assessment 
of Going Concern the directors have performed a detailed 
analysis of cash flow projections for the Group as a whole 
covering the period through to 31 December 2021, taking 
account of the $50.0m committed revolving credit facility 
(of which c$29m is currently undrawn) and a $20.0m term 
loan which was agreed and drawn in full since the year end. 
These facilities have no substantive covenants and fall due 
for repayment after 31 December 2021. The key assumption 
in these projections relates to revenue performance and the 
directors have included what they consider to be a cautious 
recovery in revenue performance from the second half of 
FY20. Downside sensitivities have also been assessed, which 
reflect no further recovery in revenues and a continuation 
of the trading performance in Q2 FY20, which was the 
period most impacted by COVID-19. In both Management’s 
base case forecasts and downside scenarios the Group 
maintains significant headroom against its cash and 
available facilities.

Accordingly, the directors have, at the time of approving the 
financial statements, a reasonable expectation that the 
Company and the Group have adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 
Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting in preparing the 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 to make himself aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Group’s auditor is 
aware of that information.

Auditors
In accordance with section 489(4) of the Companies Act 
2006 a resolution to reappoint PwC as auditor of the 
Company will be proposed at the forthcoming annual 
general meeting.

Marwan Khalek
Director

7 August 2020

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

43

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSPERFORMANCE  
Driven

Financial statements
Independent auditors’ 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 auditors’ report
Parent company statement of financial position
Parent company statement of changes in equity
Notes to the parent company financial statements

Your mission, our passion.

44 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

PERFORMANCE  

Driven

Financial statements

Independent auditors’ 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 auditors’ report

Parent company statement of financial position

Parent company statement of changes in equity

Notes to the parent company financial statements

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

45

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Independent auditors’ report to the members 
of Gama Aviation Plc

Report on the audit of the financial statements
Opinion
In our opinion:

 / Gama Aviation Plc’s group financial statements and parent 
company financial statements (the “financial statements”) 
give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of 
the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2019 and 
of the group’s loss and cash flows for the year then ended;

 / The group financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union;

 / The parent company financial statements have been 

properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 “Reduced 
Disclosure Framework”, and applicable law); and

 / The financial statements have been prepared in accordance 

with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

We have audited the financial statements, included within 
the Annual Report, which comprise: the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet and Parent company Statement of Financial 
Position as at 31 December 2019; the Consolidated income 
statement and Consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income, the Consolidated cash flow statement, and the 
Consolidated and Parent company statements of changes 
in equity for the year then ended; and the notes to the 
financial statements, which include a description of the 
significant accounting policies.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities under ISAs (UK) are further described in 
the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements section of our report. We believe that the audit 
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate 
to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We remained independent of the group in accordance with 
the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the 
financial statements in the UK, which includes the FRC’s 
Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed entities, and we have 
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with 
these requirements.

Our audit approach
Overview 

Materiality

Audit scope

Key audit
matters

 / Overall group materiality: $338,000 (2018: $500,000), based on approximately 

5% of Adjusted EBIT (including the impact of IFRS 16).

 / Overall parent company materiality: £1,213,000 (2018: £249,000), based on 

1% of Total assets, restricted to $75,000 in respect of balances included in the 
group consolidated financial statements.

 / Full scope audits performed for five financially significant components; 

Gama Aviation Engineering Limited, Gama Aviation (Engineering) Jersey Limited, 
Gama Aviation (Engineering) Inc., Gama Group Inc. and Gama Group Limited.

 / Additional full scope audits performed for Gama Aviation Plc and Gama Aviation 

(UK) Limited.

 / Audit of certain line items for Gama Aviation FZC, Gama Aviation Hutchison 

(Hong Kong) Limited, Gama Aviation LLC, AirOps Software Limited and Gama 
Support Services FZE.

 / Revenue recognition (Group)
 / Impairment of goodwill (Group)
 / Impairment of investments accounted for using the equity method (Group)
 / Presentation of exceptional items (Group)
 / Valuation of parts inventory (Group)
 / Valuation of trade receivables (Group)
 / Disclosure of related party transactions (Group and Parent Company)
 / Prior year restatements (Group and Parent Company)
 / Consideration of the impact of COVID-19 (Group and Parent company)
 / Impairment of investments (Parent Company)
 / Lawfulness of dividends (Parent Company)

The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial 
statements. In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant 
accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all 
of our audits we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including evaluating whether there was 
evidence of bias by the directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

46 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ 
professional judgement, were of most significance in the 
audit of the financial statements of the current period 
and include the most significant assessed risks of material 
misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by 
the auditors, including those which 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, and any comments we make on the 
results of our procedures thereon, were addressed in the 
context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, 
and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide 
a separate opinion on these matters. This is not a complete 
list of all risks identified by our audit.

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Revenue recognition (Group)
The Group has a number of significant contracts with 
customers, some of which were new contracts entered into 
during the year. There is a risk that these contracts may not 
be accounted for appropriately.

One material contract has an element of the contract which 
is accounted for on a percentage of completion basis. This 
involves management making estimates of future costs 
to complete which are inherently uncertain and may give 
rise to errors.

Impairment of goodwill (Group)
The carrying value of goodwill is $21.8 million at 31 
December 2019. The goodwill substantially relates to the 
Europe Ground Division. The group is required to test 
goodwill for impairment on an annual basis.

Impairment assessments of goodwill requires significant 
judgement and there is a risk that the calculation of the 
recoverable amount of the asset is incorrect and therefore 
the value of the asset may be misstated.

The recoverable value of cash generating units is assessed 
at the higher or value in use and fair value less costs to sell. 
This has been estimated by a value in use calculation which 
is considered to be higher than fair value less costs to sell. 
Forecasts and assumptions used in value in use calculations 
are inherently judgemental and therefore may give rise 
to increased risk of misstatement.

We have assessed the accounting for all significant contracts 
in the components in our audit scope, including new 
contracts entered into during the period. We have evaluated 
the different components within contracts to ensure that 
these are accounted for separately, and we have tested a 
sample of transactions to ensure that revenues are 
recognised correctly. Based on the procedures we have 
performed we found that significant contracts with 
customers were accounted for on an appropriate basis.

We have tested the contract accounted for on a percentage 
of completion basis. Our procedures have included the 
evaluation of future cost estimates which we have tested by 
comparing cost estimates with original contract budgets; 
comparing estimated margins against original budgets and 
understanding and evaluating any variances; discussing 
progress on contracts with engineering staff and contract 
managers; and reviewing customer correspondence 
including customer sign off of milestones completed to date. 
In addition to these procedures we have also read the 
contract and evaluated the basis for accounting, tested a 
sample of costs incurred to date and tested payments 
received to date on the contract. We have also read the 
disclosures in the accounts for significant accounting 
estimates to ensure that these appropriately identify the 
estimation uncertainty within percentage of completion 
contracts. Based on the procedures we have performed we 
found that the percentage of completion contract was 
accounted for on an appropriate basis, and specifically that 
cost estimates made within these contracts were reasonable.

We performed audit procedures over the value in use 
calculations prepared by management. We used PwC 
valuation specialists to assess the methodology applied in 
the valuation model and the discount rate. We benchmarked 
the discount rate to comparable companies and considered 
the underlying assumptions based on our knowledge of the 
Group and its industry. We evaluated management’s 
forecasts by reference to historical performance and 
considered growth rates applied to future cash flows by 
reference to external market data. We also independently 
applied sensitivities to key assumptions used in 
management’s value in use calculation.

Based on our audit procedures performed we found that 
management’s calculation of the value in use for goodwill 
balances supported their conclusion that no impairment 
charges were required.

Management performed sensitivity analyses on 
certain key variables in the value in use calculations 
to understand the impact of changes in key assumptions. 
No impairments were identified in the goodwill balances 
at 31 December 2019.

We also assessed the disclosures around the impairment 
assessment, the associated sensitivity analyses, and 
management’s disclosure of impairment assessments 
as a key accounting estimate and have found these 
to be appropriate.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

47

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT (CONTINUED)
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Impairment of investments accounted for using 
the equity method (Group)
Investments accounted for using the equity method include 
an amount of $15.1 million in relation to the group’s 
investment in China Aircraft Services Limited (“CASL”). 
This investment has performed below Management’s 
expectations and accordingly an impairment trigger 
was identified.

The recoverable value of investments accounted for using 
the equity method is assessed at the higher of value in use 
and fair value less costs to sell. This has been estimated by 
a value in use calculation which is considered to be higher 
than fair value less costs to sell. The investment has been 
tested by reference to a recoverable amount which has 
been assessed using a value in use model. This is based 
on forecast future discounted cash flows which includes 
judgements and estimates, including future growth rates, 
cost efficiencies the business can achieve and the discount 
rate applied to future cash flow forecasts.

Management performed sensitivity analyses on certain key 
variables in the value in use calculation to understand the 
impact of changes in key assumptions. No impairment was 
identified in the investment balance at 31 December 2019.

Presentation of exceptional items (Group)
The Directors believe that Adjusted EBIT provides 
additional useful information for shareholders on the 
underlying performance of the business. This alternative 
performance measure is disclosed prominently in various 
sections of the annual report.

The Directors define Adjusted EBIT as profit before interest, 
income tax, share based payments, amortisation of 
acquired intangible assets, impairment of goodwill and 
acquired intangible assets and exceptional items.

There is a risk that costs incurred by the Group are 
inappropriately classified as Exceptional items in order to 
improve the presented performance of the Group, or that 
items of income or other gains received in the year which 
should be classified as Exceptional items are excluded and 
reported within underlying profit.

During the year, the Directors classified $10.2 million as 
Exceptional items.

We performed audit procedures over the value in use 
calculations prepared by management. We used PwC 
valuation specialists to assess the methodology applied in 
the valuation and the discount rate used in the valuation. We 
benchmarked the discount rate to comparable companies 
and considered the underlying assumptions based on our 
knowledge of the company and its industry. We evaluated 
management’s forecasts by reference to historical 
performance, considered growth rates applied to future cash 
flows by reference to external market data and assessed 
future cost efficiencies by reference to plans approved by 
the Board of the company and actions taken to date. We also 
independently applied sensitivities to key assumptions used 
management’s value in use calculation.

Based on our audit procedures performed we found that 
management’s calculation of the value in use for 
investments accounted for using the equity method 
supported their conclusion that no impairment charges 
were required.

We also read the disclosures in note 2 and 18 around the 
impairment assessment, the associated sensitivity analyses, 
and management’s disclosure of impairment assessments 
as a key accounting estimate and have found these 
to be appropriate.

We obtained management’s detailed analysis of Exceptional 
items and performed the following procedures:

 / Tested a sample of items classified as exceptional items 

back to supporting documents to ensure that these were 
accurately recorded; and

 / Evaluated the nature of the items tested to ensure that 
these were appropriately classified as Exceptional items 
by reference to management’s definition of Adjusted EBIT 
and established regulatory guidance on the reporting 
of alternative performance measures;

We evaluated the nature of items of income and other gains 
received in the year that had not been reported within 
exceptional items to assess whether these should be 
included within underlying profit.

We specifically challenged management to ensure that 
exceptional gains and losses were treated consistently, and 
that items were treated in a consistent manner from one 
year to the next.

We read the disclosures in notes 2 and 6 to the financial 
statements to ensure these provided clear and sufficient 
guidance to enable the user of the financial statements to 
understand the nature and magnitude of the items included 
within Exceptional items, and why management have 
excluded these items from Adjusted EBIT. We found these to 
be appropriate.

48 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Valuation of parts inventory (Group)
The group holds inventory of $7.3 million at year end which 
is stated after provisions for obsolete inventory of $5.4 
million. Of the total year end provision, $2.4 million was 
charged to the income statement in the year. Inventory 
largely comprises parts, including rotable items, which 
are used to service aircraft.

Following the implementation of a new inventory system 
in the UK Ground business in the year extensive manual 
work was required to value year end parts inventory. This 
resulted in material adjustments to inventory valuation 
in the current and prior period.

The nature of the group’s inventory is such that inventory 
can be held for very long periods without becoming 
obsolete. This reflects the fact the aircraft the parts are 
used on can have very long useful lives and in some 
instances parts may be required infrequently. Furthermore, 
rotable items, which can be owned by the group, can be 
used, refurbished and reused many times. The provision for 
obsolete inventory is calculated using a formula based on 
purchase history and the history of usage, with further 
specific provisions made if required. As a consequence of 
the nature of parts inventory there is significant judgement 
involved in estimating the basis for providing for 
obsolete inventory. 

Valuation of trade receivables (Group)
The group has trade receivables at 31 December 2019 
of $32.1 million stated after impairment provisions of $3.9 
million. Of the total provision of $3.9 million, an amount 
of $2.4 million was charged to the income statement 
in the year.

The evaluation of the recoverability of trade receivables, 
and therefore the level of impairment provision required, 
involves significant judgement. The material increase in the 
provision in the year largely relates to a small number of 
significant and aged balances where Management has 
reassessed the probability of recovery and concluded there 
is now greater risk over the ability of the group to recover 
the amounts.

We performed detailed testing over Management’s 
inventory valuation and reconciliation at the UK Ground 
business at year end. While this was a very manual process 
we found that there was limited judgement applied in 
determining the values applied to inventory line items. 

We have assessed the inventory policy by reference to our 
understanding of the nature of the business and inventory 
items and through enquiry with logistics and supply chain 
staff as well as the finance team. We have tested the 
application of the group’s policy including testing the 
calculation of the provision and testing the purchase history 
and usage of inventory which is applied in the calculation 
of the provision. We have also evaluated other specific items 
of inventory for which additional inventory provisions have 
been recorded and made enquiries of logistics and supply 
chain staff to ensure that specific provisions are complete.

Based on the audit procedures performed we found that 
the valuation of inventory was appropriate.

We also read the disclosures in respect of provisions for 
inventory included in the critical accounting judgements 
and estimates in note 2 and found these to be appropriate.

We have performed detailed procedures over the 
recoverability of trade receivables balances at year end. This 
has included testing of subsequent cash receipts, testing of 
the ageing of receivables, making enquiries of Management 
over their assessment of recoverability for specific balances 
and, where applicable, reviewing legal correspondence 
and making enquiries of group legal counsel.

Based on the audit procedures performed we found that 
the valuation of trade receivables was appropriate.

We also read the disclosures in respect of impairment 
provisions for trade receivables included in the critical 
accounting judgements and estimates in note 2 and found 
these to be appropriate.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

49

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT (CONTINUED)
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Disclosure of related party transactions 
(Group and Parent Company)
The Group has historically entered into a number of 
transactions with related parties which require disclosure 
in the financial statements over the nature of related 
party relationship, the transactions undertaken in the 
year and any balances due to and from related parties 
at the year end.

In previous periods errors had been identified in the 
accuracy and completeness of disclosures over related 
party transactions, and there is therefore a heightened 
risk of similar errors or omissions in disclosures in the 
current year.

Prior year restatements (Group and Parent Company)
The Group has identified a number of prior year errors in 
the 2018 Group and Parent Company financial statements 
that have been corrected in the 2019 financial statements. 
Further details surrounding the nature and magnitude of 
these errors is set out in note 2 of the Group financial 
statements and note 1 of the Parent Company 
financial statements.

Management has:

 / Reassessed key areas of judgement and estimation in the 
application of accounting policies to ensure that these 
have been appropriately applied.

 / Reviewed the balance sheet as at 31 December 2018 and 
the income statement for the year then ended to assess 
whether balances and transactions were accurately 
recorded and fairly presented. 

 / Reviewed the completeness of disclosures provided in the 
2018 financial statements during the year and enhanced 
disclosures in some areas.

We obtained listings of related parties and tested the 
completeness of these listings by reference to previously 
disclosed related parties, and performed searches over 
directors to identify any further related parties. 

We tested related party transactions arising in the year 
to ensure that the nature of the related party relationships, 
the transactions in the year, and the balances due to 
and from related parties were accurately disclosed in the 
financial statements. We also evaluated controls over 
related party transactions including board review and 
approval of material transactions in the year.

We performed detailed audit tests designed to identify any 
further related party transactions including searches over 
manual journal transactions and searches of customer and 
supplier ledgers.

We obtained written representations from all directors 
to support the disclosure of related parties, related party 
transactions and balances with related parties at year end.

We found that related party transactions were appropriately 
disclosed in note 36 of the group and note 1 of the parent 
company financial statements.

We have evaluated the group’s and company’s accounting 
policies to ensure that these comply with the requirements 
of IFRS as adopted by the EU for the group, and FRS 101 for 
the parent company.

We have assessed and tested key areas of judgement and 
accounting estimates in the course of our work, and 
considered the judgements and estimates made in the 
previous period to evaluate whether there were any further 
prior period errors not identified by Management.

We have reviewed the prior auditor working papers to 
evaluate the nature, timing and extent of audit procedures 
performed, and we have performed additional procedures 
over the opening balance sheet in areas where either 
management identified prior period errors, or other higher 
risk areas identified in the course of our audit work.

We have performed detailed testing over the prior year 
restatements recorded in the financial statements.

We have read and reviewed the financial statements 
to ensure that these include all required disclosures.

We read the specific disclosures in notes 2 to the financial 
statements over prior year restatements to ensure these 
provided clear and sufficient guidance to enable the user 
of the financial statements to understand the nature 
and magnitude of the prior year restatements.

Our work did not identify any further misstatements 
in respect of the prior year, and we found the disclosures 
over prior year restatements to be appropriate.

50 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Consideration of the impact of COVID-19 
(Group and Parent Company)
The Directors have assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the 
financial statements and have concluded that COVID-19 
represents a non-adjusting post balance sheet event in 
accordance with IAS 10 – ‘Events After the Reporting 
Period’. This is on the basis that the full macroeconomic 
impact of the pandemic was not apparent until after the 
balance date, particularly in the Group’s most significant 
markets in the UK and US. The assessment of whether 
or not COVID-19 is an adjusting or non-adjusting event 
involves management exercising judgement. 

COVID-19 has created significant economic uncertainty and 
this increases this risk over the Directors use of the Going 
concern basis of preparation. The Directors assessment 
of Going concern is supported by estimates over future 
trading performance and associated cash flows through 
to 31 December 2021, and COVID-19 has resulted 
in greater uncertainty in estimating future revenues, 
profits and cash flows. 

Further information is set out in notes 2 and 35.

We considered the Directors’ assessment that the impact 
of COVID-19 is not an adjusting post balance sheet event 
by reference to the wider understanding of the impact 
of COVID-19 on economies in the Group’s key markets at 
31 December 2019, and based on our evaluation we found 
the directors assessment to be reasonable.

We obtained the directors going concern assessment and, 
with the support of our own internal experts, performed 
the following procedures:

 / Tested the mathematical accuracy of the cash flow 
forecast model and other supporting documents;
 / Assessed the reasonableness of key assumptions 

supporting the cash flow forecasts including revenue and 
cost projections, working capital requirements, capital 
expenditure and other assumptions over Government 
support schemes in the Group’s key territories;

 / Evaluated forecast revenues by reference to current 

and historical performance, sensitised to reflect further 
downside scenarios as a consequence of the potential 
future impact of COVID-19 on the Group’s 
different markets;

 / Assessed the impact of financial obligations arising from 

existing contractual relationships to ensure that these were 
appropriate reflected in the cash flow forecasts;
 / Read and evaluated the Group’s existing facility 

agreements to ensure that there were no conditions 
precedent that would result in the facilities being 
withdrawn within a period of at least 12 months from 
the approval of the financial statements.

Based on the procedures performed we found that the 
directors use of the going concern basis in the preparation 
of the financial statements is reasonable. 

