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FY2016 Annual Report · Jet2 plc
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Annual Report & Accounts 2016

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM – Proof 7

 
 
 
 
Welcome to our Annual Report & Accounts 2016

Dart Group PLC  is a Leisure Travel and 
Distribution & Logistics Group specialising in:

■   the provision of ATOL licensed package holidays by its tour operator Jet2holidays 
and scheduled leisure flights by its airline Jet2.com, to holiday destinations in the 
Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and to European Leisure Cities; and

■   the distribution throughout the UK, by Fowler Welch, of fresh produce, and 

temperature-controlled and ambient products on behalf of retailers, processors, 
growers and importers.

Financial Highlights

Revenue (£m)

1,405.4

Operating Profit (£m)

105.0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

683.0

869.2

CAGR 
+20%

1,120.2

1,253.2

28.5

37.9

49.2

50.2(a)

1,405.4

CAGR 
+39%

105.0

(a)  2015 Operating Profit is stated on an underlying basis excluding a separately disclosed exceptional provision of £17.0m, in relation to possible passenger 

compensation claims for historical flight delays.

Advance Sales at 
Year End (£m)

767.5

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

256.8

407.5

484.9

580.3

CAGR 
+31%

767.5

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM –Proof 7

Contents

Strategic Report
Our New Boeing 737-800NGs .......................................... 2

Our Destinations ............................................................... 3

Operational Highlights ....................................................... 5

Our Chairman’s Statement ................................................ 6

Business & Financial Review

  Group Financial Performance ...................................... 10

  Leisure Travel ............................................................... 12

  Distribution & Logistics ................................................ 16

Principal Risks and Uncertainties .................................... 18

Governance
Directors’ Report ............................................................. 21

Report on Directors’ Remuneration ................................. 24

Corporate Governance Statement .................................. 28

Audit Committee Report ................................................. 30

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities .......................... 32

Independent Auditor’s Report ......................................... 33

Accounts
Consolidated Income Statement ..................................... 34

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income ....... 35

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position ................. 36

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows .......................... 37

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity ................ 38

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements ............. 39

Parent Company Balance Sheet ..................................... 60

Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity .......... 61

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements ....... 62

Supplementary Information
Glossary of Terms ........................................................... 69

Secretary and Advisers ................................................... 70

Financial Calendar ........................................................... 71

2 - Our New Boeing 737-800NGs

12 - Leisure Travel

16 - Distribution & Logistics

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM – Proof 7

1

Strategic ReportOur New Boeing 737-800NGs

Our new 189-seat Boeing 
737-800NGs increase our 
seating capacity and improve 
cost per seat economics 

Our new Boeing 737-800NG interior

This is an exciting time for 
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays!

We are investing in thirty new Boeing 737-800NG 
aircraft for both fleet replacement and our future 
growth.

These 737-800NGs will be delivered over a two year period to 
April 2018. This surety of supply will enable us to fulfil our plans 
for the growth of our leisure travel business. In addition, the 
increased capacity and improved per-seat economics will give 
us greater revenue potential.

This proven and reliable aircraft, with its enhanced cabin 
interior, will ensure a relaxed and pleasant experience for our 
customers.

We are continually developing our product in line with our 
family friendly ethos - a comfortable and secure environment 
on board, coupled with great service and fabulous holiday 
destinations at great value prices.

2

Annual Report & Accounts 2016

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM –Proof 7

Our Destinations

MAjORCA

LANzAROTe

ALGARVE
(FARO)

COSTA DE
ALMERIA

ALICANTE

MALAGA

MURCIA

MADEIRA

GRAN
CANARIA

LANZAROTE

TENERIFE

FUERTEVENTURA

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

BELFAST

NEWCASTLE

LEEDS
BRADFORD

MANCHESTER

EAST
MIDLANDS

BIRMINGHAM

JERSEY

PARIS

AMSTERDAM

BERLIN

DUSSELDORF

PRAGUE

KRAKOW

GENEVA

LYON

TURIN

GRENOBLE

BERGERAC

TOULOUSE

GIRONA

NICE

PISA

BARCELONA

MENORCA

MAJORCA

REUS

IBIZA

VIENNA

SALZBURG

VERONA

BUDAPEST

SLOVENIA

VENICE

PULA

MONTENEGRO

SOFIA

SPLIT

DUBROVNIK

HALKIDIKI

ROME

NAPLES

MALTA

CORFU

KEFALONIA

ZANTE

BODRUM

KOS

DALAMAN

RHODES

ANTALYA

LARNACA

CRETE

PAPHOS

NAPLeS

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM – Proof 7

3

GLASGOW

BELFAST

EDINBURGH

NEWCASTLE

LEEDS

BRADFORD

MANCHESTER

EAST

MIDLANDS

BIRMINGHAM

JERSEY

PARIS

PRAGUe

PRAGUe

AMSTERDAM

BERLIN

DUSSELDORF

PRAGUE

KRAKOW

GENEVA

LYON

TURIN

GRENOBLE

BERGERAC

TOULOUSE

VIENNA

SALZBURG

VERONA

BUDAPEST

SLOVENIA

SPLIT

GIRONA

NICE

PISA

BARCELONA

MAJORCA

REUS

IBIZA

MENORCA

ALGARVE

(FARO)

COSTA DE

ALMERIA

ALICANTE

MALAGA

MURCIA

MADEIRA

GRAN

CANARIA

LANZAROTE

TENERIFE

FUERTEVENTURA

VENICE

PULA

ROME

NAPLES

MALTA

MONTENEGRO

SOFIA

SPLIT

DUBROVNIK

HALKIDIKI

CORFU

KEFALONIA

ZANTE

BODRUM

KOS

DALAMAN

RHODES

ANTALYA

LARNACA

CRETE

PAPHOS

GIRONA

PAPHOS

Strategic Report

4

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM – Proof 7

Alicante 
Bergerac     Bodrum  Budapest  Corfu  Crete  Dalaman 

  Amsterdam 

  Barcelona  

  Antalya 

Dubrovnik      Düsseldorf  Faro (Algarve)  Fuerteventura  Geneva  
Girona    Gran  Canaria    Grenoble    Ibiza    jersey  
Kefalonia        Krakow    Lanzarote    Larnaca  (Cyprus)    Lyon 
Madeira    Majorca    Malaga    Malta    Menorca    Murcia 
Naples  New York  Nice  Paphos (Cyprus)  Berlin  Pisa  Prague  
Pula    Reus    Rhodes    Rome        Sofia    Split    Tenerife 
Toulouse    Turin    Venice    Verona    Vienna  zante 
Paris    Costa De Almeria    Salzburg  Kos  Halkidiki    

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM –Proof 7

Alicante 

  Barcelona  
Bergerac     Bodrum  Budapest  Corfu  Crete  Dalaman 

  Amsterdam 

  Antalya 

Dubrovnik      Düsseldorf  Faro (Algarve)  Fuerteventura  Geneva  
Girona    Gran  Canaria    Grenoble    Ibiza    jersey  
Kefalonia        Krakow    Lanzarote    Larnaca  (Cyprus)    Lyon 
Madeira    Majorca    Malaga    Malta    Menorca    Murcia 
Naples  New York  Nice  Paphos (Cyprus)  Berlin  Pisa  Prague  
Pula    Reus    Rhodes    Rome        Sofia    Split    Tenerife 
Toulouse    Turin    Venice    Verona    Vienna  zante 
Paris    Costa De Almeria    Salzburg  Kos  Halkidiki    

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM – Proof 7

Operational Highlights

We take people on holiday!
We are continually looking for ways to improve our customers’ experiences, choices and enjoyment. In the past year, we 
have expanded our hotel selection, introduced a unique new in-resort check-in service and developed our thriving 
Jet2CityBreaks product. 

Package Holidays You Can Trust

Resort Flight Check-In®
The roll out of Resort Flight Check-In, 
Jet2holidays’ exclusive new offering, had 
customers telling us they love the service.

Resort Flight Check-In allows customers to drop off their bags 
at their hotel before going to the airport for their flight home. 
The trial of the service has proven so successful, it has been 
expanded to more hotels across Benidorm, Majorca and 
Tenerife for summer 2016.

Expanding Hotel Portfolio
Jet2holidays’ directly contracted hotel portfolio 
grew by 430 great new hotels to total over 2,700.

We have significantly increased our hotel portfolio in order to 
meet continuing growth from strong repeat bookings, the 
extension of our peak holiday season, and the recent addition 
of fantastic new destinations - Costa de Almeria, Halkidiki, 
Kefalonia and Malta.

New hotel projects at BH Mallorca in Magaluf and Magic Natura 
Animal, Waterpark & Polynesian Lodge Resort in Benidorm 
have already proven to be extremely popular. We will continue 
to carefully add great value 2 to 5-star hotels that will delight 
our customers, young & old and families alike.

Taking your bags for you

Jet2CityBreaks
The popularity of our Jet2CityBreaks product, 
which offers packaged flights and hotels in an 
increasing range of European city destinations, 
continues to grow. 

Jet2CityBreaks are now available in over thirty leading 
European Leisure Cities, and to further improve its appeal we 
introduced a 22kg baggage allowance as part of the package.

Flight, Hotel and City all included

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM – Proof 7

5

Strategic ReportOur Chairman’s Statement

I am pleased to report the Group’s strong trading for the year 
ended 31 March 2016.

Operating profit increased by 109% to £105.0m (2015 
Underlying: £50.2m) and profit before tax by 82% to £104.2m 
(2015 Underlying: £57.2m). Growth in basic earnings per share 
was 90% to 60.22p (2015 Underlying: 31.72p).

In consideration of the Group’s encouraging results, the Board 
is recommending a final dividend of 3.10p per share (2015: 
2.25p) which will bring the total proposed dividend to 4.00p per 
share for the year (2015: 3.00p), an increase of 33%. This final 
dividend is subject to shareholders’ approval at the Company’s 
Annual General Meeting on 8 September 2016 and will be 
payable on 21 October 2016 to shareholders on the register at 
the close of business on 16 September 2016.

The increase in profitability reflects the strength of the Group’s 
Leisure Travel business, which combines both Jet2.com, our 
leisure airline and Jet2holidays, our package holidays provider, 
together with an improved performance from Fowler Welch, 
our Distribution and Logistics business. 

Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, one for summer 2015 and two for 
summer 2016, deposits and pre-delivery payments for the new 
Boeing aircraft order, and continued investment in the long-
term maintenance of our existing fleet of aircraft and engines. 
The new aircraft pre-delivery payments have been substantially 
financed.

As at 31 March 2016, the Group’s cash and money market 
deposit balances had increased by £109.2m (2015: £39.1m) 
to £412.0m (2015: £302.8m) and included advance payments 
from Leisure Travel customers of £385.8m (2015: £318.7m), in 
respect of their future holidays and flights.  

Leisure Travel
We take people on holiday! Our Leisure Travel business 
specialises in scheduled flights by our airline Jet2.com to 
holiday destinations in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands 
and to European Leisure Cities and the provision of ATOL 
licensed package holidays by our tour operator Jet2holidays.

Revenue in our Leisure Travel business increased by 15% to 
£1,261.4m (2015: £1,101.5m) and operating profit improved 
by 112% to £99.6m (2015 Underlying: £46.9m) as over 3.0m 
departing customers took a flight or package holiday to our sun, 
city and ski destinations during the year. 

Jet2.com flew a total of 6.07m passenger sectors (2015: 
6.05m) and achieved an average load factor of 92.5% (2015: 
91.2%) alongside an increase in average net ticket yield of 14%. 
Jet2holidays took 1.22m customers (2015: 1.00m) on holiday, 
an increase of 22%, representing 40% of departing customers 
(2015: 33%). 

To meet our programme of aircraft fleet replacement and our 
planned Leisure Travel business growth, on 3 September 2015 
we were delighted to announce an agreement with Boeing to 
purchase 27 new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, and subsequently 
in December 2015, an agreement to purchase a further three 
new aircraft. These aircraft will be delivered between September 
2016 and April 2018. 

Fowler Welch improved its profit before tax by £2.1m to 
£5.4m (2015: £3.3m) on reduced revenues of £144.0m (2015: 
£151.7m) as lower fuel costs were passed on to customers. 

The Group generated increased net cash flow from operating 
activities of £243.9m (2015: £116.1m). Total capital expenditure 
of £213.5m (2015: £76.4m) included the purchase of three used 

Our core principles are to be family friendly, offer value for money 
and give great customer service. For those customers who have 
arranged their own accommodation, our flights offer competitive 
fares, convenient flight times, allocated seating and a 22kg 
baggage allowance. Our package holidays, however, give us the 
opportunity to deliver an ‘end-to-end’ experience to which we 
add value through innovation and customer service. Importantly, 
our customer volumes allow us to serve many destinations daily 
and others several times a week during the spring, summer 
and autumn months, and enable us to offer a great choice of 
variable duration holidays at affordable prices. 

Real package holidays take considerable organisation and 
attention to detail. Jet2holidays employs over 900 colleagues 
contracting and administering hotels, managing the finances 
and providing operational support. The business has contractual 
relationships with over 2,700 hotels, encompassing a wide 
range of great value 2 to 5-star hotel products, catering for 
young & old and families alike. Many have adjacent waterparks 
and other great attractions included in the package, adding 
enjoyment and interest to the overall holiday experience. 

* The “Underlying” prior year results are stated excluding a separately disclosed 
exceptional provision of £17.0m, in relation to possible passenger compensation 
claims for historical flight delays.

6

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM –Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016Annual Report 2016

Nearly 40% of our package holidays were sold on an all-
inclusive basis. The all-inclusive package offers a ‘Defined Price’ 
for the whole holiday experience, including flights, transfers, 
meals, alcohol for the adults and ice lollies for the kids. This 
is a resilient, great value offering for families on a tight budget 
and is particularly attractive for challenging economic times. 
And to ensure that each of our customers has a happy holiday 
experience we employ nearly 300 representatives in holiday 
resorts, backed up by 24-hour customer helplines, to give 
practical assistance in all eventualities.

The last day of a holiday can often be stressful and with this in 
mind the business has introduced its “Resort Flight Check-In” 
service at many hotels. This allows Jet2holidays customers to 
check in their baggage for their return flight home at their hotel, 
allowing them to enjoy their final day, bag and hassle free. 

On 7 July 2016 we were very pleased to announce that from 
April 2017 we will be offering our flights and package holidays 
from Birmingham Airport – our eighth UK aircraft base. We know 
that there is strong demand for our services in the Midlands.

During the financial year, Jet2.com operated 59 aircraft from 
our then seven Northern UK airport bases to 61 destinations, 
serving 379 holiday resorts and added three new destinations, 
Antalya, Kefalonia and Malta. The fleet has grown to 63 aircraft 
for summer 2016, with a commensurate increase in pilots, 
engineers and cabin crew. To ensure we have well trained 
colleagues to support continued growth, our flight simulator and 
training centre in Bradford has recently taken delivery of a fourth 
flight simulator.

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM – Proof 7

7

Strategic ReportWe are fully focused on our package holidays offering and its 
inherent higher margin and are encouraged that sales continue 
to grow, outstripping the market, as our reputation for providing 
‘package holidays you can trust’ develops. We ensure that 
the customer is at the heart of everything we do as we strive 
to provide wonderful holidays through sustained investment in 
product, brand and customer service. We believe we have a 
great future in the Leisure Travel marketplace.

Distribution & Logistics
Fowler Welch is one of the UK’s leading providers of 
distribution and logistics services to the food industry supply 
chain, serving retailers, processers, growers and importers 
across its network of nine sites, encompassing circa 900k 
square foot of warehouse space.

Our major temperature-controlled operations are in the 
key produce growing and importing areas of Spalding in 
Lincolnshire, Teynham and Paddock Wood in Kent and Hilsea 
near Portsmouth, with two further regional distribution sites 
located at Washington, Tyne and Wear and at Newton Abbot, 
Devon. Ambient (non-temperature-controlled) consolidation and 
distribution services are provided at Heywood near Bury and 
Desborough, Northamptonshire.

In May 2014, Fowler Welch, together with our partner Direct 
Produce Supplies Limited, a leading supplier of fruits to multiple 
retailers, commenced a joint venture business, “Integrated 
Service Solutions” (ISS) at our Teynham facility in Kent. This 
provides a full range of fruit ripening and packing services to the 

New ISS packing lines, Teynham

Our real package holidays 
give us the opportunity 
to deliver an ‘end-to-
end’ experience to 
which we add value 
through innovation and 
customer service. 

Philip Meeson 
Chairman 

8

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM –Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016produce sector. I am very pleased to report that the business 
is now contributing positively towards overall Group profitability 
and feeding considerable volumes of packed fruits into our 
distribution system.

To meet the growing operational needs of ISS and to provide 
more distribution space at Teynham, which serves local Kent 
growers and is located close to the port of Dover and the 
Channel Tunnel – main arteries for fruit and produce imported 
into the UK, an extension of the facility was completed on 9 July 
2016, adding over 50k square foot of much needed capacity.

On 6 June 2016 Fowler Welch agreed a contract with Dairy 
Crest Limited, to take over its Nuneaton based UK distribution. 
On this date, the Dairy Crest fleet of 51 tractor units, along with 
associated distribution colleagues transferred to Fowler Welch. 
This provides an important additional revenue stream, which will 
be developed by the integration of the Dairy Crest and Fowler 
Welch fleets and the achievement of supply chain efficiencies. 

The improvement in profitability and operating margins achieved 
in the year are expected to continue. By developing its 
revenue streams and delivering value adding, innovative supply 
chain services, we believe the outlook for Fowler Welch is 
encouraging. 

increasingly larger proportion of the departing passengers on 
our flights. At the end of the financial year, package holidays 
represented 40% of our departing passengers (2015: 33%) and 
this trend is continuing in this new financial year. The provision of 
real package holidays is not easily replicated by non-specialists. 
As discussed earlier in this statement, the Group dedicates 
significant resources to deliver an innovative and industry leading 
product. These holidays, especially all-inclusive packages, 
which give families certainty of price, have proven particularly 
successful in challenging economic times.

The current financial year has started well in both our Leisure 
Travel and Distribution businesses. Although we were 
disappointed at the result of the recently held referendum on 
whether the UK should remain in the EU, we are confident that 
our customers will need our specialist food distribution services 
and will be keen to travel from our rainy islands to the sun spots 
of the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and to European 
Leisure Cities.

Outlook
We have a resilient Leisure Travel business. Our strategy is 
to grow both our flight-only and package holidays products. 
However, pleasingly, the sales of our higher margin package 
holidays continue to outperform the market and to provide an 

Philip Meeson  
Chairman 
14 July 2016

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM – Proof 7

9

Business & Financial Review

Group Financial Performance

The Group’s financial performance for the year to 31 March 2016 is reported in line with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRS”), as adopted by the EU, which were effective at 31 March 2016. 

Summary Income Statement

Revenue

Net operating expenses

Operating profit

Net financing income

Revaluation of derivative hedges 

Net FX revaluation (losses) / gains 

Net financing (costs) / income

Group profit before tax

Net financing costs / (income)

Depreciation 

EBITDA 

Operating profit margin

Group profit before tax margin

EBITDA margin  

2015 
Before separately 
disclosed items 
£m

2015 
Separately 
disclosed items 
(see note 29) 
£m

1,253.2

(1,203.0)

50.2

0.6

1.6

4.8

7.0

57.2

(7.0)

71.3

121.5

4.0%

4.6%

9.7%

–

(17.0)

(17.0)

–

–

–

–

(17.0)

–

–

(17.0)

–

–

–

2016
Total
£m

1,405.4

(1,300.4)

105.0

0.5

–

(1.3)

(0.8)

104.2

0.8

88.7

193.7

7.5%

7.4%

13.8%

2015 
Total 
£m

1,253.2

(1,220.0)

33.2

0.6

1.6

4.8

7.0

40.2

(7.0)

71.3

104.5

2.6%

3.2%

8.3%

Change 
(2016 vs. 2015 
before separately 
disclosed items)

12%

(8%)

109%

(17%)

(100%)

(127%)

(111%)

82%

111%

24%

59%

3.5 ppts

2.8 ppts

4.1 ppts

A strong summer season for the Leisure Travel business was 
followed by a better than expected winter, as customer demand 
for our flight-only and package holidays remained buoyant. 
Net ticket yields and average package holiday prices showed 
healthy increases, resulting in the business increasing its 
revenue by 12% to £1,405.4m (2015: £1,253.2m). 

