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Ryanair Holdings plc

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Industry Airlines, Airports & Air Services
Employees 10,000+
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FY2013 Annual Report · Ryanair Holdings plc
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CONTENTS 

2  Financial Highlights 

4  Chairman‟s Report 

5  Chief Executive‟s Report 

8  Summary Operating and Financial Overview 

10  Directors‟ Report  

14  Corporate Governance Report 

27  Report of the Remuneration Committee on Directors‟ Remuneration 

28  Statement of Directors‟ Responsibilities 

30  Independent Auditor‟s Report 

32  Presentation of Financial and Certain Other Information 

34  Detailed Index* 

36  Key Information 

42  Principle Risks and Uncertainties 

58  Information on the Company 

82  Operating and Financial Review 

87  Critical Accounting Policies 

102  Directors, Senior Management and Employees 

111  Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions 

112  Financial Information 

123  Additional Information 

134  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

139  Controls and Procedures 

144  Consolidated Financial Statements 

200  Company Financial Statements 

206  Directors and Other Information 

207  Appendix 
*See Index on page 34 and 35 for detailed table of contents. 

Information  on  the  Company  is  available  online  via  the  Internet  at  our  website,  www.ryanair.com. 
Information on our website does not constitute part of this Annual Report. This Annual Report and our 
20-F are available on our website.  

1 

 
 
 
 
Financial Highlights 

Operating revenue (i) 

Net profit after tax 

Adjusted net profit after tax  

Basic EPS (in euro cent) 

Adjusted basic EPS (in euro cent)  

    2013 
€M  

     2012 
        €M 

    Change 

4,884.0 

4,324.9 

+13% 

569.3 

569.3 

39.45 

39.45 

560.4 

+2% 

502.6 

+13% 

38.03 

+4% 

34.10 

+16% 

(i)Year ended March 31, 2012 excludes a one off release of ticket sales revenue of €65.3 million. See reconciliation of 
profit to adjusted profit for the year on pages 8 and 9.   

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
Key Statistics                       

Scheduled passengers 

Year-end Fleet  

Average staff 

Passengers per staff member (avg.) 

    2013               2012            Change 

79.3m 

75.8m 

305 

9,059 

8,753 

294 

8,438 

8,983 

+5% 

+4% 

+7% 

-3% 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
     
Chairman‟s Report 

Dear Shareholders, 

I am pleased to report a 13% increase in profit after tax to a new record of €569m.  This was an excellent result 
despite  a  €292m  increase  in  fuel  costs  which  we  managed  to  offset  by  a  6%  rise  in  average  fares  and  strong 
growth in ancillary revenues.   

 During the year Ryanair delivered a number of significant milestones: 

  We grew our traffic by 5% to 79.3m passengers. 

  We took delivery of 15 new aircraft for a year-end fleet of 305 Boeing 737-800‘s.   

  We opened 7 new bases and 217 new routes bringing our route/network operated to over 1,600.    

  We improved our industry leading passenger service  with better punctuality, fewer lost bags and less 

cancellations.   

  We  completed  a  share  buyback  of  €67m  in  April  2012,  and  paid  a  special  dividend  of  €492m  in 

November, 2012.    

Fuel costs in fiscal 2013 as a proportion of our total operating costs have risen to 45%.  We are 90% hedged for 
fiscal 2014, at approximately  US$98 per barrel which is almost another €200m  increase in our fuel bill.  Oil 
price  rises  and  high  winter  charges  at  certain  airports  will  make  it  commercially  sound  to  ground  up  to  60 
aircraft next winter (80 aircraft last year) rather than incur losses operating these aircraft at lower winter yields.  
Nevertheless, we still expect passenger volumes in fiscal 2014 to grow by approximately 3% to 82m passengers. 

At  a  recent  June  2013  EGM  shareholders  approved  our  new  175  aircraft  order  with  Boeing.    Net  of 
disposals/lease returns this will enable Ryanair‘s fleet to increase to 410 aircraft and our traffic to grow by 39% 
to  110m  by  fiscal  2019.    We  see  tremendous  opportunity  in  Europe  to  increase  passenger  volumes  as  our 
competitors  merge/consolidate, cut short-haul capacity and in some cases exit the industry.  This  new Boeing 
order at prices ―not dissimilar‖ to our previous 2005 order will enable us to grow our business while at the same 
time locking in advantageous long term ownership costs in our fleet. 

We recently announced Ryanair‘s plans to return a further €1bn to shareholders (subject to shareholder approval 
at  our  AGM  in  September)  via  share  buybacks  and  special  dividends  by  the  end  of  fiscal  2015.    The 
combination  of  a  special  dividend  and  buy  backs  (subject  to  shareholder  approval)  and  previous 
buybacks/special  dividends  completed  will  mean  that  Ryanair  will  return  €2.53bn  to  shareholders  since  2008 
which is unprecedented in the airline industry.   

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Klaus Kirchberger for his contribution and commitment to Ryanair 
as a director over the last eleven years.  Klaus resigned from the board at the end of March 2013 and we wish 
him much success in the future.  I would also like to warmly welcome three new directors Louise Phelan, Julie 
O‘Neill and Dick Milliken. Louise and Julie joined the board in December 2012 while Dick joined in July 2013.  
They will all stand for election at the AGM in September, 2013.     

We  look  forward  to  growing  Ryanair  to  110m  passengers  and  410  aircraft  by  fiscal  2019.    The  outstanding 
people at Ryanair continue to work hard on behalf of shareholders to reduce our costs while at the same time 
delivering the lowest fares in Europe for the benefit of our 82m passengers.   

Yours sincerely, 

David Bonderman 
Chairman 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive‟s Report 

Dear Shareholders, 

Our  results  emphasise  the  enduring  strength  of  Ryanair‘s  unique  ultra-low  cost  carrier  model  (ULCC)  in 
Europe.  Ryanair delivered a 13% increase in profits to a record €569m.  Our traffic grew 5% to 79.3m, as load 
factor remained stable at 82% and average fare (which includes optional checked in bag fees) improved by 6% 
to over €48.  Turnover rose 13% to €4,884m as ancillary revenues grew by 20% to €1,064m.   

Operating costs rose 12% to €4,166m  mainly due to a  €292m (18%)  increase in our  fuel bill to €1,886m and 
excessive  unjustified  price  increases  at  Spanish  Airports,  where  the  Government  owned  AENA  monopoly 
continues  to  raise  airport  fees  while  presiding  over  record  traffic  declines.    Over  the  past  5  years,  despite 
wasting millions on new - and unnecessary - terminals, AENA‘s traffic has declined from 210m in 2007 to less 
than 180m currently.  Ryanair has made offers to AENA to reverse these declines and create thousands of jobs 
in Spanish tourism, but to date these offers have not been accepted. 

Ryanair welcomed Manchester Airport Group‘s (MAG) purchase of Stansted Airport in March 2013.  We are in 
active  discussions  with MAG about a  rapid traffic growth  plan and  we  hope these talks  will lead to a growth 
deal  which  will  reverse  the  past  6  years  of  record  traffic  falls  at  Stansted,  where  the  CAA‘s  ‗inadequate‘ 
regulatory regime has allowed prices to double and traffic to decline by 25% from 24m to 18m since 2007.  We 
believe that competition between airports should now deliver a better deal for Stansted users, where the CAA 
has repeatedly failed. 

Our recent firm order for 175 Boeing 737-800 aircraft clears the  way  for Ryanair to resume  strong growth in 
fleet, routes and traffic over the 5 year period from fiscal 2015 to 2019.  The fact that we have secured phased 
deliveries  over  this  period  at  pricing  which  is  ―not  dissimilar‖  to  our  previous  (2005)  order  emphasises  the 
importance of Ryanair‘s long-term commitment to, and our partnership with, Boeing.  We have set up a senior 
team  to  study  the  B737-MAX  and  we  have  tasked  them  with  reporting  back  before  the  end  of  September.  
Subject to reaching commercial terms with Boeing we would hope to finalise a follow-on order sometime before 
the end of this fiscal year but there is no certainty that an agreement can be reached by that deadline.  Ryanair‘s 
success  to  date  has  been  built  on  our  selection  of  Boeing  aircraft,  and  while  we  would  not  rule  out  a  second 
aircraft type, we are confident that this new 175 aircraft order will provide a basis for another 5 years of strong 
growth in traffic, profits and shareholder returns 

Our passengers 
Ryanair  delivers  Europe‘s  No.  1  customer  service  for  the  benefit  of  our  passengers,  our  people  and  our 
shareholders.  We continue to grow by delivering lower fares, better punctuality, fewer lost bags, which is why 
we receive fewer passenger complaints than any other major airline in Europe.   

Despite  the  current  EU  recession,  and  the  spread  of  austerity  measures,  Ryanair‘s  lowest  fares  continue  to 
encourage  passengers  to  travel,  and  more  importantly  to  switch  to  Ryanair‘s  low  fares.    Ryanair  beats  every 
other airline on price on every flight,  every route, every day.  We have grown to carry over 79.3m passengers 
and IATA‘s 2012 traffic statistics confirm that Ryanair carries far more international passengers than any other 
scheduled airline, making Ryanair the ―world‘s favourite airline‖.  Over the past year, Ryanair welcomed 79.3m 
passengers  onboard,  at  an  average  fare  of  just  €48,  which  meant  that  these  passengers  saved  over  €7bn 
compared    to  the  high  fares  charged  by  our  competitor‘s  including  Air  France,  British  Airways,  Easyjet  and 
Lufthansa.   

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Source IATA (calendar year 2012) 

Ryanair‘s growth and profitability is not based solely on price.  In addition to the lowest fares in every market 
last year, Ryanair also delivered: 

 

 The best punctuality   

93% of flights on-time (up 2%). 

 

 Fewest lost bags     

 

 Fewest complaints  

 

 Youngest fleet  

 

 Rapid complaint responses  

We  lost  less  than  1  bag  for  every  3,000  passengers  carried,  an 
improvement on the prior year  

Last  year  we  received  less  than  1  complaint  per  2,000 
passengers, an improvement on the prior year 

The average age of our 305 aircraft at year end is approximately 
4.5 years. 
Over 99% replied to within 7 days. 

 

 The world‟s greenest airline  

Independent 
greenest/cleanest airline. 

research  confirms  Ryanair 

is 

the  world‘s 

Our people 
Over the past year average staff numbers in Ryanair rose to 9,059.  Within this number, more than 350 people 
were promoted, as our growth created new opportunities for career progression and development.  Our people 
know that they can advance their careers by taking advantage of Ryanair‘s commitment to promote from within 
wherever possible.  At a time when many European airlines are cutting jobs, or cutting pay (as in the case of Air 
Berlin,  Iberia  and  SAS  in  recent  months),  Ryanair  is  proud  of  its  long-standing  record  of  job  creation,  pay 
increases and internal promotions and, above all, job security. 

Our shareholders 
Unlike  other  airlines,  Ryanair  continues  to  deliver  substantial  returns  for  shareholders.    In  Ryanair  our  Board 
and Management team hold a significant stake in the company, which means we think and act like shareholders, 
precisely because we are significant shareholders. 

Ryanair‘s  increased  profits  and  rising  cash  reserves  allowed  our  Board  to  make  a  second  special  dividend  of 
€0.34  per  share  (approx.  €492m)  to  shareholders  in  November  2012.    We  have  completed  a  further  share 
buyback in June 2013 amounting to €177m.  As a result of our continued growth, the Board has indicated its 
intention to make a further share buyback of up to €223m in fiscal year 2014, as well as return of up to €600.0m 
to shareholders through a third special dividend and/or share buyback in fiscal year 2015 representing a €1 bn 
return to shareholders over a two year period.  This will bring the total Ryanair has returned to shareholders to 
more than €2.53bn since fiscal year 2008. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It is a remarkable fact that having raised just €585m from our flotation and four secondary offers between 1997 
and 2002 Ryanair will now return almost 5 times this amount (over €2.5bn) to shareholders by the end of 2015. 

Ryanair continues to look for opportunities to invest our cash wisely.  While we have now finalized a  firm 175 
aircraft  order  which  will  enable  us  to  grow  to  110m  passengers  annually  by  fiscal  year  2019,  we  hope  to 
continue to manage this growth in a controlled, safe and profitable manner.  Our history has shown that we only 
order aircraft when we believe that pricing will make it profitable for our shareholders to do so and we believe 
we have achieved this again with our latest order. 

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank our Chairman, my fellow Board members, our Managers and all the team 
at Ryanair for their hard work and commitment over the past year, which has helped us deliver another year of 
low fare traffic growth and record profits for the benefit of our passengers, our people and our shareholders. 

Yours sincerely, 

Michael O‘Leary 
Chief Executive 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary Operating and Financial Overview 

Consolidated Income Statement Data 

IFRS 

Year 

Ended 

Mar 31, 

2013 

€M 

Pre 

Exceptional 

Exceptional 

Results 

Mar 31, 

2012 

€M 

Items 

Mar 31, 

2012 

€M 

IFRS 

Year 

Ended 

Mar 31, 

2012 

€M 

Operating revenues 
Scheduled revenues ...........................................................................................    
Ancillary revenues .............................................................................................  
Total operating revenues- continuing operations 

3,819.8 
1,064.2 
4,884.0 

Operating expenses 
Staff costs ......................................................................................................... . 
Depreciation .......................................................................................................  
Fuel and oil ....................................................................................................... . 
Maintenance, materials and repairs ....................................................................  
Aircraft rentals .................................................................................................. . 
Route charges ................................................................................................... . 
Airport and handling charges ............................................................................ . 
Marketing, distribution & other ........................................................................ . 
Total operating expenses 
Operating profit – continuing operations 

435.6 
329.6 
1,885.6 
120.7 
98.2 
486.6 
611.6 
197.9 
4,165.8 
718.2 

Other income / (expense) 
Finance income ..................................................................................................  
Finance expense .................................................................................................  
Foreign exchange gains .....................................................................................  
Gain on disposal of property, plant & equipment ..............................................  
Total other expense 
Profit  before tax 

27.4 
(99.3) 
4.6 
- 
(67.3) 
650.9 

3,438.7 
886.2 
4,324.9 

415.0 
309.2 
1,593.6 
104.0 
90.7 
460.5 
554.0 
180.0 
3,707.0 
617.9 

44.3 
(109.2) 
4.3 
10.4 
(50.2) 
567.7 

65.3 
- 
65.3 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
65.3 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
65.3 

3,504.0 
886.2 
4,390.2 

415.0 
309.2 
1,593.6 
104.0 
90.7 
460.5 
554.0 
180.0 
3,707.0 
683.2 

44.3 
(109.2) 
4.3 
10.4 
(50.2) 
633.0 

Tax on profit on ordinary activities .................................................................. .. 
Profit  for the period - all attributable to equity holders 
of parent 

(81.6) 

569.3 

(65.1) 

(7.5) 

(72.6) 

502.6 

57.8 

560.4 

Earnings per ordinary share (in € cent) 
Basic ................................................................................................................ .. 
Diluted ............................................................................................................. .. 

39.45 
39.33 

           34.10    

 34.03 

Weighted avg. no. of ordinary shares (in M‟s) 
Basic ................................................................................................................. . 
Diluted ............................................................................................................. .. 

1,443.1 
1,447.4 

1,473.7 
1,477.0 

38.03 
37.94 

1,473.7 
1,477.0 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of profit for the year under IFRS to adjusted profit for the financial year 

Profit for the financial year – IFRS 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2012 
€M 

569.3 

560.4 

Adjustments 
One-off revenue adjustment ................................................................  

    Adjusted profit for the financial year 

- 

569.3 

(57.8) 

502.6 

Exceptional items 

The Company presents certain items separately, which are unusual, by virtue of their size and incidence, 
in  the  context  of  our  ongoing  core  operations,  as  we  believe  this  presentation  represents  the  underlying 
business  more  accurately  and  reflects  the  manner  in  which  investors  typically  analyse  the  results.  Any 
amounts deemed ―exceptional‖ for management discussion and analysis purposes, in the Chairman‘s Report 
and Chief Executive‘s Report, have been classified for the purposes of the income statement in the same way 
as non-exceptional amounts of the same nature. 

There were no exceptional items in the year ended March 31, 2013. 

Exceptional items in the year ended March 31, 2012 relate to a one-off release of ticket sales revenue of 
€57.8 million, net of tax, due to a change in accounting estimates arising from enhancements to our Revenue 
Accounting System. 

Profit  after  tax  increased  by  13%  to  €569.3  million  compared  to  adjusted  profit  after  tax  excluding 
exceptional items of €502.6 million in the year ended March 31, 2012. Including exceptional items the profit 
after tax for the year increased by 2% from €560.4 million in the year ended March 31, 2012 compared to a 
profit of €569.3 million in the year ended March 31, 2013. 

Summary year ended March 31, 2013 

Profit  after  tax  increased  by  13%  to  €569.3  million  compared  to  €502.6  million  in  the  year  ended 
March 31, 2012 primarily due to a  6% increase in average fares and strong ancillary revenues, offset by an 
18% increase in fuel costs. Total operating revenues increased by 13% to €4,884.0 million as average fares 
rose by 6%. Ancillary revenues grew by 20%, faster than the 5% increase in passenger numbers, to €1,064.2 
million due to a combination of improved product mix and the roll out of reserved seating across the network. 
Total  revenue  per  passenger,  as  a  result,  increased  by  8%,  whilst  Load  Factor  remained  flat  at  82% 
compared to the year ended March 31, 2012. 

Total  operating  expenses  increased  by  12%  to  €4,165.8  million,  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  fuel 
prices, the higher level of activity,  operating costs associated with the growth of the airline, and the strength 
of UK pounds sterling to the euro. Fuel, which represents 45% of total operating costs compared to 43% in the 
prior year, increased by 18% to €1,885.6 million due to the higher price per gallon paid and increased activity 
in the year.  Unit costs excluding fuel increased by 3%, including fuel cost per passenger (―unit costs‖)  rose 
by 8%.  Operating margin increased by 1 point to 15% whilst operating profit increased by 16% to €718.2 
million. 

Net margin remained flat at 12%, compared to March 31, 2012.  

Basic  earnings  per  share  for  the  year  were  39.45  euro  cent  compared  to  basic  earnings  per  share  of 

34.10 euro cent at March 31, 2012.                 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
               
 
 
  
 
N 
UAL REPORT & F INANCIAL STATE MENTS 2007 
Introduction 

Directors‟ Report 

The  directors  submit  their  Annual  Report,  together  with  the  audited  financial  statements  of  Ryanair 

Holdings plc, for the year ended March 31, 2013.   

Review of business activities and future developments in the business 

The Company operates an ultra low fares airline business and plans to continue to develop this activity by 
expanding its successful low fares formula on new and existing routes.  Information on the Company is set out 
on pages 58 to 82 of the Annual Report. A review of the Company‘s operations for the year is set out on pages 
82 to 92 of the Annual Report. 

Results for the year 

Details  of  the  results  for  the  year  are  set  out  in  the  consolidated  income  statement  on  page  145  of  the 

Annual Report and in the related notes to the financial statements. 

Principle risks and uncertainties 

Details of the principle risks and uncertainties facing the Company are set forth  on pages 42 to 57 of the 

Annual Report. 

Key performance indicators 

Details of the key performance indicators relevant to the business are set forth on pages 41; 58 to 82; and 

82 to 92 of the Annual Report. 

Financial risk management 

Details of the Company‘s financial risk management objectives and policies and exposures to market risk 

are set forth in Note 11 on pages 170 to 180 of the consolidated financial statements. 

Share capital 

The number of ordinary shares in issue at March 31, 2013 was 1,447,051,752 (2012: 1,455,593,261; 2011: 
1,489,574,915).  Details of the classes of shares in issue and the related rights and obligations are more fully set 
out in Note 15 on pages 183 to 185 of the consolidated financial statements. 

Accounting records 

The directors believe that they have complied with the requirements of Section 202 of the Companies Act, 
1990  with  regard  to  books  of  account  by  employing  financial  personnel  with  appropriate  expertise  and  by 
providing adequate resources to the financial function. The books of account of the Company are maintained at 
its registered office, Corporate Head Office, Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin, Ireland. 

Company information 

The Company was incorporated on August 23, 1996 with a registered number of 249885. It is domiciled in 
the  Republic  of  Ireland  and  has  its  registered  offices  at  Corporate  Head  Office,  Dublin  Airport,  Co.  Dublin, 
Ireland. It is a public limited company and operates under the laws of Ireland. 

Staff 

At March 31, 2013, the Company‘s personnel numbered 9,137 people. This compares to 8,388 people at 

March 31, 2012 and 8,560 people at March 31, 2011.  

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substantial interests in share capital 

Details of substantial interests in the share capital of the Company which represent more than 3% of the 
issued share capital are set forth on page 111 of the Annual Report.  At March 31, 2013 the free float in shares 
was 96%. 

Directors and company secretary 

The  names  of  the  directors  are  listed  on  pages  102  and  103  of  the  Annual  Report.  The  name  of  the 
company secretary is listed on page 107 of the Annual Report. Details of the appointment and re-election of 
directors are set forth on page 15 of the Annual Report.  

Interests of directors and company secretary  

The directors and company secretary who held office at March 31, 2013 had no interests other than those 
outlined in Note 19 on page 188 of the consolidated financial statements in the shares of the Company or other 
group companies. 

Directors‟ and senior executives‟ remuneration 

The  Company‘s  policy  on  senior  executive  remuneration  is  to  reward  its  executives  competitively, 
having regard to the comparative marketplace in Ireland and the United Kingdom, in order to ensure that they 
are properly motivated to perform in the best interests of the shareholders. Details of total remuneration paid 
to  senior  key  management  (defined  as  the  executive  team  reporting  to  the  Board  of  Directors)  is  set  out  in 
Note 27 on page 199 of the consolidated financial statements. 

Executive director‟s service contract 

Ryanair  entered  into  an  employment  agreement  with  its  only  executive  director,  Michael  O‘Leary  on 
July 1, 2002 for a one year period to June 30, 2003. Thereafter, the agreement continues for successive annual 
periods but may be terminated with 12 months notice by either party.  Mr. O‘Leary is subject to a covenant not 
to compete with the Company within the EU for a period of one year after the termination of his employment 
with  the  Company.  Michael  O‘Leary‘s  employment  agreement  contains  no  provisions  providing  for 
compensation on its termination. 

Dividend policy 

Details of the Company‘s dividend policy are disclosed on page 118 of the Annual Report. 

Share buy-back 

On March 29, 2012, the Company agreed to buy back 15.0 million ordinary shares at a cost of €67.5 
million.  This trade settled in early April 2012.  This is equivalent to approximately 1.0% of the Company‘s 
issued  share  capital.    All  ordinary  shares  repurchased  have  been  cancelled.    Accordingly,  share  capital 
decreased  by  15.0  million  ordinary  shares  with  a  nominal  value  of  €0.1  million  and  the  capital  redemption 
reserve  increased  by  a  corresponding  €0.1  million.    The  capital  redemption  reserve  is  required  to  be  created 
under Irish law to preserve permanent capital in the Parent Company.  Further details are set out in the table on 
page 119 of the Annual Report.  

In June 2013 the Company bought back 24.1 million ordinary shares at a total cost of €176.6 million,  for 
cancellation.  Cumulatively these buybacks are equivalent to 1.7% of the issued share capital of the Company.   

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Accountability and audit 

The directors have set out their responsibility for the preparation of the financial statements on page 28 to 
29. They have also considered the going concern position of the Company and their conclusion is set out on 
page  26.  The  Board  has  established  an  Audit  Committee  whose  principal  tasks  are  to  consider  financial 
reporting and internal control issues.  The  Audit Committee,  which consists exclusively  of independent  non-
executive  directors,  meets  at  least  quarterly  to  review  the  financial  statements  of  the  Company,  to  consider 
internal control procedures and to liaise with internal and external auditors. In the year ended March 31, 2013 
the  Audit Committee met on six occasions. On a quarterly basis the Audit Committee receives an extensive 
report  from  the  internal  auditor  detailing  the  reviews  performed  in  the  year,  and  a  risk  assessment  of  the 
Company. This report is used by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors, as a basis for determining 
the  effectiveness  of  internal  control.    The  Audit  Committee  regularly  considers  the  performance  of  internal 
audit and how best financial reporting and internal control principles should be applied.  

In addition, the Audit Committee has responsibility for appointing, setting compensation and overseeing 
the  work of the independent auditor. The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit 
services provided by the independent auditor. 

Social, environmental and ethical report 

See pages 109 to 110 of the Annual Report for details of employee and labour relations.  
See pages 79 to 81 of the Annual Report for details on environmental matters.  
See page 141 of the Annual Report for details of Ryanair‘s Code of Ethics. 

Air safety 

Commitment to air safety is a priority of the Company. See page 69 of the Annual Report for details. 

Critical accounting policies 

Details  of  the  Company‘s  critical  accounting  policies  are  set  forth  on  pages  87  to  88  of  the  Annual 

Report.  

Subsidiary companies 

Details of the principal subsidiary undertakings are disclosed in Note 27 on page 199 of the consolidated 

financial statements. 

Political contributions 

During  the  financial  years  ended  March  31,  2013,  2012  and  2011  the  Company  made  no  political 

contributions which require disclosure under the Electoral Act, 1997. 

Corporate Governance Statement 

The Corporate Governance Statement on pages 14 to 26 forms part of the Directors‘ Report. 

Post balance sheet events 

Details  of  significant  post  balance  sheet  events  are  set  forth  in  Note  26  on  page  198  of  the 

consolidated financial statements.  

On May 27, 2013 the Company issued a Class 1 circular to shareholders seeking their approval for 
the  purchase of 175 new Boeing 737-800NG  aircraft,  with a list value of  approximately US$14.2 billion, in 
advance  of  an  EGM.    The  EGM  was  held  June  18,  2013  and  shareholders  approved  the  transaction.    In 
accordance with the terms of the contract entered into with Boeing, the Group made stage payments to Boeing 
in April, May and June 2013 in relation to the purchase of these aircraft. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In June 2013 the Company bought back 24.1 million ordinary shares at a total cost of €176.6 million,  
for  cancellation.    Cumulatively  these  buy-backs  are  equivalent  to  1.7%  of  the  issued  share  capital  of  the 
Company.  Also in June 2013 the Company detailed plans to return up to €1 billion to shareholders over the 
next two years with at least €400.0 million (€176.6 million already completed in June 2013) in share buybacks 
to be completed in fiscal year 2014 and a further €600.0 million in either special dividends or share buybacks 
in fiscal year 2015 subject to current fuel, yields and profitability trends continuing. 

Auditor 

In  accordance  with  Section  160(2)  of  the  Companies  Act  1963,  the  auditor  KPMG,  Chartered 

Accountants, will continue in office. 

Annual General Meeting 

The  Annual General Meeting  will be  held on  September 20, 2013 at  9a.m. in the Radisson Blu Hotel, 

Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin, Ireland.  

On behalf of the Board 

David Bonderman 
Chairman                       
July 26, 2013 

Michael O‟ Leary 
Chief Executive 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance Report 

Ryanair  has  its  primary  listing  on  the  Irish  Stock  Exchange,  a  standard  listing  on  the  London  Stock 
Exchange  and  its  American  Depositary  Shares  are  listed  on  the  NASDAQ.  The  directors  are  committed  to 
maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and this statement describes how Ryanair has applied 
the main and supporting principles of the 2010 Edition of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the 2010 Code).  
This Report also covers the disclosure requirements set out in the corporate governance annex to the listing rules 
of the Irish Stock Exchange, which supplements the 2010 Code with additional corporate governance provisions 
and is also applicable to Ryanair.   

A  copy  of  the  2010  Code  can  be  obtained  from  the  FRC‘s  website,  www.frc.org.uk.  The  Irish 

Corporate Governance Annex is available on the Irish Stock Exchange‘s website, www.ise.ie.    

In  September  2012,  the  FRC  introduced  changes  to  the  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code.  The  new 
edition of the code is to apply to financial periods beginning on or after October  1, 2012, accordingly Ryanair 
will apply as appropriate from fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. 

The Board of Directors (the Board) 

Roles 

The Board of Ryanair is responsible for the leadership, strategic direction and overall management of the 
Group.  The  Board‘s  primary  focus  is  on  strategy  formulation,  policy  and  control.  It  has  a  formal  schedule  of 
matters specifically reserved to it for its attention, including matters such as appointment of senior management, 
approval of the annual budget, large capital expenditure, and key strategic decisions. 

The  Board  has  delegated  responsibility  for  the  management  of  the  Group  to  the  Chief  Executive  and 

executive management. 

There is a clear division of responsibilities between the Chairman and the Chief Executive, which is set out 

in writing and has been approved by the Board.   

Chairman 

David Bonderman has served as the chairman of the Board since December 1996. The Chairman‘s primary 
responsibility  is  to  lead  the  Board,  to  ensure  that  it  has  a  common  purpose,  is  effective  as  a  group  and  at 
individual director level and that it upholds and promotes high standards of integrity and corporate governance. 
He ensures that Board agendas cover the key strategic issues confronting the Group; that the Board reviews and 
approves  management‘s  plans  for  the  Group;  and  that  directors  receive  accurate,  timely,  clear  and  relevant 
information. 

The  Chairman  is  the  link  between  the  Board  and  the  Company.  He  is  specifically  responsible  for 
establishing and maintaining an effective working relationship with the Chief Executive, for ensuring effective 
and  appropriate  communications  with  shareholders  and  for  ensuring  that  members  of  the  Board  develop  and 
maintain an understanding of the views of shareholders. 

While  David  Bonderman  holds  a  number  of  other  directorships  (See  details  on  page  102),  the  Board 

considers that these do not interfere with the discharge of his duties to Ryanair.   

Senior Independent Director 

The Board has appointed James Osborne as the Senior Independent Director. James Osborne is available to 
shareholders  who  have  concerns  that  cannot  be  addressed  through  the  Chairman,  Chief  Executive  or  Chief 
Financial Officer and leads the annual Board review of the performance of the Chairman.   

Company Secretary 

The  appointment  and  removal  of  the  Company  Secretary  is  a  matter  for  the  Board.  All  directors  have 
access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary, who is responsible to the Board for ensuring that 
Board procedures are complied with. 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Membership 

The Board consists of one executive and nine non-executive directors. It is the practice of Ryanair that a 
majority of the Board comprises non-executive directors, considered by the Board to be independent, and that 
the Chairman is non-executive.  Significant new and relevant experience has been added in the period since the 
year ended March 31, 2012 and the Board considers the current size, composition and diversity, of the Board to 
be within a range which is appropriate.  The composition of the Board and the principal Board Committees are 
set  out  in  the  table  below.  Brief  biographies  of  the  directors  are  set  out  on  page  102.  The  Board,  with  the 
assistance of the Nomination Committee, keeps Board composition under review to ensure that it includes the 
necessary mix of relevant skills and experience required to perform its role. 

Each director has extensive business experience, which they bring to bear in governing the Company. The 
Board considers that, between them, the directors bring the range of skills, knowledge and experience, including 
international  experience,  necessary  to  lead  the  Company.  The  Company  has  a  Chairman  with  an  extensive 
background in this industry, and significant public company experience. Historically, the Company has always 
separated the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive for the running of the business and implementation of the 
Board‘s strategy and policy.   

Name 

Role 

Independent 

Years 
on 
board 

Audit  Remuneration  Nomination 

Executive 

Air 
Safety 

David 
Bonderman 
Michael 
Horgan 
Charles 
McCreevy 
Declan 
McKeon 
Kyran 
McLaughlin 
Dick 
Milliken* 
Michael 
O‘Leary 
Julie 
O‘Neill* 
James R. 
Osborne 
Louise 
Phelan* 

Chairman 

Non 
Executive 
Non 
Executive 
Non 
Executive 
Non 
Executive 
Non 
Executive 
Chief 
Executive 
Non 
Executive 
Senior 
Independent 
Non 
Executive 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes 

No 

Yes 

Yes 

Yes 

17 

12 

3 

3 

12 

0 

17 

0 

- 

- 

Member 

Chair 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Member 

17  Member 

Chair 

0 

- 

Member 

Chair 

Chair 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Member 

Member 

- 

- 

Member 

Member 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Member 

- 

Chair 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

*      Julie O‘Neill and Louise Phelan were appointed to the Board effective from December 13, 2012 and Dick Milliken was 
appointed effective from July 26, 2013. 

Appointment 

Directors  can  only  be  appointed  following  selection  by  the  Nomination  Committee  and  approval  by  the 
Board  and  must  be  elected  by  the  shareholders  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  following  their  appointment. 
Ryanair‘s  Articles  of  Association  require  that  all  of  the  directors  retire  and  offer  themselves  for  re-election 
within a three-year period. One third (rounded down to the next whole number if it is a fractional number) of the 
directors  (being  the  directors  who  have  been  longest  in  office)  will  retire  by  rotation  and  be  eligible  for  re-
election at every Annual General Meeting. Accordingly Charles McCreevy and Declan McKeon will be offering 
themselves  for re-election at  the  AGM on September 20,  2013.  In addition  Louise Phelan, Julie O‘Neill and 
Dick Milliken will be offering themselves for election. 

