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FY2017 Annual Report · Jet2 plc
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Annual Report & Accounts 2017

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof

Welcome to our  
Annual Report & Accounts 2017

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

Leisure Travel

Distribution & Logistics

The provision of ATOL licensed Package 
Holidays by our tour operator, Jet2holidays® 
and scheduled leisure flights by our airline, 
Jet2.com®, to holiday destinations in the 
Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and to 
European Leisure Cities.

The distribution, by Fowler Welch®, of fresh 
produce, and temperature-controlled and 
ambient products throughout the UK, on behalf 
of retailers, processors, growers and importers.

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof

Contents

Strategic Report
Our Chairman’s Statement .............................. 10

Business & Financial Review ........................... 14

Key Performance Indicators ............................ 22

Risk Management ........................................... 23

Corporate Social Responsibility ...................... 28

Our People ..................................................... 29

Our Governance
Corporate Governance Statement .................. 34

Audit Committee Report ................................. 36

Board of Directors .......................................... 37

Report on Directors’ Remuneration ................. 38

Directors’ Report ............................................ 42

Independent Auditor’s Report ......................... 44

Our Financials
Consolidated Income Statement ..................... 48

Consolidated Statement of  
Comprehensive Income .................................. 49

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position ... 50

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows  ......... 51

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity .. 52

Notes to the Consolidated  
Financial Statements ...................................... 53

Parent Company Balance Sheet ..................... 74

Parent Company Statement of 
Changes in Equity ........................................... 75

Notes to the Parent  
Company Financial Statements ...................... 76

Supplementary Information

Glossary of Terms ........................................... 84

Secretary and Advisers  .................................. 85

Financial Calendar .......................................... 86

Financial Highlights

Revenue (£m)

CAGR

+19%

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

869.2

1,120.2

1,253.2

1,405.4

1,729.3

Operating Profit (£m)

CAGR

+28%

37.9

49.2

50.2

2013

2014

2015*

2016

2017

Advance Sales at Year End (£m)

CAGR

+28%

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

407.5

484.9

580.3

767.5

105.0

103.0

1,078.0

*  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.

01

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukOperational Highlights
Leisure Travel

Manchester Hangar

In November 2016, Jet2.com opened the doors of its new 
maintenance hangar at Manchester Airport. This fantastic 
development gives our business the opportunity to build our base 
maintenance capability in Manchester, together with our base 
maintenance facility at Leeds Bradford International Airport.

Nearly 65,000 square feet of hangar space will house two Boeing 
757-200s – or three Boeing 737-800s – side-by-side, providing 
enormous flexibility. Since acquisition, a huge amount of work has 
been undertaken to bring the hangar up to Jet2.com standards, 
including internal refurbishment and alterations to the building, the 
installation of LED lighting throughout, the creation of facilities for 
Engineers training and a Leisure Travel contact centre. In addition, we 
have extensively rebranded both the interior and the exterior.

Our Manchester Hangar

New Aircraft Deliveries
The financial year was a momentous one for the Group as our first 
brand new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft arrived, touching down at Leeds 
Bradford International Airport on 15 September 2016.

Deliveries will recommence in September 2017, with the last of the 34 
ordered aircraft expected to be delivered in January 2019.

Our new fleet benefits from interior innovations that provide more 
comfort for our customers, with the Boeing 737 ‘Sky Interior’. This 
includes sculpted sidewalls and a cabin design that offers more 
openness and extra legroom. 

Extra time on holiday for you

02

Our new Boeing 737-800NG interior

Expanding Resort Flight Check-In®
Our exclusive ‘Resort Flight Check-In®’ service allows Jet2holidays’ 
customers to drop off their bags at their hotel before going to the airport 
for their flight home.

Customers then have extra time to enjoy themselves at their resort 
without lugging suitcases around and also to enjoy a speedier journey 
through to airport security.

This free, safe and secure service has proved to be extremely popular 
with our customers and as a result we have expanded the service to 
over 180 hotels in the holiday resorts of Costa Blanca, Majorca, Tenerife, 
Costa Del Sol, Lanzarote and Cyprus.

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukOur Destinations

CITY BREAK

SKI
SUN

Benidorm 
Alicante

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

BELFAST

NEWCASTLE

LEEDS
BRADFORD

MANCHESTER

EAST
MIDLANDS

BIRMINGHAM

LONDON
STANSTED

JERSEY

LA ROCHELLE

PARIS

BERGERAC

TOULOUSE

AMSTERDAM

BERLIN

DUSSELDORF

PRAGUE

KRAKOW

VIENNA

GENEVA

VERONA

SALZBURG

BUDAPEST

LYON

TURIN

GRENOBLE

VENICE

PULA

GIRONA

NICE

PISA

BARCELONA

REUS

MENORCA

ROME

NAPLES

Ponta da Piedade 
Lagos, The Algarve

ALGARVE
(FARO)

COSTA DE
ALMERIA

ALICANTE

MAJORCA

IBIZA

MALAGA

MURCIA

MADEIRA

GRAN
CANARIA

LANZAROTE

TENERIFE

FUERTEVENTURA

Playa Flamingo 
Lanzarote

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MONTENEGRO

SPLIT

DUBROVNIK

MALTA

HALKIDIKI

BODRUM

CORFU

KEFALONIA

ZANTE

KOS

DALAMAN

RHODES

ANTALYA

LARNACA

CRETE

PAPHOS

CITY BREAK

SKI

SUN

MADEIRA

GRAN

CANARIA

LANZAROTE

TENERIFE

FUERTEVENTURA

GLASGOW

BELFAST

EDINBURGH

NEWCASTLE

LEEDS

BRADFORD

MANCHESTER

EAST

MIDLANDS

BIRMINGHAM

LONDON

STANSTED

JERSEY

LA ROCHELLE

PARIS

BERGERAC

TOULOUSE

LYON

TURIN

GRENOBLE

Karlskirche 
Vienna

Sveti Stefan 
Montenegro

Bodrum 
Amphitheatre 
Bodrum Resort, Bodrum Area

AMSTERDAM

BERLIN

DUSSELDORF

PRAGUE

KRAKOW

VIENNA
VIENNA

GENEVA

VERONA

SALZBURG

BUDAPEST

VENICE

PULA

GIRONA

NICE

PISA

BARCELONA

REUS

MENORCA

ROME

NAPLES

MONTENEGRO

SPLIT

DUBROVNIK

CORFU

KEFALONIA

ZANTE

COSTA DE

ALMERIA

ALICANTE

MAJORCA

IBIZA

ALGARVE

(FARO)

MALAGA

MURCIA

HALKIDIKI

BODRUM

KOS

DALAMAN

RHODES

ANTALYA

LARNACA

CRETE

PAPHOS

MALTA

Colosseum 
Rome

East Beach 
Alanya, Antalya Area

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

S
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O
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www.dartgroup.co.uk 
 
 
 
 
Alicante  Almeria  Amsterdam  Antalya 
Barcelona 
Bergerac  Berlin  Bodrum  Budapest 
Corfu  Crete  Dalaman  Dubrovnik  Düsseldorf 
Faro  (Algarve)  Florence  Fuerteventura  Geneva 
Girona  Gran  Canaria  Grenoble 

Jersey 

Ibiza 

Kefalonia  Kos  Krakow  La  Rochelle  Lanzarote 

Larnaca  (Cyprus)  Lyon  Madeira  Majorca  Malaga 

Malta  Menorca  Murcia  Naples  New York  Nice  
Paphos  (Cyprus)  Paris  Pisa  Prague  Pula  Reus  Rhodes 
Rome  Salzburg  Split  Tenerife  Thessaloniki  (Halkidiki) 
Toulouse  Turin  Venice  Verona  Vienna  Zante

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Shell

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

06

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukAlicante  Almeria  Amsterdam  Antalya 
Bergerac  Berlin  Bodrum  Budapest 

Barcelona 

Corfu  Crete  Dalaman  Dubrovnik  Düsseldorf 
Faro  (Algarve)  Florence  Fuerteventura  Geneva 
Girona  Gran  Canaria  Grenoble 
Jersey 

Ibiza 

Kefalonia  Kos  Krakow  La  Rochelle  Lanzarote 

Larnaca  (Cyprus)  Lyon  Madeira  Majorca  Malaga 

Malta  Menorca  Murcia  Naples  New York  Nice  
Paphos  (Cyprus)  Paris  Pisa  Prague  Pula  Reus  Rhodes 
Rome  Salzburg  Split  Tenerife  Thessaloniki  (Halkidiki) 
Toulouse  Turin  Venice  Verona  Vienna  Zante

06

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukOur New Bases

S
t
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a
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i
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R
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p
o
r
t

Two in one day! Jet2.com and Jet2holidays celebrated a 
major milestone on 30 March 2017, as our first ever flights and 
holidays took off from TWO brand new UK bases - London 
Stansted Airport and Birmingham Airport - on the same day!

Following these inaugural departures, Jet2.com flights and 
Jet2holidays Package Holidays are now available from nine UK 
bases, with over 300 routes to sun, city and ski destinations. 
These new base launches are the latest step in our growth 
and development since commencing leisure flights from Leeds 
Bradford Airport in 2003, when we operated to 11 destinations.

There were celebrations in the air at both bases for the first day 
of flying as hundreds of holidaymakers were waved off with 
personalised gifts, and the very first customers to check in at 
each base were surprised with free holiday vouchers.

The official arrival of Jet2.com’s and Jet2holidays’ award-
winning flights and holidays in the West Midlands and London 
& The South of England give us a truly national presence, and 
both bases have seen buoyant trading from direct customers 
and travel agents.

At London Stansted, we have already added more routes and 
aircraft to our programme since going on sale in September 
2016. We now fly to 35 fantastic leisure destinations on seven 
brand-new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. The scale of this 
operation makes London Stansted our fourth-biggest UK 
base, with up to 96 weekly flights at peak season. The major 
investment into the operation has created over 400 jobs in flight 
and cabin crew, engineering, and ground operations roles.

At Birmingham Airport, we will fly to a total of 36 destinations 
with flights operating on four brand new Boeing 737-800NG 
aircraft. More than 300 jobs have been created as a result of the 
operation, which will see 57 weekly flights at peak times.

Happy to Help every step of the way

Birmingham

Checking in at Birmingham Airport

London Stansted

Checking in at London Stansted

07

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Our GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationAnnual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk 
Strategic
Report

Our Chairman’s Statement ..................................................................10
Business & Financial Review ...............................................................14
Key Performance Indicators ............................................................... 22
Risk Management .............................................................................. 23
Corporate Social Responsibility ..........................................................28
Our People ......................................................................................... 29

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

WE TAKE
PEOPLE ON
HOLIDAY!

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Our Chairman’s Statement

I am pleased to report the Group’s trading performance 
for the year ended 31 March 2017.

Profit before taxation reduced by 14% to £90.1m (2016: 
£104.2m). This result includes considerable investment to 
launch our two new Jet2.com operating bases at Birmingham 
and London Stansted Airports and also includes a £10.9m 
charge for foreign exchange revaluation losses (2016: £1.3m). 
Before accounting for these revaluation losses, underlying 
profit before taxation reduced by 4% to £101.0m (2016: 
£105.5m). Basic earnings per share fell by 14% to 51.80p 
(2016: 60.22p).

In consideration of these results, the Board is recommending 
a final dividend of 3.897p per share (2016: 3.100p), which will 
bring the total proposed dividend to 5.272p per share for the 
year (2016: 4.000p), an increase of 32%. This final dividend 
is subject to shareholders’ approval at the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting on 7 September 2017 and will be payable on 
27 October 2017 to shareholders on the register at the close of 
business on 22 September 2017.

The profit performance in the year primarily reflects the 
continuing investment in, and success of, the Group’s Leisure 
Travel business, which combines both Jet2.com, our leisure 
airline and Jet2holidays, our Package Holidays provider. 

Jet2.com flew a total of 7.10m passengers (one-way passenger 
sectors) (2016: 6.07m), to and from popular sun, city and ski 
destinations during the year, an increase of 17%. Demand 
for our Real Package Holidays™ continued to grow as 

Jet2holidays took 1.73m customers on Package Holidays 
(2016: 1.22m), an increase of 42%, representing 49% of overall 
flown passengers (2016: 40%). Our important flight-only product 
was enjoyed by 3.64m passengers in the year (2016: 3.63m). 
Average airline ticket yields at £86.65 (2016: £91.11) and 
average load factors at 91.5% (2016: 92.5%) were respectively 
5% and one percentage point lower than those achieved in the 
prior year. The average price of a Package Holiday was £617 
(2016: £616). As a result, revenue in our Leisure Travel business 
increased by 24% to £1,565.8m (2016: £1,261.4m). 

In July and September 2016, we were delighted to announce 
Birmingham and London Stansted Airports as our 8th and 9th 
UK operating bases. Operations at both commenced on 30 
March 2017, providing customers with a combined 58 new 
routes to Mediterranean and Canary Island holiday destinations. 
We believe both bases have great potential for our holiday 
business, further strengthening our position in the Midlands and 
enabling us to serve, for the first time, customers in North & East 
London and the East of England. 

Our Distribution & Logistics business, Fowler Welch, achieved 
revenue growth of 14% to £163.5m (2016: £144.0m), primarily 
due to new contracts which commenced during the year. 
However, operating profit fell by £0.9m to £4.5m (2016: £5.4m) 
as operating margins were impacted by very competitive 
market conditions, particularly in the ambient sector, and a 
£0.4m bad debt write-off relating to a customer who went into 
administration.

10

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukPackage Holidays You Can Trust

The Group generated increased net cash from operating 
activities of £331.1m (2016: £243.9m). Total capital expenditure 
of £473.9m (2016: £213.5m) included the purchase of new and 
mid-life Boeing 737-800NG aircraft and pre-delivery payments, 
which have been substantially financed, for further new aircraft 
deliveries. We also invested in a new engineering facility at 
Manchester Airport, added a fourth flight simulator to our 
training centre in Bradford and continued to invest in the long-
term maintenance of our aircraft fleet, whilst at Fowler Welch 
we completed the extension to our Teynham distribution centre.