An improved forward booking position entering summer 2015, 
consistent demand and the continuing growth of our higher 
margin package holidays product as a percentage of overall 
sales all contributed to the Group’s improved operating profit of 
£105.0m, more than double the previous year’s underlying result 
of £50.2m. On a statutory basis, operating profit increased by 
216% from £33.2m, after an exceptional charge of £17.0m in 
the previous year.  

Net financing costs of £0.8m (2015: income £7.0m) included 
a net £1.3m charge in relation to the revaluation of foreign 
currency and pre-delivery payment loan balances held at the 
reporting date (2015: income £4.8m).

As a result, the Group achieved a statutory profit before tax of 
£104.2m (2015 Underlying: £57.2m). Group EBITDA increased 
by 59% to £193.7m (2015 Underlying: £121.5m).

The Group’s effective tax rate of 15% (2015: 18%) was lower 
than the headline rate of corporation tax of 20% due to certain 
deferred tax liability reductions. Earnings per share increased 
by 90% to 60.22p (2015 Underlying: 31.72p). Overall basic 
earnings per share increased by 169% from 22.42p after 
adjusting for the exceptional provision of £17.0m charged in the 
previous year.

10

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM –Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 20162016 
£m

2015 

£m Change

Summary Balance Sheet

193.7

104.5

85%

Non-current assets(c)

–

Net current assets(b) 

2015 

£m Change

2016 
£m

426.6

288.9

302.1

252.4

Summary of Cash Flows

EBITDA 

Other P&L adjustments

Movements in working capital

Interest and taxes

Net cash generated from operating 
activities

0.1

61.0

(10.9)

243.9

0.1

19.1

(7.6)

116.1

219%

(43%)

110%

Purchase of property, plant & equipment

(213.5)

Movement on borrowings

Other items

81.9

(3.1)

(76.4)

(179%)
(0.8) 10,338%
0.2

(1,650%)

Increase in net cash and money market 
deposits

109.2

39.1

179%

Net cash generated from operating activities was £243.9m 
(2015: £116.1m) out of which capital expenditure of £213.5m 
(2015: £76.4m) was incurred. The Group generated a net cash 
inflow(a) of £109.2m (2015: £39.1m), resulting in a year end 
cash position, including money market deposits, of £412.0m 
(2015: £302.8m).  The Group continues to be funded, in part, 
by payments received in advance of travel from its Leisure Travel 
customers, which at the reporting date amounted to £385.8m 
(2015: £318.7m).

41%

14%

(32%)

(89%)

95%

36%

103%

Deferred revenue

Other liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Cash and money market deposits

Total shareholders’ equity

(767.5)

(580.3)

(36.7)

(19.4)

(4.6)

(100.4)

412.0

318.7

302.8

157.2

(a)  Cash flows are reported including the movement on money market deposits 

(cash deposits with maturity of more than three months from point of 
placement) to give readers an understanding of total cash generation. The 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement reports net cash flow excluding these 
movements.

(b)  Stated excluding cash and cash equivalents, money market deposits, deferred 

revenue and derivative financial instruments.
(c)  Stated excluding derivative financial instruments.

Total shareholders’ equity increased by £161.5m (2015: reduced 
£24.4m) as profit after tax of £88.8m (2015: £32.8m) was 
augmented by favourable movements in the cash flow hedging 
reserve, a result of the reversal of adverse net mark-to-market 
balances on jet fuel and currency forward contracts held at the 
end of the previous financial year.

Of these customer advances, £68.5m (2015: £97.5m) was 
considered restricted by the Group’s merchant acquirers as 
collateral against a proportion of forward bookings paid for by 
credit or debit card. These balances become unrestricted once 
our customers have travelled. The business also had £5.2m 
(2015: £51.7m) of cash placed with various counterparties 
in the form of margin calls to cover out-of-the-money hedge 
instruments.

During the financial year the Group entered into an agreement 
with Boeing to purchase 30 new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to 
meet its programme of aircraft fleet replacement and planned 
Leisure Travel growth. These aircraft have an approximate list 
price of USD 2.9 billion, however the Group has negotiated 
significant discounts from this price. The aircraft will be funded 
through a combination of internal resources and debt and will be 
delivered between September 2016 and April 2018.

The Group is continuing to meet the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s 
required levels of “available liquidity”, which is defined as free 
cash plus available undrawn banking facilities.

Our Pilot, engineer and Cabin Crew 
Training Centre

Our Leeds Contact centre, which includes our  
Sales, Service and Operational teams

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM – Proof 7

11

Strategic ReportBusiness & Financial Review

Leisure Travel

Leisure Travel Financials

Revenue

Net operating expenses

Operating profit

Net financing income

Revaluation of derivative hedges 

Net FX revaluation (losses) / gains

Net financing (costs) / income

Profit before tax

Net financing income & Revaluations

Depreciation

EBITDA

Operating profit margin

Profit before tax margin

EBITDA margin  

2015
Before separately 
disclosed items
£m

2015
Separately 
disclosed items
(see note 29)
£m

1,101.5

(1,054.6)

46.9

0.6

1.6

4.8

7.0

53.9

(7.0)

69.1

116.0

4.3%

4.9%

10.5%

–

(17.0)

(17.0)

–

–

–

–

(17.0)

–

–

(17.0)

–

–

–

2016
Total
£m

1,261.4

(1,161.8)

99.6

0.5

–

(1.3)

(0.8)

98.8

0.8

86.4

186.0

7.9%

7.8%

14.7%

2015
Total
£m

1,101.5

(1,071.6)

29.9

0.6

1.6

4.8

7.0

36.9

(7.0)

69.1

99.0

2.7%

3.3%

9.0%

Change
(2016 vs. 2015 
Before separately 
disclosed items)

15%

(10%)

112%

(17%)

(100%)

(127%)

(111%)

83%

111%

25%

60%

3.6 ppts

2.9 ppts

4.2 ppts

Segmental Performance – Leisure Travel
The Group’s Leisure Travel business which incorporates  
Jet2.com, our leading leisure airline and Jet2holidays, our 
ATOL licensed package holidays operator, takes customers 
on holiday to the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and to 
European Leisure Cities.

Planning efforts were concentrated on improving flight departure 
times, our hotel product and increasing the mix of package 
holiday customers, resulting in a 22% increase to 1.22m 
customers (2015: 1.00m) choosing a full package holiday, 
40% of total departing passengers (2015: 33%). The remaining 
1.81m departing passengers chose a flight only (2015: 2.02m).

The average load factor for the year of 92.5% (2015: 91.2%) 
was supplemented by a 14% increase in net ticket price 
per passenger to £91.11 (2015: £79.87). The average price 
of a package holiday increased by 4% to £616.30 (2015: 
£590.69), reflecting not only increased flight ticket yields but 
also an increasing number of customers choosing 4 and 5-star 
packages as the variety of hotels we offer continues to grow. 

Non-ticket retail revenue per passenger increased by 3% to 
£31.98 (2015: £30.91). This revenue stream, which is primarily 
discretionary in nature, continues to be optimised through our 
customer contact programme as we focus on Pre-Departure 
Sales (principally hold bags and advanced seat assignment) and 
In-Flight Sales (pre-ordered meals, drinks, snacks, cosmetics 
and perfumes) and ancillary products (car hire and travel 
insurance).

As a result, total Leisure Travel revenue grew by 15% to 
£1,261.4m (2015: £1,101.5m) whilst operating profit grew 112% 
to £99.6m (2015 Underlying: £46.9m). 

The delivery of a smooth customer booking journey is of 
paramount importance to the business whichever booking 
channel is chosen. As customers’ online browsing and 
purchasing habits evolve, our websites and mobile applications 
are continuously developed and refined by our team of software 
developers to ensure that the search and booking experience 
is as effortless and efficient as possible, whether the customer 
uses a PC, tablet or mobile phone. Approximately half of our 

12

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM –Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016package holidays are sold online via Jet2holidays.com, whilst 
99% of our flight-only seats are booked on the Jet2.com 
website.

Our customer contact centre in Leeds employs over 300 sales 
and customer service advisers. Demanding service levels are 
maintained to ensure that customers’ calls are answered swiftly. 
Our sales colleagues are trained to handle calls in a friendly 
and informative manner and to have an intimate knowledge 
of our products, so that customers’ individual needs can be 
catered for and to maximise opportunities for sales conversion. 
Currently 17% of package holiday bookings are made through 
our call centre.  Once a booking has been made, our pre-travel 
services team takes over, answering queries and ensuring 
that customers are updated with post-booking information or 
provided with any further pre-travel assistance as required.

A third of our package holiday sales come through high street 
travel agents, who are considered very valuable and important 
distribution partners for the business. Our packages are sold 
by major travel agent chains, key multiple retailers, homeworker 
companies and independent agents. 

Onsite Water Park  
King evelthon Beach Hotel & Resort, Paphos

Family Room with Sea View 
Hotel europa Splash, Costa Barcelona

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM – Proof 7

13

Strategic ReportAs it has grown, our Leisure Travel business has continually 
invested in marketing and in improving customer service 
standards. Jet2holidays benefits from its breadth of hotel 
choice and a family-focused approach, which includes free child 
places at hundreds of hotels and a consistently low deposit.  
Repeat bookings from satisfied customers and our continuing 
investment in product and in marketing has paid dividends with 
bookings for summer 2016 on course to surpass last year, 
whilst at the same time brand awareness continues to improve 
as a result of our broad marketing strategy.

During the year, Jet2.com expanded its route network, 
operating a total of 227 routes (2015: 217). Jet2CityBreaks, 
which offers a packaged flight and hotel product in leading 
European Leisure Cities proved popular as increasing numbers 
of customers took the opportunity to visit some of Europe’s 
most exciting city destinations.

Investment in our attractive product and depth of service 
offering, together with the growing opportunity to cross-sell 
between flight-only and package holiday customers means the 
business remains confident of delivering its growth plans.

Kids Club 
Dream Gran Castillo Resort, Lanzarote

Superior Room 
King evelthon Beach Hotel & Resort, Paphos

14

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM –Proof 7

Leisure Travel KPIs(a)

Owned aircraft at 31 March 

Aircraft on operating leases at 31 March 

Number of routes operated during the year

Leisure Travel sector seats available (capacity)

Leisure Travel passenger sectors flown

Leisure Travel load factor

Flight-only passenger sectors flown 

Package holiday passenger sectors flown

Package holiday customers

Net ticket yield per passenger sector (excl. taxes)

Average package holiday price

Non-ticket revenue per passenger sector

Average hedged price of fuel (US$ per tonne)

Fuel requirement hedged for 2016/17

Advance sales made as at 31 March

(a)  See Glossary of Terms on page 69 for further details.

2016

45

14

227

6.56m

6.07m

92.5%

3.63m

2.44m

1.22m

£91.11

£616.30

£31.98

$674

99%

£767.5m

2015

44

11

217

6.63m

6.05m

91.2%

4.05m

2.00m

1.00m

£79.87

£590.69

£30.91

$922

98%

£580.3m

Change

2%

27%

5%

(1%)

0.3%

1.3 ppts

(10%)

22%

22%

14%

4%

3%

27%

1.0 ppt

32%

Jet2holidays benefits 
from its breadth of hotel 
choice and a family-
focused approach, which 
includes free child places  
at hundreds of hotels and 
a consistently low deposit.

Stephen Heapy
Chief Executive Officer
Jet2.com & Jet2holidays

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM – Proof 7

15

Strategic ReportBusiness & Financial Review

Distribution & Logistics

Segmental Performance – Distribution & Logistics
The Group’s distribution business, Fowler Welch, is one of 
the UK’s leading temperature-controlled logistics providers to 
the food industry supply chain, serving retailers, processors, 
growers and importers across its network of nine distribution 
sites. A full range of added value services is provided, including 
storage, case-level picking and the packing of fruits, together 
with an award winning national distribution network.

Revenue reduced by 5% to £144.0m (2015: £151.7m) primarily 
due to lower fuel costs which were passed onto customers. 
The business performed well operationally as varying seasonal 
volumes were handled efficiently. Further gains were made as 
a result of a concentrated focus on fleet utilisation. In addition, 
Fowler Welch’s joint venture, Integrated Service Solutions, 
which stores, ripens and packs stone-fruit and exotic and 
organic fruits at Teynham, Kent contributed positively to the 
overall result. 

Fowler Welch’s Kent operations, at its Teynham and Paddock 
Wood distribution centres, sit in the heart of that county’s fruit 
growing areas and their proximity to both the port of Dover and 
the Channel Tunnel make them ideally positioned to provide 
packing and distribution services for local growers and for fruit 
and produce imported from across the Channel. The 50,000 
square foot extension of the Teynham depot has now been 
completed adding much needed capacity for further revenue 
opportunities and the expansion of our joint venture fruit packing 
business.

Spalding, our key distribution centre in the major growing 
county of Lincolnshire, delivered improved underlying revenue(a).
This increase was generated both through existing and new 
customer volume growth.

The Heywood “Hub”, Fowler Welch’s 500,000 square foot 
ambient (non-temperature-controlled) shared user storage and 
distribution centre, located near Bury, Greater Manchester, saw 
underlying revenue(a) decrease by 17% year-on-year, reflecting 
declines within its customer base. Following a review of the 
site’s product profile and increased sales efforts this valuable site 
is attracting further new customers.

The Hilsea depot, which is located near to Portsmouth 
International Port, had a strong year with encouraging underlying 
revenue(a) growth of 9.0%. New contract wins and growth with 
existing customers underlined the strength of the range of 
warehousing, consolidation and distribution services offered.

The dedicated site at Desborough, Northamptonshire, providing 
distribution services to a major confectionery manufacturer, 
renewed its contract for a further three years. Investment in state 
of the art trailers which can be automatically unloaded or used 
as a conventional trailer will add value for both this customer 
and Fowler Welch over the new three year term. Our regional 
distribution sites at Washington, Tyne and Wear and at Newton 
Abbot, Devon provide direct store delivery services on behalf of 
leading retailers to over 100 stores every day. 

Continued focus on building a quality revenue pipeline and 
developing creative added value services for its customers 
remains fundamental to Fowler Welch’s growth strategy. 
Following the reporting date, the business completed and 
successfully implemented a 10 year commercial venture to 
provide a transport and distribution solution for Dairy Crest 
Limited. This has increased the core vehicle fleet of Fowler 
Welch by approximately 10%.  

Based at Dairy Crest’s National Distribution Centre at Nuneaton 
near Coventry, a new region for the business, we expect the 
operation to progressively expand using Dairy Crest’s products 
as the initial volume, as it is integrated into the Fowler Welch 
distribution network.

The continued addition of 
better quality revenue streams, 
supplemented by added value, 
innovative supply services to 
key customers, provide us with 
continued confidence for the 
company’s future profitable 
growth.

Nick Hay 
Chief Executive Officer 
Fowler Welch

16

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM –Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016With its strong and committed team, an enhanced national 
network of sites and the expertise and flexibility to operate 
effectively in both the temperature-controlled (chill and produce) 
and ambient arenas, Fowler Welch has a strong operational 
foundation. The continued addition of better quality revenue 
streams, supplemented by added value, innovative supply 
services to key customers, such as those recently implemented 
for Dairy Crest and our joint venture fruit packing business, 
provide us with continued confidence for the company’s future 
profitable growth.

(a)  References to “underlying revenue” are stated excluding fuel supplement 

income, which is linked to recognised industry indices.

Distribution & Logistics Financials

2016 
£m

2015 

£m Change

Distribution & Logistics KPIs(b)

2016

2015

Change

Warehouse space as at 31 March  
(square foot)

Number of tractor units in operation

Number of trailer units in operation

Miles per gallon

Annual fleet mileage

847,000

847,000

428

629

9.1

467

655

9.2

39.0m

41.5m

–

(8%)

(4%)

(1%)

(6%)

(b) See Glossary of Terms on page 69 for further details.

Revenue

Operating expenses

Operating profit

Net financing costs

Profit before tax 

Depreciation

EBITDA

Operating profit margin

Profit before tax margin

EBITDA margin

144.0

151.7

(138.6)

(148.4)

(5%)

7%

64%

–

64%

5%

3.3

–

3.3

2.2

5.4

–

5.4

2.3

7.7

3.8%

3.8%

5.3%

5.5

40%
2.2% 1.6 ppts
2.2% 1.6 ppts
3.6% 1.7 ppts

Packed fruits for distribution from our  
Teynham depot

The 50,000 square foot extension of the Teynham depot has now been completed

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM – Proof 7

Strategic Report

17

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The Group’s strategy is to grow its business through a 
combination of organic expansion and, if appropriate, carefully 
planned acquisitions in areas related to its existing businesses 
and markets. This section describes the principal risks and 
uncertainties which may affect the Group’s business operations, 
its reputation, financial results and strategic objectives. This list 
is not intended to be exhaustive. 

Safety and security
The safety and security of our customers and our colleagues 
is a key priority. Failure to prevent or deal effectively with a 
major safety incident, including a security related threat, could 
adversely affect the Group’s reputation, and operational and 
financial performance. 

The assessment of health and safety risks in the hotels we 
feature, as well as the other holiday components we package, 
is part of our normal package holiday business routines; this is 
reflected in our package holiday Safety Management System. 
Supplier compliance is reviewed prior to any hotel being placed 
on sale or occupied by any Leisure Travel customer, and a 
compliance programme is in place for all featured hotels, 
including auditing and ongoing reviews of the safety of the 
programme. A Health and Safety Steering Committee reviews 
all activity undertaken. It reports to the Chief Executive Officer of 
Jet2holidays Limited, and recommends the health and safety 
strategy implemented by the Board. 

Our airline business operates a robust Safety Management 
System based upon a ‘Just Culture’, which provides an 
environment where all colleagues are encouraged to report 
and submit safety related information in a timely manner. This 
enables proactive assessment and mitigation of risk associated 
with our operation, escalated via regular internal safety steering 
committees and action groups. 

Compliant and effective Safety Management System oversight 
is provided by the appropriate use of occurrence report 
investigations, flight data management, risk management, health 
and safety and aviation security inspections, together with 
quality assurance audits across our operations. 

All airline safety and security matters are managed by our  
Safety, Compliance and Assurance group which reports directly 
to the Accountable Manager (the Managing Director of  
Jet2.com Limited) and the Safety Review Board. The board 
meets quarterly, monitors trends and identifies any areas of risk 
that require closer attention.

Competition
The Group is impacted by competitor activity in each business 
area.

As a result, the Leisure Travel business will continue to focus 
on its core principles, which are: to be family friendly; to offer 
value for money; and to give great customer service. It will 
also continue to focus on customer driven scheduling of flights 
on popular routes to leisure destinations in order to maximise 
Load Factor, Net Ticket Yield, Non-ticket Revenue and Average 
Package Holiday Price, whilst ensuring that our great value 
proposition remains attractive to our customers.

We continue to work alongside and invest in relationships with 
key hotel suppliers to ensure the availability of accommodation 
that meets our customers’ requirements. The operation will 
continue to benefit from a number of sales channels – taking 
bookings through its Jet2holidays.com and Jet2.com 
websites, its call centre, travel agencies and via tour operators – 
and from non-scheduled aircraft utilisation through its passenger 
and freight charter activities.

In the Distribution & Logistics business, the loss of a substantial 
customer is the largest financial risk facing the company. This 
is mitigated by Fowler Welch’s focus on developing a pipeline 
of future business opportunities, together with the achievement 
of high service levels, careful cost control and added value, 
innovative supply services, in the chilled, produce and ambient 
market sectors. 