We read the disclosures made in the financial statements 
in respect of the impact of COVID-19 on the financial 
statements, and the specific disclosures in respect of Going 
concern in light of the heightened risk as a result of 
COVID-19 and found these to be appropriate.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

51

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT (CONTINUED)
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Impairment of investments (Parent Company)
The parent company statement of financial position 
includes investments of £75.7 million in relation to the 
company’s investments in subsidiary undertakings after a 
current year impairment of £46.7 million, and a further net 
amount of £38.8 million of receivables owed by Group 
companies (£44.3 million of receivables owed by Group 
companies net of £5.5 million payables due to Group 
companies of £5.5 million). Given the results of the Group 
have been below Management’s expectations and the share 
price has fallen to a level where the market capitalisation is 
below the total investment carrying value, an impairment 
trigger was identified.

The investment and net receivables owed by Group 
companies has been tested by reference to a recoverable 
amount which has been assessed using a value in use model 
on the basis that this indicates a higher recoverable amount 
than fair value less cost to sell. This is based on forecast 
future discounted cash flows which include judgements and 
estimates, including future growth rates and the discount 
rate applied to future cash flow forecasts. 

Management performed sensitivity analyses on certain key 
variables in the value in use calculation to understand the 
impact of changes in key assumptions. An impairment of 
£46.7 million was recorded against the parent company 
investment balance at 31 December 2019. No impairment 
was identified in respect of the net receivable balance owed 
by Group companies at 31 December 2019.

Lawfulness of dividends (Parent company)
During the year the company paid the final 2018 dividend 
to shareholders amounting to £1.3 million. The 2018 
audited parent company financial statements showed that 
the company did not have sufficient distributable profits 
to support the dividend payment, and interim accounts 
were not prepared or filed with Companies House to 
demonstrate that the company had sufficient distributable 
reserves at the time the dividend was paid.

The directors have taken legal advice regarding this issue 
and subsequently prepared unaudited interim accounts and 
filed these with Companies House to rectify the error. In 
preparing the unaudited interim accounts the Directors 
identified an error in the parent company financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 2018. A 
reserve transfer should have been recorded between the 
profit and loss reserve and the merger reserve equivalent 
to the impairment of investments recorded by the parent 
company in 2018. This amounted to £21.1 million. After 
correcting for this error the parent company had sufficient 
distributable profits to support the dividend payment made 
in the year. Disclosure of the prior period restatement 
is included in note 2.

We considered management’s assessment that value in use 
provided a higher recoverable amount than fair value less 
cost to sell and agreed with this basis.

We performed audit procedures over the value in use 
calculations prepared by management. We used PwC 
valuation specialists to assess the methodology applied in 
the valuation model and the discount rate used. We 
benchmarked the discount rate to comparable companies 
and considered the underlying assumptions based on our 
knowledge of the Group and its industry. We evaluated 
management’s forecasts by reference to historical 
performance and considered growth rates applied to future 
cash flows by reference to external market data. We also 
independently applied sensitivities to key assumptions used 
in management’s value in use calculation.

Based on our audit procedures performed we found 
that management’s calculation of the value in use for 
investments and net receivables owed by Group companies 
supported their conclusion that an impairment of £46.7 
million was required over the investment balance, and that 
no impairment was required over the net receivable balance 
owed by Group companies.

We also assessed the disclosures in note 1 and 3 of 
the parent company financial statements around the 
impairment assessment, the associated sensitivity analyses, 
and management’s disclosure of impairment assessments 
as a key accounting estimate and have found these 
to be appropriate.

We have tested the prior period restatement to record a 
reserve transfer from the profit and loss reserve to the 
merger reserve, and used our structuring specialists to 
evaluate the accounting for the transaction, specifically that 
the impairment can be off-set against the merger reserve 
and that as a consequence the impairment does not give 
rise to a reduction in distributable profits.

We have also obtained and read the advice received from 
the company’s lawyers to confirm the process to rectify 
the fact that interim accounts were not previously filed, 
and that having filed these accounts the dividend is now 
considered lawful.

We have read the disclosures in note 2 to ensure that the 
disclosure of the prior period restatement is appropriate.

Based on our audit procedures performed we found that 
the prior year restatement was appropriately recorded, 
that the unaudited interim accounts were filed and that 
as a consequence the dividend paid in 2019 in respect 
of the 2018 final dividend was lawful.

52 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we 
performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on 
the financial statements as a whole, taking into account 
the structure of the Group and the parent company, 
the accounting processes and controls, and the industry 
in which they operate.

In establishing the overall Group audit strategy and plan, we 
determine the type of work that needs to be performed at 
each component by the Group engagement team and by 
component auditors from other PwC network firms and 
other firms. For each component we determined whether 
we require an audit of their complete financial information 
(‘full scope’) or whether specified procedures addressing 
specific risk characteristics or particular financial statement 
line items would be sufficient.

Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application 
of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for 
materiality. These, together with qualitative considerations, 
helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the 
nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the 
individual financial statement line items and disclosures and 
in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually 
and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined 
materiality for the financial statements as a whole 
as follows:

Group financial statements

Parent company financial statements

Overall materiality

$338,000 (2018: $500,000).

£1,213,000 (2018: £249,000).

How we determined it

5% of Adjusted EBIT (including the impact 
of IFRS 16).

1% of total assets.

Rationale for 
benchmark applied

We have determined the primary performance 
measure used by the Board to monitor and 
measure the performance of the Group to be 
Adjusted EBIT. This is also the primary measure 
used to report business performance to the 
primary users of the financial statements.

We believe that total assets comprise the 
transactions of greatest interest to the 
shareholders in assessing the entity, and 
is a generally accepted auditing benchmark. 
Materiality has been restricted to $75,000 
in respect of balances included in the group 
consolidated financial statements.

For each component in the scope of our group audit, we 
allocated a materiality that is less than our overall group 
materiality. The range of materiality allocated across 
components was between $30,000 and $250,000. 
Certain components were audited to a local statutory 
audit materiality that was also less than our overall 
group materiality.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report 
to them misstatements identified during our audit above 
$10,000 (Group audit) (2018: $25,000) and £60,000 (Parent 
company audit) (2018: £12,000) as well as misstatements 
below those amounts that, in our view, warranted reporting 
for qualitative reasons.

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

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

in the preparation of the 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 and 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.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be 
predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the group’s 
and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern. 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

53

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT (CONTINUED)
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the financial statements as a whole are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, 
and to issue an auditors’ 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 
financial statements. 

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

Use of this report
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for 
and only for the parent company’s members as a body in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these 
opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other 
purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown 
or into whose hands it may come save where expressly 
agreed by our prior consent in writing.

Other required reporting
Companies Act 2006 exception reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report 
to you if, in our opinion:

 / We have not received all the information and explanations 

we require for our audit; or

 / 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
 / Certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified 

by law are not made; or

 / The parent company financial statements are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from 
this responsibility.

Matthew Hall
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
Gatwick

7 August 2020

Reporting on other information
The other information comprises all of the information in 
the Annual Report other than the financial statements and 
our auditors’ report thereon. The directors are responsible 
for the other information. Our opinion on the financial 
statements does not cover the other information and, 
accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except 
to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, 
any form of assurance thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our 
responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing 
so, consider whether the other information is materially 
inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge 
obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially 
misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency 
or material misstatement, we are required to perform 
procedures to conclude whether there is a material 
misstatement of the 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 based on these 
responsibilities.

With respect to the Strategic Report and Directors’ report, 
we also considered whether the disclosures required by the 
UK Companies Act 2006 have been included.  

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work 
undertaken in the course of the audit, ISAs (UK) require 
us also to report certain opinions and matters as 
described below.

Strategic Report and Directors’ report
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course 
of the audit, the information given in the Strategic Report 
and Directors’ report for the year ended 31 December 2019 
is consistent with the financial statements and has been 
prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the group 
and parent company and their environment obtained in the 
course of the audit, we did not identify any material 
misstatements in the Strategic Report and Directors’ report.

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities 
statement set out on page 43, the directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance 
with the applicable framework and for being satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view. The directors are also 
responsible for such internal control as they determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements 
that are free from material misstatement, whether due 
to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are 
responsible for assessing the group’s and 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 group or the parent company 
or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but 
to do so.

54 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Continuing operations:

Revenue 

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Year ended 31 December 2019

Year ended 31 December 2018
Restated*

Statutory 
result
$’000

Adjusting 
items
$’000

Adjusted 
result
$’000

Statutory 
result
$’000

Adjusting 
items
$’000

Adjusted 
result
$’000

Note

 4

246,813

(207,340)

 4

39,473

–

–

–

246,813

234,859

(207,340)

(190,391)

39,473

44,468

–

–

–

234,859

(190,391)

44,468

– Other administrative expenses

(39,268)

9,033

(30,235)

(45,706)

12,502

(33,204)

– impairment loss

– depreciation and amortisation

– impairment of financial assets

Total administrative expenses

Operating (loss)/profit

Share of results from equity accounted 
investments

Profit on step acquisition

Earnings before interest and taxation

Finance income

Finance expense

(Loss)/profit before tax from continuing 
operations

 6

 5

20

 18

13

4,5

 9

 10

(540)

(5,198)

540

984

–

(28,401)

28,401

–

(4,214)

(5,067)

2,484

(2,583)

(2,387)

2,010

(377)

(834)

–

(834)

(47,393)

12,567

(34,826)

(80,008)

43,387

(36,621)

(7,920)

12,567

4,647

(35,540)

43,387

7,847

918

–

–

–

918

–

566

986

–

(986)

566

–

(7,002)

12,567

5,565

(33,988)

42,401

8,413

695

(4,657)

–

–

695

(4,657)

787

(954)

–

–

787

(954)

(10,964)

12,567

1,603

(34,155)

42,401

8,246

Taxation 

 11

(495)

(577)

(1,072)

(549)

(890)

(1,439)

(Loss)/profit after tax from continuing 
operations

Discontinued operations:

Loss after tax for the year from 
discontinued operations

(Loss)/profit for the year

Attributable to:

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Continuing EPS attributable to the 
equity holders of the parent

basic

diluted

Total EPS attributable to the equity 
holders of the parent

basic

diluted

(11,459)

11,990

531

(34,704)

41,511

6,807

 7

–

–

–

(767)

–

(767)

(11,459)

11,990

531

(35,471)

41,511

6,040

(11,554)

11,990

26 

95

–

12

12

12

12

(18.2c)

(18.2c)

18.9c

18.9c

(18.2c)

(18.2c)

18.9c

18.9c

436

95

0.7c

0.7c

0.7c

0.7c

(35,485)

41,529

6,044

14

(18)

(4)

(57.5c)

(57.5c)

68.8c

68.7c

11.3c

11.2c

(58.8c)

(58.8c)

68.8c

68.8c

10.0c

10.0c

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

55

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/ CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Loss for the year

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Share of other comprehensive income of associates

Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Total comprehensive loss is attributable to:

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interest

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

Note

18

Year
ended
2019
$’000

Year
ended
2018

Restated*
$’000

(11,459)

(35,471)

(1,160)

(7,258)

36

(1,124)

(12,583)

–

(7,258)

(42,729)

(12,678)

(42,743)

95

14

(12,583)

(42,729)

56 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 
/ AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2019

Non-current assets
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
Total intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment 
Right-of-use assets
Investments accounted for using equity method
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax asset

Current assets
Assets held for sale
Inventories
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Obligations under leases 
Provisions
Borrowings 
Deferred revenue

Total assets less current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 
Deferred revenue
Provisions
Obligations under leases
Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities
Net assets

Shareholders’ equity

Share capital 
Share premium 
Other reserves
Foreign exchange reserve
Accumulated (loss)/profit

Total shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interest

Total equity

Note

2019
$’000

2018

Restated*
$’000

14
15

16
23

18
20

22

18

19
20

24
 23
30
21
33

21
33
30

 23
22

25
25
25

26

21,750
10,148
31,898
35,324
52,315
15,112
4,392
2,252
141,293

2,598
7,271
73,505
8,463
91,837
233,130

(51,596)
(16,366)
(521)
(45,615)
(2,867)
(116,965)
116,165

(627)
(4,553)
(594)
(43,838)
(819)
(50,431)
(167,396)
65,734

953
63,473
34,798
(29,179)
(5,062)
64,983
751
65,734

20,114
8,355
28,469
22,248
–

18,287
–

1,926
70,930

–

7,238
58,833
10,045
76,116
147,046

(48,596)
–
–
(11,135)
(6,231)
(65,962)
81,084

(1,387)
–
–

–
(621)
(2,008)
(67,970)
79,076

953
63,473
33,937
(28,055)
8,112
78,420
656
79,076

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements. 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of directors and authorised for issue on 7 August 2020 and are signed 
on their behalf by:

Daniel Ruback
Director

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

57

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Share 
capital 
$’000

Share
 premium 
$’000

Other 
reserves 
$’000

Foreign 
exchange 
reserve 
$’000

Accu-
mulated 
profit/ 
(losses) 
$’000

Total
 shareholders’ 
equity
 $’000

Non-
controlling 
interest
 $’000

Total 
equity 
$’000

61,699

(20,797)

16,734

58,320

1,524

59,844

–

–

768

768

(882)

(114)

61,699

(20,797)

17,502

59,088

642

59,730

–

–

–

(33,082)

(33,082)

(2,403)

(2,403)

(35,485)

(35,485)

(7,218)

(40)

(7,258)

–

–

–

(7,218)

(40)

(7,258)

14

–

14

–

–

–

(33,068)

(2,403)

(35,471)

(7,218)

(40)

(7,258)

(7,258)

(35,485)

(42,743)

14

(42,729)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

63,742

28,401

–

–

639

(2,306)

(2,306)

–

–

–

–

63,742

–

639

(2,306)

656

95

79,076

(11,459)

(1,124)

–

(1,124)

–

(1,124)

(1,124)

(11,554)

(12,678)

95

(12,583)

–

–

–

861

(1,620)

(1,620)

–

–

861

(1,620)

953

63,473

33,937

(28,055)

8,112

78,420

–

(11,554)

(11,554)

Balance at 31 December 
2017 as reported

Restatement*

Balance at 1 January 2018 
as restated

Loss for the year, as 
reported

Restatement*

Loss for the year, as 
restated

Other comprehensive loss, 
as reported

Restatement*

Other comprehensive loss 
as restated

Total comprehensive loss 
for the year

684

–

684

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Issuance of shares

269

63,473

Utilisation of merger 
reserve, restated*

Cost of share-based 
payments (restated)*

Dividend paid

Balance at 31 December 
2018, as restated

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive 
income

Total comprehensive loss 
for the year

Cost of share-based 
payments

Dividend paid

Balance at 31 December 
2019

–

–

–

–

–

–

(28,401)

639

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

861

–

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements. 

58 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

953

63,473

34,798

(29,179)

(5,062)

64,983

751

65,734

 
/ CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Net cash generated/(expended) by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

Purchases of intangibles

Proceeds on disposal of assets held for sale

Purchase of interest in associate

Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities 

Issue of shares (net of share issue costs)

Consideration for acquisition of non-controlling interest

Lease payments

Interest received

Interest paid

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Dividend paid to equity holders of the parent

Net cash from financing activities

Net decrease 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

Year  
ended  
2019 
Unaudited 
$’000

Year  
ended  
2018 
Restated* 
$’000

1,695

(20,392)

Note

27

(15,053)

(5,425)

(3,093)

(3,171)

–

–

1,500

(16,000)

(1,310)

(2,590)

(19,456)

(25,686)

–

–

63,742

–

23

(14,062)

(611)

2

-

(901)

(954)

65,563

10,304

(32,915)

(35,680)

(1,620)

(2,306)

16,067

34,495

28

28

38

(1,694)

(11,583)

10,045

22,349

112

(721)

8,463

10,045

2019 
$’000

2018 
$’000

8,463

10,045

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements. 

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

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

59

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS1. General information
Gama Aviation Plc is a public company limited by shares, incorporated in the United Kingdom. The address of the registered 
office has changed from “Business Aviation Centre, Farnborough Airport, Hampshire, GU14 6XA” to “1st Floor, 25 Templer 
Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 6FE” in the first half of 2020. The nature of the Group’s operations and 
its principal activities are set out in the directors’ report.

Basis of preparation
The financial statements include the results of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the ‘Group’). The 
financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
adopted for use in the European Union (EU) and with the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention. The same accounting policies, presentation and 
methods of computation are followed in the financial statements as were applied in the Group’s 2018 annual audited 
financial statements, with the exception of any changes arising from new IFRS standards and amendments and IFRS IC 
interpretations as adopted by the European Union effective from 1 January 2019 and related presentational changes, and 
the change in accounting policy to present foreign exchange gains and losses on borrowings within finance income/expense. 
The comparative amounts for the year ended 31 December 2018 have been restated for a number of items which are 
discussed in more detail in note 2 below.

2. Accounting policies
Restatements 
The financial statements for 2018 have been restated for several items. The impact of restatements on the loss for the year 
and net assets is tabulated below: 

As reported

Consolidation of GISA

Accruals for administrative expenses 

Recognition employee benefit trust receivable

Measurement of share-based payments

Revision to goodwill impairment following recognition of deferred 
tax on acquired intangibles

Inventory recognition and measurement

Foreign exchange gains on borrowings reclassified to finance 
income

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations in other 
comprehensive income

Other 

Deferred tax

As restated

Reference

Adjusted
EBIT

(Loss)/profit 
for the year
Statutory 
$’000

i

iii

iii

iii

vii

ii

vi

11,327

(33,068)

(1,511)

(1,511)

(274)

(349)

–

–

(580)

(201)

–

1

–

(274)

(349)

32

(693)

(580)

–

–

–

972

Net assets 
$’000

81,664

(1,625)

(284)

(360)

–

(693)

(598)

–

(47)

47

972

8,413

(35,471)

79,076

60 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019Further details on the restatements are as follows:

i. 

ii. 

iii. 