As at 31 March 2017, the Group’s cash and money market 
deposit balances had increased by £277.0m (2016: £109.2m) 
to £689.0m (2016: £412.0m) which included advance payments 
from Leisure Travel customers of £553.9m (2016: £385.8m) in 
respect of their future holidays and flights. Net cash (stated after 
borrowings) was £168.5m (2016: £321.1m).

I am also very pleased to announce that from the financial year 
starting 1 April 2018, the Group will implement a Discretionary 
Colleague Profit Sharing Scheme. This Scheme is intended to 
reward those colleagues who do not already participate in a 
performance related bonus or commission scheme and who 
have been continuously employed for at least 12 months. 
The profit share will be calculated at the rate of 5% of profit 
before taxation, excluding foreign currency revaluations and 
other exceptional items, for the respective Leisure Travel 
or Distribution & Logistics businesses, and will be paid in 
proportion to each colleague’s basic salary. The first payment 
will be made in July 2019 following the audit of the financial 
results for the year ending 31 March 2019.

Leisure Travel

We take people on holiday! Our leading UK Leisure Travel 
business specialises in scheduled holiday flights by our 
award-winning leisure airline, Jet2.com, to 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.

In summer 2016, Jet2.com operated 63 aircraft from our then 
seven Northern UK airport bases to 63 destinations, serving 440 
holiday resorts, including the addition of three new destinations: 
Girona in Spain, Naples and Berlin. With the commencement 
of operations from Birmingham and London Stansted Airports 
and the addition of two new destinations, Costa de Almeria in 
Spain and Halkidiki in Greece, the aircraft fleet has increased to 
75 for summer 2017, with a commensurate increase in pilots, 
engineers and cabin crew. 

Whether taking a holiday flight with Jet2.com, or end-to-end 
Real Package Holidays™ with Jet2holidays, we recognise 
that this is one of the most important family experiences of 
the year. Our core principles therefore are to be family friendly, 
offer value for money and give great service, so each of our 
customers “has a lovely holiday”. 

Passengers travel on Jet2.com operated aircraft, ensuring 
that we carefully control the quality of the flight experience. Our 
passenger numbers allow us to serve many of our destinations 
daily and others several times a week during the spring, summer 
and autumn months, enabling us to offer a great choice of 
variable duration holidays at affordable prices, whilst optimising 
load factors which are consistently above 90%. 

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

11

Strategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationAnnual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukFor those passengers who have arranged their own 
accommodation, our flights offer competitive fares, convenient 
flight times, allocated seating and a 22kg baggage allowance. At 
check-in, we aim to deliver a speedy and friendly experience with 
customer helpers on hand to assist, whilst on board, our cabin 
crew and pilots are intent on ensuring that the holiday starts and 
finishes with a relaxed and pleasant flight. 

Our Real Package Holidays™ give us the opportunity to deliver 
a memorable experience to which we add value through innovation 
and customer service - the delivery of great service is at the heart 
of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays brand values. To underpin these 
values, we deliver a company-wide engagement programme called 
‘Take Me There’, to ensure that every colleague in the business has 
received training on the importance of delivering service excellence 
at every point in our customers’ journey.

Over 41% of our Package Holidays were sold on an all-inclusive 
basis offering 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 times of 
economic uncertainty. 

Over the last 10 years, we have carefully developed relationships 
with over 2,900 hotels. We often place substantial deposits to 
secure a dependable and competitive room offering in the most 
attractive hotels, always ensuring that we are satisfying our 
customers’ need for choice and quality. Encompassing a wide 
range of great value 2 to 5-star accommodation, catering for 
young & old and families alike, many hotels have adjacent water 
parks and other great attractions included in the package, adding 
enjoyment and interest to the overall holiday experience. And in 
June 2017, we launched Jet2Villas, so our customers can now 
enjoy the freedom of a great value Villa Holiday wrapped up in  
one package, with Jet2.com flights, accommodation and car  
hire all included.

In summer 2017, over 450 customer helpers will be employed 
in our holiday resorts to look after our customers, backed up by 
24-hour helplines to give practical assistance in all eventualities. 
Together with our airport-to-hotel transfer services, everything is 
organised to make our customers’ holidays easy and carefree. 
Our Resort Flight Check-In® service, introduced at many hotels 
in summer 2016, has proven to be extremely popular and has 
been expanded to over 180 hotels for summer 2017. This service 
allows Jet2holidays customers to check-in their baggage for 
their return flight at their hotel, letting them enjoy their final day, 
bag and hassle free.

Having built a strong brand and reputation in the North of the 
UK for providing Package Holidays you can trust ®, we 
are committed to achieving the same reputation for providing 
wonderful holidays from our new bases at Birmingham and 
London Stansted Airports. Sustained levels of investment in 
product, brand and customer service excellence, plus the 
delivery of an attractive end-to-end product, which has proved 
its resilience over a number of years, gives us the greatest 
opportunity to retain and attract customers. We therefore believe 
we have a great future in the UK Leisure Travel marketplace. 

Distribution & Logistics

Our distribution business, Fowler Welch, is one of the UK’s 
leading providers of food supply chain services, serving retailers, 
processors, growers and importers through its distribution 
network. A full range of added value services is provided, 
including the packing of fruits, storage and case-level picking and 
an award-winning national distribution network.

The business operates from nine prime UK distribution sites, 
with major temperature-controlled operations in the key produce 
growing and importing areas of Spalding in Lincolnshire; Teynham 
and Paddock Wood in Kent and Hilsea near Portsmouth. 

12

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukFurther regional distribution sites are located at Nuneaton near 
Coventry, Washington, Tyne and Wear and at Newton Abbott, 
Devon. Ambient (non-temperature-controlled) consolidation and 
distribution services are provided at Heywood near Bury, Greater 
Manchester and Desborough, Northamptonshire. 

During the first half of the year, the business completed a 50,000 
square foot extension to its Teynham facility. This demand-led 
capacity increase enabled the expansion of Fowler Welch’s 
joint venture fruit ripening and packing business, Integrated 
Service Solutions (ISS), and builds capacity for further revenue 
opportunities at the site 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. 

In June 2016, a transport and distribution solution for Dairy Crest 
Limited based at Nuneaton in the Midlands, a new region for the 
business, was introduced to the network. Following a seamless 
implementation, which included the transfer of Dairy Crest 
colleagues and fleet to Fowler Welch, the business contributed 
positively in the year. This operation provides an important 
additional revenue stream and adds to the geographical reach of 
our significant chilled distribution services. 

Fowler Welch has a strong and experienced management team 
and a skilled workforce that prides itself on high standards of 
customer service, price competitiveness and an ability to provide 
flexible and innovative solutions, critical qualities in a sector where 
both supplier and retailer supply chains are perpetually evolving to 
meet consumers’ ever-changing shopping habits. 

We are therefore pleased that several of the business initiatives 
laid in place by management are now coming to fruition and we 
remain encouraged by the many opportunities still available. We 
believe there is a bright, interesting and profitable future ahead  
for Fowler Welch. 

ISS packing lines, Teynham

Outlook

Both our Leisure Travel and Distribution & Logistics 
businesses have made satisfactory starts to the new financial 
year. Given visibility on current forward bookings and the recent 
successful launch of our new operating bases at Birmingham and 
London Stansted Airports, the Board expects to meet current 
market expectations of underlying profit before taxation for the 
year ending 31 March 2018. 

Looking further ahead, there remains considerable uncertainty 
around “Brexit” negotiations and the effect these could have, both 
on our freedom to fly and on our customers’ ability to travel to 
our leisure destinations. This is unsettling; however, we believe 
that the UK Government recognises the importance of aviation 
services, and similarly, European countries appreciate the value 
that British tourists bring to their respective economies. Therefore, 
for the long-term, we remain confident in the resilience of our 
Leisure Travel business and we are encouraged by the increasing 
proportion of customers choosing our great value, Real Package 
Holidays™, which are not easily replicated by non-specialists, and 
have proven particularly popular in challenging economic times. 

Philip Meeson  
Executive Chairman
13 July 2017

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

13

Strategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationAnnual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukBusiness & Financial Review

The Group’s financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2017 is reported in line with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (“IFRS”), as adopted by the EU. 

Our Pilots, Engineers and Cabin Crew Training Centre

Summary Income Statement

Revenue

Net operating expenses

Operating profit

Net financing (costs) / income

Group profit before FX revaluations and taxation

Net FX revaluation losses 

Group profit before taxation

Net financing costs (including net FX revaluations)

Depreciation 

EBITDA 

Operating profit margin

Group profit before FX revaluations & taxation margin

Group profit before taxation margin

EBITDA margin 

2017
£m

1,729.3

(1,626.3)

103.0

(2.0)

101.0

(10.9)

90.1

12.9

87.0

190.0

6.0%

5.8%

5.2%

11.0%

2016
£m

1,405.4

(1,300.4)

105.0

0.5

105.5

(1.3)

104.2

0.8

88.7

193.7

7.5%

7.5%

7.4%

13.8%

Change

23%

(25%)

(2%)

(4%)

(14%)

(2%)

(2%)

(1.5 ppts)

(1.7 ppts)

(2.2 ppts)

(2.8 ppts)

14

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrong customer demand and resilient ticket pricing for the 
summer 2016 season gave way to heavier price discounting 
in the second half of the year to achieve the planned growth in 
customer volumes for the Leisure Travel business. This customer 
volume increase, plus a 14% increase in Distribution & Logistics 
revenue to £163.5m (2016: £144.0m), resulted in Group revenue 
increasing by 23% to £1,729.3m (2016: £1,405.4m). 

Whilst our higher margin Package Holidays product increased 
as a percentage of overall sales, contributing positively to the 
Group trading performance, increased losses in the second 
half of the year, primarily due to the considerable investment to 
launch the two new operating bases at Birmingham and London 
Stansted Airports, resulted in Group operating profit reducing by 
2% to £103.0m (2016: £105.0m). 

“Strong customer demand and 
resilient ticket pricing for the summer 
2016 season gave way to heavier price 
discounting in the second half of the 
year to achieve the planned growth 
in customer volumes.”

Net financing costs of £12.9m (2016: £0.8m) included a £10.9m 
charge (2016: £1.3m) for foreign exchange revaluation losses, 
arising from US dollar denominated debt used to fund the 
acquisition of aircraft, and other foreign currency denominated 
balances. The revaluation of the US dollar aircraft debt cannot 
be naturally offset against the value of the aircraft, which is fixed 
in pounds sterling at the point of acquisition in order to comply 
with the requirements of IFRS.

As a result, the Group achieved a statutory profit before taxation 
of £90.1m (2016: £104.2m). Group EBITDA decreased by 2% 
to £190.0m (2016: £193.7m).

The Group’s effective tax rate of 15% (2016: 15%) was lower 
than the 20% headline rate of corporation tax due to certain 
deferred tax liability reductions. Basic earnings per share 
reduced by 14% to 51.80p (2016: 60.22p). 

Summary of Cash Flows
EBITDA 
Other P&L adjustments
Movements in working capital
Interest and taxes
Net cash generated from 
operating activities
Purchase of property, plant & equipment
Movement on borrowings
Other items
Net increase in cash and 
money market deposits

2017
£m
190.0
0.4
147.9
(7.2)

331.1
(473.9)
424.4
(4.6)

2016

£m  Change
(2%)
300%
142%
34%

193.7
0.1
61.0
(10.9)

243.9
(213.5)
81.9
(3.1)

36%
(122%)
418%
(48%)

277.0

109.2

154%

Net cash generated from operating activities was £331.1m 
(2016: £243.9m), out of which capital expenditure of £473.9m 
(2016: £213.5m) was incurred. New loans totalling £515.6m 
(2016: £82.8m) were taken up, as the Group secured both 
commercial debt and finance lease funding for the purchase of 
its new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft deliveries, offset by £91.2m 
(2016: £0.9m) of aircraft pre-delivery loan repayments. This 
resulted in a net cash inflow(a) of £277.0m (2016: £109.2m) 
and a year-end gross cash position, including money market 
deposits, of £689.0m (2016: £412.0m). Net cash, stated  
after borrowings of £520.5m (2016: £90.9m), was £168.5m  
(2016: £321.1m).

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 £553.9m (2016: 
£385.8m). Of these customer advances, £82.9m (2016: 
£68.5m) 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. At the reporting 
date, the business had no cash placed with counterparties 
in the form of margin calls to cover out-of-the-money hedge 
instruments (2016: £5.2m). 

Summary Balance Sheet
Non-current assets (b)
Net current assets (c) 
Cash and money market deposits
Deferred revenue
Borrowings
Other liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Total shareholders’ equity

2017
£m
813.3
533.9
689.0
(1,078.0)
(520.5)
(53.5)
47.2
431.4

2016

£m Change
91%
43%
67%
(40%)
(473%)
(83%)

426.6
372.3
412.0
(767.5)
(90.9)
(29.2)
(4.6)
318.7

35%

(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 derivative financial instruments.
(c)  Stated excluding cash and cash equivalents, money market deposits, deferred 

revenue, borrowings and derivative financial instruments.

The Group continues to exceed the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s 
required levels of ‘available liquidity’, which is defined as free 
cash plus available undrawn banking facilities.

Total shareholders’ equity increased by £112.7m (2016: 
£161.5m) which comprised profit after taxation of £76.7m 
(2016: £88.8m) and a favourable movement in the cash flow 
hedging reserve. This movement was a result of the reversal of 
adverse mark-to-market balances on jet fuel forward contracts 
and in-the-money currency forward contracts held at the end 
of the previous financial year which matured in the year, and a 
further net in-the-money movement on all derivative types held, 
which mature after the reporting date.

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15

Strategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationAnnual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukBusiness & Financial Review
Leisure Travel

During the financial year, the Group entered into an agreement 
with Boeing to purchase a further four new Boeing 737-800NG 
aircraft with an approximate list price of US$0.4 billion, to meet 
its programme of aircraft fleet replacement and planned Leisure 
Travel growth. The terms for these aircraft are substantially the 
same as those approved by the Board for 30 aircraft ordered 
from Boeing in 2015, the Company having negotiated significant 
discounts from the list price. These aircraft are expected to be 
funded through a combination of internal resources and debt 
and will be delivered between August 2018 and January 2019.