15 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
In  accordance  with  the  recommendations  of  the  2010  Code,  Declan  McKeon  is  Chairman  of  the  Audit 
Committee and James Osborne, the senior non-executive director, is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. 

Senior Management regularly briefs the Board including new members in relation to operating, financial 
and  strategic  issues  concerning  the  Company.  The  Board  also  have  direct  access  to  senior  management  as 
required in relation to any issues they have concerning the operation of the Company. The terms and conditions 
of  appointment  of  non-executive  directors  are  set  out  in  their  letters  of  appointment,  which  are  available  for 
inspection at the Company‘s registered office during normal office hours and at the Annual General Meeting of 
the Company. 

Independence 

The Board has carried out its annual evaluation of the independence of each of its non-executive directors, 
taking account of the relevant provisions of the  2010 Code, namely,  whether the  directors are independent in 
character and judgement and free from relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect, or could appear 
to  affect,  the  directors‘  judgment.  The  Board  regards  all  of  the  directors  as  independent  and  that  no  one 
individual or one grouping exerts an undue influence on others.  

The Board has considered Kyran McLaughlin's independence given his role as Deputy Chairman and Head 
of Capital Markets at Davy Stockbrokers. Davy Stockbrokers are one of Ryanair's corporate brokers and provide 
corporate  advisory  services  to  Ryanair  from  time  to  time.  The  Board  has  considered  the  fees  paid  to  Davy 
Stockbrokers  for  these  services  and  believe  that  they  are  immaterial  to  both  Ryanair  and  Davy  Stockbrokers 
given  the  size  of  each  organisation's  business  operations  and  financial  results.  Having  considered  this 
relationship,  the  Board  has  concluded  that  Kyran  McLaughlin  continues  to  be  an  independent  non-executive 
director within the spirit and meaning of the 2010 Code Rules. 

The Board has also considered the independence of David Bonderman given his shareholding in Ryanair 
Holdings  plc.  As  at  March  31,  2013,  David  Bonderman  had  a  beneficial  shareholding  in  the  Company  of 
9,230,671 ordinary shares, equivalent to 0.64% of the issued share capital. Having considered this shareholding 
in  light  of  the  number  of  issued  shares  in  Ryanair  Holdings  plc  and  the  financial  interest  of  the  director,  the 
Board has concluded that the interest is not so material as to breach the spirit of the independence rule contained 
in the 2010 Code.  

The Board has further considered the independence of Messrs. David Bonderman, James Osborne,  Kyran 
McLaughlin  and  Michael  Horgan  as  they  have  each  served  more  than  nine  years  on  the  Board.  The  Board 
considers  that  each  of  these  directors  is  independent  in  character  and  judgment  as  each  has  other  significant 
commercial and professional  commitments and each brings his own level of senior experience gained in their 
fields  of  international  business  and  professional  practice.  When  arriving  at  this  decision,  the  Board  has  taken 
into account the comments made by the FRC in their report dated December, 2009 on their review of the impact 
and  effectiveness  of  the  2010  Code,  in  particular  their  comment  that  independence  is  not  the  primary 
consideration when assessing the composition of the Board, and that the over-riding consideration should be that 
the  Board  is  fit  for  purpose.  For  these  reasons,  and  also  because  each  director‘s  independence  is  considered 
annually by the Board, the Board considers it appropriate that these directors have not been offered for annual 
re-election as is recommended by the 2010 Code.  The Nominations Committee have confirmed to the Board 
that they consider the directors offering themselves for re-election at the 2013 AGM to be independent and that 
they continue to effectively contribute to the work of the Board. The Nominations Committee recommends that 
the Company accept the re-election of the directors.  

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board Procedures 

All  directors  have  access  to  the  advice  and  services  of  the  Company  Secretary  and  the  Board  has 
established a procedure whereby directors wishing to obtain advice in the furtherance of their duties may take 
independent professional advice at the Company‘s expense. 

Directors meet with key executives with a particular focus on ensuring non-executive directors are fully 
informed  on  issues  of  relevance  to  Ryanair  and  its  operations.  Extensive  papers  on  key  business  issues  are 
provided to all directors in connection  with the Board  meetings.  All directors are encouraged to  update  and 
refresh  their  skills  and  knowledge,  for  example,  through  attending  courses  on  technical  areas  or  external 
briefings for non-executive directors.  

On appointment in December 2012, the directors Louise Phelan and Julie O‘Neill had briefings with the 
senior management of the Company, covering a review of the business of the Group and their specific areas of 
finance, commercial, personnel and operations.  Similar briefings will also be provided to Dick Milliken, the 
newly appointed director. 

The Company has Directors & Officers liability insurance in place in respect of any legal actions taken 
against the directors in the course of the exercise of their duties. New non-executive directors are encouraged 
to meet the executive director and senior management for briefing on the Company‘s developments and plans. 

Meetings 

The  Board  meets  at  least  on  a  quarterly  basis  and  in  the  year  to  March  31,  2013  the  Board  convened 
meetings on nine occasions. Individual attendance at these meetings is set out in the table on page 22. Detailed 
Board papers are circulated in advance so that Board members have adequate time and information to be able 
to participate fully at the meeting. 

The holding of detailed regular Board meetings and the fact that many matters require Board approval, 
show that the running of the Company is firmly in the hands of the Board. The non-executive directors meet 
periodically  without  executives  being  present.  Led  by  the  senior  independent  director,  the  non-executive 
directors will meet without the chairman present at least annually to appraise the chairman‘s performance and 
on such other occasions as are deemed appropriate.   

Remuneration 

Details  of  remuneration  paid  to  the  directors  are  set  out  in  Note  19  to  the  consolidated  Financial 
Statements on  pages 188 to 190. Also, please see the Report of the Remuneration Committee on Directors‘ 
Remuneration on page 27. 

Non-executive directors 

Non-executive directors are remunerated by way of directors‘ fees.  A number of non-executive directors 
have share options. While the 2010 Code notes that the remuneration of the non-executive director should not 
include share options, the Board believes that the quantum of options granted to non-executive directors is not 
so  significant  as  to  raise  any  issue  concerning  their  independence.  Michael  Horgan  is  remunerated  on  a 
consultancy basis on safety issues and also by way of share options.   

Full  details  are  disclosed  in  Note  19(b)  and  19(d)  on  pages  189  to  190  of  the  consolidated  financial 

statements. 

Executive director remuneration 

The Chief Executive of the Company is the only executive director on the Board. In addition to his base 
salary he is eligible for a performance bonus of up to  100% of salary and other bonuses dependent upon the 
achievement of certain financial targets and a pension. It is considered that the significant shareholding of the 
Chief  Executive  acts  to  align  his  interests  with  those  of  shareholders  and  gives  him  a  keen  incentive  to 
perform to the highest levels.   

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Full  details  of  the  executive  director‘s  remuneration  are  set  out  in  Note  19(a)  on  page  189  of  the 

consolidated financial statements. 

Share Ownership and Dealing 

Details  of  the  directors‘  interests  in  Ryanair  shares  are  set  out  in  Note  19(d)  on  page  190  of  the 

consolidated financial statements. 

The Board has adopted The Model Code, as set out in the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange and 
the  UK  Listing  Authority, as  the  code  of dealings applicable to dealings in  Ryanair shares by  directors and 
relevant  Company  employees.  The  code  of  dealing  also  includes  provisions  which  are  intended  to  ensure 
compliance  with  US  securities  laws  and  regulations  of  the  NASDAQ  National  market.  Under  the  policy, 
directors  are  required  to  obtain  clearance  from  the  Chairman  or  Chief  Executive  before  dealing  in  Ryanair 
shares,  whilst  relevant  Company  employees  must  obtain  clearance  from  designated  senior  management  and 
are prohibited from dealing in the shares during prohibited periods as defined by the Listing Rules and at any 
time at which the individual is in possession of inside information (as defined in the Market Abuse (Directive 
2003/6/EC) Regulations 2005). 

Board Succession and Structure  

The  Board  plans  for  its  own  succession  with  guidance  from  the  Nomination  Committee.  The 
Nomination  Committee  regularly  review  the  structure,  size  and  composition  (including  the  skills,  knowledge 
and  experience)  required  of  the  Board  compared  to  its  current  position  with  regard  to  the  strategic  needs  of 
Ryanair and recommends changes to the Board.  There is a formal, thorough and transparent procedure for the 
appointment  of  new  directors  to  the  Board.  The  Nominations  Committee  identifies  and  selects  candidates  on 
merit against objective criteria, to ensure that the Board have the skills, knowledge and expertise required. 

Three new independent directors, Louise Phelan and Julie O‘Neill were appointed in December 2012 
while  Dick  Milliken  was  appointed  in  July  2013.    The  Board  currently  comprises  of  ten  directors,  Chief 
Executive Officer, Michael  O‘  Leary, is the only executive  director. The  nine non-executive  directors include 
Chairman David Bonderman. Biographies of all current directors are set out on pages 102 of this report. Ryanair 
considers  that  the  Board  has  the  correct  balance  and  depth  of  skills,  knowledge,  expertise  and  experience  to 
optimally  lead  the  Company  and  that  all  directors  give  adequate  time  to  the  performance  of  their  duties  and 
responsibilities.  

Ryanair  considers  that  all  directors  discharge  their  directorial  duties  with  the  objectivity  and 
impartiality they have demonstrated since commencing their respective roles and has determined that each of the 
non-executive  directors  is  independent.  In  reaching  that  conclusion,  Ryanair  considered  the  character, 
judgement, objectivity and integrity of each director and had due regard for the 2010 Code and the new 2012 
Code which will apply to Ryanair from April 1, 2013. Ryanair continually endeavors to maintain the quality and 
independence of its Board.  

Board Committees 

The Board of Directors has established a number of committees, including the following: 

Executive Committee  

The Board of Directors established the Executive Committee in August 1996. The Executive Committee 
can  exercise  the  powers  exercisable  by  the  full  Board  of  Directors  in  circumstances  in  which  action  by  the 
Board  of  Directors  is  required  but  it  is  impracticable  to  convene  a  meeting  of  the  full  Board  of  Directors. 
Messrs. David Bonderman, Michael O‘Leary, Kyran McLaughlin and James Osborne are the members of the 
Executive Committee. 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Audit Committee 

The  Board  of  Directors  established  the  Audit  Committee  in  September  1996.  The  Audit  Committee 
currently  comprises  three  independent  non-executive  directors,  Declan  McKeon  (Chairman),  Charles 
McCreevy  and  James  Osborne,  considered  by  the  Board  to  be  independent.  The  Board has  determined  that 
Declan McKeon is the Committee‘s financial expert.  

The  Committee  met  six  times  during  the  year  ended  March  31,  2013.  Individual  attendance  at  these 
meetings is set out in the table on page 22. It can be seen from the director biographies, appearing on page 
102,  that  the  members  of  the  Committee  bring  to  it  a  wide  range  of  experience  and  expertise.  The  Chief 
Financial  Officer,  Finance  Director,  Financial  Controller  and  the  Head  of  Internal  Audit  normally  attend 
meetings of the Committee.  The external auditors attend as required and have direct access to the Committee 
Chairman at all times. The Committee also meets separately at least once a year with the external auditors and 
with the Head of Internal Audit without executive management being present. 

The role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set out in its written terms of reference, which 

are available on the Company‘s website www.ryanair.com, and include: 

  monitoring  the  integrity  of  the  financial  statements  of  the  Company  and  any  formal  announcements 
relating to the  Company‘s financial  performance including  profit guidance, and reviewing significant 
financial reporting judgments contained in them; 

  reviewing the interim and annual financial statements before submission to the Board; 

  reviewing the effectiveness of the Group‘s internal financial controls and risk management systems;   

  monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the Company‘s Internal auditors;   

  considering and making recommendations to the Board in relation to the appointment,  reappointment 

and removal of the external auditors and approving their terms of engagement; 

  making recommendations concerning the engagement of independent chartered accountants; reviewing 
with the accountants the plans for and scope of each annual audit, the audit procedures to be utilised 
and the results of the audit;  

  approving the remuneration of the external auditors, whether fees for audit or non audit services, and 

ensuring the level of fees is appropriate to enable an adequate audit to be conducted;   

  assessing annually the independence and objectivity of the external auditors and the effectiveness of the 
audit  process,  taking  into  consideration  relevant  professional  and  regulatory  requirements  and  the 
relationship  with  the  external  auditors  as  a  whole,  including  the  provision  of  any  non  audit  services; 
and 

  reviewing the Group‘s arrangements for its employees to raise concerns, in confidence, about possible 
wrongdoing  in  financial  reporting  or  other  matters  and  ensuring  that  these  arrangements  allow 
proportionate and independent investigation of such matters and appropriate follow up action. 

These responsibilities of the Committee are discharged in the following ways: 

  The Committee reviews the interim and annual reports as well as any formal announcements relating to 
the financial statements and guidance before submission to the Board. The review focuses particularly 
on any changes in accounting policy and practices, major judgmental areas and compliance with stock 
exchange, legal and regulatory requirements. The Committee receives reports at the meeting from the 
external auditors identifying any accounting or judgmental issues requiring its attention;   

  The Committee also meets with external auditors to review the Annual Report, which is filed annually 
with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and with the Irish Companies Office;  

  The Committee regularly reviews Turnbull Risk management reports completed by management; 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  The  Committee  conducts  an  annual  assessment  of  the  operation  of  the  Group‘s  system  of  internal 
control  based  on  a  detailed  review  carried  out  by  the  internal  audit  department.  The  results  of  this 
assessment are reviewed by the Committee and are reported to the Board; 

  The  Committee  makes  recommendations  to  the  Board  in  relation  to  the  appointment  of  the  external 
auditor. Each year, the Committee meets with the external auditor and reviews their procedures and the 
safeguards  which  have  been  put  in  place  to  ensure  their  objectivity  and  independence  in  accordance 
with regulatory and professional requirements; 

  The Committee reviews and approves the external audit plan and the findings from the external audit of 

the financial statements; 

  On a  semi annual basis,  the  Audit  Committee receives an extensive report from the Head of Internal 

Audit detailing the reviews performed during the year and a risk assessment of the company;   

  The Head of Internal Audit also reports to the Committee on other issues including, in the year under 
review,  updates  in  relation  to  Section  404  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  2002  and  the  arrangements  in 
place  to  enable  employees  to  raise  concerns,  in  confidence,  in  relation  to  possible  wrongdoing  in 
financial  reporting  or  other  matters.  (A  copy  of  Section  404  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  2002  can  be 
obtained from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission‘s website, www.sec.gov); and 

  The Committee has a process in  place to ensure the independence of the audit is not compromised, 
which includes monitoring the nature and extent of services provided by the external auditors through 
its  annual  review  of  fees  paid  to  the  external  auditors  for  audit  and  non-audit  work.  Details  of  the 
amounts paid to the external auditors during the year for audit and other services are set out in Note 
19 on page 188. 

In  accordance  with  the  recommendations  of  the  2010  Code,  an  independent  non-executive  director, 
Declan  McKeon,  is  the  chairman  of  the  Audit  Committee.  All  members  of  the  Audit  Committee  are 
independent for purposes of the listing rules of the NASDAQ and the U.S. federal securities laws.  

The terms of Reference of the Audit Committee are reviewed annually.  

Remuneration Committee 

The  Board  of  Directors  established  the  Remuneration  Committee  in  September  1996.  This  committee 
has authority to determine the remuneration of senior executives of the Company and to administer the stock 
option  plans  described  below.    Senior  Management  remuneration  is  comprised  of  a  fixed  basic  pay  and 
performance  related  bonuses  which  are  awarded  based  on  a  combination  of  the  achievement  of  individual 
objectives  and  the  Company‘s  financial  performance.  The  Board  of  Directors  as  a  whole  determines  the 
remuneration and bonuses of the Chief Executive Officer, who is the only executive director. James Osborne, 
Louise Phelan and Julie O‘Neill are the members of the Remuneration Committee. 

The role and responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee are set out in its written terms of reference, 
which  are  available  on  the  Company‘s  website  www.ryanair.com.  The  terms  of  Reference  of  the 
Remuneration Committee are reviewed annually.  

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nomination Committee 

Messrs. David Bonderman, Michael  O‘Leary and Kyran McLaughlin  are the members of the Nomination 
Committee. The Nomination Committee assists the Board in ensuring that the composition of the Board and its 
Committees is appropriate to the needs of the Company by: 

 

 
 

assessing  the  skills,  knowledge,  experience  and  diversity,    required  on  the  Board  and  the  extent  to 
which each are represented; 
establishing processes for the identification of suitable candidates for appointment to the Board; and 
overseeing succession planning for the Board and senior management. 

The  role  and  responsibilities  of  the  Nomination  Committee  are  set  out  in  its  written  terms  of  reference, 
which  are  available  on  the  Company‘s  website  www.ryanair.com.  The  terms  of  Reference  of  the  Nomination 
committee are reviewed annually.  

On December 13, 2012, upon recommendations of the Nomination Committee, the Board appointed Louise 
Phelan and Julie O‘Neill to the positions of non-executive directors. Similarly Dick Milliken was appointed to 
the  board  upon  recommendation  of  the  Nomination  Committee  on  July  26,  2013.  Their  biographies  can  be 
found  on  page  103.  Their  appointment  followed  a  process  undertaken  by  the  Nomination  Committee  which 
carefully considered the Board‘s requirements, identified suitable candidates, in terms of quality of individual, 
qualification and experience, and made recommendations to the Board. The Nomination Committee used their 
extensive business and professional contacts to identify suitable candidates. 

Air Safety Committee 

The  Board  of  Directors  established  the  Air  Safety  Committee  in  March  1997  to  review  and  discuss  air 
safety and related issues. The Air Safety Committee reports to the full Board of Directors each quarter. The Air 
Safety  Committee  is  composed  of  Michael  Horgan  (who  acts  as  the  chairman),  as  well  as  the  following 
executive officers of Ryanair: Messrs. Ray Conway, Michael Hickey, David O‘Brien and Edward Wilson. 

Code of Business Conduct 

Ryanair‘s standards of integrity and ethical values have been established and are documented in Ryanair‘s 
Code of Business Conduct. This code is applicable to all Ryanair employees. There are established channels for 
reporting  code  violations  or  other  concerns  in  a  confidential  manner.  The  Head  of  Internal  Audit  investigates 
any instances and reports findings directly to the Audit Committee.  The Code is available on the Company‘s 
website, www.ryanair.com.  

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Attendance at Board and Committee meetings during the year ended March 31, 2013: 

Board 

Audit 

Air Safety  Remuneration  Executive  Nomination 

David Bonderman 

Michael Horgan 

Klaus Kirchberger (i) 

Charles McCreevy 

Declan McKeon 

Kyran McLaughlin 

Michael O‘Leary 

Julie O‘Neill (ii) 

James R. Osborne  

Louise Phelan (iv) 

Paolo Pietrogrande (v) 

9/9 

9/9 

7/9 

9/9 

9/9 

9/9 

9/9 

4/4 

8/9 

3/4 

3/5 

- 

- 

- 

6/6 

6/6 

- 

- 

- 

6/6 

- 

- 

- 

4/4 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1/1 

- 

- 

1/1 

1/1 

- 

1/1 

- 

1/1 

8/8 

2/2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

8/8 

8/8 

- 

7/8 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2/2 

2/2 

- 

2/2 (iii) 

- 

- 

(i)     Klaus Kirchberger retired from the Board of Directors on March 31, 2013 
(ii)    Julie O‘Neill was appointed to the Board of Directors on December 13, 2012 
(iii)   James Osborne attended these meetings in his role as the Senior Independent Director 
(iv)   Louise Phelan was appointed to the Board of Directors on December 13, 2012 
(v)    Paolo Pietrogrande retired from the Board of Directors on September 21, 2012   

Performance Evaluation 

The Board has established a formal process to annually evaluate the performance of the Board, that of its 
principal Committees, the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration committees, and that of the Chief Executive,  
the Chairman and individual non-executive directors. The Board anticipates that the formal evaluation will be 
completed  yearly.  Based  on  the  evaluation  process  completed,  the  Board  considers  that  the  principal 
Committees  have  performed  effectively  throughout  the  year.  As  part  of  the  Board  evaluation  of  its  own 
performance, questionnaires are circulated to all directors. The questionnaire is designed to obtain  directors‘ 
comments regarding the performance of the Board, the effectiveness of Board communications, the ability of 
directors  to  contribute  to  the  development  of  strategy  and  the  effectiveness  with  which  the  Board  monitors 
risk and oversees Ryanair‘s progress.  Directors are also invited to make recommendations for improvement. 

The  Chairman,  on  behalf  of  the  Board,  reviews  the  evaluations  of  performance  of  the  non-executive 
directors  on  an  annual  basis.  The  non-executive  directors,  led  by  the  Senior  Independent  Director,  meet 
annually without the Chairman present to evaluate his performance, having taken into account the views of the 
executive director. The non-executive directors also evaluate the performance of the executive director. These 
evaluations  are  designed  to  determine  whether  each  director  continues  to  contribute  effectively  and  to 
demonstrate commitment to the role. 

The  Audit,  Nomination  and  Remuneration  committees  carry  out  annual  reviews  of  their  own 
performance and terms of reference to ensure they are operating at maximum effectiveness and recommend 
any changes they consider necessary to the Board for approval. 

The  Board  considers  the  results  of  the  evaluation  process  and  any  issues  identified.    The  above 
evaluations  were  conducted  in  May  2012  and  were  presented  to  the  Board  at  the  September  2012  Board 
meeting in respect of the year under review. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders 

Ryanair recognises the importance of communications with shareholders. Ryanair communicates with all 
of its shareholders following the release of quarterly and annual results directly via road shows, investor days 
and/or by conference calls. The Chief Executive, senior financial, operational, and commercial management 
participate in these events.  

During  the  year  ended  March  31,  2013  the  Company  held  discussions  with  a  substantial  number  of 

institutional investors.   

The Board is kept informed of the views of shareholders through the executive director‘s and executive 
management‘s attendance at investor presentations and results presentations. Furthermore, relevant feedback 
from such meetings and investor relations analyst reports are provided to the entire Board on a regular basis. 
In addition, the Board determines, on a case by case basis, specific issues where it would be appropriate for 
the  Chairman  and/or  Senior  Independent  Director  to  communicate  directly  with  shareholders  or  to  indicate 
that they are available to communicate if shareholders so wish. If any of the non-executive directors wishes to 
attend meetings with major shareholders, arrangements are made accordingly.  

General Meetings 

All shareholders are given adequate notice of the AGM at which the Chairman reviews the results and 
comments  on  current  business  activity.  Financial,  operational  and  other  information  on  the  Company  is 
provided on our website at www.ryanair.com. 

Ryanair will continue to propose a separate resolution at the AGM on each substantially separate issue, 
including a separate resolution relating to the Directors‘ Report and  financial statements. In order to comply 
with the  2010 Code, proxy  votes  will be announced at the  AGM,  following each  vote  on a  show of hands, 
except  in  the  event  of  a  poll  being  called.  The  Board  Chairman  and  the  Chairmen  of  the  Audit  and 
Remuneration Committees are available to answer questions from all shareholders. 

The Chief Executive makes a presentation at the Annual General Meeting on the Group‘s business and 
its  performance  during  the  prior  year  and  answers  questions  from  shareholders.  The  AGM  affords 
shareholders the opportunity to question the Chairman and the Board.  

All  holders  of  Ordinary  Shares  are  entitled  to  attend,  speak  and  vote  at  general  meetings  of  the 
Company, subject to limitations described under note ―Limitations on the Right to Own Shares‖ on page 124. 
In  accordance  with  Irish  company  law,  the  Company  specifies  record  dates  for  general  meetings,  by  which 
date  shareholders  must  be  registered  in  the  Register  of  Members  of  the  Company  to  be  entitled  to  attend.  
Record dates are specified in the notes to the Notice convening the meeting.   

Shareholders may exercise their right to vote by appointing a proxy/proxies, by electronic means or in 
writing, to vote some or all of their shares. The requirements for the receipt of valid proxy forms are set out in 
the notes to the Notice convening the Meeting.   

A shareholder or group of shareholders, holding at least 5% of the issued share capital has the right to 
requisition  a  general  meeting.  A  shareholder,  or  a  group  of  shareholders,  holding  at  least  3%  of  the  issued 
share  capital  of  the  Company,  has  the  right  to  put  an  item  on  the  agenda  of  an  AGM  or  to  table  a  draft 
resolution for an item on the agenda of the general meeting provided that such item is accompanied by reasons 
justifying its inclusion or the full text of any draft resolution proposed to be adopted at the general meeting. A 
request  by  a  member  to  put  an  item  on  the  agenda  or  to  table  a  draft  resolution  shall  be  received  by  the 
company in hardcopy form or in electronic form at least 42 days before the AGM to which it relates.   

Notice of the Annual General Meeting and the Form of Proxy are sent to shareholders at least  twenty-
one working days before the meeting. The Company‘s Annual Report is available on the Company‘s website, 
www.ryanair.com.  The  2013  Annual  General  Meeting  will  be  held  at  9a.m.  on  September  20,  2013  in  the 
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport, Co Dublin, Ireland.  

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All general meetings other than the Annual General Meeting are called Extraordinary General Meetings 
(EGMs). An EGM  must be called by giving at least twenty-one clear days‘ notice. Except in relation to an 
adjourned  meeting,  three  members,  present  in  person  or  by  proxy,  entitled  to  vote  upon  the  business  to  be 
transacted, shall be a quorum. The passing of resolutions at a general meeting, other than special resolution, 
requires a simple majority. To be passed, a special resolution requires a majority of at least 75% of the votes 
cast. Votes may be given in person by a show of hands, or by proxy. 

 At the Meeting, after each resolution has been dealt with, details are given of the level of proxy votes 
cast on each resolution and the numbers for, against and withheld.  This information is made available on the 
Company‘s website following the meeting.   

Risk Management and Internal Control 

The  directors  have  overall  responsibility  for  the  Company‘s  system  of  risk  management  and  internal 
control and for reviewing its effectiveness. The directors acknowledge their responsibility for the  system of 
risk management and internal control which is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to 
achieve  business  objectives,  and  can  provide  only  reasonable  and  not  absolute  assurance  against  material 
misstatement or loss.  

In  accordance  with  the  revised  FRC  (Turnbull)  guidance  for  directors  on  internal  control  published  in 
October 2005, ‗Internal Control: Revised Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code‘, the Board confirms 
that there is an ongoing process  for identifying, evaluating and  managing any  significant risks  faced by the 
Group,  that  it  has  been  in  place  for  the  year  under  review  and  up  to  the  date  of  approval  of  the  financial 
statements and that this process is regularly reviewed by the Board. 

In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  2010  Code  the  directors  review  the  effectiveness  of  the 

Company‘s system of internal control including: 

  Financial 
  Operational 
  Compliance 
  Risk Management 

The Board is ultimately responsible for the Company‘s system of risk management and internal controls 
and for monitoring its effectiveness. The key procedures that have been established to provide effective  risk 
management and internal control include: 

  a strong and independent Board which meets at least 4 times a year and has separate Chief Executive 

and Chairman roles; 

  a  clearly  defined  organisational  structure  along  functional  lines  and  a  clear  division  of  responsibility 

and authority in the Company; 

  a comprehensive system of internal financial reporting which includes preparation of detailed monthly 
management  accounts,  providing  key  performance  indicators  and  financial  results  for  each  major 
function within the Company; 

  preparation and issue of financial reports to shareholders and the markets, including the Annual Report 
and consolidated financial statements, is overseen by the Audit Committee. The Company‘s financial 
reporting  process  is  controlled  using  documented  accounting  policies  and  reporting  formats, 
supplemented  by  detailed  instructions  and  guidance  on  reporting  requirements.  The  Company‘s 
processes  support  the  integrity  and  quality  of  data,  including  appropriate  segregation  of  duties.  The 
financial  information  of  the  parent  entity  and  all  subsidiary  entities,  which  form  the  basis  for  the 
preparation  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  are  subject  to  scrutiny  by  Group  level  senior 
management.  The  Company‘s  financial  reports,  financial  guidance,  and  Annual  Report  and 
consolidated financial statements are also reviewed by the Audit Committee of the Board in advance of 
being presented to the full Board for their review and approval; 

  quarterly reporting of the financial performance with a management discussion and analysis of results; 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  weekly  Management  Committee  meetings,  comprising  of  heads  of  departments,  to  review  the 

performance and activities of each department in the Company; 

  detailed budgetary process which includes identifying risks and opportunities and which is ultimately 

approved at Board level; 

  Board  approved  capital  expenditure  and  Audit  Committee  approved  treasury  policies  which  clearly 

define authorisation limits and procedures; 

  an internal audit function which reviews key financial/business processes and controls, and which has 

full and unrestricted access to the Audit Committee; 

  an  Audit  Committee  which  approves  audit  plans,  considers  significant  control  matters  raised  by 
management  and  the  internal  and  external  auditors  and  which  is  actively  monitoring  the  Company‘s 
compliance with section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002; 

  established systems and procedures to identify, control and report on key risks. Exposure to these risks 

is monitored by the Audit Committee and the Management Committee; and 

  a  risk  management  programme  in  place  throughout  the  Company  whereby  executive  management 
reviews and monitors the controls in place, both financial and non financial, to manage the risks facing 
the business. 

On behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee has reviewed the effectiveness of the Company‘s system of 
risk  management  and  internal  control  for  the  year  ended  March  31,  2013  and  has  reported  thereon  to  the 
Board. 

The Board has delegated to executive  management the planning and implementation  of  the systems of 

internal control within an established framework which applies throughout the Company. 

Takeover Bids Directive 

Information regarding rights and obligations attached to shares are set forth in Note 15 on pages 183 to 185 

of the consolidated financial statements.  

Shares in the Ryanair employee share schemes carry no control rights and shares are only issued (and gain 

voting rights) when options are exercised by employees. 

Ryanair‘s  Articles  of  Association  do  not  contain  any  restrictions  on  voting  rights.  However,  there  are 
provisions  in  the  Articles  which  allow  the  directors  to  (amongst  other  things)  suspend  the  voting  rights  of  a 
share  if  the  Board  believes  the  number  of  non-qualifying  nationals  holding  shares  in  Ryanair  would  put  it  in 
breach of the Air Navigation  Acts and licences and permits  which allow it to operate. This is  not an absolute 
restriction and can only occur if the Board designates a number of shares to be so restricted.   

Ryanair has not received any notifications from shareholders (as shareholders are obliged to do) regarding 

any agreements between shareholders which might result in restrictions on the transfer of shares.   

Details of the rules concerning the removal and appointment of the directors are set out above as part of 
this  Directors‘  Report.  There  are  no  specific  rules  regarding  the  amendment  of  the  Company‘s  Articles  of 
Association. 

Details of the Company‘s share buy-back programme are set forth on page 119 of the Annual Report. The 
shareholders  approved  the  power  of  the  Company  to  buy  back  shares  at  the  2006  AGM  and  at  subsequent 
AGM‘s.  

None of the significant agreements to which the Company is party to, contain change of control provisions. 
As  referred  to  above  in  this  Director‘s  Report,  Michael  O‘Leary‘s  employment  agreement  does  not  contain 
provisions providing for compensation on his termination.  

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Going Concern 

After  making  enquiries,  the  directors  have  formed  a  judgment,  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  the  foreseeable  future.  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 28 and the reporting responsibilities of the auditors are set out in 
their report on page 30. 

Compliance Statement 

Ryanair has complied, throughout the year ended March 31, 2013, with the provisions set out in the UK 
Corporate Governance Code and the requirements set out in the Irish Corporate Governance Annex except as 
outlined below. The Group has not complied with the following provisions of the 2010 Code, but continues to 
review these situations on an ongoing basis: 

  A  number  of  non-executive  directors  participate  in  the  Company‘s  share  option  plans.  The  2010  Code 
requires  that,  if  exceptionally,  share  options  are  granted  to  non-executive  directors  that  shareholder 
approval should be sought in advance and any shares acquired by exercise of the options should be held 
until at least one year after the non-executive director leaves the board. In accordance with the 2010 Code, 
the  Company  sought  and  received  shareholder  approval  to  make  certain  stock  option  grants  to  its  non-
executive  directors  and  as  described  above,  the  Board  believes  the  quantum  of  options  granted  to  non-
executive directors is not so significant to impair their independence.   

  Certain  non-executive directors, namely  Messrs.  David Bonderman, James Osborne, Kyran McLaughlin 
and Michael Horgan have each served more than nine years on the Board without being offered for annual 
re-election.  As  described  further  above,  given  the  other  significant  commercial  and  professional 
commitments  of  these  non-executive  directors,  and  taking  into  account  that  their  independence  is 
considered annually by the Board, the Board does not consider their independence to be impaired in this 
regard.    