 As communicated in the interim results for the six months to 30 June 2019, the results of Gama International Saudi 
Arabia (‘GISA’), following the correction of an accounting assessment under IFRS 10, have been consolidated. There has 
been no change to the legal status or ownership of that entity. The impact on the income statement is a charge of 
$1,511k, comprised of $27k on cost of sales, $1,506k on administrative expenses and partially offset by $22k credit on 
revenue. The impact on the balance sheet comprises, $1,568k reduction in trade and other receivables, $83k reduction 
in trade and other creditors, $25k increase in cash and $114k reduction in opening retained earnings. In addition, 
headcount has been restated for the four employees in GISA and staff costs of $662k.
 Errors in inventory recognition and measurement resulting in a charge of $580k to cost of sales and an equivalent 
reduction in inventory.
 Errors in the parent company and consolidated financial statements on accruing for administrative expenses, resulting 
in a charge to administrative expenses of $274k and an equivalent increase in accruals. In addition there was a $349k 
write-off of a receivable from an employee benefit trust, partially offset by a $32k credit on the share based payment 
charge shown in exceptionals.
 Following a review of mapping to financial statement line items in the current year and prior year, balance sheet 
reclassifications on accrued income ($2,852k increase), inventory ($2,852k decrease), accounts payable ($1,896k decrease), 
deferred revenue ($1,896k increase), assets under the course of construction ($1,815k increase), leasehold properties 
($1,815k decrease), finance lease liability ($3,056k decrease) and borrowings ($3,056k increase) have been reflected. 
 The $28,401k impairment of goodwill and intangibles in the prior year has been reclassified against the merger reserve 
rather than retained earnings. This restatement is consistent with the equivalent restatement made in the parent company. 
In addition, Loan arrangement fees of $384k have been capitalised against borrowings and reclassified out of prepayments.
 Change in accounting policy to reflect foreign currency fluctuations on borrowings out of administrative expenses and 
into finance income, resulting in a $201k charge to administrative expenses and equivalent increase in finance income. 
vii.   A restatement on step acquisition of the remaining 50% in Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings Ltd (GAHH) has been made 
to reflect deferred tax liabilities of $693k on the acquired intangibles at acquisition date, which results in an equivalent 
increase in Goodwill. As previously reported, the goodwill of $2,063k was impaired at 31 December 2018. As a result, 
the impairment charge has been increased on recognition of acquired deferred tax liabilities of $693k.

vi. 

iv. 

v. 

viii.  The opening balance of the non-controlling interest in Note 26 and the Statement of Changes in Equity has been 

restated by $882k, with an equivalent adjustment to retained earnings. This arises following a recalculation of the sole 
non-controlling interest’s share of net assets at that point in time.
 Tax disclosure errors have been restated in note 11, for a reclassification between expenses not deductible, utilisation 
of tax losses and effect of tax rates in different jurisdictions. In addition, in Note 22 Deferred tax, a reclassification 
of $1,364k has been made between fixed asset temporary differences and tax losses. 
 Asia Ground and Asia Air have been restated for an incorrect allocation of revenues and costs between these divisions in 
the second half of 2018. The impact of the restatement on profit or loss for Asia Ground is as follows; $586k increase in 
revenue, $583k increase in gross profit and $61k increase in EBIT in the second half of 2018. There is an equal and 
opposite impact on Asia Air.
 In Note 27, unrealised foreign exchange movements have been restated and moved into cash flows from working capital 
movements. Within working capital movements, the change in inventory obsolescence and loss allowance for receivables 
have been presented separately from the movement in gross inventories and gross receivables respectively. In addition, 
interest paid of $954k has been restated from operating cash flows to financing cash flows. This is a change in accounting 
policy to be consistent with the treatment of interest on lease obligations in 2019.
 A full 2017 balance sheet is not practicable to present for restatements (i), (iv) and (v). As a result these items have not 
been restated for any period earlier than 1 January 2018.

ix. 

x. 

xi. 

xii 

Adoption of new and revised standards
New and amended standards adopted by the Group.
The group has applied the following standards and amendments for the first time for their annual reporting period 
commencing 1 January 2019:

 / IFRS 16 Leases.
 / Interpretation 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments.
 / Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation – Amendments to IFRS 9.
 / Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures – Amendments to IAS 28.
 / Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015 – 2017 Cycle – Amendments to IFRS 3, IFRS 11, IAS 12 and IAS 23.
 / Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement – Amendments to IAS 19.

The group also elected to adopt the following amendments early: 

 / Definition of Material – Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8.

Other than IFRS 16, which is described in further detail in note 23, the amendments listed above did not have any impact on 
the amounts recognised in the current or prior periods, nor are expected to significantly affect future periods.

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
The Group initially applied IFRS 16 Leases from 1 January 2019. The Group applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective 
approach, where the right-of-use asset equals the lease liability at 1 January 2019. Accordingly, the comparative information 
presented for 2018 is not restated – i.e. it is presented, as previously reported, under IAS 17 and related interpretations. The 
details of the changes in accounting policies are disclosed below. Additionally, the disclosure requirements in IFRS 16 have 
not generally been applied to comparative information.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

61

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS2. Accounting policies (continued)
A. Definition of a lease
At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if 
the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To 
assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Group assesses whether:

 / The contract involves the use of an identified asset – this may be specified explicitly or implicitly, and should be physically 

distinct or represent substantially all of the capacity of a physically distinct asset. If the supplier has a substantive 
substitution right, then the asset is not identified;

 / The Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset throughout the period 

of use; and

 / The Group has the right to direct the use of the asset. The Group has this right when it has the decision-making rights that 

are most relevant to changing how and for what purpose the asset is used. In rare cases where the decision about how 
and for what purpose the asset is used is predetermined, the Group has the right to direct the use of the asset if either:
 / The Group has the right to operate the asset; or
 / The Group designed the asset in a way that predetermines how and for what purpose it will be used.

This policy is applied to contracts entered into, or changed, on or after 1 January 2019. The practical expedient not to 
reassess whether contracts contain a lease has been used.

At inception or on reassessment of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the consideration in the 
contract to each lease component on the basis of their relative stand-alone prices . However, for the leases of land and 
buildings in which it is a lessee, the Group has elected not to separate non-lease components and account for the lease and 
non-lease components as a single lease component.

B. As a lessee
As a lessee, the Group leases many assets including aircraft, hangars, property, cars and IT equipment. The Group previously 
classified leases as operating or finance leases based on its assessment of whether the lease transferred significantly all of 
the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset to the Group. Under IFRS 16, the Group recognises 
right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for most of these leases – i.e. these leases are on-balance sheet.

i. Leases classified as operating leases under IAS 17
Previously, the Group classified leases as operating leases under IAS 17. For the comparative, 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.

On transition to IFRS 16, for these leases, lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease 
payments, and discounted at the respective incremental borrowing rates as at 1 January 2019. 

Right-of-use assets are measured at an amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued 
lease payments.

The Group has tested its right-of-use assets for impairment on the date of transition and has concluded that there is no 
indication that the right-of-use assets are impaired. Subsequent to transition the right-of-use asset associated with the 
Fairoaks lease was impaired, see note 23.

The Group used a number of practical expedients when applying IFRS 16 to leases previously classified as operating leases 
under IAS 17. In particular, the Group:

 / Did not recognise right-of-use assets and liabilities for leases for which the lease term ends within 12 months of the date of 

initial application;

 / Did not recognise right-of-use assets and liabilities for leases of low value assets (e.g. IT equipment);
 / Excluded initial direct costs from the measurement of the right-of-use asset at the date of initial application; and
 / Used hindsight when determining the lease term.

ii. Leases classified as finance leases under IAS 17
The 2018 balance sheet included finance leases with a carrying value of $3m which has been reclassified to borrowings as the 
Group has deemed the nature of these financing arrangements to be synonymous with loan financing. See note 21.

At 31 December 2018 the value of leases classified as finance leases under IAS 17 is nil.

The Group depreciates right-of-use assets over the life of the lease. 

62 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019C. As a lessor
The Group leases out property included within its right-of-use assets. The Group has classified these leases as operating 
leases.

The Group is not required to make any adjustments on transition to IFRS 16 for leases in which it acts as a lessor, except for a 
sub-lease.

The Group sub-leases some of its properties. Under IAS 17, the head lease and sub-lease contracts were classified as operating 
leases. On transition to IFRS 16, the right-of-use assets recognised from the head leases are presented in leasehold property 
and depreciated over the life of the lease. The Group assessed the classification of the sub-lease contracts with reference to the 
right-of-use asset rather than the underlying asset, and concluded that they are operating leases under IFRS 16.

D. Impact on transition
The impact on transition is set out in note 23.

Standards and Interpretations in issue but not yet effective
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for 31 December 2019 
reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the group. These standards are not expected to have a material impact 
on the entity in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

Use of Alternative performance measures (APMs) 
The performance of the Group is assessed and discussed on an ‘adjusted’ basis, using a variety of APMs, including Adjusted 
Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), Organic Revenue Growth and Net Debt. The term ‘adjusted’ refers to the relevant 
measure being reported for continuing operations excluding ‘adjusting items’.

The directors believe that adjusted profit and earnings per share measures provide additional and more consistent measures 
of underlying performance to shareholders by removing certain trading and non-trading items that are either not closely 
related to the Group’s operating cash flows or non-recurring in nature. These and other APMs are used by the directors for 
internal performance analysis and incentive compensation arrangements for employees. The term ‘adjusted’ is not defined 
under IFRS and may therefore not be comparable with similarly titled measures reported by other companies. They are not 
intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP measures. Where applicable, divisional measures are calculated in 
accordance with Group measures.

APMs have been defined and reconciled to the nearest IFRS measure in note 6 and below, along with the rationale behind 
using the measures. 

Adjusting items
The Group’s Income Statement and segmental analysis separately identify trading results before Adjusting items. The 
directors believe that presentation of the Group’s results in this way is relevant to an understanding of the Group’s financial 
performance, as adjusting items are identified by virtue of their size, nature or incidence. This presentation is consistent 
with the way that financial performance is measured by management and reported to the Board and assists in providing 
a meaningful analysis of the trading results of the Group. In determining whether an event or transaction is treated as an 
Adjusting item, management considers quantitative as well as qualitative factors such as the frequency or predictability 
of occurrence. 

The income statement items that are excluded from the Statutory results are referred to as Adjusting items. Adjusting items 
include exceptional items, amortisation of acquired intangibles, share-based payment charges and tax related to adjusting 
items. These items are defined and explained in more detail as follows:

Exceptional items
Exceptional items are recorded in accordance with the policy set out below:

 / Transaction costs – arising on acquisitions, disposals, and debt refinancing.
 / Integration and business reorganisation – legal and professional fees and non-recurring operating costs arising from 

significant acquisition integration or business reorganisation activities. Non-recurring operating costs means those costs 
that are related to a specific integration or reorganisation event that will not be repeated because they are unique to the 
event and which are not expected to follow a consistent level of expense from one accounting period to the next.

 / Litigation – legal costs (which may be incurred in more than one accounting period) are treated as exceptional if they relate 

to specific commercial legal events that are not in the normal course of trading activity in respect of one-off or related 
series of cases and are not expected to follow a consistent level of expense from one accounting period to the next.

 / Impairment losses – arising from significant non-recurring impairment reviews. 
 / Other items – other significant non-recurring items.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

63

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS2. Accounting policies (continued)
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Exclusion of amortisation of acquired intangibles accounted for under IFRS 3 from the Group’s results assists with the 
comparability of the Group’s profitability with peer companies. In addition, charges for amortisation of acquired intangibles 
arise from the purchase consideration of a number of separate acquisitions. These acquisitions are portfolio investment 
decisions that took place at different times over several years, and so the associated amortisation does not reflect current 
operational performance.

Share-based payments
The Group treats share-based payments as an adjusted item because share-based payments are a significant non-cash 
charge driven by a valuation model that references Gama’s share price and so is subject to volatility rather than referencing 
operational activity.

Tax related to adjusted items
The elements of the overall Group tax charge relating to the above Adjusting items are also treated as Adjusting. These 
elements of the tax charge are calculated with reference to the specific tax treatment of each individual Adjusting item, 
taking into account its tax deductibility, the tax jurisdiction concerned, and any previously recognised tax assets or liabilities.

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 Operational Review and Chief Financial Officer’s report. 

The emergence of COVID-19 during 2020 has increased uncertainty surrounding the future trading environment for the 
Group, and performance in FY20 to date has been adversely impacted compared to the Directors original expectations of 
performance. To support their assessment of Going Concern the directors have performed a detailed analysis of cash flow 
projections for the Group as a whole covering the period through to 31 December 2021, taking account of the $50.0m 
committed revolving credit facility (of which c$29m is currently undrawn) and a $20.0m term loan which was agreed and 
drawn in full since the year end. These facilities have no substantive covenants and fall due for repayment after 31 December 
2021. The key assumption in these projections relates to revenue performance and the directors have included what they 
consider to be a cautious recovery in revenue performance from the second half of FY20. Downside sensitivities have also 
been assessed, which reflect no further recovery in revenues and a continuation of the trading performance in Q2 FY20, 
which was the period most impacted by COVID-19. In both Management’s base case forecasts and downside scenarios the 
group maintains significant headroom against its cash and available facilities.

Accordingly, the directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements, a reasonable expectation that the 
Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 
Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred in a business 
combination is measured at fair value, which is 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 and the equity issued by the Group. 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. 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.

Step-acquisition
For acquisitions achieved in stages the Group first assesses the fair value of the associate interest held immediately prior to 
the Group obtaining control and the associate becoming a subsidiary. The difference between the fair value measured and 
the carrying value of the associate interest is recognised as a step-acquisition gain or loss, which the Group excludes from its 
adjusted performance measures. Once the associate interest has been revalued to fair value, the transaction is accounted 
for using the acquisition method applicable to normal business combination transactions.

64 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019Goodwill
Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling 
interest in the acquiree and acquisition date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the 
net identifiable assets acquired. 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, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.

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. 

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 computer software. 

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

 / Part 145 approvals 
 / Licences 
 / Brand 
 / Customer relations 
 / Software 

20% per annum, straight line method.
10% per annum, straight line method.
10% per annum, straight line method.
10% per annum, straight line method.
20%-33% per annum, straight line method.

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 improvements 
 / Right-of-use assets 
 / Aircraft hull and refurbishments 
 / Furniture, fixtures and equipment 
 / Motor vehicles 

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

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.

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.

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. 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

65

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS2. Accounting policies (continued)
The Group’s investments in its associates 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.

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.

Inventories include Rotable stock. Rotable stock are inventory items that can be repeatedly and economically restored to 
their fully serviced condition, in which an already-repaired equipment is exchanged for defective equipment, which in turn 
is repaired and kept for future exchange. These items have extensive life expectancy through repetitive overhaul process.

The Rotable parts could either be recognised as property, plant and equipment (“PPE”) or inventory. Following specialist 
advice and consistent with industry practice, the Group policy recognises Rotables as inventory. In addition, the cost of any 
refurbishment of Rotables is recognised in inventory.

The Group policy on recognising inventory at the lower of cost and net realisable value does this by providing for Rotables 
on a sliding scale over the preceding four years. As a result, inventory older than four years is written off in full. A nuance 
to the provisioning policy is however made for the “non-core” which represents the exchange value of the part in the market. 
On the basis that there is an exchange value and market, the provision is only made for the “core” component.

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.

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 an expected credit loss allowance, determined 
as set out below in “impairment of financial assets”. Any write-down of these assets is expensed to the income statement. 

Impairment of financial assets
It is not necessary for a credit event to have occurred before credit losses are recognised. Instead, the Group accounts for 
expected credit losses and changes in those expected credit losses. The amount of expected credit losses are updated at 
each reporting date. 

The impairment model applies to the Group’s financial assets that are debt instruments measured at amortised costs as well 
as the Group’s lease receivables, contract assets and issued financial guarantee contracts. The Group has applied the 
simplified approach to recognise lifetime expected credit losses for its trade receivables, and contracts assets as required or 
permitted by IFRS 9. 

Expected credit losses are calculated with reference to average loss rates actually incurred in the three most recent reporting 
periods to which a country risk premium is added, based on the location of each business. The combined loss rate represents 
the maximum expected credit default risk, which is expressed as a percentage. The Group average combined loss rate is 
approximately 1%.

66 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019This percentage rate is then applied to current receivable balances using a probability risk spread as follows:

 / 80% of debt not yet due (i.e. the Group’s average combined loss rate of 1% is discounted by 20%, meaning a 0.8% loss 

allowance would be made to debt not yet due).

 / 85% of debt that is <30 days overdue.
 / 90% of debt that is 30-60 days overdue.
 / 95% of debt that is 60-90 days overdue.
 / 100% of debt that is >90 days overdue.

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.

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.

Segmental reporting
An operating segment is a distinguishable component of the Group that is engaged in business activities from which it may 
earn revenues and incur expenses, and whose operating results are reviewed regularly by the Chief Operating Decision Maker 
(the Group Chief Executive) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, 
and for which discrete financial information is available. 

Reportable segments are operating segments that either meet the thresholds and conditions set out in IFRS 8 or are 
considered by the Board to be appropriately designated as reportable segments under IFRS 8. 

Supplier volume rebates
The Group has supplier contracts for the provision of certain services, which attract volume rebates, the credit for which is 
recognised centrally. The anticipated rebate receivable is accrued throughout the year based on the agreement terms. 

Revenue recognition
Revenue is measured based on the performance obligations and consideration specified in a contract with a customer and 
excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Group recognises revenue when it transfers control of a product 
or service to a customer or when it meets the performance obligations specified or implied in the contract.

Sale of business aviation services revenue from the following major sources:

 / Managed aircraft contracts and specific air services.
 / Maintenance of aircraft.
 / Design and modification projects.
 / Fixed base operations (‘FBO’).

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

67

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS2. Accounting policies (continued)
Managed aircraft contracts and specific air services
These activities are provided by the Group’s Air Division. Services provided under managed aircraft contracts include flight 
training, cost management, flight planning and scheduling, crew management, maintenance oversight and regulatory 
compliance as separate performance obligations falling into one or more of the contract components identified below. 

The services are contract based with costs such as fuel, insurance, crew and maintenance being recharged to the client. 
Specific air services provided under this heading include a variety of specific contracts with customers where one or more 
elements of fully managed services are provided. 

The managed aircraft contracts have three components:

1.  Pre-delivery services and services prior to aircraft’s entry into service (if appropriate).
2.  Management services.
3.  Variable fees based on flying hours and related rechargeable costs.

Most specific services provided arise in components 1 and 3, whilst management services relate to overarching administrative 
services relating to ongoing regulatory compliance requirements, billed on a regular basis over the life of the contract. These 
components are distinct as the customer can benefit from the services on their own and the Group’s promise to provide the 
service is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. The three components are therefore deemed to be 
separate performance obligations and revenue is recognised based on the above performance obligations as follows:

1.  Revenue is recognised once the service has been performed (at a point in time).
2.  The customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Group, therefore revenue is recognised 

over time.

3.  Variable flying hours revenue is recognised monthly based upon actual flight information and other relevant information 
held on the internal billing system (at a point in time). Rechargeable costs are recognised gross, as revenue and related 
cost of sales and are recognised at a point in time (for example, monthly) based upon either actual rechargeable costs 
or estimated costs to be recharged.

The Group has considered whether it is acting as agent or principal in the context of its managed aircraft contracts and has 
concluded that it is the principal in relation to the entirety of these contracts. Rechargeable costs are recognised gross 
because the Group controls the services before they are transferred to customers and because they are linked to wider 
management services. For practical purposes management services and rechargeable costs (and other variable fees based 
on flying hours) are itemised separately in billing to customers, but for the purposes of revenue recognition there is an 
allocation of management fee revenue to rechargeable costs to reflect the standalone selling price of that revenue stream. 

Maintenance of aircraft
These activities are provided by the Group’s Ground Division. The Group provides both base and line maintenance services. 
Base maintenance relates to the planned maintenance that is required by the aircraft manufacturer or component supplier. 
This work is complex, highly regulated and location specific. Line maintenance covers irregular maintenance activities, 
component failure or simple wear and tear. Both types of services are provided on a fee or contract basis.

Maintenance revenue is recognised over time in line with the performance of the related maintenance work as the Group’s 
performance of maintenance services do not create assets with an alternative use and the Group has an enforceable right 
to payment for performance completed to date. In most cases work is carried out and billed to the customer in the same 
accounting period. However, for work ongoing at the end of an accounting period an assessment of the extent to which 
contracted work is completed is made and a corresponding amount of revenue is accrued.

This assessment is made using the input method of labour hours expended and costs incurred.

Design and modification projects
The Group undertakes certain equipment design and modification activities for some customers. These activities are 
provided by both Air and Ground Divisions of the Group. Revenue is recognised over time in line with the performance of the 
related design and modification work for design projects because the Group’s performance of its contractual obligations 
creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced. Work that is outstanding under 
design and modification contracts at the end of an accounting period is accrued and a contract asset (accrued income) is 
recognised on the balance sheet, based upon the input method of measuring progress (cost and labour hours expended 
to date).

Branding fees from associates
The Group receives a branding fee from its US Air Associate in addition to its equity accounted share of profit from associate. 
The branding fee is payable quarterly in arrears and the Group recognises revenue over time as the customer simultaneously 
receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Group.

68 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019Fixed Base Operation
The Group also provides fixed base operation activities in Jersey, Scotland and Middle East through the Ground Division. 
This includes hangar parking and apron parking space to customers. Revenue is recognized as the service is provided over time. 