Segmental Performance - Leisure Travel

Overall flown passengers in the Leisure Travel business 
increased by 17% to 7.10m (one-way passenger sectors) (2016: 
6.07m) as 1.73m customers (2016: 1.22m) chose our great 
value Package Holiday product, an increase of 42%, whilst 
3.64m (2016: 3.63m) passengers chose our important flight-
only product. Package Holiday customers now represent 49% 
of overall flown customers (2016: 40%). 

The increased mix of Package Holiday customers is particularly 
pleasing, as the longer duration, end-to-end holiday experience 
allows greater value to be added through product innovation 
and service at each point in the customer’s journey. Delighting 
the customer from start to finish lends itself to brand loyalty 
and retention and a better quality of recurring revenue and 
profitability, compared to the more impulsive, price sensitive, 
shorter duration, flight-only product. 

Resilient ticket pricing in the first half of the year gave way to 
a much sharper pricing environment in the second half, as 
overall net ticket price per passenger reduced by 5% to £86.65 
(2016: £91.11). The average load factor achieved was 91.5% 

(2016: 92.5%). The percentage of customers taking all-inclusive 
Package Holidays grew from 39% to 41% of total holiday 
customers, whilst an increasing number chose higher value 4 
and 5-star packages as the variety of hotels we offer continued 
to grow, demonstrating the quality and resilience of the Package 
Holiday product. However, price was invested to drive the 
increased Package Holiday customer volumes and market 
share, which led to the average price of a Package Holiday 
remaining stable at £617 (2016: £616). 

Non-ticket retail revenue per passenger increased by 3% to 
£33.01 (2016: £31.98). 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 24% to 
£1,565.8m (2016: £1,261.4m). 

We continue to invest for the long-term success of the 
business and believe that both our new UK operating bases 
at Birmingham and London Stansted Airports have great 
potential for our holiday business. Therefore, although trading 
performance was bolstered by the 17% increase in overall 
customer volumes, the investment in promotional advertising 
and the early recruitment of staff to provide a resilient operation 
ahead of the launch of the two new operating bases, together 
with the more competitive pricing environment in the second 
half, meant Leisure Travel operating profit reduced by 1% to 
£98.5m (2016: £99.6m). 

16

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukGreat choice of hotels with water parks

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

Product innovation supported by a broad, imaginative marketing 
strategy helps to ensure that Jet2 is front of mind when a 
customer considers booking a holiday. 

•  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 £60 deposit. 

•  Jet2CityBreaks, which offers a packaged flight and hotel 
product in attractive European Leisure Cities, continued to 
prove popular as passenger numbers grew in the year. 

•  Our recently launched villa proposition, Jet2Villas, means 
our customers can now enjoy the freedom of a great value 
Villa Holiday wrapped up in one package with Jet2.com 
flights, accommodation and car hire all included. 

•  Our Resort Flight Check-In® service introduced at many 

hotels in summer 2016, has proven to be extremely popular 
and has been expanded to over 180 hotels for summer 2017. 

For many families, booking a holiday is the most important 
purchase of the year and we recognise that every customer is 
different and their buying habits unique. Therefore, continuously 
investing in IT development to deliver a smooth customer 
journey is of paramount importance to the business, whichever 
of our three booking channels is chosen. 

Technology and how the customer interacts with it is 
perpetually evolving. Over half of our Package Holidays are 
sold online via Jet2holidays.com, whilst 97% of our flight-
only seats are booked directly on the Jet2.com website. 
Increasingly, customers are looking to engage with the 
overall brand and product experience when making an online 
booking. Recognising this, the business continues to invest 
in personalising content and imagery, therefore improving the 
overall customer experience and engagement and ensuring that 
conversion rates remain strong, whether the customer uses a 
PC, tablet or mobile phone. 

The business also recognises that human interaction is 
important for many customers when making such an important 
purchase, to ensure their individual needs are catered for. 
Currently 17% (or approximately 300,000) of our Package 
Holiday customers book through our customer contact centres 
in Leeds and Manchester, which employ over 300 sales and 
customer service advisers. Our sales colleagues have an 
intimate knowledge of our products and are trained to handle 
calls in a friendly and informative manner. 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.

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17

Strategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationAnnual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukOur Leeds Contact Centre, which includes our Sales, Service and Operational teams

In common with the rest of the UK package travel industry, we have seen an increase in illness-related claims from UK consumers. 
We believe that many of these claims are questionable and we are working very closely with our hotel partners and the authorities on 
this issue. We will continue to actively lobby the UK Government for changes to legislation and are seeing some success in this area.

Looking forward, we will continue to invest to build brand and product awareness in our core markets, underpinned by strong and 
creative marketing campaigns and a keen focus on customer service. We remain confident that with considered investment, we are 
building a sustainable business that will have a bright future in the UK Leisure Travel market for many years to come. 

Leisure Travel Financials
Revenue
Net operating expenses
Operating profit
Net financing (costs) / income
Profit before FX revaluations and taxation
Net FX revaluation losses 
Profit before taxation

Net financing costs (including net FX revaluations)
Depreciation
EBITDA

Operating profit margin
Profit before FX revaluations & taxation margin
Profit before taxation margin
EBITDA margin 

2017
£m
1,565.8
(1,467.3)
98.5
(2.0)
96.5
(10.9)
85.6

12.9
84.5
183.0

6.3%
6.2%
5.5%
11.7%

2016
£m
1,261.4
(1,161.8)
99.6
0.5
100.1
(1.3)
98.8

0.8
86.4
186.0

7.9%
7.9%
7.8%
14.7%

Change
24%
(26%)
(1%)

(4%)

(13%)

(2%)
(2%)

(1.6 ppts)
(1.7 ppts)
(2.3 ppts)
(3.0 ppts)

18

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukThe Land of Legends Theme Park Belek, Antalya Area

Have a Lovely Holiday!

1

2

3

Happy to help!
Our UK-based team of travel 
experts specialises in tailoring 
holidays to customers’ needs.

Outbound
Travellers have happy, friendly 
service from our team from 
check-in to arrival at their hotel.

In resort
Our dedicated team of Customer 
Helpers support customers 
throughout their stay with 24/7 
availability and local expertise.

6

5

4

Let’s do it all again
The same great experience, 
plus our low deposit of £60pp 
and great range of destinations, 
tempts customers to rebook.

Home
Our team contacts all customers 
to make sure their holiday 
exceeded expectations.

Inbound
Resort Flight Check-In®, convenient 
transfers and great flight times 
ensure our customers get home 
with smiles on their faces.

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

19

Strategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationAnnual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukBusiness & Financial Review
Distribution & Logistics

Packed fruit for distribution from our Teynham depot

Segmental Performance - Distribution & Logistics 

Revenue at Fowler Welch increased by 14% to £163.5m 
(2016: £144.0m) primarily due to the new Dairy Crest operation 
at Nuneaton which commenced in June 2016. Seasonal peaks 
were well managed and a further important improvement in 
vehicle miles per gallon was delivered from a continued focus 
on driver training and operational efficiency. The underlying 
performance of the business was encouraging, though lower 
than anticipated revenue at our Heywood ambient operation 
and a bad debt write-off following the demise of a major poultry 
supplier, affected the profit in the year. 

Revenue at our Spalding operation in Lincolnshire increased by 
2%. This 156,000 square foot depot is one of the largest chilled 
food consolidation hubs in the UK and is the largest chilled 
site in the Fowler Welch network. Combining a consolidation 
service for fresh produce and chilled foods, the site picks 
over 41 million cases per annum and delivers approximately 
50,000 pallets of food each week on behalf of local Lincolnshire 
growers and producers. From the heart of this important 
growing region, Fowler Welch delivers to all major retailers, 
successfully managing significant volume uplifts for Valentine’s 
Day, Mothering Sunday, Easter, Halloween and Christmas.

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. Integrated Service 
Solutions (ISS), Fowler Welch’s joint venture that ripens, 

grades and packs a variety of stone fruit, berries and exotic 
fruits, achieved another year of growth as operations from 
the new 50,000 square foot extension at the Teynham depot 
commenced successfully in July 2016. 

The Hilsea depot, which is located near to Portsmouth 
International Port, had another encouraging year with revenue 
growth of 10%. New volumes were secured from several 
existing customers, demonstrating the importance of this 
region in supplying salads, herbs and vegetables to UK retailers 
and underlining the strength of the range of warehousing, 
consolidation and distribution services offered.

The new Dairy Crest operation at Nuneaton, near Coventry, 
contributed positively in the year and we expect the operation 
to progressively expand as it is more fully integrated into the 
broader Fowler Welch distribution network.

The Heywood ‘Hub’, Fowler Welch’s 500,000 square foot 
ambient (non-temperature controlled) shared user storage and 
distribution centre near Bury, Greater Manchester saw a second 
year of depressed revenues, down 4% year-on-year. This 
revenue reduction reflected the highly competitive nature of the 
ambient grocery distribution market. Following increased sales 
efforts, the business was successful in securing several smaller 
contracts toward the end of the financial year and a material 
new contract commenced in the first quarter of the current 
financial year.

20

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukField to Consumer

 Picked

Our distribution hubs are strategically located to support 
our customers in the key growing areas of Kent, 
Lincolnshire and the South Coast.

 Processed 
Once harvested, crops are checked for ripeness  
and quality.

2

 Packed 

Produce is packed and labelled at locations such as 
ISS, Teyhnam – the Fowler Welch joint venture in 
Kent, which packs a variety of fruits including pumpkins, 
berries, cherries and mangoes.

 Delivered  

We collect from farms and processors before delivering 
to retailer distribution centres and often onto retail stores.

4

 Purchased 

Each consumer purchase drives demand for product to 
be packed and delivered the following day to replenish 
shelves.

 Enjoyed!

6

1

3

5

The dedicated site at Desborough, Northamptonshire, 
which provides distribution services to a major confectionery 
manufacturer, implemented new bespoke state-of-the-art trailers 
that can automatically load at production facilities as well as 
operate as conventional trailers, demonstrating our principles of 
listening, responding and delivering. Similarly, the regional 
distribution sites in Washington, Tyne & Wear and Newton 
Abbot, near Exeter continued to provide high quality direct store 
delivery services to over 100 supermarkets. 

The further development of services along the supply chain is 
contributing to a strong pipeline of growth opportunities with 
both existing and new clients. These added value services, 
combined with the core competency of consolidating multiple 
clients to provide the critical mass for efficient distribution, give 
confidence in the continued profitable growth of Fowler Welch.

Distribution & Logistics Financials
Revenue
Net operating expenses
Operating profit
Net financing costs
Profit before taxation 
Depreciation
EBITDA

Operating profit margin
Profit before taxation margin
EBITDA margin

2017
£m
163.5
(159.0)
4.5
-
4.5
2.5
7.0

2.8%
2.8%
4.3%

2016
£m
144.0
(138.6)
5.4
-
5.4
2.3
7.7

3.8%
3.8%
5.3%

Change
14%
(15%)
(17%)
-
(17%)
9%
(9%)

(1.0 ppt)
(1.0 ppt)
(1.0 ppt)

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21

Strategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationAnnual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukKey Performance Indicators

Leisure Travel Key Performance Indicators
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 (per tonne)
Fuel requirement hedged – next 12 months 
Advance sales made as at 31 March

 See Glossary of Terms on page 84 for further details

2017
235
7.76m
7.10m
91.5%
3.64m
3.46m
1.73m
£86.65
£617
£33.01
$467
97%
£1,078.0m

2016
227
6.56m
6.07m
92.5%
3.63m
2.44m
1.22m
£91.11
£616
£31.98
$674
99%
£767.5m

Change
4%
18%
17%
(1.0 ppt)
-
42%
42%
(5%)
-
3%
31%
(2.0 ppts)
40%

Handling our Aircraft at Manchester Airport

Distribution & Logistics Key Performance Indicators
Warehouse space as at 31 March (square feet)
Number of tractor units in operation
Number of trailer units in operation
Miles per gallon
Annual fleet mileage

 See Glossary of Terms on page 84 for further details

2017
897,000
487
669
9.3
40.5m

2016
847,000
428
629
9.1
39.0m

Change 
6%
14%
6%
2%
4%

One of our Fowler Welch trucks out for collections

22

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukRisk Management

The Board is responsible for maintaining the Group’s 
Risk Management and Internal Control Systems and for 
monitoring risk and the mitigation of risk in line with the 
Group’s objectives.

Risk management

The Board’s strategy is to grow the Group’s businesses through 
a combination of organic expansion and, if appropriate, carefully 
planned acquisitions in the markets within which we currently 
operate. This section describes the Board’s approach to risk 
and the principal risks and uncertainties which may affect the 
Group’s business operations, its reputation, financial results and 
strategic objectives. The list is not intended to be exhaustive 
and is likely to evolve over time due to the dynamic nature of the 
leisure travel industry in particular.

Approach to risk 

The Board is responsible for maintaining the Group’s Risk 
Management and Internal Control Systems and for monitoring 
risk and the mitigation of risk in line with the Group’s objectives. 
The key features of the Group’s systems of internal control are:

•  An organisational structure with clear segregation of duties, 

control and authority;

•  Clearly defined financial reporting, business planning and 

forecasting processes and systems;

•  An Internal Audit function providing independent assurance 

on key processes and controls;

•  An IT Security and Compliance function that monitors and 
addresses relevant threats to the operation of our key IT 
systems and infrastructure;

•  Treasury policies, overseen by the Board, that manage the 
Group’s cash and deposits and foreign exchange, fuel and 
interest rate commitments; and

•  A robust Safety Management System, supported by a “Just” 
reporting culture to ensure appropriate rigour regarding safe 
operation of our Leisure Travel activities, including legal and 
regulatory compliance and health and safety.

Principal risks and uncertainties

Risk Commentary

Mitigation

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, chaired 
by the Chief Executive Officer of Jet2holidays Limited, reviews all activity 
undertaken. It 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.

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23

Strategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationAnnual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukRisk Management

Risk Commentary

Mitigation

Safety and security (continued)

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

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.