On behalf of the Board 

David Bonderman 
Chairman                       
July 26, 2013 

Michael O‟ Leary 
Chief Executive 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report on the Remuneration Committee on Directors‟ Remuneration 

The Remuneration Committee 

Details of the Remuneration Committee are set out within the Corporate Governance Statement on page 

20 of the Annual Report.  

The role and responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee are set out in its written terms of reference, 

which are available on the Company‘s website www.ryanair.com. 

All members of the Remuneration Committee have access to the advice of the Chief Executive and may, 

in the furtherance of their duties, obtain independent professional advice at the Company‘s expense. 

Remuneration Policy 

The  remuneration  policy  of  the  Company  is  to  ensure  that  the  executive  director  and  the  senior  key 
management team are rewarded competitively, having regard to the comparative  marketplace in Ireland and 
the United Kingdom, in order to ensure that they are properly motivated to perform in the best interests of the 
shareholders. Details of the total remuneration paid to senior key management (defined as the executive team 
reporting to the Board of Directors) are set out in Note 27 of the consolidated Financial Statements.   

Non-Executive Directors 

Details of the remuneration paid to non-executive directors are set out in Note 19(b) to the consolidated 

Financial Statements.  

Directors can only be appointed following selection by the Nomination Committee and approval by the 
Board and must be elected by  the  shareholders at the  Annual General Meeting  following their appointment. 
Ryanair‘s Articles of Association require that all directors retire after a fixed period not exceeding three years. 
Directors can then offer themselves for re-election at the Company‘s Annual General Meeting.  

None  of  the  non-executive  directors  hold  a  service  agreement  with  the  Company  that  provides  for 

benefits upon termination. 

Executive Director 

The  Chief  Executive  of  the  Company  is  the  only  executive  director  on  the  Board.  Details  of  the 

remuneration paid to the Chief Executive are set out in Note 19(a) to the consolidated Financial Statements. 

The Company entered into an employment agreement with the Chief Executive on July 1, 2002 for a one 
year period to June 30, 2003. Thereafter, the agreement continues for successive annual periods but may be 
terminated  with  12  months  notice  by  either  party.  This  employment  agreement  does  not  contain  provisions 
providing for compensation on its termination. 

Performance Related Bonuses 

The Chief Executive and the key management team of the Company are eligible for a performance bonus 

and other bonuses dependent upon the achievement of certain financial targets. 

Share Options 

Details of the share options granted to executive and non-executive directors are set forth in Note 19(d) 

to the consolidated Financial Statements. 

Details  of  employee  share  option  plans  are  set  forth  in  Note  15(c)  to  the  consolidated  Financial 

Statements. 

Directors Pension Benefits 

Details of the Chief Executive‘s pension benefits are set forth in Note 19(c) to the consolidated Financial 

Statements. 

Directors Shareholdings 

The  interests  of  each  Director  that  held  office  at  the  end  of  fiscal  2013,  in  the  share  capital  of  the 

Company are set forth in Note 19(d) to the consolidated Financial Statements. 

27 

 
 
 
 
 Statement of Directors‟ Responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements 

The  directors  are  responsible  for  preparing  the  Annual  Report  and  the  consolidated  and  Company 

financial statements, in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the directors to prepare consolidated and Company financial statements for each 
financial year.  Under that law, the directors are required to prepare the  consolidated financial  statements in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union (EU) 
and have elected to prepare the Company financial statements in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU 
and  as  applied  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  Companies  Acts,  1963  to  2012.  In  preparing  the 
consolidated  financial  statements  the  directors  have  also  elected  to  comply  with  IFRSs  as  issued  by  the 
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). 

The  consolidated  and  Company  financial  statements  are  required  by  law  and  IFRSs  as  adopted  by  the 
EU, to present fairly the financial position of the Group and the Company and the performance of the Group.  
The  Companies  Acts,  1963  to  2012  provide  in  relation  to  such  financial  statements  that  references  in  the 
relevant part of these Acts to financial statements giving a true and fair view are references to their achieving a 
fair presentation.   

In preparing each of the consolidated and 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;  

 

 

state  that  the  financial  statements  comply  with  IFRSs  as  adopted  by  the  EU  as  applied  in 
accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2012 and IFRSs as issued by the IASB; and 

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

Under applicable law and the requirements of the Listing Rules issued by the Irish Stock Exchange, the 
directors are also responsible for preparing a Directors‘ Report and reports relating to directors‘ remuneration 
and  corporate  governance  that  comply  with  that  law  and  those  Rules.  In  particular,  in  accordance  with  the 
Transparency  (Directive  2004/109/EC)  Regulations  2007  (the  Transparency  Regulations),  the  directors  are 
required  to  include  in  their  report  a  fair  review  of  the  business  and  a  description  of  the  principal  risks  and 
uncertainties facing the Group and Company and a responsibility statement relating to those and other matters, 
included below.  

The directors are responsible for keeping proper books of account that disclose with reasonable accuracy 
at  any  time  the  financial  position  of  the  Group  and  Company  and  enable  them  to  ensure  that  its  financial 
statements  comply  with  the  Companies  Acts,  1963  to  2012  and,  as  regards  the  consolidated  financial 
statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.  They are also responsible for taking such steps as are reasonably 
open to them to safeguard the assets of the Company and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. 

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

28 

 
 
Responsibility Statement, in accordance with the Transparency Regulations 

Each of the directors, whose names and functions are listed on page 102 of the Annual Report confirm 

that, to the best of their knowledge and belief: 

 

 

 

the consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, 
give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Group at March 
31, 2013 and of its profit for the year then ended; 

the Company financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, as 
applied in accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2012, give a true and fair view of the 
assets, liabilities and financial position of the Company at March 31, 2013, and  

the Directors‘ Report contained in the Annual Report includes a fair review of the development 
and performance of the business and the position of the  Group and Company, together  with a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.  

Also,  as  explained  in  Note  1  on  page  150  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  Group,  in 
addition to complying with its legal obligation to comply with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, has also prepared 
its consolidated financial statements in compliance with IFRSs as issued by the IASB.  The directors confirm 
that to the best of their knowledge and belief these consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view 
of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Group at March 31, 2013 and of its profit for the year then 
ended. 

On behalf of the Board 

David Bonderman 
Chairman                       
July 26, 2013 

Michael O‟ Leary 
Chief Executive 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor‟s Report to the members of Ryanair Holdings plc 

We  have  audited  the  consolidated  and  Company  financial  statements  (‗‗financial  statements‘‘)  of 
Ryanair  Holdings  plc  for  the  year  ended  March  31,  2013,  which  comprise  the  consolidated  and  Company 
balance sheets, the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the 
consolidated  and  Company  statements  of  changes  in  shareholders‘  equity,  the  consolidated  and  Company 
statements  of  cash  flows  and  the  related  notes.    The  financial  reporting  framework  that  has  been  applied  in 
their  preparation  is  Irish  law  and  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRSs)  as  adopted  by  the 
European Union (EU), and, as regards the parent Company financial statements, as applied in accordance with 
the provisions of the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2012.   

This report is made solely to the Company‘s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 193 of 
the Companies Act, 1990 and in respect of the separate opinion in relation to International Financial Reporting 
Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), on terms that have been agreed.  
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 in respect of the separate opinion in relation to IFRSs as 
issued by the IASB, those matters that we have agreed to state to them in our 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  Statement  of  Directors‘  Responsibilities  on  pages  28  and  29  the 
directors  are  responsible  for  the  preparation  of  the  financial  statements  giving  a  true  and  fair  view.    Our 
responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with Irish law and 
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).  Those standards require us to comply with the Ethical 
Standards for Auditors issued by the Auditing Practices Board.  

Scope of the audit of the financial statements 

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and  disclosures in the  financial  statements 
sufficient  to  give  reasonable  assurance  that  the  financial  statements  are  free  from  material  misstatement, 
whether  caused  by  fraud  or  error.    This  includes  an  assessment  of:  whether  the  accounting  policies  are 
appropriate  to  the  company  circumstances  and  have  been  consistently  applied  and  adequately  disclosed;  the 
reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall presentation of the 
financial statements.  In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the annual report 
to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements.  If we become aware of any apparent 
material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report. 

Opinion on financial statements 

In our opinion:   

 

 

 

the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by 
the EU, of the state of the Group‘s affairs as at 31 March 2013 and of its profit for the year then ended;   

the Company financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 
EU, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2012, of the state of the 
Company‘s affairs as at 31 March 2013; and 

the  financial  statements  have  been  properly  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  Companies  Acts,  1963  to 
2012 and as regards the consolidated financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor‟s Report to the members of Ryanair Holdings plc (continued) 

Separate opinion in relation to IFRSs as issued by the IASB 

As explained in Note 1 on page 150 of the consolidated financial statements, the Group, in addition to 
complying  with  its  legal  obligation  to  comply  with  IFRSs  as  adopted  by  the  EU,  has  also  prepared  its 
consolidated financial statements in compliance with IFRSs as issued by the IASB.  

In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  give  a  true  and  fair  view,  in  accordance  with 
IFRSs as issued by the IASB, of the state of the Group‘s affairs as at March 31, 2013 and of its profit for the 
year then ended. 

Matters on which we are required to report by the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2012 

We have obtained all the information and explanations which we consider necessary for the purposes 

of our audit. 

The  Company balance sheet is in agreement  with the books of account and, in our opinion, proper 

books of account have been kept by the Company. 

In  our  opinion  the  information  given  in  the  Directors‘  Report  is  consistent  with  the  financial 
statements  and  the  description  in  the  Corporate  Governance  Statement  of  the  main  features  of  the  internal 
control  and  risk  management  systems  in  relation  to  the  process  for  preparing  the  consolidated  financial 
statements is consistent with the consolidated financial statements. 

The  net  assets  of  the  Company,  as  stated  in  the  Company  balance  sheet  are  more  than  half  of  the 
amount of its called-up share capital and, in our opinion, on that basis there did not exist at 31 March 2013 a 
financial  situation  which  under  Section  40(1)  of  the  Companies  (Amendment)  Act,  1983  would  require  the 
convening of an extraordinary general meeting of the company. 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following:  

Under  the  Companies  Acts,  1963  to  2012  we  are  required  to  report  to  you  if,  in  our  opinion  the 

disclosures of directors‘ remuneration and transactions specified by law are not made. 

Under the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange (ISE) we are required to review: 

 

 

 

the directors‘ statement, set out on page 26, in relation to going concern; 

the  part  of  the  Corporate  Governance  Statement  relating  to  the  Company‘s  compliance  with  the  nine 
provisions  of  the  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code  and  the  two  provisions  of  the  ISE‘s  Corporate 
Governance Annex specified for our review; and  

the  six  specified  elements  of  disclosures  in  the  report  to  shareholders  by  the  Board  of  directors‘ 
remuneration. 

Sean O’Keefe 

For and on behalf of 
KPMG  
Chartered Accountants, Statutory Audit Firm 
July 26, 2013 
1 Stokes Place 
St Stephen’s Green 
Dublin 2 
Ireland 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Presentation of Financial and Certain Other Information 

As used herein, the term ―Ryanair Holdings‖ refers to Ryanair Holdings plc. The term the ―Company‖ 
refers  to  Ryanair  Holdings  or  Ryanair  Holdings  together  with  its  consolidated  subsidiaries,  as  the  context 
requires.  The  term  ―Ryanair‖  refers  to  Ryanair  Limited,  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  Ryanair  Holdings, 
together with its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. The term ―fiscal year‖ refers to 
the  12-month  period  ended  on  March  31  of  the  quoted  year.  The  term  ―Ordinary  Shares‖  refers  to  the 
outstanding  par  value  0.635  euro  cent  per  share  common  stock  of  the  Company.  All  references  to  ―Ireland‖ 
herein are references to the Republic of Ireland. All references to the ―U.K.‖ herein are references to the United 
Kingdom  and  all  references  to  the  ―United  States‖  or  ―U.S.‖  herein  are  references  to  the  United  States  of 
America. References to ―U.S. dollars,‖ ―dollars,‖ ―$‖ or ―U.S. cents‖ are to the currency of the United States, 
references  to  ―U.K.  pound  sterling,‖  ―U.K.  £‖  and  ―£‖  are  to  the  currency  of  the  U.K.  and  references  to  ―€,‖ 
―euro,‖  ―euros‖  and  ―euro  cent‖  are  to  the  euro,  the  common  currency  of  seventeen  member  states  of  the 
European Union (the ―EU‖), including Ireland. Various amounts and percentages set out in this annual report on 
Form 20-F have been rounded and accordingly may not total. 

The  Company  owns  or  otherwise  has  rights  to  the  trademark  Ryanair®  in  certain  jurisdictions.  See 
―Item  4.  Information  on  the  Company—Trademarks.‖  This  report  also  makes  reference  to  trade  names  and 
trademarks of companies other than the Company. 

The  Company  publishes  its  annual  and  interim  consolidated  financial  statements  in  accordance  with 
International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  as  issued  by  the  International  Accounting  Standards  Board 
(―IASB‖).  Additionally,  in  accordance  with  its  legal  obligation  to  comply  with  the  International  Accounting 
Standards Regulation (EC 1606 (2002)), which applies throughout the EU, the consolidated financial statements 
of  the  Company  must  comply  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  as  adopted  by  the  EU. 
Accordingly,  the  Company‘s  consolidated  financial  statements  and  the  selected  financial  data  included  herein 
comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB and also International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU, in each case as in effect for the year ended and as of March 31, 2013 
(collectively referred to as ―IFRS‖ throughout). 

The Company publishes its consolidated financial statements in euro. Solely for the convenience of the 
reader,  this  report  contains  translations  of  certain  euro  amounts  into  U.S.  dollars  at  specified  rates.  These 
translations should not be construed as representations that the converted amounts actually represent such U.S. 
dollar  amounts  or  could  be  converted  into  U.S.  dollars  at  the  rates  indicated  or  at  any  other  rate.  Unless 
otherwise indicated, such U.S. dollar amounts have been  translated from euro at a rate of €1.00 = $1.2816, or 
$1.00 = €0.7803, the official rate published by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board in its weekly ―H.10‖ release (the 
―Federal Reserve Rate‖) on March 31, 2013. The Federal Reserve Rate for euro on July 19, 2013 was €1.00 = 
$1.3142  or  $1.00  =  €0.7609.  See  ―Item  3.  Key  Information—Exchange  Rates‖  for  information  regarding 
historical  rates  of  exchange  relevant  to  the  Company,  and  ―Item  5.  Operating  and  Financial  Review  and 
Prospects‖ and ―Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk‖ for a discussion of the 
effects of changes in exchange rates on the Company. 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information 

Except  for  the  historical  statements  and  discussions  contained  herein,  statements  contained  in  this 
report constitute ―forward-looking statements‖ within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 
1933,  as  amended  (the  ―Securities  Act‖),  and  Section  21E  of  the  U.S.  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as 
amended (the  ―Exchange  Act‖). Forward-looking statements  may  include  words such as ―expect,‖  ―estimate,‖ 
―project,‖ ―anticipate,‖ ―should,‖ ―intend,‖ and similar expressions or variations on such expressions. Any filing 
made by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the ―SEC‖) may include forward-
looking  statements.  In  addition,  other  written  or  oral  statements  which  constitute  forward-looking  statements 
have  been  made  and  may  in  the  future  be  made  by  or  on  behalf  of  the  Company,  including  statements 
concerning its  future  operating and  financial performance,  the  Company‘s  share of new  and existing  markets, 
general  industry  and  economic  trends  and  the  Company‘s  performance  relative  thereto  and  the  Company‘s 
expectations as to requirements for capital expenditures and regulatory matters. The Company‘s business is to 
provide a low-fares airline service in Europe, and its outlook is predominately based on its interpretation of what 
it considers to be the key economic factors affecting that business and the European economy. Forward-looking 
statements  with  regard  to  the  Company‘s  business  rely  on  a  number  of  assumptions  concerning  future  events 
and  are  subject  to  a  number  of  uncertainties  and  other  factors,  many  of  which  are  outside  the  Company‘s 
control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. It is not reasonably possible to 
itemize  all  of  the  many  factors  and  specific  events  that  could  affect  the  outlook  and  results  of  an  airline 
operating in the European economy. Among the factors that are subject to change and could significantly impact 
Ryanair‘s  expected  results  are  the  airline  pricing  environment,  fuel  costs,  competition  from  new  and  existing 
carriers,  market  prices  for  replacement  aircraft  and  aircraft  maintenance  services,  aircraft  availability,  costs 
associated with environmental, safety and security measures, terrorist attacks, actions of the Irish, U.K., EU and 
other governments and their respective regulatory agencies, fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest 
rates,  changes  to  the  structure  of  the  euro,  airport  handling  and  access  charges,  litigation,  labor  relations,  the 
economic  environment  of  the  airline  industry,  the  general  economic  environment  in  Ireland,  the  U.K.  and 
elsewhere in Europe, the general willingness of passengers to travel, flight interruptions caused by volcanic ash 
emissions or other atmospheric disruptions,  factors affecting the  value of  Ryanair‘s  investment  in  Aer Lingus 
Group  plc  and  other  factors  discussed  herein.  The  Company  disclaims  any  obligation  to  update  or  revise  any 
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DETAILED INDEX 

Page 

PART I 

Item 1. 

Item 2. 

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers .................................................................. 36 

Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable ........................................................................................... 36 

Item 3. 

Key Information ................................................................................................................................ 36 
The Company ................................................................................................................................................ 36 
Selected Financial Data ................................................................................................................................. 37 
Exchange Rates ............................................................................................................................................. 39 
Selected Operating and Other Data ............................................................................................................... 41 
Risk Factors ................................................................................................................................................... 42 

Item 4. 

Information on the Company ............................................................................................................ 58 
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 58 
Strategy .......................................................................................................................................................... 59 
Route System, Scheduling and Fares............................................................................................................. 62 
Marketing and Advertising ............................................................................................................................ 64 
Reservations on Ryanair.Com ....................................................................................................................... 64 
Aircraft .......................................................................................................................................................... 65 
Ancillary Services ......................................................................................................................................... 67 
Maintenance and Repairs .............................................................................................................................. 68 
Safety Record ................................................................................................................................................ 69 
Airport Operations ......................................................................................................................................... 70 
Fuel ................................................................................................................................................................ 72 
Insurance ....................................................................................................................................................... 73 
Facilities ........................................................................................................................................................ 74 
Trademarks .................................................................................................................................................... 75 
Government Regulation ................................................................................................................................. 76 
Description of Property ................................................................................................................................. 82 

Item 4A.  Unresolved Staff Comments ............................................................................................................. 82 

Item 5. 

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects ................................................................................ 82 
History ........................................................................................................................................................... 82 
Business Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 83 
Recent Operating Results .............................................................................................................................. 86 
Critical Accounting Policies .......................................................................................................................... 87 
Results of Operations .................................................................................................................................... 89 
Fiscal Year 2013 Compared with Fiscal Year 2012 ...................................................................................... 89 
Fiscal Year 2012 Compared with Fiscal Year 2011 ...................................................................................... 93 
Seasonal Fluctuations .................................................................................................................................... 96 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards ......................................................................................................... 96 
Liquidity and Capital Resources .................................................................................................................... 97 
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions .................................................................................................................. 101 
Trend Information ....................................................................................................................................... 102 
Inflation ....................................................................................................................................................... 102 

Item 6. 

Directors, Senior Management and Employees .............................................................................. 102 
Directors ...................................................................................................................................................... 102 
Executive Officers ....................................................................................................................................... 107 
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers .................................................................................... 108 
Staff and Labor Relations ............................................................................................................................ 109 

Item 7. 

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions ...................................................................... 111 
Major Shareholders ..................................................................................................................................... 111 
Related Party Transactions .......................................................................................................................... 111 

Item 8. 

Financial Information ...................................................................................................................... 112 
Consolidated Financial Statements .............................................................................................................. 112 
Other Financial Information ........................................................................................................................ 112 
Significant Changes ..................................................................................................................................... 119 

34 

 
 
 
Item 9. 

The Offer and Listing ...................................................................................................................... 120 
Trading Markets and Share Prices ............................................................................................................... 120 

Item 10.  Additional Information ................................................................................................................... 123 
Description of Capital Stock........................................................................................................................ 123 
Options to Purchase Securities from Registrant or Subsidiaries.................................................................. 123 
Articles of Association ................................................................................................................................ 123 
Material Contracts ....................................................................................................................................... 125 
Exchange Controls....................................................................................................................................... 125 
Limitations On Share Ownership By Non-EU Nationals ............................................................................ 126 
Taxation ....................................................................................................................................................... 129 
Documents on Display ................................................................................................................................ 133 

Item 11.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ........................................................ 134 
General ........................................................................................................................................................ 134 
Fuel Price Exposure and Hedging ............................................................................................................... 134 
Foreign Currency Exposure and Hedging ................................................................................................... 135 
Interest Rate Exposure and Hedging ........................................................................................................... 136 

Item 12.  Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities ................................................................... 138 

PART II 

Item 13.  Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies ......................................................................... 139 

Item 14.  Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds ............................. 139 

Item 15. 

Controls and Procedures ................................................................................................................. 139 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures ............................................................................................................ 139 
Management‘s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting ............................................ 140 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting ............................................................................... 141 

Item 16. 

Reserved.......................................................................................................................................... 141 

Item 16A.  Audit Committee Financial Expert ................................................................................................. 141 

Item 16B.  Code of Ethics ................................................................................................................................. 141 

Item 16C.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services ......................................................................................... 141 

Item 16D.  Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees ...................................................... 142 

Item 16E.  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers ......................................... 142 

Item 16F.  Change in Registrant‘s Certified Accountant.................................................................................. 142 

Item 16G.  Corporate Governance .................................................................................................................... 142 

Item 16H.  Mine Safety Disclosure ................................................................................................................... 142 

PART III 

Item 17. 

Financial Statements ....................................................................................................................... 143 

 Item 18. 

Financial Statements ....................................................................................................................... 143 

35 

 
 
 
PART I 

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers 

Not applicable. 

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable 

Not applicable. 

Item 3. Key Information 

THE COMPANY 

Ryanair  operates  an  ultra-low  cost,  scheduled  airline  serving  short-haul,  point-to-point  routes  largely  in 
Europe from its 57 bases in airports across Europe, which together are referred to as ―Ryanair‘s bases of operations‖ 
or  ―Ryanair‘s  bases.‖    For  a  list  of  these  bases,  see  ―Item  4.  Information  on  the  Company—Route  System, 
Scheduling and Fares.‖  Ryanair pioneered the low-fares operating model in Europe in the early 1990s.  As of June 
30, 2013, the Company offered over 1,600 scheduled short-haul flights per day serving approximately 180 airports 
largely throughout Europe, with an operating fleet of 303 aircraft flying approximately 1,600 routes. The Company 
also holds a 29.8% interest in Aer Lingus Group plc (―Aer Lingus‖), which it has acquired through market purchases 
following  Aer  Lingus‘  partial  privatization  in  2006.  Ryanair‘s  attempts  to  acquire  the  entire  share  capital  of  Aer 
Lingus have been blocked by the European authorities, with the latest ruling currently under appeal by Ryanair.  For 
additional  information,  see  ―Item  8.  Financial  Information—Other  Financial  Information—Legal  Proceedings—
Matters Related to Investment in  Aer Lingus.‖  A detailed  description of the  Company‘s business can be found in 
―Item 4. Information on the Company.‖ 

36 

 
 
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 

The following tables set forth certain of the Company‘s selected consolidated financial 

information as of and for the periods indicated, presented in accordance with IFRS. This information should be read 
in conjunction with: (i) the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and related notes thereto 
included in Item 18 and (ii) ―Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.‖ 

Income Statement Data: 

Fiscal year ended March 31, 

2013(a) 

2013 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

(in millions, except per-Ordinary Share data) 

Total operating revenues..................  

Total operating expenses .................  

$6,259.3  €4,884.0  €4,390.2  €3,629.5  €2,988.1 
(5,338.9)  (4,165.8)  (3,707.0)  (3,141.3)  (2,586.0) 

€2,942.0 
(2,849.4) 

Operating income ............................  
Net interest (expense) ......................  
Other non-operating (expense) 

income .........................................  
Profit (loss) before taxation .............  
Taxation ...........................................  

Profit (loss) after taxation ................  
Ryanair Holdings basic earnings 
(loss) per Ordinary Share (U.S. 
cents)/(euro cent) .........................  

Ryanair Holdings diluted earnings 
(loss) per Ordinary Share (U.S. 
cents)/(euro cent) .........................  
Ryanair Holdings dividend paid per 
Ordinary Share (U.S. cents)/(euro 
cent) .............................................  

Balance Sheet Data: 

Cash and cash equivalents ...............  
Total assets ......................................  
Long-term debt, including capital 

lease obligations ...........................  
Shareholders‘ equity ........................  
Issued share capital ..........................  
Weighted Average Number of 

920.4 

(92.1) 

718.2 

(71.9) 

683.2 

(64.9) 

488.2 

(66.7) 

402.1 

(48.6) 

92.6 

(55.0) 

5.9 

4.6 

14.7 

(0.6) 

(12.5) 

(218.1) 

834.2 
(104.6) 
$729.6 

650.9 
(81.6) 
€569.3 

633.0 
(72.6) 
€560.4 

420.9 
(46.3) 
€374.6 

341.0 
(35.7) 
€305.3 

(180.5) 
11.3 
€(169.2) 

$50.56 

€39.45 

€38.03 

€25.21 

€20.68 

€(11.44) 

$50.41 

€39.33 

€37.94 

€25.14 

€20.60 

€(11.44) 

$43.57 

€34.00 

n/a 

€33.57 

n/a 

n/a 

2013(a) 

2013 

As of March 31, 
2012 
2011 
(in millions) 

2010 

2009 

$1,590.3  €1,240.9  €2,708.3  €2,028.3  €1,477.9  €1,583.2 
$11,461.3  €8,943.0  €9,001.0  €8,596.0  €7,563.4  €6,387.9 

$4,483.4  €3,498.3  €3,625.2  €3,649.4  €2,956.2  €2,398.4 
$4,194.2  €3,272.6  €3,306.7  €2,953.9  €2,848.6  €2,425.1 

$11.8 

€9.2 

€9.3 

€9.5 

€9.4 

€9.4 

Ordinary Shares ...........................  

1,443.1 

1,443.1 

1,473.7 

1,485.7 

1,476.4 

1,478.5 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flow Statement Data: 

Net cash inflow from operating activities  
Net cash (outflow) from investing 

activities ...............................................  
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing 
activities ...............................................  

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash 

Fiscal year ended March 31, 

2013(a) 

2013 

2012 
(in millions) 

2011 

2010 

2009 

$1,311.7 

€1,023.5 

€1,020.3 

€786.3 

€871.5 

€413.2 

$(2,334.4) 

€(1,821.5) 

€(185.4) 

€(474.0) 

€(1,549.1) 

€(388.3) 

$(857.9) 

€(669.4) 

€(154.9) 

€238.1 

€572.3 

€87.5 

equivalents ...........................................  

$(1,880.6) 

€(1,467.4) 

€680.0 

€550.4 

€(105.3) 

€112.4 

______________ 
(a) Dollar amounts are initially  measured in euro in accordance  with IFRS and then  translated to U.S. $ solely for 

convenience at the Federal Reserve Rate on March 31, 2013, of €1.00=$1.2816 or $1.00=€0.7803. 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXCHANGE RATES 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain  information concerning the exchange 
rate between: (i) the U.S. dollar and the euro; (ii) the U.K. pound sterling and the euro; and (iii) the U.K. pound 
sterling  and  the  U.S.  dollar.  Such  rates  are  provided  solely  for  the  convenience  of  the  reader  and  are  not 
necessarily the rates used by the Company in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements included in 
Item 18. No representation is made that any of such currencies could have been, or could be, converted into any 
other of such currencies at such rates or at any other rate. 

U.S. dollars per €1.00(a) 

Year ended December 31, 

End of 
Period 

Average 
(b) 

Low 

High 

2008 ....................................................................................................  1.395 
2009 ....................................................................................................  1.433 
2010 ....................................................................................................  1.336 
2011 ....................................................................................................  1.296 
2012 ....................................................................................................  1.319 

1.471 
1.394 
1.326 
1.392 
1.291 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

Month ended 
January 31, 2013 ................................................................................. — 
February 28, 2013 ............................................................................... — 
March 31, 2013 ................................................................................... — 
April 30, 2013 ..................................................................................... — 
May 31, 2013 ...................................................................................... — 
June 30, 2013 ...................................................................................... — 
Period ended July 19, 2013 ................................................................. — 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

1.305 
1.305 
1.278 
1.284 
1.282 
1.301 
1.277 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

1.358 
1.369 
1.310 
1.317 
1.319 
1.341 
1.314 

U.K. pounds sterling per €1.00(c) 

Year ended December 31, 

End of 
Period 

Average 
(b) 

Low 

High 

2008 ....................................................................................................  0.957 
2009 ....................................................................................................  0.887 
2010 ....................................................................................................  0.857 
2011 ....................................................................................................  0.836 
2012 ....................................................................................................  0.811 

0.797 
0.891 
0.858 
0.868 
0.811 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

Month ended 
January 31, 2013 ................................................................................. — 
February 28, 2013 ............................................................................... — 
March 31, 2013 ................................................................................... — 
April 30, 2013 ..................................................................................... — 
May 31, 2013 ...................................................................................... — 
June 30, 2013 ...................................................................................... — 
Period ended July 19, 2013 ................................................................. — 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

0.810 
0.846 
0.843 
0.842 
0.841 
0.848 
0.851 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

0.859 
0.872 
0.875 
0.858 
0.856 
0.858 
0.868 

U.K. pounds sterling per U.S.$1.00(d) 

Year ended December 31, 

End of 
Period 

Average (b) 

Low 

High 

2008 .............................................................................................................................  
0.686 
2009 ....................................................................................................  0.627 
0.641 
2010 .............................................................................................................................  
0.645 
2011 .............................................................................................................................  
0.615 
2012 .............................................................................................................................  

0.546  — 
0.641  — 
0.647  — 
0.624  — 
0.628  — 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Month ended 
January 31, 2013 .................................................................................  — 
February 28, 2013 ...............................................................................  — 
March 31, 2013 ...................................................................................  — 
April 30, 2013 .....................................................................................  — 
May 31, 2013 ......................................................................................  — 
June 30, 2013 ......................................................................................  — 
Period ended July 19, 2013 .................................................................  — 

______________ 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

0.615 
0.632 
0.656 
0.644 
0.642 
0.637 
0.655 

0.638 
0.662 
0.672 
0.662 
0.665 
0.657 
0.674 

(a)  Based on the Federal Reserve Rate for euro. 
(b)  The  average  of  the  relevant  exchange  rates  on  the  last  business  day  of  each  month  during  the 

relevant period. 

(c)  Based on the composite exchange rate as quoted at 5 p.m., New York time, by Bloomberg. 
(d)  Based on the Federal Reserve Rate for U.K. pound sterling. 

As  of  July  19,  2013,  the  exchange  rate  between  the  U.S.  dollar  and  the  euro  was  €1.00=$1.3142,  or 
$1.00=€0.7609; the exchange rate  between the  U.K. pound sterling and the euro  was  U.K. £1.00=€1.1624, or 
€1.00=U.K.  £0.8603;  and  the  exchange  rate  between  the  U.K.  pound  sterling  and  the  U.S.  dollar  was  U.K. 
£1.00=$1.5260,  or  $1.00=U.K.  £0.6553.  For  a  discussion  of  the  impact  of  exchange  rate  fluctuations  on  the 
Company‘s results of operations, see ―Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.‖ 

40 

 
 
 
 SELECTED OPERATING AND OTHER DATA 

The following tables set forth certain operating data of Ryanair for each of the fiscal years 
shown. Such data are derived from the Company‘s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance 
with IFRS and certain other data, and are not audited. For definitions of the terms used in this table, see the 
Glossary in Appendix A.  

Operating Data: 

2013 

Average Yield per Revenue 

Passenger Mile (―RPM‖) (€) ...............   0.064 

Average Yield per Available 

Seat Miles (―ASM‖) (€) ......................   0.052 

Average Fuel Cost per U.S. 

Gallon (€) ............................................   2.381 
Cost per ASM (―CASM‖) (€) .................   0.056 
Operating Margin ...................................   15% 
Break-even Load Factor .........................   70% 
Average Booked Passenger 

Fare (€) ................................................   48.20 
Cost Per Booked Passenger (€) ..............   52.56 
Ancillary Revenue per Booked 

Passenger (€) .......................................  