IT system dependency and information security 
The Group is reliant on a number of key IT systems, their 
scalability and ongoing development. The Leisure Travel 
business is dependent on the internet and receives the majority 
of its revenues through online debit and credit card transactions. 
Further revenues are received at departure airports and on our 
flights via Chip & PIN-secured devices. The primary IT risks 
to the Group are a loss of systems, unauthorised access to 
facilities, or a security breach, which could lead to disruption 
that has an operational, reputational and/or financial impact. 
To mitigate these risks and to ensure any potential loss of 
functionality is minimised, the Group regularly tests its disaster 
recovery plan in relation to its IT infrastructure, which would be 
activated should a loss of functionality occur. The Group also 
operates a formal IT Change Management process that directs 
and controls changes to its data processing environment. 
In addition, the Group is engaged in regular information 
security reviews and updates its policies and procedures in 
line with industry best practices and standards and business 
requirements. The Group has continued to strengthen its cyber 
threat mitigation by proactively educating its colleagues of the 
risks. This ensures that the Group has in place systems, controls 
and processes to protect its network from external and internal 
security threats. The Group also achieved PCI DSS attestation 
of compliance in March 2016.

Exposure to fluctuations in fuel prices and 
exchange rates
The cost of fuel remains a material element of the cost base of 
the Leisure Travel business, and the effective management of 
fuel price variation will continue to be important.

The Group’s strategy is to manage fuel price risk, via forward 
contracts, with the aim of limiting exposure to sudden increases 
in oil prices, whilst ensuring the business remains competitive. 
The Distribution & Logistics business is not directly affected 
by such price rises, since contracts allow for increases to be 
passed on to its customers. 

18

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016The Group, particularly the Leisure Travel business, incurs 
considerable operational costs which are euro and US dollar 
denominated and is therefore exposed to sudden movements in 
exchange rates. To protect against such fluctuations, the Group 
uses forward currency contracts with approved counterparties.

Further information on hedging, which is our key mitigation 
to these risks, is contained within the treasury management 
section on pages 19 to 20 and in note 22 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

Economic conditions
Whilst we believe that UK consumers regard their summer 
holiday as a very important element of the annual household 
budget, ultimately, economic conditions are likely to have 
an impact on the level of demand for the Group’s Leisure 
Travel services. To mitigate this risk, the Group will continue 
to focus on serving its customers’ demand for great value 
package holidays in, and flights to, leisure destinations in the 
Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and European Leisure Cities.

Environmental risks
As evidenced in recent years, the Leisure Travel business is 
at potential risk of disruption from the force of nature, such as 
extreme weather conditions and volcanic activity, and through 
other external factors, such as: acts of terrorism; epidemics; 
pandemics; and strike action.

The business mitigates these risks by regularly updating a 
carefully planned response to be implemented by a team of 
experts should there be significant disruption to our Leisure 
Travel activities. The Group also maintains prudent levels of 
liquid funds to enable the business to continue to operate 
through a period of sustained disruption.

In addition, the investment in our commercial centre in Leeds 
means that we have the ability to run our business from 
more than one site, which supports our established Business 
Continuity Plan.

Government policy and regulatory intervention
The airline industry is heavily regulated, with recent intervention 
including, most notably, passenger compensation claims in 
relation to flight delays and cancellations under Regulation (EC) 
No 261/2004.

There is a continuing risk that the imposition of taxes and 
charges, which are levied by regulatory decision rather than by 
commercial negotiation at levels in excess of economic cost, 
may result in reduced passenger demand or adversely impact 
our cost base. In this regard, the Group will maintain its focus 
on delivering a great value package holiday product, the careful 
management of its route network, on-time performance and 
will continue to engage with policy setters and regulators to 
encourage legislation that is fit for purpose.

Treasury management
Credit risk
The Group is exposed to credit risk to the extent of non-
performance by its counterparties in respect of financial assets 
receivable. However, the Group has policies and procedures in 
place to ensure such risk is limited by placing credit limits on 
each counterparty. The Group regularly monitors such limits 
and defaults by counterparties, incorporating this information 
into credit risk controls. The Group does not currently hold any 
collateral to mitigate this exposure.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk reflects the risk that the Group will have insufficient 
funds to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. As at the 
year end, the Group had significant cash balances, together 
with an unutilised banking facility, for which all covenants had 
been met. The Group’s strategy for managing liquidity risk 
is to maintain cash balances in an appropriately liquid form 
and in accordance with approved counterparty limits, while 
securing the continuity and flexibility of funding through the use 
of committed banking facilities and specialist aircraft finance. 
Additionally, short-term cash flow risk in relation to margin 
calls in respect of fuel and foreign currency hedge positions 
is minimised through diversification of counterparties together 
with appropriate credit thresholds. The Group seeks to match 
long-term assets with long-term liabilities wherever possible. In 
addition, a regular assessment is made of future banking facility 
covenant compliance and headroom.

Fuel, currency and carbon hedging
The Group utilises foreign exchange forward contracts and 
monthly fuel swaps to hedge its exposure to movements in euro 
and US dollar exchange rates, and its exposure to jet fuel price 
movements that arise through its Leisure Travel activities. The 
Group’s Hedging Policy permits the use of such instruments to 
manage fuel price and currency risk only. The Board reviews 
and agrees this policy for managing each of these risks at least 
annually; these policies have been consistent during the year. It 
is the Group’s policy that no trading in financial instruments shall 
be undertaken for speculative purposes.

Details on derivative transactions outstanding at the year end 
relating to forward currency contracts and aviation fuel swaps 
are detailed in note 22 to the consolidated financial statements.

The policy in relation to fuel and foreign currency hedging is 
summarised below:

Aviation fuel price risk
The Group’s policy is to forward cover up to 90% of future fuel 
requirements, up to 30 months in advance. Further information 
in relation to aviation fuel swaps held is given in note 22 to 
the consolidated financial statements. As at 31 March 2016, 
the Group had hedged substantially all of its forecast fuel 
requirements for the 2016/17 year. It had also hedged a 
proportion of its requirements for 2017/18 and the subsequent 
year. All hedging is in line with the policy.

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

19

Strategic ReportPrincipal Risks and Uncertainties

Foreign currency risk 
The Group has significant transactional foreign currency 
exposure, primarily relating to the euro and the US dollar. 
Transactional currency exposures arise as a result of purchases 
denominated in foreign currency undertaken in the ordinary 
course of business, in particular related to expenditure on hotel 
accommodation, aviation fuel, aircraft maintenance, air traffic 
control, and airport charges. The Group’s policy is to cover up 
to 90% of its expected requirements for a period of up to 30 
months in advance, using forward foreign exchange contracts. 
As at 31 March 2016, the Group had hedged a significant 
proportion of its forecast foreign exchange requirements for 
the 2016/17 year and a proportion of its requirements for 
the subsequent year. Further information in relation to foreign 
currency exchange risk is given in note 22 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

Carbon risk 
The Group also hedges its carbon exposure in relation to its 
obligations under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. As at  
31 March 2016, the Group has acquired its entire requirement 
for the year ending 31 December 2016 and more than half of 
the following year’s requirement.

Capital risk management
The Group’s objective when managing capital is to safeguard 
the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern whilst 
providing a return to shareholders. The Group’s multi-year 
planning process gives clear visibility of earnings and liquidity to 
ensure continued operation well within banking facility covenant 
levels. 

EU Referendum
We believe that the foreseeable impacts of the UK public’s 
recent vote to leave the EU are covered by the principal risks 
and uncertainties highlighted above.

Gary Brown 
Group Chief Financial Officer 
27 July 2016

20

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016Directors’ Report

The Directors present their Annual Report on the affairs of the 
Group together with the financial statements and Auditor’s 
Report for the year ended 31 March 2016. The Corporate 
Governance Statement set out on pages 28 to 29 forms part of 
this report.

Business review
The Company is required by the Companies Act 2006 to include 
a business review in this report. The information that fulfils 
the requirements of the business review can be found in the 
following sections of the Annual Report, which are incorporated 
into this report by cross-reference:

■■ Business and Financial Review: pages 10 to 17;

■■ Current Directors’ details and Directors who served through 

the year: page 21;

■■ Directors’ remuneration: pages 24 to 27; and

■■ Financial instruments exposure and risks: note 22 to the 

consolidated financial statements.

Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out in the Consolidated Income 
Statement and show a profit after taxation of £88.8m (2015 
Underlying: £46.4m) (2015: £32.8m). An interim dividend of 
0.90p per share was paid on 1 February 2016 (2015: 0.75p). 

In consideration of the Group’s strong trading performance 
and outlook, the Directors recommend the payment of a final 
dividend for the year ended 31 March 2016 of 3.10p per 
share (2015: 2.25p), making a total of 4.00p per share for 
the year (2015: 3.00p). The final dividend, which is subject 
to shareholders’ approval at the Company’s Annual General 
Meeting on 8 September 2016, will be payable on 21 October 
2016 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on  
16 September 2016.

Board of Directors
Philip Meeson: Group Chairman and Chief Executive
Gary Brown: Group Chief Financial Officer
Stephen Heapy: Executive Director 
Mark Laurence: Independent Non-Executive Director

Secretary to the Board
Ian Day: Group Company Secretary 

Executive Directors 
Philip Meeson is Chairman and Chief Executive of Dart 
Group PLC and Executive Chairman of the Leisure Travel and 
Distribution & Logistics businesses.

In April 1983, his private company purchased the Channel 
Express Group which, at that time, distributed Channel Islands 
grown flowers to wholesale markets throughout the UK, and 
freight from the UK into the Channel Islands. From that original 
business, he has developed the Group into a leading UK 
logistics operator and the North’s leading leisure travel provider.

Having decided that the Company needed wider access to 
funding in order to accelerate its growth, Channel Express 

Group PLC was floated on the USM in 1988. In 1991, it 
changed its name to Dart Group PLC and moved to a full listing 
on the London Stock Exchange before moving to AIM in 2005. 
For information on the history of Dart Group PLC please visit the 
following page of the Group’s website: www.dartgroup.co.uk/
Dart-Group-history. 

Gary Brown, Group Chief Financial Officer, joined Dart Group 
PLC in April 2013 and was appointed to the Board as an 
Executive Director in June 2013. Gary has significant experience 
in the retail and consumer goods sectors, having held a number 
of senior finance positions at J Sainsbury PLC, Matalan PLC, 
and Instore PLC, where he was Group Finance Director. Prior 
to joining Dart Group PLC, Gary was Global Chief Financial 
Officer of Umbro PLC and subsequently, following the sale of 
the Umbro business to Nike Inc., Umbro International Limited. 
Gary is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of 
England and Wales.

Stephen Heapy, Executive Director, joined the Board in June 
2013. He has been with Dart Group PLC since 2009 and is 
the Chief Executive Officer of Jet2holidays and Jet2.com. 
He has extensive experience in the travel industry, having held 
roles with My Travel PLC, Thomas Cook and Libra Holidays. 
Stephen is a Fellow of the Institute for Travel and Tourism, a 
Chartered Company Secretary and is a Member of the Institute 
for Turnaround. 

Non-Executive Director
Mark Laurence joined the Company on 28 May 2009 as 
a Non-Executive Director and was recognised at the 2014 
Grant Thornton Quoted Company Awards as Non-Executive 
Director of the Year. Mark began his career as a transport sector 
investment analyst at Kitcat and Aitken, WI Carr and Merrill 
Lynch (formerly Smith New Court plc) where the team was 
ranked No.1 in the 1995 Extel Financial Survey of UK Investment 
Analysts. In 1997, he joined Collins Stewart plc and helped 
develop the group leading up to its MBO and IPO in 2000. 
Since 2001, Mark has pursued a career in fund management, 
most recently as a founding partner of Fundsmith. Mark is also 
vice-chairman of the endowment investment committee of 
King’s College University and a governor of Bryanston School in 
Dorset.

Directors’ interests
The Directors who held office at 31 March 2016 had the 
following interests in the ordinary shares of the Company:

Philip Meeson

Mark Laurence

Stephen Heapy

31 March 
2016

56,240,000

200,000

120,136

31 March 
2015

56,240,000

200,000

95,136

No Directors have a non-beneficial interest in the shares of the 
Company. Interests in options to acquire ordinary shares are 
given in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 24 to 
27. Directors’ interests have not changed since 31 March 2016.

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

21

GovernanceDirectors’ Report

None of the Directors have any direct or indirect interest in 
any contract or arrangement subsisting at the date of these 
accounts that is significant in relation to the business of the 
Group or the individual and that is not otherwise disclosed.

Material holdings
Apart from the interest of Philip Meeson in the capital of the 
Company, the Directors are aware that the following entities 
were interested, directly or indirectly, in 3% or more of the  
issued share capital of the Company as at 30 June 2016: 

Schroder Investment Management (Institutional Group)
Silver Point Capital
Acadian Asset Management
Standard Life Investments
Hargreave Hale

7.91%
5.50%
3.54%
3.24%
3.09%

Issued share capital
Issued share capital was increased by 885,956 (2015: 
1,229,392) 1.25 pence ordinary shares following the exercise of 
their rights by holders of share options granted on the following 
dates:

Grant Date

23-Nov-05
03-Aug-07
18-Dec-07
04-Sep-08
10-Sep-09
16-Dec-09
04-Aug-11
22-Dec-11
01-Aug-12
21-Nov-05
04-Sep-08
Total

No. of options 
exercised

40,000
16,500
15,000
70,268
565,059
62,950
11,250
8,750
55,756
40,000
423
885,956

Scheme

Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Unapproved
Unapproved

Details of the increases in issued share capital are given in note 
23 to the consolidated financial statements.

Special business at the Annual General Meeting 
At the Annual General Meeting to be held on 8 September 
2016, Resolutions 1 to 7 (inclusive) will be ordinary business 
and Resolutions 8 and 9 will be special business. Ordinary 
Resolution 7 deals with the Directors’ authority to allot ordinary 
shares pursuant to section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 up 
to an aggregate nominal amount of £150,578, such authority 
to expire on 1 December 2017 or, if earlier, on the close of 
the 2017 Annual General Meeting. Special Resolution 8 deals 
with the Directors’ authority to allot, on a non pre-emptive 
basis, equity securities for cash up to a maximum aggregate 
nominal amount equal to 10% of the issued share capital of 
the Company at 30 June 2016. Special Resolution 9 deals with 
the authority of the Company to buy back its own shares up 
to a maximum aggregate nominal amount equal to 10% of the 
issued share capital of the Company at 30 June 2016.

Corporate social responsibility 
The environment
Protection of the environment and the effects of burning fossil 
fuels continue to be a major focus for the Leisure Travel and 
Distribution & Logistics businesses.

The Group takes its responsibility to the environment seriously, 
with fuel emissions being an important issue for both 
businesses. It is in our own and our customers’ interest to 
ensure we operate in the most efficient and environmentally 
friendly way, minimising noise and emissions on every flight, and 
minimising the carbon impact per unit of product delivered.

During 2016, Jet2.com, like all airlines operating within, or 
into and out of EU airports, continued its reporting under the 
regulatory mandate of the European Emissions Trading Scheme 
(EU ETS). The airline supports the aims of this scheme, which 
include a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 20% by 
2020 compared to 1990 levels.

As part of a continuous drive to operate more efficiently,  
Jet2.com continues to reduce its fuel consumption and  
carbon emissions per flown mile by means of its “efficient flying” 
programme. This programme looks at all aspects of the airline’s 
operation which can influence or directly impact the efficiency 
of its flying activities, including Single Engine Taxi Operations, 
reduced fuel contingency procedures, performance based 
navigation approaches, increasing percentage of winglet aircraft 
within the fleet and continuing investment for the growing  
B737-800 fleet.

Our aircraft exceed the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s 
requirements for minimising air pollution. Thirty-six of the aircraft 
we operate are fitted with winglets, which improve performance 
during take-off, climb, and cruise elements of flights. 

As a supplier to the food sector, Fowler Welch is focused 
on supporting its customers’ targets under the Food and 
Drink Federation’s “20/20 Vision for Growth”, which, amongst 
other things, targets a 35% reduction in the industry’s carbon 
emissions by 2020. 

For Fowler Welch, diesel consumption continues to be the 
major contributor to its carbon footprint. Accordingly, the 
business has focused on fleet renewal and telemetry technology 
and has invested in management resource in order to direct 
training and development toward those drivers that have the 
greatest need. This focus has also contributed to a significant 
reduction in the value of insurance claims involving our heavy 
goods fleet.

As well as investing in driver training, the business continues 
to concentrate on the design of its fleet and component parts. 
Working in conjunction with trailer and refrigeration suppliers, the 
business recently launched the trial of a trailer which is achieving 
a 50% reduction in trailer carbon emissions.

In the warehouses, we continue to invest in lighting and 
refrigeration unit efficiency. This is part of a strategy of 
continuous investment in energy-saving technologies and 
methodologies. For example, our recently expanded warehouse 
in Teynham has state-of-the-art photovoltaic panels over the 
extended roof. The company remains on target to achieve the 

22

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016targeted 35% reduction in overall carbon emissions. As well 
as direct energy reduction benefits, the business also utilises 
the latest generation refrigerants, ensuring low Global Warming 
Potential. 

Employee involvement
The Group recognises the importance of promoting and 
maintaining good communications with colleagues. Its policy 
is to keep colleagues regularly informed on matters relating 
to their employment through a variety of weekly and monthly 
information bulletins and newsletters covering a wide range of 
topics. These are supplemented by annual presentations at 
each business location by the senior management team.

Our Leisure Travel business has an in-house recognition and 
reward scheme named ‘A Great Deal Friendlier’. The scheme 
recognises teams and individuals who have provided excellent 
service and gone the extra mile for both internal and external 
customers. Nomination volumes continue to grow, including 
those from our customers in relation to the excellent service 
they have received. This scheme is embedded in the business 
and underpins our customer focus principles. 

The business recognises that as it grows it is increasingly 
important that colleagues communicate well and that 
everyone works together as one team. Senior management 
must understand the views and thoughts of colleagues and 
it is crucial that colleagues understand the reasons for key 
decisions and, when appropriate, are consulted about planned 
change. Consequently, building on the success of the Flight 
Deck and Cabin Crew consultative bodies, an Information 
and Consultation Agreement and Protocol covering every UK 
employee was established. The five agreements that make up 
the Information and Consultation Agreement and Protocol were 
approved by the negotiating representatives and set out how 
the Company informs and consults with colleagues as well as 
how the groups work in practice, including how representatives 
are elected.

Fowler Welch has a well-established framework of colleague 
representative forums. These forums are a vehicle for two-
way communication, the resolution of workplace issues and 
the progression of suggestions for improvements to working 
practices. This is supplemented by regular communication 
with colleagues via business briefings and management 
conferences. A series of initiatives to increase colleague 
engagement is also in place to facilitate the Company’s 
approach to being a good employer. A colleague recognition 
scheme (‘STAR’) provides both monthly and quarterly 
awards for behaviour and successes that deserve special 
acknowledgement.

Health, safety and quality
The responsibility for the health and safety of all colleagues and 
customers, whilst in our care, is a key priority for the Group and 
is described in more detail on page 18 above. 

In addition, Fowler Welch is proud to make known its network-
wide British Retail Consortium (“BRC”) accreditation, which 
continues to be the safety and quality standard for product 
manufacturing and handling in the UK and beyond.

Equality and diversity 
The Group is committed to promoting diversity and ensuring 
equality of opportunity for all within the workplace, regardless of 
race, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership 
status, pregnancy, religion, belief or disability. The Group is 
also committed to ensuring that its procedures and selection 
processes in respect of recruitment, terms and conditions of 
employment, access to training and promotion and the terms 
upon which it offers access to facilities and services are free 
from discrimination.

Our communities 
Across the Group, we endeavour to support our local 
communities in a variety of ways, including the provision of 
prizes for local fundraising activities. The Group also continues 
to support its chosen charity, Hope for Children www.hope-for-
children.org.

Going concern
The Directors have prepared financial forecasts for the Group, 
comprising operating profit, balance sheets and cash flows 
through to 31 March 2019.

For the purpose of assessing the appropriateness of the 
preparation of the Group’s accounts on a going concern basis, 
the Directors have considered the current cash position, the 
availability of banking facilities, the Group’s net current liability 
position, and sensitised forecasts of future trading through to  
31 March 2019, including performance against financial 
covenants and the assessment of principal areas of uncertainty 
and risk.

Having considered the points outlined above, the Directors have 
a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group 
will be able to operate within the levels of available banking 
facilities and cash for the foreseeable future. Consequently, they 
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016.