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. 

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 
routes to popular 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 selected 
hoteliers 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 and travel agencies – and from non-scheduled aircraft 
utilisation through its passenger charter activities. 

We also continue to differentiate our Leisure Travel business through innovative 
product development and the provision of added value services.

In the Distribution & Logistics business, the loss of a substantial customer is the 
largest financial risk facing the business. 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.

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 failover of key systems between 
geographically dispersed data centres.

The Group carries out regular information security reviews including 
comprehensive internal and external vulnerability scanning and penetration 
tests using accredited third parties. It also continues to strengthen its cyber 
threat mitigation through a process of repeated testing, hardening and 
education. This ensures that the Group has in place systems, controls and 
processes current and appropriate to the ever evolving external and internal 
security threats. The Group is PCI DSS compliant.

24

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukRisk Commentary

Mitigation

Input cost volatility
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.

The cost of fuel is a material element of the 
cost base of the Leisure Travel business and 
the effective management of aviation fuel price 
volatility continues to be important.

Interest rate risk
As part of its strategy for achieving continuity 
and flexibility of funding, the Group uses 
specialist aircraft finance. Some of this 
borrowing is subject to floating rate interest 
charges, which generates interest cost 
volatility.

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.

Government policy and regulatory intervention
The leisure travel industry is heavily regulated. 
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.

Environmental
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 Group’s strategy is to manage exchange rate and fuel price risk 
via forward currency contracts and aviation fuel swaps with approved 
counterparties.

The Distribution & Logistics business is not directly affected by such fuel  
price rises, since contracts allow for price increases to be passed on to  
its customers. 

Further information on hedging, the Group’s key mitigation to input cost 
volatility risk, and details of the Group’s Hedge Policy, is contained within note 
22 to the consolidated financial statements.

The Group’s strategy is to manage interest cost risk via interest rate swaps 
with approved counterparties.

Further information on hedging, the Group’s key mitigation to interest cost 
volatility risk, and details of the Group’s Hedge Policy, is contained within note 
22 to the consolidated financial statements.

The Group will continue to focus on serving its customers’ demand for 
great value Package Holidays in, and flights to, holiday destinations in the 
Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and European Leisure Cities.

The Leisure Travel business has built a strong brand and reputation for 
providing Package Holidays you can trust®. Sustained levels of investment 
in product, brand and customer service excellence, plus the delivery of  
an attractive end-to-end product, which has proved its resilience over a 
number of years, gives the business the greatest opportunity to retain and 
attract customers.

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 continue to engage with policy setters and regulators to encourage 
legislation that is fit for purpose.

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. 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.

The business has a dedicated emergency response facility from which our 
response to serious operational incidents can be managed. We have also 
implemented software to automate the activation of our emergency response 
team so that we can respond promptly to incidents, deploy appropriate 
solutions and thereby mitigate the impact on our customers and limit any 
potential interruption to our business.

The Group also maintains prudent levels of liquid funds to enable the business 
to continue to operate through a period of sustained disruption.

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25

Strategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationAnnual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukRisk Management

Risk Commentary

Mitigation

Brexit
Brexit risk reflects the potential impact of the 
UK’s decision to leave the EU on the Group’s 
operations and financial position.

Liquidity and capital risk

Liquidity and capital risk is the risk that the 
Group will have insufficient funds to meet its 
financial obligations as they fall due. 

The full implications for the Group of Brexit remain unclear but the Directors 
continue to closely monitor developments. The following points are deemed to 
be of particular importance at this time:

•  the question of the UK remaining part of the European Common Aviation 

Area;

•  the ability of UK citizens to travel freely within Europe and beyond (all 
our routes to the EU and the USA are secured through EU negotiated 
agreements);

•  the question of visa-free (and ETIAS charge-free) travel between the UK and 

the EU; 

•  the question of the UK business’ access to European employment markets; 

and

•  understanding the implication of possible taxation and border changes.

The Group’s strategy for managing liquidity and capital risk is to maintain cash 
balances in an appropriately liquid form and in accordance with approved 
counterparty limits, whilst securing the continuity and flexibility of funding through 
the use of committed banking facilities and specialist aircraft finance.

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.

In addition, a regular assessment is made of the Group’s banking facility covenant 
compliance and the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Available Liquidity Test. 

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. 

26

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukViability Statement 

Going Concern Statement

After making enquiries, the Directors have formed a judgement, 
at the time of approving the financial statements, that there is 
a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group as 
a whole have adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for a period of 12 months from the date of approval 
of the financial statements. For this reason, they continue 
to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial 
statements. The Directors’ responsibility for preparing the 
financial statements is explained on page 43 and the reporting 
responsibilities of the Auditor are set out in their report on  
page 44. 

The Directors have prepared financial forecasts for the Group, 
comprising operating profit, profit before and after taxation, 
balance sheets and cash flows through to 31 March 2020, 
and also considered an extended planning horizon to aid 
the management of its longer term fleet objectives. Future 
assessments of the Group’s prospects are subject to uncertainty 
that increases with time and cannot be guaranteed or predicted 
with certainty.

The Directors have taken account of the Group’s current 
cash position, its strong financial condition and operating 
performance, the availability of banking facilities, and the 
principal risks and uncertainties it faces and its ability to 
mitigate and manage those risks (as outlined on pages 23 
to 26). Appropriate stress-testing of the Group’s forecasts is 
undertaken on an ongoing basis to consider the potential impact 
of a combination of principal risks materialising together. Based 
on this assessment, the Directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its 
liabilities as they fall due over the period to 31 March 2020.

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27

Strategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationAnnual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukCorporate Social Responsibility

This Corporate Social Responsibility Report reflects the 
importance the Group places on developing long-lasting 
relationships with its customers and effective partnerships with its 
suppliers, whilst acknowledging and acting upon its responsibility 
to the communities within which it operates and to the wider 
environment. The way in which the Group pursues its objective 
of being a good employer is set out below in the section entitled 
“Our People”.

Relationship with customers

We take people on holiday! The Group’s Leisure Travel business 
provides its customers with great value Package Holidays and 
holiday flights with family friendly service, so that each “has a 
lovely holiday”. The delivery of Real Package Holidays™ gives 
the business the opportunity to deliver memorable experiences 
to which it adds value through innovation and customer service 
- the delivery of great service is at the heart of Jet2.com and 
Jet2holidays brand values. 

Fowler Welch has a strong and experienced management team 
and a skilled workforce that prides itself on high standards of 
customer service, price competitiveness and an ability to provide 
flexible and innovative solutions, critical qualities in a sector where 
both supplier and retailer supply chains are perpetually evolving to 
meet consumers’ ever-changing shopping habits. 

Relationship with suppliers

The business seeks open, constructive and effective relationships 
with suppliers to help sustain the successful delivery of the 
Group’s Leisure Travel and Distribution & Logistics services. In 
response, a supplier management framework has been developed 
and an annual supplier conference is held to brief on many 
aspects of the Leisure Travel business, and the support expected 
from the supplier community in helping achieve its aims.

Over the last ten years, we have carefully developed relationships 
with over 2,900 hotels. We often place substantial deposits to 
secure a dependable and competitive room offering in the most 
attractive hotels, always ensuring that we are satisfying our 
customers’ need for choice and quality. 

Modern Slavery Act

The Modern Slavery Act, which came into force in October 2015, 
requires the Company to publish an annual slavery and human 
trafficking statement. The latest statement can be found on the 
Dart Group PLC website.  Neither the Company nor any of its 
subsidiaries permit, condone or otherwise accept 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.

The environment 

The Group takes its responsibility to the environment seriously, 
with fuel emissions being an important issue for both businesses. 
It is in the business’s own and its 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 2017, 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, careful fuel requirement 
planning, performance based navigation approaches, increasing 
percentage of winglet aircraft within the fleet and continuing 
investment for the growing B737-800 fleet.

Jet2.com aircraft exceed the International Civil Aviation 
Organisation’s requirements for minimising air pollution. Fifty-three 
of the aircraft it operates 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 reduction in the value of 
insurance claims involving our heavy goods fleet. 

The business also continues to refine the design of its fleet 
and component parts, working in conjunction with trailer and 
refrigeration suppliers and last year launched the trial of a trailer 
which is achieving a 50% reduction in trailer carbon emissions. 

In its warehouses, Fowler Welch continues to invest in LED 
lighting and refrigeration unit efficiency. This is part of a strategy 
of continuous investment in energy-saving technologies and 
methodologies. For example, the recently expanded warehouse 
in Teynham has state-of-the-art photovoltaic panels over the 
extended roof. As well as direct energy reduction benefits, the 
business also utilises the latest generation refrigerants, ensuring 
low Global Warming Potential. The company remains on course to 
achieve the targeted 35% reduction in overall carbon emissions.  

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 23. 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. 

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.

28

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukOur People

Dart Group PLC is a leading UK Leisure Travel provider and 
Distribution & Logistics operator. An important component of its 
development and growth has been the successful recruitment and 
retention of capable colleagues. 

Learning and development

All Jet2.com and Jet2holidays colleagues take part in a two- 
day induction to the business, which incorporates our Take Me  
There values. These values are intrinsic to the success of the 
Leisure Travel business and the engagement of its colleagues  
and customers.

The Group recognises the need to provide continuous 
development for colleagues and managers to ensure committed 
and skilled talent continue to support the business. A blended 
learning approach has been adopted by the Leisure Travel 
business for all colleagues, including our Ground Operations 
colleagues and Customer Helpers. The approach includes face-
to-face training, eLearning, the provision of ‘How To’ guides, and 
opportunities to contribute to commercial projects, all alongside a 
Management Development Programme. People managers across 
all areas of the business benefit from the programme, which 
includes a number of modules designed to be delivered over a 
period of time, to support continuous development in the role. The 
programme links to the Take Me There values and the business’s 
Leadership Framework.

Jet2.com prides itself on the extremely high standard of pilot 
training delivered in-house by over 140 instructors. Our UK Civil 
Aviation Authority (“CAA”) and European Aviation Safety Agency 
(“EASA”) approved training uses four full-flight simulators to take 

pilots on a journey of excellence throughout all aspects  
of pilot training. Our in-house type rating courses are designed  
to qualify candidates - whether experienced long-haul Captains  
or young talented pilots from our unique Pilot Apprentice  
Scheme (see case study on page 31) - to operate all types of  
Jet2.com aircraft. Following such a course, all Jet2.com pilots 
receive recurrent training every six months and are provided with 
support and development to allow them to progress through the 
Company’s through-life career development schemes.

Jet2.com cabin crew complete training in all areas of safety, 
security, first aid, and customer service and the business has 
over 60 skilled cabin crew performance trainers to guide trainees. 
New entrants participate in an intensive four-week training 
course that meets EASA requirements. All cabin crew attend the 
business’s state-of-the-art training centre in Bradford where their 
theoretical training is put into practice, and, every year, return to 
the classroom to complete further exams in order to comply with 
EASA regulations. 

All Jet2.com engineers receive engineering induction training, 
which includes Take Me There training. In addition, as a 
regulatory requirement, all engineers receive continuation  
training every two years, which is supplemented with technical 
update training across all line and base maintenance facilities. The  
Jet2.com engineering training team have recently been approved 
by the CAA to deliver aircraft type rating training for all three of the 
fleet types currently operated, with the first delivery planned at the 
Bradford training centre in September 2017.

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29

Strategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationAnnual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukOur People

Ongoing development within Fowler Welch takes different 
forms depending on job role. Drivers receive CPC accredited 
training and specific driving behaviour skills training based on 
telematics information from the business’s risk management 
system. Our warehouse colleagues benefit from up-skilling via 
‘toolbox talks’ and ‘safe systems of work’ instruction relating 
to manual handling equipment and operational processes. 
Systems and process training for office colleagues is generally 
carried out in real-time and on-the-job to suit Fowler Welch’s 
fast-paced, 24/7 environment.

The business recently embarked on a programme of soft 
skills training for its people managers and supervisors. This 
well received programme supplements existing colleague 
development workshops that are facilitated by its HR team.

Recognition

The Group’s Leisure Travel business has an in-house recognition 
and reward scheme called A Great Deal Friendlier. The 
scheme recognises individuals and teams who have provided 
excellent customer service and those who have gone the extra 
mile for internal or external customers. Nomination volumes 
continue to grow, with colleagues nominating individuals and 
teams from across all business areas for their excellent customer 
service approach. A Great Deal Friendlier underpins the 
Leisure Travel business’s Take Me There values. 

Fowler Welch also has a colleague recognition programme. 
The ‘STAR’ scheme provides monthly and quarterly 
awards for behaviour and successes that deserve special 
acknowledgement.

From the financial year starting 1 April 2018, the Group will 
implement a Discretionary Colleague Profit Sharing Scheme. 
This Scheme is intended to reward those colleagues who 
do not already participate in a performance-related bonus or 
commission scheme and who have been continuously employed 
for at least 12 months. The profit share will be calculated at the 
rate of 5% of profit before taxation, excluding foreign currency 
revaluations and other exceptional items, for the respective 
Leisure Travel or Distribution & Logistics businesses, and will 
be paid in proportion to each colleague’s basic salary. The first 
payment will be made in July 2019 following the audit of the 
financial results for the year ending 31 March 2019.

Communication

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.

As the business 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. 
An Information and Consultation Agreement and Protocol, 
consisting of five separate agreements, covering every UK 
colleague, was established by the Leisure Travel business 
in 2014. The agreements set out how Jet2.com and 
Jet2holidays inform and consult with colleagues as well as how 
each group works in practice, including how representatives 
are elected. Representatives are encouraged to speak up 
and challenge; as a result, their views and ideas have already 
contributed to organisational change. Senior managers and 
Directors, including the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer, regularly attend meetings. 

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.

The business recently issued a colleague survey as part of its 
ongoing plan to increase colleague engagement and facilitate 
its approach to being an employer of choice. Output from the 
survey has been translated into action plans for head office 
central functions and each distribution site. Progress against the 
action plans will be fed back to colleagues on an ongoing basis.