 13.43 

         Fiscal Year ended March 31, 
2012 

2011 

2010 

0.059 

0.048 

2.075 
0.051 
14% 
70% 

45.36 
48.90 

11.69 

0.053 

0.045 

1.756 
0.049 
14% 
72% 

39.24 
43.59 

11.12 

0.052 

0.043 

1.515 
0.047 
13% 
73% 

34.95 
38.88 

9.98 

2009 

0.060 

0.050 

2.351 
0.058 
5% 
79% 

40.02 
48.65 

10.21 

Other Data: 
2013 
Revenue Passengers Booked ..................  
79,256,253 
Revenue Passenger Miles .......................  

2009 
58,565,663 
59,865,600,628  58,584,451,085  53,256,894,035  44,841,072,500  39,202,293,374 

2010 
66,503,999 

2012 
75,814,551 

Fiscal Year ended March 31, 
2011 
72,062,659 

Available Seat Miles ..............................  
Booked Passenger Load 

72,829,956,243  71,139,686,423  63,358,255,401  53,469,635,740 

47,102,503,388 

Factor...................................................   82% 

82% 

83% 

82% 

81% 

Average Length of Passenger 

Haul (miles) .........................................   754 
Sectors Flown .........................................  512,765 
Number of Airports Served 

at Period End .......................................   167 

Average Daily Flight Hour 

Utilization (hours) ...............................   8.24 
Staff at Period End .................................  9,137 
Staff per Aircraft at Period 

End  .....................................................  

30 

Booked Passengers per Staff 

771 
489,759 

727 
463,460 

661 
427,900 

654 
380,915 

159 

8.47 
8,388 

30 

158 

8.36 
8,560 

31 

153 

8.89 
7,168 

31 

143 

9.59 
6,616 

36 

8,852 

at Period End .......................................  8,674 

9,038 

8,418 

9,253 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
RISK FACTORS 

Risks Related to the Company 

Changes in Fuel Costs and Fuel Availability Affect the Company’s Results and Increase the Likelihood 
of  Adverse  Impact  to  the  Company’s  Profitability  Jet  fuel  costs  are  subject  to  wide  fluctuations  as  a  result  of 
many economic and political factors and events occurring throughout the world that Ryanair can neither control 
nor  accurately  predict,  including  increases  in  demand,  sudden  disruptions  in  supply  and  other  concerns  about 
global supply, as  well as  market speculation.  For example, although they declined in the 2010 fiscal  year, oil 
prices increased substantially in fiscal years 2011, 2012 and 2013 and remain at elevated levels. As international 
prices for jet fuel are denominated in U.S. dollars, Ryanair‘s fuel costs are also subject to certain exchange rate 
risks.  Substantial  price  increases,  adverse  exchange  rates,  or  the  unavailability  of  adequate  fuel  supplies, 
including, without limitation, any such events resulting from international terrorism, prolonged hostilities in the 
Middle  East  or  other  oil-producing  regions  or  the  suspension  of  production  by  any  significant  producer,  may 
adversely affect Ryanair‘s profitability. In the event of a fuel shortage resulting from a disruption of oil imports 
or otherwise, additional increases in fuel prices or a curtailment of scheduled services could result.  

Ryanair  has  historically  entered  into  arrangements  providing  for  substantial  protection  against 
fluctuations  in  fuel  prices,  generally  through  forward  contracts  covering  periods  of  up  to  18  months  of 
anticipated  jet  fuel  requirements.  Ryanair  (like  many  other  airlines)  has,  in  more  recent  periods,  entered  into 
hedging arrangements on a more selective basis. As of July 26, 2013, Ryanair had entered into forward jet fuel 
(jet  kerosene)  contracts  covering  approximately  90%  of  its  estimated  requirements  for  the  fiscal  year  ending 
March  31,  2014  at  prices  equivalent  to  approximately  $980  per  metric  ton.  In  addition,  as  of  July  26,  2013, 
Ryanair had entered into forward jet fuel (jet kerosene) contracts covering approximately 75% of its estimated 
requirements  for the  first  half of the fiscal  year ending March 31, 2015 at prices equivalent  to approximately 
$935 per  metric  ton,  and  had  not  entered  into  any  jet  fuel  hedging  contracts  with  respect  to  its  expected  fuel 
purchases beyond that period. Because of the limited nature of its hedging program, Ryanair is exposed to risks 
arising from fluctuations in the price of fuel, and movements in the euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate, especially in 
light of the recent volatility in the relevant currency and commodity markets. Any further increase in fuel costs 
could have a  material adverse effect on Ryanair‘s financial performance. In addition, any strengthening of the 
U.S. dollar against the euro could have an adverse effect on the cost of buying fuel in euro. As of July 26, 2013, 
Ryanair had hedged approximately 90% of its forecasted fuel-related dollar purchases against the euro at a rate 
of  approximately  $1.31  per  euro  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  March  31,  2014  and  approximately  85%  of  its 
forecasted fuel related dollar purchases against the euro at a rate of approximately $1.32 per euro for the first 6 
months of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015.  

No assurances whatsoever can be given about trends in fuel prices, and average fuel prices for future 
years  may be  significantly higher than current prices.  Management estimates that every  $10 movement in the 
price of a metric ton of jet fuel will impact Ryanair‘s costs by approximately €17.1 million, taking into account 
Ryanair‘s hedging programme for the 2014 fiscal year. There can be no assurance, however, in this regard, and 
the  impact  of  fuel  prices  on  Ryanair‘s  operating  results  may  be  more  pronounced.  There  also  cannot  be  any 
assurance that Ryanair‘s current or any future arrangements will be adequate to protect Ryanair from increases 
in the price of fuel or that Ryanair will not incur losses due to high fuel prices, either alone or in combination 
with  other  factors.  Because  of  Ryanair‘s  low  fares  and  its  no-fuel-surcharges  policy,  as  well  as  Ryanair‘s 
expansion  plans,  which  could  have  a  negative  impact  on  yields,  its  ability  to  pass  on  increased  fuel  costs  to 
passengers  through  increased  fares  or  otherwise  is  somewhat  limited.  Moreover,  the  anticipated  expansion  of 
Ryanair‘s  fleet  from  September  2014  onwards  will  result  in  an  increase,  in  absolute  terms,  in  Ryanair‘s 
aggregate fuel costs.  

Ryanair  Has  Decided  to  Seasonally  Ground  Aircraft.  In  recent  years,  in  response  to  an  operating 
environment characterized by high fuel prices, typically lower  winter yields and higher airport charges and/or 
taxes,  Ryanair has adopted a policy of grounding a certain portion of its fleet during the  winter months (from 
November  to  March).  In  the  winter  of  fiscal  year  2013,  Ryanair  grounded  approximately  80  aircraft  and  the 
Company  intends  to  again  ground  approximately  60  aircraft  in  the  coming  winter.  Ryanair‘s  adoption  of  the 
policy  of  seasonally  grounding  aircraft  presents  some  risks.  While  Ryanair  seeks  to  implement  its  seasonal 
grounding policy in a way that will allow it to reduce losses by operating flights during periods of high oil prices 
to high cost airports at low winter yields, there can be no assurance that this strategy will be successful.  

42 

 
 
 
 
Additionally,  Ryanair‘s  growth  has  been  largely  dependent  on  increasing  summer  capacity,  and 
decreasing winter capacity may affect the overall future growth of Ryanair. Further, while seasonal grounding 
does reduce Ryanair‘s variable operating costs, it does not avoid fixed costs such as aircraft ownership costs and 
some staff costs, and it also decreases Ryanair‘s potential to earn ancillary revenues. Decreasing the number and 
frequency  of  flights  may  also  negatively  affect  Ryanair‘s  labor  relations,  including  its  ability  to  attract  flight 
personnel  only  interested  in  full-time  employment.  Such  risks  could  lead  to  negative  effects  on  Ryanair‘s 
financial condition and/or results of operations.  

Risks Associated with the Euro. The Company is headquartered in Ireland and its reporting currency is 
the  euro.  As  a  result  of  the  ongoing  uncertainty  arising  from  the  Eurozone  debt  crisis,  in  2012  there  was 
widespread speculation that some member states could exit the Eurozone or that there may be a potential break-
up  of  the  Eurozone  currency  union,  including  with  regard  to  Ireland,  the  country  in  which  the  Company  is 
headquartered. If a Eurozone participating member state were to leave the Eurozone, there is a risk of contagion 
spreading  to  the  remaining  members.  Ryanair  predominantly  operates  to/from  countries  within  the  Eurozone 
and has  significant operational and financial  exposures  to the Eurozone that could result in a reduction in the 
operating  performance  of  Ryanair  or  the  devaluation  of  certain  assets.  Ryanair  has  taken  certain  risk 
management  measures  to  minimize  any  disruptions,  however  these  risk  management  measures  may  fail  to 
address the potential fall-out from a break-up of the euro or an exit by one, or more, of the Eurozone members.  

The  Company  has  cash  and  aircraft  assets  and  debt  liabilities  that  are  denominated  in  euro  on  its 
balance  sheet.  In  addition,  the  positive/negative  mark-to-market  value  of  derivative-based  transactions  are 
recorded in euro as either assets or liabilities on the Company‘s balance sheet. A potential exit of a member state 
or  the  break-up  of  the  Eurozone  could  have  a  materially  adverse  effect  on  the  value  of  these  assets  and 
liabilities.  In  addition  to  the  assets  and  liabilities  on  Ryanair‘s  balance  sheet,  the  Company  has  a  number  of 
cross currency risks as a result of the jurisdictions of the operating business including non-euro revenues, fuel 
costs,  certain  maintenance  costs  and  insurance  costs.  A  weakening  in  the  value  of  the  euro  primarily  against 
U.K.  pound sterling  and  U.S. dollar,  but  also  against  other  non-Eurozone  European  currencies  and  Moroccan 
Dirhams, could negatively impact the operating results of the Company. 

Recession,  austerity  and  the  possible  breakup  of  the  euro  could  also  mean  that  Ryanair  is  unable  to 
grow. The current European recession and austerity measures introduced within Europe all mean that Ryanair 
may be unable to expand its operations due to lack of demand for air travel. Furthermore, the possible breakup 
of the euro and resulting financial crisis could also lead to a dampening of demand for air travel. 

Currency  Fluctuations  Affect  the  Company’s  Results.  Although  the  Company  is  headquartered  in 
Ireland,  a  significant  portion  of  its  operations  are  conducted  in  the  U.K.  Consequently,  the  Company  has 
significant  operating  revenues  and  operating  expenses,  as  well  as  assets  and  liabilities,  denominated  in  U.K. 
pounds sterling. In addition, fuel, aircraft, insurance, and some maintenance obligations are denominated in U.S. 
dollars.  The  Company‘s  operations  and  financial  performance  can  therefore  be  significantly  affected  by 
fluctuations in the  values of the U.K. pound sterling and the U.S. dollar. Ryanair is particularly vulnerable to 
direct  exchange  rate  risks  between  the  euro  and  the  U.S. dollar  because  a  significant  portion  of  its  operating 
costs are incurred in U.S. dollars and none of its revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars.  

Although  the  Company  engages  in  foreign  currency  hedging  transactions  between  the  euro  and  the 
U.S. dollar, between the euro and the U.K. pound sterling, and between the U.K. pound sterling and the U.S. 
dollar,  hedging  activities  cannot  be  expected  to  eliminate  currency  risks.  See  ―Item  11.  Quantitative  and 
Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.‖ 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  Company  May  Not  Be  Successful  in  Increasing  Fares  and  Revenues  to  Offset  Higher  Business 
Costs. Ryanair operates a low-fares airline. The success of its business model depends on its ability to control 
costs so as to deliver low fares while at the same time earning a profit. Ryanair has limited control over its fuel 
costs and already has comparatively low operating costs. In periods of high fuel costs, if Ryanair is unable to 
further  reduce  its  other  operating  costs  or  generate  additional  revenues,  operating  profits  are  likely  to  fall. 
Ryanair cannot offer any assurances regarding its future profitability. Changes in fuel costs and fuel availability 
could have  a  material adverse impact on Ryanair‘s results  and could also increase the likelihood that Ryanair 
may incur losses. See  ―—The Company Faces Significant  Price  and Other Pressures in  a Highly Competitive 
Environment‖  below  and  ―—Changes  in  Fuel  Costs  and  Fuel  Availability  Affect  the  Company‘s  Results  and 
Increase the Likelihood of Adverse Impact to the Company‘s Profitability‖ above. 

The  Company  is  Subject  to  Legal  Proceedings  Alleging  State  Aid  at  Certain  Airports.  Formal 
investigations  are  ongoing  by  the  European  Commission  into  Ryanair‘s  agreements  with  the  Lübeck,  Berlin 
(Schönefeld),  Alghero,  Pau,  Aarhus,  Frankfurt  (Hahn),  Dusseldorf  (Weeze),  Zweibrücken,  Altenburg, 
Klagenfurt, Stockholm (Vasteras), Paris (Beauvais), La Rochelle, Carcassonne, Nimes, Angouleme, Marseille, 
Brussels  (Charleroi)  and  Cagliari  airports.  The  investigations  seek  to  determine  whether  the  arrangements 
constitute  illegal  state  aid  under  EU  law.  The  investigations  are  expected  to  be  completed  in  late  2013/early 
2014, with the European Commission‘s decisions being appealable to the EU General Court. Investigations into 
Ryanair‘s agreements with the Bratislava and Tampere airports concluded respectively in 2010 and 2012 with 
findings that these agreements contained no state aid. In addition to the European Commission investigations, 
Ryanair is facing allegations that it has benefited from unlawful state aid in a number of court cases, including 
in relation to its arrangements with Frankfurt (Hahn) and Lübeck airports. The court case regarding Frankfurt 
(Hahn) airport has been referred by the German courts to the Court of Justice of the European Union, which will 
make a ruling on the discretion national courts have in state aid proceedings running in parallel with European 
Commission investigations regarding the same airport. The ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union 
is expected within one year and will be binding on all EU national courts. Adverse rulings in the above state aid 
matters  could  be  used  as  precedents  by  competitors  to  challenge  Ryanair‘s  agreements  with  other  publicly 
owned airports and could cause Ryanair to strongly reconsider its growth strategy in relation to public or state-
owned airports across Europe. This could in turn lead to a scaling-back of Ryanair‘s overall growth strategy due 
to the smaller number of privately owned airports available for development.  

On  July  25,  2012,  the  European  Commission  decided  that  Ryanair,  along  with  Aer  Lingus  and  Aer 
Arann,  had  been  in  receipt  of  unlawful  state  aid  from  the  Irish  government  as  a  result  of  being  an  identified 
beneficiary of the two-tier air travel tax in place for flights departing from Irish airports between March 2009 
and March 2011.  Ryanair was the original complainant to the European Commission, alleging that the air travel 
tax favored Aer Arann and Aer Lingus.  Ryanair appealed the decision of the European Commission to the EU 
General Court on November 14, 2012.  Judgment is expected within 18-24 months of the date of filing.  The EU 
General Court may affirm or annul the European Commission decision.  The Irish State is obliged to recover the 
unlawful state aid from Ryanair before the Irish courts notwithstanding Ryanair‘s appeal of the EU Commission 
decision, and initiated its claim in April 2013.  The Irish State is seeking approximately €12 million plus interest 
from Ryanair in these proceedings.  Ryanair has also issued proceedings before the Irish courts for recovery of 
the entire amount of the air travel tax paid during the period March 2009 – March 2011 on the basis of the two-
tier nature of the tax being unlawful under EU law.  Ryanair is seeking approximately €88 million from the Irish 
State in these proceedings. 

No  assurance  can  be  given  as  to  the  outcome  of  these  legal  proceedings,  nor  as  to  whether  any 
unfavorable outcomes may, individually or in the aggregate, have an adverse effect on the results of operations 
or financial condition of Ryanair.  

For  additional 
InformationLegal Proceedings.‖ 

information,  please  see  ―Item  8.  Financial 

InformationOther  Financial 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
The  Company  Faces  Significant  Price  and  Other  Pressures  in  a  Highly  Competitive  Environment. 
Ryanair operates in a highly competitive marketplace, with a number of low-fare, traditional and charter airlines 
competing  throughout  its  route  network.  Airlines  compete  primarily  in  respect  of  fare  levels,  frequency  and 
dependability of service, name recognition, passenger amenities (such as access to frequent flyer programmes), 
and the availability and convenience of other passenger services. Unlike Ryanair, certain competitors are state-
owned or state-controlled flag carriers and in some cases may have greater name recognition and resources and 
may have received, or may receive in the future, significant amounts of subsidies and other state aid from their 
respective  governments.  In  addition,  the  EU-U.S.  Open  Skies  Agreement,  which  came  into  effect  in  March 
2008, allows U.S. carriers to offer services in the intra-EU market,  which could eventually result in increased 
competition  in  the  EU  market.    See  ―Item  4.  Information  on  the  Company—Government  Regulation—
Liberalization of the EU Air Transportation Market.‖  

The airline industry is highly susceptible to price discounting, in part because airlines incur very low 
marginal  costs  for  providing  service  to  passengers  occupying  otherwise  unsold  seats.  Both  low-fare  and 
traditional airlines sometimes offer low fares in direct competition with Ryanair across a significant proportion 
of its route network as a result of the liberalization of the EU air transport market and greater public acceptance 
of  the  low-fares  model.  Although  Ryanair‘s  average  booked  passenger  fare  increased  in  the  2011,  2012  and 
2013 fiscal years, it decreased in the 2010 fiscal year, and there can be no assurance that it will not decrease in 
future periods.  

Although Ryanair intends to compete vigorously and to assert its rights against any predatory pricing or 
other similar conduct, price competition among airlines could reduce the level of fares and/or passenger traffic 
on Ryanair‘s routes to the point where profitability may not be achievable.  

In addition to traditional competition among airline companies and charter operators who have entered 
the low-fares market, the industry also faces competition from ground transportation (including high-speed rail 
systems)  and  sea  transportation  alternatives,  as  businesses  and  recreational  travellers  seek  substitutes  for  air 
travel.  

The  Company  Will  Incur  Significant  Costs  Acquiring  New  Aircraft  and  Any  Instability  in  the  Credit 
and  Capital  Markets  Could  Negatively  Impact  Ryanair’s  Ability  to  Obtain  Financing  on  Acceptable  Terms. 
Ryanair‘s  continued  growth  is  dependent  upon  its  ability  to  acquire  additional  aircraft  to  meet  additional 
capacity  needs  and  to  replace  older  aircraft.  Ryanair  had  305  aircraft  in  its  fleet  by  March  31,  2013  and  has 
ordered an additional 175 new Boeing 737-800 next generation aircraft (the ―New Aircraft‖) for delivery during 
fiscal  2015  to  fiscal  2019  pursuant  to  a  contract  with  the  Boeing  Company  (the  ―2013  Boeing  Contract‖).  
Ryanair expects to  have approximately  410 aircraft in its  fleet by March 31, 2019, depending on the  level of 
lease  returns/disposals.  For  additional  information  on  the  Company‘s  aircraft  fleet  and  expansion  plans,  see 
―Item  4.  Information  on  the  Company—Aircraft‖  and  ―Item  5.  Operating  and  Financial  Review  and 
ProspectsLiquidity and Capital Resources.‖ There can be no assurance that this planned expansion  will not 
outpace  the growth of passenger traffic on Ryanair‘s routes or that traffic growth  will not prove to be greater 
than  the  expanded  fleet  can  accommodate.  In  either  case,  such  developments  could  have  a  material  adverse 
effect on the Company‘s business, results of operations, and financial condition. 

As a result of the 2013 Boeing Contract, the Company is expected to raise substantial debt financing to 
deliver  all  of  the  expected  aircraft  deliveries  over  the  period  from  September  2014  to  December  2018.  This 
aircraft  order  is  expected  to  increase  the  Company‘s  outstanding  debt  from  2016  onwards.    Furthermore, 
Ryanair‘s  ability  to  draw  down  funds  under  its  existing  bank-loan  facilities  to  pay  for  aircraft  as  they  are 
delivered is subject to various conditions imposed by the counterparties to such bank loan facilities and related 
loan guarantees, and any future financing is expected to be subject to similar conditions.  Any failure by Ryanair 
to comply with such conditions would have a material adverse effect on its operations and financial condition. 

Using the debt capital markets to finance the 2013 Boeing Contract may require the Company to obtain 
a  credit  rating  or  potentially  to  obtain  a  credit  rating  for  specific  debt  transactions,  for  example  using  an 
Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate (―EETC‖), a structured product that is widely used in the U.S. to finance 
aircraft  deliveries.  The  requirement  for  a  credit  rating  depends,  amongst  other  things,  on  whether  Ryanair 
finances via secured funding or through general corporate purposes. Other financing structures such as U.S. Ex-
im  Bank  loan  guarantees  and  capital  markets  financing,  sale  and  operating  leaseback  financing  and  Japanese 
operating leases with call options (―JOLCOs‖) will not require the Company to obtain a credit rating and these 
sources are widely used in the aviation industry. 

45 

 
 
 Ryanair has also entered into significant derivative transactions intended to hedge its current aircraft 
acquisition-related  debt  obligations.  These  derivative  transactions  expose  Ryanair  to  certain  risks  and  could 
have  adverse  effects  on  its  results  of  operations  and  financial  condition.  See  ―Item  11.  Quantitative  and 
Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.‖ 

The  Company’s  Growth  May  Expose  It  to  Risks.  Ryanair‘s  operations  have  grown  rapidly  since  it 
pioneered the low-fares operating model in Europe in the early 1990s.  Ryanair intends to continue to expand its 
fleet  and  add  new  destinations  and  additional  flights,  with  the  goal  of  increasing  Ryanair‘s  booked  passenger 
volumes to approximately 110 million passengers per annum by March 31, 2019, an increase of 39% from the 
approximately 79 million passengers booked in the 2013 fiscal year. However, no assurance can be  given that 
this target will in fact be met. If growth in passenger traffic and Ryanair‘s revenues do not keep pace with the 
planned expansion of its fleet, Ryanair could suffer from overcapacity and its results of operations and financial 
condition  (including  its  ability  to  fund  scheduled  purchases  of  the  New  Aircraft  and  related  debt)  could  be 
materially adversely affected.  

The  continued  expansion  of  Ryanair‘s  fleet  and  operations,  although  somewhat  lower  in  percentage 
terms  than  in  previous  years,  in  addition  to  other  factors,  may  also  strain  existing  management  resources  and 
related  operational,  financial,  management  information  and  information  technology  systems.  Expansion  will 
generally  require  additional  skilled  personnel,  equipment,  facilities  and  systems.  An  inability  to  hire  skilled 
personnel or to secure required equipment and facilities efficiently and in a cost-effective manner may adversely 
affect Ryanair‘s ability to achieve its growth plans and sustain or increase its profitability.  

Ryanair’s  New  Routes  and  Expanded  Operations  May  Have  an  Adverse  Financial  Impact  on  its 
Results. Currently, a substantial number of carriers operate routes that compete with Ryanair, and the Company 
expects to face further intense competition.  

When  Ryanair  commences  new  routes,  its  load  factors  and  fares  tend  to  be  lower  than  those  on  its 
established routes and its advertising and other promotional costs tend to be higher, which may result in initial 
losses  that  could  have  a  material  negative  impact  on  Ryanair‘s  results  of  operations  as  well  as  require  a 
substantial amount of cash to fund. In addition, there can be no assurance that Ryanair‘s low-fares service will 
be accepted on new routes. Ryanair also periodically runs special promotional fare campaigns, in particular in 
connection with the opening of new routes. Promotional fares may have the effect of increasing load factors and 
reducing  Ryanair‘s  yield  and  passenger  revenues  on  such  routes  during  the  periods  that  they  are  in  effect. 
Ryanair  has other  significant  cash needs as it expands, including as regards the  cash required to  fund aircraft 
purchases or aircraft deposits related to the acquisition of additional Boeing 737-800 series aircraft. There can 
be no assurance that Ryanair  will have sufficient cash to  make such expenditures and investments, and to the 
extent Ryanair is unable to expand its route system successfully, its future revenue and earnings growth will in 
turn be limited. Further volcanic ash emissions, similar to those experienced in April and May 2010, could make 
consumers less willing and/or able to travel and impact the launch of new routes or bases. See ―—Risks Related 
to  the  Airline  Industry—Volcanic  Ash  Emissions  Could  Affect  the  Company  and  Have  a  Material  Adverse 
Effect  on  the  Company‘s  Results  of  Operations.‖  See  also  ―—The  Company  Will  Incur  Significant  Costs 
Acquiring  New  Aircraft  and  Any  Instability  in  the  Credit  and  Capital  Markets  Could  Negatively  Impact 
Ryanair‘s Ability to Obtain Financing on Acceptable Terms.‖ 

Ryanair’s Continued Growth is Dependent on Access to Suitable Airports; Charges for Airport Access 
are  Subject  to  Increase.  Airline  traffic  at  certain  European  airports  is  regulated  by  a  system  of  grandfathered 
―slot‖  allocations.  Each  slot  represents  authorization  to  take-off  and  land  at  the  particular  airport  during  a 
specified time period. Although the  majority of  Ryanair‘s  bases currently  have  no slot allocations, traffic at a 
minority  of  the  airports  Ryanair  serves,  including  its  primary  bases,  is  currently  regulated  through  slot 
allocations. There can be no assurance that Ryanair will be able to obtain a sufficient number of slots at slot-
controlled  airports  that  it  may  wish  to  serve  in  the  future,  at  the  time  it  needs  them,  or  on  acceptable  terms. 
There  can  also  be  no  assurance  that  its  non-slot  constrained  bases,  or  the  other  non-slot  constrained  airports 
Ryanair  serves,  will  continue  to  operate  without  slot  allocation  restrictions  in  the  future.  See  ―Item  4. 
Information  on  the  Company—Government  Regulation—Slots.‖  Airports  may  impose  other  operating 
restrictions  such  as  curfews,  limits  on  aircraft  noise  levels,  mandatory  flight  paths,  runway  restrictions,  and 
limits on the number of average daily departures. Such restrictions may limit the ability of Ryanair to provide 
service to, or increase service at, such airports. 

46 

 
 
 
Ryanair‘s future growth also materially depends on its ability to access suitable airports located in its 
targeted  geographic  markets  at  costs  that  are  consistent  with  Ryanair‘s  ultra-low  cost  strategy.  Any  condition 
that denies, limits, or delays Ryanair‘s access to airports it serves or seeks to serve in the future would constrain 
Ryanair‘s  ability  to  grow.  A  change  in  the  terms  of  Ryanair‘s  access  to  these  facilities  or  any  increase  in  the 
relevant charges paid by Ryanair as a result of the expiration or termination of such arrangements and Ryanair‘s 
failure to renegotiate comparable terms or rates could have a material adverse effect on the Company‘s financial 
condition and results of operations. For example in Spain, the Spanish government increased airport taxes at the 
two largest airports, Barcelona and Madrid, by over 100%, while smaller increases were implemented at other 
Spanish  airports  effective  from  July  1,  2012.  As  a  result,  Ryanair  cancelled  routes  and  reduced  capacity  on 
remaining routes from Madrid and Barcelona in response to the Spanish government‘s decision to double airport 
taxes  at  the  two  airports.    For  additional  information,  see  ―Item  4.  Information  on  the  Company—Airport 
Operations—Airport Charges.‖ See also ―—The Company Is Subject to Legal Proceedings Alleging State Aid at 
Certain Airports.‖  

The Company’s Acquisition of 29.8% of Aer Lingus and Subsequent Failure to Conclude a Complete 
Acquisition  of  Aer  Lingus  Could  Expose  the  Company  to  Risk.  During  the  2007  fiscal  year,  the  Company 
acquired 25.2% of Aer Lingus. The Company increased its interest to 29.3% during the 2008 fiscal year, and to 
29.8% during the 2009 fiscal year at a  total aggregate  cost of €407.2 million. Following the  acquisition of its 
initial  stake  and  upon  the  approval  of  the  Company‘s  shareholders,  management  proposed  to  effect  a  tender 
offer  to  acquire  the  entire  share  capital  of  Aer  Lingus.  This  2006  offer  was,  however,  prohibited  by  the 
European Commission on competition grounds. 

In October 2007, the European Commission reached a formal decision that it would not force Ryanair 
to sell its shares in Aer Lingus. This decision has been affirmed on appeal. However, EU legislation may change 
in  the  future  to  require  such  a  forced  disposition.  If  eventually  forced  to  dispose  of  its  stake  in  Aer  Lingus, 
Ryanair could suffer significant losses due to the negative impact on market prices of the forced sale of such a 
significant portion of Aer Lingus‘ shares. 

The United Kingdom‘s Office of Fair Trading (―OFT‖) wrote to Ryanair in September 2010, advising 
that  it  intends  to  investigate  Ryanair‘s  minority  stake  in  Aer  Lingus.  Ryanair  objected  on  the  basis  that  the 
OFT‘s  investigation  was  time-barred.  On  June  15,  2012,  the  OFT  referred  the  investigation  of  Ryanair‘s 
minority stake in Aer Lingus to the U.K. Competition Commission (the ―Competition Commission‖).  

On June 19, 2012, Ryanair announced its third all cash offer to acquire all of the ordinary shares of Aer 
Lingus  it  did  not  own  at  a  price  of  €1.30  per  ordinary  share  and  immediately  commenced  pre-notification 
discussions with the European Commission for the purpose of preparing a merger filing.  Pending the outcome 
of  the  European  Commission‘s  review  of  Ryanair‘s  bid,  on  the  basis  of  the  duty  of  ―sincere  cooperation‖ 
between  the  EU  and  the  Member  States,  and  under  the  EU  Merger  Regulation,  the  UK  Competition 
Commission‘s  investigation  of  Ryanair‘s  minority  stake  in  Aer  Lingus  should  not  have  properly  proceeded.  
Nevertheless, Aer Lingus argued that the investigation should proceed and that Ryanair‘s offer was in breach of 
certain provisions of the UK Enterprise Act 2002.   

On July 10, 2012, the Competition Commission ruled that Ryanair‘s bid was not in breach of the UK 
Enterprise Act, but nevertheless decided that its investigation of the minority stake can proceed in parallel with 
the European Commission‘s investigation of Ryanair‘s offer for Aer Lingus.  In July 2012, Ryanair appealed the 
latter  part  of  the  Competition  Commission‘s  ruling  to  the  UK  Competition  Appeal  Tribunal,  and  the 
Competition Commission‘s investigation became suspended pending the appeal process.  On  August 8, 2012, 
the  Competition  Appeal  Tribunal  rejected  Ryanair‘s  appeal  and  found  that  the  Competition  Commission‘s 
investigation could proceed in parallel with the European Commission‘s investigation, but that the Competition 
Commission  must  avoid  taking  any  final  decision  which  could  conflict  with  the  European  Commission‘s 
ultimate  conclusion  on  Ryanair‘s  bid.    In  August  2012,  Ryanair  appealed  the  Competition  Appeal  Tribunal 
judgment to the UK Court of Appeal.  In December 2012, the Court of Appeal rejected Ryanair‘s appeal and 
subsequently  the  Competition  Commission‘s  investigation  has  restarted.    On  December  13,  2012,  Ryanair 
applied to the UK Supreme Court for permission to appeal the judgment of the Court of Appeal.  The Supreme 
Court refused permission to appeal on April 25, 2013.  

47 

 
 
 
 
 
On February 27, 2013, the European Commission prohibited Ryanair‘s bid to acquire the entire share 
capital of Aer Lingus on the claimed basis that it would be incompatible with the EU internal market.  Ryanair 
appealed  this  decision  to  the  EU  General  Court  on  May  8,  2013.  The  judgment  of  the  EU  General  Court  is 
expected within 18-24 months and may affirm or annul the decision of the European Commission. 