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 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. The Company’s functional currency is determined to be Pounds 
Sterling because this is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company 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.

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.

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.

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 to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly 
in equity, respectively.

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.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

69

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS3. Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 2, the Directors are required to make 
judgments (other than those involving estimations) that have a significant impact on the amounts recognised and to make 
estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other 
sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered 
to be relevant. Actual results may 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.

Critical judgments in applying the Group’s accounting policies
The following are the critical judgments, apart from those involving estimations (which are dealt with separately below), that 
management have made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect 
on the amounts recognised in financial statements.

Classification of items of cost or income as “Exceptional” (exclusion of items from Adjusted EBIT)
Management consider exceptional costs to be those that do not contribute to the underlying performance of the Group 
as set out in the policy on page 63. This requires judgment as the management and Group’s view of what qualifies as an 
exceptional item may differ from similar judgments made by others. Exceptional items are treated as adjusting items 
to enable more relevant and reliable financial information to be presented. The exceptional items recorded in the income 
statement relate to transaction costs; business integration and re-organisation costs; legal costs arising primarily from 
historic Hangar 8 activity; and other non-recurring items that management judge to be exceptional. 

Control over Gama International Saudi Arabia (“GISA”) 
Management previously judged that at 31 December 2018 the Group did not control GISA, which management believe operates 
on an arm’s length basis. As communicated in the interim results for the six months to 30 June 2019, the results of GISA, 
following the correction of an accounting assessment under IFRS 10, have been consolidated. There has been no change to the 
legal status or ownership of that entity. Related party transactions with GISA are disclosed in note 36 to the accounts.

IFRS 16 leases
Management exercised judgement in the choice of transition method. The modified retrospective approach was adopted, where 
the right-of-use asset equals the lease liability at 1 January 2019. Accordingly, the comparative information presented for 2018 
is not restated. In addition, there is judgement in the determination of the lease term.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting period, that 
may have a significant risk of causing a materially different outcome to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within 
the next financial year, are discussed below.

Impairment review
The goodwill, intangibles, investment in associates and assets under construction 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, 15, 16 and 18.

Loss allowances on financial assets
The loss allowance 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 and overseas Groups, 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 loss allowance 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.

Valuation of inventories
Management exercise judgment in measuring inventory at the lower of cost and net realisable values. The estimate of the net 
realisable value represents management’s best estimate and it may vary from the actual realisation, notwithstanding the 
regular review and monitoring.

Estimation of amounts owed and receivable in relation to long-term contracts – Europe Ground Division
Management exercise judgment in determining the costs to complete and the revenue recognised in relation to long-term 
contracts. Judgment is required specifically around the estimated outcome of commercial discussions at the time of contract 
conclusions and during renegotiation periods. Some contracts enable customer to conduct a retrospective review of costs 
incurred which could result in revision to the estimates made at this point in time.

70 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 20194. Segment information
The Group has eleven reportable segments (Air Division – four regional businesses; Ground Division – four regional 
businesses; Global Services Division – also comprising two businesses combined as one reportable segment; the Associates 
Division – two businesses; and Central Costs), which are defined by markets rather than product type. Each segment includes 
businesses with similar operating and marketing characteristics. These segments are consistent with the internal reporting 
reviewed each month by the Group Chief Executive. Reportable segments are operating segments that either meet the 
thresholds and conditions set out in IFRS 8 for separate reporting or are considered by the Board to be appropriately 
aggregated into reportable segments under IFRS 8.

The Chief Operating Decision maker reviews the results on a pre-IFRS 16 basis. The tables below reconcile the pre-IFRS 16 
results to the equivalent statutory result, with the exception of gross profit. The total difference between statutory gross 
profit and pre-IFRS 16 gross profit is $191k and shown in Note 23.

Air Divisional Performance
$’000s
Adjusted EBIT

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Total

Revenue

Gross Profit

GP %

EBIT

EBIT %

2019

4,050

4,050

100%

3,898

96%

2018

4,921

4,997

102%

4,892

99%

2019

2018

2019

2018*

2019

2018*

2019

2018*

99,145

88,804

16,778

20,966

20,650

20,674

140,623

135,365

6,050

7,527

6%

622

1%

8%

186

0%

1,519

9%

(571)

(3%)

2,223

11%

(1,361)

(6%)

1,218

1,191

12,837

15,938

6%

123

1%

6%

328

2%

9%

4,072

3%

12%

4,045

3%

Adjustments to EBIT

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Total

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018*

2019

2018*

Exceptional 
items

Amortisation

Impairment 
charges

Profit on step 
acquisition

Application of 
IFRS 16

Total 
adjustments

Discontinued 
operations**

(250)

(3,600)

(2,072)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

396

(846)

(334)

(24,915)

–

–

134

(27)

(16)

(57)

(2,204)

(4,530)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3,486)

986

–

–

–

14

–

410

(334)

(28,401)

986

–

(250)

(3,600)

(1,676)

(26,095)

134

(27)

(2)

(2,557)

(1,794)

(32,279)

–

–

–

(807)

–

–

–

–

–

(807)

*  Restatements are detailed in note 2 of the notes to the financial statements. 

**   The effects of discontinued operations are shown on a single line on the face of the consolidated income statement. This effect is included 

already within the statutory result shown below and is split out in the table above to aid understanding.

Statutory EBIT

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Total

EBIT

EBIT %

2019

3,648

90%

2018

1,292

26%

2019

2018

(1,054)

(25,909)

(1%)

(29%)

2019

(437)

(3%)

2018

2019

2018*

2019

2018*

(1,388)

(7%)

121

1%

(2,229)

2,278

(28,234)

(11%)

2%

(21%)

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

71

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS4. Segment information (continued)
Ground Divisional Performance
$’000s
Adjusted EBIT

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Total

2019

2018

2019

Revenue

48,943

37,517

48,176

Gross Profit

6,360

GP %

EBIT

EBIT %

13%

(268)

(1%)

8,101

22%

1,887

5%

15,605

32%

6,247

13%

2018*

52,301

15,720

30%

6,146

12%

2019

4,372

1,453

33%

(466)

(11%)

2018

4,636

1,374

30%

(342)

(7%)

2019

1,476

632

43%

(551)

(37%)

2018*

2019

2018*

1,091

102,967

95,545

673

62%

(118)

(11%)

24,050

25,868

23%

4,962

5%

27%

7,573

8%

*  Restatements are detailed in note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

Adjustments to EBIT

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Total

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

(657)

(6)

(4,891)

(2,630)

–

(633)

(540)

538

–

–

–

–

1,169

(113)

–

–

(659)

(639)

(3,722)

(2,743)

–

–

–

193

193

2

(273)

–

–

(26)

–

(5,574)

(2,634)

–

–

–

(350)

–

(1,369)

–

–

(540)

1,900

–

–

(271)

(26)

(350)

(4,214)

(4,003)

Exceptional 
items

Amortisation

Impairment 
charges

Application of 
IFRS 16

Total 
adjustments

Statutory EBIT

US

Europe

Middle East

Asia

Total

EBIT

EBIT %

2019

(927)

(2%)

2018

1,248

3%

2019

2,525

5%

2018

3,403

7%

2019

(273)

(6%)

2018

(613)

(13%)

2019

(577)

(39%)

2018*

2019

2018*

(468)

(43%)

748

1%

3,570

4%

Total

2019

3,223

2,395

74%

689

21%

2018

3,949

2,662

67%

1,253

32%

Global Services Divisional Performance 
$’000s
Adjusted EBIT

Revenue

Gross Profit

GP %

EBIT

EBIT %

72 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019Adjustments to EBIT

Exceptional items

Amortisation

Application of IFRS 16

Total adjustments

Statutory EBIT 

EBIT

EBIT %

Group Operational Performance
Reconciliation of divisional to overall Group performance:

2019

Statutory
EBIT
Post-IFRS 16

Adjusted 
EBIT 
Post-IFRS 16

Adjusted 
EBIT
Pre-IFRS 16

US Air

Europe Air

Middle East Air

Asia Air

Air Division

US Ground

Europe Ground

Middle East Ground

Asia Ground

Ground Division

Global Services Division

Associates (note 18)

Central Costs

Revenue

4,050

99,145

16,778

20,650

140,623

48,943

48,176

4,372

1,476

102,967

3,223

–

–

Adjusted result

246,813

3,648

(1,054)

(437)

121

2,278

(927)

2,525

(273)

(577)

748

325

918

(11,271)

(7,002)

3,898

1,018

(571)

137

4,482

271

7,416

(274)

(551)

6,862

686

918

(7,383)

5,565

3,898

622

(571)

123

4,072

(268)

6,247

(466)

(551)

4,962

689

918

(7,377)

Revenue

4,921

88,804

20,966

20,674

135,365

37,517

52,301

4,636

1,091

95,545

3,949

–

–

3,264

234,859

Total

2019

(45)

(316)

(3)

(364)

Total

2019

325

10%

2018

(121)

–

–

(121)

2018

1,132

29%

2018

Statutory 
EBIT
Pre-IFRS 16
Restated*

Adjusted EBIT
Pre-IFRS 16
Restated*

1,292

(25,909)

(1,388)

(2,229)

(28,234)

1,248

3,403

(613)

(468)

3,570

1,132

566

(11,022)

(33,988)

4,892

186

(1,361)

328

4,045

1,887

6,146

(342)

(118)

7,573

1,253

566

(5,024)

8,413

Adjusting items to 
Statutory result:

Adjusting items (note 6)

Application of IFRS 16 
(note 23)

–

–

–

–

(12,567)

(12,567)

–

2,301

–

–

–

–

(42,401)

–

Statutory result

246,813

(7,002)

(7,002)

(7,002)

234,859

(33,988)

(33,988)

*  Restatements are detailed in note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

73

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

US Air

US Ground

Europe Air

Europe Ground

Middle East Air

Middle East Ground

Asia Air

Asia Ground

Global Services

Associates

Central Costs

Total

2019

2018 Restated*

Assets

Liabilities

Assets

Liabilities

4,172

27,423

59,812

56,169

5,518

12,922

10,951

1,080

10,349

17,710

27,024

(125)

(15,342)

(36,786)

(38,977)

(5,650)

(9,658)

(8,184)

(94)

(924)

–

(51,656)

8,051

13,170

25,461

31,730

4,734

3,068

10,903

–

8,307

18,287

23,335

233,130

(167,396)

147,046

(1,322)

(3,163)

(25,681)

(15,543)

(4,828)

(1,649)

(8,785)

–

(4,720)

–

(2,279)

(67,970)

*  Restatements are detailed in note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

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

Continuing operations

Sale of business aviation services

Branding fees

Totals

Year
ended
2019
$’000

Year
ended
2018
$’000

242,763

4,050

231,109

3,750

246,813

234,859

No single customer represents more than 10% of the Group’s total revenue (2018: none).

The Group has not separately disclosed revenue by country because this is not tracked internally and because management 
believe that the Group’s operating segments align very closely to country reporting with European divisions representing the 
UK and Channel Islands; the US divisions representing the United States; the Asia divisions representing Hong-Kong and the 
Middle East divisions mainly representing the U.A.E.

Geographic information

Non-current assets

US

Europe

Asia

Middle East

Group

2019
Post-IFRS 16
$’000

2019
Pre-IFRS 16
$’000

2018
Pre-IFRS 16
$’000

13,540

61,687

482

11,825

105

3,898

26,603

248

4,486

89

3,869

15,893

301

2,089

96

87,639

35,324

22,248

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

74 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 20195. EBIT for the year
EBIT for the year has been arrived at after charging/(crediting): 

Net foreign exchange loss/ (gain) on trading monetary items

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

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

Depreciation of right-of-use assets in administrative expenses (see note 23)

Depreciation of right-of-use assets in cost of sales (see note 23)

Amortisation of intangibles (see note 15)

Impairment of goodwill and acquired intangibles (see note 14 and 15)

Impairment of right-of-use assets (see note 23)

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense including changes in inventory obsolescence 
(see note 19)

Change in provision for inventory obsolescence

Staff costs (see note 8)

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 deal support services

*  Restatements are detailed in note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

6. Adjusted performance measures
The Adjusted result has been arrived at after the following Adjusting items:

Exceptional items:

–  Transaction costs

–  Integration and business re-organisation costs

–  Legal costs

–  Other items

Total exceptional items

Share-based payments expense (note 31)

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (note 15) 

Impairment of goodwill and acquired intangibles, as reported

Impairment of goodwill and acquired intangibles, restatement (note 13)

Adjusting items in Operating profit

Profit on step acquisition 

Adjusting items in EBIT

Tax related to Adjusting items

Adjusting items in profit 

Year 
ended 
2019 
$’000

188

82

3,019

754

15,152

1,425

540

2,341

30,706

2,364

70,982

2,387

–

278

610

–

77

Year 
ended
 2019 
$’000

88

5,246

2,212

2,636

10,182

861

984

540

–

12,567

Year 
ended
 2018 
Restated*
$’000

(380)

–

2,544

–

–

2,484

28,401

–

20,380

(1,107)

62,350

965

(131)

130

527

96

15

Year 
ended 
2018
Restated*
 $’000

3,581

2,364

2,318

3,600

11,863

639

2,484

27,708

693

43,387

–

(986)

12,567

42,401

(577)

11,990

(890)

41,511

*  Restatements are detailed in note 2 of the notes to the financial statements. A tax credit of $890k related to Adjusting items has been 

presented separately. This was not presented separately in 2018.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

75

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS6. Adjusted performance measures (continued)
Transaction costs
Transaction costs in the prior year relate to the acquisitions of both the remaining 50% of GAHH and the investment in CASL. 

Integration and business re-organisation costs
Integration and business re-organisation costs include: 

 / Fairoaks direct closure costs of $1,012k (note 30);
 / Fairoaks impairment of the right-of-use asset associated with the lease of $2,341k (note 23); 
 / Accounting support, compliance and control reviews and other group re-organisation costs $960k; and
 / $933k of non-recurring expenditure related to property and facility re-organisation at Bournemouth, Farnborough 

and Florida. 

Legal costs
Legal cost in the current and prior year principally relate to professional fees in relation to ongoing litigation in respect 
of legacy cases going back many years. 

Other items
In the current year other items comprise a $2,010k impairment allowance on trade receivables under legal proceedings 
and a $626k impairment of inventories, both of which relate to legacy matters.In the prior year, other items represented 
a $3,600k contribution to associate. Consistent with the nature and intent of the working capital true-up provisions of the 
original Contribution Agreement, $3,600k was expensed rather than treated as an increase in the Group’s investment 
in Gama Aviation LLC, which is shown in Note 18. Refer to Note 35 for further details on the disposal of the investment 
in Gama Aviation LLC after the 31 December 2019 balance sheet date.

Impairment of goodwill and acquired intangibles
The impairment charge of $540k in the current year (2018: $28,401k) resulted from the Group’s annual IAS 36 impairment review. 
Intangible assets recognised on acquisition of the Florida Paint-Shop in the year of $540k, have been allocated to the US Ground CGU, 
and subsequently impaired. In the prior year the $28,401k impairment comprises $21,073k charged against goodwill and the 
remaining $7,328k against acquired intangibles. As a result of the impairment charge, goodwill of $18,317k allocated to the Europe Air 
cash generating unit (“CGU”) grouping was reduced to nil. The impairment charge resulted primarily from an updated outlook for 
2019 for the Europe Air business, which in turn was based on the full year results for 2018 for this operating segment, which were 
below expectations. In addition, goodwill of $2,756k in Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings Ltd (GAHH) in the Asia Air CGU was 
reduced to nil. The impairment of acquired customer relationship intangibles in the prior year includes an impairment of $2,793k on 
Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings Ltd (GAHH) in the Asia Air CGU and $4,535k in Europe Air CGU.

Organic revenue growth
Organic revenue growth is a measure which seeks to reflect the performance of the Group that will contribute to long-term 
sustainable growth. As such, organic revenue growth excludes the impact of acquisitions or disposals, and foreign exchange 
movements. We focus on the trends in organic revenue growth.

A reconciliation from the growth in reported revenue, the most directly comparable IFRS measures, to the organic revenue 
growth is set out below.

2019

2018

Revenue

Rebase for 
acquisitions

Organic 
revenue

% Organic 
growth

Revenue, as 
restated

Rebase for 
FX

Rebased 
comparative 
revenue

US Air

Europe Air

Middle East Air

Asia Air*

Air

US Ground

Europe Ground

Middle East Ground

Asia Ground

Ground

Global Services

4,050

99,145

16,778

20,650

140,623

48,943

48,176

4,372

1,476

–

–

–

–

–

4,050

(17.7%)

99,145

16,778

20,650

17.3%

(20.0%)

(0.1%)

4,921

88,804

20,966

20,674

–

(4,270)

–

–

4,921

84,534

20,966

20,674

140,623

7.3%

135,365

(4,270)

131,095

(2,307)

46,636

24.3%

–

–

–

48,176

4,372

1,476

(3.2%)

(5.7%)

35.3%

8.2%

102,967

(2,307)

100,660

3,223

–

3,223

(14.3%)

37,517

52,301

4,636

1,091

95,545

3,949

–

37,517

(2,515)

49,786

–

–

4,636

1,091

(2,515)

93,030

(190)

3,759

Total

246,813

(2,307)

244,506

7.3%

234,859

(6,975)

227,884

*  On 2 March 2018, the Group increased its shareholding in Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings Ltd and consolidated this entity. A rebasement 

has not been made for the two months prior to acquisition.

76 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019Constant currency calculations
Constant currency calculations are used for year on year comparability and shown below:

Revenue

Gross Profit

Gross Profit %

Adjusted EBIT

2019

% Growth

2018
As restated

2018
Rebase for FX

246,813

39,282

15.9%

3,264

8.3%

(9.1%)

–

(60.6%)

234,859

44,468

18.9%

8,413

(6,975)

(1,246)

–

(123)

2018
Rebased

227,884

43,222

19.0%

8,290

7. Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations primarily relate to the losses generated by the formerly owned aircraft within the Group that were 
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. At the beginning of 2018 the Group announced the closure of its Swiss operation, Gama Aviation 
SA and treated this as a discontinued operation. 

The results of these discontinued operations are presented below:

Discontinued operations

Revenue

Expenses

Operating loss

Net finance income

Loss before and after tax from discontinued operations

Earnings per share

Basic – cents

Diluted – cents

The weighted average number of ordinary shares is included in Note 12. 

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

Operating activities

Investing activities

Net cash outflow

Year 
ended 
2019 
$’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Year 
ended 
2018
 $’000

538

(1,345)

(807)

40

(767)

(1.27c)

(1.27c)

1,516

(1,500)

16

Net cash from investing activities in both 2018 represents the proceeds of sale from assets designated as held for sale in the 
prior year.

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

Operations and administration

Pilots and cabin crew

Aircraft engineering

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2.

Year
ended 
2019 
Number

411

115

254

780

Year
ended
2018

Restated*
Number

362

111

226

699

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

77

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS8. Staff costs (continued)
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Share-based payments (Note 31)

Other pension costs (Note 32)

Year
 ended 
2019 
$’000

Year
 ended 
2018

Restated* 
$’000

60,878

53,022

7,796

861

1,447

7,555

639

1,134

70,982

62,350

Details of directors’ remuneration are given in the Remuneration Report. The share option costs relating to these directors 
amounted to $208k (2018: $118k).