Equality and diversity

The Group is committed to promoting diversity and ensuring 
equality of opportunity for all within the workplace, regardless 
of age, disability, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, 
race, religion or belief, gender or sexual orientation. 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.

Gary Brown 
Group Chief Financial Officer 
28 July 2017

30

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukCase Study - Pilot Apprentice Scheme

Time in our Leeds-based Customer  
Contact Centre

Take Me There Training

Visit to our Manchester Hangar

We followed Jonathan Lee as he starts on 
his Jet2.com Pilot Apprentice Scheme...

Jet2.com is dedicated to providing the highest standards 
of service and safety to all its customers. To that end, 
the business continually invests in training for both its 
colleagues and new recruits. As part of this investment, 
Jet2.com has established both Pilot and Engineer 
Apprentice Programmes that provide richly rewarding 
opportunities to new Pilots and Engineers starting  
their careers.

Developing our pilots of the future

The Jet2.com Pilot Apprentice Programme is a  
scheme that runs up to 12 months, providing a rounded 
understanding of the many different areas within  
the business.

Each year, up to 40 apprentices are selected from 
hundreds of applicants. They will then go on to complete 
practical training in many departments. This includes full 
Cabin Crew training and working as Cabin Crew, as well 
as Ground Operations experiences to understand all of the 
company’s operations. Valuable time is also spent with our 
commercial departments such as  Finance, HR, Marketing 
and Revenue.

The pilot apprentices also experience our Leeds-based 
Customer Contact Centre, which includes our Sales, 
Service and Operational teams. A total of 94 apprentices 
have completed the course with 84 now flying the line for 
Jet2.com.

This approach creates a solid foundation for business and 
operational development throughout each apprentice’s 
career with Jet2.com. 

The value of apprenticeships

Our Pilot Apprentices praise the scheme for preparing 
them to become our future Captains, as well as enabling 
them to confidently become part of the wider business 
team. The scheme is also highly valued for its focus on 
making sure that customers have the best experience 
onboard – something that is not just important for the 
Flight Deck, but to everything that the company does.

“It is such a privilege to have this unique 
opportunity.  From day one I have experienced 
friendly, dedicated staff in all the departments I 
have visited. I feel a real sense of one big family 
within Jet2.com and Jet2holidays. I would 
certainly recommend this scheme to any aspiring 
pilot wishing to join an airline.”

Full Cabin Crew Training

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

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31

Our GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationAnnual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk 
Our 
Governance

Corporate Governance Statement ........................................................34
Audit Committee Report .......................................................................36
Board of Directors ................................................................................37
Report on Directors’ Remuneration .......................................................38
Directors’ Report ..................................................................................42
Independent Auditor’s Report ...............................................................44

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25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Corporate Governance Statement 

The Group adheres 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: 

https://www.frc.org.uk/Our-Work/Codes-Standards/
Corporate-governance/UK-Corporate-Governance-Code.
aspx

As the Company is listed on AIM, it is not required to comply 
with the Code. However, an explanation of the corporate 
governance measures that have been adopted by the Board 
during the financial year are set out below. 

The Board

The Board currently comprises: Philip Meeson, who owns 
37.9% of the issued share capital of Dart Group PLC and 
performs the role of Executive Chairman; 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 37 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 43 and a statement on going 
concern is given within note 2 to the consolidated financial 
statements on page 53.

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, amongst 
other things, 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.

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

Board committees

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

Board 
meetings

Remuneration 
Committee 
meetings

Audit 
Committee 
meetings

Philip Meeson, Executive 
Chairman
Gary Brown, Group Chief 
Financial Officer
Stephen Heapy, Executive 
Director
Mark Laurence, Independent 
Non-Executive Director

5

6

6

6

* by invitation

Remuneration Committee

2

-

-

2

 -

 2*

 2

 2 

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 
contractual 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 36 to 37.

The Audit Committee is chaired by Mark Laurence, a Non-
Executive Director, and meets not less than twice per year. 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 engages with both the external 
and internal auditors, without the Executive Directors or 
members of the finance team present. 

34

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukInternal control

The Company’s Annual General Meeting

The Board uses the Annual General Meeting to communicate 
with private and institutional investors and welcomes their 
participation. The Board 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 7 September 
2017 can be found in the notice of the meeting. 

The Dart Group PLC website (www.dartgroup.co.uk) has a 
specific section for investors, which is regularly updated with 
news and information, including this Annual Report and Accounts 
document and the latest Notice of Annual General Meeting.

Board Approval of the Corporate  
Governance Statement

This Corporate Governance Statement, which has been 
provided voluntarily, is approved by the Board and signed on its 
behalf by

Philip Meeson 
Executive Chairman 
28 July 2017

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 take account of the recommendations 
set out in the Financial Reporting Council’s Guidance on Risk 
Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and 
Business Reporting. 

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. 

Group Risk Management is the responsibility of the Group’s 
operational Directors, who meet regularly with Internal Audit 
to review and monitor the Group Risk Register and to discuss 
existing and emerging risk. The Directors report their findings to 
the Audit Committee. 

Engagement with shareholders

Communications with shareholders are given high priority. 
The Business & Financial Review on pages 14 to 21 
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.

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35

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationAudit Committee Report

I am pleased to present the Audit Committee’s report for the 
year ended 31 March 2017. The Audit Committee comprises 
Stephen Heapy, the Chief Executive Officer of Jet2holidays 
and Jet2.com, and myself and we met twice with the Group 
Chief Financial Officer, the Group Legal Director and Company 
Secretary, the Group Financial Controller, the General Manager 
of Internal Audit and representatives of KPMG LLP, our Auditor. 
In addition I held two ad hoc meetings during the year with the 
Head of Audit for KPMG in the UK.

The Committee’s 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 last year 
and are highlighted below. 

Financial reporting & external audit 

Hotel prepayments & general accruals
Hoteliers increasingly require payments to be made in advance 
to secure hotel accommodation. 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.

Aircraft accounting 
The Committee reviewed the accounting treatment in relation to 
aircraft, including new aircraft additions in the year, and notes 
that this has been applied appropriately. 

Revenue recognition - deferred & 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 for 
hedging foreign currency, fuel and carbon prices 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 
2017 was verified to external sources.

At the start of the financial 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. Having considered 
the planning work carried out and the results of the 2016/17 
year end audit, the Committee was satisfied that the approach 
adopted was robust and appropriate.

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 the finance  
team and formed the view that the tax treatment has been 
applied appropriately.

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 that are set out on pages 48 to 72 and in approving 
the effectiveness and independence of the external Auditor, the 
Committee also reviewed the audit engagement letter, proposed 
audit fees, KPMG LLP’s audit plan, including key audit risks, and 
relevant professional, ethical and regulatory requirements.

These key audit risks identified were as follows: 

Provisions
The Committee reviewed the work performed by the finance 
team in calculating provisions in relation to possible passenger 
claims for historical flight delays under Regulation (EC) No 
261/2004 and possible customer compensation claims that 
cannot be reclaimed from hotels. The Committee noted that the 
business had exercised sensible, prudent judgement. 

Control environment
As part of their external audit, KPMG LLP reviewed the Group’s 
key processes and IT controls in order to identify where 
improvements can be made. It was encouraging to note that the 
overall IT control environment has improved significantly during 
the year, with further work to improve and refine access controls 
planned in 2017/18. 

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 2017.

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukInternal audit & risk management 

Conclusion 

The Committee engages directly with the Group’s internal audit 
team, who also had separate meetings with KPMG LLP. Internal 
audit continues to be a key function within the business and 
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. The General Manager of Internal Audit 
is invited to attend Audit Committee meetings, in which he 
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 Group continues to invest in its finance, risk management 
and control functions in order 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.

Having considered reviews from both KPMG LLP and the 
internal audit team and having had discussions with senior 
management, the Audit Committee reported to the Board that 
the Committee considers the Annual Report for the year ended 
31 March 2017 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 
28 July 2017

Board of Directors

Executive Directors

Philip Meeson is Executive Chairman of Dart Group PLC and 
each of its Leisure Travel and Distribution & Logistics businesses.

In April 1983, his private company purchased the Channel 
Express Group which, at that time, distributed flowers grown in 
the Channel Islands 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 
leisure travel provider and logistics operator.

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 fellow 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 in 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. 

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37

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationReport on Directors’ Remuneration 

Remuneration Committee 

Executive Director Remuneration Policy

During the year ended 31 March 2017, the Group’s 
Remuneration Committee (the “Committee”) was chaired 
by Mark Laurence with Philip Meeson, Executive Chairman, 
the other member of the Committee. The Committee makes 
recommendations to the Board within agreed terms of reference 
on an overall remuneration package for the Executive Directors.

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, are appropriate when compared to 
analyses of comparable companies. The details of individual 
components of the remuneration package are discussed below. 

Remuneration element 
and purpose

Operation

Measures to assess performance / clawback application 

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.

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.

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

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. 

In the financial year ended 31 March 2017, 
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. 

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

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk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 2017, 
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.

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 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 
100% of base salary (increased from 80% for 
performance periods ended 31 March 2017 
onwards). 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 higher of: the average 
share price over the 12 month period to the 
fifth day following the announcement of results 
for the relevant financial year; and a scheme 
minimum share price. 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.

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary Information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. Options were 
last granted in 2012, with the 2011 and 2012 grants 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 
fee 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

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. 

Mark Laurence has a formal letter of engagement containing 
a three-month rolling notice period for notice given by either 
party. Mark will retire from the Board at the next Annual General 
Meeting and, being eligible, will offer himself for re-election.

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

Executive Directors:

Philip Meeson

Gary Brown

Stephen Heapy

Non-Executive Directors:

Mark Laurence

Total

Basic salary 
and fees 
£000

Benefits1
£000

SEIP  
Cash Award 
£000

SEIP
Deferred
Award2
£000

Pension3
£000

449

410

433

55

1,347

9

1

24

-

34

-

284

303

-

587

-

124

132

-

256

-

57

52

-

109

Total 
2017 
£000

458

876

944

Total 
2016 
£000

459

696

755

55

2,333

50

1,960

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 2017 and are valued according to the average closing share price for the three months 

ended 31 March 2017, which was £5.17 (2016: £5.80). These Deferred Awards were granted after the reporting date, on 21 July 2017, as set out in SEIP Deferred 
Awards granted since 31 March 207 below.

3  Included within Stephen Heapy’s “Basic salary and fees” is £20k, 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.

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukInterests in options and Deferred Awards

The interests of the Directors who served during the year in options and Deferred Awards over shares were as follows: 

Director

Stephen Heapy

Stephen Heapy

Stephen Heapy

Stephen Heapy

Gary Brown

Share  
scheme/
Award Plan

Exercise 
price/award

Approved Plan

Unapproved Plan

Unapproved Plan

SEIP Deferred Award

SEIP Deferred Award

£0.6700

£0.6700

£0.8500

£0.0125

£0.0125

At  
31 March 
2016  
No.

4,944

20,056

30,0002

Granted 
during the 
year 
No.

–

–

–

Exercised 
during the 
year 
No.

(4,944)1

(20,056)1

–

–

90,2823

81,0324

–

–

Lapsed  
in the year 
No.

–

–

–

–

–

At 
31 March 
2017
No.

–

–

30,000

90,282

81,032

1  Options exercised on 13 September 2016, on which date the closing mid-market price of a share was £4.29.
2  All exercisable from 4 August 2017, expiring 4 August 2021.
3  Vesting as follows: 41,581 on 19 July 2017, 32,047 on 26 July 2018, and 16,654 on 24 July 2019
4  Vesting as follows: 35,781 on 19 July 2017, 29,735 on 26 July 2018, and 15,516 on 24 July 2019

The share based payment charge to the Consolidated Income Statement in respect of the above share options and deferred 
Awards was £69,500 (2016: £2,500). 

The closing mid-market price of the Company’s shares on 31 March 2017 was £5.16 per 1.25 pence ordinary share. The highest 
and lowest closing mid-market prices during the year were £6.77 and £3.59, respectively.

SEIP Deferred Awards granted since 31 March 2017

Since the reporting date, on 21 July 2017, the following Deferred Awards were granted under the SEIP in relation to the year ended 
31 March 2017, the value of which is included in the table of Directors’ emoluments above.

Director
Stephen Heapy

Gary Brown

Award

SEIP Deferred Award

SEIP Deferred Award

Award 
price

1.25p

1.25p

Shares 
granted

Normal 
vesting 
date

25,610

20 July 2020

24,024

20 July 2020

1  All of the above Deferred Awards were granted on 21 July 2017, on which date the closing mid-market price of a share was £5.24.

Director shareholdings

The Directors who held office at 31 March 2017 had the following interests in the ordinary shares of the Company at that date and 
subsequently on 19 July 2017:

Director
Philip Meeson 

Stephen Heapy 

Gary Brown

Mark Laurence

31 March 
2017

31 March 
2016

56,240,000

56,240,000

145,136

120,136

-

-

200,000

200,000

19 July
2017

56,240,000

167,636

19,362

200,000

No Directors have a non-beneficial interest in the shares of the Company. 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.

Since the year end date, on 19 July 2017, Stephen Heapy and Gary Brown were both issued with shares in relation to SEIP 
Deferred Awards in relation to the financial year ended 31 March 2014. The increase in Director shareholdings as at 19 July 2017, 
above, reflects this issuance less, where applicable, the subsequent sale of sufficient shares to fund the income tax and National 
Insurance liabilities and administrative fees arising.

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.

The Report on Directors’ Remuneration is approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by

Mark Laurence
Director, Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
28 July 2017

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41

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationDirectors’ Report

Much of the information previously provided as part of the 
Directors’ Report is required, under company law, to be 
presented as part of the Strategic Report. This Directors’ Report 
includes the information required to be included under the 
Companies Act or, where provided elsewhere, an appropriate 
cross-reference is given as follows:

•  Strategic Report: pages 8 to 30;

•  Risk Management: pages 23 to 27;

•  Corporate Governance Statement approved by the Board: 

pages 34 to 35;

•  Details of current Directors and Directors who served through 

the year: page 37; and

•  Directors’ remuneration: pages 38 to 41.