Following  the  European  Commission‘s  decision  to  prohibit  its  offer  for  Aer  Lingus,  Ryanair  has 
actively engaged with the UK Competition Commission‘s investigation of the minority stake. In its provisional 
findings on May 30, 2013, the UK Competition Commission (UKCC) stated that Ryanair, through its minority 
shareholding  in  Aer  Lingus,  ―has    influence‖  over  Aer  Lingus,  that  this  ―could  reduce  competition‖,  and  that 
Ryanair  should  be  required  to  divest  some  or  all  of  its  shares  in  Aer  Lingus.    Following  an  extension  of  the 
investigation timetable on June 24, 2013, the UKCC‘s final decision will be published by September 5, 2013.  
The UKCC could order Ryanair to divest some or all of its shares in Aer Lingus, as a result of which Ryanair 
could suffer losses due to the negative impact on market prices of the forced sale of such a significant portion of 
Aer  Lingus‘  shares.    Ryanair  believes  that  the  enforcement  of  any  such  decision  should  be  delayed  until  the 
outcome  of  Ryanair‘s  appeal  against  the  European  Commission‘s  February  2013  prohibition  decision  of 
Ryanair‘s 2012 offer for Aer Lingus, and the conclusion of any appeals against the UKCC‘s decision in the UK 
courts.  However, it is possible that the UKCC will seek to enforce any such sell-down remedy at an earlier date. 
On July 23, 2013 the Company announced that as part of its remedies discussions with the UKCC it had offered 
to give an undertaking to unconditionally sell its shareholding in Aer Lingus to any other EU airline that makes 
an  offer  for  Aer  Lingus  and  acquires  acceptances  in  respect  of  more  than  50%  of  Aer  Lingus‘  issued  share 
capital.  For  more  information,  see  ―Item  8.  Financial  Information—Other  Financial  Information—Legal 
Proceedings—Matters Related to Investment in Aer Lingus.‖ 

Labor Relations Could Expose the Company to Risk. A variety of factors, including, but not limited to, 
Ryanair‘s profitability and its seasonal grounding policy, may make it difficult for Ryanair to avoid increases to 
salary  levels  and  productivity  payments.  Consequently,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  Ryanair‘s  existing 
employee  compensation  arrangements  may  not  be  subject  to  change  or  modification  at  any  time.  These  steps 
may lead to deterioration in labor relations in Ryanair and could impact Ryanair‘s business or results. Ryanair 
also  operates  in  certain  jurisdictions  with  above  average  payroll  taxes  and  employee-related  social  insurance 
costs,  which  could  have  an  impact  on  the  availability  and  cost  of  employees  in  these  jurisdictions.  Ryanair‘s 
crew in continental Europe operate on Irish contracts of employment on the basis that those crew work on Irish 
Territory, (i.e., on board Irish Registered Aircraft). A number of challenges have been initiated by government 
agencies in a number of countries to the applicability of Irish labor law to these contracts, and if Ryanair were 
forced to concede that Irish jurisdiction did not apply to those crew who operate from continental Europe then it 
could lead to increased salary, social insurance and pension costs and a potential loss of flexibility. In relation to 
social insurance costs, the European Parliament implemented amendments to Regulation (EC) 883/2004 which 
may  impose  substantial  social  insurance  contribution  increases  for  either  or  both  Ryanair  and  the  individual 
employees. While this change to social insurance contributions relates primarily to new employees, its effect in 
the  long  term  may  materially  increase  Company  or  employee  social  insurance  contributions  and  could  affect 
Ryanair‘s  decision  to  operate  from  those  high  cost  locations,  resulting  in  redundancies  and  a  consequent 
deterioration  in  labor  relations.      For  additional  details  see  —  ―Change  in  EU  Regulations  in  Relation  to 
Employers and Employee Social Insurance could Increase Costs‖ below. 

48 

 
 
 
 
Ryanair currently conducts collective bargaining negotiations with groups of employees, including its 
pilots  and  cabin  crew,  regarding  pay,  work  practices,  and  conditions  of  employment,  through  collective-
bargaining units called ―Employee Representation‖. In the U.K., BALPA (the U.K pilots union) unsuccessfully 
sought  to  represent  Ryanair‘s  U.K.-based  pilots  in  their  negotiations  with  Ryanair  in  2001,  at  which  time  an 
overwhelming majority of those polled rejected BALPA‗s claim to represent them. On June 19, 2009, BALPA 
made a request for voluntary recognition under applicable U.K. legislation, which Ryanair rejected. BALPA had 
the  option  of  applying  to  the  U.K.‗s  Central  Arbitration  Committee  (CAC)  to  organize  a  vote  on  union 
recognition by Ryanair‘s pilots in relevant bargaining units, as determined by the CAC, but BALPA decided not 
to proceed with an application at that time. The option to apply for a ballot remains open to BALPA and if it 
were to seek and be successful in such a ballot, it would be able to represent the U.K. pilots in negotiations over 
salaries  and  working  conditions.  Limitations  on  Ryanair‘s  flexibility  in  dealing  with  its  employees  or  the 
altering  of  the  public‘s  perception  of  Ryanair  generally  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  Ryanair‘s 
business,  operating  results,  and  financial  condition.  For  additional  details,  see  ―Item  6.  Directors,  Senior 
Management and Employees—Staff and Labor Relations.‖ Limitations on Ryanair‘s flexibility in dealing with 
its staff or the altering of the public‘s perception of Ryanair generally could have a material adverse effect on 
the Company‘s business, operating results, and financial condition.  

The  Company  is  Dependent  on  External  Service  Providers.  Ryanair  currently  assigns  its  engine 
overhauls  and  ―rotable‖  repairs  to  outside  contractors  approved  under  the  terms  of  Part  145,  the  European 
regulatory standard for aircraft maintenance established by the European Aviation Safety Agency (―Part 145‖). 
The Company also assigns its passenger, aircraft and ground handling services at airports other than Dublin and 
certain  airports  in  Spain  and  the  Canary  Islands  to  established  external  service  providers.  See  ―Item  4. 
Information  on  the  Company—Maintenance  and  Repairs—Heavy  Maintenance‖  and  ―Item  4.  Information  on 
the Company—Airport OperationsAirport Handling Services.‖ 

The termination or expiration of any of Ryanair‘s service  contracts or any inability to renew them or 
negotiate replacement contracts with other service providers at comparable rates could have a material adverse 
effect on the Company‘s results of operations. Ryanair will need to enter into airport service agreements in any 
new  markets it enters, and there can be no assurance that  it  will be able to obtain the  necessary  facilities and 
services at competitive rates. In addition, although Ryanair seeks to monitor the performance of external parties 
that  provide  passenger  and  aircraft  handling  services,  the  efficiency,  timeliness,  and  quality  of  contract 
performance by external providers are largely beyond Ryanair‘s direct control. Ryanair expects to be dependent 
on such outsourcing arrangements for the foreseeable future.  

The Company is Dependent on Key Personnel. Ryanair‘s success depends to a significant extent upon 
the efforts and abilities of its senior management team, including Michael O‗Leary, the Chief Executive Officer, 
and  key  financial,  commercial,  operating  and  maintenance  personnel.  Mr. O‗Leary‗s  current  contract  may  be 
terminated  by  either  party  upon  12  months‘  notice.    See  ―Item  6.  Directors,  Senior  Management  and 
Employees—Compensation  of  Directors  and  Senior  Management—Employment  and  Bonus  Agreement  with 
Mr.  O‘Leary.‖  Ryanair‘s  success  also  depends  on  the  ability  of  its  executive  officers  and  other  members  of 
senior management to operate and manage effectively, both independently and as a group. Although Ryanair‘s 
employment agreements with Mr. O‗Leary and some of its other senior executives contain non-competition and 
non-disclosure  provisions,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  these  provisions  will  be  enforceable  in  whole  or  in 
part. Competition for highly qualified personnel is intense, and either the loss of any executive officer, senior 
manager, or other key employee without adequate replacement or the inability to attract new qualified personnel 
could have a material adverse effect upon Ryanair‘s business, operating results, and financial condition.  

49 

 
 
 
 
The  Company  Faces  Risks  Related  to  its  Internet  Reservations  Operations  and  its  Announced 
Elimination  of  Airport  Check-in  Facilities.  Over  99%  of  Ryanair‘s  flight  reservations  are  made  through  its 
website.  Although  Ryanair  has  established  a  contingency  program  whereby  the  website  is  hosted  in  three 
separate locations, each of these locations accesses the same booking engine, located at a single center, in order 
to make reservations.  

A  back-up  booking  engine  is  available  to  Ryanair  to  support  its  existing  platform  in  the  event  of  a 
breakdown in this facility. Nonetheless,  the process of switching over to  the back-up engine could  take some 
time and there can be no assurance that Ryanair would not suffer a significant loss of reservations in the event of 
a major breakdown of its booking engine or other related systems, which, in turn, could have a material adverse 
effect on Ryanair‘s operating results or financial condition.  

Since October 1, 2009, all passengers have been required to use Internet check-in. Internet check-in is 
part of a package of measures intended to reduce check-in lines and passenger handling costs and pass on these 
savings by reducing passenger airfares. Ryanair has deployed this system across its network. Any disruptions to 
the  Internet  check-in  service  as  a  result  of  a  breakdown  in  the  relevant  computer  systems  or  otherwise  could 
have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  these  service-improvement  and  cost-reduction  efforts.  There  can  be  no 
assurance, however, that this process will continue to be successful or that consumers will not switch to other 
carriers that provide standard check-in facilities, which would negatively affect Ryanair‘s results of operations 
and financial condition.  

The Company Faces Risks Related to Unauthorized Use of Information from the Company’s Website. 
Screenscraper  websites  gain  unauthorized  access  to  Ryanair‘s  website  and  booking  system,  extract  flight  and 
pricing  information  and  display  it  on  their  own  websites  for  sale  to  customers  at  prices  which  include 
intermediary fees on top of Ryanair‘s fares. Ryanair does not allow any such commercial use of its website and 
objects  to  the  practice  of  screenscraping  also  on  the  basis  of  certain  legal  principles,  such  as  database  rights, 
copyright protection, etc. Since November 2011, Ryanair has introduced a security screen check on its website 
which requires passengers who wish to book flights to enter a screen code to complete their bookings. This has 
had  a  positive  impact  and  reduced  the  level  of  screenscraping.  Ryanair  is  also  involved  in  a  number  of  legal 
proceedings  against  the  proprietors  of  screenscraper  websites  in  Ireland,  Germany,  the  Netherlands,  France, 
Spain,  Italy  and  Switzerland.  Ryanair‘s  objective  is  to  prevent  any  unauthorized  use  of  its  website,  however 
Ryanair  does  allow  certain  companies  who  operate  fare  comparison  (i.e.  not  reselling)  websites  to  access  the 
website  provided  they  sign  a  license  and  use  the  agreed  method  to  access  the  data.  Ryanair  has  received 
favourable  rulings  in  Ireland,  Germany  and  The  Netherlands,  and  unfavorable  rulings  in  Spain,  in  its  actions 
against  screenscrapers.  However,  pending  the  outcome  of  these  legal  proceedings  and  if  Ryanair  were  to  be 
ultimately unsuccessful in them, the activities of screenscraper websites could lead to a reduction in the number 
of  customers  who  book  directly  on  Ryanair‘s  website  and  consequently  to  a  reduction  in  Ryanair‘s  ancillary 
revenue  stream.  Also,  some  customers  may  be  lost  to  Ryanair  once  they  are  presented  by  a  screenscraper 
website  with  a  Ryanair  fare  inflated  by  the  screenscraper‗s  intermediary  fee.  This  could  also  adversely  affect 
Ryanair‘s  reputation  as  a  low-fares  airline,  which  could  negatively  affect  Ryanair‘s  results  of  operations  and 
financial condition.  

For  additional  details,  see  ―Item  8.  Financial  Information—Other  Financial  Information—Legal 

Proceedings—Legal Proceedings Against Internet Ticket Touts.‖ 

The  Irish  Corporation  Tax  Rate  Could  Rise.  The  majority  of  Ryanair‘s  profits  are  subject  to  Irish 
corporation tax at a statutory rate of 12.5%. Due to the size and scale of the Irish government‗s budgetary deficit 
and the ―bailout‖ of the Irish government by a combination of loans from the International Monetary Fund and 
the  European Union, there is  a risk that  the Irish  government could increase Irish corporation tax rates above 
12.5% in order to repay current or future loans or to increase tax revenues.   

At  12.5%,  the  rate  of  Irish  corporation  tax  is  lower  than  that  applied  by  most  of  the  other  European 
Union  member  states,  and  has  periodically  been  subject  to  critical  comment  by  the  governments  of  other  EU 
member states. Although the Irish government has repeatedly publicly stated that it will not increase corporation 
tax rates, there can be no assurance that such an increase in corporation tax rates will not occur.  

50 

 
 
 
 
In the event that the Irish government increases corporation tax rates or changes the basis of calculation 
of  corporation  tax  from  the  present  basis,  any  such  changes  would  result  in  the  Company  paying  higher 
corporate  taxes  and  would  have  an  adverse  impact  on  our  cash  flows,  financial  position  and  results  of 
operations.  

Change  in EU Regulations in Relation to Employers and Employee  Social Insurance Could Increase 
Costs.  The  European  Parliament  passed  legislation  governing  the  payment  of  employee  and  employer  social 
insurance  costs  in  May  2012.  The  legislation  was  introduced  in  late  June  2012.  The  legislation  governs  the 
country in which employees and employers must pay social insurance costs. Prior to June 2012, Ryanair paid 
employee  and  employer  social  insurance  in  the  country  under  whose  laws  the  employee‘s  contract  of 
employment is governed, which is either the UK or Ireland. Under the terms of this new legislation, employees 
and employers must pay social insurance in the country where the employee is based. The legislation includes 
grandfathering rights which means that existing employees (i.e. those employed prior to the introduction of the 
new legislation in June 2012) should be exempt. However, both new and existing employees who transfer from 
their present base location to a new base in another EU country may be impacted by the new rules in relation to 
employee and employer contributions. Each country within the EU has different rules and rates in relation to the 
calculation  of  employee  and  employer  social  insurance  contributions.  Ryanair  estimates  that  the  change  in 
legislation will not have any initial material impact on its salary costs although it could have an adverse impact 
over time. 

Ryanair  is  Subject  to  Tax  Audits.  The  Company  operates  in  many  jurisdictions  and  is,  from  time  to 
time, subject to tax audits, which by their nature are often complex and can require several years to conclude. 
While the Company endeavors to be tax compliant in the various jurisdictions in which it operates, there can be 
no  guarantee,  particularly  in  the  current  economic  environment,  that  it  will  not  receive  tax  assessments 
following the conclusion of the tax audits.  If assessed, the Company will robustly defend its position.  In the 
event  that  the  Company  is  unsuccessful  in  defending  its  position,  it  is  possible  that  the  effective  tax  rate, 
employment  and  other  costs  of  the  Group  could  materially  increase.  See  ―—The  Irish  Corporation  Tax  Rate 
Could Rise‖ above. 

51 

 
 
 
 
Risks Related to the Airline Industry 

The  Airline  Industry  Is  Particularly  Sensitive  to  Changes  in  Economic  Conditions:  A  Continued 
Recessionary Environment Would Negatively Impact Ryanair’s Result of Operations. Ryanair‘s operations and 
the airline industry in general are sensitive to changes in economic conditions. Unfavorable economic conditions 
such  as  government  austerity  measures,  the  breakup  of  the  Eurozone,  high  unemployment  rates,  constrained 
credit  markets  and  increased  business  operating  costs  could  lead  to  reduced  spending  by  both  leisure  and 
business passengers. Unfavorable economic conditions, such as the conditions persisting as of the date hereof, 
also  tend  to  impact  Ryanair‘s  ability  to  raise  fares  to  counteract  increased  fuel  and  other  operating  costs.  A 
continued  recessionary  environment,  combined  with  austerity  measures  by  European  governments,  will  likely 
negatively  impact  Ryanair‘s  operating  results.  It  could  also  restrict  the  Company‘s  ability  to  grow  passenger 
volumes, secure new airports and launch new routes and bases, and could have a material adverse impact on its 
financial results. 

The Introduction of Government Taxes on Travel Could Damage Ryanair’s Ability to Grow and Could 
Have a Material Adverse Impact on Operations. The U.K. government levies an Air Passenger Duty (APD) of 
£13 per passenger. The tax was previously set at £5 per passenger, but it was increased to £10 per passenger in 
2007, £11in 2009, £12 in 2010 and subsequently to £13 in April 2012.  The increase in this tax is thought to 
have had a negative impact on Ryanair‘s operating performance, both in terms of average fares paid and growth 
in passenger volumes.  In 2008, the Dutch government introduced a  travel tax ranging from €11 on short-haul 
flights  to  €45  on  long-haul  flights  (withdrawn  with  effect  from  July  1,  2009).  On  March  30,  2009,  the  Irish 
government  also  introduced  a  €10  Air  Travel  Tax  on  all  passengers  departing  from  Irish  airports  on  routes 
longer than 300 kilometers but subsequently reduced it to €3 on March 30, 2011. In Germany, the government 
introduced  an  air  passenger  tax  of  €8  in  January  2011  which  was  subsequently  reduced  to  €7.50  in  January 
2012. In Austria, the government also introduced an ecological air travel levy of €8 in January 2011. 

Other governments also have introduced or may introduce similar taxes. See ―Item 4. Information on 
the Company—Airport Operations—Airport Charges. ‖The introduction of government taxes on travel has had 
a negative impact on passenger volumes, particularly given the current period of decreased economic activity. 
The introduction of further government taxes on travel across Europe could have a material negative impact on 
Ryanair‘s results of operations as a result of price-sensitive passengers being less likely to travel. 

EU Regulation on Passenger Compensation Could Significantly Increase Related Costs.  The EU has 
passed legislation for compensating airline passengers who have been denied boarding on a flight for which they 
hold  a  valid  ticket  (Regulation  (EC)  No.  261/2004).  This  legislation,  which  came  into  force  on  February  17, 
2005,  imposes  fixed  levels  of  monetary  compensation  to  be  paid  to  passengers  in  the  event  of  a  flight 
cancellation if the reason for the cancellation was within the control of the airline. In November 2009, the Court 
of Justice of the EU in the Sturgeon case decided that provisions of the legislation in relation to compensation 
are not only applicable to flight cancellations but also to delays of over three hours. However, such provisions 
do not apply to any cancellation, or any delay over three hours, in circumstances in which the airline is able to 
prove  that  such  cancellation  or  delay  was  caused  by  extraordinary  circumstances,  such  as  weather,  air-traffic 
control delays, or safety issues. The Sturgeon case was referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union 
for  a  preliminary  ruling  from  the  High  Court  of  Justice  (England  &  Wales),  Queen's  Bench  Division 
(Administrative Court) on December 24, 2010. The Opinion of the Advocate General of the European Court of 
Justice has reinforced the legitimacy of the Sturgeon judgment. On October 23, 2012, the Court of Justice of the 
European Union affirmed its previous Sturgeon judgment. The regulation calls for compensation of €250, €400 
or  €600  per  passenger,  depending  on  the  length  of  the  flight.  As  Ryanair‘s  average  flight  length  is  less  than 
1,500  km  –  the  upper  limit  for  short-haul  flights  –  the  amount  payable  is  generally  €250  per  passenger  per 
occurrence. Passengers subject to long delays (in excess of two hours for short-haul flights) are also entitled to 
―assistance,‖ including meals, drinks and telephone calls, as well as hotel accommodation if the delay extends 
overnight. For delays of over five hours, the airline is also required to offer the option of a refund of the cost of 
the unused ticket. There can be no assurance that the Company will not incur a significant increase in costs in 
the future due to the impact of this legislation if Ryanair experiences a large number of cancelled flights, which 
could  occur  as  a  result  of  certain  types  of  events  beyond  its  control.  See  ―—Risks  Related  to  the  Airline 
Industry—Volcanic  Ash  Emissions  Could  Affect  the  Company  and  Have  a  Material  Adverse  Effect  on  the 
Company‘s Results of Operations.‖ 

52 

 
 
 
 
EU  Regulation  of  Emissions  Trading  Will  Increase  Costs.  On  November  19,  2008,  the  European 
Council  of  Ministers  adopted  legislation  to  add  aviation  to  the  EU  Emissions  Trading  Scheme  (―ETS‖)  with 
effect  from  2012. This  scheme,  which  has  thus  far  applied  mainly  to  industrial  companies,  is  a  cap-and-trade 
system for CO2 emissions to encourage industries to improve their CO2 efficiency. Under the legislation, airlines 
are  granted  initial  CO2  allowances  based  on  historical  performance  and  a  CO2  efficiency  benchmark.  Any 
shortage of allowances will have to be purchased in the open market and/or at government auctions. The cost of 
such allowances in the context of the Company‘s energy costs are not material at current market prices. There 
can be no assurance that Ryanair will be able to obtain sufficient carbon credits or that the cost of the credits 
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company‘s business, operating results, and financial condition. 

Volcanic  Ash  Emissions  Could  Affect  the  Company  and  Have  a  Material  Adverse  Effect  on  the 
Company’s  Results  of  Operations.  Between  April  15  and  April  20,  2010  and  May  4  and  May  17,  2010,  a 
significant portion of the airspace over northern Europe was closed by authorities as a result of safety concerns 
presented by emissions of ash from an Icelandic volcano. This closure forced Ryanair to cancel 9,490 flights. In 
May 2011, there were further periodic closures of parts of the European airspace due to emissions of ash from 
another Icelandic volcano, which resulted in the cancellation of 96 flights. 

Under  the  terms  of  Regulation  (EC)  No.  261/2004,  described  above,  Ryanair  has  certain  duties  to 
passengers whose flights are cancelled. In particular, Ryanair is required to reimburse passengers who have had 
their  flights  cancelled  for  certain  reasonable,  documented  expenses  –  primarily  for  accommodation  and  food. 
The  Company  to  date  estimates  that  the  non-recoverable  fixed  costs  associated  with  the  cancellations,  the 
repositioning  costs  for  aircraft,  and  other  costs  associated  with  cancellations,  as  well  as  the  aforementioned 
reimbursement claims for the initial 20 days of closure of European aerospace will amount to approximately €29 
million for such periods of closure. The Company has re-accommodated or refunded fares to approximately 1.5 
million passengers due to flight cancellations.  

Volcanic  emissions  may  happen  again  and  could  lead  to  further  significant  flight  cancellation  costs 
which  could  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  the  Company‘s  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations. 
Furthermore, volcanic emissions (whether from current or new sources) or similar atmospheric disturbances and 
resulting cancellations due to the closure of airports could also have a material adverse effect on the Company‘s 
financial performance indirectly, as a consequence of changes in the public‘s willingness to travel within Europe 
due to the risk of flight disruptions. 

Any Significant Outbreak of any Airborne Disease, Including Swine Flu or Foot-and-Mouth Disease, 
Could  Significantly  Damage  Ryanair’s  Business.  Worldwide,  there  has,  from  time  to  time,  been  substantial 
publicity in recent years regarding certain potent influenza viruses and other disease epidemics. Publicity of this 
type may have a negative impact on demand for air travel in Europe. Past outbreaks of SARS, foot-and-mouth 
disease,  avian  flu  and  swine  flu  have  adversely  impacted  the  travel  industries,  including  aviation,  in  certain 
regions of the world, including Europe. The Company believes that if any influenza or other pandemic becomes 
severe in Europe, its effect on demand for air travel in the markets in which Ryanair operates could be material, 
and  it  could  therefore  have  a  significantly  adverse  impact  on  the  Company.  A  severe  outbreak  of  swine  flu, 
SARS,  foot-and-mouth  disease,  avian  flu  or  another  pandemic  or  livestock-related  disease  also  may  result  in 
European or national authorities imposing restrictions on travel, further damaging Ryanair‘s business. A serious 
pandemic could therefore severely disrupt Ryanair‘s business, resulting in the cancellation or loss of bookings, 
and adversely affecting Ryanair‘s financial condition and results of operations. 

The  Company  is  Dependent  on  the  Continued  Acceptance  of  Low-fares  Airlines.  In  past  years, 
accidents or other safety-related incidents involving certain low-fares airlines have had a negative impact on the 
public‘s acceptance of  such airlines.  Any adverse event potentially relating to the  safety or reliability of low-
fares  airlines  (including  accidents  or  negative  reports  from  regulatory  authorities)  could  adversely  impact  the 
public‘s  perception  of,  and  confidence  in,  low-fares  airlines  like  Ryanair,  and  could  have  a  material  adverse 
effect on Ryanair‘s financial condition and results of operations.  

53 

 
 
 
 
Terrorism in the United Kingdom or Elsewhere in Europe Could Have a Material Detrimental Effect 
on  the  Company.  On  August  10,  2006,  U.K.  security  authorities  arrested  and  subsequently  charged  eight 
individuals in connection with an alleged plot to attack aircraft operating on transatlantic routes. As a result of 
these  arrests,  U.K.  authorities  introduced  increased  security  measures,  which  resulted  in  all  passengers  being 
body-searched, and a ban on the transportation in carry-on baggage of certain liquids and gels. The introduction 
of these measures led to passengers suffering severe delays while passing through these airport security checks. 
As a result, Ryanair cancelled 279 flights in the days following the incident and refunded a total of €2.7 million 
in fares to approximately 40,000 passengers. In the days following the arrests, Ryanair also suffered reductions 
in bookings estimated to have resulted in the loss of approximately €1.9 million of additional revenue. As in the 
past, the Company reacted to these adverse events by initiating system-wide fare sales to stimulate demand for 
air travel. 

In addition, reservations on Ryanair‘s flights to London dropped materially for a number of days in the 
immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks in London on July 7, 2005. Although the terrorist attack in Glasgow 
on June 30, 2007 and the failed terrorist attacks in London on July 21, 2005 and June 29, 2007 had no material 
impact on bookings, there can be no assurance that future such attacks will not affect passenger traffic. In the 
2013 fiscal year, 15.9 million passengers were booked on Ryanair‘s flights into and out of London, representing 
20.1% of the total passengers booked on all of the Company‘s flights in the fiscal year. Future acts of terrorism 
or significant terrorist threats, particularly in London or other markets that are significant to Ryanair, could have 
a material adverse effect on the Company‘s profitability or financial condition should the public‘s willingness to 
travel to and from those markets decline as a result. See also ―—The 2001 Terrorist Attacks on the United States 
Had a Severe Negative Impact on the International Airline Industry‖ below. 

The  2001  Terrorist  Attacks  on  the  United  States  Had  a  Severe  Negative  Impact  on  the  International 
Airline Industry. The terrorist attacks on the  United States  on September 11, 2001, in  which  four commercial 
aircraft  were  hijacked,  had  a  severe  negative  impact  on  the  international  airline  industry,  particularly  on  U.S. 
carriers  and  carriers  operating  international  services  to  and  from  the  United  States.  Although  carriers  such  as 
Ryanair  that  operate  primarily  or  exclusively  in  Europe  were  generally  spared  from  such  material  adverse 
impacts  on  their  businesses,  the  cost  to  all  commercial  airlines  of  insurance  coverage  for  certain  third-party 
liabilities  arising  from  ―acts  of  war‖  or  terrorism  increased  dramatically  after  the  September  11  attacks.  See 
―Item 4. Information on the Company—Insurance.‖ In addition, Ryanair‘s insurers have indicated that the scope 
of  the  Company‘s  current  ―act  of  war‖-related  insurance  may  exclude  certain  types  of  catastrophic  incidents, 
such  as  certain  forms  of  biological,  chemical  or  ―dirty  bomb‖  attacks.  This  could  result  in  the  Company‘s 
seeking  alternative  coverage,  including  government  insurance  or  self-insurance,  which  could  lead  to  further 
increases in costs. Although Ryanair to date has passed on increased insurance costs to passengers by means of a 
special ―insurance levy‖ on each ticket, there can be no assurance that it will continue to be successful in doing 
so. 

Because a substantial portion of airline travel (both business and personal) is discretionary and because 
Ryanair  is  substantially  dependent  on  discretionary  air  travel,  any  prolonged  general  reduction  in  airline 
passenger traffic may adversely affect the Company. Similarly, any significant increase in expenses related to 
security, insurance or related costs could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Any further terrorist 
attacks  in  the  U.S.  or  in  Europe,  particularly  in  London  or  other  markets  that  are  significant  to  Ryanair,  any 
significant military actions by the United States or EU nations or any related economic downturn may have a 
material adverse effect on demand for air travel and thus on Ryanair‘s business, operating results, and financial 
condition.  See  also  ―—Terrorism  in  the  United  Kingdom  or  Elsewhere  in  Europe  Could  have  a  Material 
Detrimental Effect on the Company.‖ 

The Company Faces the Risk of Loss and Liability. Ryanair is exposed to potential catastrophic losses 
that may be incurred in the event of an aircraft accident or terrorist incident. Any such accident or incident could 
involve  costs  related  to  the  repair  or  replacement  of  a  damaged  aircraft  and  its  consequent  temporary  or 
permanent loss from service. In addition, an accident or incident could result in significant legal claims against 
the Company from injured passengers and others who experienced injury or property damage as a result of the 
accident  or  incident,  including  ground  victims.  Ryanair  currently  maintains  passenger  liability  insurance, 
employer  liability  insurance,  aircraft  insurance  for  aircraft  loss  or  damage,  and  other  business  insurance  in 
amounts per occurrence that are consistent with industry standards.  

54 

 
 
 
 
 
Ryanair currently believes its insurance coverage is adequate (although not comprehensive). However, 
there can be  no assurance that the amount of insurance coverage  will not need to be increased, that insurance 
premiums will not increase significantly, or that Ryanair will not be forced to bear substantial losses from any 
accidents not covered by its insurance. Airline insurance costs increased dramatically following the September 
2001  terrorist  attacks  on  the  United  States.  See  ―—The  2001  Terrorist  Attacks  on  the  United  States  Had  a 
Severe  Negative  Impact  on  the  International  Airline  Industry‖  above.  Substantial  claims  resulting  from  an 
accident in excess of related insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on the Company‘s results 
of operations and  financial condition. Moreover, any aircraft accident,  even if  fully insured, could lead to the 
public perception that Ryanair‘s aircraft were less safe or reliable than those operated by other airlines, which 
could have a material adverse effect on Ryanair‘s business. 

EU Regulation No. 2027/97, as amended by Regulation No. 889/2002, governs air carrier liability. See 
―Item 4. Information on the Company—Insurance‖ for details of this regulation. This regulation increased the 
potential liability exposure of air carriers such as Ryanair. Although Ryanair has extended its liability insurance 
to  meet the requirements of the  regulation,  no assurance can be given that other laws, regulations, or policies 
will not be applied, modified or amended in a manner that has a material adverse effect on  Ryanair‘s business, 
operating results, and financial condition. 

Airline Industry Margins are Subject to Significant Uncertainty. The airline industry is capital intensive 
and  is  characterized  by  high  fixed  costs  and  by  revenues  that  generally  exhibit  substantially  greater  elasticity 
than costs. Although fuel accounted for approximately 45% of total operating expenses in the 2013 fiscal year, 
management  anticipates  that  this  percentage  may  vary  significantly  in  future  years.  See  ―—Changes  in  Fuel 
Costs and Fuel Availability Affect the Company‘s Results and Increase the Likelihood of Adverse Impact on the 
Company‘s Profitability‖ above. The operating costs of each flight do not vary significantly with the number of 
passengers flown, and therefore, a relatively small change in the number of passengers, fare pricing, or traffic 
mix  could  have  a  disproportionate  effect  on  operating  and  financial  results.  Accordingly,  a  relatively  minor 
shortfall  from  expected  revenue  levels  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company‘s  growth  or 
financial  performance.  See  ―Item  5.  Operating  and  Financial  Review  and  Prospects.‖  The  very  low  marginal 
costs  incurred  for  providing  services  to  passengers  occupying  otherwise  unsold  seats  are  also  a  factor  in  the 
industry‘s high susceptibility  to price  discounting. See  ―Risks Related to the  Company—The Company  Faces 
Significant Price and Other Pressures in a Highly Competitive Environment‖ above. 

 Safety-Related Undertakings Could Affect the Company’s Results. Aviation authorities in Europe and 
the  United  States  periodically  require  or  suggest  that  airlines  implement  certain  safety-related  procedures  on 
their aircraft. In recent years, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (the ―FAA‖) has required a number of 
such procedures with regard to Boeing 737-800 aircraft, including checks of rear pressure bulkheads and flight 
control  modules,  redesign  of  the  rudder  control  system,  and  limitations  on  certain  operating  procedures. 
Ryanair‘s  policy  is  to  implement  any  such  required  procedures  in  accordance  with  FAA  guidance  and  to 
perform such procedures in close collaboration with Boeing. To date, all such procedures have been conducted 
as part of Ryanair‘s standard maintenance programme and have not interrupted flight schedules nor required any 
material  increases  in  Ryanair‘s  maintenance  expenses.  However,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  the  FAA  or 
other  regulatory  authorities  will  not  recommend  or  require  other  safety-related  undertakings  or  that  such 
undertakings would not adversely impact Ryanair‗s operating results or financial condition.  

There also can be no assurance that new regulations will not be implemented in the future that would 
apply  to  Ryanair‘s  aircraft  and  result  in  an  increase  in  Ryanair‘s  cost  of  maintenance  or  other  costs  beyond 
management‗s current estimates. In addition, should Ryanair‘s aircraft cease to be sufficiently reliable or should 
any public perception develop that Ryanair‘s aircraft are less than completely reliable, Ryanair‘s business could 
be materially adversely affected.  