Disclosure of information to Auditor
Each of the persons who are Directors at the date of approval of 
this Annual Report confirms that:

■■ so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit 

information of which the Company’s Auditor is unaware; and

■■ the Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have 
taken as a Director in order to make himself aware of 
any relevant audit information and to establish that the 
Company’s Auditor is aware of that information.

Auditor
In accordance with s489 of the Companies Act 2006, a 
resolution for the reappointment of KPMG LLP as Auditor of the 
Company will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General 
Meeting.

By order of the Board

Gary Brown
Group Chief Financial Officer
27July 2016

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

23

GovernanceReport on Directors’ Remuneration

Remuneration Committee 
During the year ended 31 March 2016, the Group’s Remuneration Committee (the “Committee”) was chaired by Mark Laurence. 
Philip Meeson, Group Chairman and Chief Executive, was the other member of the Committee during the year. The Committee 
makes recommendations to the Board, within agreed terms of reference, on an overall remuneration package for Executive 
Directors.

Executive Director Remuneration Policy
The Committee, having taken external advice, believes that the value of the total employment packages of the Executive Directors 
and senior managers, and the extent of performance related elements within this, is appropriate when compared to analysis of 
comparable companies. The details of individual components of the remuneration package are discussed below. 

The basic salary for each Executive Director is determined by 
individual performance and reference to external market data and 
each is reviewed annually by the Committee. The basic salary is the 
only element of remuneration that is pensionable.

Measures to assess 
performance/clawback 
application 

Not applicable

Remuneration element 
and purpose

Operation

Salary
To provide the core 
compensation for the 
Executive Director’s 
role, at a level to 
attract and retain 
executives of the 
required calibre.

Pension 
To provide an 
appropriate level of 
retirement provision.

Benefits 
To provide customary 
benefits.

Executive Directors are eligible to participate in a defined contribution 
pension plan. In addition, contributions may be made to a personal 
pension arrangement, including through salary sacrifice, and/or cash 
payments may be made in lieu of pension contributions. 

Not applicable

In the financial year ended 31 March 2016, the maximum pension 
benefit provided was equivalent to 14% of salary.

The principal benefits include one or more of the following non-cash 
benefits: the provision of a company car, fuel allowance, and the 
provision of private healthcare. The Committee has discretion to 
determine whether other benefits should be provided. 

Not applicable

The cost to the Company of providing these benefits may vary year on 
year, and the Company monitors this cost.

24

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016Remuneration element 
and purpose

Operation

SEIP
(Cash bonus with 
deferral element)
The Senior Executive 
Incentive Plan (“SEIP”) 
is a performance-
related cash bonus 
plan, with the ability 
for the Committee 
to mandate that a 
proportion of the 
bonus be deferred 
into a deferred share 
award (the “Deferred 
Award”) dependent 
on the level of bonus 
achieved. 

The SEIP is intended 
to incentivise 
executives, reward 
strong performance 
and align remuneration 
to the Company’s 
objectives and goals, 
including a deferral 
element to provide 
longer term alignment 
to shareholders. 

The SEIP was formally 
adopted by the 
Company in 2016.

Philip Meeson does 
not participate in the 
SEIP.

SEIP cash award
In order to encourage strong profit performance and to reward 
achievement of key customer and individual metrics, bonus awards 
under the SEIP are determined based on performance conditions set 
annually.

The maximum award value under the SEIP is 80% of base salary. To 
the extent that the award value achieved exceeds a specified deferral 
threshold (currently equal to 40% of the maximum award value), half 
of the award value in excess of the deferral threshold is granted as a 
deferred award. At maximum performance, the deferred award will 
therefore represent 30% of the total award value.

Any earned cash bonus element is paid following the announcement 
of results for the financial year to which it relates. The payment of 
the cash bonus element under the SEIP is subject to the Executive 
Director being in employment, and not under notice on the payment 
date, subject to the potential for good leaver treatment to apply as set 
out below.

SEIP deferred award
Deferred awards are granted over a number of shares to reflect the 
value of the deferred bonus element based on the average share price 
over the 12 month period to the fifth day following the announcement 
of results for the relevant financial year. Deferred Awards take the form 
of a right to receive shares, at a price payable equal to nominal value 
per share. 

Deferred awards are subject to a vesting period of three years from 
the date of grant. On vesting, a dividend equivalent payment will 
be made on vested shares. The Committee also has discretion to 
determine that Deferred Awards may be paid in cash.

Vesting is not subject to further performance conditions, given that 
Deferred Awards represent the deferral of previously earned annual 
bonus. However, the vesting of a Deferred Award under the SEIP is 
subject to the Executive Director being in employment and not under 
notice on the vesting date, subject to the potential for good leaver 
treatment to apply as set out below.

Measures to assess 
performance/clawback 
application 

The specific targets, and the 
weightings of each metric, 
will be set annually by the 
Committee. The profit-based 
metric will, however, normally 
represent at least the majority 
of the total bonus opportunity. 

For the financial year 
commencing 1 April 2016, 
the profit metric relates 
to 60% of the maximum 
opportunity, and the customer 
and individual metrics as to 
20% each.

Cash bonus payments are 
subject to clawback at the 
discretion of the Committee in 
the event of a misstatement 
of results within one year of 
payment, or the discovery of 
misconduct that occurred at 
any time prior to payment.

Deferred Awards are subject 
to clawback at the discretion 
of the Committee in the event 
of a misstatement of results 
within one year of grant, or 
the discovery of misconduct 
that occurred at any time 
prior to vesting.

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

25

GovernanceReport on Directors’ Remuneration

Legacy share option plans
A number of share options remain outstanding under two legacy share option plans: the Unapproved Share Option Plan 2005 
(the “Unapproved Plan”); and an HMRC tax-approved plan, the Approved Option Plan 2005 (the “Approved Plan”). The vesting of 
options under the Unapproved Plan is subject to the satisfaction of performance conditions measured over three and six years from 
the date of grant, and under both plans options become exercisable as to 50% on the third anniversary of grant and as to 50% 
on the sixth anniversary of grant. The last options were granted in 2012, with options granted in 2011 and 2012 due to become 
exercisable as detailed in note 23.

Non-Executive Director remuneration
Non-Executive Director fees are determined by the Executive Directors, having taken advice where necessary on appropriate levels. 
The Non-Executive Director is not involved in any discussions or decisions about his own remuneration.

Service contracts and terms governing loss of office
Service contracts
Philip Meeson’s service contract, dated 20 May 2003, contains a rolling notice period of six months. Gary Brown and Stephen 
Heapy’s service contracts, dated 29 April 2013 and 17 June 2013 respectively, contain a 12 month rolling notice period for notice 
given by the Company and a six month rolling notice period for notice given by the individual. Philip Meeson and Stephen Heapy 
retire from the Board at the next Annual General Meeting and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. 

Mark Laurence, the existing Non-Executive Director, has a formal letter of engagement containing a three month rolling notice period 
for notice given by either party.

There are no predetermined special provisions for Executive or Non-Executive Directors with regard to compensation in the event 
of loss of office. The Committee considers the circumstances of individual cases of early termination and determines compensation 
payments accordingly.

Incentive awards
The payment of a SEIP cash award is subject to the Executive Director being in employment, and not under notice, on the 
payment date, save in the case of a redundancy. The vesting of a SEIP Deferred Award is subject to the Executive Director being 
in employment and not under notice on the vesting date, save in the case of specified good leaver reasons being the Executive 
Director’s death, injury, disability, redundancy, retirement or in connection with a business or company disposal, in which case the 
Deferred Award shall vest (either on the normal vesting date or immediately as determined by the Committee) subject, unless the 
Committee determines otherwise, to prorating for time. In addition, the Committee retains discretion to permit the payment of cash 
awards and/or vesting of Deferred Awards in other circumstances.

The options under the legacy share option plans lapse on the option holder ceasing employment, subject to certain specified good 
leaver reasons and subject to the Committee retaining discretion to permit exercise. 

Directors’ emoluments during the year

Basic salary 
and fees
£000

Benefits
(note 1)
£000

SEIP cash 
award
£000

SEIP Deferred 
Award
(note 2)
£000

Pension
(note 3)
£000

434

358

379

50

1,221

14

1

22

–

37

–

198

212

–

410

–

90

96

–

186

11

49

46

–

106

Total 
2016
£000

459

696

755

50

1,960

Total 
2015
£000

461

663

718

45

1,887

Director

Executive Directors:

Philip Meeson

Gary Brown

Stephen Heapy

Non-Executive Directors:

Mark Laurence

Total

Notes:

1.  The remuneration package of each Executive Director includes one or more of the following non-cash benefits: the provision of a company car; fuel allowance; and 

private healthcare. 

2.  The Deferred Awards relate to the financial performance period ended 31 March 2016 and are valued according to the average closing share price for the three months 
ending 31 March 2016, which was £5.80 (2015: closing price on 31 March £3.62). Deferred Awards have been granted since the reporting date, on 26 July 2016, as 
set out below.

3.  Included within Stephen Heapy’s “Basic salary and fees” is £15k, which relates to the sacrifice of salary into the Group’s pension scheme and its holiday exchange 

arrangement. 

4.  The aggregate emoluments disclosed above do not include any amounts for the fair value of options to acquire ordinary shares in the Company granted to, or held by, 

the Directors.

26

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016Interests in options
The interests of the Directors who served during the year in options over shares were as follows: 

Director

Stephen Heapy

Stephen Heapy

Stephen Heapy

Stephen Heapy

Share 
scheme

Exercise 
price

At 31 March 
2015
No.

Granted 
during the 
year
No.

Approved Plan

Approved Plan

Unapproved Plan

Unapproved Plan

£0.468

£0.670

£0.670

£0.850

25,000

4,944

20,056

30,000

–

–

–

–

Exercised 
during the 
year
No.

(25,000)1

–

–

–

Lapsed 
in the year
No.

At 31 March 
2016
No.

–

–

–

–

–

4,944 2

20,056 2

30,000 3

Notes:
1.  Option exercised on 15 January 2016, on which date the closing mid-market price of a share was £5.52.
2.  All exercisable from 5 August 2016, expiring 5 August 2020.
3.  All exercisable from 4 August 2017, expiring 4 August 2021.

The share based payment charge to the Group profit and loss account in respect of the above share options amounted to £2,500 
(2015: £3,429). 

The closing mid-market price of the Company’s shares on 31 March 2016 was £6.64 per 1.25 pence ordinary share. The highest 
and lowest closing mid-market prices during the year were £6.68 and £3.61 respectively.

SEIP Deferred Awards granted since year end
Since the reporting date, the following Deferred Awards were granted under the SEIP, which include awards achieved for the 
financial years ended 31 March 2014 and 31 March 2015. The terms of these particular Deferred Awards, including the number 
of shares subject to the awards, were determined following the relevant year ends, and the value of these Deferred Awards was 
reported in the Annual Report for the last two years. These awards were formally granted on 26 July 2016, following the formal 
adoption of the SEIP by the Company in 2016. The awards that represent the deferred element of the SEIP awards achieved for the 
year ended 31 March 2016, the value of which is included in the table of Directors’ emoluments above, were also granted on this 
same date. As the Company has now adopted the SEIP, Deferred Awards will be granted on an annual basis.

Director

Gary Brown

Gary Brown

Gary Brown

Stephen Heapy

Stephen Heapy

Stephen Heapy

Total

Share 
scheme

SEIP Deferred Award

SEIP Deferred Award

SEIP Deferred Award

SEIP Deferred Award

SEIP Deferred Award

SEIP Deferred Award

Award 
price

1.25p

1.25p

1.25p

1.25p

1.25p

1.25p

Awarded 
since
year end

35,781

29,735

15,516

41,581

32,047

16,654

171,314

Normal 
vesting date

6 July 2017

26 July 2018

24 July 2019

6 July 2017

26 July 2018

24 July 2019

All of the above Deferred Awards were granted on 26 July 2016.

Advisers
When required, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP provides legal and regulatory advice to the Company on executive incentive 
arrangements and the operation of share plans, which is available to the Committee.

On behalf of the Board

Mark Laurence
Director, Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
27 July 2016

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

27

GovernanceCorporate Governance Statement

The Group is committed to the principles of corporate 
governance contained in the UK Corporate Governance Code, 
issued by the Financial Reporting Council (the “Code”). A copy 
of the Code can be found at: www.frc.org.uk/Our-Work/Codes-
Standards/Corporate-governance.aspx.

As the Group is listed on AIM, it is not required to comply 
with the Code but throughout the year ended 31 March 
2016, the Board considers that it, and the Group, has been in 
compliance with its main principles and supporting principles. 
An explanation of how the Group has complied with these 
principles is set out below and in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report and Audit Committee Report. The extent to which the 
Group does not comply with the more detailed provisions of the 
Code is also set out below.

The Board
The Board currently comprises: Philip Meeson, who owns 
38.01% of the issued share capital of Dart Group PLC and 
performs the role of Group Chairman and Chief Executive; 
Gary Brown, the Group Chief Financial Officer; Stephen Heapy, 
Executive Director; and one independent Non-Executive 
Director, Mark Laurence. 

The biographies of the Directors appear on page 21 of 
this Annual Report. The Directors demonstrate a range of 
experience and calibre to bring independent judgement on 
issues of strategy, performance, resources and standards 
of conduct which is vital to the success of the Group. The 
Board is collectively responsible to shareholders for the proper 
management of the Group. A statement of the Directors’ 
responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and financial 
statements is set out on page 32 and a statement on going 
concern is given within note 2 to the consolidated financial 
statements on page 39.

Executive responsibility for the day-to-day running of the 
Group’s Leisure Travel business, comprising the operating 
subsidiaries Jet2holidays Limited and Jet2.com Limited, 
sits with its Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Heapy, and for 
Fowler Welch, with its Chief Executive Officer, Nicholas Hay. In 
addition, the Board has a formal schedule of matters specifically 
reserved to it for decision. All Directors have access to the 
advice and services of the Group Company Secretary, Ian 
Day, who is responsible to the Board for ensuring that Board 
procedures are followed, that applicable rules and regulations 
are complied with and also that the Directors receive appropriate 
training as necessary. The appointment and removal of the 
Group Company Secretary is a matter for the Board as a whole.

The Board meets at least four times a year in order to review 
trading performance, ensure adequate funding and to set and 
monitor strategy. To enable the Board to discharge its duties, all 
Directors receive appropriate and timely information, and in the 
months when the Board does not meet, the Directors receive a 
formal written report in relation to trading performance.

Due to the size and composition of the Board, the Group 
does not operate a nomination committee. New Director 
appointments are therefore a matter for the Board as a whole.

Board committees
The following committees deal with the specific aspects of the 
Group’s affairs:

Remuneration Committee
During the year, the Group’s Remuneration Committee 
was chaired by Mark Laurence. It is responsible for making 
recommendations to the Board, within agreed terms of 
reference, on the Company’s framework of executive 
remuneration and its cost. The Committee determines the 
contract terms, remuneration and other benefits for the 
Executive Directors, including performance related bonus 
schemes, pension rights and compensation payments.

Audit Committee
A detailed Audit Committee Report is set out on pages 30  
to 31.

The Audit Committee is chaired by Mark Laurence, a Non-
Executive Director, and meets not less than twice per year. All of 
the Executive Directors, the Group Legal Director and Company 
Secretary, the Group Financial Controller as well as the external 
and internal auditors are invited to attend meetings.

The Board is satisfied that the Chairman of the Committee has 
recent and relevant financial experience having held executive 
roles in the financial services industry.

The Audit Committee Chairman regularly engages with both the 
external and internal auditors, without the Executive Directors 
or members of the finance team present. Since 2005, the Audit 
Committee has met at least twice a year.

The number of full Board meetings and committee meetings 
scheduled, held and attended by each Director during the year 
was as follows:

Board 
meetings

Remuneration 
Committee 
meetings

Audit 
Committee 
meetings

4

5

5

5

2

–

–

2

 –

 2*

 2*

 2 

Director

Philip Meeson, Group Chairman 
and Chief Executive

Gary Brown, Group Chief 
Financial Officer

Stephen Heapy, Executive 
Director

Mark Laurence, Independent 
Non-Executive Director

* by invitation

28

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016Modern Slavery Act
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 came into force in October 2015 
and requires the Company to publish an annual slavery and 
human trafficking statement for each financial year that ends 
on or after 31 March 2016. The Company is in the process of 
developing this statement which will be published on its website 
later this year. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries 
permits, condones or otherwise accepts any form of human 
trafficking or slavery in its business or supply chains and is 
committed to doing what it can to combat these practices.

Relations with shareholders
Communications with shareholders are given high priority. 
The Business and Financial Review on pages 10 to 17 
includes a detailed review of the Group’s business and future 
developments. There is regular dialogue with institutional 
shareholders, including presentations after the announcement of 
the Group’s half-year and preliminary full year results.

The Board uses the Annual General Meeting to communicate 
with private and institutional investors and welcomes their 
participation. The Group Chairman and Chief Executive aims 
to ensure that the chairman of the Audit and Remuneration 
Committees is available at Annual General Meetings to answer 
questions. Details of resolutions to be proposed at the Annual 
General Meeting on 8 September 2016 can be found in the 
notice of the meeting. 

The Dart Group PLC website (www.dartgroup.co.uk) is regularly 
updated with news and information, including this Annual 
Report and Accounts document.

Internal control
The Board of Directors is responsible for the Group’s system 
of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. Any 
such system is designed to manage rather than eliminate the 
risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can provide 
reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material 
misstatement or loss.

The Board has maintained its processes for the year, and up to 
the date of the signing of the accounts, for identifying, evaluating 
and managing the significant risks faced by the Group and 
confirms that these accord with the Turnbull Guidance for 
Directors on internal control. 

In order to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and 
promote effective and efficient operations, the Board has 
established an organisational structure with clear operating 
procedures, lines of responsibility and delegated authority. 
Comprehensive guidance on financial and non-financial 
matters for all managers and employees is given in the Group 
Management Manual. In particular, there are clear procedures 
for: 

■■ approval of invoices before authorisation for their payment; 

■■ capital investment, with detailed appraisal, authorisation 

and post-investment review; and

■■ financial reporting, within a comprehensive financial 

planning, budgeting, reporting and accounting framework.

The Group has an independent Internal Audit department, 
which performs full and regular monitoring of the Group’s 
procedures, promotes robustness of controls, highlights 
significant departures from procedures and suggests relevant 
KPIs for future monitoring. Other areas of risk assessment and 
monitoring which may normally be carried out by an internal 
audit department are, in the main, covered by the Board either 
as a whole or within the various meetings highlighted. 

A Group Risk Management Committee has been established 
and meets throughout the year to review and monitor the Group 
risk register and to discuss existing and emerging risk. The 
Committee, which reports its findings to the Audit Committee, 
is made up as follows: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information 
Officer, Commercial Director, Group Legal Director, Human 
Resources Director, General Manager – Group Internal Audit and 
other senior managers. 

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

29

GovernanceAudit Committee Report

I am pleased to present the Audit Committee’s report for 
the year. During the year, the Committee met twice with the 
Group Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Executive Officer of 
Jet2holidays and Jet2.com, the Group Legal Director and 
Company Secretary, General Manager of Internal Audit and 
representatives of KPMG LLP, our Auditor.

Our primary function is to assist the Board in fulfilling its 
responsibilities to protect the interests of the shareholders by 
ensuring the integrity and clarity of the financial statements. 

In addition, we oversee the scope of internal Audit work for the 
year, review and monitor the adequacy and effectiveness of 
the internal control and risk management policies, consider the 
appointment of the external Auditor, their scope of work and 
their remuneration including reviewing their independence and 
objectivity and agree the extent of non-audit work undertaken.

The areas of focus remained largely unchanged from 2014/15, 
being financial reporting & external audit, going concern and 
medium term viability and internal audit & risk management.

Financial reporting & external audit 
The Committee carefully considers key judgements applied in 
the preparation of the consolidated financial statements that are 
set out on pages 34 to 59.

The Committee worked closely with the Group’s Auditor, KPMG 
LLP, who attended all the committee meetings during the year.   
The Committee reviewed the audit engagement letter, proposed 
fees and KPMG LLP’s audit plan, including key audit risks. 
Having considered the results of both the 2015/16 year end 
audit and planning work earlier in the year, the Committee was 
satisfied that the approach adopted was robust and sufficient.