Results and dividends

The results for the year are set out in the Consolidated Income 
Statement and show a profit after taxation of £76.7m  
(2016: £88.8m). An interim dividend of 1.375p per share was 
paid on 1 February 2017 (2016: 0.900p). 

In consideration of the results for the year, the Directors 
recommend the payment of a final dividend for the year ended 
31 March 2017 of 3.897p per share (2016: 3.100p), making 
a total of 5.272p per share for the year (2016: 4.000p). The 
final dividend, which is subject to shareholder approval at the 
Company’s Annual General Meeting on 7 September 2017, will 
be payable on 27 October 2017 to shareholders on the register 
at the close of business on 22 September 2017.

Post-balance sheet events

There have been no material events after the balance sheet date 
of 31 March 2017 through to the date of this Annual Report.

Issued share capital

Issued share capital was increased by 353,516 (2016: 885,956) 
1.25 pence ordinary shares following the exercise of their rights 
by holders of share options granted on the following dates:

Grant Date

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

No. of options 
exercised

5,000
11,520
85,304
800
44,638
13,423
3,750
5,000
61,880
122,201
353,516

Scheme

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.

Material holdings

Apart from the interest of Philip Meeson in the share 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 2017:

Schroder Investment Management (Institutional Group)  6.69%
Silver Point Capital 
6.40%
3.92%
Acadian Asset Management 

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting will be held on 7 September 2017 
at 9:30am at Buchannan Communications, 107 Cheapside, 
London, EC2V 6DN. The Notice of Annual General Meeting 
contains an explanation of special business to be considered 
at the meeting and a copy of this is available on the Company 
website at www.dartgroup.co.uk/agm.

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk 
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’ Report is approved by the Board and signed on 
its behalf by

Philip Meeson  
Executive Chairman
28 July 2017

Gary Brown 
Group Chief Financial Officer 
28 July 2017

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.

Statement of 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.

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary Information 
Independent Auditor’s Report 
to the members of Dart Group PLC

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.
28 July 2017

We have audited the financial statements of Dart Group PLC 
for the year ended 31 March 2017 set out on pages 48 to 81. 
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 43, 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 2017 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; and

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance 

with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukOur
Financials

Consolidated Income Statement ............................................................. 48
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income................................ 49
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position ......................................... 50
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows .................................................. 51
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity ........................................ 52
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements ..................................... 53
Parent Company Balance Sheet ............................................................. 74
Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity................................... 75
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements ............................... 76

46

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Consolidated Income Statement
for the year ended 31 March 2017

Revenue
Net operating expenses
Operating profit
Finance income
Finance costs
Net FX revaluation losses
Net financing costs
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Profit for the year 
(all attributable to equity shareholders of the parent)
Earnings per share
– basic
– diluted

Results for the
year ended
 31 March 
2017
£m 
1,729.3
(1,626.3)
103.0
3.1
(5.1)
(10.9)
(12.9)
90.1
(13.4)
76.7

Results for the
year ended
 31 March 
2016
£m
1,405.4
(1,300.4)
105.0
2.4
(1.9)
(1.3)
(0.8)
104.2
(15.4)
88.8

51.80p
51.48p

60.22p
59.89p

Note
5
6
5,7

8

10

12
12

48

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukConsolidated Statement of  
Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 31 March 2017

Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income / (expense)
Cash flow hedges:
  Fair value gains in year
  Add back losses transferred to income statement in year
  Related taxation charge

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

Year ended 
31 March 
2017 
£m
76.7

Year ended 
31 March 
2016 
£m
88.8

36.5
15.3
(9.9)
41.9

118.6

19.0
76.9
(19.2)
76.7

165.5

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

49

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationConsolidated Statement of Financial Position
at 31 March 2017

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

2017
£m

6.8
806.5
9.3
822.6

1.2
707.8
74.7
200.3
488.7
1,472.7
2,295.3

136.3
1,076.3
129.6
38.8
15.9
1,396.9

–
1.7
390.9
20.9
53.5
467.0
1,863.9
431.4

1.8
12.5
38.2
378.9
431.4

2016
£m

6.8
419.8
15.2
441.8

1.1
503.9
49.3
70.0
342.0
966.3
1,408.1

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

The accounts on pages 48 to 81 were approved by the Board of Directors at a meeting held on 28 July 2017 and were signed on 
its behalf by: 

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

50

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukConsolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
for the year ended 31 March 2017

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 
Finance income
Finance costs
Net FX revaluation losses
Depreciation
Equity settled share based payments
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital
(Increase) / decrease in inventories
Increase in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables
Increase in deferred revenue
Increase / (decrease) 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 financing activities
Repayment of borrowings
New loans advanced 
Proceeds on issue of shares
Equity dividends paid
Net cash from 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
14
23

14

16

11

25
25
25
25

2017
£m
90.1
(3.1)
5.1
10.9
87.0
0.4
190.4
(0.1)
(203.1)
27.6
310.5
13.0
338.3
3.1
(3.6)
(6.7)
331.1

(473.9)
–
(130.3)
(604.2)

(91.2)
515.6
0.1
(6.6)
417.9
1.9
146.7
342.0
488.7

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

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

51

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationConsolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 March 2017

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
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Issue of share capital
Dividends paid in the year 
Share based payments
Balance at 31 March 2017

Share 
capital
£m 
1.8
–
–
–
–
1.8
–
–
–
–
1.8

Share 
premium
£m
11.9
–
0.5
–
–
12.4
–
0.1
–
–
12.5

Cash flow 
hedging reserve
£m
(80.4)
76.7
–
–
–
(3.7)
41.9
–
–
–
38.2

Retained 
earnings
£m
223.9
88.8
–
(4.6)
0.1
308.2
76.7
–
(6.6)
0.6
378.9

Total 
shareholders’ 
equity
£m
157.2
165.5
0.5
(4.6)
0.1
318.7
118.6
0.1
(6.6)
0.6
431.4

52

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2017

1  Authorisation of financial statements and statement of compliance

The Group’s financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017 were authorised by the Board of Directors on 28 July 2017 
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 74 to 81.

The financial statements of the Group and the Parent Company 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 and interest rate contracts and aviation fuel swaps to hedge exposure to foreign exchange 
rates, interest 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. 

Going concern 
The Directors have prepared financial forecasts for the Group, comprising operating profit, profit before and after taxation, balance 
sheets and cash flows through to 31 March 2020.

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, and sensitised forecasts of future trading 
through to 31 March 2020, 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 2017. 

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. 

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

53

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2017

2  Accounting policies (continued)

Revenue
Revenue (which excludes Value Added Tax and Air Passenger Duty) arises from Package Holidays, passenger aircraft operations, 
non-ticket retail activities, charter 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 legroom charges and in-flight retail 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 12 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. 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 on these additions until the Group takes delivery of the corresponding 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

25–30 years
Not depreciated
Over the life of the lease
2–30 years
3–7 years

* excluding pre-delivery payments and interest charges on associated borrowing (see above).

An element of the cost of acquired aircraft is attributed to its major components and then 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 Consolidated Income Statement as incurred.

54

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk2  Accounting policies (continued)

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. 

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. It 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 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 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.

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.

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

55

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2017

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. 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 and interest rate contracts and aviation fuel swaps to hedge its exposure to foreign 
exchange rates, interest 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. 

Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of 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.

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

Finance leases
Finance leases are recognised at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset, or, if lower, at the present value 
of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and the reduction of the lease 
liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Such finance charges are included in the 
Consolidated Income Statement within net financing costs.

Net financing costs
Finance income
Interest income is recognised in the Consolidated 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. Finance leases are described above and 
all other finance costs are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement in the period in which they are incurred. 

Taxation
Taxation on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred taxation. 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 taxation 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 taxation payable in respect of previous 
years. Deferred taxation 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 taxation 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 
taxation 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.

56

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk2  Accounting policies (continued)

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 the business’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 Consolidated Income Statement.

Defined contribution plans
All Group pensions are provided from the proceeds of money purchase schemes. The charge to the Consolidated 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 changed and in future periods if applicable.

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. The business is one 
of the UK’s leading providers of food supply chain services, whose principal activity is serving retailers, processors, growers and 
importers through its distribution network. 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 revenue growth rate of 2% (2016: 2%) has been assumed. Projected cash flows have been 
discounted at a rate of 6% (2016: 10%). The key assumptions used in the impairment review relate to revenue 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 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 (2016: £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 £726.9m (2016: £365.5m). There was no 
indication of impairment during the year and therefore no impairment losses were recorded.

Residual value of property, plant and equipment 
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.

Provisions 
Judgements have been made in respect of leased aircraft maintenance provisions. A charge is made in the Consolidated 
Income Statement, based on hours or cycles flown, to provide for the cost of the Group’s obligation to maintain leased aircraft in 
accordance with the aircraft manufacturer’s published maintenance programmes. Estimates are required in relation to the likely 
utilisation of the leased aircraft and the expected cost of maintenance events at the time they are expected to occur.

Accounting for other provisions also requires judgement to be exercised, including estimates made in relation to leased tractor and 
trailer return obligations, historical flight delays under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and possible customer compensation claims 
that cannot be reclaimed from hotels. 

The bases of all estimates are reviewed no less frequently than annually, and when information becomes available that is capable of 
causing a material change to an estimate.

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

57

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2017

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 as described below. 

International Financial Reporting Standards
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 

IFRS 15 will combine and supersede existing revenue recognition guidance and standards, including IAS 
18 Revenue. The Group continues to assess the possible impact of the new standard, which involves:

•  an examination of key contract types in order to identify any distinct performance obligations in the 

context of the contractual arrangement;

•  assessing the point at which the Group delivers promised services to its customers and whether this 

presents a requirement to change the timing of its revenue recognition; and

•  understanding the specific new disclosure requirements prescribed.
At this stage, the Group does not anticipate any material changes to its financial statements. 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

IFRS 9 will supersede existing guidance on the classification and measurement of financial assets and 
introduce new rules for hedge accounting. The Group does not expect the financial statements to be 
materially affected in applying IFRS 9. 

IFRS 16 Leases

IFRS 16 will supersede IAS 17 and remove the requirement for lessees to report on finance and operating 
leases separately. Early adoption is not anticipated and the Group continues to evaluate the impact of 
applying the new standard.

Applying to accounting
periods beginning after

January 2018

January 2018

January 2019

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 holiday flights by its airline Jet2.com to 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 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 appropriate to aggregate the operating 
segments for reporting purposes and, therefore, both are disclosed as reportable segments for the year ended 31 March 2017:

•  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 taxation. Revenue  
from reportable segments is measured on a basis consistent with the Consolidated 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.

58

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk5  Segmental reporting (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2017
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

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

Leisure
Travel
£m
1,565.8
98.5
3.0
(5.0)
(10.9)
(12.9)
85.6
(12.5)
73.1

2,214.2
(1,838.6)
375.6

468.7
(84.5)
(0.3)

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
163.5
4.5
0.1
(0.1)
–
–
4.5
(0.9)
3.6

86.1
(30.3)
55.8

5.2
(2.5)
(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
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(5.0)
5.0
–

–
–
–

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

(5.7)
5.7
–

–
–
–

Total
£m
1,729.3
103.0
3.1
(5.1)
(10.9)
(12.9)
90.1
(13.4)
76.7

2,295.3
(1,863.9)
431.4

473.9
(87.0)
(0.4)

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)

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

59

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2017

6  Net operating expenses

Direct operating costs:
Accommodation costs
Fuel 
Landing, navigation and third party handling
Maintenance costs
Aircraft and vehicle rentals 
Subcontractor charges
Agent commission 
In-flight cost of sales
Other direct operating costs

Staff costs
Depreciation of property, plant & equipment incl. aircraft and engines
Other operating charges
Other operating income
Total net operating expenses 

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

Finance income
Interest payable on aircraft and other loans
Interest payable on obligations under finance leases
Net FX revaluation losses 
Net financing costs

2017
£m

512.9
203.4
141.2
63.1
54.7
44.2
37.5
25.1
56.7
257.2
87.0
144.9
(1.6)
1,626.3

2017
£m

4.0
20.3
34.3

2017
£m

0.2

0.1

2017
£m
3.1
(4.3)
(0.8)
(10.9)
(12.9)

2016
£m

344.0
208.9
132.8
62.4
38.5
38.2
29.0
19.2
45.6
204.4
88.7
89.7
(1.0)
1,300.4

2016
£m

3.9
8.9
29.7

2016
£m

0.2

0.2

2016
£m
2.4
(1.9)
–
(1.3)
(0.8)

60

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk 
 
9  Employees 

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

Operations
Administration
Total persons employed 

Wages and salaries
Share options – value of employee services
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Total staff costs

2017
Number
4,861
1,461
6,322

2017
£m
226.1
0.4
22.2
8.5
257.2

2016
Number
3,938
1,194
5,132

2016
£m
181.2
0.1
16.8
6.3
204.4

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

2017
£m

7.0
0.6
7.6

2016
£m

6.4
0.5
6.9

In addition to the following, details of Executive Directors’ remuneration, along with information concerning share options and 
retirement benefits, are set out in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 38 to 41.

Details of Directors’ remuneration:
Highest paid Director
Number of Directors for whom retirement benefits accrue
Number of Directors who exercised share options

2017

£0.9m
2
1

2016

£0.8m
2
1

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

61

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2017

10  Taxation

Current taxation:
UK corporation tax based upon the profits for the year:
– current year
– prior year
Current tax (credit) / charge for the year
Deferred taxation:
Origination and reversal of timing differences
– current year
– prior year
Rate changes
Deferred tax charge / (credit) for the year
Total taxation in income statement in the year

2017
£m

–
(1.1)
(1.1)

15.1
1.2
(1.8)
14.5
13.4

2016
£m

16.5
(0.3)
16.2

4.0
0.3
(5.1)
(0.8)
15.4

The taxation assessed for the current year is lower (2016: 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% (2016: 20%)
Effects of:
Expenses not deductible
Difference between current and deferred tax rates
Deferred tax rate changes
Adjustments to tax charge in previous periods
Total (see above)

2017
£m
90.1
18.0

(0.3)
(2.6)
(1.8)
0.1
13.4

2016
£m
104.2
20.8

(0.3)
–
(5.1)
–
15.4

Deferred tax in the year has been provided at 17% (2016: 18%) as a consequence of legislation enacted in prior years, which will 
reduce the rate of UK corporation tax to 19% from 1 April 2017 and to 17% from 1 April 2020. 