9. Finance income 

Foreign currency translation on intercompany balances

Foreign currency translation on borrowings

Interest income on bank deposits

Total finance income

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

10. Finance expense

Foreign currency translation on intercompany balances

Interest on bank overdrafts and loans before capitalised interest

Capitalised interest (see note 16)

Discounting on onerous provision (see note 30)

Interest on lease liabilities (note 23)

Write off existing loan arrangement fees (note 21)

Amortisation of loan arrangement fees

Other similar charges payable

Total finance costs 

Year
 ended 
2019 
$’000

–

693

2

695

Year
ended
2019
$’000

136

965

(122)

35

3,061

398

172

12

Year
 ended 
2018

Restated*
$’000

581

201

5

787

Year
 ended 
2018

Restated*
$’000

–

954

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,657

954

*  Restated for presentation of $170k of interest on obligations under finance leases which follows the restatement of finance leases described 

in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements. 

Amortisation of loan arrangement fees includes $161k in relation to previous facility and $11k in relation to the 
current facility.

78 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201911. Taxation

Corporation tax:

Current year charge

Deferred tax charge (note 22)

  Current year charge

  Adjustment in respect of prior years

Total tax charge for the year

Year ended 2019 
$’000

Year ended 2018 
Restated*
$’000

Statutory 
result

Adjusting 
items

Adjusted 
result

Statutory 
result

Adjusting 
items

Adjusted 
result

729

(234)

(30)

(204)

495

–

577

577

–

577

729

343

547

(204)

1,072

1,411

(862)

110

(972)

549

–

890

890

–

890

1,411

28

1,000

(972)

1,439

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements which relate to adjustment in respect of prior years for 2018 in the 

table above.

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:

Continuing operations

(10,964)

12,567

1,603

(34,155)

42,401

8,246

Year ended 2019 
$’000

Year ended 2018 
Restated*
$’000

Statutory 
result

Adjusting 
items

Adjusted 
result

Statutory 
result

Adjusting 
items

Adjusted 
result

Discontinued operations

(Loss)/Profit before tax

–

–

–

(767)

–

(10,964)

12,567

1,603

(34,922)

42,401

Tax at the corporation tax rate of 19% (2018: 19%)

(2,083)

2,387

304

(6,635)

8,056

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible/income not taxable 
for tax purposes

1,810

(1,810)

Adjustment in respect of prior years

Utilisation of tax losses

Effect of tax rates in different jurisdictions

Unrecognised tax losses

Write-off of deferred tax 

Other timing differences

Total tax charge for the year

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2.

(204)

–

338

124

468

42

495

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(204)

–

338

124

468

42

7,483

(972)

489

(325)

–

–

509

549

(7,166)

–

–

–

–

–

–

890

577

1,072

(767)

7,479

1,421

317

(972)

489

(325)

–

–

509

1,439

Refer to Note 35 for future changes in the tax rate and the impact on deferred tax.

No deferred tax asset has been recognised on share-based payment transactions because the options are currently out 
of the money. As a result, no tax relating to share based payment is recognised directly in equity. Tax on restatement 
of the loss before tax in the year ended 2018 of $972k has been recognised in the income statement. 

There is no material tax on the restatement of opening retained earnings of $114k, which would be reflected directly 
in equity.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

79

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS12. 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

Statutory earnings: 

Continuing loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent

Discontinued loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent

Total loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent

Adjusted earnings:

Continuing profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent

Discontinued profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent

Total profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent

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 (cents)

Statutory total earnings per share 

Basic 

Diluted

Statutory continuing earnings per share 

Basic 

Diluted 

Adjusted continuing earnings per share 

Basic 

Diluted 

Year 
ended 
2019
 $’000

Year 
ended 
2018

Restated*
$’000

(11,554)

(34,718)

–

(11,554)

(767)

(35,485)

436

–

436

6,811

(767)

6,044

63,636,279

60,348,056

–

434,837

63,636,279

60,782,893

(18.2c)

(18.2c)

(18.2c)

(18.2c)

0.7c

0.7c

(58.8c)

(58.8c)

(57.5c)

(57.5c)

11.3c

11.2c

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

The average share price for the year ended 31 December 2019 was 77 cents, which is lower than the exercise price 
of outstanding options and therefore there is no dilutive effect.

The effect of dilutive share options on Diluted EPS does not reduce the loss per share, but would reduce the earnings 
per share.

The weighted average number of shares used in basic EPS has not been reduced by any shares held by the employee benefit 
trust, refer to Note 25 for further details on the employee benefit trust.

80 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201913. Acquisitions
On 10 January 2019, the Group acquired the trade and assets of a paint and interior completion business previously operated 
by Lotus Aviation Group at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (“Paint-Shop”). The Group determined the acquisition to be a 
business as defined by IFRS 3 and the transaction has been accounted for as a business combination.

The following table summarises the consideration paid for the Paint-Shop, the fair value of assets acquired, and the liabilities 
assumed at the acquisition date. 

Acquisition accounting at 10 January 2019

Cash consideration

Deferred consideration

Finalisation of deferred consideration*

Total consideration transferred

*  The purchase price included a deferred consideration of $365k which was subsequently revised to $310k due to early settlement. 

The reduction of $55k has been allocated to goodwill.

Recognised amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Property, plant and equipment

Customer relationships (included within intangibles)

Brand (included within intangibles)

Deferred tax liability

Inventory

Goodwill

Total consideration

$’000

1,000

365

(55)

1,310

$’000

120

195

345

(139)

2

787

1,310

Subsequent to the finalisation of the acquisition accounting of Paint-Shop, there was an indication that the Customer 
relationship and Brand intangible asset was impaired, resulting in an impairment charge of $540k. The carrying amount 
of these intangibles at 31 December 2019 is $nil. 

From the date of acquisition, Paint-Shop contributed $2,307k revenue, losses of $532k on Gross Profit and $960k Adjusted 
EBIT respectively. It is impracticable and immaterial to quantify the ten days prior to acquisition and therefore disclose the 
impact if the Paint-Shop acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the year. 

On 2 March 2018, the Group acquired Hutchison Whampoa (China) Limited’s 50% stake in Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings 
Ltd for $3,050k. The amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed on acquisition has been restated as 
detailed in Note 2 and shown below.

Property, plant and equipment

Customer relationships (included within intangibles)

Deferred tax liability

Trade and other receivables

Cash

Trade and other payables

Deferred revenue

Profit recognised on acquisition in respect of pre-existing shareholding

Goodwill

Total consideration

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

As reported
$’000s

249

4,202

–

5,069

460

(7,842)

(165)

(986)

2,063

3,050

Restatement*

As restated*

$’000s

–

–

(693)

–

–

–

–

693

–

$’000

249

4,202

(693)

5,069

460

(7,842)

(165)

(986)

2,756

3,050

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

81

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS14. Goodwill

Cost

At 1 January 2018

Recognised on acquisition

Exchange differences

At 1 January 2019

Recognised on acquisition (Note 13)

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2019

Accumulated impairment losses

At 1 January 2018

Impairment loss for the year, as reported

Impairment loss for the year, restatement

At 31 December 2018 and 2019

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2019

At 31 December 2018

Restated* 
$’000

44,413

2,756

(2,285)

44,884

787

849

46,520

3,697

20,380

693

24,770

21,750

20,114

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

The recoverable amount of goodwill is allocated to the following cash generating units (“CGUs”):

US: Ground

Europe: Ground

2019
 $’000

787

20,963

21,750

2018 
$’000

–

20,114

20,114

When testing for impairment, recoverable amounts for all of the Group’s CGUs are measured at their value-in-use (“VIU”) 
by discounting the future expected cash flows from the assets in the CGUs. The CGUs that have goodwill are Europe Ground 
and US Ground (2018: Europe Ground only). The key assumptions and estimates used for VIU calculations are as follows:

82 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019Future expected cash flows
VIU calculations are based on estimated future pre-tax cash flows as approved by the board, and a 1.9% (2018: 1.7%) 
terminal growth rate thereafter. 

Beyond the current year forecast period, a long-term terminal growth rate of 1.9% (2018: 1.7%) has been applied to calculate 
terminal value for all CGUs. This is on the basis that the Group operates in both advanced and emerging markets, and is the 
average Real GDP Growth Rate per the IMF World Economic Outlook published in April 2020 from 2019 to 2021. The Group 
has used the Real GDP Growth Rate as a proxy for long-term terminal growth rate of Gama Aviation. Long-term growth rates 
are capped at the weighted average GDP growth rates of the markets that the CGU Group sells into. The Board believes this 
approach provides a reasonable and prudent approach to assessing future cashflows.

CGU specific operating assumptions are applicable to the forecast cash flows for the year to 31 December 2020 and relate 
to revenue forecasts, expected project outcomes, cash conversion and forecast operating margins in each of the operating 
companies. The relative value ascribed to each assumption will vary between CGUs as the forecasts are built up from the 
underlying operating companies within each CGU Group. 

Weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”)
A pre-tax discount rate is calculated by reference to the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) of each CGU, adjusted 
to reflect the market and other systemic risks specific to each CGU and the territories in which they operate.

A pre-tax WACC of 10.1% has been used as a discount rate. In the prior year, pre-tax discount rates ranged from 15.6% to 
16.3%, were based on short-term variables and as disclosed in the prior year, may differ from the WACC. In addition, the cost 
of debt has decreased from the prior year, and the level of debt, which has a lower return than equity, has increased from the 
prior year, refer to Note 21 for further details on the refinancing. The pre-tax WACC of 10.1% is higher than the Group’s listed 
industry peers, driven by a significantly higher rate of return on equity partially offset by a lower rate of return on debt. 

Sensitivity to changes in assumptions 
The calculation of value in use is most sensitive to the discount rate, long-term growth rate and future expected cash flows 
used. The Group has performed sensitivity analyses across all CGUs which have goodwill and acquired intangible assets, 
using reasonably possible changes in the already conservative long-term growth rates and pre-tax discount rates. In addition, 
for estimated future pre-tax cash flows, the Group considered a scenario using the results for the 2019 financial year as a 
base and a 1.9% terminal growth rate thereafter. The sensitivity analysis for Europe Ground showed:

 / A 1% decrease in the terminal growth rate or a 1% increase in the discount rate would not result in an impairment. 

However a 1% adverse movement in both variables would result in an impairment of $1,301k.

 / In a scenario using a terminal growth rate of 1.9% from the results for the 2019 financial year, no reasonable change 

in the discount rate or terminal growth rate would result in an impairment.

Considering the sensitivity to changes in assumptions and noting that the recoverable amount of all CGUs exceed the 
carrying amount, no impairment has been recognised.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

83

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS15. Other intangible assets

Cost

At 1 January 2018

Additions

Recognised on acquisition

Foreign exchange differences

At 31 December 2018

Additions

Recognised on acquisition

Disposals

Foreign exchange differences

Commence
 operations
$’000

Part 145 
approvals 
$’000

Licences 
and Brands 
$’000

Customer 
relations 
$’000

Computer 
software 
$’000

1,488

3,589

1,383

12,170

–

–

(7)

1,481

–

–

–

–

–

–

(145)

3,444

–

–

(2)

–

–

–

(77)

–

4,202

(682)

1,306

15,690

–

345

–

(46)

–

195

–

(406)

At 31 December 2019

1,481

3,442

1,605

15,479

Amortisation and accumulated impairment losses

At 1 January 2018

Amortisation, as reported

Amortisation, restatement

Impairment loss

Foreign exchange 
differences, restatement

Foreign exchange differences, 
as reported

At 31 December 2018

Amortisation

Impairment loss

Eliminated on disposals

Foreign exchange differences

1,215

273

–

–

(7)

1,481

–

–

–

–

2,589

633

1,268

24

3,026

1,552

2

7,328

(2)

–

–

–

(62)

(186)

1,230

11,720

18

345

–

(44)

599

195

–

(310)

–

–

–

(145)

3,077

367

–

(2)

–

At 31 December 2019

1,481

3,442

1,549

12,204

 Total
 $’000

19,679

3,171

4,202

(1,131)

25,921

3,093

540

(2)

(211)

29,341

8,115

2,523

(39)

7,328

39

(400)

17,566

1,425

540

(2)

(336)

19,193

1,049

3,171

–

(220)

4,000

3,093

–

–

241

7,334

17

41

(41)

–

41

–

58

441

–

–

18

517

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2019

At 31 December 2018

–

–

–

367

56

76

3,275

3,970

6,817

3,942

10,148

8,355

84 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019Customer relationship assets are amortised over their useful economic lives estimated to be ten years. Within the carrying 
amount balances relate to: 

 / FlyerTech: $1,591k (2018: $1,835k); 
 / Europe Ground: $743k (2018: $1,076k); and
 / Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings Ltd: $941k (2018: $1,059k).

Licences and brands (which include protected intellectual property) are amortised over their useful economic lives estimated 
to be ten years. There are no individually material items within this balance. 

Commence operations and part 145 approvals are legacy intangible balances comprising internally generated costs relating 
to new operations. These assets were previously identified as having an indefinite useful life. In 2018, management reassessed 
the remaining useful lives of the existing commence operations assets to be one year and the carrying values in 2019 are $nil 
(2018: $367k).

Computer software costs comprise internally developed software costs arising in the Group’s myairops Software Limited 
business as well as purchased software, such as operational and financial systems. All costs are amortised over their useful 
economic lives estimated to be between three and five years. The carrying value of internally developed software within this 
balance is $5,310k (2018: $3,199k).

The recoverable value of intangible assets has been assessed as part of the Group’s annual IAS 36 impairment review. There is an 
impairment of $540k in the current year (2018: $7,328k). The impairment of acquired customer relationship intangibles in the 
prior year includes an impairment of $2,793k on GAHH in the Asia Air CGU and $4,535k in Europe Air CGU. Intangible assets 
recognised on acquisition in the year of $540k have been allocated to the US Ground CGU and subsequently impaired. The 
acquired intangibles of $4,202k in the prior year were allocated to the Asia Air CGU.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

85

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS16. Property, plant and equipment

Leasehold
improvement
 $’000

Aircraft 
hull and 
refurbishments
$’000

Fixtures, 
fittings and 
equipment 
$’000

Motor 
vehicles 
$’000

Asset under 
construction

Cost

At 1 January 2018

Additions

Acquisitions

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2018 (restated*)

Additions

Acquisitions

Capitalised interest

Disposals

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2019

Accumulated depreciation

At 1 January 2018

Charge for the year

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2018

Charge for the year

Disposals

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2019

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2019

At 31 December 2018 (restated*)

13,424

1,494

5

(665)

14,258

752

–

–

(191)

483

15,302

7,875

106

207

(443)

7,745

1,098

–

–

–

299

9,142

5,949

1,762

14

(108)

7,617

2,323

120

–

(722)

178

1,407

1,132

23

(12)

2,550

177

–

–

–

8

884

931

–

–

1,815

10,703

–

122

–

274

9,516

2,735

12,914

49,609

Total
$’000

29,539

5,425

249

(1,228)

33,985

15,053

120

122

(913)

1,242

3,794

1,383

666

(139)

476

(97)

4,321

1,762

745

(148)

159

416

–

74

3,717

1,087

(51)

4,753

1,380

(683)

121

594

315

(8)

901

478

–

6

5,077

2,252

5,571

1,385

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

9,488

2,544

(295)

11,737

3,019

(831)

360

14,285

10,225

9,937

6,890

5,983

3,945

2,864

1,350

1,649

12,914

1,815

35,324

22,248

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

During the year the Group capitalised borrowing costs of $122k (2018: nil). 

Asset under construction additions of $10,703k (2018: $931k) include:

 / $8,338k (2018: nil) relating to the purchase of three Airbus H145 rotary aircraft which required modification for them 

to be ready for their intended use. These assets were deployed on 1 June 2020. 

 / $2,365k (2018: $931k) relating to the non-cancellable Build-Operate-Transfer and Service Concession agreement with 

Sharjah Airport Authority under which the Group is committed to construct a Business Aviation Centre (“BAC”) at Sharjah 
Airport. The total AUC in relation to Sharjah Airport at the end of the reporting period is $4,180k (2018: $1,815k).

86 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201917. Subsidiaries
Details of the Company’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2019 are as follows:

Name

Aerstream  
Limited(1) (2)

Place of 
incorporation
and operation

England and 
Wales

Airops Software 
Limited(1)

England and 
Wales

Proportion 
of voting and 
ownership 
interest 2019

Proportion 
of voting and 
ownership 
interest 2018 Nature of business

100%

100%

Non-trading

Registered Address

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

100%

100%

Aviation software 1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 

Aravco Limited(1) (2)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Non-trading

Avialogistics 
Limited(1)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Dormant

Aviation Crewing 
Limited(2)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Dormant

FlyerTech Limited(1) England and 

100%

100%

Wales

Airworthiness 
management

Gama Aviation 
(Asset 2) Limited(1) (2)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Non-trading

Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

Gama Aviation 
(Engineering) 
Limited(1)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Aviation design 
and engineering

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

Gama Aviation 
Group Limited(1)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Non-trading

Gama Aviation 
(Training) 
Limited(1) (2)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Non-trading

Gama Aviation (UK) 
Limited(1)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Aviation 
management

GA 259034 
Limited(1)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Dormant

Gama (Engineering) 
Limited(1)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Dormant

GA FM54 
Limited(1) (2)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Non-trading

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

Gama Group 
Limited

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Holding company 1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 

Gama Leasing 
Limited(1)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Aviation 
management 

Gama Support 
Services Limited(1)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Dormant

Hangar8 AOC 
Limited(2)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Non-trading

Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

87

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS17. Subsidiaries (continued)

Name

Place of 
incorporation
and operation

Proportion 
of voting and 
ownership 
interest 2019

Proportion 
of voting and 
ownership 
interest 2018 Nature of business

Hangar8 
Engineering Limited

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Non-trading

Hangar8 
Management 
Limited

England and 
Wales

Infinity Flight Crew 
Academy Limited

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Non-trading

100%

100%

Dormant

International 
JetClub Limited(2)

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Non-trading

England and 
Wales

100%

100%

Dormant

Jersey

100%

100%

Dormant

Jersey

100%

100%

Dormant

Ronaldson 
Airmotive 
Limited(1) (2)

Aviation Beauport 
Holdings Limited(1)

Ferron Trading 
Limited(1)

Gama Aviation 
(Beauport) 
Limited(1)

Gama Aviation 
(Engineering) Jersey 
Limited(1)

Registered Address

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 
Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 
6FE

Beauport House L'Avenue De La 
Commune St Peter Jersey JE3 7BY

Beauport House L'Avenue De La 
Commune St Peter Jersey JE3 7BY

Jersey

100%

100%

Aviation 
management

Beauport House L'Avenue De La 
Commune St Peter Jersey JE3 7BY

Jersey

100%

100%

Gama Aviation SA(1) Switzerland

100%

100%

Gama Aviation FZC* 
(1) (5)

SAIF Free 
Zone, UAE

49%

49%

Aviation design 
and engineering 
and FBO

Aviation 
management 

Aviation 
management

Beauport House L'Avenue De La 
Commune St Peter Jersey JE3 7BY

Boulevard Georges-Favon 43, 1204 
Genève, Switzerland

SAIF Suite Z-21. P.O. Box 122389, 
Sharjah, UAE

100%

100%

Holding company SAIF Office Q1-09-067/C, P.O. Box 

Gama Group Mena 
FZE*

Gama Holdings 
FZC*

Gama Support 
Services FZE* (1)

UAE

UAE

UAE

100%

100%

Dormant

100%

100%

Aviation design 
and engineering 
and FBO

Aviation design 
and engineering

Gama Aviation 
(Engineering) Inc.(1)

Delaware, USA 100%

100%

Gama Aviation 
(Management) Inc.(1)

Delaware, USA 100%

100%

Aviation 
management 

122464, Sharjah, UAE

SAIF Lounge P.O. Box 121954, Sharjah, 
UAE

SAIF Desk Q1-05-123/B, P.O. Box 122553, 
Sharjah, UAE

Corporation Service Company, 251 Little 
Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, 
USA and Two Corporate Drive, Suite 
1050, Shelton, CT 06484

Corporation Service Company, 251 Little 
Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, 
USA and 480 LORSGIP BLVD, 
STRATFORD, CT 06615

Gama Group Inc.