In approving the effectiveness and independence of the external 
Auditor, the Committee considered relevant professional, ethical 
and regulatory requirements and the relationship with the 
Auditor.

Key audit risks
In order to discharge its responsibility to consider accounting 
integrity, the Committee carefully considers key judgements 
applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial 
statements. At the start of the year, KPMG LLP presented their 
audit plan to the Committee, identifying what they considered to 
be the key audit risks for the year ahead and the planned scope 
of work to be performed through the year.

These key risks were as follows:

EU 261 provision
The Committee reviewed the work performed by management 
in calculating provisions in relation to possible passenger 
compensation claims for historical flight delays under Regulation 
(EC) No 261/2004, and noted that management have exercised 
sensible, prudent judgement. 

Hotel prepayments & general accruals
Hoteliers increasingly require payments to be made up front 
to secure hotel bed stock. There is a stringent control process 
in place to determine the viability of prepayments prior to 
contracting and a provision in place to cover any default risk, 
which is primarily linked to unforeseen hotel closures. The 
Committee also noted improvement in processes which were 
reflected in the increasing accuracy of accrual balances.

Aircraft accounting
The Committee reviewed the accounting treatment in relation to 
aircraft and note that this has been applied appropriately. It also 
reviewed the value in use calculation prepared by management 
which was considerably in excess of the carrying value of the 
aircraft fleet and considered a sensitivity analysis over the key 
assumptions. As a result, no indications of impairment in respect 
of the aircraft fleet were noted. 

Revenue recognition – deferred and accrued 
revenue
The Committee discussed with KPMG LLP the business’s 
calculation of revenue and deferred revenue balances and is 
satisfied that revenue has been recognised appropriately. 

Treasury
The Committee considered the Group’s treasury policy that 
covers those transactions to hedge the risk against foreign 
currency, fuel and carbon price fluctuations and discussed with 
KPMG LLP the criteria required in order for the Group to apply 
cash flow hedge accounting. No issues were noted by the 
Committee and the value of the hedges in place at 31 March 
2016 was verified with external sources. 

Taxation
The Committee considered and approved the Group’s tax 
policy which outlines the Group’s low risk attitude to tax and our 
good relationship with HMRC. We discussed with KPMG LLP 
their review of the tax calculations prepared by management 
and formed the view that the tax treatment has been applied 
appropriately.

Control environment
As part of their external audit, KPMG LLP review the 
key processes and IT controls in order to identify where 
improvements can be made. The overall IT control environment 
has been maintained and improvements have been noted in a 
number of key processes. Further work to improve and refine 
access controls is planned in 2016/17. 

30

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016Going concern & medium term viability
We have reviewed the going concern basis on which the Annual 
Report is prepared. The Directors have prepared a three year 
plan that considers operational results and projected cash 
flows together with sensitivity analyses which stress test key 
assumptions. Following a review of these, the Committee is 
satisfied that the Group has sufficient financial resourcing and 
financing facilities for the medium term and it is appropriate 
for the Group to continue to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 
2016.

Internal audit & risk management
Internal Audit, which continues to be a key function within the 
business, is focused on ensuring the effectiveness of internal 
controls and risk management. Internal Audit continues to lead 
the development of the Group’s risk management processes 
and works with senior management and the Board to ensure 
that there is appropriate alignment and understanding of key 
risks and risk appetite, including working with the Group Legal 
Director on potential changes as a result of the recently held 
referendum on whether the UK should remain in the EU. Internal 
Audit is invited to attend Audit Committee meetings, in which 
it provides updates on progress against the Internal Audit plan, 
key action points to address control weaknesses identified and 
the process of risk management across the Group.

The Committee engages directly with Internal Audit, who also 
had separate meetings with KPMG LLP.

Conclusion 
The finance, risk management and control functions have seen 
significant investment to keep pace with the Group’s growth 
and the Committee’s job is made that much easier due to the 
professionalism and dedication of those involved in these areas, 
for which I am grateful.

Since year-end, based on reviews from internal and external 
audit and discussions with management, we reported to 
the Board that the Committee considers the Annual Report 
for the year ended 31 March 2016 to be fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess our strategy, business model and 
performance.

Mark Laurence
Director, Chairman of the Audit Committee
27July 2016

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

31

GovernanceStatement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities 

in respect of the Annual Report and the financial statements

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that: are sufficient to show and explain the Parent 
Company’s transactions; disclose with reasonable accuracy 
at any time the financial position of the Parent Company; and 
enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with 
the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for 
taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard 
the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and 
other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity 
of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ 
from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The Directors have decided to prepare voluntarily a Corporate 
Governance Statement. 

By order of the Board

Philip Meeson
Group Chairman and Chief 
Executive
27 July 2016

Gary Brown
Group Chief Financial 
Officer
27 July 2016

Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report 
and the Group and Parent Company financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare the Group and 
Parent Company financial statements for each financial year. 
As required by the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange, 
they are required to prepare the Group financial statements in 
accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and applicable 
law and have elected to prepare the Parent Company financial 
statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards and 
applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), 
including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. 

Under company law, the Directors must not approve the 
financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a 
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Parent 
Company and of their profit or loss for that period. In preparing 
each of the Group and Parent Company financial statements, 
the Directors are required to:

■■ select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

■■ make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and 

prudent;

■■ for the Group financial statements, state whether they have 
been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the 
EU;

■■ for the Parent Company financial statements, state whether 

applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, 
subject to any material departures being disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements; and

■■ prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the 
Parent Company will continue in business.

32

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016Independent Auditor’s Report 

to the members of Dart Group PLC

We have audited the financial statements of Dart Group PLC for the year ended 31 March 2016 set out on pages 34 to 68. The 
financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU. The financial reporting framework that has been applied 
in the preparation of the Parent Company financial statements is applicable law and UK Accounting Standards (UK Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. 

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

Respective responsibilities of Directors and Auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 32, the Directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit, and 
express an opinion on, the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and 
Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.
org.uk/auditscopeukprivate.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion: 

■■ 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 March 

2016 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended; 

■■ the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU; 

■■ the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting 

Practice; 

■■ the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. 

Based solely on the work required to be undertaken in the course of the audit of the financial statements and from reading the 
Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report:

■■ we have not identified material misstatements in those reports; and 

■■ in our opinion, those reports have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

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

■■ adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 

received from branches not visited by us; or 

■■ the Parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

■■ certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

■■ we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

Adrian Stone (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor, Leeds, United Kingdom.
27 July 2016

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

33

GovernanceConsolidated Income Statement

for the year ended 31 March 2016

Results for the 
year ended 
31 March 
2016

Results
before
separately
disclosed items 
£m

1,253.2

(1,203.0)

50.2

1.7

(1.1)

1.6

4.8

7.0

57.2

(10.8)

46.4

31.72p

31.40p

Total
£m

1,405.4

(1,300.4)

105.0

2.4

(1.9)

–

(1.3)

(0.8)

104.2

(15.4)

88.8

60.22p

59.89p

Note

5

6

5, 7

8

10

12

12

Results for the 
year ended 
31 March 
2015

Total
£m

1,253.2

(1,220.0)

33.2

1.7

(1.1)

1.6

4.8

7.0

40.2

(7.4)

32.8

22.42p

22.20p

Separately 
disclosed 
items 
£m

–

(17.0)

(17.0)

–

–

–

–

–

(17.0)

3.4

(13.6)

(9.30)p

(9.20)p

Revenue

Net operating expenses

Operating profit

Finance income

Finance costs

Revaluation of derivative hedges 

Net FX revaluation (losses) / gains

Net financing (costs) / income

Profit before taxation

Taxation

Profit for the year 
(all attributable to equity shareholders of the parent)

Earnings per share

– basic

– diluted

34

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31 March 2016

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income / (expense)

Cash flow hedges:

  Fair value gains / (losses) in year

  Add back losses transferred to income statement in year

  Related tax (charge) / credit

Total comprehensive income / (expense) for the period (all attributable to equity shareholders of the parent)

Year ended
31 March 
2016
£m

88.8

Year ended
31 March 
2015
£m

32.8

19.0

76.9

(19.2)

76.7

165.5

(98.7)

32.0

13.1

(53.6)

(20.8)

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

35

AccountsConsolidated Statement 
of Financial Position at 31 March 2016

Non-current assets

Goodwill

Property, plant and equipment

Derivative financial instruments

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial instruments

Money market deposits

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Deferred revenue

Borrowings 

Provisions

Derivative financial instruments

Non-current liabilities

Other non-current liabilities

Deferred revenue

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Shareholders’ equity

Share capital

Share premium

Cash flow hedging reserve 

Retained earnings

Total shareholders’ equity 

Note

13

14

22

15

17

22

16

16

18

20

21

22

19

20

22

10

23

23

2016
£m

6.8

419.8

15.2

441.8

1.1

503.9

49.3

70.0

342.0

966.3

2015
£m

6.8

295.3

1.5

303.6

2.0

365.6

27.0

65.5

237.3

697.4

1,408.1

1,001.0

109.4

766.4

83.4

23.3

64.5

1,047.0

0.1

1.1

7.5

4.6

29.1

42.4

1,089.4

318.7

1.8

12.4

(3.7)

308.2

318.7

85.7

579.6

0.8

28.7

103.8

798.6

0.5

0.7

8.2

25.1

10.7

45.2

843.8

157.2

1.8

11.9

(80.4)

223.9

157.2

The accounts on pages 34 to 68 were approved by the Board of Directors at a meeting held on 27 July 2016 and were signed on 
its behalf by: 

Gary Brown
Group Chief Financial Officer
Dart Group PLC
Registered no. 01295221

36

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016Consolidated Statement 
of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 March 2016

Cash flows from operating activities:

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 

Finance income

Finance costs

Revaluation of derivative hedges

Net FX revaluation losses / (gains)

Depreciation

Equity settled share based payments

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

Decrease in inventories

Increase in trade and other receivables

Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payables

Increase in deferred revenue

(Decrease) / increase in provisions

Cash generated from operations

Interest received

Interest paid

Income taxes paid

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows used in investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Net increase in money market deposits

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash from / (used in) financing activities

Repayment of borrowings

New loans advanced 

Proceeds on issue of shares

Equity dividends paid

Net cash from / (used in) financing activities

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

Net increase in cash in the year

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Note

8

8

8

8

14

23

14

16

11

26

26

26

26

2016
£m

104.2

(2.4)

1.9

–

1.3

88.7

0.1

193.8

0.9

(138.3)

16.6

187.2

(5.4)

254.8

2.4

(1.9)

(11.4)

243.9

(213.5)

0.2

(4.5)

(217.8)

(0.9)

82.8

0.5

(4.6)

77.8

0.8

104.7

237.3

342.0

2015
£m

40.2

(1.7)

1.1

(1.6)

(4.8)

71.3

0.1

104.6

1.1

(79.4)

(24.3)

95.4

26.3

123.7

1.7

(1.1)

(8.2)

116.1

(76.4)

–

(13.0)

(89.4)

(0.8)

–

0.5

(4.2)

(4.5)

3.9

26.1

211.2

237.3

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

37

AccountsConsolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 March 2016

Balance at 31 March 2014

Total comprehensive income for the year

Issue of share capital

Dividends paid in the year 

Share based payments

Balance at 31 March 2015

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Issue of share capital

Dividends paid in the year 

Share based payments

Balance at 31 March 2016

Share 
capital
£m

1.8

–

–

–

–

1.8

–

–

–

–

1.8

Share 
premium
£m

11.4

–

0.5

–

–

11.9

–

0.5

–

–

12.4

Cash flow 
hedging 
reserve
£m

(26.8)

(53.6)

–

–

–

(80.4)

76.7

–

–

–

(3.7)

Retained 
earnings
£m

Total 
shareholders’ 
equity
£m

195.2

32.8

–

(4.2)

0.1

223.9

88.8

–

(4.6)

0.1

308.2

181.6

(20.8)

0.5

(4.2)

0.1

157.2

165.5

0.5

(4.6)

0.1

318.7

38

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

1.  Authorisation of financial statements and statement of compliance
The Group’s financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016 were authorised by the Board of Directors on 27 July 2016 
and the balance sheet was signed on the Board’s behalf by Gary Brown, Group Chief Financial Officer. Dart Group PLC is a public 
limited company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The Company’s ordinary shares are traded on AIM.

The Group’s financial statements consolidate the financial statements of Dart Group PLC and its subsidiaries.

2.  Accounting policies
The Group’s financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as adopted by the European Union (“Adopted IFRS”).

The Company has elected to prepare its Parent Company financial statements in accordance with FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure 
Framework; these statements are presented on pages 60 to 68.

The Group’s and the Parent Company’s financial statements are presented in pounds sterling and all values are rounded to the 
nearest £100,000, except where indicated otherwise.

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these 
Group financial statements.

Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for all derivative financial instruments that 
have been measured at fair value.

The Group uses forward foreign currency contracts and aviation fuel swaps to hedge exposure to foreign exchange rates and 
aviation fuel price volatility. The Group also uses forward EU Allowance contracts and forward Certified Emissions Reduction 
contracts to hedge exposure to Carbon Emissions Allowance price volatility. Such derivative financial instruments are stated at fair 
value. 

Going concern
The Directors have prepared financial forecasts for the Group, comprising operating profit, balance sheets and cash flows through 
to 31 March 2019.

For the purpose of assessing the appropriateness of the preparation of the Group’s accounts on a going concern basis, the 
Directors have considered the current cash position, the availability of banking facilities, the Group’s net current liability position, 
and sensitised forecasts of future trading through to 31 March 2019, including performance against financial covenants and the 
assessment of principal areas of uncertainty and risk.

Having considered the points outlined above, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group will be 
able to operate within the levels of available banking facilities and cash for the foreseeable future. Consequently, they continue to 
adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016. 

Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. In assessing 
control, the Group takes into consideration potential voting rights that are currently exercisable. The acquisition date is the date 
on which control is transferred to the acquirer. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial 
statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

Joint Arrangements
A joint arrangement is an arrangement over which the Group and one or more third parties have joint control. Such arrangements 
are in turn classified as:

■■ Joint ventures whereby the Group has rights to the net assets of the arrangement, rather than rights to its assets and 

obligations for its liabilities; and

■■ Joint operations whereby the Group has rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities relating to the arrangement.

Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are 
eliminated. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with equity-accounted investees are eliminated against the investment to the 
extent of the Group’s interest in the investee. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the 
extent that there is no evidence of impairment. 

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

39

AccountsNotes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

2.  Accounting policies continued
Revenue
Revenue (which excludes Value Added Tax and Air Passenger Duty) arises from package holidays, passenger aircraft operations, 
retail activities, charter and cargo aircraft operations, and warehousing and distribution activities.

Revenue from package holidays and ticket sales for scheduled passenger flights is recognised at the date of departure. Charter 
aircraft income is recognised in the period in which the service is provided. Non-ticket revenues from hold baggage charges, 
advanced seat assignment fees, extra leg room charges and in-flight sales are also recognised once the associated flight has 
departed, or holiday started. In order to match the timing of the costs incurred, separately identified incremental call centre booking 
fees are recognised at the date of booking, and booking change fees when the change is made. Commission earned from car hire 
bookings is recognised on departure and from travel insurance on booking, reflecting the point when services are performed.

Cash amounts received from customers for whom revenue has not yet been recognised are recorded in the balance sheet as 
deferred revenue within current liabilities, or within other non-current liabilities if the Group’s services are expected to be performed 
more than twelve months from the reporting date.

Distribution revenue relating to deliveries is recognised when the delivery has been completed. Warehousing revenue is spread 
evenly over the period to which it relates.

Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets 
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that 
date, and differences arising are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement as “Net FX revaluation” losses or gains. Non-
monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are held at the exchange rate at 
the date of the transaction. The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising 
on consolidation, are translated at foreign exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses of foreign 
operations are translated at an average rate for the period where this rate approximates to the foreign exchange rates ruling at the 
dates of the transactions.

Investments
Investments are recorded at cost, less provision for impairment in value where appropriate. 

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any provision for impairment. Interest attributable 
to the purchase of aircraft and other assets and progress payments on account is capitalised and added to the cost of the asset 
concerned. Interest is capitalised at rates equal to the rates paid on the financial instruments used to finance the purchase of 
aircraft. 

Depreciation is calculated to write the cost of property, plant and equipment down to each asset’s estimated residual value using the 
straight-line method over its estimated useful economic life, or the estimated useful economic life of individual major components, as 
follows:

Freehold property

Freehold land

Short leasehold property

Aircraft, engines and other components*

Plant, vehicles and equipment
* excluding pre-delivery payments and interest charges on associated borrowing (see below).

25–30 years

Not depreciated

Over the life of the lease

2–30 years

3–7 years

Pre-delivery payments and interest charges on associated borrowing, in respect of future new aircraft arrivals, are recorded in 
property, plant and equipment at cost. Depreciation is not charged until the Group takes delivery of the respective aircraft. 

An element of the cost of acquired aircraft is attributed, on acquisition, to its major components and is amortised over the period 
until the next maintenance event. Subsequent costs incurred which lend enhancement to future periods, such as long-term 
scheduled maintenance and the major overhaul of aircraft and engines, are capitalised and amortised over the expected period of 
benefit. The element of the cost of acquired aircraft not attributed to major components is depreciated to its expected residual value 
over its remaining useful life, which is assumed to end 20–30 years from original build date depending on the type of aircraft. Where 
aircraft are subject to specific life extension expenditure, the cost of such work is depreciated over the remaining extended life. All 
other maintenance costs are expensed to the income statement as incurred.

Residual values are reviewed annually at the balance sheet date and compared to prevailing market rates of equivalently aged 
assets; if required, depreciation rates are adjusted accordingly on a prospective basis. Carrying values are reviewed for impairment if 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. 

40

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 20162.  Accounting policies continued
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the Group’s interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities 
and contingent liabilities of a subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and is not amortised 
but is subject to an impairment test both annually and when indications of impairment arise, if applicable. Goodwill is stated at cost 
less any accumulated impairment losses.

Prior to 1 April 2006, goodwill was amortised over its estimated useful life; such amortisation ceased on 31 March 2006. Goodwill 
previously written off to reserves under UK GAAP prior to 1998 has not been reinstated and is not taken into account in calculating 
profit or loss on disposal of a business. Goodwill is allocated to a cash-generating unit for the purpose of impairment testing. A 
cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash 
inflows from other assets, or groups of assets. Impairment of goodwill is not reversed.

Inventories
Inventories are accounted for on a FIFO basis and stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the 
estimated resale value.  

Aircraft spares, held for long-term use, are classified within property, plant and equipment.

Aircraft maintenance provisions
The Group operates a power by the hour contract for the maintenance of the majority of its B737-300 engines. This contract fixes 
the maintenance costs for the overhaul of these engines and payments are made to the maintenance provider to reflect usage. 
When an individual engine overhaul is undertaken a notional cost of overhaul is capitalised and then depreciated in line with usage.

Owned aircraft
The accounting for maintenance expenditure on owned aircraft, other than that performed under power by the hour contracts, is as 
set out under property, plant and equipment above.

Leased aircraft
Provision is made for the estimated future costs of maintenance events, as a consequence of aircraft rectification obligations arising 
from operating lease agreements, by making appropriate activity based charges to the income statement.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes short-term deposits maturing within three months of placement and restricted cash paid over 
to various counterparties as collateral against relevant exposures. For the purposes of the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, bank 
overdrafts which are repayable on demand, and form an integral part of the Group’s cash management activities, are included as a 
component of cash and cash equivalents.

Money market deposits
Money market deposits comprise deposits with a maturity of more than three months at the point of placement.