The net deferred taxation liability in the balance sheet is as follows:
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

The movement in the net deferred taxation liability is as follows:
As at 1 April
(Charged) / credited to income statement
Charge taken directly to equity
As at 31 March 

2017
£m

–
(53.5)
(53.5)

2017
£m

(29.1)
(14.5)
(9.9)
(53.5)

2016
£m

7.6
(36.7)
(29.1)

2016
£m

(10.7)
0.8
(19.2)
(29.1)

62

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk10  Taxation (continued)

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

Financial Instruments:
At 31 March 2015
Charge to equity
At 31 March 2016
Charge to equity
At 31 March 2017

At 31 March 2015
Charge to income
Charge to equity
At 31 March 2016
Charge to income
Charge to equity
At 31 March 2017

Deferred tax 
assets
£m

20.5
(12.9)
7.6
(7.6)
–

Deferred tax 
liabilities
Total
£m

31.2
(0.8)
6.3
36.7
14.5
2.3
53.5

Accelerated capital
allowances
£m

Financial
instruments
£m

30.8
(0.8)
–
30.0
14.5
–
44.5

0.4
–
6.3
6.7
–
2.3
9.0

Deferred taxation in relation to financial instruments in the tables above includes the impact of the Group’s forward foreign currency 
contracts, aviation fuel swaps, interest rate contracts, EU Allowance contracts and forward Certified Emissions Reduction contracts.

11  Dividends 

2016/17 interim dividend of 1.37 pence per share paid 1 February 2017 (2015/16: 0.90 pence)
2015/16 final dividend of 3.10 pence per share paid 21 October 2016 (2014/15: 2.25 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

2017
£m
2.0
4.6
6.6

2016
£m
1.3
3.3
4.6

2017
No.
148,079,465
896,191
148,975,656

2016
No.
147,454,373
809,398
148,263,771

Year to
31 March 
2017

£76.7m
51.80p
51.48p

Year to
31 March
2016

£88.8m
60.22p
59.89p

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

63

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2017

13  Goodwill 

Net book value as at 31 March 2015, 31 March 2016 and 31 March 2017

14  Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 31 March 2015
Additions 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2016
Additions 
Disposals 
Foreign exchange rate movements
At 31 March 2017
Depreciation
At 31 March 2015
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 March 2016
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 March 2017
Net book value
At 31 March 2017
At 31 March 2016

£m

6.8

Total
£m

596.1
213.5
(27.6)
782.0
473.9
(64.5)
(0.2)
1,191.2

(300.8)
(88.7)
27.3
(362.2)
(87.0)
64.5
(384.7)

806.5
419.8

Land and 
buildings
£m

Aircraft, engines 
and other 
components
£m

Plant, 
vehicles and 
equipment
£m

41.3
2.3
–
43.6
18.7
–
–
62.3

(10.6)
(2.1)
–
(12.7)
(1.7)
–
(14.4)

47.9
30.9

490.6
204.9
(26.3)
669.2
439.3
(64.2)
(0.2)
1,044.1

(249.8)
(80.1)
26.2
(303.7)
(77.7)
64.2
(317.2)

726.9
365.5

64.2
6.3
(1.3)
69.2
15.9
(0.3)
–
84.8

(40.4)
(6.5)
1.1
(45.8)
(7.6)
0.3
(53.1)

31.7
23.4

Aircraft, engines and other components cost includes £107.5m (2016: £97.2m) relating to pre-delivery payments and £4.0m  
(2016: £2.2m) of interest charges on associated borrowing in respect of future new aircraft arrivals. Depreciation is not charged on 
these assets until the Group takes delivery of the corresponding aircraft.  

Aircraft, engines and other components includes aircraft held under finance leases with a net book value of £102.8m (2016: nil). 

15 

Inventories

Consumables

2017
£m

1.2

2016
£m

1.1

16  Money market deposits & cash and cash equivalents 

Included within cash and money market deposits is £82.9m (2016: £68.5m) 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 had no cash placed with counterparties in the form of margin calls to cover out-of-the-money hedge instruments 
(2016 cash placed: £5.2m). 

64

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk 
17  Trade and other receivables

Current:
Trade receivables 
Other receivables
Corporation tax recoverable

2017
£m

557.5
149.4
0.9
707.8

2016
£m

415.1
88.8
–
503.9

Other receivables includes balances totalling £30.1m (2016: £10.8m) recoverable after more than one year.

Ageing analysis of trade receivables

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

Gross 
receivables
553.2
2.8
1.6
557.6

31 March 2017 (£m)
Provision for 
doubtful debts
–
–
(0.1)
(0.1)

Net trade 
receivables
553.2
2.8
1.5
557.5

Gross 
receivables
413.1
1.5
0.5
415.1

31 March 2016 (£m)
Provision for 
doubtful debts
–
–
–
–

Net trade 
receivables
413.1
1.5
0.5
415.1

18  Trade and other payables

Current:
Trade payables
Other taxation and social security
Corporation tax payable
Other creditors and accruals

19  Other non-current liabilities

Other creditors and accruals

20  Borrowings

Borrowings are repayable as follows: 

2017
£m

46.4
11.2
–
78.7
136.3

2017
£m
–

Bank loans
2017
£m

2016
£m

Aircraft loans
2017
£m

Within one year
Between one and two years
Between two and five years
Over five years
Total

7.5
–
–
–
7.5

0.7
7.5
–
–
8.2

113.4
19.0
61.2
167.7
361.3

Obligations under finance 
leases

Total

2016
£m

82.7
–
–
–
82.7

2017
£m

8.7
10.0
32.0
101.0
151.7

2016
£m

–
–
–
–
–

2017
£m

129.6
29.0
93.2
268.7
520.5

2016
£m

28.8
8.5
6.9
65.2
109.4

2016
£m
0.1

2016
£m

83.4
7.5
–
–
90.9

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

65

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2017

21  Provisions 

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

Maintenance
2017
£m
4.4
20.3
–
(8.9)
–
15.8

2016
£m
6.1
15.7
–
(17.4)
–
4.4

Other

Total

2017
£m
18.9
12.0
1.8
(7.2)
(2.5)
23.0

2016
£m
22.6
4.4
–
(7.7)
(0.4)
18.9

2017
£m
23.3
32.3
1.8
(16.1)
(2.5)
38.8

2016
£m
28.7
20.1
–
(25.1)
(0.4)
23.3

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 lessors in accordance with its contractual 
requirements, possible passenger claims for historical flight delays under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and possible customer 
compensation claims that cannot be reclaimed from hotels. 

22  Financial instruments

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

Liquidity risk 
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. 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. In addition, a 
regular assessment is made of the Group’s banking facility covenant compliance and the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Available 
Liquidity Test. 

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 and sets credit limits for each counterparty 
accordingly. The Group regularly monitors such limits, incorporating this information into credit risk controls, and does not currently 
hold any collateral.

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 Leisure Travel business incurs considerable operational costs which are euro and US dollar denominated and is therefore 
exposed to sudden movements in exchange rates. 

Transactional currency exposures arise as a result of 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 2017, the Group had hedged a significant proportion 
of its forecast foreign exchange requirements for 2017/18 and a proportion of its requirements for the subsequent year. Further 
information in relation to foreign currency exchange risk is given below.

Aviation fuel price risk
The cost of fuel is a material element of the cost base of the Leisure Travel business and the effective management of aviation fuel 
price volatility continues to be important.

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 2017, 
the Group had hedged a significant proportion of its forecast fuel requirements for 2017/18 and 2018/19 and a proportion of its 
requirement for the subsequent year. 

66

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk 
22  Financial instruments (continued)

Carbon price risk
The Group also hedges exposure in relation to its obligations under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, which sets requirements on 
a calendar year basis. As at 31 March 2017, the Group had acquired a significant proportion of its requirement for the year ending 
31 December 2017 and more than 60% of the following year’s requirement.

Interest rate risk
As part of its strategy for achieving continuity and flexibility of funding, the Group uses specialist aircraft finance. Some of this 
borrowing is subject to floating rate interest charges, which generates interest cost volatility. The Group’s policy is to mitigate, to an 
acceptable level, this possible cost volatility. The Group uses interest rate swaps to cover a proportion of floating rate borrowings 
and as at 31 March 2017, had hedged a substantial proportion of its forecast cash flows in relation to floating rate borrowings for 
2017/18 and subsequent years.

All hedging has been carried out in line with the Group’s Hedging Policy.

Under IAS 39, the forward currency, carbon, interest and fuel derivatives 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 2020.

(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 2017. 

Financial assets
Liquid assets 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, payables, and other liabilities:
Trade payables
Bank loans
Aircraft loans
Obligations under finance leases
Other financial liabilities
Designated cash flow hedge relationships: 
Forward US dollar contracts
Forward euro contracts
Forward jet fuel contracts 
Forward carbon contracts
Forward interest rate contracts
Total financial liabilities 

31 March 2017
Carrying amount
£m

31 March 2016
Carrying amount
£m

488.7
200.3
557.5

27.0
29.8
27.1
0.1
1,330.5

342.0
70.0
415.1

15.4
39.4
9.7
–
891.6

31 March 2017
Carrying amount
£m

31 March 2016
Carrying amount
£m

46.4
7.5
361.3
151.7
–

3.0
18.2
13.6
1.0
1.0
603.7

28.8
8.2
82.7
–
0.5

1.5
–
66.8
0.8
–
189.3

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

67

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2017

22  Financial instruments (continued)

There are no differences between the carrying values of the Group’s financial instruments 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 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 derivative financial instruments is based on the expected full recovery of asset values 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 and interest rate 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 2015
Other comprehensive income
Credited in income statement
At 31 March 2016
Other comprehensive income
At 31 March 2017

Amounts charged in the Consolidated Income Statement within:
Operating expenses: fuel (note 6)

Cash flow hedges

Assets
£m
28.5
36.1
(0.1)
64.5
19.5
84.0

2017
£m

–

Liabilities
£m
(128.9)
59.8
–
(69.1)
32.3
(36.8)

2016
£m

(0.1)

All (losses) / gains on cash flow hedges recycled from equity into the Consolidated 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:

Financial assets

< 1 year
1 – 2 years

Derivative 
financial 
instruments
£m

31 March 2017

Liquid assets
and receivables
£m

74.7
9.3
84.0

1,246.5
–
1,246.5

Derivative 
financial 
instruments
£m

31 March 2016

Liquid assets
and receivables
£m

49.3
15.2
64.5

827.1
–
827.1

Total
£m

1,321.2
9.3
1,330.5

Total
£m

876.4
15.2
891.6

68

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk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
2 – 5 years
> 5 years

31 March 2017

Derivative 
financial 
instruments
£m

Loans, payables
 and other liabilities
£m

15.9
20.9
–
–
36.8

176.0
29.0
93.2
268.7
566.9

31 March 2016

Derivative 
financial 
instruments
£m

Loans, payables
 and other liabilities
£m

64.5
4.6
–
–
69.1

112.7
7.5
–
–
120.2

Total
£m

191.9
49.9
93.2
268.7
603.7

Total
£m

177.2
12.1
–
–
189.3

(d) Borrowing facilities
The Group has various borrowing facilities and financing arrangements available to it. The total borrowing facilities available at  
31 March 2017 were as follows: 

Revolving credit facilities i
Bank loans ii
Aircraft loans iii
Obligations under finance leases iii

Amounts drawn down

Facilities available

2017
£m

–
7.5
361.3
151.7
520.5

2016
£m

–
8.1
82.8
–
90.9

2017
£m

35.0
7.5
361.3
151.7
555.5

2016
£m

35.0
8.1
82.8
–
125.9

i. 

 £35.0m revolving credit facility committed until the end of August 2017. The Group is currently negotiating a new revolving credit facility; 

ii.  The bank loan matures in August 2017 and is not expected to be renewed; 

iii. 

 Aircraft loans and finance leases provide funding for certain new aircraft additions and pre-delivery payments; and 

iv. 

 During the year, the Group secured US$23.0m 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$59.8m (2016: US$49.4m).

(e) Interest rate risk 

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

31 March 2017
Financial assets 
on which no 
interest is 
receivable
£m

Floating rate 
financial assets
£m

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

Total
£m

Floating rate 
financial assets
£m

630.8
10.2
9.1
–
650.1

46.9
4.0
(11.3)
(0.7)
38.9

677.7
14.2
(2.2)
(0.7)
689.0

380.7
15.6
3.0
–
399.3

12.3
0.2
–
0.2
12.7

Total
£m

393.0
15.8
3.0
0.2
412.0

The floating rate financial assets comprise cash on deposit at various market rates according to currency and term. Money market 
deposits comprise deposits with a maturity of more than three months from placement. The Group operates composite bank 
accounts which allow the offset of individual bank and overdraft accounts across a range of currencies. 

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

69

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2017

22  Financial instruments (continued)

Financial liabilities
Borrowings
Sterling
US dollar

Floating rate 
financial 
liabilities
£m

31 March 2017

Fixed rate 
financial 
liabilities
£m

7.5
199.9
207.4

236.8
76.3
313.1

Floating rate 
financial 
liabilities
£m

31 March 2016

Fixed rate 
financial 
liabilities
£m

8.1
82.8
90.9

–
–
–

Total
£m

244.3
276.2
520.5

Total
£m

8.1
82.8
90.9

An interest rate sensitivity analysis has not been provided on the basis that the interest rate risk for substantially all of the floating rate 
interest costs accounted for in the Consolidated Income Statement during the year was hedged. 

(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 Consolidated Income Statement in the following year.