Delaware, USA 100%

100%

Hong Kong

100%

100%

Holding company  Corporation Service Company, 251 Little 
Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, 
USA

Aviation design 
and engineering

7th Floor, 81 South Perimeter Road, 
Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau, 
Hong Kong

Hong Kong

100%

100%

Holding company 7th Floor, 81 South Perimeter Road, 

Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau, 
Hong Kong

Gama Aviation 
Engineering (HK) 
Limited(1)

Gama Aviation 
Hutchison Holdings 
Limited(1)

88 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019Place of 
incorporation
and operation

Proportion 
of voting and 
ownership 
interest 2019

Proportion 
of voting and 
ownership 
interest 2018 Nature of business

Registered Address

Hong Kong

100%

100%

Aviation 
management

7th Floor, 81 South Perimeter Road, 
Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau, 
Hong Kong

Hong Kong

100%

100%

Holding company 7th Floor, 81 South Perimeter Road, 

Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau, 
Hong Kong

South Africa

100%

100%

Holder of South 
African AOC

151 Monument Road, Aston Manor 
1619 South Africa

Nigeria

100%

100%

Applicant of 
Nigerian AOC

*

Mauritius

100%

100%

Holding company *

Delaware, USA 50%

50%

Joint Venture - 
Holding company 
for aviation 
management and 
charter company

Corporation Service Company, 251 Little 
Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, 
USA

China

100%

100%

Non-trading

Room 250, 2nd Floor, Building 1, No. 56, 
Zhaoquanying Section, Changjin Road, 
Shunyi District, Beijing

Name

Gama Aviation 
Hutchison (Hong 
Kong) Limited(1)

Gama Group 
(Asia) Limited

Star-Gate Aviation 
(Proprietary) 
Limited

Hangar8 Nigeria 
Limited(3)

Hangar8 Mauritius 
Limited

GB Aviation 
Holdings LLC(4)

Gama Hutchison 
Aviation Technical 
Service (Beijing) 
Limited(1)

(1) 

Indicates indirect holding.

(2)  For the year ending 31 December 2019, the below companies were exempt from the requirements to obtain an audit under section 479A 
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: 
- Aerstream Limited, company number 05584987.

- Aravco Limited, company number 01316174.

- Aviation Crewing Limited, company number 07693698.

- GA FM54 Limited, company number 08512887.

- Gama Aviation (Asset 2) Limited, company number 08586412.

- Gama Aviation (Training) Limited, company number 09234102.

- Hangar8 AOC Limited, company number 07198577.

- International JetClub Limited, company number 03538780.

- Ronaldson Airmotive Limited , company number 06391499.

(3)  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.

(4)  The consolidated financial statements also include amounts relating to Gama International Saudi Arabia (“GISA”), a company established 
in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the Group’s interim reporting for 2019 (published in September 2019) the Group consolidated GISA 
and re-stated prior period balances accordingly. No non-controlling interest has been recognised on the remaining 51%, as the Group has the 
full beneficial interest. Further details on the restatement of GISA are shown in note 2.

(5)  GB Aviation Holdings LLC is the entity jointly held with Signature Aviation plc. The company’s sole asset is its 49% investment in Gama Aviation 

LLC, the Group’s US Air associate. The Group’s ownership interest in Gama Aviation LLC is 24.5%.

(6)  Gama Aviation Plc holds a 49% shareholding in Gama Aviation FZC. The results of Gama Aviation FZC 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. Refer to Note 26 for further details.

*  The registered office of these companies are available upon request at the Company’s head office located at 1st Floor 25 Templer Avenue, 

Farnborough, Hampshire, England, GU14 6FE.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

89

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18. Investments accounted for using the equity method
Details of the Group’s investments accounted for using the equity method at 31 December 2019 are as follows:

Name

Gama Aviation LLC*

China Aircraft Services Limited (‘CASL’)

Investment

Associate

Associate

Place of
incorporation and 
operation

USA

Hong Kong

Proportion of 
ownership interest

Proportion of voting 
power held

24.5%

20.0%

25.0%

20.0%

*  Refer to note 35 for events after the reporting date, where this investment was disposed.

Details of the Group’s investments accounted for using the equity method at 31 December 2018 are as follows:

Name

Gama Aviation LLC

Investment

Associate

Place of
incorporation and 
operation

USA

Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings Ltd*

Joint venture

Hong Kong

China Aircraft Services Limited

Associate

Hong Kong

Proportion of 
ownership interest

Proportion of voting 
power held

24.5%

100.0%

20.0%

25.0%

100.0%

20.0%

*  Until 2 March 2018 when the remaining 50.0% of the company not already owned by the Group was acquired.

On 2 March 2018 the Group acquired the remaining 50.0% of Gama Aviation Hutchison that it did not already own. This 
transaction resulted in the Group obtaining control of Gama Aviation Hutchison, and the results of that company have been 
consolidated from the date of the transaction. On the same date the Group acquired a 20.0% ownership interest in China 
Aircraft Services Limited from Hutchison Whampoa (China) Limited. Consideration paid for the interest was $16,000,000 
which was settled in cash. No equity accounting has been made for the two months prior to acquisition.

On the balance sheet at 31 December 2019, the equity accounted investment in Gama Aviation LLC has been presented in 
current assets, as assets held for sale, as completion of the transaction was considered highly probable at 31 December 2019. 
Refer to Note 35 for further details on the disposal.

Management previously judged that at 31 December 2018 the Group did not control Gama International Saudi Arabia 
(“GISA”), which management believe operates on an arm’s length basis. As communicated in the interim results for the six 
months to 30 June 2019, the results of GISA, following the correction of an accounting assessment under IFRS 10, have been 
consolidated. Investments accounted for using the equity method have not been restated to recognise GISA as an associate 
and then effect the related restatement for consolidation. There has been no change to the legal status or ownership of that 
entity. Related party transactions with GISA are disclosed in note 36 to the accounts.

The results of the equity accounted investments are as follows:

Revenue

Expenditure

Profit before tax

Income tax credit

Profit after tax

Group’s share of net profit

Finalisation and reversal of prior year pre-acquisition loss

Share of results from equity 

Gama Aviation LLC

CASL

Year ended  
2019  
$’000

Year ended  
2018  
$’000

Year ended  
2019  
$’000

Year ended  
2018  
$’000

436,520

428,865

62,985

65,210

(434,323)

(427,826)

(61,033)

(63,958)

2,197

(84)

2,113

518

–

518

1,039

428

1,467

359

–

359

1,952

(282)

1,670

334

66

400

1,252

(219)

1,033

207

–

207

90 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019The Group tested CASL for impairment, using a recoverable amount measured at the value-in-use (“VIU”) by discounting 
the future expected cash flows.

Given uncertainty regarding the speed and extent of recovery of the global aviation sector following the COVID-19 pandemic 
the VIU calculations are based on estimated future pre-tax cash flows, derived from recent business projections submitted 
to the board for review and approval, and a 1.9% (2018: 1.7%) terminal growth rate thereafter.

A pre-tax discount rate of 10.1% has been used and is calculated by reference to the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”).

The sensitivity analysis showed that 

 / The terminal growth rate of 1.9% would need to reduce to less than zero for an impairment.
 / The discount rate would have to increase from 10.1% to 11.8% prior to any impairment.

Considering the sensitivity to changes in assumptions and noting that the recoverable amount exceeds the carrying amount, 
no impairment has been recognised.

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

At 1 January

Acquisition

Additional paid in capital

Other comprehensive income

Share of net profit

Dividends declared

Prior year dividend

Impairment

Transfer to assets held for sale

At 31 December

Gama Aviation LLC

CASL

Year ended 
2019  
$’000

Year ended  
2018  
$’000

Year ended 
2019  
$’000

Year ended  
2018  
$’000

2,080

1,721

16,207

–

–

–

518

–

–

–

(2,598)

–

893

–

359

–

–

(893)

–

–

–

36

400

(1,276)

(255)

–

–

–

16,000

–

–

207

–

–

–

–

–

2,080

15,112

16,207

The CASL dividends declared of $1,531k are unpaid at 31 December 2019 and included in amounts receivables from 
associates in Note 20.

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

Impairment

Transfers

Transfer to assets held for sale

At 31 December

Gama Aviation LLC

CASL

Year ended  
2019  
$’000

Year ended  
2018  
$’000

Year ended 
2019  
$’000

Year ended  
2018 
$’000

38,175

38,985

87,216

(26,948)

(29,914)

(18,257)

11,227

2,751

751

(904)

–

(2,598)

9,071

2,222

751

(893)

–

–

68,959

13,792

1,320

–

–

–

82,952

(9,601)

73,351

14,670

1,320

–

217

–

–

2,080

15,112

16,207

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

91

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS19. Inventories

Raw materials and consumables

Work in progress

2019 
$’000

7,182

89

7,271

2018 
Restated*
$’000

6,750

488

7,238

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

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 $30,706k (2018: $20,380k), this includes an amount of $2,364k resulting from a write down 
of inventories (2018: write back of $1,107k). $626k (2018: nil) of the write down of inventories is shown in Note 6 as an 
exceptional item. The remaining write down comprises $1,394k in Europe Ground and $344k in US Ground to measure 
inventories at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Included within inventories is an inventory obsolescence allowance 
of $5,413k (2018: $3,049k).

20. Trade and other receivables

Financial assets

Amount receivable for the sale of services 

Loss allowance

Amounts due from associates

Accrued income

Other debtors

Financial assets

Non-financial assets

Prepayments

Other debtors

Total trade and other receivables

Current

Non-current

Total trade and other receivables

2019
$’000

2018
restated*
$’000

36,044

(3,896)

32,148

4,265

28,387

–

64,800

28,253

(3,198)

25,055

2,654

21,059

1,892

50,660

12,384

713

7,865

308

77,897

58,833

73,505

4,392

77,897

58,833

–

58,833

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

Trade receivables
Trade receivables disclosed above are classified as loans and receivables and are therefore measured at amortised cost.

The average Days Sales Outstanding (‘DSO’) is 55 days (2018: 44 days) due to receivables past due under 90 days increasing 
year on year by $6,408k. Credit controls prior to granting credit and DSO are being actively monitored by management. 
Where appropriate, the Group assesses the potential customer’s credit quality and requests payments on account, as a 
means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. No interest is charged on overdue receivables (2018: nil). The 
Group recognises a loss allowance on a customer by customer basis, based on an analysis of the counterparty’s current 
financial position, against its current overdue debt. 

Of the trade receivables balance at the end of the year, $5,602k (2018: $3,800k) is due from the Group’s largest 5 customers 
by revenue, which comprise 17% (2018: 15%) of the trade receivables balance at the year-end.

92 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019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 a specific loss allowance because there has not been a significant change in 
credit quality and the amounts are still considered recoverable. However, the Group carries an expected credit loss allowance 
of $209k (2018: $419k). As permitted by IFRS 9, Group companies are required to use a provision matrix as a practical 
expedient to calculate the provision for expected credit losses for trade receivables without a significant financing 
component. No loss allowance is carried for accrued income and other debtors.

Ageing of unimpaired receivables

Not yet due

Less than 30 days

30-60 days

61-90 days 

91-120 days

Greater than 120 days

Total

2019
$’000

2018 
$’000

12,747

10,869

5,283

7,271

1,985

736

4,126

32,148

3,568

3,624

938

857

5,188

25,044

Amounts due from associates
Amounts due from associates of $4,265k (2018: $2,654k) represent balances arising in the ordinary course of business 
between the Group and its associate companies, China Aircraft Services Limited and Gama Aviation LLC. Amounts due to 
associates of $4,363k (2018: $3,067k) (see note 24) also arise in the ordinary course of business between the Group and the 
same two associate companies. The net payable to associates of $98k is expected to be settled in the next twelve months 
and represents:

 / A receivable due to the Group of $782k from Gama Aviation LLC; and
 / A payable due from the Group of $880k to China Aircraft Services Limited.

These amounts are disclosed as related party transactions in note 36.

Movement in the loss allowance

At 1 January

Opening IFRS 9 adjustment

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

2019
$’000

3,198

–

2,387

(1,835)

–

146

2018 
$’000

2,968

327

965

(780)

(131)

(151)

3,896

3,198

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

2019
$’000

663

30

30

356

2,817

3,896

2018 
$’000

264

60

47

498

2,329

3,198

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.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

93

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS21. Borrowings

Secured borrowings at amortised cost

Other loans

Bank borrowings

Total borrowings

Other loans

Bank borrowings

Amount due for settlement within 12 months

Other loans

Bank borrowings

Amount due for settlement after 12 months

Analysis of borrowings by currency:

31 December 2019

Other loans

Bank borrowings

31 December 2018 (restated)

Other loans

Bank borrowings

2019
$’000

1,475

44,767

46,242

848

44,767

45,615

627

–

627

2018

Restated*
$’000

3,056

9,466

12,522

1,669

9,466

11,135

1,387

–

1,387

Sterling 
$’000

US Dollars
 $’000

Euros
$’000

Total
 $’000

–

23,072

23,072

1,475

8,235

9,710

–

13,460

13,460

–

3,056

9,466

9,466

–

3,056

–

–

–

1,475

44,767

46,242

3,056

9,466

12,522

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

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

2019
(i)  Other loans are secured by assets. Interest arises at an average of 6.1% (2018: 5.4%).

(ii)  Bank borrowings in 2019 of $44,767k (2018: $9,466k) comprise of drawdowns from a revolving credit facility with a 
repayment term of less than 1 year and which carries an interest rate of LIBOR + 0.94% (2018: LIBOR + 1.90%). This 
facility was obtained on 14 November 2019 and replaces the facility previously held. A letter of awareness has been 
provided by CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd (CKHH), who has an indirect shareholding of 29.8% in the Group, that CKHH’s 
current intention, while any amount is outstanding under the facility, is not to reduce it’s shareholding in the Group below 
25.0% without consent from the lender or discharge of the facility. No legal implications are imposed on CKHH. The 
revolving credit facility is $50,000k, and $5,233k was undrawn at the end of the reporting period. Refer to note 35 for 
details of Helicopter finance that was secured after the reporting date. 

(iii)  Loan arrangement fees of $265k (2018: $384k) have been capitalised against borrowings. During the year the Group 

replaced its revolving credit facility and arrangement fees on the old facility of $398k (2018: nil) have been written off, 
as shown in note 10.

94 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019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.

Non-
deductible 
acquired 
intangibles
$’000

Fixed asset 
temporary 
differences
$’000

Tax losses
 $’000 

At 1 January 2018

Acquisitions, restatement*

Charge in year, as reported (note 11)

Credit in year, restatement on restated loss for the year*

Credit in year, restatement on impairment of acquired intangible*

Credit/(charge) in year, reclassification restatement*

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2018*

Acquisitions

Credit/(charge) in year (note 11)

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2019

–

(693)

–

–

461

–

–

(232)

(139)

371

–

–

(1,715)

2,855

–

(36)

–

–

–

(74)

511

–

1,364

(1,364)

(2)

(389)

–

(440)

10

(819)

(2)

1,926

–

303

23

2,252

1,433

Total 
$’000

1,140

(693)

(110)

511

461

–

(4)

1,305

(139)

234

33

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

Non-deductible acquired intangibles represent the value of the deferred tax liability which arises on the fair value of acquired 
intangibles which are not deductible for tax purposes. The liability is valued at the tax rate applicable to the jurisdiction 
where the intangibles are located.

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

2019 
$’000

2,252

(819)

1,433

2018

Restated*
 $’000

1,926

(621)

1,305

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

The Group has not recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of losses brought forward of $5,336k (2018: $3,009k) because 
the future recoverability of the asset is uncertain. Tax losses include $3,723k (2018: $2,098k) in UK entities, $580k (2018: 
$580k) in US entities and $988k (2018: $291k) in Hong Kong.

The Group are able to recognise the deferred tax asset on tax losses of $2,252k (2018: $1,926k) and its expected utilisation 
in future periods based on future profitable projections for that entity in which the deferred tax asset arose.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

95

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS23. Obligations under leases
The Group leases many assets including property, aircraft, vehicles, fixtures, fittings and equipment. Information about 
leases for which the Group is a lessee is presented below.

Right-of-use Assets

Cost

Balance at 1 January 2019

Additions

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2019

Accumulated Depreciation

Balance at 1 January 2019

Charge for the year – admin expenses

Charge for the year – cost of sales

Impairment

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2019

Net Book Value at 31 December 2019

Leasehold 
property
$’000

Fixtures, 
fittings and 
equipment
$’000

Aircraft
$’000

Vehicles
$’000

Total
$’000

50,621

–

975

51,596

–

671

5,189

2,341

69

8,270

43,326

70

–

2

72

–

46

–

–

46

26

18,465

–

653

19,118

–

–

9,927

–

358

10,285

8,833

126

73

6

205

–

37

36

–

2

75

130

Lease liabilities
Maturity analysis – contractual undiscounted cash flows

Less than one year

One to five years

More than five years

Total undiscounted lease liabilities at 31 December

Lease liabilities included in the statement of financial position at 31 December

Discounted lease liabilities

Accruals for lease payments 

Current

Non-current

Total lease liabilities at 31 December

69,282

73

1,636

70,991

–

754

15,152

2,341

429

18,676

52,315

2019
$’000

 19,811 

23,835

38,173

 81,819 

12,527

3,839

16,366

43,838

60,204

Lease liabilities at 31 December 2019 are the result of interest of $3,061k, foreign currency adjustments of $1,923k and lease 
payments of $14,062k.

Amounts recognised in profit and loss
Depreciation charge of right of use assets 

Leasehold Property

Fixtures, fittings and equipment

Aircraft

Vehicles

Total

96 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

2019
$’000

 5,860 

 46 

 9,927 

 73 

15,906

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019Expenses relating to short term leases total $1,681k. There are no expenses relating to low value assets or expenses relating 
to variable lease payments.

Impact on profit and loss

Operating lease expense reversal in cost of sales

Depreciation charge on right of use assets

Impact on Gross Profit

Operating lease expense reversal in administrative expenses

Impact on EBITDA

Depreciation charge on right of use assets

Impact on Adjusted EBIT (note 4)

Impairment losses

Impact on EBIT

Interest expense on lease liabilities (note 10)

Impact on profit and loss

2019
$’000

15,343 

 (15,152)

191

2,864

3,055

(754)

2,301 

(2,341)

(40)

(3,061)

(3,101)

An impairment loss of $2,341k has been recognised in relation to the right-of-use leased asset at Fairoaks airport. The 
cessation of Part 145 engineering activities necessitated vacating the leased property, which prompted an impairment 
assessment by the Group. The Group has deemed the recoverable amount of the property to be nil and the asset has been 
impaired accordingly. 

Impact on the statement of cash flows

Cash generated by operating activities

Cash outflow from financing activities on leasing

Net impact on cash flows

Measurement of lease liabilities at transition

Operating lease commitments reported as at 31 December 2018

Operating lease commitments restatement

Operating lease commitments restated as at 31 December 2018

Discounted using incremental borrowing rate at date of initial application

IFRS 16 deemed leases*

Short term leases not recognised as a liability

Lease liability recognised as at 1 January 2019

2019
$’000

14,062

(14,062)

–

2019
$’000

 63,259 

10,636

73,895

63,571

 7,392 

(1,681)

69,282

*  The right of use assets opening balance includes an amount of $7.4m relating to arrangements which are deemed to be a lease under IFRS 16. 

These arrangements, which relate to aircraft, were not included in the operating lease commitments disclosed in 2018. 

The operating lease commitments disclosed in the prior year have been restated for a prior year error as tabulated below. 