Classification of financial instruments issued by the Group
Financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity (i.e. forming part of shareholders’ funds) only to the extent that they 
meet the following two conditions:

■■ they include no contractual obligations upon the Group to deliver cash or other financial assets or to exchange financial assets 

or financial liabilities with another party under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the Group; and

■■ where the instrument will or may be settled in the Company’s own equity instruments, it is either a non-derivative that includes 
no obligation to deliver a variable number of the Company’s own equity instruments or is a derivative that will be settled by the 
Company exchanging a fixed amount of cash or other financial assets for a fixed number of its own equity instruments. To the 
extent that this definition is not met, the proceeds of issue are classified as a financial liability. Where the instrument so classified 
takes the legal form of the Company’s own shares, the amounts presented in these financial statements for called up share 
capital and share premium accounts exclude amounts in relation to those shares. Finance payments associated with financial 
liabilities are dealt with as part of the financing costs.  

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

41

AccountsNotes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

2.  Accounting policies continued
Financial instruments
Trade and other receivables and payables
Trade and other receivables and payables are recognised at fair value and, where applicable, subsequently measured at amortised 
cost based on their respective effective interest rate.

Interest bearing loans and borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recorded at fair value less any directly attributable transaction costs and premium or discount. 
The loans and borrowings are, where applicable, subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Derivative financial instruments and hedging
The Group uses forward foreign currency contracts and monthly aviation fuel swaps to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange rates 
and aviation fuel price volatility. It also uses forward EU Allowance contracts and Certified Emissions Reduction contracts to hedge 
exposure to Carbon Emissions Allowance price volatility. Such derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value. 

Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a recognised asset or liability, or 
a highly probable forecast transaction, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument from the inception of the 
hedging relationship is recognised directly in the cash flow hedging reserve within equity. Any ineffective portion is recognised within 
the Consolidated Income Statement.

For all other cash flow hedges, the recycling of the cash flow hedge is taken to the Consolidated Income Statement in the same 
period in which the hedged transaction begins to affect profit or loss.

Leases
Rental charges on operating leases are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the life of the 
lease.

Net financing costs
Finance income
Interest income is recognised in the income statement in the period in which it is earned. 

Finance costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets are added to the cost of 
those assets, until such a time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use. All other finance costs are recognised in 
the income statement in the period in which they are incurred.

Taxation
Tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement 
or the Statement of Comprehensive Income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case 
the tax is recognised in equity. Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted 
or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Deferred tax is 
provided on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the 
amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: the initial recognition of goodwill; 
the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit other than in a business combination; 
and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. The 
amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and 
liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the 
asset can be utilised.

Employee benefits 
Share based payments
The Company issues equity settled share based payments to certain colleagues. The fair value of these option plans is measured at 
the date of grant of the option using the binomial valuation model. The resulting cost, as adjusted for the expected and actual level 
of vesting of the options, is charged to income over the period in which the options vest. At each reporting date, before vesting, the 
cumulative expense is calculated based on the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management’s best estimate 
of the achievement of non-market vesting conditions, and hence the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The 
movement in cumulative expense since the previous balance sheet date is recognised in the income statement. 

42

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 20162.  Accounting policies continued
Defined contribution plans
All Group pensions are provided from the proceeds of money purchase schemes. The charge to the income statement represents 
the payments due during the year. 

3.  Accounting estimates and judgements 
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 2, the Directors are required to make judgements, 
estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. 
Such estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be 
relevant.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in 
the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if 
the revision affects both current and future periods.

Judgements made by the Directors in the application of the Group’s accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the 
amounts recognised in the financial statements are discussed below.

Goodwill 
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually and is attributable to one cash-generating unit: Fowler Welch, whose principal activity 
is the distribution, throughout the UK, of fresh produce, and temperature-controlled and ambient products on behalf of retailers, 
processors, growers and importers. Impairment reviews take account of the recoverable amount of cash-generating units, which 
is based on a value in use calculation utilising the unit’s annual budget for the forthcoming year and forecasts for the following two 
years. Thereafter, a prudent growth rate of 2% (2015: 2%) has been assumed. Projected cash flows have been discounted utilising 
a discount rate of 10% (2015: 10%). The key assumptions used in the impairment review relate to sales growth, the retention of 
existing business, and operating margins. The key sensitivity in this calculation is the discount rate used, although the Directors 
consider that it is unlikely that any currently foreseeable change in the discount rate would give rise to further impairment. The 
discount rate assumed uses external sources of information, such as peer group data published in the financial press, and reflects 
current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

The carrying amount of goodwill with an indefinite life at the balance sheet date was £6.8m (2015: £6.8m). 

Impairment of assets excluding goodwill 
Aircraft carrying values were tested for impairment on transition to IFRS. Thereafter, where there is a risk that carrying values are 
impaired, a full impairment review is undertaken. The smallest cash-generating unit to which this can be applied is aircraft fleet type. 
The combined carrying value of the Group’s aircraft, engines and other components was £365.5m (2015: £240.8m). There was no 
indication of impairment during the year and therefore no impairment losses were recorded.

Residual value of tangible fixed assets 
Judgements have been made in respect of the residual values of aircraft included in Property, plant and equipment. These 
judgements determine the amount of depreciation charged in the Consolidated Income Statement.

4.  New IFRS and amendments to IAS and interpretations 
The IASB has issued the following standards and interpretations, with an effective date after the date of these financial statements. 
The Group continues to evaluate the potential impact of their adoption, where applicable, but at this stage it does not expect the 
financial statements to be materially affected.  

International Financial Reporting Standards
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 
IFRS 16 Leases

Applies to periods 
beginning after
January 2018
January 2019
January 2019

43

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

AccountsNotes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

5.  Segmental reporting
Business segments
The Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) is responsible for the overall resource allocation and performance assessment of the 
Group. The Board of Directors approves major capital expenditure, assesses the performance of the Group and also determines key 
financing decisions. Consequently, the Board of Directors is considered to be the CODM.

For management purposes, the Group is organised into two operating segments: Leisure Travel and Distribution & Logistics. These 
operating segments are consistent with how information is presented to the CODM for the purpose of resource allocation and 
assessment of their performance and as such, they are also deemed to be the reporting segments.

The Leisure Travel business specialises in scheduled leisure flights by its airline Jet2.com to holiday destinations in the Mediterranean, 
the Canary Islands and to European Leisure Cities and the provision of ATOL licensed package holidays by its tour operator 
Jet2holidays. Resource allocation decisions are based on the business’s entire route network and the deployment of its entire aircraft 
fleet.

The Distribution & Logistics business is run on the basis of the evaluation of distribution centre-level performance data. However, 
resource allocation decisions are made based on the entire distribution network. The objective in making resource allocation 
decisions is to maximise the segment results rather than the results of the individual distribution centres within the network.

Group eliminations include the removal of inter-segment asset and liability balances.

Following the identification of the operating segments, the Group has assessed the similarity of their characteristics. Given the 
different performance targets, customer bases and operating markets of each, it is not currently appropriate to aggregate the 
operating segments for reporting purposes and, therefore, both are disclosed as reportable segments for the year ended 31 March 
2016:

■■ Leisure Travel, which incorporates the Group’s ATOL licensed package holidays operator, Jet2holidays and its leisure airline,  

Jet2.com; and

■■ Distribution & Logistics, incorporating the Group’s logistics company, Fowler Welch.

The Board assesses the performance of each segment based on operating profit, and profit before and after tax. Revenue from 
reportable segments is measured on a basis consistent with the income statement. Revenue is principally generated from within the 
UK, the Group’s country of domicile.

Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment, as well as those that can be allocated on a 
reasonable basis. No customer represents more than 10% of the Group’s revenue.

Year ended 31 March 2016
Revenue
Operating profit 
Finance income
Finance costs
Net FX revaluation losses
Net financing costs
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Profit after taxation

Assets and liabilities 
Segment assets
Segment liabilities
Net assets

Other segment information
Property, plant and equipment additions
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
Share based payments

44

Leisure
Travel
£m
1,261.4
99.6
2.4
(1.9)
(1.3)
(0.8)
98.8
(14.5)
84.3

1,331.6
(1,065.0)
266.6

210.6
(86.4)
(0.1)

Distribution
& Logistics
£m
144.0
5.4
–
–
–
–
5.4
(0.9)
4.5

82.2
(30.1)
52.1

2.9
(2.3)
–

Group
eliminations
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(5.7)
5.7
–

–
–
–

Total
£m
1,405.4
105.0
2.4
(1.9)
(1.3)
(0.8)
104.2
(15.4)
88.8

1,408.1
(1,089.4)
318.7

213.5
(88.7)
(0.1)

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 20165.  Segmental reporting continued

Year ended 31 March 2015
Revenue
Underlying operating profit 
Finance income
Finance costs
Revaluation of derivative hedges
Net FX revaluation gains
Net financing income
Underlying profit before taxation
Separately disclosed items
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Profit after taxation

Assets and liabilities
Segment assets
Segment liabilities
Net assets

Other segment information
Property, plant and equipment additions
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
Share based payments

6.  Net operating expenses

Direct operating costs

  Fuel

  Landing, navigation and third party handling

  Aircraft and vehicle rentals

  Maintenance costs

  Subcontractor charges

  Accommodation costs

  Agent commission

In-flight cost of sales

  Other direct operating costs 

Staff costs

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment including aircraft and engines 

Other operating charges

Other operating income

Net operating expenses before separately disclosed items

Separately disclosed items (note 29)

Total net operating expenses

Leisure
Travel
£m
1,101.5
46.9
1.7
(1.1)
1.6
4.8
7.0
53.9
(17.0)
36.9
(6.7)
30.2

 923.3 
 (813.7)
109.6

74.4
(69.1)
(0.1)

Distribution
& Logistics
£m
151.7
3.3
–
–
–
–
–
3.3
–
3.3
(0.7)
2.6

 84.2 
 (36.6)
47.6

2.0
(2.2)
–

Group
eliminations
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

 (6.5)
 6.5 
–

–
–
–

2016
£m

208.9

132.8

38.5

62.4

38.2

344.0

29.0

19.2

45.6

204.4

88.7

89.7

(1.0)

1,300.4

–

1,300.4

Total
£m
1,253.2
50.2
1.7
(1.1)
1.6
4.8
7.0
57.2
(17.0)
40.2
(7.4)
32.8

 1,001.0 
 (843.8)
157.2

76.4
(71.3)
(0.1)

2015
£m

233.3

137.7

33.7

58.0

41.0

283.9

22.5

20.3

42.7

190.6

71.3 

68.3

(0.3)

1,203.0

17.0

1,220.0

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

45

Accounts 
Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

7.  Operating profit 

Operating profit is stated after charging:

Operating lease rentals:  – Land and buildings

– Plant and machinery: short-term leases

– Plant and machinery: long-term leases

Auditor’s remuneration

Audit of these financial statements

Amounts receivable by Auditor and its associates in respect of:

– Other services

8.  Net financing (costs) / income

Finance income 

Finance costs 

Revaluation of derivative hedges (cash flow hedge ineffectiveness)

Net FX revaluation (losses) / gains

Net financing (costs) / income

2016
£m

3.9

8.9

29.7

2016
£m

0.2

0.2

2016
£m

2.4

(1.9)

–

(1.3)

(0.8)

2015
£m

3.7

7.2

27.9

2015
£m

0.2

0.1

2015
£m

1.7

(1.1)

1.6

4.8

7.0

9.  Employees 
The average monthly number of persons, including Executive Directors, employed by the Group during the year was:

Operations

Administration

Wages and salaries

Share options – value of employee services

Social security costs

Other pension costs

2016
Number

2015
Number

3,938

1,194

5,132

2016
£m

181.2

0.1

16.8

6.3

204.4

3,857

1,037

4,894

2015
£m

169.0

0.1

15.7

5.8

190.6

46

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016 
 
9.  Employees continued
Remuneration of the Directors, who are key management personnel of the Group, is set out below in aggregate. There are no 
personnel, other than the Directors, who as key management have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling 
the activities, directly or indirectly, of Dart Group PLC. No member of key management had any material interest during the year in a 
contract of significance (other than a service contract) with the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

Details of key management personnel:

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Total employee benefit costs of key management personnel

2016
£m

6.4

0.5

6.9

2015
£m

5.9

0.4

6.3

In addition to the following, details of Executive Directors’ remuneration, along with information concerning options and retirement 
benefits, are set out in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 24 to 27.

Details of Directors’ remuneration:

Highest paid Director

Number of Directors for whom retirement benefits accrue

Number of Directors who exercised share options

10.  Taxation

Current taxation:

UK corporation tax based upon the profits for the year:

– current year

– prior year

Current tax charge for the year

Deferred taxation:

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

– current year

– prior year

Rate changes

Deferred tax (credit) / charge for the year

Total tax in income statement in the year

2016

£0.8m

2

1

2016
£m

16.5

(0.3)

16.2

4.0

0.3

(5.1)

(0.8)

15.4

2015

£0.7m

2

1

2015
£m

3.5

(0.2)

3.3

4.4

(0.3)

–

4.1

7.4

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

47

AccountsNotes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

10.  Taxation continued
The tax assessed for the current year is lower (2015: lower) than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK. The differences are 
explained below:

Profit before taxation

Profit before taxation multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 20% (2015: 21%)

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible

Tax rate change

Adjustments to tax charge in previous periods

Total

2016
£m

104.2

20.8

(0.3)

(5.1)

–

15.4

2015
£m

40.2

8.4

(0.5)

–

(0.5)

7.4

Deferred tax in the year has been provided at 18% (2015: 20%) as a consequence of legislation enacted in the previous year, which 
will reduce the rate of UK corporation tax to 19% from 1 April 2017 and to 18% from 1 April 2020. A further reduction to 17% was 
announced in the Chancellor’s Budget of 16 March 2016 but this has yet to be enacted.

The net deferred tax liability in the balance sheet is as follows:

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

The movement in the net deferred tax liability is as follows:

As at 1 April

Credited / (charged) to income statement

(Charge) / credit taken directly to equity

As at 31 March 

Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities prior to offset are shown below:

Financial instruments
At 31 March 2014
Charge to income
Credit to equity
At 31 March 2015
Credit to income
Charge to equity
At 31 March 2016

2016
£m

7.6

(36.7)

(29.1)

2016
£m

(10.7)

0.8

(19.2)

(29.1)

2015
£m

20.5

(31.2)

(10.7)

2015
£m

(19.7)

(4.1)

13.1

(10.7)

Deferred tax 
assets 
£m
7.5
(0.1)
13.1
20.5
–
(12.9)
7.6

48

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 201610.  Taxation continued

At 31 March 2014
Charge / (credit) to income
At 31 March 2015
Charge to income
Charge to equity
At 31 March 2016

Deferred tax liabilities

Accelerated 
capital allowances 
£m
26.5
4.3
30.8
(0.8)
–
30.0

Financial 
instruments 
£m
0.4
–
0.4
–
6.3
6.7

Other 
£m
0.3
(0.3)
–
–
–
–

Total 
£m
27.2
4.0
31.2
(0.8)
6.3
36.7

Financial instruments in the tables above include the deferred tax impact of the Group’s forward foreign currency contracts, aviation 
fuel swaps, EU Allowance contracts and forward Certified Emissions Reduction contracts.

11.  Dividends

2015/16 interim dividend of 0.90 pence per share paid 1 February 2016 (2014/15: 0.75 pence)

2014/15 final dividend of 2.25 pence per share paid 16 October 2015 (2013/14: 2.14 pence)

Total

12.  Earnings per share

Basic weighted average number of shares in issue

Dilutive potential ordinary shares: employee share options

Diluted weighted average number of shares in issue

Basis of calculation – earnings (basic and diluted)

Profit for the purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings

Earnings per share – basic

Earnings per share – diluted

13.  Goodwill 

Net book value as at 31 March 2015 and 31 March 2016

Impairment provision as at 31 March 2015 and 31 March 2016

Net book value as at 31 March 2015 and 31 March 2016

2016
£m

1.3

3.3

4.6

2016
No.

2015
£m

1.1

3.1

4.2

2015
No.

147,454,373

146,278,585

809,398

1,455,645

148,263,771

147,734,230

Year to 
31 March
2016

£88.8m

60.22p

59.89p

Year to 
31 March 
2015

£32.8m

22.42p

22.20p

£m

6.8

–

6.8

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

49

AccountsNotes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

14.  Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 31 March 2014
Additions 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2015
Additions 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2016
Depreciation
At 31 March 2014
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 March 2015
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 March 2016
Net book value
At 31 March 2016
At 31 March 2015

Freehold 
property 
and land
£m

Short 
leasehold 
property
£m

Aircraft,
 engines 
and other 
components
£m

Plant, 
vehicles and 
equipment
£m

35.5
1.1
–
36.6
2.1
–
38.7

(7.5)
(0.7)
–
(8.2)
(1.6)
–
(9.8)

28.9
28.4

4.4
0.3
–
4.7
0.2
–
4.9

(1.9)
(0.5)
–
(2.4)
(0.5)
–
(2.9)

2.0
2.3

443.7
69.0
(22.1)
490.6
204.9
(26.3)
669.2

(207.0)
(63.5)
20.7
(249.8)
(80.1)
26.2
(303.7)

365.5
240.8

62.6
6.0
(4.4)
64.2
6.3
(1.3)
69.2

(38.2)
(6.6)
4.4
(40.4)
(6.5)
1.1
(45.8)

23.4
23.8

Total
£m

546.2
76.4
(26.5)
596.1
213.5
(27.6)
782.0

(254.6)
(71.3)
25.1
(300.8)
(88.7)
27.3
(362.2)

419.8
295.3

The net book value of aircraft, engines and other components includes £99.4m (2015: nil) relating to pre-delivery payments and 
interest charges on associated borrowing in respect of future new aircraft deliveries. These amounts are not depreciated until the 
Group takes delivery of the respective aircraft. Included within the cost of aircraft, engines and other components is £2.2m (2015: 
£1.6m) of interest capitalised. Aircraft, engines and other components additions in the year includes £0.6m (2015: nil) of interest 
capitalised. 

Dart Group PLC is contractually committed to the acquisition of 30 (2015: nil) Boeing 737-800NG aircraft with an undiscounted list 
price of approximately $2.9bn.

15.  Inventories

Consumables

16.  Money market deposits & cash and cash equivalents

Money market deposits (maturity more than three months from placement)

Cash at bank and in hand 

2016
£m

1.1

2016
£m

70.0

342.0

2015
£m

2.0

2015
£m

65.5

237.3

Included within cash and money market deposits is £68.5m (2015: £97.5m) of cash which is restricted by the Group’s merchant 
acquirers, as collateral against a proportion of forward bookings paid for by credit or debit card, until our customers have travelled. 
The business also had £5.2m (2015: £51.7m) of cash placed with various counterparties in the form of margin calls to cover out-of-
the-money hedge instruments. All of these out-of-the-money positions have run off since the balance sheet date.

50

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 201617.  Trade and other receivables

Current:

Trade receivables 

Other receivables

Ageing analysis of trade receivables

2016
£m

415.1

88.8

503.9

2015
£m

295.3

70.3

365.6

Not past due
Up to one month past due
Over one month past due

Gross 
receivables
£m
413.1
1.5
0.5
415.1

31 March 2016

Provision for 
doubtful debts
£m
–
–
–
–

Net trade 
receivables
£m
413.1
1.5
0.5
415.1

Gross 
receivables
£m
283.6
9.1
2.7
295.4

31 March 2015

Provision for 
doubtful debts
£m
–
–
(0.1)
(0.1)

Net trade 
receivables
£m
283.6
9.1
2.6
295.3

18.  Trade and other payables

Current:

Trade payables

Other taxation and social security

Income tax

Other creditors and accruals

19.  Other non-current liabilities

Other creditors and accruals

20.  Borrowings

Loans are repayable as follows:

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Over five years

Total borrowings

2016
£m

28.8

8.5

6.9

65.2

109.4

2016
£m

0.1

2016
£m

83.4

7.5

–

–

90.9

2015
£m

33.8

6.8

2.1

43.0

85.7

2015
£m

0.5

2015
£m

0.8

0.7

2.0

5.5

9.0

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

51

AccountsNotes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

21.  Provisions 

Opening
Provision in the year
Transferred in from other creditors and accruals
Utilised
Released unused
Closing at 31 March

Maintenance
2016
£m
6.1
15.7
–
(17.4)
–
4.4

2015
£m
2.0
12.5
–
(8.4)
–
6.1

Other

Total

2016
£m
22.6
4.4
–
(7.7)
(0.4)
18.9

2015
£m
0.4
18.2
4.5
(0.5)
–
22.6

2016
£m
28.7
20.1
–
(25.1)
(0.4)
23.3

2015
£m
2.4
30.7
4.5
(8.9)
–
28.7

Maintenance provisions relate entirely to aircraft maintenance and the Group’s obligation to maintain leased aircraft in accordance 
with the aircraft manufacturer’s published maintenance programmes during the lease term, and to ensure that aircraft are returned 
to the lessor in accordance with its contractual requirements. 