31 March 2016
31 March 2017

US dollar
£m
(77.5)
(190.5)

Euro
£m
(16.8)
(37.7)

Other
£m
0.3
(1.1)

Total
£m
(94.0)
(229.3)

(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 for the year
10% change in jet fuel prices
5% movement of sterling
Impact on Other comprehensive income/(expense)
10% change in jet fuel prices
5% movement of sterling

23  Called up share capital and reserves

(a) Share capital

Authorised ordinary shares of 1.25p each 
Allotted, called up and fully paid: 
As at 31 March 2016
Share options exercised
As at 31 March 2017

31 March 
2017
+ / - £m

31 March 
2016
+ / - £m

–
9.7

44.2
78.1

2017
£m
2.0

1.8
–
1.8

–
4.5

17.8
32.6

2016
£m
2.0

1.8
–
1.8

Number
of shares
160,000,000

147,898,091
353,516
148,251,607

(b) Employee share schemes 
Dart Group PLC has two legacy share option schemes in operation in addition to the recently introduced Senior Executive Incentive 
Plan (“SEIP”). All of 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 2017. The total expense recognised for the period arising from share based payments was £0.4m (2016: £0.1m). 

70

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk23  Called up share capital and reserves (continued)

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

Scheme
Unapproved 2005
Unapproved 2005
Unapproved 2005
SEIP

Total Unapproved
Approved 2005
Approved 2005
Approved 2005
Approved 2005
Approved 2005
Approved 2005
Approved 2005

Approved 2005
Approved 2005

Total Approved
Total

Grant date
04 Sep 08
05 Aug 10
04 Aug 11
Various

03 Aug 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
24.75p
67.00p
85.00p
1.25p

31 March 2017 
shares
–
25,000
60,000
237,751

31 March 2016 
shares
Timing of exercise and expiry
61,880
All exercisable, expiring 04 Sep 18
All exercisable, expiring 05 Aug 20
147,201
60,000 All exercisable from 04 Aug 17, expiring 04 Aug 21
77k, 98k and 63k exercisable from 6 Jul 17, 
26 Jul 18, and 24 Jul 19 respectively

–

101.75p
24.75p
52.50p
46.75p
67.00p
94.50p
85.00p

63.88p
76.38p

322,751
18,500
96,962
246,900
12,500
31,500
71,200
62,500

57,500
69,509

667,071
989,822

269,081
28,500
115,982
342,204
13,300
76,138
84,623
66,250

All exercisable, expiring 03 Aug 17
All exercisable, expiring 04 Sep 18
All exercisable, expiring 10 Sep 19
All exercisable, expiring 16 Dec 19
All exercisable, expiring 05 Aug 20
All exercisable, expiring 23 Dec 20
16k currently exercisable, remainder from 
04 Aug 17, all expiring 04 Aug 21
57,500 All exercisable from 22 Dec 17, expiring 22 Dec 21
4k currently exercisable, remainder from 
74,509
01 Aug 18, expiring 01 Aug 22

859,006
1,128,087

Since the reporting date, Deferred Awards were granted under the SEIP. The total number of shares awarded totalled 93,570 and 
included certain Director awards as detailed in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration. These awards vest on 20 July 2020. 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.

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

2017

2016

Number of 
options
1,128,087
237,751
(353,516)
(22,500)
989,822
502,562

Weighted average 
exercise price
(pence)
61.10
1.25
56.54
54.19
48.53
56.40
503.44

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

Weighted average 
exercise price
(pence)
57.70
–
55.20
53.90
61.10
48.60
492.00

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 4.4 years (2016: 4.0 years).

(c) 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.

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

71

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2017

24  Commitments 

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

Land and buildings

Aircraft and engines

Plant and machinery

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

2017
£m
3.8
9.4
9.5
22.7

2016
£m
2.8
8.9
5.5
17.2

2017
£m
19.8
33.6
–
53.4

2016
£m
22.3
52.4
2.0
76.7

2017
£m
10.9
16.9
1.2
29.0

25  Notes to cash flow statement 

Changes in net cash
Cash at bank and in hand
Borrowings due within one year
Borrowings due after one year
Net cash / (debt)

Money market deposits
Net cash and money market deposits

26  Contingent liabilities

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

70.0
321.1

Cash flow
£m
144.8
(39.5)
(384.9)
(279.6)

130.3
(149.3)

Exchange
differences
£m
1.9
(6.7)
1.5
(3.3)

-
(3.3)

2016
£m
9.7
11.8
0.4
21.9

At
31 March
2017
£m
488.7
(129.6)
(390.9)
(31.8)

200.3
168.5

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. 

27  Pension scheme

The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension charge for the period represents contributions payable by 
the Group into the scheme and amounted to £8.5m (2016: £6.3m). 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 compensation of key management personnel, comprising the Executive and Non-Executive Directors of Dart Group PLC and its 
subsidiaries, is summarised in note 9 to the consolidated financial statements. The remuneration of the Directors of Dart Group PLC 
is set out in detail in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 38 to 41.

72

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukParent Company 
Financial Statements

Parent Company Balance Sheet 
at 31 March 2017

Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Investments

Current assets
Debtors - of which falling due > 1 year: £4.7m (2016: £5.5m)
Money market deposits
Cash and cash equivalents

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 
Finance lease obligations
Derivative financial instruments
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

2017
£m

677.6
23.0
700.6

23.8
65.2
65.0
154.0

(459.3)
(305.3)
395.3
(164.3)
(143.0)
(0.3)
(28.5)
59.2

1.8
12.5
45.7
(0.8)
59.2

2016
£m

386.8
22.7
409.5

18.2
20.0
10.3
48.5

(354.2)
(305.7)
103.8
(7.5)
–
–
(20.1)
76.2

1.8
12.4
62.2
(0.2)
76.2

The accounts on pages 74 to 81 were approved by the Board of Directors at a meeting held on 28 July 2017 and were signed on 
its behalf by:

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

74

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukParent Company Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 March 2017

Balance at 31 March 2015
Total comprehensive expense 
Issue of share capital
Dividends paid to shareholders
Intra-group dividends
Balance at 31 March 2016
Total comprehensive expense
Share based payments
Issue of share capital
Dividends paid to shareholders
Intra-group dividends
Balance at 31 March 2017

Share 
capital
£m 
1.8
–
–
–
–
1.8
–
–
 – 
–
–
1.8

Share 
premium
£m
11.9
–
0.5
–
–
12.4
–
–
0.1
–
–
12.5

Cash flow 
hedging reserve
£m
3.0
(3.2)
–
–
–
(0.2)
(0.6)
–
–
–
–
(0.8)

Profit and loss 
account
£m
55.0
(8.2)
–
(4.6)
20.0
62.2
(13.6)
0.6
–
(6.6)
3.1
45.7

Total 
shareholders’ 
equity
£m
71.7
(11.4)
 0.5 
(4.6)
20.0
76.2
(14.2)
0.6
0.1
(6.6)
3.1
59.2

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

75

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes to the Parent Company Financial 
Statements for the year ended 31 March 2017

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 and has adopted FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework accordingly.

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; and

•  compensation of key management personnel.

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

•  IFRS 2 Share-based Payments in respect of Group settled share based payments; and

•  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.

2  Significant accounting policies 

Going concern
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, profit before and after taxation, 
balance sheets and cash flows through to 31 March 2020.

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 2020, 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 2017.

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.

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

76

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Tangible fixed assets 
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any provision for impairment. 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 on these additions until the Company takes delivery of the corresponding 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

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

* excluding pre-delivery payments and interest charges on associated borrowing (see above).

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.

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 events 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: amounts falling due within 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.

Operating 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.

Finance Leases
Finance leases are recognised at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset, or, if lower, at the present value of 
the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and the reduction of the lease liability 
so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are included in interest payable. 

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.

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

77

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes to the Parent Company Financial 
Statements for the year ended 31 March 2017

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 £674.4m (2016: £384.1m). 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 £13.6m (2016: loss 
£8.2m) is dealt with in the accounts of the Company. 

5  Tangible fixed assets 

Cost
At 31 March 2016
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2017
Depreciation
At 31 March 2016
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 March 2017
Net book value
At 31 March 2017
At 31 March 2016

Land & 
buildings
£m

Aircraft,
engines and
other
components
£m

Plant,
vehicles &
equipment
£m

2.8
–
–
2.8

(1.0)
(0.1)
–
(1.1)

1.7
1.8

552.6
407.1
(125.3)
834.4

(168.5)
(31.8)
40.3
(160.0)

674.4
384.1

7.8
1.2
–
9.0

(6.9)
(0.6)
–
(7.5)

1.5
0.9

Total
 fixed
assets
£m

563.2
408.3
(125.3)
846.2

(176.4)
(32.5)
40.3
(168.6)

677.6
386.8

Aircraft, engines and other components cost includes £107.5m (2016: £97.2m) relating to pre-delivery payments and £4.0m  
(2016: £2.2m) of interest charges on associated borrowing in respect of future new aircraft arrivals. Depreciation is not charged on 
these assets until the Group takes delivery of the corresponding aircraft. 

Aircraft, engines and other components includes aircraft held under finance leases with a net book value of £102.8m (2016: nil).

78

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk6 

Investments

Shares in subsidiary undertakings at cost, and net investment:
At 31 March 2016
Investment in Dart Leasing & Finance Limited
Share based payments 
At 31 March 2017

£m

 22.7 
 0.1 
 0.2 
23.0

During the year Dart Group PLC acquired 100,000 ordinary shares in Dart Leasing & Finance Limited at a nominal value of $1  
per share. 

The subsidiary undertakings of the Company are:

Subsidiary undertaking
Principal subsidiary undertakings:
Dart Leasing & Finance Limited *
Fowler Welch Limited *
Jet2.com Limited *
Jet2holidays Limited
Jet2 Transport Services Limited 

Other subsidiary undertakings:
Fowler Welch (Containers) Limited 
Jet2 Support Services (Spain) Limited
Vardy Limited *

Dormant subsidiary undertakings:
Coolchain Limited *
Fowler Welch BV 
FW Distribution Limited * 
Jet2 Limited *

Principal activity

%
holding

Aircraft leasing and financing services
Distribution and logistics services
Leisure travel airline services
Leisure travel Package Holiday services
Leisure travel transport services

Leasing services
Leisure travel support services
Aviation services

Dormant company
Dormant company
Dormant company
Dormant company

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%

Country of
incorporation or
registration

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Republic of Ireland

United Kingdom
Netherlands
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

* Indicates investments held directly by Dart Group PLC as at 31 March 2017.

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.

With the exception of the following entities, all of the above subsidiaries share the same registered address as Dart Group PLC, 
which is provided on page 85:

Fowler Welch BV
West Marsh Road 
Spalding 
Lincolnshire 
PE11 2BB 
UK

Vardy Limited
1 Grant’s Row 
Lower Mount Street  
Dublin 2 
D02 HX96 
Ireland

25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof 9

79

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes to the Parent Company Financial 
Statements for the year ended 31 March 2017

7  Debtors

Other debtors and prepayments
Corporation tax recoverable
Amounts owed by Group undertakings – £4.7m due >1 year (2016: £5.5m)
Derivative financial instruments

8  Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Bank overdraft
Trade creditors
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Other creditors and accruals
Loans
Finance lease obligations
Derivative financial instruments

2017
£m
7.7
11.0
5.1
–
23.8

2017
£m
18.4
0.1
312.6
3.8
115.0
8.7
0.7
459.3

2016
£m
5.1
5.7
7.0
0.4
18.2

2016
£m
51.7
0.1
215.8
2.6
83.4
–
0.6
354.2

Included in amounts owed to Group undertakings are maintenance security deposits repayable to Jet2.com of £151.7m  
(2016: £129.4m).

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 to income
Movement on transfer of fixed assets
Credit to equity
Deferred tax liability at end of year

Deferred taxation breakdown:
Accelerated Capital Allowances 
Timing differences on derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax liability at end of year

There are no unrecognised deferred taxation balances at 31 March 2017 (2016: £nil). 

2017
£m

20.1
11.5
(2.9)
(0.2)
28.5

28.7
(0.2)
28.5

2016
£m

19.9
1.1
–
(0.9)
20.1

20.1
–
20.1

80

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk10  Directors and employees

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Share based payments
Total staff costs

2017
£m
2.1
0.3
0.1
0.2
2.7

2016
£m
1.7
0.2
0.1
–
2.0

On average, the Company had nine employees during the year ended 31 March 2017 (2016: 12). Details of Directors’ emoluments 
are set out in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 38 to 41. 

Details of Directors’ remuneration:
Highest paid Director
Number of Directors for whom retirement benefits accrue
Number of Directors who exercised share options

11  Share based payments

2017

£0.9m
1
-

2016

£0.7m
1
-

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 £0.2m (2016: £nil).

12  Contingent liabilities

The Company has issued various guarantees in the ordinary course of business, none of which are expected to lead to a financial 
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. 

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Information

Glossary of Terms .............................................................................. 84
Secretary and Advisers ...................................................................... 85
Financial Calendar ............................................................................. 86

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Fowler Welch Teynham Distribution Centre

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Glossary of Terms

Ambient

ATOL

Non-temperature-controlled distribution.

Air Travel Organiser’s Licence.

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

ETIAS

See Sector Seats Available below.

Compound annual growth rate.

Chief operating decision maker.

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System is the European 
Commission’s proposed new visa scheme which could apply to non-EU citizens, 
including UK citizens, post-Brexit.

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

Passenger Sectors Flown

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 legroom fees, in-flight sales and commissions earned on car hire and 
insurance bookings.

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).

84

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk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

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

Arden Partners plc 
125 Old Broad Street 
London 
EC2N 1AR

Yorkshire Bank 
94 -96 Briggate  
Leeds 
LS1 6NP

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

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

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

Bird & Bird LLP
12 New Fetter Lane
London
EC4A 1JP

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary Information 
Financial Calendar

Annual General Meeting

Proposed final dividend payment

7 September 2017 

27 October 2017

Results for the six months to 30 September 2017

16 November 2017 

Results for the twelve months to 31 March 2018

 July 2018

86

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.uk 
Notes

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87

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationNotes

88

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukNotes

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89

Annual Report & Accounts 2017www.dartgroup.co.ukStrategic ReportOur GovernanceOur FinancialsSupplementary InformationLow Fare Finder House 
Leeds Bradford International Airport
Leeds 
LS19 7TU

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

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25432.04 – 7 August 2017 2:48 PM – Proof