Within one year

In the second to fifth year inclusive

After five years

2018 
As reported
$’000

2018 
Restatement
$’000

2018

Restated*
 $’000

7,121

17,774

38,364

63,259

4,727

5,909

–

10,636

11,848

23,683

38,364

73,895

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

97

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS23. Obligations under leases (continued)
Average incremental borrowing rates were applied across the group were:

Leasehold property

Vehicles

Fixtures, fittings and equipment

Aircraft

%

5.5

3.9

4.6

3.9

Property leases with a remaining lease term of more than 10 years have been adjusted to reflect the additional security afforded 
by the leased asset on the cost of borrowing. An asset specific adjustment of 0.69% has been applied to the rates of these leases.

In June 2017 the Group entered into a non-cancellable Build-Operate-Transfer and Service Concession agreement with 
Sharjah Airport Authority under which the Group is committed to construct a Business Aviation Centre (“BAC”) at Sharjah 
Airport. The agreement runs from June 2017 until June 2042 with a ten-year extension option to June 2052. The 10-year 
extension has not been formalised at the date of signing the financial statements. The lease term for IFRS 16 accounting 
purposes has not included the 10-year extension because the option to extend is not reasonably certain. The lease liability 
has been discounted at an incremental borrowing rate of 7.3%. The Sharjah BAC includes a $7,339k right-of-use asset and 
$7,681k obligation under leases at 31 December 2019.

24. Trade and other payables 

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Accruals

Amounts due to associates

Non-financial liabilities

Other taxation and social security

Income received in advance

2019 
$’000

2018
Restated*
$’000

22,209

15,958

4,363

42,530

1,243

7,823

9,066

15,198

18,399

3,067

36,664

1,522

10,410

11,932

Total trade and other payables

51,596

48,596

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

Trade payables and accruals principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. The average 
Days Payables Outstanding (‘DPO’) is 39 days (2018: 29 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.

Amounts due to associates of $4,363k represent balances arising in the ordinary course of business between the Group and 
its associate companies, China Aircraft Services Limited and Gama Aviation LLC. Amounts due from associates of $4,265k 
(see note 20) also arise in the ordinary course of business between the Group and the same two associate companies. 
The net payable to associates of $98k represents:

 / A receivable due to the Group of $782k from Gama Aviation LLC; and
 / A payable due by the Group of $880k to China Aircraft Services Limited.

These amounts are disclosed as related party transactions in note 36.

98 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201925. Issued capital and reserves

Ordinary shares: authorised, issued and fully paid

At 1 January 2018

Issue of share capital

At 31 December 2018

Issue of share capital

At 31 December 2019

Number

GBP

$’000

43,994,442

439,944

19,641,837

195,918

63,636,279

635,862

–

–

63,636,279

635,862

684

269

953

–

953

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 2 March 2018, 19,591,837 new ordinary shares of one pence each in Gama Aviation plc were admitted for trading on AIM.

On 2 March 2018, 19,591,837 new ordinary shares of one pence each in Gama Aviation plc were admitted for trading on AIM. 
The Company raised gross proceeds of £48,000k ($65,460k) pursuant to the placing. Hutchison Whampoa (China) Limited 
(“Hutchison”) subscribed for shares in the placing and held 21.17% of the issued share capital at 30 June 2018. A further 
50,000 shares were issued to a director of the Company (see page 39).

Share premium

At 1 January 2018

Issuance of shares

At 1 January 2019

Issue of new shares

Balance at 31 December 2019

$’000

–

63,473

63,473

–

63,473

Share premium represents the amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value, net of placement fees of 
£1,526k or $1,987k (2018: £1,526k or $1,987k). 

Other reserves

Merger
relief
reserve
Restated
$’000

Reverse 
takeover 
reserve
$’000

Other 
reserve
 $’000

Share-
based 
payment 
reserve
$’000

Cash 
Flow hedge 
reserve
$’000

Total
Restated
$’000

At 1 January 2018

136,996

(95,828)

20,209

Share-based payment expense (Note 31)

Utilisation of merger reserve, as restated

Gains recognised on cash flow hedge

–

(28,401)

–

–

–

–

–

–

127

Balance at 31 December 2018*

108,595

(95,828)

20,336

Share-based payment expense (Note 31)

–

–

–

195

639

–

–

834

861

Balance at 31 December 2019

108,595

(95,828)

20,336

1,695

127

61,699

–

–

639

(28,401)

(127)

–

–

–

–

33,937

861

34,798

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

99

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS25. Issued capital and reserves (continued)
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 impairment loss of $28,401k in 2018, 
has been realised against the merger reserve related to these assets.

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.

The share-based payment 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 31 for further details of these plans. 

There is an employee benefit trust that is affiliated with the Group, however the Group does not have control of this trust and as a 
result, the trust is not consolidated and no own share reserve is recognised. At the end of the reporting period, there are 219,310 
(2018: 219,310) shares which are held in the employee benefit trust. The fair value of these shares is £138k (2018: £263k). 

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 2018

Restatement*

Total comprehensive profit attributable to minority interests

Balance at 31 December 2018

Total comprehensive profit attributable to minority interests

Balance at 31 December 2019

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

$’000

1,524

(882)

14

656

95

751

The non-controlling interest in the current and prior year relates to a 49% shareholding in Gama Aviation FZC, which is 
consolidated as there is an 80% profit sharing ratio attributable to the Group. As a result, a 20% non-controlling interest 
has been recognised in the current and prior year. In addition, the Group has a call option on the remaining shareholding. 

100 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201927. Net cash generated by operating activities

Loss before tax from continuing operations

Loss before tax from discontinued operations

Loss before tax

Adjustments for:

Finance income (note 9)

Finance costs (note 10)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 16)

Depreciation of right-of-use assets in administrative expenses (note 23)

Depreciation of right-of-use assets in cost of sales (note 23)

Amortisation of intangible assets (note 15)

IAS 36 impairment of right-of-use assets (note 23)

IAS 36 impairment of goodwill and acquired intangibles (note 15)

Profit arising on step acquisition

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Share of profit of associate and joint venture (note 18)

Share-based payment (note 31)

Operating cash inflow before movements in working capital

Unrealised foreign exchange movements

Increase in gross inventories

Increase in inventory obsolescence (note 19)

Increase in gross receivables

Increase in loss allowance for receivables (note 20)

Increase/(decrease) in payables

(Decrease)/increase in deferred revenue

Increase/(decrease) in provisions

Cash generated by/(expended on) operations

Taxes paid

Net cash generated/(expended) by operating activities

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

2019 
$’000

2018 
Restated*
$’000

(10,964)

(34,155)

–

(767)

(10,964)

(34,922)

(695)

4,657

3,019

754

15,152

1,425

2,341

540

–

82

(918)

861

16,254

226

(2,397)

2,364

(21,451)

2,387

3,000

1,189

1,115

2,687

(992)

1,695

(787)

954

2,544

–

–

2,484

–

28,401

(986)

–

(566)

639

(2,239)

(2,970)

3,574

(1,107)

(5,862)

834

(12,832)

1,843

–

(18,759)

(1,633)

(20,392)

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

101

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS28. Net Debt and changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Net Debt
A reconciliation of the IFRS financial statement line items that represent the Net Debt APM is tabulated below. 

Cash

Borrowings

Net Debt pre IFRS 16

Obligations under leases

Net Debt

2019 
$’000

8,463

(46,242)

(37,779)

(60,204)

(97,983)

2018

Restated*
 $’000

10,045

(12,522)

(2,477)

–

(2,477)

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities are tabulated below.

At 1 January 2018

Repayments

Proceeds

Non-cash movements

As reported 1 January 2019

Restatement – classification of finance leases*

Restatement – classification of arrangement fees*

As restated 1 January 2019*

Cash flows:

Repayments

Proceeds

Lease payments

Non-cash:

Initial application of IFRS 16

Interest on lease liabilities

Reclassification

Foreign currency translation on borrowings in profit 
or loss (note 9)

Exchange differences

Arrangement fee on old facility written off

Arrangement fee movement on new facility

Other non-cash movements

At 31 December 2019

Borrowings

Obligations under leases

Long-term 
$’000

Short-term 
$’000

Long-term 
$’000

Short-term 
$’000

Total 
$’000

1,012

35,656

2,013

1,654

40,335

(966)

(34,714)

–

(46)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

10,304

(1,396)

9,850

3,056

(384)

12,522

(32,915)

65,563

–

–

–

627

(627)

–

–

–

–

–

(693)

1,411

398

(93)

49

–

–

86

2,099

(2,099)

–

–

–

–

–

43,838

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,654)

(37,334)

–

957

957

(957)

–

–

–

–

10,304

(399)

12,906

–

(384)

12,522

(32,915)

65,563

(14,062)

(14,062)

25,444

3,061

–

–

1,923

–

–

–

69,282

3,061

–

(693)

3,334

398

(93)

49

627

45,615

43,838

16,366

106,446

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

The assets associated the finance lease restatement are included in Note 16 and relate to aircraft hull and refurbishments, 
and motor vehicles.

102 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201929. Contingent liabilities
The Group was previously involved in legal proceedings relating to historic Hangar 8 trading activity prior to the merger in 
January 2015 and relating to disputes with SPC Aviation Limited. The Company reached an agreement with SPC Aviation 
Limited to settle the legal proceedings between the parties on 9 December 2019 under the terms of a settlement agreement 
which was in full and final settlement of the court proceedings between the parties. 

Following the settlement of the disputes with SPC Aviation Limited, the remaining proceedings in which the Company and a 
number of its subsidiaries are parties relate to disputes where the Company and its subsidiaries are claimants. The Company has 
issued proceedings to recover long-standing trade receivables that amount to approximately $3m. The Company has made 
adequate provisions 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, 
noting that the Company has already obtained summary judgments for a portion of these claims in the sum of $2,430k.

30. Provisions for liabilities 

At 1 January

Charged to the income statement during the year

Utilised during the year

Foreign Exchange

Discounting (Note 10)

Transferred from accruals

At 31 December

Amount due for settlement within 12 months

Amount due for settlement after 12 months

Total provisions

2019 
$’000

–

1,067

(503)

24

35

492

1,115

521

594

1,115

 2018 
$’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

The closing provision as at 31 December 2019 includes a closure provision of $620k (2018: nil), a dilapidations provision 
of $50k (2018: $49k) and an employee’s end of service indemnity provision of $443k (2018: $443k).

The closure provision relates to the cessation of the Groups business activities at Fairoaks airport and the associated 
unavoidable costs. The obligation under leases (see note 23), contains the related lease liability.

During the year the Group recognised redundancy provisions of $128k. This provision relates to the cessation of the Groups 
business activities at Fairoaks airport. The full provision was utilised during the year.

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.

31. Share-based payments
Equity-settled share option scheme
Options were granted on 17 June 2019 to certain employees of the Group. Options are exercisable at a price equal to £0.92. 
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.

Options were granted on 22 June 2018 to certain employees of the Group. Options are exercisable at a price equal to £2.06. 
The vesting period is 2-3 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

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

2019 
’000

2,731

1,226

(210)

3,747

670

2018 
Restated*

’000

1,310

2,132

(711)

2,731

–

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

103

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS31. Share-based payments (continued)
The estimated fair values of the options granted is $465,880 (2018: $3,047,216).

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

Share price, US$ cents

Exercise price, US$ cents

Expected volatility

Expected life, years

Risk-free rate

Expected dividend yields

2019 

92.50

91.50

41.19%

6.5

0.72%

2.16%

 2018 

207.50

205.50

37.49%

10

1.26%

1.30%

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over a historical 6.5 year 
period prior to grant. The Group recognises total expenses of $861k (2018: $639k) related to equity settled share-based 
payment transactions in 2019.

32. 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. As at 31 December 2019, 
contributions of $259,000 (2018: $156,000) due in respect of the current reporting period had not been paid over to the schemes. 

33. Deferred revenue

Deferred revenue 

Current

Non-current

Total

2019
$’000

7,420

2,867

4,553

7,420

2018

Restated*
$’000

6,231

6,231

-

6,231

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

The deferred revenue arises in respect of management fees and maintenance contracts invoiced in advance both of which 
are expected to be settled in the next twelve months, with the exception of non-current balances which are expected 
to be recognised in twelve to thirty months.

104 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201934. Financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities as defined by IFRS 9 and their estimated fair values are as follows:

At 31 December 2019

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables (Note 20)

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables (Note 24)

Lease obligation (Note 23)

Borrowings (Note 21)

Net financial assets/(liabilities)

At 31 December 2018

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables (Note 20)

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables (Note 24)

Borrowings (Note 21)

Net financial assets/(liabilities)

Financial 
assets at 
amortised 
cost
$’000

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised  
cost
$’000

Book
value
 total
$’000

Fair
 value
total
$’000

8,463

64,800

–

–

8,463

64,800

8,463

64,800

–

–

–

(42,530)

(60,204)

(42,530)

(60,204)

(42,530)

(60,204)

(46,242)

(46,242)

(46,242)

73,263

(148,976)

(75,713)

(75,713)

Financial 
assets at 
amortised 
cost 
$’000

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
$’000

Book
value
total
$’000

Fair
value
total
$’000

10,045

50,660

–

–

10,045

50,660

10,045

50,660

–

–

60,705

(36,664)

(36,664)

(36,664)

(12,522)

(49,186)

(12,522)

(12,522)

11,519

11,519

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 lease obligations are calculated 
using the incremental borrowing rate. 

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.

A description of each risk, together with the policy for managing risk, is given below. 

34.1 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 capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in note 21 and obligations under 
leases disclosed in note 23, 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 leases and borrowing are taken out to fund assets utilised by the Group. Borrowings are also secured 
to support the on-going operations and future growth of the Group.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

105

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS34. Financial instruments (continued)
34.2 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.

34.2.1 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 and euro 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. 

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:

GBP
$’000

USD
$’000

EUR
$’000

HKD
$’000

Other
$’000

Total
$’000

At 31 December 2019

Borrowings

Entities with functional currency USD

Entities with functional currency GBP

Total borrowings

–

(23,072)

(23,072)

(1,475)

(8,235)

(9,710)

–

(13,460)

(13,460)

Obligations under leases

Entities with functional currency USD

Entities with functional currency GBP

Total obligation under leases

Cash

Entities with functional currency USD

Entities with functional currency GBP

Entities with functional currency CHF

Total cash

Working capital

Entities with functional currency USD

Entities with functional currency GBP

Entities with functional currency CHF

Total working capital

Net exposure

Net monetary in USD entities

Net monetary in GBP entities

Net monetary in CHF entities

Total net exposure

At 31 December 2018

Net exposure

Net monetary items in USD entities

Net monetary items in GBP entities

Net monetary items in CHF entities

Net monetary items in HKD entities

Total net exposure

106 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

–

(18,426)

(39,739)

(39,739)

(964)

(19,390)

–

(1,075)

(1,075)

5

2,809

–

2,814

3,056

208

–

3,264

2

1,692

–

1,694

(49)

(4,377)

(3)

12,137

6,891

(2)

(67)

10,623

–

(4,429)

19,026

10,556

–

(2,100)

(2)

(65)

(2,220)

–

(2,102)

(2,285)

(45)

–

(3)

(48)

58

–

4

–

62

–

–

–

78

78

(104)

1,287

6

–

1,065

–

–

–

1,189

1,065

–

–

–

–

–

–

590

–

–

590

341

–

–

341

931

–

–

931

–

–

–

–

–

–

81

(80)

100

101

213

725

(280)

658

294

645

–

939

–

87

–

–

87

(1,475)

(44,767)

(46,242)

(18,426)

(41,778)

(60,204)

3,734

4,629

100

8,463

12,575

13,862

(285)

26,152

1,115

(3,675)

(5)

(2,565)

1,019

1,374

10

78

2,481

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019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:

GBP
$’000

USD
$’000

EUR
$’000

HKD
$’000

Other
$’000

Total
$’000

At 31 December 2019

Total effect on profit/(loss) of 
depreciation in foreign currency 
exchange rates

At 31 December 2018

Total effect on profit/(loss) of 
depreciation in foreign currency 
exchange rates

5

210

229

(93)

(94)

257

(6)

(8)

(119)

(106)

(9)

(248)

34.2.2 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 34.3 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 loss for the year 
ended 31 December 2019 would increase by $448k (2018: $130k loss); and 

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

34.3 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. 

At 31 December 2019

Trade & other payables (note 24)

Lease liabilities (note 23)

Other loans

Bank borrowings

At 31 December 2018**

Trade & other payables

Other loans

Bank borrowings

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest 
rate %

Less than 
1 year
$’000

2-5 years
$’000

n/a

*

6.1%

1.7%

n/a

5.4%

3.3%

51,596

18,811

848

44,767

48,596

1,815

9,466

–

23,835

627

–

–

1,398

–

After 
more than 
5 years
$’000

–

38,173

–

–

–

–

–

Total 
$’000

51,596

80,819

1,475

44,767

48,596

3,213

9,466

*  Refer to Note 23 which provides the incremental borrowing rate for each category of lease.

**  Restatements are detailed in Note 2.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

107

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS34. Financial instruments (continued)
34.4 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.

35. Events after the balance sheet date
The following non-adjusting events occurred after the reporting date:

Helicopter and financing update
On 13 February 2020 the Group announced an update on its £20m order for three Airbus H145 helicopters, as reported on 
24 December 2018. The Company has completed this purchase and taken title to all three helicopters. Deployment of the 
helicopters on 1st June 2020 in support of a long-term contract proceeded to plan.

The purchase was funded through a new £20m term loan secured with HSBC on competitive terms (the “Loan”). The Loan is 
separate from the Group’s $50m revolving credit facilities (the “RCF”) which was transferred from RBS to HSBC on improved 
terms last November. The Loan and the RCF (collectively the “Facilities”) are subject to customary banking security 
arrangements. 

Sale of US Air associate
On 2 March 2020 the Group announced the sale of its US Air associate, Gama Aviation LLC (doing business as “Gama Aviation 
Signature”) to Wheels Up Partners Holdings LLC (“Wheels Up”). Gama Aviation Signature is owned 49% by GB Aviation Holdings 
LLC, a joint venture between the Group and Signature Aviation Plc, with the remaining 51% held by the Group’s US partners.

Gama Aviation will receive consideration of $33m, comprising $10m in return for its 24.5% equity interest and $23m for 
accelerated branding fees and other trading related considerations. $13m of the total purchase consideration is to be paid in 
cash at closing, with the remaining $20m to be paid in cash, with interest, in eight equal six-month instalments over the next 
four years. The transaction is expected to be accretive to underlying earnings to FY2020 and FY2021 as well as resulting in a 
one-off profit on disposal of the equity interest. 

As part of the transaction, GB Aviation Holdings LLC has licensed the continued use of the Gama Aviation Signature brand for 
up to two years. The Group has additionally entered into a five year non-compete agreement with Wheels Up in respect of its 
FAA Part 135 charter operations in the USA.

On the balance sheet at 31 December 2019, the equity accounted investment in the US Air associate has been presented in 
current assets, as assets held for sale, as completion of the transaction was considered highly probable at 31 December 2019.

Airops Software (“myairops”) secures $2.5m software sale
On 10 March 2020 the Group announced that the Global Services subsidiary Airops Software Ltd (trading as myairops) has 
secured a $2.5m Software as a Service (SaaS) contract with one of the world’s largest business aviation operators. The 
system is live and provides comprehensive fleet management, crew rostering and maintenance planning capabilities in 
support of a large fleet operation. The three-year contract is the largest single deal yet signed by myairops, following a 
substantial investment in its SaaS platform by the Group.