Other provisions relate to the Group’s obligation to return leased tractor and trailer units to the lessor in accordance with its 
contractual requirements and possible Leisure Travel passenger compensation claims. 

22.  Financial instruments
The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

Capital risk management
The Group’s objective when managing capital is to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern whilst providing a 
return to shareholders. The Group’s multi-year planning process gives clear visibility of earnings and liquidity to ensure continued 
operation well within banking facility covenant levels.

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk reflects the risk that the Group will have insufficient funds to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. As at the year 
end, the Group had significant cash balances, together with an unutilised banking facility, for which all covenants had been met. 
The Group’s strategy for managing liquidity risk is to maintain cash balances in an appropriately liquid form and in accordance with 
approved counterparty limits, while securing the continuity and flexibility of funding through the use of committed banking facilities 
and specialist aircraft finance. Additionally, short-term cash flow risk in relation to margin calls in respect of fuel and foreign currency 
hedge positions is minimised through diversification of counterparties together with appropriate credit thresholds. The Group seeks 
to match long-term assets with long-term liabilities wherever possible. In addition, a regular assessment is made of future banking 
facility covenant compliance and headroom.

Credit risk
The Group is exposed to credit risk to the extent of non-performance by its counterparties in respect of financial assets receivable. 
However, the Group has policies and procedures in place to ensure such risk is limited by placing credit limits on each counterparty. 
The Group regularly monitors such limits and defaults by counterparties, incorporating this information into credit risk controls. The 
Group does not currently hold any collateral to mitigate this exposure.

The maximum exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying value of each asset as summarised in section (c) below.

Foreign currency risk
The Group has significant transactional foreign currency exposure, primarily relating to the euro and the US dollar.

Transactional currency exposures arise as a result of purchases denominated in foreign currency undertaken in the ordinary course 
of business, in particular related to expenditure on aviation fuel, aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, airport charges and hotel 
accommodation. 

The Group’s policy is to cover up to 90% of its expected requirements for a period of up to 30 months in advance, using forward 
foreign exchange contracts. As at 31 March 2016, the Group had hedged a significant proportion of its forecast foreign exchange 
requirements for the 2016/17 year and a proportion of its requirements for the subsequent year. Further information in relation to 
foreign currency exchange risk is given below.

52

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 201622.  Financial instruments continued
Aviation fuel price risk
The Group’s policy is to forward cover up to 90% of future fuel requirements, up to 30 months in advance. As at 31 March 2016, 
the Group had hedged substantially all of its forecast fuel requirements for the 2016/17 year. It had also hedged a proportion of its 
requirements for 2017/18 and the subsequent year. All hedging is in line with the policy.

Carbon risk
The Group also hedges its carbon exposure in relation to its obligations under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. As at 31 March 
2016, the Group has acquired its entire requirement for the year ending 31 December 2016 and more than half of the following 
year’s requirement.

Under IAS 39, the forward currency, forward carbon derivatives and fuel swaps are eligible for cash flow hedge accounting. 
Movements in fair value are summarised in section (b) below.

Cash flow hedges relate to forecast cash flows through to 31 March 2019.

(a) Carrying amount and fair values of financial instruments
Set out below is a comparison by category of the carrying amounts and fair value of all the Group’s financial assets and liabilities as 
at 31 March 2016. 

Financial assets

Liquid assets, loans and receivables:

Cash and cash equivalents

Money market deposits

Trade receivables

Designated cash flow hedge relationships:

Forward US dollar contracts

Forward euro contracts

Forward jet fuel contracts

Forward carbon contracts

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities

Loans and payables 

Trade payables

Loans

Other financial liabilities

Designated cash flow hedge relationships: 

Forward US dollar contracts

Forward euro contracts

Forward jet fuel contracts 

Forward carbon contracts

Total financial liabilities 

Carrying amount

31 March 
2016
£m

31 March 
2015
£m

342.0

70.0

415.1

15.4

39.4

9.7

–

891.6

237.3

65.5

295.3

26.3

0.1

1.3

0.8

626.6

Carrying amount

31 March 
2016
£m

31 March 
2015
£m

28.8

90.9

0.5

1.5

–

66.8

0.8

33.8

9.0

1.3

0.1

35.8

92.9

0.1

189.3

173.0

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

53

AccountsNotes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

22.  Financial instruments continued
There are no differences between the carrying values of the Group’s financial liabilities and their fair values. The methods and 
assumptions used to estimate fair values of financial assets and liabilities are as follows:

■■ due to their short maturities, the fair values of trade receivables, other receivables and trade payables have been stated at their 

book value;

■■ the fair value of derivative financial instruments has been measured by reference to the fair value of the instruments, as provided 

by external counterparties; and

■■ the fair value of fuel derivatives is based on the expected full recovery of these assets from the relevant counterparties.

IFRS 13 requires the classification of fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the nature of the inputs used 
in making the assessments.

The fair value of the Group’s foreign currency derivative financial instruments is designated as level 2 as the fair value measure uses 
inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Fuel derivatives, which are measured by reference 
to external counterparty information, are also classified as level 2.

(b) Movements in fair value of financial instruments
Net movements in fair value of financial instruments are as follows:

At 31 March 2014
Other comprehensive income
Credited in income statement
At 31 March 2015
Other comprehensive income
Charged in income statement
At 31 March 2016

Amounts (charged) / credited in the Consolidated Income Statement within:

Operating expenses 

Fair value movements – fuel derivatives

Net financing costs

Revaluation of derivative hedges

Cash flow hedges

Assets
£m
1.8
26.6
0.1
28.5
36.1
(0.1)
64.5

2016
£m

(0.1)

–

(0.1)

Liabilities
£m
(37.2)
(93.3)
1.6
(128.9)
59.8
–
(69.1)

2015
£m

0.1

1.6

1.7

All (losses) / gains on cash flow hedges recycled from equity into the income statement are reflected within operating expenses or 
net financing costs.

(c) Maturity profile of financial assets and liabilities
The maturity profile of the carrying value of the Group’s financial assets at the end of the year was as follows:

31 March 2016

31 March 2015

Derivative 
financial 
instruments
£m
49.3
15.2
64.5

Other 
receivables
£m
827.1
–
827.1

Derivative 
financial 
instruments
£m
27.0
1.5
28.5

Other 
receivables
£m
598.1
–
598.1

Total
£m
876.4
15.2
891.6

Total
£m
625.1
1.5
626.6

Financial assets
< 1 year
1–2 years

54

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 201622.  Financial instruments continued
The maturity profile of the carrying value of the Group’s financial liabilities at the end of the year was as follows:

Financial liabilities
< 1 year
1–2 years
3–5 years
> 5 years

31 March 2016

31 March 2015

Derivative 
financial 
instruments
£m
64.5
4.6
–
–
69.1

Other loans 
and payables 
£m
112.7
7.5
–
–
120.2

Derivative 
financial 
instruments
£m
103.8
25.1
–
–
128.9

Other loans
 and payables
£m
35.4
1.2
2.0
5.5
44.1

Total
£m
177.2
12.1
–
–
189.3

Total
£m
139.2
26.3
2.0
5.5
173.0

(d) Borrowing facilities
The Group has various borrowing facilities and financing arrangements available to it. The total borrowing facilities available at 31 
March 2016 were as follows: 

Committed facilities:
Revolving credit facilities i 
Bank loans ii 
Aircraft finance iii

Amounts drawn down

Facilities available

2016
£m

–
8.1
82.8
90.9

2015
£m

–
9.0
–
9.0

2016
£m

35.0
8.1
82.8
125.9

2015
£m

50.0
10.0
–
60.0

i.  £35.0m revolving credit facility committed until the end of August 2017; 
ii.  The £10.0m bank loan facility matures in August 2017 and the £0.7m loan in April 2016; and
iii.  Aircraft finance is provided to partially fund pre-delivery payments and is repayable on aircraft delivery.

In addition to the above, during the year, the Group secured US$40.0m of new Letter of Credit facilities in relation to a number of 
the Group’s card processing counterparties, with respect to Leisure Travel advance sales. The balance at the reporting date was 
US$49.4m (2015: US$15.1m).

(e) Interest rate risk 

Financial assets
Money market deposits & cash 
and cash equivalents:
Sterling
US dollar
Euro
Other

Floating 
rate 
financial 
assets
£m

31 March 2016
Financial assets 
on which no 
interest is 
receivable
£m

380.7
15.6
3.0
–
399.3

12.3
0.2
–
0.2
12.7

Floating 
rate 
financial 
assets
£m

31 March 2015
Financial assets 
on which no 
interest is 
receivable
£m

236.0
53.2
0.1
–
289.3

33.0
(13.1)
(7.0)
0.6
13.5

Total
£m

393.0
15.8
3.0
0.2
412.0

Total
£m

269.0
40.1
(6.9)
0.6
302.8

The floating rate financial assets comprise cash on deposit at various market rates according to currency and term. The Group 
operates composite bank accounts which allow the offset of individual bank and overdraft accounts across a range of currencies. 

Money market deposits comprise deposits with a maturity of more than three months from placement.

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

55

AccountsNotes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

22.  Financial instruments continued

Financial liabilities
Sterling
US dollar

31 March 2016

31 March 2015

Floating rate 
financial 
liabilities
£m
8.1
82.8
90.9

Fixed rate 
financial 
liabilities
£m
–
–
–

Floating rate 
financial 
liabilities
£m
9.0 
–
9.0

Total
£m
8.1
82.8
90.9

Fixed rate 
financial 
liabilities
£m
–
–
–

Total
£m
9.0
–
9.0

An interest rate sensitivity analysis has not been provided on the basis that the Group is in a cash positive position. This, coupled 
with historically low interest rates, means interest rate risk is immaterial. 

(f) Currency exposure
Financial instruments that are not denominated in the functional currency of the operating unit involved expose the Group to a 
currency risk. The table below shows the carrying value of the Group’s financial instruments at 31 March, including derivative 
financial instruments, on which exchange differences would be recognised in the income statement in the following year.

Currency
2016
Sterling
2015
Sterling

US dollar
£m

5.3

26.2

Euro
£m

(16.8)

(24.2)

Other
£m

0.3

0.6

Total
£m

(11.2)

2.6

(g) Sensitivity analysis
The following table shows the impact of currency translation exposures arising from monetary assets and liabilities of the Group that 
are not denominated in sterling, along with the impact of a reasonably possible change in fuel prices, with all other variables held 
constant.

Impact on Profit and Loss

10% change in jet fuel prices

5% movement of sterling

Impact on Equity

10% change in jet fuel prices

5% movement of sterling

23.  Called up share capital and reserves
Share capital 

Authorised ordinary shares of 1.25p each 

Allotted, called up and fully paid: 

As at 31 March 2015

Options exercised

As at 31 March 2016

31 March 
2016
+/- £m

31 March 
2015
+/- £m

–

0.5

22.0

40.3

2016
 £m

2.0

1.8

–

1.8

–

0.1

16.8

23.3

2015
 £m

2.0

1.8

–

1.8

Number 
of shares

160,000,000

147,012,135

885,956

147,898,091

56

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 201623.  Called up share capital and reserves continued
Employee share schemes 
Dart Group PLC has two legacy share option schemes in operation. These plans have been accounted for in accordance with 
the fair value recognition provisions of IFRS 2, Share Based Payment, which means that IFRS 2 has been applied to all grants of 
employee share based payments that had not vested at 31 March 2016. Dart Group PLC received the sum of £489,145 (2015: 
£498,003) in respect of options exercised during the year. The total expense recognised for the period arising from share based 
payments was £0.1m (2015: £0.1m).

Summary of options outstanding
The terms and conditions of grants are as follows, with all settled by physical delivery of shares:

Scheme(a)
Unapproved 2005
Unapproved 2005
Unapproved 2005
Unapproved 2005
Unapproved 2005
Total Unapproved
Approved 2005
Approved 2005
Approved 2005
Approved 2005
Approved 2005
Approved 2005
Approved 2005
Approved 2005

Approved 2005

Approved 2005
Approved 2005

Total Approved
Total

Grant date
21 Nov 05
04 Sep 08
10 Sep 09
05 Aug 10
04 Aug 11

23 Nov 05
03 Aug 07
18 Dec 07
04 Sep 08
10 Sep 09
16 Dec 09
05 Aug 10
23 Dec 10

04 Aug 11

22 Dec 11
01 Aug 12

Option price
78.50p
24.75p
52.50p
67.00p
85.00p

79.13p
101.75p
53.25p
24.75p
52.50p
46.75p
67.00p
94.50p

85.00p

63.88p
76.38p

31 March 
2016
shares
–
61,880
–
147,201
60,000
269,081
–
28,500
–
115,982
342,204
13,300
76,138
84,623

66,250

57,500
74,509

31 March
2015
shares
40,000
62,303
360,204
147,201
60,000
669,708
60,000
45,000
15,000
193,750
914,763
76,250
76,138
84,623

77,500

86,250
131,515

859,006
1,128,087

1,760,789
2,430,497

Timing of exercise and expiry
All exercisable, expiring 21 Nov 15
All exercisable, expiring 04 Sep 18
All exercisable from 10 Sep 15, all expiring 10 Sep 19
All exercisable from 05 Aug 16, expiring 05 Aug 20
All exercisable from 04 Aug 17, expiring 04 Aug 21

All exercisable, expiring 23 Nov 15
All exercisable, expiring 03 Aug 17
All exercisable, expiring 18 Dec 17
All exercisable, expiring 04 Sep 18
All exercisable, expiring 10 Sep 19
All exercisable, expiring 16 Dec 19
All exercisable from 05 Aug 16, expiring 05 Aug 20
12k currently exercisable, remainder from 23 Dec 16, 
all expiring 23 Dec 20
20k currently exercisable, remainder from 04 Aug 17, 
all expiring 04 Aug 21
All exercisable from 22 Dec 17, expiring 22 Dec 21
9k currently exercisable, remainder from 01 Aug 18, 
expiring 01 Aug 22

a.  Unapproved 2005 = The Dart Group Unapproved Share Option Plan 2005; Approved 2005 = The Dart Group Approved Share Option Plan 2005.

There were no new share option awards during the year or the previous year.

The fair value of services received in return for share options granted is measured by reference to the fair value of share options 
granted. The estimate of the fair value of the services received is measured based on a binomial valuation model. 

The expected volatility is based on the historic volatility (calculated based on the weighted average remaining life of the share 
options), adjusted for any expected changes to future volatility due to publicly available information.

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

57

AccountsNotes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

23.  Called up share capital and reserves continued
Share options are granted under a service condition. Such conditions are not taken into account in the grant date fair value 
measurement of the services received. Certain market conditions apply to options granted under the Dart Group Unapproved Share 
Option Plan 2005. The number and weighted average exercise prices of share options are as follows:

Outstanding at 1 April
Granted
Exercised 
Lapsed 
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
Estimated weighted average share price at date of exercise

2016

2015

Number 
of options
2,430,497
–
(885,956)
(416,454)
1,128,087
602,859

Weighted average 
exercise price
(pence)
57.7
–
55.2
53.9
61.1
48.6
492.00

Number 
of options
3,921,702
–
(1,229,392)
(261,813)
2,430,497
761,966

Weighted average 
exercise price
(pence)
52.2
–
40.5
56.0
57.7
56.2
258.17

Options outstanding at 31 March are in respect of all options issued since 7 November 2002 (see note 2 – employee benefits). The 
options outstanding at the year end have an exercise price in the range of 24.8p to 101.8p and a weighted average contractual life 
of 4.0 years (2015: 4.6 years).

Since the reporting date, Deferred Awards were granted under the Senior Executive Incentive Plan (“SEIP”), including awards in 
relation to the financial years ended 31 March 2014 and 31 March 2015. The awards were formally granted on 26 July 2016, 
following the formal adoption of the SEIP by the Company in 2016. The following numbers of shares were awarded: 62,585 vesting 
on 24 July 2019; 97,804 vesting on 26 July 2018; and 77,362 vesting on 6 July 2017, including certain Director awards as detailed 
in the Report on Director’s Remuneration.

Reserves
The cash flow hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in fair value of cash flow hedging 
instruments related to hedged transactions that have not yet matured.

24.  Commitments 
Minimum future commitments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Less than one year
Between two and five years
Over five years

Land and buildings

Aircraft and engines

Plant and machinery

2016
£m
2.8
8.9
5.5
17.2

2015
£m
1.6
9.2
5.4
16.2

2016
£m
22.3
52.4
2.0
76.7

2015
£m
18.5
50.3
6.1
74.9

2016
£m
9.7
11.8
0.4
21.9

2015
£m
11.3
18.7
2.3
32.3

25.  Contingent liabilities
The Group has issued various guarantees in the ordinary course of business, none of which are expected to lead to a financial gain 
or loss. 

26.  Notes to cash flow statement

Changes in net cash
Cash at bank and in hand
Bank loans due within one year
Cash and cash equivalents
Bank loans due after one year
Net cash

58

At 31 March 
2015
£m
237.3
(0.8)
236.5
(8.2)
228.3

Cash flow
£m
103.9
(80.3)
23.6
0.7
24.3

Exchange 
differences
£m
0.8
(2.3)
(1.5)
–
(1.5)

At 31 March 
2016
£m
342.0
(83.4)
258.6
(7.5)
251.1

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 201627.  Pension scheme
The Group operates a defined contribution scheme. The pension charge for the period represents contributions payable by the 
Group to the scheme and amounted to £6.3m (2015: £5.8m). There were no outstanding or prepaid contributions at either the 
current or previous year end.

28.  Related party transactions
Compensation of key management personnel
The key management personnel of the Group comprise the Executive and Non-Executive Directors, as outlined on page 21 of the 
Annual Report. The compensation of key management personnel can be found in note 9 to the consolidated financial statements 
and in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration set out on pages 24 to 27 of the Annual Report.

29.  Separately disclosed items
Separately disclosed items were presented in the middle column of the year ended 31 March 2015 Consolidated Income Statement 
in order to assist the reader’s understanding of underlying business performance and to provide a more meaningful presentation. 
The right hand column presents the results for that year showing all gains and losses recorded in the Consolidated Income 
Statement.

EU Regulation 261
The prior year results included a separately disclosed exceptional provision of £17.0m, in relation to possible passenger 
compensation claims for historical flight delays under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. 

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

59

AccountsParent Company Balance Sheet 

at 31 March 2016

Fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets

Investments

Current assets

Debtors – of which falling due > 1 year: £5.5m (2015: £6.3m)

Cash and cash equivalents

Money market deposits

Current liabilities

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current liabilities

Total assets less current liabilities

Loans falling due after more than one year

Deferred taxation

Net assets

Shareholders’ equity

Share capital

Share premium

Profit and loss account

Cash flow hedging reserve

Total shareholders’ equity 

Note

5

6

7

8

9

2016
£m

386.8

22.7

409.5

18.2

10.3

20.0

48.5

(354.2)

(305.7)

103.8

(7.5)

(20.1)

76.2

1.8

12.4

62.2

(0.2)

76.2

2015
£m

263.3

22.8

286.1

17.5

0.3

15.0

32.8

(219.1)

(186.3)

99.8

(8.2)

(19.9)

71.7

1.8

11.9

55.0

3.0

71.7

The accounts on pages 60 to 68 were approved by the Board of Directors at a meeting held on 27 July 2016 and were signed on 
its behalf by:

Gary Brown 
Group Chief Financial Officer

Dart Group PLC 
Registered no. 01295221

60

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016Parent Company Statement of 
Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 March 2016

Balance at 31 March 2014

Total comprehensive income for the year

Issue of share capital

Dividends paid in the year 

Dividends received in the year

Balance at 31 March 2015

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Issue of share capital

Dividends paid in the year 

Dividends received in the year

Balance at 31 March 2016

Share
 capital
£m

1.8

–

–

–

–

1.8

–

–

–

–

1.8

Share 
premium
£m

Cash flow 
hedging 
reserve
£m

Retained 
earnings
£m

Total 
shareholders’ 
equity
£m

11.4

–

0.5

–

–

11.9

–

0.5

–

–

12.4

(1.7)

4.7

–

–

–

3.0

(3.2)

–

–

–

(0.2)

52.6

(13.8)

–

(4.2)

20.4

55.0

(8.2)

–

(4.6)

20.0

62.2

64.1

(9.1)

0.5

(4.2)

20.4

71.7

(11.4)

0.5

(4.6)

20.0

76.2

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

61

AccountsNotes to the Parent Company 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

1.  Basis of preparation
The separate financial statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006. The Company meets 
the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 100 Application of Financial Reporting Requirements issued by the Financial Reporting 
Council. Accordingly, in the year ended 31 March 2016 the Company has decided to adopt FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure 
Framework. The transition from Old UK GAAP, which is explained in more detail in note 15, is not considered to have had a material 
effect on the financial statements.