55 

 
 
 
 
Risks Related to Ownership of the Company’s Ordinary Shares or ADRs 

EU  Rules  Impose  Restrictions  on  the  Ownership  of  Ryanair  Holdings’  Ordinary  Shares  by  Non-EU 
Nationals, and the Company Has Instituted a Ban on the Purchase of Ordinary Shares by Non-EU Nationals. 
EU Regulation No. 1008/2008 requires that, in order to obtain and retain an operating license, an EU air carrier 
must be majority-owned and effectively controlled by EU nationals. The regulation does not specify what level 
of  share  ownership  will  confer  effective  control  on  a  holder  or  holders  of  Ordinary  Shares.  The  Board  of 
Directors  of  Ryanair  Holdings  is  given  certain  powers  under  Ryanair  Holdings‘  articles  of  association  (the 
―Articles‖)  to  take  action  to  ensure  that  the  number  of  Ordinary  Shares  held  in  Ryanair  Holdings  by  non-EU 
nationals  (―Affected  Shares‖)  does  not  reach  a  level  that  could  jeopardize  the  Company‘s  entitlement  to 
continue to hold or enjoy the benefit of any license, permit, consent, or privilege which it holds or enjoys and 
which  enables  it  to  carry  on  business  as  an  air  carrier.  The  directors,  from  time  to  time,  set  a  ―Permitted 
Maximum‖ on the number of the Company‘s Ordinary Shares that may be owned by non-EU nationals at such 
level as they believe will comply with EU law. The Permitted Maximum is currently set at 49.9%. In addition, 
under  certain  circumstances,  the  directors  can  take  action  to  safeguard  the  Company‘s  ability  to  operate  by 
identifying those Ordinary Shares, American Depositary Shares (―ADSs‖) or Affected Shares which give rise to 
the need to take action and treat such Ordinary Shares, the American Depositary Receipts (―ADRs‖) evidencing 
such  ADSs,  or  Affected  Shares  as  ―Restricted  Shares.‖  The  Board  of  Directors  may,  under  certain 
circumstances,  deprive  holders  of  Restricted  Shares  of  their  rights  to  attend,  vote  at,  and  speak  at  general 
meetings, and/or require such holders to dispose of their Restricted Shares to an EU national within as little as 
21 days. The directors are also given the power to transfer such Restricted Shares themselves if a holder fails to 
comply.  In  2002,  the  Company  implemented  measures  to  restrict  the  ability  of  non-EU  nationals  to  purchase 
Ordinary Shares, and non-EU nationals are currently effectively barred from purchasing Ordinary Shares, and 
will remain so for as long as these restrictions remain in place. There can be no assurance that these restrictions 
will ever be  lifted. Additionally, these foreign ownership restrictions could result in Ryanair‘s exclusion from 
certain stock tracking indices. Any such exclusion may adversely affect the market price of the Ordinary Shares 
and ADRs. On April 19, 2012, the Company obtained shareholder approval to repurchase ADRs as part of its 
general  authority  to  repurchase  up  to  5%  of  the  issued  share  capital  in  the  Company.  On  June  5,  2013  the 
Company  repurchased  2,018,800  ADRs  equivalent  to  10,094,000  ordinary  shares  at  a  price  of  €7.65  per 
ordinary share. See ―Item 10. Additional Information—Limitations on Share Ownership by Non-EU Nationals‖ 
for a detailed discussion of restrictions on share ownership and the current ban on share purchases by non-EU 
nationals.  

As  of  June  30,  2013,  EU  nationals  owned  at  least  55.2%  of  Ryanair  Holdings‘  Ordinary  Shares 

(assuming conversion of all outstanding ADRs into Ordinary Shares).  

Holders of Ordinary Shares are Currently Unable to Convert those Shares into American Depositary 
Receipts.  In  an  effort  to  increase  the  percentage  of  its  share  capital  held  by  EU  nationals,  on  June  26,  2001, 
Ryanair  Holdings  instructed  The  Bank  of  New  York  Mellon,  the  depositary  for  its  ADR  program  (the 
―Depositary‖),  to  suspend  the  issuance  of  new  ADRs  in  exchange  for  the  deposit  of  Ordinary  Shares  until 
further  notice.  Holders  of  Ordinary  Shares  cannot  convert  their  Ordinary  Shares  into  ADRs  during  this 
suspension, and there can be no assurance that the suspension will ever be lifted. See also ―—EU Rules Impose 
Restrictions on the Ownership of Ryanair Holdings‘  Ordinary Shares by Non-EU  nationals and  the Company 
has Instituted a Ban on the Purchase of Ordinary Shares by Non-EU Nationals‖ above. 

The  Company’s  Results  of  Operations  May  Fluctuate  Significantly.  The  Company‘s  results  of 
operations  have  varied  significantly  from  quarter  to  quarter,  and  management  expects  these  variations  to 
continue.  See  ―Item  5.  Operating  and  Financial  Review  and  Prospects—Seasonal  Fluctuations.‖  Among  the 
factors causing these variations are the airline industry‘s sensitivity to general economic conditions, the seasonal 
nature  of air travel, and trends in airlines‘ costs, especially fuel costs. Because a  substantial portion of airline 
travel  (both  business  and  personal)  is  discretionary,  the  industry  tends  to  experience  adverse  financial  results 
during general economic downturns. The Company is substantially dependent on discretionary air travel.  

The trading price of Ryanair Holdings‘ Ordinary Shares and ADRs may be subject to wide fluctuations 
in response to quarterly variations in the Company‘s operating results and the operating results of other airlines. 
In addition, the global stock markets from time to time experience extreme price and volume fluctuations that 
affect the market prices of many airline company stocks. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect 
the market price of the Ordinary Shares and ADRs. 

56 

 
 
Ryanair Holdings May or May Not Pay Dividends. Since its incorporation as the holding company for 
Ryanair in 1996, Ryanair Holdings has only twice declared dividends on its Ordinary Shares. The directors of 
the  Company  declared  on  June  1,  2010  that  Ryanair  Holdings  intended  to  pay  a  special  dividend  of  €500 
million, and  following shareholder approval at its annual general  meeting on September 22, 2010 this special 
dividend was paid on October 1, 2010. Directors of the Company also declared on May 21, 2012 that Ryanair 
Holdings intended to pay a special dividend of €0.34 per ordinary share (approx. €492 million) and following 
shareholder  approval  at  the  annual  general  meeting  on  September  21,  2012  this  special  dividend  was  paid  on 
November  30,  2012.  The  Company  may  pay  other  dividends  from  time  to  time.  In  June,  2013  the  Company 
detailed  plans  to  return  up  to  €1  billion  to  shareholders  over  the  next  two  years  with  at  least  €400.0  million 
(€176.6 million already completed in June 2013) in share buybacks to be completed in the fiscal year to March 
31, 2014 and up to a further €600.0 million in either special dividends or share buybacks expected in fiscal 2015 
(subject  to  shareholder  approval,  continuing  profitability,  the  economic  environment,  capital  expenditure  and 
other commitments). See ―Item 8. Financial Information—Other Financial Information—Dividend Policy.‖ As a 
holding company, Ryanair Holdings does not have any material assets other than the shares of Ryanair. 

Increased Costs for Possible Future ADR and Share Repurchases. In April 2012, the Company held an 
extraordinary general meeting (―EGM‖) to authorize the directors to repurchase Ordinary Shares and ADRs for 
up to 5% of the issued share capital of the Company traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market (―NASDAQ‖).  Up 
until  April 2012, shareholders had only authorized the directors to repurchase Ordinary Shares.  As the  ADRs 
typically trade at a premium of 15% to 20% compared to Ordinary Shares, this may result in increased costs in 
performing  share  buy-backs  in  the  future.  In  June  2013,  the  Company  bought  back  2,018,800  ADRs  for 
cancellation. On June 20, 2013 the Company detailed plans to return up to €1 billion to shareholders over the 
next two years with at least €400.0 million (€176.6 million already completed in June 2013) in share buybacks 
to  be  completed  in  the  fiscal  year  to  March  31,  2014  and  up  to  a  further  €600.0  million  in  either  special 
dividends  or  share  buybacks.  However,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  the  €1  billion  will  be  returned  to 
shareholders, in whole or in part, as it is subject to shareholder approval, continuing profitability, the economic 
environment, capital expenditure and other commitments. At this time the Company has not decided whether it 
will conduct these further share repurchases in Ordinary Shares or ADRs or a combination of both.   

57 

 
 
 
 
Item 4. Information on the Company 

INTRODUCTION 

Ryanair  Holdings  was  incorporated  in  1996  as  a  holding  company  for  Ryanair  Limited.  The  latter 
operates an ultra-low cost, scheduled-passenger airline serving short-haul, point-to-point routes between Ireland, 
the U.K., Continental Europe, and Morocco. Incorporated in 1984, Ryanair Limited began to introduce a low-
fares operating model under a new management team in the early 1990s. See ―Item 5. Operating and Financial 
Review  and  ProspectsHistory.‖  As  of  June  30,  2013,  with  its  operating  fleet  of  303  Boeing  737-800  ―next 
generation‖  aircraft,  Ryanair  Limited  offered  over  1,600  scheduled  short-haul  flights  per  day  serving 
approximately  180  airports  largely  throughout  Europe.  See  ―Route  System,  Scheduling  and  FaresRoute 
System  and  Scheduling‖  for  more  details  of  Ryanair‘s  route  network.  See  ―Item  5.  Operating  and  Financial 
Review and ProspectsSeasonal Fluctuations‖ for information about the seasonality of Ryanair‘s business.  

Ryanair recorded a profit on ordinary activities after taxation of €569.3 million in the 2013 fiscal year, 
as compared to a profit on ordinary activities after taxation of €560.4 million in the 2012 fiscal year. This 1.6% 
increase  was primarily attributable to an increase in revenues of approximately 11% from €4,390.2 million to 
€4,884.0  million,  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in  fuel  costs  of  approximately  18%  from  €1,593.6  million  to 
€1,885.6 million. Ryanair generated an average booked passenger load factor of approximately 82%, the same 
as in fiscal 2012, and average booked passenger fare of €48.20 per passenger in the 2013 fiscal year, up from 
€45.36  in  the  prior  fiscal  year.  The  Company  has  focused  on  maintaining  low  operating  costs  (€52.56  per 
passenger in the 2013 fiscal year, an increase from €48.90 in fiscal 2012). 

The market‘s acceptance of Ryanair‘s low-fares service is reflected in the ―Ryanair Effect‖ – Ryanair‘s 
history of stimulating significant annual passenger traffic growth on the new routes on which it has commenced 
service  since  1991.  For  example,  on  the  basis  of  the  ―U.K.  Airports  Annual  Statement  of  Movements, 
Passengers  and  Cargo‖  published  by  the  U.K.  Civil  Aviation  Authority  and  statistics  released  by  the 
International  Civil  Aviation  Organization  (the  ―ICAO‖),  the  number  of  scheduled  airline  passengers  traveling 
between  Dublin  and  London  increased  from  1.7  million  passengers  in  1991  to  3.7  million  passengers  in  the 
2012 calendar year. Most international routes Ryanair  has begun serving since 1991 have recorded significant 
traffic growth in the period following Ryanair‘s commencement of service, with Ryanair capturing the largest 
portion  of  such  growth  on  each  such  route.  A  variety  of  factors  contributed  to  this  increase  in  air  passenger 
traffic,  including  the  relative  strength  of  the  Irish,  U.K.,  and  European  economies  in  past  years.  However, 
management believes that the most significant factors driving such growth across all its European routes have 
been Ryanair‘s low-fares policy and its superiority to its competitors in terms of flight punctuality, levels of lost 
baggage, and rates of flight cancellations. 

The  address  of  Ryanair  Holdings‘  registered  office  is:  c/o  Ryanair  Limited,  Corporate  Head  Office, 
Dublin Airport, County Dublin, Ireland. The Company‘s contact person regarding this Annual Report on Form 
20-F  is:  Howard  Millar,  Deputy  Chief  Executive  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  (same  address  as  above).  The 
telephone number is +353-1-812-1212 and the facsimile number is +353-1-812-1213. Under its current Articles, 
Ryanair Holdings has an unlimited corporate duration. 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY 

Ryanair‘s objective is to firmly establish itself as Europe‘s biggest scheduled passenger airline, through 
continued  improvements  and  expanded  offerings  of  its  low-fares  service.  In  the  highly  challenging  current 
operating  environment,  Ryanair  seeks  to  offer  low  fares  that  generate  increased  passenger  traffic  while 
maintaining a continuous focus on cost-containment and operating efficiencies. The key elements of Ryanair‘s 
long-term strategy are: 

Low  Fares.  Ryanair‘s  low  fares  are  designed  to  stimulate  demand,  particularly  from  fare-conscious 
leisure and business travelers who might otherwise use alternative forms of transportation or choose not to travel 
at all. Ryanair sells  seats on  a one-way basis, thus eliminating  minimum  stay requirements from all  travel on 
Ryanair scheduled services. Ryanair sets fares on the basis of the demand for particular flights and by reference 
to the period remaining to the date of departure of the flight, with higher fares typically charged on flights with 
higher levels of demand and for bookings made nearer to the date of departure. Ryanair also periodically runs 
special promotional fare campaigns. See ―—Route System, Scheduling and Fares—Low and Widely Available 
Fares‖ below.  

Customer  Service.  Ryanair‘s  strategy  is  to  deliver  the  best  customer  service  performance  in  its  peer 
group. According to the data  available  from the  Association of European  Airlines (―AEA‖) and airlines‘ own 
published  statistics,  Ryanair  has  achieved  better  punctuality,  fewer  lost  bags,  and  fewer  cancellations  than  its 
peer  group  in  Europe.  Ryanair  achieves  this  by  focusing  strongly  on  the  execution  of  these  services  and  by 
primarily  operating  from  un-congested  airports.  Ryanair  conducts  a  daily  conference  call  with  Ryanair  and 
airport  personnel  at  each  of  its  base  airports,  during  which  the  reasons  for  each  ―first  wave‖  flight  delay  and 
baggage  short-shipment  are  discussed  in  detail  and  logged  to  ensure  that  the  root  cause  is  identified  and 
rectified. Subsequent (consequential) delays and short shipments are investigated by Ryanair ground operations 
personnel.  Customer  satisfaction  is  also  measured  by  regular  online,  mystery-passenger  and  by  passenger 
surveys. 

Frequent  Point-to-Point  Flights  on  Short-Haul  Routes.  Ryanair  provides  frequent  point-to-point 
service on short-haul routes to secondary and regional airports in and around major population centers and travel 
destinations. In the 2013 fiscal  year, Ryanair flew an average route length of 754 miles and an average  flight 
duration  of  approximately  1.75  hours.  Short-haul  routes  allow  Ryanair  to  offer  its  low  fares  and  frequent 
service,  while  eliminating  the  need  to  provide  unnecessary  ―frills,‖  like  free  in-flight  meals  and  movies, 
otherwise expected by customers on longer flights. Point-to-point flying (as opposed to hub-and-spoke service) 
allows  Ryanair  to  offer  direct,  non-stop  routes  and  avoid  the  costs  of  providing  ―through  service,‖  for 
connecting passengers, including baggage transfer and transit passenger assistance. 

In  choosing  its  routes,  Ryanair  primarily  favors  secondary  airports  with  convenient  transportation  to 
major population centers and regional airports. Secondary and regional airports are generally less congested than 
major airports and, as a result, can be expected to provide higher rates of on-time departures, faster turnaround 
times  (the  time  an  aircraft  spends  at  a  gate  loading  and  unloading  passengers),  fewer  terminal  delays,  more 
competitive airport access, and lower handling costs. Ryanair‘s ―on time‖ performance record (arrivals within 
15  minutes  of  schedule)  for  the  2013  fiscal  year  was  91%.  Faster  turnaround  times  are  a  key  element  in 
Ryanair‘s  efforts  to  maximize  aircraft  utilization.  Ryanair‘s  average  scheduled  turnaround  time  for  the  2013 
fiscal year was approximately 25 minutes.  

Low Operating Costs. Management believes that Ryanair‘s operating costs are among the lowest of any 
European  scheduled-passenger  airline.  Ryanair  strives  to  reduce  or  control  four  of  the  primary  expenses 
involved in running a  major scheduled airline: (i) aircraft  equipment costs; (ii)  personnel costs; (iii) customer 
service costs; and (iv) airport access and handling costs:  

Aircraft  Equipment  Costs.  Ryanair‘s  primary  strategy  for  controlling  aircraft  acquisition  costs  is 
focused on operating a single aircraft type. Ryanair currently operates only ―next generation‖ Boeing 
737-800s.  Ryanair‘s  continuous  acquisition  of  new  Boeing  737-800s  has  already  and  is  expected, 
through the end of fiscal 2019, to increase the size of its fleet and thus increase its aircraft equipment 
and related costs (on an aggregate basis). However, the purchase of aircraft from a single manufacturer 
enables  Ryanair  to  limit  the  costs  associated  with  personnel  training,  maintenance,  and  the  purchase 
and  storage  of  spare  parts  while  also  affording  the  Company  greater  flexibility  in  the  scheduling  of 
crews and equipment. Management also believes that the terms of Ryanair‘s contracts with Boeing are 
very favorable to Ryanair. See ―Aircraft‖ below for additional information on Ryanair‘s fleet.  

59 

 
 
Personnel  Costs.  Ryanair  endeavors  to  control  its  labor  costs  by  seeking  to  continually  improve  the 
productivity  of  its  already  highly  productive  work  force.  Compensation  for  personnel  emphasizes 
productivity-based pay incentives. These incentives include commissions for onboard sales of products 
for flight attendants and payments based on the number of hours or sectors flown by pilots and flight 
attendants within limits set by industry standards or regulations fixing maximum working hours.  

Customer  Service  Costs.  Ryanair  has  entered  into  agreements  on  competitive  terms  with  external 
contractors  at  certain  airports  for  ticketing,  passenger  and  aircraft  handling,  and  other  services  that 
management believes can be more cost-efficiently provided by third parties. Management attempts to 
obtain  competitive  rates  for  such  services  by  negotiating  fixed-price,  multi-year  contracts.  The 
development  of  its  own  Internet  booking  facility  has  allowed  Ryanair  to  eliminate  travel  agent 
commissions  and  third-party  reservation  systems  costs.  Ryanair  generates  over  99%  of  its  scheduled 
passenger revenues through direct sales via its website. 

Airport Access and Handling Costs. Ryanair attempts to control airport access and service charges by 
focusing  on  airports  that  offer  competitive  prices.  Management  believes  that  Ryanair‘s  record  of 
delivering  a  consistently  high  volume  of  passenger  traffic  growth  at  many  airports  has  allowed  it  to 
negotiate  favorable  contracts  with  such  airports  for  access  to  their  facilities.  Secondary  and  regional 
airports  also  generally  do  not  have  slot  requirements  or  other  operating  restrictions  that  can  increase 
operating expenses and limit the number of allowed take-offs and landings. Ryanair further endeavors 
to reduce its airport charges by opting,  when practicable, for less expensive gate  locations as  well as 
outdoor boarding stairs, rather than jetways, which are more expensive and operationally less efficient 
to use. In addition, since October 2009, Ryanair has required all passengers to check-in on the Internet. 
This  requirement  was  instituted  to  reduce  waiting  times  at  airports  and  speed  a  passenger‘s  journey 
from arrival at the airport to boarding, as  well as significantly reduce airport handling costs. Ryanair 
has also introduced a checked-bag fee, which is payable on the Internet at the time of booking and is 
aimed at reducing the number of bags carried by passengers in order to further reduce handling costs. 
See ―Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Company—The Company Faces Risks Related to its Internet 
Reservations Operations and its Announced Elimination of Airport Check-in Facilities.‖ 

Taking  Advantage  of  the  Internet.  In  2000,  Ryanair  converted  its  host  reservation  system  to  a  new 
system,  which  it  operates  under  a  hosting  agreement  with  Navitaire  that  was  extended  in  2011  and  will 
terminate in 2020. As part of the implementation of the new reservation system, Navitaire developed an Internet 
booking facility. The Ryanair system allows Internet users to access its host reservation system and to make and 
pay  for confirmed reservations in real  time  through the  Ryanair.com  website.  After the  launch of the Internet 
reservation system, Ryanair heavily promoted its website through newspaper, radio and television advertising. 
As a result, Internet bookings grew rapidly, and have accounted for over 99% of all reservations over the past 
several years. In May 2012, Ryanair further upgraded the reservation system, which offers more flexibility for 
future system enhancements and to accommodate the future growth of Ryanair. 

Commitment  to  Safety  and  Quality  Maintenance.  Safety  is  the  primary  priority  of  Ryanair  and  its 
management.  This  commitment  begins  with  the  hiring  and  training  of  Ryanair‘s  pilots,  flight  attendants,  and 
maintenance personnel and includes a policy of maintaining its aircraft in accordance with the highest European 
airline industry standards. Ryanair has not had a single passenger or flight crew fatality as a result of an accident 
with one of its aircraft in its 29-year operating history. Although Ryanair seeks to maintain its fleet in a cost-
effective  manner,  management  does  not  seek  to  extend  Ryanair‘s  low-cost  operating  strategy  to  the  areas  of 
safety,  maintenance,  training  or  quality  assurance.  Routine  aircraft  maintenance  and  repair  services  are 
performed  primarily  by  Ryanair,  at  Ryanair‘s  main  bases,  but  are  also  performed  at  other  base  airports  by 
maintenance  contractors  approved  under  the  terms  of  Part  145.  Ryanair  currently  performs  heavy  airframe 
maintenance, but contracts with other parties who perform engine overhaul services and rotable repairs. These 
contractors  also  provide  similar  services  to  a  number  of  other  airlines,  including  Southwest  Airlines,  British 
Airways, Air France and Alitalia.  

60 

 
 
 
 
Enhancement  of  Operating  Results  through  Ancillary  Services.  Ryanair  distributes  accommodation 
services  and  travel  insurance  primarily  through  its  website.  For  hotel  services,  Ryanair  has  a  contract  with 
Hotelscombined  PTY  Ltd,  and  they  provide  a  hotel  comparison  website  to  Ryanair  which  generates 
commissions  for Ryanair on the number of bookings  made. In addition Ryanair has a contract  with the Hertz 
Corporation  (―Hertz‖),  pursuant  to  which  Hertz  handles  all  car  rental  services  marketed  through  Ryanair‘s 
website or telephone reservation system. Ryanair also sells bus and rail tickets onboard its aircraft and through 
its  website.  For  the  2013  fiscal  year,  ancillary  services  accounted  for  approximately  22%  of  Ryanair‘s  total 
operating  revenues,  as  compared  to  approximately  20%  of  such  revenues  in  the  2012  fiscal  year.  See  ―—
Ancillary  Services‖  below  and  ―Item  5.  Operating  and  Financial  Review  and  Prospects—Results  of 
Operations—Fiscal  Year  2013  Compared  with  Fiscal  Year  2012—Ancillary  Revenues‖  for  additional 
information. 

Focused Criteria for Growth. Building on its success in the Ireland-U.K. market and its expansion of 
service  to  continental  Europe  and  Morocco,  Ryanair  intends  to  follow  a  manageable  growth  plan  targeting 
specific  markets.  Ryanair  believes  it  will  have  opportunities  for  continued  growth  by:  (i)  initiating  additional 
routes in the EU; (ii) initiating additional routes in countries party to a European Common Aviation Agreement 
with  the  EU  that  are  currently  served  by  higher-cost,  higher-fare  carriers;  (iii)  increasing  the  frequency  of 
service on its existing routes; (iv) starting new domestic routes within individual EU countries; (v) considering 
acquisition  opportunities  that  may  become  available  in  the  future;  (vi)  connecting  airports  within  its  existing 
route network (―triangulation‖); (vii) establishing new bases; and (viii) initiating new routes not currently served 
by any carrier. 

Responding to Current Challenges. In recent periods, and with increased effect in the 2011, 2012 and 
2013 fiscal years, Ryanair‘s ultra-low cost, low-fares model has faced substantial pressure due to significantly 
increased fuel costs and reduced economic growth (or economic contraction) in some of the economies in which 
it operates. The Company has aimed to meet these challenges by: (i) grounding (approximately 80 in fiscal 2012 
and 2013) aircraft during the winter season; (ii) disposing of aircraft (lease hand backs totaled ten in the 2011 
fiscal year, three in the 2012 fiscal year and four in the 2013 fiscal year); (iii) controlling labor and other costs, 
including through wage freezes for non-flight crew personnel in 2011 and 2013, selective redundancies and the 
introduction of Internet check-in in fiscal 2010; and (iv) renegotiating contracts with existing suppliers, airports 
and handling companies. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving all of the 
foregoing  or  taking  other  similar  measures,  or  that  doing  so  will  allow  the  Company  to  earn  profits  in  any 
period. See ―Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Company—Changes in Fuel Costs 
and  Fuel  Availability  Affect  the  Company‘s  Results  and  Increase  the  Likelihood  of  Adverse  Impact  to  the 
Company‘s  Profitability‖  and  ―—The  Company  May  Not  Be  Successful  in  Increasing  Fares  and  Revenues  to 
Offset Higher Business Costs.‖ 

In  recent  years,  in  response  to  an  operating  environment  characterized  by  high  fuel  prices,  typically 
lower  seasonal  yields  and  higher  airport  charges  and/or  taxes,  Ryanair  has  adopted  a  policy  of  grounding  a 
certain portion of its fleet during the winter months (from November to March inclusive). In the winter months 
of fiscal year 2013, Ryanair grounded approximately 80 aircraft and the Company announced in May 2013 that 
it  intends  to  ground  approximately  60  aircraft  during  the  winter  months  of  fiscal  year  2014.  While  seasonal 
grounding does reduce the Company‘s operating costs, it also decreases Ryanair‘s potential to record both flight 
and  non-flight  revenues.  Decreasing  the  number  and  frequency  of  flights  may  also  negatively  affect  the 
Company‘s  labor  relations,  including  its  ability  to  attract  flight  personnel  interested  in  full-time  employment. 
See ―Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Ryanair Has Decided to Seasonally Ground Aircraft.‖ 

61 

 
 
 
 
ROUTE SYSTEM, SCHEDULING AND FARES 

Route System and Scheduling 

As  of  July  19,  2013,  the  Company  offered  over  1,600  scheduled  short-haul  flights  per  day  serving 
approximately  180  airports  largely  throughout  Europe,  and  flying  approximately  1,600  routes.  The  following 
table lists Ryanair‘s bases of operations:   

Alghero 
Alicante 
Baden-Baden 
Barcelona (Girona) 
Barcelona (El Prat) 
Bari 
Billund 
Bologna 
Bournemouth 
Birmingham 
Bremen 
Brindisi 
Bristol 
Brussels (Charleroi) 
Budapest 
Chania 
Cagliari 
Cork 
Dublin 

Bases of Operations 

Dusseldorf (Weeze) 
Edinburgh 
Eindhoven 
Faro 
Fez 
Frankfurt (Hahn) 
Glasgow (Prestwick) 
Gran Canaria 
Kaunas 
Krakow 
Lanzarote 
Leeds Bradford 
Liverpool 
London (Luton) 
London (Stansted) 
Maastricht 
Madrid 
Malaga 
Malta 

Manchester 
Marrakech 
Milan (Bergamo) 
Nottingham East Midlands 
Palma Mallorca 
Paphos 
Pescara 
Pisa 
Porto 
Oslo (Rygge) 
Rome (Ciampino) 
Seville 
Shannon 
Stockholm (Skavsta) 
Tenerife South 
Trapani 
Valencia 
Wroclaw 
Zadar 

See  Note  17,  ―Analysis  of  operating  revenues  and  segmental  analysis,‖  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements  included  in  Item  18  for  more  information  regarding  the  geographical  sources  of  the  Company‘s 
revenue. 

Management‘s  objective  is  to  schedule  a  sufficient  number  of  flights  per  day  on  each  of  Ryanair‘s 
routes  to  satisfy  demand  for  Ryanair‘s  low-fares  service.  Ryanair  schedules  departures  on  its  most  popular 
routes at frequent intervals; normally between approximately 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Management regularly 
reviews the need for adjustments in the number of flights on all of its routes. 

During  the  2013  fiscal  year,  Ryanair  announced  208  new  routes  across  its  network.  See  ―Risk 
Factors—Risks  Related  to  the  Company—Ryanair‘s  New  Routes  and  Expanded  Operations  May  Have  an 
Adverse Financial Impact on Its Results.‖ 

Low and Widely Available Fares 

Ryanair  offers  low  fares,  with  prices  generally  varying  on  the  basis  of  advance  booking,  seat 
availability  and  demand.  Ryanair  sells  seats  on  a  one-way  basis,  thus  removing  minimum  stay  requirements 
from  all  travel  on  Ryanair  scheduled  services.  All  tickets  can  be  changed,  subject  to  certain  conditions, 
including fee payment and applicable upgrade charges. However, tickets are generally non-cancelable and non-
refundable and must be paid for at the time of reservation.  

Ryanair‘s discounted fares are ―capacity controlled‖ in that Ryanair allocates a specific number of seats 
on each flight to each fare category to accommodate projected demand for seats at each fare level leading up to 
flight  time.  Ryanair  generally  makes  its  lowest  fares  widely  available  by  allocating  a  majority  of  its  seat 
inventory  to its lowest  fare categories. Management believes that its  unrestricted fares as  well as its advance-
purchase fares are attractive to both business and leisure travelers.  

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
When launching a new route, Ryanair‘s policy is to price its lowest fare so that it will be significantly 

lower than other carriers‘ lowest fares, but still provide a satisfactory operating margin.  

Ryanair also periodically runs special promotional fare campaigns, in particular in connection with the 
opening of new routes, and endeavors to always offer the lowest fare on any route it serves. Promotional fares 
may  have  the  effect  of  increasing  load  factors  and  reducing  Ryanair‘s  yield  and  passenger  revenues  on  the 
relevant  routes  during  the  periods  they  are  in  effect.  Ryanair  expects  to  continue  to  offer  significant  fare 
promotions to stimulate demand in periods of lower activity or during off-peak times for the foreseeable future.  

63 

 
 
 
 
MARKETING AND ADVERTISING 

Ryanair‘s  primary  marketing  strategy  is  to  emphasize  its  widely  available  low  fares  and  price 
guarantee. In doing so, Ryanair primarily advertises its services in national and regional newspapers, as well as 
through controversial and topical advertising, press conferences and publicity stunts. Other marketing activities 
include  the  distribution  of  advertising  and  promotional  material  and  cooperative  advertising  campaigns  with 
other travel-related entities, including local tourist boards. Ryanair also regularly contacts people registered in 
its database to inform them about promotions and special offers via e-mail. 

RESERVATIONS ON RYANAIR.COM 

Passenger  airlines  generally  rely  on  travel  agents  (whether  traditional  or  online)  for  a  significant 
portion of their ticket sales and pay travel agents commissions for their services, as well as reimbursing them for 
the fees charged by reservation systems providers. In contrast, Ryanair requires passengers to make reservations 
and  purchase  tickets  directly  through  the  Company.  Over  99%  of  such  reservations  and  purchases  are  made 
through  the  website  Ryanair.com.  Ryanair  is  therefore  not  reliant  on  travel  agents.  See  ―—Strategy—Taking 
Advantage of the Internet‖ above for additional information. 

In  May  2012,  Ryanair  further  upgraded  its  reservation  system  in  order  to  facilitate  the  continued 
expansion of the airline.  The upgraded system  gives the  Company the ability to offer  more enhancements to 
passengers, as the new platform is far more flexible in terms of future development. Under the agreement with 
the  system  provider,  Navitaire,  the  system  serves  as  Ryanair‘s  core  seating  inventory  and  booking  system.  In 
return for access to these system functions, Ryanair pays transaction fees that are generally based on the number 
of  passenger  seat  journeys  booked  through  the  system.  Navitaire  also  retains  a  back-up  booking  engine  to 
support  operations  in  the  event  of  a  breakdown  in  the  main  system.  Over  the  last  several  years,  Ryanair  has 
introduced  a  number  of  Internet-based  customer  service  enhancements  such  as  Internet  check-in,  priority 
boarding  service  and  limited  reserved  seating  since  January  2012.  Since  October  2009,  Ryanair  has  required 
Internet check-in for all passengers. These enhancements and changes have been made to reduce waiting time at 
airports and speed a passenger‘s journey from arrival at the airport to boarding, as well as significantly reduce 
airport handling costs. Ryanair has also introduced a checked-bag fee, which is payable on the Internet and is 
aimed at reducing the number of bags carried by passengers in order to further reduce handling costs. See Item 
3.  Key  Information—Risk  Factors—Risks  Related  to  the  Company—Ryanair  Faces  Risks  Related  to 
Unauthorized Use of Information from the Company‘s Website.‖ 

64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aircraft 

AIRCRAFT 

As of June 30, 2013, Ryanair‘s operating fleet was composed of 303 Boeing 737-800 ―next generation‖ 
aircraft, each having 189 seats. Ryanair‘s fleet totaled 305 Boeing 737-800s at March 31, 2013. The Company 
expects to have an operating fleet comprising approximately 410 Boeing 737-800s at March 31, 2019 depending 
on the level of lease returns/disposals.  