COVID-19
In light of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has considered whether any adjustments are required to reported 
amounts in the financial statements. The Group notes that as at 31 December 2019 no pandemic had been declared and as 
a result, COVID-19 has been treated as a non-adjusting event. Given the continuing operational and financial uncertainties 
resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has provided a number of announcements on the impacts of COVID-19 
and financial guidance for the year ending 31 December 2020 remains suspended. The only area identified to date that could 
be impacted by COVID-19 in 2020 relates to potential impairment of non-current assets.

Change in UK tax rate
In the Spring Budget 2020, the Government announced that from 1 April 2020 the corporation tax rate would remain at 19% 
(rather than reducing to 17%, as previously enacted). This new law was substantively enacted on 17 March 2020. As the 
proposal to keep the rate at 19% had not been substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, its effects are not included 
in these financial statements. 

108 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201936. 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.

The company and its subsidiaries have a policy requiring full disclosure to, and pre-approval by, the Board of transactions 
contemplated with related parties.

List of related parties, including associates:
The following list is presented in accordance with the objectives of IAS 24 Related party disclosures and all relationships are 
disclosed according to their substance rather than their legal form.

 / Oneti Lebanon Sarl – is a company that is majority owned and controlled by Mr G A Khalek, brother of Mr M A Khalek 
(Chief Executive Officer). Mr M A Khalek holds 30% of the shares in Oneti Lebanon Sarl according to the corporate 
register in Lebanon, however the beneficial ownership of these shares was transferred to Mr G Khalek in 2008;

 / Mr G Khalek – the brother of Mr M A Khalek; 
 / Cedar Trading Investment Corporation – is a company beneficially owned by Mr G A Khalek;
 / Oneti SAL – a company that is majority owned and controlled by Mr G A Khalek;
 / Mr M A Khalek – has significant influence over the company through his position as Chief Executive Officer and his 

ownership interest >20%; 

 / BBGA Ltd – is the national trade association in which Mr M A Khalek served as a director and Chairman until March 2019;
 / EBAA – is the European trade association in which Mr M A Khalek serves on the Board of Governors;
 / Merritt Property LLC – owns a 39% membership interest in Gama Aviation LLC and is owned by Thomas Connelly and John 

Tesei, who control Gama Aviation LLC;

 / Valentia Properties Limited – is owned by Mr M Peagram, a non-executive director of the Group, which invoices the Group 

for professional services. Mr M Peagram ceased to be a director of the company during the year;

 / Golconda Investments Ltd – is owned by Mr R Steeves, a non-executive director of the Group until January 2019, which 

invoices the Group for professional services. Mr R Steeves ceased to be a director during the year;

 / Air Arabia/Felix Trading Company LLC – Felix Trading Company LLC (“Felix”) has a significant ownership interest in Gama 
Aviation FZE, which is controlled by the Group (see note 17). The principals of Felix also have significant ownership interest 
in Air Arabia, which is a client of the Group;

 / Gama Aviation SPV – is a company registered in Abu Dhabi Global Market – a related party through potential ownership 
and control rights via the terms of a loan agreement and because the Group has significant influence over its operations 
(but not control);

 / Mr Canning Fok – is an Executive Director of CK Hutchison Holdings, a company which has an indirect shareholding 

of 29.8% in the Group; and

 / CK Hutchison Holdings – has an indirect shareholding of 29.8% in the Group.

Associates 
 / GB Aviation Holdings LLC – is a joint venture in which the Group owns a 50% membership interest;
 / Gama Aviation LLC – is an associate in which GB Aviation Holdings LLC owns a 49% member interest; and
 / China Aircraft Services Limited – is an associate in which the Group owns a 20% equity interest.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

109

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS36. Related party transactions (continued)
Trading transactions
During the year, Group companies entered into the following transactions with related parties who are not members 
of the Group:

Gama Aviation LLC (branding fee)

Gama Aviation LLC (other trading balances)**

Merritt Property LLC(c) 

Valentia Properties Limited

Golconda Investments Ltd

Air Arabia/Felix Trading Company LLC

China Aircraft Services Limited

BBGA Ltd

Oneti Lebanon Sarl(a)

Oneti SAL(a)

Mr Canning Fok

M Khalek(b)

Sale of services

Purchase of services

2019
$’000

4,050

7,579 

–

–

2

644

747

–

–

–

1,016

48

2018

Restated*
$’000

3,750

5,675

–

–

–

318

1,034

–

–

–

2,130 

46

2019
$’000

–

857

–

11

5

150

3,271

3

4,922

112

–

–

2018

Restated*
$’000

–

643

–

26

35

150

2,222

15

312

776

–

–

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2. Following the consolidation of Gama International Saudi Arabia, the prior year has been restated to 

exclude the amounts previously reported for Gama International Saudi Arabia. In addition, restatements to the prior year have been made 
for the following items:

(a)   Transactions with Oneti and connected parties have been disaggregated and disclosed by legal entity. In addition, the prior year has been 

restated by $312k.

(b)  Transactions with Marwan Khalek of $46k are now included.

(c)   Amounts owed by Merritt Property LLC in 2018 have been restated from $1,000k to $700k reflecting discounting of the termination 

agreement which subsequently reversed in the current year.

**  For ease of understanding the branding fee and other trading balances have been separated in the summary table above.

The following amounts were outstanding at the balance sheet date:

Oneti Lebanon Sarl(a)

Oneti SAL(a)

Merritt Property LLC(c)

Air Arabia

Mr Canning Fok

GB Aviation Holdings LLC

Gama Aviation LLC 

China Aircraft Services Limited**

Amounts owed by
related parties

Amounts owed to
related parties

2019  
$’000

–

–

1,000

211

39

40

921

3,344

2018
Restated*
$’000

2019  
$’000

2018
Restated*
$’000

–

–

700

138

–

–

322

–

–

36

–

25

–

–

139

4,224

228

179

–

25

–

–

–

745

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 2. Following the consolidation of Gama International Saudi Arabia, the prior year has been restated to 

exclude the amounts previously reported for Gama International Saudi Arabia. In addition, restatements to the prior year have been made 
for the following items:

(a)  Transactions with Oneti and connected parties have been disaggregated and disclosed by legal entity 

(b)  Transactions with Marwan Khalek of $46k are now included 

(c)   Amounts owed by Merritt Property LLC in 2018 have been restated from $1,000k to $700k reflecting discounting of the termination 

agreement which subsequently reversed in the current year

**  In the prior year amounts owed to related parties of $745k included amounts owed by China Aircraft Services Limited of $632k and amounts 

owed to China Aircraft Services Limited of $1,377k. The 2018 balance sheet has not been restated for these components.

110 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
Material Transactions with Related Parties 
Gama Aviation LLC
During the year Gama Aviation LLC paid $3.75m in cash to the Group in accordance with the branding agreement between 
these parties.

An amount of $0.3m was recognised as revenue by the Group as part of the termination of the branding agreement. 

Merritt Property LLC
As reported in the 2018 Annual Report, in January 2017 the Group entered into a Termination Agreement (the “Agreement”) 
with Gama Aviation LLC. The Agreement brought the previous branding agreement between the Group and Gama Aviation 
LLC to a close at the same time as the Group entered into a new branding agreement with GB Aviation Holdings LLC.

The Termination Agreement made provision for a final payment from Merritt Property LLC (which was a 39% owner of Gama 
Aviation LLC at the time) to the Group of $1.0m in lieu of branding fees forgone.

Since the balance sheet date, the Group has received cash consideration of $1m to settle the full amount due. 

Oneti Lebanon Sarl
During the year the Group terminated a contract with Oneti Lebanon SARL. Under the terms of the contract a termination 
payment of $2.9m was paid to Oneti. In addition, inventory previously held by Oneti was repurchased by the Group for a 
further payment of $2.1m. 

Of the total payments of $5.1m, $2.7m was paid directly a business associate of Mr G Khalek and of the Group, and $2.4m was 
paid to Mr G Khalek. These payments were instructed by Mr G Khalek on behalf of Oneti Lebanon Sarl.

Repayment of loan
During 2018 the Group reached an agreement to terminate a loan agreement in respect of a loan previously due to a lender 
of the Group. The principal amount of $2.0m was repaid together with accrued interest of $0.1m. As instructed by the lender, 
$1.3m of the repayment was made directly to Mr G Khalek, a business associate of the lender. The remaining amounts were 
paid directly to the lender. 

Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of the executive directors of the Group, who are also the key management personnel of the Group, are set 
out below in aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24 Related party disclosures. As all the key management 
personnel are remunerated in Pounds Sterling, the disclosure has been presented in that currency.

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Total

2019  
$’000

1,262

144

1,406

2018  
$’000

1,370

129

1,499

Details of directors’ remuneration are given in the Remuneration Report on pages 34 to 37.

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 2019 

111

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS37. Capital Commitments
Capital expenditure contracted for but not provided in the financial statements:

Property, Plant and Equipment

2019  
$’000

2018  
$’000

13,509

29,483

On 21 December 2018 the Group entered into cancellable commitments to purchase three Airbus H145 rotary aircraft. At the 
end of 2019 the Group had outstanding contracted commitments of $13,395k relating to the airframes and associated 
modifications of two of these aircraft. On 13 February 2020 the Group announced an update on its £20m order for three 
Airbus H145 helicopters, as reported on 24 December 2018. The Company has completed this purchase and taken title 
to all three helicopters. Deployment of the helicopters occurred on 1 June 2020 in support of a long-term contract.

In June 2017 the Group entered into a non-cancellable Build-Operate-Transfer and Service Concession agreement with 
Sharjah Airport Authority under which the Group is committed to construct a Business Aviation Centre (“BAC”) at Sharjah 
Airport. The agreement runs from June 2017 until June 2042 with a ten-year extension option to June 2052. The 10-year 
extension has not been formalised at the date of signing the financial statements. At the end of 2019 the Group had 
outstanding contracted commitments of $114k.

38. Dividends
The directors are recommending no final dividend for 2019 (2018: 2.0 pence per share), which is subject to approval at the 
AGM in September 2020. The directors confirm that the 2018 dividend, which was paid in July 2019, represented a lawful 
distribution as sufficient distributable reserves were available in the Company to declare and pay the dividend. The utilisation 
of the merger reserve as a result of the impairment in the prior year substantially increased distributable reserves.

Final dividend paid of 2.0p per share (2018: 2.75p)

2019  
$’000

1,620

2018  
$’000

2,306

Given the desirability of conserving cash during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Board does not recommend a dividend 
for 2019 (2018: 2.0 pence per share). 

Following the filing of interim accounts with Companies House, the directors are satisfied that all legal requirements 
in respect of the final dividend in respect of 2018, which was paid in July 2019, have been met.

112 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019/ PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Non-current assets

Investments

Current assets

Trade and other receivables 

Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current (liabilities)/assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Called up equity share capital 

Share premium account

Merger reserve

Share-based payment expense

Profit and loss account

Equity shareholder funds

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 1.

Note

2019 
£’000

2018
Restated* 
 £’000

3

4

5

6

6

75,715

75,715

122,057

122,057

44,451

1,086

45,537

21,867

2,247

24,114

(45,800)

(21,128)

(263)

2,986

75,452

125,043

75,452

125,043

636

46,278

21,415

1,276

5,847

636

46,278

68,410

623

9,096

75,452

125,043

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 £48,976k for the year (2018 as restated: loss of £20,995k).

The financial statements were approved by the Board of directors and authorised for issue on 7 August 2020, and are signed 
on their behalf by:

Daniel Ruback
Director

The notes on pages 115 to 118 form part of these parent company financial statements. 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

113

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Share  
capital
£’000

Share 
premium 
£’000

Share-
based 
payment 
reserve 
£’000

Merger 
reserve
£’000

Retained 
earnings
£’000

Total
£’000

At 1 January 2018

Loss for the year, as reported

Total comprehensive loss for the year, as reported

Restatement

Loss for the year, as restated 

Total comprehensive loss for the year, as restated

Utilisation of merger reserve, as restated

440

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Issuance of shares

196

46,278

195

89,495

10,738

100,868

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(20,889)

(20,889)

(20,889)

(20,889)

(106)

(106)

(20,995)

(20,995)

(20,995)

(20,995)

–

46,474

428

(1,732)

(1,732)

(21,085)

21,085

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

653

–

–

(48,976)

(48,976)

(46,995)

46,995

–

653

(1,268)

(1,268)

636

46,278

1,276

21,415

5,847

75,452

Share-based payment contribution, as restated

Dividend paid 

–

–

–

–

428

–

At 31 December 2018, as restated

636

46,278

623

68,410

9,096

125,043

Loss for the year

Utilisation of merger reserve

Share-based payment contribution

Dividend paid 

At 31 December 2019

114 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

/ NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

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 policies 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. 

Restatements 
The financial statements for 2018 have been restated for several items. The impact of restatements on the loss for the year 
and net assets is tabulated below: 

As reported

Accruals for administrative expenses 

Measurement of share-based payments

Measurement of borrowings

As restated

The restatements of the prior year relate to:

Loss for the 
year
Statutory 
£’000

Net assets 
£’000

(20,889)

125,174

(215)

–

109

(215)

(25)

109

(20,995)

125,043

 / Errors on accruing for administrative expenses, resulting in a charge to administrative expenses of £215k and an equivalent 

increase in accruals. In addition there was a £25k credit on the share based payment charge shown in exceptionals.

 / £21,085k impairment of investments in the prior year has been reclassified against the merger reserve rather than retained 

earnings. This restatement is consistent with the equivalent restatement made in the Group financials.

 / Loan arrangement fees of £301k have been capitalised against borrowings and reclassified out of prepayments.
 / Borrowings in the Group accounts were stated correctly in the prior year, however in the parent company financial 

statements borrowing were overstated by £109k, resulting in a credit to profit of an equivalent amount.

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.

 / 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.

Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Company recorded a loss of £48,976k for the year 
(2018: loss of £20,995k), had net current liabilities of £263k (2018: net current assets £2,986k), and had net assets of £75,452k 
(2018: £125,043k).

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.

Financial assets
Trade receivables and other receivables are measured at amortised cost less an expected credit allowance. The company 
assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit loss associated with its financial assets. The impairment 
methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk. Any write-down of these assets 
is expensed to the income statement. To measure the expected credit losses, trade and other receivables have been grouped 
based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days past due. The Company has concluded that the expected loss rates 
for trade and other receivables is nil. Amounts owed by Group companies are non-interest bearing, unsecured and repayable 
on demand.

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

115

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

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.

Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the parent company accounting policies, the Directors are required to make judgments (other than those 
involving estimations) that have a significant impact on the amounts recognised and to make estimates and assumptions 
about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and 
associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual 
results may 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.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting period, that 
may have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next 
financial year, are discussed below.

Investments impairment review
The investments impairment review require the use of estimates related to future profitability and the cash generating ability 
of the related businesses based on management’s assessment of future cash flows and other assumptions including discount 
rates and terminal growth. The estimates used may differ from the actual outcome. Details of the impairment review 
performed are set out in note 3.

2. Profit/(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 of £48,976k for the year (2018: loss of £20,995k). 

The Company paid an ordinary dividend of £1,268k (2018: £1,732k) to shareholders in the period. The Directors note that 
accounts have been filed on 24 July 2020, and show that at the time of the dividend payment sufficient distributable reserves 
were available to make the distribution. The utilisation of the merger reserve as a result of the impairment in the prior year 
substantially increased distributable reserves.

The total fees of the Group’s auditor, for services provided are analysed in note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

The average monthly number of employees (including executive Directors) was nil (2018: nil). There are no employees of 
the Company and the Directors are employed and remunerated by other companies within the Group. Details of the total 
average employee numbers and employee costs are included in note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

116 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

3. Investments

Balance at 1 January 2018

Additions

Additions – parent contribution in respect of share-based payments

Provision for impairment

Balance at 31 December 2018

Restated additions – parent contribution in respect of share-based payments

Restated balance at 31 December 2018

Additions – parent contribution in respect of share-based payments

Provision for impairment

Closing balance at 31 December 2019

Total
£’000

92,619

49,900

648

(21,085)

122,082

(25)

122,057

653

(46,995)

75,715

In the current year an impairment of £46,995k has been made to reduce the investment carrying amount to recoverable 
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use (“VIU”). Market capitalisation 
is used as a proxy for the fair value less cost to sell and the VIU is measured by discounting the future expected cash 
flows. The key assumptions and estimates used for VIU calculations are set out in Note 14 of the notes to the Group 
financial statements.

Given the impact of COVID-19 on share prices in the aviation sector in general, and the relative illiquidity of the company’s 
shares in particular, the directors believe that the company’s current share price does not fully reflect the fair value of its 
investments in the Group. Accordingly the investment carrying value has been reduced to £75.7m based on its VIU. If the 
carrying value were impaired to the company’s current market capitalisation for £22.3m, then the merger reserve of £21.4m 
would be fully utilised and retained earnings would be reduced to a deficit of £26.2m.

The difference between the carrying value of the cost of investment in subsidiaries in the parent company balance sheet 
and carrying amount of consolidated net assets results from a reverse acquisition leading to the group’s listing. 

The provision for impairment in the prior year related primarily to the Company’s legacy investment in Hangar8 business, 
mainly as attributable to the Group’s Europe Air Division (see note 14 to the Group accounts).

Included in additions of £653k (2018: £50,548k) is £653k (2018: £623k) in respect of share-based payment charges arising 
in relation to subsidiaries of the Company. The £49,900k addition in the prior year relates to an investment in a subsidiary 
of the Group, Gama Group Inc.

Details of the Company’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2019 are set out in note 17 to the Group accounts.

4. Trade and other receivables

Amounts falling due within one year:

Amounts owed by Group companies

Other debtors

Tax and social security

Prepayments and accrued income

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 1.

Amounts due from Group companies are repayable on demand and do not carry any interest charge.

2019 
£’000

2018

Restated*
 £’000

44,311

21,717

47

88

5

64

50

36

44,451

21,867

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 

117

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALSSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIALS/ NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
/ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

5. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

Trade creditors

Other payables

Bank loan

Accruals and deferred income

*  Restatements are detailed in Note 1.

2019 
£’000

2018 
Restated*
£’000

10,386

12,360

594

5

33,955

860

45,800

217

6

7,438

1,107

21,128

Amounts due to Group companies are carried at amortised cost and are repayable on demand and do not carry any interest charge.

The bank loan is a revolving credit facility with a repayment term of less than 1 year and carries an interest rate of LIBOR 
+0.94% for non-Euro drawdowns (2018: LIBOR +1.9%) and EURIBOR + 0.94% for Euro drawdowns (2018: EURIBOR +1.90%).

6. Share capital and reserves

Issued and fully paid ordinary shares

At the beginning of the period

Other issues for cash during the year

Nominal  
value

2019  

number

2019  
£’000

2018  

number

2018  
£’000

At the end of the period

1p 63,636,279

636

63,636,279

1p

1p

63,636,279

636

43,994,442

–

–

19,641,837

440

196

636

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

The share premium,share-based payment reserve and merger reserve are not distributable.

Reserves available for distribution under section 830(2) and 831(2) of the Companies Act 2006 are included within retained 
earnings. The directors apply the guidance provided by ICAEW TECH 02/17 in determining reserves available for distribution.

7. 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.

118 

GAMA AVIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Consultancy, design and production
www.luminous.co.uk

Both the paper manufacturer 
and printer are registered to the 
Environmental Management 
System ISO14001 and are 
Forest Stewardship Council 
(FSC) chain-of-custody certified.

Design and production
www.luminous.co.uk

G

a

m

a

A

v

i

a

t

i

o

n

A

n

n

u

a

l

R

e

p

o

r

t

2

0

1

9

Gama Aviation Plc
1st Floor
25 Templer Avenue
Farnborough
Hampshire
GU14 6FE
UK

gamaaviation.com