In these financial statements, the Company has applied the exemptions available under FRS 101 in respect of the following 
disclosures:

■■ a cash flow statement and related notes; 

■■ comparative period reconciliations for share capital and tangible fixed assets; 

■■ transactions with other Group companies; 

■■ capital management; 

■■ the effects of new but not yet effective IFRS;

■■ an additional balance sheet for the beginning of the earliest comparative period following the retrospective change in accounting 

policy; and

■■ compensation of key management personnel.

As the consolidated financial statements include the equivalent disclosures, the Company has also taken the exemptions under  
FRS 101 available in respect of the following disclosures: 

■■ IFRS 2 Share Based Payments in respect of Group settled share based payments;

■■ Certain disclosures required by IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement and the disclosures required by IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: 

Disclosures.

The Company proposes to continue to adopt the reduced disclosure framework of FRS 101 in relation to future financial statements. 

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these 
financial statements and in preparing an opening FRS 101 balance sheet at 1 April 2014 for the purposes of the transition to FRS 
101.

2.   Significant accounting policies
Going concern
Dart Group PLC is accounted for on a going concern basis. The Company provides aircraft leasing, treasury, legal and IT 
management services to the Group and, accordingly, its financial performance is inextricably linked with the performance of its 
subsidiaries.

The Directors have prepared financial forecasts for the Company, comprising operating profit, balance sheets and cash flows 
through to 31 March 2019.

For the purpose of assessing the appropriateness of the preparation of the Company’s accounts on a going concern basis, the 
Directors have considered the current cash position, the availability of banking facilities, the Company’s net current liability position, 
and sensitised forecasts of future trading through to 31 March 2019, including performance against financial covenants and the 
assessment of principal areas of uncertainty and risk.

Having considered the points outlined above, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company will be able to operate 
within the levels of available banking facilities and cash for the foreseeable future. Consequently, they continue to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016.

Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets 
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that 
date, and differences arising are recognised in the results for the year.

62

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 20162.  Significant accounting policies continued
Investments
Investments are recorded at cost, less provision for impairment in value where appropriate.

Tangible fixed assets
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any provision for impairment. Interest attributable 
to the purchase of aircraft and other assets and progress payments on account is capitalised and added to the cost of the asset 
concerned. Interest is capitalised at rates equal to the rates paid on the financial instruments used to finance the purchase of 
aircraft.  

Depreciation is calculated to write the cost of property, plant and equipment down to each asset’s estimated residual value using the 
straight-line method over its estimated useful economic life, or the estimated useful economic life of individual major components, as 
follows:

Freehold property
Short leasehold property
Aircraft, engines and other components*
Plant, vehicles and equipment
* excluding pre-delivery payments and interest charges on associated borrowing (see below).

30 years 
Over the life of the lease 
2–30 years
3–7 years

Pre-delivery payments and interest charges on associated borrowing, in respect of future new aircraft arrivals, are recorded in 
property, plant and equipment at cost. Depreciation is not charged until the Company takes delivery of the respective aircraft.

The non-component value of each aircraft is depreciated to its expected residual value over its remaining useful life, which is 
assumed to end 20–30 years from original build date, depending on the type of aircraft. Where aircraft are subject to specific life 
extension expenditure, the cost of such work is depreciated over the remaining extended life.

Aircraft maintenance costs
Jet2.com Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary undertaking, leases aircraft from the Company and has a legal obligation to undertake 
specific periodic maintenance on the aircraft it operates. These obligations require Jet2.com to continue to maintain each aircraft 
and its engines in accordance with the aircraft manufacturer’s published maintenance programmes during the term of the lease and 
to ensure that each aircraft is returned to the Company in a satisfactory condition.

The Company receives a monthly security deposit from Jet2.com based on a monthly usage calculation that is set at a level  
which is estimated to cover the cost of future maintenance procedures when they occur. The deposit is refundable to  
Jet2.com immediately after each maintenance event has been completed by Jet2.com. Consequently, these deposits are 
classified as “amounts due to Group undertakings” within creditors less than one year. This arrangement does not constitute a 
financing transaction and no interest is charged on the deposit balance.

Borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recorded at fair value less any directly attributable transaction costs and premium or discount. 
The loans and borrowings are, where applicable, subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate 
method.   

Leases
Rental charges on operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. 

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash equivalents are defined as including short-term deposits maturing within three months of placement.  

Taxation
The charge for taxation is based on the profit for the year and takes into account taxation deferred because of timing differences 
between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes, which have arisen but not reversed, as required by  
IAS 12. 

Employee benefits
Pension costs
All pensions are provided from the proceeds of money purchase schemes. The charge to the profit and loss represents the 
payments due during the year.

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

63

Accounts 
 
 
Notes to the Parent Company 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

3.  Accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the Company’s accounting policies, which are described above, the Directors are required to make judgements, 
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.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in 
the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if 
the revision affects both current and future periods.

Judgements made by the Directors in the application of the Company’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect 
on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are discussed below.

Impairment of assets
A full impairment review of aircraft carrying values is undertaken annually or more frequently if a risk that carrying values are impaired 
is identified. The smallest cash-generating unit to which this can be applied is aircraft fleet type. 

The combined carrying value of aircraft, engines and other components totalled £384.1m (2015: £260.6m). No impairment losses 
were recorded during the year.

Residual value of tangible fixed assets
Judgements have been made in respect of the residual values of aircraft included in tangible fixed assets. Those judgements 
determine the amount of depreciation charged in the profit and loss account.

4.  Profit for the year
The Company has taken advantage of the provisions of section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has elected to not publish its 
own profit and loss account for the year. Of the profit on ordinary activities after taxation for the year, a loss of £8.2m (2015: loss 
£13.8m) is dealt with in the accounts of the Company. 

5.  Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 31 March 2015
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2016
Depreciation
At 31 March 2015
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 March 2016
Net book value
At 31 March 2016
At 31 March 2015

Freehold
property
£m

Short leasehold 
property
£m

Aircrafts, engines 
and other 
components
£m

Plant, vehicles 
& equipment
£m

1.6
–
–
1.6

–
–
–
–

1.6
1.6

1.2
–
–
1.2

(0.9)
(0.1)
–
(1.0)

0.2
0.3

399.0
159.0
(5.4)
552.6

(138.4)
(33.8)
3.7
(168.5)

384.1
260.6

7.2
0.6
–
7.8

(6.4)
(0.5)
–
(6.9)

0.9
0.8

Total
£m

409.0
159.6
(5.4)
563.2

(145.7)
(34.4)
3.7
(176.4)

386.8
263.3

Aircraft and engines having an original cost of £451.6m (2015: £399.0m) and accumulated depreciation of £168.5m (2015: 
£138.4m) are held for use by a subsidiary company under operating leases.   

The net book value of aircraft and engines includes £99.4m (2015: nil) relating to pre-delivery payments and interest charges on 
associated borrowing in respect of future new aircraft arrivals. This balance is not depreciated.

64

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 20166. 

Investment in subsidiaries

Shares in subsidiary undertakings at cost, and net investment: 
At 31 March 2015
Disposals
At 31 March 2016

£m

22.8
(0.1)
22.7

During the year, Dart Group PLC disposed of its £0.1m investment in its dormant subsidiary, Channel Express (C.I) Limited following 
a decision to liquidate the company. The following dormant subsidiaries were also liquidated during the year:

Bourne Aviation Supply Limited
Coolchain Group Limited
Deltec Aviation Services Limited 

The remaining subsidiary undertakings of the Company are:

Principal subsidiary undertakings:
Fowler Welch-Coolchain Limited *
Jet2.com Limited *
Jet2holidays Limited
Jet2 Transport Services Limited 
Other subsidiary undertakings:
Coolchain Limited *
Fowler Welch BV 
Fowler Welch Limited *
Fowler Welch (Containers) Limited 
Jet2 Limited *
Vardy Limited *

Principal activity

Distribution and logistics services
Leisure travel airline services
Leisure travel package holiday services
Transport services

Dormant company
Dormant company
Dormant company
Leasing services
Dormant company
Aviation services

% 
holding

100%
100%
100%
100%

Country of 
incorporation 
or registration

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

100%
United Kingdom
100%
Netherlands
100%
United Kingdom
100%
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
100%
100% Republic of Ireland

* Indicates investments held directly by Dart Group PLC as at 31 March 2016.

The issued share capital of each subsidiary undertaking consists entirely of ordinary shares except for Coolchain Limited, which has 
both ordinary and preference shares in issue.

All of the above subsidiaries have been consolidated in the Dart Group PLC consolidated accounts.

7.  Debtors

Other debtors and prepayments

Corporation tax recoverable

Amounts owed by Group undertakings – of which £5.5m falls due > one year: (2015: £6.1m)

Derivative financial instruments – of which £nil falls due > one year: (2015: £0.2m)

2016
£m

5.1

5.7

7.0

0.4

18.2

2015
£m

0.9

5.8

6.9

3.9

17.5

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

65

AccountsNotes to the Parent Company 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

8.  Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Bank overdraft

Trade creditors

Amounts owed to Group undertakings

Other creditors and accruals

Loans

Derivative financial instruments

2016
£m

51.7

0.1

215.8

2.6

83.4

0.6

354.2

2015
£m

58.6

0.1

157.8

1.9

0.7

–

219.1

Included in amounts owed to Group undertakings are maintenance security deposits repayable to Jet2.com of £129.4m  
(2015: £108.4m).

The bank overdraft position within Dart Group PLC reflects the fact that funds are managed on a Group basis, with composite 
banking arrangements in place with the Group’s bankers, allowing offset with individual bank and overdraft accounts in different 
currencies across the Group.

9.  Deferred taxation

Deferred taxation arising from:

Opening balance

Charge / (credit) to income

(Credit) / charge to equity

Deferred tax liability at end of year

2016
£m

19.9

1.1

(0.9)

20.1

2015
£m

19.7

(1.1)

1.3

19.9

There are no unrecognised deferred taxation balances at 31 March 2016 (2015: £nil). The deferred tax balance is broken down 
below:

Accelerated Capital Allowances 

Timing differences on derivative financial instruments

10.  Directors and employees

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs

2016
£m

20.1

–

20.1

2016
£m

1.7

0.2

0.1

2.0

2015
£m

19.0

0.9

19.9

2015
£m

1.5

0.2

0.1

1.8

On average, the Company had 12 employees during the year ended 31 March 2016 (2015: 10). Details of Directors’ emoluments 
are set out in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 24 to 27. Details of the highest paid Director are set out in note 9 to the 
consolidated financial statements.

66

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 201611.  Share based payments
Details of share based payment schemes operated by the Group are disclosed in note 23 to the consolidated financial statements. 
Amounts charged in the Company accounts for the year were £nil (2015: £nil).

12.  Contingent liabilities
The Company has cross guarantees in respect of the banking arrangements of certain of its subsidiary undertakings. In the normal 
course of business, a number of contingent liabilities have arisen in the Group and Company; none of these are expected to lead to 
a material gain or loss.

13.  Related party transactions
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption granted by paragraph 8(k) of FRS 101, not to disclose transactions and 
balances with other Group companies.

14.  Other information
Disclosure notes relating to Auditor’s remuneration and called up share capital are included within the consolidated financial 
statements of the Group in notes 7 and 23 respectively. 

15.  Explanation of transition to FRS 101 from Old UK GAAP
These are the Company’s first financial statements prepared in accordance with FRS 101. 

The accounting policies set out in note 2 have been applied in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016, 
the comparative information presented in these financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2015 and in the preparation of an 
opening FRS 101 balance sheet at 1 April 2014 (the Company’s date of transition).

In preparing its FRS 101 balance sheet, the Company has adjusted amounts reported previously in financial statements prepared 
in accordance with its old basis of accounting (Old UK GAAP). An explanation of how the transition from Old UK GAAP to FRS 101 
has affected the Company’s financial position is set out in the table below.

Notes to the reconciliation of equity table presented below
a.  Under Old UK GAAP (FRS 15) spare aircraft parts were classified as stock. In accordance with IAS 16 property, plant and 

equipment, these items are now classified as property, plant and equipment because they are expected to be used over more 
than one period.

b.  Under Old UK GAAP, the mark-to-market revaluations of derivative financial instruments were not required to be reported. In 
accordance with IAS 39 and IFRS 7 all such revaluations are now reported on the balance sheet. Deferred taxation is also 
recognised on these balances in accordance with IAS 12 income taxes.

  Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a recognised asset or liability, 

or a highly probable forecast transaction, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument from the inception of 
the hedging relationship is recognised directly in the cash flow hedging reserve within equity. Any ineffective portion is recognised 
within the Income Statement.

For all other cash flow hedges, the recycling of the cash flow hedge is taken to the Income Statement in the same period in 
which the hedged transaction begins to affect profit or loss.

c.  Short-term deposits with a maturity of more than three months at the point of placement were included in cash and cash 

equivalents under Old UK GAAP. These are reclassified as money market deposits in accordance with IAS 7 statement of cash 
flows.

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

67

Accounts 
Notes to the Parent Company 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2016

15.  Explanation of transition to FRS 101 from Old UK GAAP continued
Reconciliation of equity: 

Fixed assets 
Tangible fixed assets 
Investments 

Current assets
Stock
Other debtors and prepayments
Corporation tax recoverable
Amounts due from Group undertakings
Derivative financial instruments
Cash at bank and in hand
Money market deposits

Creditors: amounts falling due 
within one year 
Bank overdraft 
Trade creditors 
Amounts owed to Group undertakings 
Other creditors and accruals
Loans 
Derivative financial instruments

Net current liabilities

Creditors: amounts falling due after 
more than one year 
Loans
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax

Net assets

Capital and reserves 
Called up share capital
Share premium
Profit and loss account
Cash flow hedge reserve
Shareholders’ equity 

Note

a

a

b
c
c

b

b
b

b
b

1 April 2014
Effect of 
transition to 
FRS 101

FRS 101

3.3
–
3.3

(3.3)
–
–
–
–
–
–
(3.3)

–
–
–
–
–
(2.1)
(2.1)
(5.4)

–
(0.1)
0.4
0.3
(1.8)

–
–
(0.1)
(1.7)
(1.8)

244.6
29.2
273.8

–
1.3
3.4
7.4
–
4.7
–
16.8

(19.1)
(0.5)
(174.0)
(1.5)
(0.7)
(2.1)
(197.9)
(181.1)

(8.8)
(0.1)
(19.7)
(28.6)
64.1

1.8
11.4
52.6
(1.7)
64.1

Old UK 
GAAP

241.3
29.2
270.5

3.3
1.3
3.4
7.4
–
4.7
–
20.1

(19.1)
(0.5)
(174.0)
(1.5)
(0.7)
–
(195.8)
(175.7)

(8.8)
–
(20.1)
(28.9)
65.9

1.8
11.4
52.7
–
65.9

31 March 2015
Effect of 
transition to 
FRS 101

FRS 101

2.1
–
2.1

(2.1)
–
–
–
3.9
(15.0)
15.0
1.8

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1.8

–
–
(0.9)
(0.9)
3.0

–
–
–
3.0
3.0

263.3
22.8
286.1

–
0.9
5.8
6.9
3.9
0.3
15.0
32.8

(58.6)
(0.1)
(157.8)
(1.9)
(0.7)
–
(219.1)
(186.3)

(8.2)
–
(19.9)
(28.1)
71.7

1.8
11.9
55.0
3.0
71.7

Old UK 
GAAP

261.2
22.8
284.0

2.1
0.9
5.8
6.9
–
15.3
–
31.0

(58.6)
(0.1)
(157.8)
(1.9)
(0.7)
–
(219.1)
(188.1)

(8.2)
–
(19.0)
(27.2)
68.7

1.8
11.9
55.0
–
68.7

68

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016Glossary of Terms

Ambient

ATOL

Non-temperature-controlled distribution.

Air Travel Organiser’s License.

Average Package Holiday Price

Total package holiday revenue, excluding Non-ticket Revenue, in a period, divided by the 
number of package holiday customers departing in that period.

Capacity

CAGR

CODM

EBITDA

See Sector Seats Available below.

Compound average growth rate.

Chief operating decision maker.

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation.

Load Factor

The percentage relationship of Passenger Sectors Flown to Sector Seats Available.

Miles per Gallon

Average number of miles driven for every gallon of fuel consumed.

Net Ticket Yield

Non-ticket Revenue

Total airline ticket revenue, excluding taxes, divided by the number of Passenger Sectors 
Flown.

All non-ticket revenue, including hold baggage charges, advanced seat assignment fees, 
extra leg room fees, in-flight sales and commissions earned on car hire and insurance 
bookings.

Passenger Sectors Flown

Number of passengers flown on a single leg journey. Passengers flown comprises seats sold 
(including no-shows), seats for promotional purposes and seats provided to staff for business 
travel.

Sector

A single leg flight journey.

Sector Seats Available

Total number of seats available according to the Leisure Travel scheduled flying programme 
(also known as Capacity).

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

69

Supplementary InformationSecretary and Advisers

Registered number

1295221

Secretary and Registered Office 

Ian Day
Low Fare Finder House
Leeds Bradford International Airport
Leeds 
LS19 7TU

Auditor

Registrars

Bankers

Stockbrokers

Nominated advisers

Solicitors 

KPMG LLP
1 Sovereign Square 
Sovereign Street
Leeds
LS1 4DA

Capita Asset Services
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent
BR3 4TU

Barclays Bank PLC 
1 Park Row 
Leeds 
LS1 5WU

Clydesdale Bank
(trading as Yorkshire Bank)
Corporate Banking (1st Floor)
Merrion Way
Leeds 
LS2 8NZ

Arden Partners plc 
125 Old Broad Street 
London 
EC2N 1AR

Smith & Williamson Corporate Finance 
Limited
25 Moorgate
London
EC2R 6AY

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Exchange House
Primrose Street 
London
EC2A 2EG

Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
3 More London Riverside
London
SE1 2AQ

Lloyds Bank plc
2nd Floor
Lisbon House
116 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 4LT

Santander Global Banking & Markets
2 Triton Square
Regent’s Place
London
NW1 3AN

Canaccord Genuity Limited
9th Floor
88 Wood Street
London
EC2V 7QR

Bird & Bird LLP
15 Fetter Lane
London
EC4A 1JP

70

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 2016Financial Calendar

Annual General Meeting

Proposed final dividend payment

8 September 2016 

21 October 2016

Results for the six months to 30 September 2016

17 November 2016 

Results for the twelve months to 31 March 2017

 July 2017

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

71

Supplementary InformationShareholder Notes

72

24809.04 – 5 August 2016 10:58 AM – Proof 7

Annual Report & Accounts 201624809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM – Proof 7

A

n

n

u

a

l

R

e

p

o

r

t

&

A

c

c

o

u

n

t

s

2

0

1

6

Low Fare Finder House 
Leeds Bradford International Airport
Leeds 
LS19 7TU

+44 (0)113 238 7444
information@dartgroup.co.uk
www.dartgroup.co.uk

24809.04 – 8 August 2016 7:16 AM –Proof 7