Between  March  1999  and  March  2013,  Ryanair  took  delivery  of  348  new  Boeing  737-800  ―next 
generation‖  aircraft  under  its  contracts  with  Boeing  and  disposed  of  43  such  aircraft,  including  17  lease 
handbacks.  

Under  the  terms  of  the  2013 Boeing  Contract,  Ryanair  has  agreed  to purchase  the  175 New  Aircraft 
over a five year period from fiscal 2015 to 2019, with delivery beginning in September 2014. The New Aircraft 
will benefit from a net effective price not dissimilar to that under the 2005 Boeing Contract which was approved 
by Shareholders in 2005 and will be used on new and existing routes to grow Ryanair‘s business.  

The Boeing 737-800 represents the current generation of Boeing‘s 737 aircraft. It is a short-to-medium 
range aircraft and seats 189 passengers. The Basic Price (equivalent to a standard list price for an aircraft of this 
type) for each of the Boeing 737-800 series aircraft is approximately US$78.1 million and the Basic Price will 
be  increased  for  certain  ―buyer-furnished‖  equipment,  amounting  to  approximately  US$2.9  million  per  New 
Aircraft, which Ryanair has asked Boeing to purchase and install on each of the New Aircraft. In addition, an 
―Escalation  Factor‖  will  be  applied  to  the  basic  price  to  reflect  increases  in  the  Employment  Cost  Index  and 
Producer Price Index between the time the basic price was set in the 2013 Boeing Contract and the period 18 to 
24 months prior to the delivery of any such New Aircraft.  

Boeing has granted Ryanair certain price concessions as part of the 2013 Boeing Contract. These will 
take the form of credit  memoranda to Ryanair for the amount of such concessions,  which Ryanair  may apply 
toward  the  purchase  of  goods  and  services  from  Boeing  or  toward  certain  payments,  other  than  advance 
payments, in respect of the New Aircraft. Boeing and CFMI (the manufacturer of the engines to be fitted on the 
New Aircraft) have also agreed to provide Ryanair with certain allowances for promotional and other activities, 
as  well  as  providing  certain  other  goods  and  services  to  Ryanair  on  concessionary  terms.  Those  credit 
memoranda  and  promotional  allowances  will  effectively  reduce  the  price  of  each  New  Aircraft  payable  by 
Ryanair. As a result, the ―effective price‖ (the purchase price of the New Aircraft net of discounts received from 
Boeing) of each New Aircraft will be significantly below the basic price mentioned above. The effective price 
applies to all New Aircraft due for delivery from September 2014.  

For  additional  details  on  the  Boeing  contracts,  scheduled  aircraft  deliveries  and  related  expenditures 
and  their  financing,  as  well  as  the  terms  of  the  arrangements  under  which  Ryanair  currently  leases  57  of  the 
aircraft in its operating fleet, see ―Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital 
Resources.‖  

The  Boeing  737  is  the  world‘s  most  widely  used  commercial  aircraft  and  exists  in  a  number  of 
generations,  the  Boeing  737-800s  being  the  most  recent.  Management  believes  that  spare  parts  and  cockpit 
crews  qualified  to  fly  these  aircraft  are  likely  to  be  more  widely  available  on  favorable  terms  than  similar 
resources for other types of aircraft. Management believes that its strategy, to date, of having reduced its fleet to 
one aircraft type enables Ryanair to limit the costs associated with personnel training, the purchase and storage 
of spare parts, and maintenance. Furthermore, this strategy affords Ryanair greater flexibility in the scheduling 
of crews and equipment. The Boeing 737-800s are fitted with CFM 56-7B engines and have advanced CAT III 
Autoland  capability,  advanced  traffic  collision  avoidance  systems,  and  enhanced  ground-proximity  warning 
systems. During fiscal 2012, Boeing announced that it was going to manufacture a variant of the 737 with new, 
more fuel-efficient engines called the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. A senior Ryanair working group is continuing 
to evaluate the benefits of the MAX aircraft. This new variant could impact the Company insofar as the residual 
value of its aircraft could be reduced when this new variant enters production, currently expected to be in late 
2017.  

At March 31, 2013, the average aircraft age of the Company‘s Boeing 737-800 fleet was just over 4.5 

years. 

65 

 
 
Training and Regulatory Compliance 

Ryanair currently owns and operates four Boeing 737-800 full flight simulators for pilot training, the 
first  of  which  was  delivered  in  2002.  The  simulators  were  purchased  from  CAE  Electronics  Ltd.  of  Quebec, 
Canada  (―CAE‖).  The  second  simulator  was  delivered  in  2004,  while  the  third  and  fourth  simulators  were 
delivered in the 2008 fiscal year. In September 2006, Ryanair entered into a new contract with CAE to purchase 
B737NG Level B flight simulators. Two such simulators were delivered in the 2009 fiscal year.  

Management believes that Ryanair is currently  in compliance  with all applicable regulations and EU 
directives concerning its fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft and will comply with any regulations or EU directives 
that may come into effect in the future. However, there can be no assurance that the FAA or other regulatory 
authorities  will  not  recommend  or  require  other  safety-related  undertakings  that  could  adversely  impact  the 
Company‘s results of operations or financial condition.  See ―Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Safety-
Related Undertakings Could Affect the Company‘s Results.‖ 

66 

 
 
 
 
ANCILLARY SERVICES  

Ryanair provides various ancillary services and engages in other activities connected with its core air 
passenger  service,  including  non-flight  scheduled  services,  Internet-related  services,  and  the  in-flight  sale  of 
beverages,  food,  and  merchandise.  See  ―Item  5.  Operating  and  Financial  Review  and  Prospects—Results  of 
Operations—Fiscal  Year  2013  Compared  with  Fiscal  Year  2012—Ancillary  Revenues‖  for  additional 
information. 

As  part  of  its  non-flight  scheduled  and  Internet-related  services,  Ryanair  incentivizes  ground  service 
providers at many of the airports it serves to levy correct excess baggage charges for any baggage that exceeds 
Ryanair‘s  published  baggage  allowances  and  to  collect  these  charges  in  accordance  with  Ryanair‘s  standard 
terms and conditions. Excess baggage charges are recorded as non-flight scheduled revenue. 

Ryanair  primarily  distributes  accommodation  services  and  travel  insurance  through  its  website.  For 
hotel and accommodation services, Ryanair has a contract with Hotelscombined PTY Ltd. (―Hotelscombined‖), 
which  operates  a  price  comparison  website,  pursuant  to  which  Hotelscombined  handles  all  aspects  of  such 
services marketed through Ryanair‘s website and pays a fee to Ryanair. In addition, Ryanair has a contract with 
Hertz, pursuant to which Hertz handles all car rental services marketed through Ryanair‘s website or telephone 
reservation system.  

Ryanair also sells bus and rail tickets onboard its aircraft and through its website. Ryanair also sells car 

parking, attractions and activities on its website, with the latter having gone on sale in-flight in spring 2012. 

Ryanair  sells  mobile  phone  credit  for  smart  phone  devices  on  its  website,  introduced  in  December 
2012. Ryanair also sells gift vouchers on its website. Such gift vouchers are redeemable online. In May 2009, 
Ryanair started to offer its passengers the possibility of receiving an SMS (text message) when booking, at a fee 
of £1.50 or €1.50, to inform them of their flight confirmation details.  

In  April  2009,  Ryanair  signed  a  contract  with  Webloyalty  International  Ltd,  which  offers  Ryanair‘s 
customers  who  have  a  UK,  German  or  French  billing  address  a  retail  discount  and  cash-back  program.  In 
February 2009, Ryanair introduced Google Adsense to its search results pages in order to monetize the traffic 
levels that those pages generate. In March 2009, Ryanair expanded further into the area of third-party Internet 
advertising with the introduction of third-party display advertising on the homepages on its website and, more 
recently, on the subpages of Ryanair.com. In April 2011, Ryanair began to sell advertising on its boarding cards. 
In  2012,  a  boarding  card  redesign  along  with  increased  passenger  volumes  allowed  for  further  growth  in  this 
area. 

Ryanair has entered into agreements pursuant to which the Company promotes Ryanair-branded credit 
and  prepaid  cards  issued  by  Deutsche  Bank,  GE  Money,  Access  Prepaid  (a  Mastercard  company)  and  Banco 
Santander  on  its  Internet  site.  The  Deutsche  Bank  agreement  relates  to  Italian  residents  only,  the  GE  Money 
agreement  relates  to  Swedish  and  Polish  residents  only  and  the  Banco  Santander  agreement  relates  to  UK 
residents only. Ryanair generates revenue from Deutsche Bank, GE Capital and Banco Santander on the basis of 
the number of cards issued and the revenues generated through the use of the credit cards. The Access Prepaid 
Limited prepaid card covers residents in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Germany. 

In fiscal year 2012, Ryanair rolled out handheld Electronic Point of Sale (―EPOS‖) devices across its 
route network. These EPOS devices replaced manual and paper based systems on board the aircraft. The EPOS 
device  enables  cabin  crew  to  sell  and  record  their  on-board  sales  transactions  more  efficiently  and  generate 
vastly improved management sales reporting. The EPOS device also issues bus and rail tickets and tickets for 
tourist attractions. 

In fiscal year 2011, Ryanair began offering reserved seating in twenty-one extra legroom seats on each 
aircraft  for  a  fee  on  certain  routes  and  this  feature  was  rolled  out  to  all  routes  in  fiscal  year  2012.  There  are 
currently 45 reserved seats available for purchase on each flight. 

67 

 
 
General 

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS 

As  part  of  its  commitment  to  safety,  Ryanair  endeavors  to  hire  qualified  maintenance  personnel, 
provide  proper  training  to  such  personnel,  and  maintain  its  aircraft  in  accordance  with  European  industry 
standards. While  Ryanair  seeks to  maintain its  fleet  in a  cost-effective  manner,  management does  not  seek to 
extend Ryanair‘s low-cost operating strategy to the areas of maintenance, training or quality control. 

Ryanair‘s quality assurance department deals with oversight of all maintenance activities in accordance 
with Part 145. The European Aviation Safety Agency (―EASA‖), which established Part 145, came into being 
on September 28, 2003; through the adoption of Regulation (EC) No. 1592/2002 of the European Parliament, 
and its standards superseded the previous Joint Aviation Authority (―JAA‖) requirements. See ―Government 
RegulationRegulatory Authorities.‖  

Ryanair  is  itself  an  EASA  Part  145-approved  maintenance  contractor  and  provides  its  own  routine 
aircraft  maintenance  and  repair  services.  Ryanair  also  performs  certain  checks  on  its  aircraft,  including  pre-
flight,  daily,  and  transit  checks  at  some  of  its  bases,  as  well  as  A-checks  at  its  Dublin,  London  (Stansted), 
Glasgow  (Prestwick),  Bremen  and  Frankfurt  (Hahn)  facilities.  Since  December  2003,  Ryanair  has  operated  a 
hangar facility at its base at Glasgow (Prestwick) in Scotland, where both A-checks and C-checks are performed 
on  the  fleet  of  Boeing  737-800  aircraft.  The  facility  performs  up  to  four  C-checks  per  week  and  Ryanair  has 
recently opened a new C-check hangar facility in Kaunas, Lithuania where it carries out between one and two 
light C-checks per week, enabling Ryanair to perform all of the heavy maintenance that is currently required on 
its Boeing 737-800 fleet in-house.  

Ryanair opened a five-bay hangar and stores facility at its London (Stansted) airport base in October 
2008  to  allow  Ryanair  to  carry  out  additional  line  maintenance  on  its  expanding  fleet.  This  facility  also 
incorporates two  flight  simulator devices  with space and provisions for two  more, together  with a cabin crew 
trainer and associated training rooms. Ryanair has completed the building of a separate training facility adjacent 
to  the  hangar  to  accommodate  a  full  size  737NG  training  aircraft  to  allow  for  cabin  crew  and  engineering 
training. Ryanair carries out A-checks and line maintenance in its single-bay aircraft hangar facility in Bremen. 
Ryanair  has  also  entered  into  a  30-year  sole-tenancy  agreement  with  Frankfurt  (Hahn)  airport  and  has  taken 
acceptance  of  a  two-bay  hangar  and  stores  facility  that  also  incorporates  a  two-bay  simulator-training  center. 
This  facility  was  completed  in  January  2011  and  allows  Ryanair  to  carry  out  additional  line  maintenance 
including A-checks.  

Maintenance and repair services that may become necessary while an aircraft is located at some of the 
other  airports  served  by  Ryanair  are  provided  by  other  Part  145-approved  contract  maintenance  providers. 
Aircraft  return  each  evening  to  Ryanair‘s  bases,  where  they  are  examined  by  either  Ryanair‘s  approved 
engineers or by local Part 145-approved companies. 

Heavy Maintenance 

As  noted  above,  Ryanair  currently  has  sufficient  capacity  to  be  able  to  carry  out  all  of  the  routine 
maintenance  work  required  on  its  Boeing  737-800  fleet  itself.  Ryanair  opened  a  new  three-bay  maintenance 
hangar at Glasgow (Prestwick) airport in winter 2010 to accommodate the additional maintenance requirements 
arising from its expanding and aging fleet and opened a new C-check facility in Kaunas in January 2013 to carry 
out light C -checks. 

Ryanair  contracts  out  engine  overhaul  service  for  its  Boeing  737-800  aircraft  to  General  Electric 
Engine Services pursuant to a 10-year agreement with an option for a 10-year extension, signed in 2004. This 
comprehensive maintenance contract provides for the repair and overhaul of the CFM56-7B series engines fitted 
to the  first 155 of Ryanair‘s Boeing 737-800 aircraft,  the repair of parts and general technical support for the 
fleet of engines. On June 30, 2008, the Company finalized a contract for a similar level of coverage and support 
for the  engines on all of its aircraft that have  been or  were scheduled to be delivered over the period through 
November 2012. Due to the fact that engines on recently delivered aircraft will not require a scheduled engine 
overhaul prior to the expiry of the current contract with GE, Ryanair has decided, at this time, not to take up its 
option  to  have  engines  delivered  with  aircraft  after  October  2010  covered  by  this  contract.  General  Electric 
Engine Services mainly uses its Part 145-approved repair facility in Cardiff, Wales for this work, but also uses 
the  KLM  Part  145-approved facility  in  Amsterdam,  and  occasionally  its  Part  145-approved  facility  in  Celma, 

68 

 
 
Brazil.  By  contracting  with  experienced  Part  145-approved  maintenance  providers,  management  believes  it  is 
better  able  to  ensure  the  quality  of  its  aircraft  and  engine  maintenance.  Ryanair  assigns  a  Part  145-certified 
mechanic  to  oversee  all  heavy  maintenance  and  to  authorize  all  engine  overhauls  performed  by  third  parties. 
Maintenance  providers  are  also  monitored  closely  by  the  national  authorities  under  EASA  and  national 
regulations.  

Ryanair expects to be dependent on external service contractors, particularly for engine and component 
maintenance, for the foreseeable future, notwithstanding the additional capabilities provided by its maintenance 
facilities at Dublin, Glasgow (Prestwick), London (Stansted), Frankfurt (Hahn) and Kaunas. See ―Item 3. Key 
Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Company—The Company Is Dependent on External Service 
Providers.‖ 

SAFETY RECORD 

Ryanair has not had a single passenger or flight crew fatality in its 29-year operating history. Ryanair 
demonstrates its commitment to safe operations through its safety training procedures, its investment in safety-
related equipment, and its adoption of an internal open and confidential reporting system for safety issues. The 
Company‘s  Board  of  Directors  also  has  an  air  safety  committee  to  review  and  discuss  air  safety  and  related 
issues.  Michael  Horgan,  a  Company  director,  is  the  chairman  of  this  committee  and  reports  to  the  Board  of 
Directors. 

Ryanair‘s  flight  training  is  oriented  towards  accident  prevention  and  covers  all  aspects  of  flight 
operations.  Threat  and  Error  Management  (TEM)  is  at  the  core  of  all  flight  crew  training  programs.  Ryanair 
maintains full control of the content and delivery of all of its flight crew training, including initial, recurrent, and 
upgrade  phases.  All  training  programs  are  approved  by  the  Irish  Aviation  Authority  (the  ―IAA‖),  which 
regularly  audits  operation  control  standards  and  flight  crew  training  standards  for  compliance  with  EU 
legislation.  

All of the Boeing 737-800s that Ryanair has bought or committed to buy are certified for Category IIIA 

landings (automatic landings with minimum horizontal visibility of 200 meters and a 50 feet decision height). 

Ryanair  has  a  comprehensive  and  documented  safety  management  system.  Management  encourages 
flight crews to report any safety-related issues through the Safety  Alert Initial Report reporting program or to 
use  the  confidential  reporting  system,  which  is  available  online  through  Ryanair‘s  Crewdock  system.  The 
confidential reporting system affords flight crews the opportunity to report directly to Flight Safety Officer any 
event,  error,  or  discrepancy  in  flight  operations  that  they  do  not  wish  to  report  through  standard  reporting 
channels. The confidential reporting system is designed to increase management‘s awareness of problems that 
may be encountered by flight crews in their day-to-day operations. Management uses the information reported 
through  all  reporting  systems  to  modify  operating  procedures  and  improve  flight  operation  standards. 
Additionally, Ryanair promotes the use of  CHIRP, a confidential reporting system that is endorsed by the UK 
CAA as an alternative confidential reporting channel. 

Ryanair has installed an automatic data capturing system on each of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft which 
captures and downloads aircraft performance information for use as part of Operational Flight Data Monitoring 
(OFDM)  which  automatically  provides  a  confidential  report  on  variations  from  normal  operating  limitations 
detected during the course of each flight. The purpose of this system is to monitor operational trends and inform 
management of any instance of an operational limit being exceeded. By analyzing these reports, management is 
able  to  identify  undesirable  trends  and  potential  areas  of  operational  risk,  so  as  to  take  steps  to  rectify  such 
deviations, thereby ensuring adherence to Ryanair‘s flight safety standards.  

In November 2008, a Ryanair aircraft suffered a multiple bird strike during its final approach to Rome 
(Ciampino) airport. This incident caused substantial damage to the aircraft, which resulted in an insurance claim 
being filed in respect of this  aircraft.  The damage that it  suffered  was such that the aircraft  was  not repaired, 
although Ryanair has retained ownership of it for certain parts and for training purposes. 

69 

 
 
Airport Handling Services 

AIRPORT OPERATIONS 

Ryanair  provides  its  own  aircraft  and  passenger  handling  and  ticketing  services  at  Dublin  Airport. 
Third parties provide these services to Ryanair at most other airports it serves. Servisair plc provides Ryanair‘s 
ticketing, passenger and aircraft handling, and ground handling services at many of these airports in Ireland and 
the U.K. (excluding London (Stansted) Airport where these services are provided primarily by Swissport Ltd.), 
while  similar  services  in  continental  Europe  are  generally  provided  by  the  local  airport  authorities,  either 
directly  or  through  sub-contractors.  Management  attempts  to  obtain  competitive  rates  for  such  services  by 
negotiating multi-year contracts at fixed prices. These contracts are generally scheduled to expire in one to five 
years,  unless  renewed,  and  certain  of  them  may  be  terminated  by  either  party  before  their  expiry  upon  prior 
notice. Ryanair will need to enter into similar agreements in any new  markets it may enter. See ―Item 3. Key 
Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Company—The Company Is Dependent on External Service 
Providers.‖ 

During  2009,  Ryanair  introduced  Internet  check-in  for  all  passengers  and  also  introduced  kiosks  at 
certain airports for the provision of other services.  The Company  has these  kiosks in operation at many of its 
key bases.  

Airport Charges 

As with other airlines, Ryanair must pay airport charges each time it lands and accesses facilities at the 
airports  it  serves.  Depending  on  the  policy  of  the  individual  airport,  such  charges  can  include  landing  fees, 
passenger  loading  fees,  security  fees  and  parking  fees.  Ryanair  attempts  to  negotiate  discounted  fees  by 
delivering annual increases in passenger traffic, and opts, when practicable, for less expensive facilities, such as 
less convenient gates and the use of outdoor boarding stairs rather than more expensive jetways. Nevertheless, 
there can be no assurance that the airports Ryanair uses will not impose higher airport charges in the future and 
that any such increases would not adversely affect the Company‘s operations. 

As  a  result  of  rising  airport  charges  and  the  introduction  of  an  Air  Travel  Tax  of  €10  on  passengers 
departing from Irish airports on routes longer than 300 kilometers from Dublin Airport (€2 on shorter routes), 
Ryanair reduced its fleet at Dublin airport to 13 during winter 2010 (down from 22 in summer 2008 and 20 in 
winter 2008). The introduction of the aforementioned €10 tax has likely had a negative impact on the number of 
passengers  traveling  to  and  from  Ireland.  The  Dublin  Airport  Authority  (―DAA‖)  has  reported  that  passenger 
volumes  declined  by  25%  from  30  million  in  2007  to  23 million  in  2012.  Ryanair  believes  that  this  is  partly 
reflective of the negative impact of the tax on Irish travel. Ryanair has called for the elimination of the tax to 
stimulate tourism during the  recession. The  Company  has  cited the example of  the Dutch  government,  which 
withdrew its travel tax with effect from July 1, 2009. The Dutch travel tax had ranged from  €11 for short-haul 
flights to  €45 for long-haul  flights and  had resulted in a significant decline  in passenger volumes at  Schiphol 
Airport,  Holland‘s  main  airport,  according  to  data  published  by  the  airport.  Ryanair  also  complained  to  the 
European Commission about the unlawful differentiation in the level of the Irish Air Travel tax between routes 
within the EU. From April 2011, a single rate (€3) of the Air Travel Tax has been introduced on all routes. In 
May 2011, the Irish Government announced that it would abolish the Air Travel Tax, although no details were 
provided  as  to  when  this  decision  would  be  implemented.  No  assurance  can  be  given  that  the  tax  will  be 
abolished or indeed that a higher rate of tax will not be applied in the future, which could have a negative impact 
on  demand  for  air  travel.  In  June  2011,  Ryanair  proposed  to  the  Irish  Government  that  it  would  deliver  an 
incremental 5 million passengers per annum over a five year period in return for reduced airport charges and the 
abolition of the €3 air travel tax. Despite the fact that this offer was renewed in 2012, as of July 19, 2013, the 
Company  has not  yet received a positive response  to this  proposal. The Company is currently  in  negotiations 
with the DAA in relation to a growth incentive scheme  whereby additional traffic  will be delivered at Dublin 
airport in return for a reduction in airport charges. See ―Item 3. Key InformationRisk FactorsRisks Related 
to the Company—The Company Is Subject to Legal Proceedings Alleging State Aid at Certain Airports 

70 

 
 
 
 
The Greek government planned to introduce similar taxes; however, they have now cancelled plans to 
introduce  these  taxes.  The  German  government  introduced  an  €8  passenger  tax  on  January  1,  2011  for  all 
departing domestic or short-haul passengers and a passenger tax of €25 for all departing passengers on flights 
bound for southern Europe and northern Africa. The €8 tax was reduced to €7.50 in January 2012. In addition, 
the Austrian government introduced an ecological air travel levy of €8 effective January 1, 2011. In July 2013, 
the  local  Walloon  Government  in  Belgium  voted  to  introduce  a  €3  passenger  travel  tax  from  January  2014. 
Ryanair has threatened to cut its services at Charleroi Airport if the tax is introduced. 

In  March  2007,  the  discount  arrangement  formerly  in  place  at  London  (Stansted)  airport  terminated, 
subjecting  Ryanair  to  an  average  increase  in  charges  of  approximately  100%.  The  increase  in  these  charges, 
which was passed on in the form of higher ticket prices, had a negative impact on yields and passenger volumes 
in  the  winter,  resulting  in  Ryanair‘s  decision  to  ground  seven  aircraft.  Ryanair  responded  to  the  increases  by 
filing complaints  with the U.K. Office  of Fair Trading (―OFT‖) and the Competition  Commission, calling for 
the break-up of the British Airports Authority plc (―BAA‖) monopoly and the introduction of competition in the 
London  airports  market.  The  OFT  referred  the  matter  to  the  Competition  Commission,  which  found  that  the 
common  ownership  by  BAA  of  the  three  main  airports  in  London  negatively  affected  competition  and  that  a 
―light touch‖ approach to regulating BAA by the Civil Aviation Authority adversely impacted competition. In 
March 2009 the Competition Commission ordered the break-up of BAA. In October 2009, London (Gatwick) 
was sold to Global Infrastructure Partners for £1.5 billion. Following a delay caused by various appeals by the 
BAA, the BAA proceeded to sell Edinburgh Airport in April 2012, and Stansted airport to Manchester Airports 
Group plc in March 2013. Following the December 2003 publication of the U.K. government‘s White Paper on 
Airport Capacity in the Southeast of England, the BAA in 2004 announced plans to spend up to £4 billion on a 
multi-year project to construct a second runway and additional terminal facilities at London (Stansted) airport 
with a target opening date of 2013. Ryanair and other airlines using London (Stansted) support the principle of a 
second  runway  at  London  (Stansted),  but  are  opposed  to  this  development  because  they  believe  that  the 
financing  of  what  they  consider  to  be  an  overblown  project  will  lead  to  airport  costs  approximately  doubling 
from current levels. In May 2010 the BAA announced that it would not proceed with this £4 billion program. In 
April 2013 the UK Civil Aviation Authority proposed that the regulatory regime for airport charges at Stansted 
Airport between 2014 and 2019 should operate on the basis that charges can grow annually at half the rate of 
inflation.  A final decision in this regard will be made by early 2014. 

Ryanair announced on July 21, 2009 that, as a result of the U.K. government‘s then £10 APD tourist 
tax (as well as the then scheduled increase in APD from £10 to £11, which occurred in November 2009, from 
£11  to  £12  which  occurred  in  November  2010  and  from  £12  to  £13  in  April  2012)  and  the  high  costs  of 
operating at its London (Stansted) base, it would implement a 40% reduction in capacity at such base between 
October  2009  and  March  2010.  In  particular,  the  Company  announced  its  intention  to  reduce  its  London 
(Stansted)-based aircraft from the then current 40 to 24 during the aforementioned period, and also reduce by 
30% the number of weekly Ryanair flights to and from the airport. The Company announced at that time that it 
expected  these  cuts  to  result  in  2.5  million  fewer  passenger  trips  during  the  period.  In  addition,  on  June  29, 
2010,  due  to  the  continuance  of  the  U.K.  government‘s  £11  APD  tourist  tax  and  high  charges  at  London 
(Stansted) airport, the Company announced that capacity at London (Stansted) airport would be reduced from 
winter 2010 by 17% and the  number of aircraft based at  London (Stansted)  would be reduced to 22. Ryanair 
also noted that, as a result of other capacity reductions at its U.K. bases except for the bases at Edinburgh and 
Leeds Bradford, its total U.K. capacity fell by 16% in the period from November 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011. In 
the 2013 fiscal year capacity to/from the U.K. was flat on the prior year. Capacity was increased in Manchester 
following  the  conclusion  of  a  base  agreement.  This  increase  was  offset  by  reductions  in  capacity  in  London 
(Gatwick)  and  Edinburgh  as  a  result  of  cost  increases.  The  Company  is  currently  in  negotiations  with 
Manchester  Airports  Group  plc,  the  owners  of  London  (Stansted),  in  relation  to  an  expansion  of  capacity  at 
London  (Stansted)  in  return  for  significant  airport  charge  reductions  for  the  incremental  passenger  volumes 
delivered.  See  ―Item  3.  Risk  FactorsRisks  Related  to  the  CompanyRyanair‘s  Continued  Growth  is 
Dependent on Access to Suitable Airports; Charges for Airport Access are Subject to Increase.‖ See also ―Item 
8.  Financial 
InformationLegal  ProceedingsEU  State  Aid-Related 
Proceedings‖  for  information  regarding  legal  proceedings  in  which  Ryanair‘s  economic  arrangements  with 
several publicly owned airports are being contested. 

InformationOther  Financial 

71 

 
 
 
 
FUEL 

The cost of jet fuel accounted for approximately 45% and 43% of Ryanair‘s total operating expenses in 
the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively (in each case, this accounts for costs after giving 
effect to the Company‘s fuel hedging activities but excludes de-icing costs, which accounted for approximately 
1% of total fuel costs in each of the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012). The future availability and 
cost of jet fuel cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty, and Ryanair‘s low-fares policy limits its ability 
to pass on increased fuel costs to passengers through increased fares. Jet fuel prices are dependent on crude oil 
prices, which are quoted in U.S. dollars. If the value of the U.S. dollar strengthens against the euro, Ryanair‘s 
fuel costs, expressed in euro, may increase even absent any increase in the U.S. dollar price of jet fuel. Ryanair 
has also entered into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge against some currency fluctuations. See ―Item 
11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Foreign Currency Exposure and Hedging.‖ 

Ryanair  has  historically  entered  into  arrangements  providing  for  substantial  protection  against 
fluctuations  in  fuel  prices,  generally  through  forward  contracts  covering  periods  of  up  to  18  months  of 
anticipated  jet  fuel  requirements.  Ryanair  (like  many  other  airlines)  has,  in  more  recent  periods,  entered  into 
hedging arrangements on a much more selective basis. As of July 26, 2013, Ryanair had entered into forward jet 
fuel (jet kerosene) contracts covering approximately 90% of its estimated requirements for the fiscal year ending 
March  31,  2014  at  prices  equivalent  to  approximately  $980  per  metric  ton.  In  addition,  as  of  July  26,  2013, 
Ryanair had entered into forward jet fuel (jet kerosene) contracts covering approximately 75% of its estimated 
requirements  for the  first  half of the fiscal  year ending March 31, 2015 at prices equivalent  to approximately 
$935 per  metric  ton,  and  had  not  entered  into  any  jet  fuel  hedging  contracts  with  respect  to  its  expected  fuel 
purchases beyond that period. See ―Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Company—
Changes  in  Fuel  Costs  and  Fuel  Availability  Affect  the  Company‘s  Results  and  Increase  the  Likelihood  of 
Adverse Impact to the Company‘s Profitability‖ and ―Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About 
Market Risk—Fuel Price Exposure and Hedging‖ for additional information on recent trends in fuel costs and 
the  Company‘s related hedging activities, as  well as certain associated risks.  See also  ―Item 5. Operating and 
Financial Review and Prospects—Fiscal Year 2013 Compared with Fiscal Year 2012—Fuel and Oil.‖ 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
INSURANCE 

Ryanair  is  exposed  to  potential  catastrophic  losses  that  may  be  incurred  in  the  event  of  an  aircraft 
accident  or  terrorist  incident.  Any  such  accident  or  incident  could  involve  costs  related  to  the  repair  or 
replacement of a damaged aircraft and its consequent temporary or permanent loss from service. In addition, an 
accident or incident could result in  significant legal claims against  the  Company from injured passengers and 
others  who  experienced  injury  or  property  damage  as  a  result  of  the  accident  or  incident,  including  ground 
victims.  Ryanair  maintains  aviation  third-party  liability  insurance,  passenger  liability  insurance,  employer 
liability insurance, directors and officers liability insurance, aircraft insurance for aircraft loss or damage, and 
other  business  insurance  in  amounts  per  occurrence  consistent  with  industry  standards.  Ryanair  believes  its 
insurance coverage is adequate, although not comprehensive. There can be no assurance that the amount of such 
coverage will not need to be increased, that insurance premiums will not increase significantly or that Ryanair 
will not be forced to bear substantial losses from accidents. Ryanair‘s insurance does not cover claims for losses 
incurred  when,  due  to  unforeseen  events,  airspace  is  closed  and  aircraft  are  grounded,  such  as  the  airspace 
closures described on page 53, which resulted from volcanic ash in the northern European airspace during April 
and May 2010. 

The cost of insurance coverage for certain third-party liabilities arising from ―acts of war‖ or terrorism 
increased  dramatically  as  a  result  of  the  September  11,  2001  terrorist  attacks.  In  the  immediate  aftermath, 
aircraft  liability  war  indemnities  for  amounts  above  $50  million  were,  in  the  absence  of  any  alternative 
coverage, provided by the Irish Government at pre-September 11, 2001 levels of coverage on the basis of a per-
passenger surcharge. In March 2002, once such coverage was again commercially available, Ryanair arranged 
coverage to replace that provided by the government indemnity. The replacement insurance coverage operated 
on the basis of a per-passenger surcharge with an additional surcharge based on hull values. Ryanair‘s insurers 
have  indicated  that  the  scope  of  the  Company‘s  current  war-related  insurance  coverage  may  exclude  certain 
types of catastrophic incidents, which may result in the Company seeking alternative coverage. Ryanair to date 
has passed increased insurance costs on to passengers by means of a special ―insurance levy‖ on each ticket. 

During the 2006 fiscal year, Ryanair established Aviation Insurance (IOM) Limited (―AIL‖), a wholly 
owned insurance company subsidiary, to provide the Company with self-insurance as part of its ongoing risk-
management strategy.  AIL underwrites a portion of the Company‘s aviation insurance program,  which covers 
not only the Company‘s aircraft but also its liability to passengers and to third parties. AIL reinsures virtually all 
of  the  aviation  insurance  risk  it  underwrites  with  recognized  third  parties  in  the  aviation  reinsurance  market, 
with the amount of  AIL‘s  maximum aggregate  exposure  not currently subject to such reinsurance agreements 
being equal to approximately $16.5 million. In addition to aviation insurance, AIL has underwritten most of the 
single trip travel insurance policies sold on Ryanair.com since February 1, 2011. 

Council Regulation (EC) No. 2027/97, as amended by Council Regulation (EC) No. 889/2002, governs 
air  carrier  liability.  This  legislation  provides  for  unlimited  liability  of  an  air  carrier  in  the  event  of  death  or 
bodily  injuries  suffered  by  passengers,  implementing  the  Warsaw  Convention  of  1929  for  the  Unification  of 
Certain Rules Relating to Transportation by Air, as amended by the Montreal Convention of 1999. Ryanair has 
extended  its  liability  insurance  to  meet  the  appropriate  requirements  of  the  legislation.  See  ―Item  3.  Key 
Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Airline Industry—The Company Faces the Risk of Loss and 
Liability‖ for information on the Company‘s risks of loss and liability.  

73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FACILITIES 

The following are the principal properties owned or leased by the Company: 

Location 

Site Area 
(Sq. Meters) 

Floor Space 
(Sq. Meters) 

Tenure 

Activity 

Dublin Airport .........................  
Concourse Building, Airside 
Business Park, Swords, Dublin  
Dublin Airport (Hangar No.1).  
Dublin Airport (Hangar No.2). 
Dublin Airport Business Park ..  
Phoenix House, 
Conyngham Road, Dublin .......  
Satellite 3, 
Stansted Airport .......................  

Stansted Airport (Hangar) .......  
Stansted Airport .......................  
Stansted Storage Facilities .......  
East Midlands Airport .............  
East Midlands Airport .............  

Bremen Airport ........................  
Skavsta Airport (Hangar) ........  
Prestwick Airport (Hangar) .....  
Frankfurt (Hahn) Airport 
(Hangar) ..................................  
Kaunas Airport (Hangar) .........  
Rygge Airport (Hangar) ..........  

1,116 

1,395  Leasehold  Corporate Headquarters 

12,141 
1,620 
5,200 
955 

Freehold 

9,298 
1,620  Leasehold  Aircraft Maintenance 
5,000  Leasehold  Aircraft Maintenance 

New Corporate Headquarters 

749  Leasehold  Administration Offices 

2,566 

3,899  Freehold 

605 

605  Leasehold 

Administration Offices 
Operations Center and 
Administrative Offices 
Aircraft Maintenance Hangar 
and Simulator Training Center 
Training Centre 

10,301  Leasehold 
375  Leasehold 
531  Leasehold  Aircraft Maintenance 

634  Leasehold 

2,801  Freehold 

Simulator and Training Center 
Training Center 
Terminal and Aircraft 
Maintenance Hangar 
5,874  Leasehold 
1,936  Leasehold  Aircraft Maintenance 
10,052  Leasehold  Aircraft Maintenance 

Aircraft Maintenance Hangar 
and Simulator Training Center 

5,064  Leasehold 
1,700  Leasehold  Aircraft Maintenance 
1,700  Leasehold  Aircraft Maintenance 

12,161 
375 
378 
3,890 
2,045 

5,952 
1,936 
10,052 

5,064 
1,700 
1,700 

Ryanair has agreements with the DAA, the Irish government authority charged with operating Dublin 
Airport,  to  lease  bag-drop  counters  and  other  space  at  the  passenger  and  cargo  terminal  facilities  at  Dublin 
Airport. The airport office facilities used by Ryanair at London (Stansted) are leased from the airport authority; 
similar  facilities  at  each  of  the  other  airports  Ryanair  serves  are  provided  by  Servisair  plc  or  other  service 
providers. 

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRADEMARKS 

Ryanair‘s logo and the slogans ―Ryanair.com The Low Fares Website‖ and ―Ryanair The Low Fares 
Airline‖ have been registered as Community Trade Marks (―CTMs‖). Ryanair has also registered the CTM for 
the  word  ―Ryanairhotels.com.‖  A  CTM  allows  a  trademark  owner  to  obtain  a  single  registration  of  its 
trademark,  which  registration  affords  uniform  protection  for  that  trademark  in  all  EU  member  states.  The 
registration gives Ryanair an exclusive monopoly over the use of its trade name with regard to similar services 
and  the  right  to  sue  for  trademark  infringement  should  another  party  use  an  identical  or  confusingly  similar 
trademark in relation to identical, or similar services.  

Ryanair  has  not  registered  either  its  name  or  its  logo  as  a  trademark  in  Ireland,  as  CTM-registration 
provides all of the protection available from an Irish registration, and management believes there are therefore 
no advantages in making a separate Irish application.  

Ryanair‘s trademarks include: 

-  Community (Word) Trade Mark registration number 004168721 comprised of the  word ―Ryanair‖ in 

classes 16, 28, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 42 (Nice Classification);   

-  Community (Figurative) Trade Mark registration number 001493329 comprising the following graphic 

representation: 

in classes 16, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 42 (Nice Classification) and class 27.5.1 (Vienna classification);  

-  Community (Figurative) Trade Mark registration number 00446559 comprising the  following graphic 

representation: 

in classes 16, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 42 (Nice Classification) and class 22.1.16 (Vienna classification); 

-  Community (Figurative) Trade Mark registration number 000338301     

comprising the following graphic representation:  

in classes 16, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 42 (Nice Classification) and class 22.1.16 (Vienna classification) 

75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liberalization of the EU Air Transportation Market 

GOVERNMENT REGULATION 

Ryanair began its flight operations in 1985, during a decade in which the governments of Ireland and 
the  U.K.  liberalized  the  bilateral  arrangements  for  the  operation  of  air  services  between  the  two  countries.  In 
1992,  the  Council  of  Ministers  of  the  EU  adopted  a  package  of  measures  intended  to  liberalize  the  internal 
market  for  air  transportation  in  the  EU.  The  liberalization  included  measures  that  allow  EU  air  carriers 
substantial freedom to set air fares, provided EU air carriers greatly enhanced access  to routes within the EU, 
and  also  introduced  a  licensing  procedure  for  EU  air  carriers.  Beginning  in  April  1997,  EU  air  carriers  have 
generally been able to provide passenger services on domestic routes within any EU member state outside their 
home country of operations without restriction. 

Regulatory Authorities 

Ryanair  is  subject  to  Irish  and  EU  regulation,  which  is  implemented  primarily  by  the  Department  of 
Transport, the IAA, the European Commission, and the EASA. Management believes that the present regulatory 
environment  in  Ireland  and  the  EU  is  characterized  by  high  sensitivity  to  safety  and  security  issues,  which  is 
demonstrated by intensive reviews of safety-related procedures, training, and equipment by the national and EU 
regulatory authorities. 

Commission  for  Aviation  Regulation.  The  CAR  is  currently  primarily  responsible  for  deciding 

maximum airport charges only at Dublin Airport. See ―Airport OperationsAirport Charges‖ above.  

The CAR also has responsibility for licensing Irish airlines, subject to the requirements of EU law. It 
issues  operating  licenses  under  the  provisions  of  EU  Regulation  1008/2008  (formerly  2407/92).  An  operating 
license is an authorization permitting the holder to transport passengers, mail and/or cargo by air. The criteria 
for  granting  an  operating  license  include,  inter  alia,  an  air  carrier‘s  financial  fitness,  the  adequacy  of  its 
insurance,  and  the  fitness  of  the  persons  who  will  manage  the  air  carrier.  In  addition,  in  order  to  obtain  and 
maintain  an  operating  license,  Irish  and  EU  regulations  require  that  (i)  the  air  carrier  must  be  owned  and 
continue  to  be  owned  directly  or  through  majority  ownership  by  EU  member  states  and/or  nationals  of  EU 
member states and (ii) the air carrier must at all times be effectively controlled by such EU member states or EU 
nationals. The CAR has broad authority to revoke an operating license. See ―Item 10. Additional Information––
Limitations  on  Share  Ownership  by  Non-EU  Nationals.‖  See  also  ―Item  3.  Risk  Factors––Risks  Related  to 
Ownership of the Company‘s Ordinary Shares or ADRs—EU Rules Impose Restrictions on the Ownership of 
Ryanair Holdings‘ Ordinary Shares by Non-EU nationals and the Company has Instituted a Ban on the Purchase 
of Ordinary Shares by Non-EU Nationals‖ above. 

The  CAR  is  also  responsible  for  deciding  whether  a  regulated  airport  should  be  coordinated  or  fully 
coordinated  under  Council  Regulation  (EEC)  No.  95/93  (as  amended  by  Regulation  (EC)  No.  793/2004)  on 
slots  and  for  authorizing  ground  handling  operations  under  Council  Directive  96/67/EC  and  its  implementing 
legislation. In April 2005, the CAR announced that Dublin Airport would be fully slot-coordinated beginning in 
March  2006.  Ryanair  successfully  challenged  this  decision  in  the  Irish  High  Court,  and  the  decision  was 
overturned  in  July  2006.  In  February  2007,  the  CAR  re-imposed  full  coordination  at  Dublin  Airport.  Ryanair 
again challenged this decision in the Irish High Court, but subsequently withdrew the challenge. See ―—Slots‖ 
below for additional information regarding this litigation.  

Ryanair‘s current operating license became effective on December 1, 1993, and is subject to periodic 
review. The Flight Operations Department is also subject to ongoing review by the Irish Aviation Authority (the 
IAA),  which  reviews  the  department‘s  audits,  including  flight  audits,  training  audits,  document  audits,  and 
quality audits. Ryanair‘s current Air Operator Certificate No IE 7/94 was issued on January 24, 2013. 

Irish Aviation Authority. The IAA is primarily responsible for the  operational and regulatory function 
and services relating to the safety and technical aspects of aviation in Ireland. To operate in Ireland and the EU, 
an Irish air carrier is required to hold an operator‘s certificate granted by the IAA attesting to the air carrier‘s 
operational and technical competence to conduct airline services with specified types of aircraft. The IAA has 
broad  authority  to  amend  or  revoke  an  operator‘s  certificate,  with  Ryanair‘s  ability  to  continue  to  hold  its 
operator‘s  certificate  being  subject  to  ongoing  compliance  with  applicable  statutes,  rules  and  regulations 
pertaining to the airline industry, including any new rules and regulations that may be adopted in the future. 

76 

 
 
The IAA is also responsible for overseeing and regulating the operations of Irish air carriers. Matters 
within the scope of the IAA‘s regulatory authority include: air safety; aircraft certification; personnel licensing 
and training; maintenance, manufacture, repair, airworthiness, and operation of aircraft; implementation of EU 
legislation; aircraft noise; and ground services. Each of the Company‘s aircraft is required to have a Certificate 
of  Airworthiness,  which  is  issued  by  the  IAA.  The  validity  of  Certificates  of  Airworthiness  is  subject  to  the 
review by the IAA. Each certificate is generally valid for a 12-month period. In March 2009, Ryanair received 
―Sub-Part (I) approval‖ from the IAA, which gives Ryanair the authority to extend the validity of its certificates, 
subject  to  certain  record  checks  and  physical  aircraft  inspections  being  performed  by  Ryanair‘s  quality 
department.  The  Company‘s  flight  personnel,  flight  and  emergency  procedures,  aircraft,  and  maintenance 
facilities are subject to periodic inspections by the IAA. The IAA has broad regulatory and enforcement powers, 
including  the  authority  to  require  reports;  inspect  the  books,  records,  premises,  and  aircraft  of  a  carrier;  and 
investigate  and  institute  enforcement  proceedings.  Failure  to  comply  with  IAA  regulations  can  result  in 
revocation of operating certification.  

In July 1999, the IAA awarded Ryanair an air operator‘s certificate, which is subject to routine audit 
and  review,  in  recognition  of  Ryanair‘s  satisfaction  of  the  relevant  EU  requirements  for  the  operation  of 
commercial air transport (―EU OPS 1‖). The requirements of EU OPS 1 have been incorporated into European 
law as prescribed in Regulation (EEC) 3922/91 and were applied in full on July 16, 2008. All current regulatory 
requirements are addressed in the Ryanair Operations Manual Part A (as amended). The current Manual, Issue 3 
Revision 8, was approved by the IAA on May 1, 2012. 

Department of Transport. The Department of Transport (―DOT‖) is responsible for implementation of 
certain EU and Irish legislation and international standards relating to air transport (e.g., noise levels, aviation 
security, etc.). 

In June 2005, the Irish Minister for Transport enacted legislation strengthening rights for air passengers 
following the enactment of EU legislation requiring compensation of airline passengers who have been denied 
boarding on a flight for which they hold a valid ticket (Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004), which came into force 
on  February  17,  2005.  See  ―Item  3.  Risk  Factors—Risks  Related  to  the  Airline  Industry—EU  Regulation  on 
Passenger Compensation Could Significantly Increase Related Costs.‖ 

The  European  Aviation  Safety  Agency.  EASA  is  an  agency  of  the  EU  that  has  been  given  specific 
regulatory and executive tasks in the field of aviation safety.  EASA  was established through Regulation (EC) 
No. 1592/2002 of the European Parliament and the Council of July 15, 2002, repealed by Basic Regulation (EC) 
216-2008. The purpose of EASA is to draw-up common standards to ensure the highest levels of safety, oversee 
their  uniform application across Europe and promote them  at the  global level. The EASA  formally started its 
work on September 28, 2003, taking over the responsibility for regulating airworthiness and maintenance issues 
within the EU member states.  

Eurocontrol.  The  European  Organization  for  the  Safety  of  Air  Navigation  (―Eurocontrol‖)  is  an 
autonomous  European  organization  established  under  the  Eurocontrol  Convention  of  December  13,  1960. 
Eurocontrol is responsible for, inter alia, the safety of air navigation and the collection of route charges for  en 
route  air  navigation  facilities  and  services  throughout  Europe.  Ireland  is  a  party  to  several  international 
agreements concerning Eurocontrol. These agreements have been implemented in Irish law, which provides for 
the  payment  of  charges  to  Eurocontrol  in  respect  of  air  navigation  services  for  aircraft  in  airspace  under  the 
control  of  Eurocontrol.  The  relevant  legislation  imposes  liability  for  the  payment  of  any  charges  upon  the 
operators of the aircraft in respect of which services are provided and upon the owners of such aircraft or the 
managers  of  airports  used  by  such  aircraft.  Ryanair,  as  an  aircraft  operator,  is  primarily  responsible  for  the 
payment to Eurocontrol of charges incurred in relation to its aircraft. 

The legislation authorizes the detention of aircraft in the case of default in the payment of any charge 
for  air  navigation  services  by  the  aircraft  operator  or  the  aircraft  owner,  as  the  case  may  be.  This  power  of 
detention extends to any equipment, stores or documents, which may be onboard the aircraft when it is detained, 
and may result in the possible sale of the aircraft. 

77 

 
 
 
 
European Commission. The European Commission is in the process of introducing a ―single European 
sky  policy,‖  which  would  lead  to  changes  to  air  traffic  management  and  control  within  the  EU.  The  ―single 
European  sky  policy‖  currently  consists  of  the  Framework  Regulation  (Reg.  (EC)  No.  549/2004)  plus  three 
technical  regulations  on  the  provision  of  air  navigation  services,  organization  and  use  of  the  airspace  and  the 
interoperability of the European air traffic management network. These regulations have recently been amended 
by the so-called ―Single European Sky II‖ regulation (EU Regulation 1070/09). The objective of the policy is to 
enhance safety standards and the overall efficiency of air traffic in Europe, as well as to reduce the cost of air 
traffic control services. 

On  September  6,  2005,  the  European  Commission  announced  new  guidelines  on  the  financing  of 
airports and start-up aid to airlines by regional airports based on its February 2004 finding in the Charleroi case, 
a  decision that the  Court of First Instance (―CFI‖) has since annulled in December 2008. The guidelines only 
apply to publicly owned regional airports, and place restrictions on the incentives that these airports can offer 
airlines  to  deliver  traffic.  Ryanair  believes  that  the  CFI‘s  annulment  of  the  Charleroi  decision  severely 
undermines these guidelines. In April 2011, the European Commission launched a consultation on the revision 
of the 2005 guidelines. In May 2013, the European Commission launched a further consultation on the revision 
of the 2005 guidelines, a final revised version of which is expected to be published in the second half of 2013. 
However, no assurance can be given that the revised guidelines will better reflect the commercial reality of the 
liberalized  air  transport  market  and  consequently  allow  public  airports  to  offer  similar  incentives  to  those 
offered by private airports. 

The  European  Union  also  adopted  legislation  on  airport  charges  (EU  Directive  2009/12),  which  was 
originally  intended  to  address  abusive  pricing  at  monopoly  airports.  However,  the  legislation  includes  all 
European airports with over five million passengers per year. Management believes that this will likely increase 
the administrative burdens on smaller airports and may lead to higher airport charges, while the scope that exists 
within this Directive to address abuses of their dominant positions by Europe‘s larger airports is very limited. 
See  ―Item  7.  Major  Shareholders  and  Related-Party  Transactions  Other  Financial  InformationLegal 
ProceedingsEU State Aid-Related Proceedings.‖ 

The European Union also passed legislation calling  for increased transparency in airline fares,  which 
requires the inclusion of all mandatory taxes, fees, and charges in advertised prices. Ryanair currently includes 
this information in its advertised fares in all markets where it operates. However, certain regulatory authorities 
have alleged that some fees applied by airlines, including Ryanair, on an avoidable basis are in fact mandatory. 
Ryanair amended its  website to include information on fees in  June 2012 and incorporated further changes to 
meet these requirements on its website in August 2012 and December 2012. 

Registration of Aircraft 

Pursuant  to  the  Irish  Aviation  Authority  (Nationality  and  Registration  of  Aircraft)  Order  2002  (the 
―Order‖),  the  IAA  regulates  the  registration  of  aircraft  in  Ireland.  In  order  to  be  registered  or  continue  to  be 
registered in Ireland, an aircraft must be wholly owned by either (i) a citizen of Ireland or a citizen of another 
member state of the EU having a place of residence or business in Ireland or (ii) a company registered in and 
having a place of business in Ireland and  having its principal place of business  in Ireland or another  member 
state  of  the  EU  and  not  less  than  two-thirds  of  the  directors  of  which  are  citizens  of  Ireland  or  of  another 
member state of the EU. As of the date of this report, nine of the ten directors of Ryanair Holdings are citizens 
of  Ireland  or  of  another  member  state  of  the  EU.  An  aircraft  will  also  fulfill  these  conditions  if  it  is  wholly 
owned by such citizens or companies in combination. Notwithstanding the fact that these particular conditions 
may not be met, the IAA retains discretion to register an aircraft in Ireland so long as it is in compliance with the 
other  conditions  for  registration  under  the  Order.  Any  such  registration  may,  however,  be  made  subject  to 
certain  conditions.  In  order  to  be  registered,  an  aircraft  must  also  continue  to  comply  with  any  applicable 
provisions of Irish law. The registration of any aircraft can be cancelled if it is found that it is not in compliance 
with the requirements for registration under the Order and, in particular: (i) if the ownership requirements are 
not met; (ii) if the aircraft has failed to comply with any applicable safety requirements specified by the IAA in 
relation  to  the  aircraft  or  aircraft  of  a  similar  type;  or  (iii)  if  the  IAA  decides  in  any  case  that  it  is  not  in  the 
public interest for the aircraft to remain registered in Ireland. 

78 

 
 
 
 
Regulation of Competition 

Competition/Antitrust Law. It is a general principle of EU competition law that no agreement may be 
concluded between two or more separate economic undertakings that prevents, restricts or distorts competition 
in the common market or any part of the common market. Such an arrangement may nevertheless be exempted 
by  the  European  Commission,  on  either  an  individual  or  category  basis.  The  second  general  principle  of  EU 
competition law is that any business or businesses having a dominant position in the EU common market or any 
substantial  part  of  the  common  market  may  not  abuse  such  dominant  position.  Ryanair  is  subject  to  the 
application  of  the  general  rules  of  EU  competition  law  as  well  as  specific  rules  on  competition  in  the  airline 
sector.  

An aggrieved person may sue for breach of EU competition law in the courts of a member state and/or 
petition the European Commission for an order to put an end to the breach of competition law. The European 
Commission also may impose fines and daily penalties on businesses and the courts of the member states may 
award damages and other remedies (such as injunctions) in appropriate circumstances.  

Competition law in Ireland is primarily embodied in the Competition Act 2002. This Act is modeled on 
the  EU  competition  law  system.  The  Irish  rules  generally  prohibit  anti-competitive  arrangements  among 
businesses and prohibit the abuse of a dominant position. These rules are enforced either by public enforcement 
(primarily by the Competition Authority) through both criminal and civil sanctions or by private action in the 
courts. These rules apply to the airline sector, but are subject to EU rules that override any contrary provisions 
of  Irish  competition  law.  Ryanair  has  been  subject  to  an  abuse-of-dominance  investigation  by  the  Irish 
Competition  Authority  in  relation  to  service  between  Dublin  and  Cork.  The  Competition  Authority  closed  its 
investigation in July 2009 with a finding in favor of Ryanair. 

State  Aid.  The  EU  rules  control  aid  granted  by  member  states  to  businesses  on  a  selective  or 
discriminatory basis. The EU Treaty prevents member states from granting such aid unless approved in advance 
by  the  EU.  Any  such  grant  of  state  aid  to  an  airline  is  subject  to  challenge  before  the  EU  or,  in  certain 
circumstances, national courts. If aid is held to have  been unlawfully granted it  may  have to be repaid by the 
airline  to  the  granting  member  state,  together  with  interest  thereon.  See  ―Item  3.  Key  InformationRisk 
FactorsRisks Related to the Company—The Company Is Subject to Legal Proceedings Alleging State Aid at 
Certain Airports‖and ―Item 8. Financial InformationOther Financial InformationLegal Proceedings.‖ 

Environmental Regulation 

Aircraft Noise Regulations. Ryanair is subject to international, national and, in some cases, local noise 
regulation standards. EU and Irish regulations have required that all aircraft operated by Ryanair comply with 
Stage  3  noise  requirements  since  April  1,  2002.  All  of  Ryanair‘s  aircraft  currently  comply  with  these 
regulations.  Certain  airports  in  the  U.K.  (including  London  Stansted  and  London  Gatwick)  and  continental 
Europe have established local noise restrictions, including limits on the number of hourly or daily operations or 
the time of such operations. 

Company  Facilities.  Environmental  controls  are  generally  imposed  under  Irish  law  through  property 
planning legislation, specifically the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts of 1963 to 1999, the 
Planning and Development Act 2000 and regulations made there under. At Dublin Airport, Ryanair operates on 
land controlled by the DAA. Planning permission for its facilities has been granted in accordance with both the 
zoning  and  planning  requirements  of  Dublin  Airport.  There  is  also  specific  Irish  environmental  legislation 
implementing applicable EU directives and regulations, to which Ryanair adheres. From time to time, noxious 
or potentially toxic substances are held on a  temporary basis  within Ryanair‘s engineering  facilities at Dublin 
Airport,  Glasgow  (Prestwick),  London  (Stansted),  Frankfurt  (Hahn),  Stockholm  (Skavsta),  Oslo  (Rygge)  and 
Kaunas.  However,  at  all  times  Ryanair‘s  storage  and  handling  of  these  substances  complies  with  the  relevant 
regulatory  requirements.  At  Ryanair‘s  Glasgow  (Prestwick)  and  London  (Stansted)  maintenance  facilities,  all 
normal waste is removed in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act of 1996 and Duty of Care Waste 
Regulations.  For  special  waste  removal,  Ryanair  operates  under  the  Special  Waste  Regulations  1998.  At  all 
other facilities Ryanair adheres to all local and EU regulations.  

79 

 
 
 
 
Ryanair’s  Policy  on  Noise  and  Emissions.  Ryanair  is  committed  to  reducing  emissions  and  noise 
through  investments  in  ―next  generation‖  aircraft  and  engine  technologies  and  the  implementation  of  certain 
operational and commercial decisions to minimize the environmental impact of its operations. According to the 
Air Travel Carbon and Energy Efficiency Report published by Brighter Planet, Ryanair is the industry leader in 
terms of environmental efficiency, and the Company is constantly working towards improving its performance. 

In  December  2005,  Ryanair  completed  the  fleet  replacement  program  it  commenced  in  1999.  All  of 
Ryanair‘s  older  Boeing  737-200A  aircraft  were  replaced  with  Boeing  737-800  ―next  generation‖  aircraft,  and 
Ryanair now operates a single-aircraft-type fleet of Boeing 737-800 ―next generation‖ aircraft with an average 
age of just over 4.5 years. The design of the new aircraft is aimed at minimizing drag, thereby reducing the rate 
of fuel burn and noise levels. The engines are also quieter and more fuel-efficient. Furthermore, by moving to an 
all Boeing 737-800 ―next generation‖ fleet, Ryanair reduced the unit emissions per passenger due to the inherent 
capacity  increase  in  the  Boeing  737-800  aircraft.  The  Boeing  737-800  ―next  generation‖  aircraft  have  a 
significantly  superior  fuel-burn  to  passenger-kilometer  ratio  than  Ryanair‘s  former  fleet  of  Boeing  737-200A 
aircraft. See ―—Aircraft‖ above for details on Ryanair‘s fleet plan. 

Ryanair has also installed winglets on all of its existing aircraft and all future aircraft will also be fitted 
with  winglets. Winglets reduce both the  rate  of fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 4% 
and also reduce noise emissions.  

In addition, Ryanair has distinctive operational characteristics that management believes are helpful to 

the general environment. In particular, Ryanair: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

operates with a high-seat density of 189 seats and an all-economy configuration, as opposed to the 
162 seats and two-class configuration of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft used by traditional network 
airlines, reducing fuel burn and emissions per seat-kilometer flown;  

has reduced per-passenger emissions through higher load factors; 

better  utilizes  existing  infrastructure  by  operating  out  of  underutilized  secondary  and  regional 
airports  throughout  Europe,  which  limits  the  use  of  holding  patterns  and  taxiing  times,  thus 
reducing fuel burn and emissions and reducing the need for new airport infrastructure;  

provides direct services as opposed to connecting flights, in order to limit the need for passengers 
to transfer at main hubs and thus reduces the number of take-offs and landings per journey from 
four to two, reducing fuel burn and emissions per journey;  

has no late-night departures of aircraft, reducing the impact of noise emissions; and 

is currently evaluating the benefits of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, a variant of the 737, with new 
more fuel-efficient engines. 

Emissions Trading. On November 19, 2008, the European Council of Ministers adopted legislation to 
add aviation to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme as of 2012. This scheme, which has thus far applied mainly 
to energy producers, is a cap-and-trade system for CO2 emissions to encourage industries to improve their CO2 
efficiency. Under the legislation, airlines were granted initial CO2 allowances based on historical ―revenue ton 
kilometers‖  and  a  CO2  efficiency  benchmark.  Any  shortage  of  allowances  has  to  be  purchased  in  the  open 
market  and/or  at  government  auctions.  Management  believes  that  this  legislation  is  likely  to  have  a  negative 
impact on the European airline industry. Ryanair takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and intends to 
continue to improve its environmental efficiency and to minimize emissions.  

Aviation Taxes. Ryanair is fundamentally opposed to the introduction of any aviation taxes, including 
any environmental taxes, fuel taxes or emissions levies. Ryanair has and continues to offer the lowest fares in 
Europe, to make passenger air travel affordable and accessible to European consumers. Ryanair believes that the 
imposition of additional taxes on airlines will not only increase airfares, but will discourage new entrants into 
the market, resulting in less choice for consumers. Ryanair believes this would ultimately have adverse effects 
on  the  European  economy  in  general.  There  is  in  particular  no  justification  for  any  environmental  taxes  on 
aviation following the introduction of the Emissions Trading Scheme for airlines. 

80 

 
 
As a company, Ryanair believes in free market competition and that the imposition of aviation taxation 
would favor the less efficient flag carriers – which generally have smaller and older aircraft, lower load factors, 
and a  much higher fuel burn per passenger, and  which operate  primarily into congested airports  – and reduce 
competition. Furthermore, the introduction of a tax at a European level only would distort competition between 
airlines  operating  solely  within  Europe  and  those  operating  also  outside  of  Europe.  We  believe  that  the 
introduction of such a tax would also be incompatible with international law. 

Airport charges 

The EU Airport Charges Directive of March 2009 sets forth general principles that are to be followed 
by airports  with  more than  five  million passenger per annum, and all capital city airports irrespective of  their 
passenger  throughput,  when  setting  airport  charges,  and  provides  for  an  appeals  procedure  for  airlines  in  the 
event they are not satisfied with the level of charges. However, Ryanair does not believe that this procedure will 
be  effective  or  that  it  will  constrain  those  airports  that  are  currently  abusing  their  dominant  position,  in  part 
because  the  legislation  was  mis-transposed  in  certain  countries,  such  as  Ireland  and  Spain,  so  as  to  deprive 
airlines of even the basic safeguards provided for in the  Directive. This legislation  may in fact lead to higher 
airport  charges,  depending  on  how  its  provisions  are  applied  by  EU  member  states  and  subsequently  by  the 
courts.  

Slots 

Currently, the majority of Ryanair‘s bases of operations have no ―slot‖ allocation restrictions; however, 
traffic at a substantial number of the airports Ryanair serves, including its primary bases, are regulated by means 
of ―slot‖ allocations, which represent authorizations to take off or land at a particular airport within a specified 
time period. In addition, EU law currently regulates the acquisition, transfer, and loss of slots. Applicable EU 
regulations  currently  prohibit  the  buying  or  selling  of  slots  for  cash.  The  European  Commission  adopted  a 
regulation  in  April  2004  (Regulation  (EC)  No.  793/2004)  that  made  some  minor  amendments  to  the  current 
allocation system, allowing for limited transfers of, but not trading in, slots. Slots may be transferred from one 
route to another by the same carrier, transferred within a group or as part of a change of control of a carrier, or 
swapped between carriers. In April 2008, the European Commission issued a communication on the application 
of the slot allocation regulation, signaling the acceptance of secondary trading of airport slots between airlines. 
This is expected to allow more flexibility and mobility in the use of slots and will further enhance possibilities 
for  market  entry  at  slot  constrained  airports.  Any  future  legislation  that  might  create  an  official  secondary 
market  for  slots  could  create  a  potential  source  of  revenue  for  certain  of  Ryanair‘s  current  and  potential 
competitors,  many  of  which  have  many  more  slots  allocated  at  primary  airports  at  present  than  Ryanair.  The 
European  Union  is  currently  considering  such  proposals  as  part  of  a  review  of  the  slots  legislation,  which  is 
currently expected to be completed in 2014. Slot values depend on several factors, including the airport, time of 
day covered, the availability of slots and the class of aircraft. Ryanair‘s ability to gain access to and develop its 
operations at slot-controlled airports will be affected by the availability of slots for takeoffs and landings at these 
specific airports. New entrants to an airport are currently given certain privileges in terms of obtaining slots, but 
such privileges are subject to the grandfathered rights of existing operators that are utilizing their slots. While 
Ryanair generally seeks to avoid slot-controlled airports, there is no assurance that Ryanair will be able to obtain 
a sufficient number of slots at the slot-controlled airports that it desires to serve in the future at the time it needs 
them or on acceptable terms. 

Other 

Health and occupational safety issues relating to the Company are largely addressed in Ireland by the 
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 and other regulations under that act. Although licenses or permits 
are  not  issued  under  such  legislation,  compliance  is  monitored  by  the  Health  and  Safety  Authority  (the 
―Authority‖), which is the regulating body in this area. The Authority periodically reviews Ryanair‘s health and 
safety record and when appropriate, issues improvement notices or prohibition notices. Ryanair has responded 
to  all  such  notices  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Authority.  Other  safety  issues  are  covered  by  the  Irish  Aviation 
Orders, which may vary from time to time.  

The Company‘s operations are subject to the general laws of Ireland and, insofar as they are applicable 
in Ireland, the laws of the EU. The Company may also become subject to additional regulatory requirements in 
the  future.  The  Company  is  also  subject  to  local  laws  and  regulations  at  locations  where  it  operates  and  the 
regulations of various local authorities that operate the airports it serves. 

81 

 
 
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY 

For  certain  information  about  each  of  the  Company‘s  key  facilities,  see  ―—Facilities‖  above. 

Management believes that the Company‘s facilities are suitable for its needs and are well maintained. 

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments 

There are no unresolved staff comments. 

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects 

The  following  discussion  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  audited  consolidated  financial 
statements of the Company and the notes thereto included in Item 18. Those consolidated financial statements 
have been prepared in accordance with IFRS.  

HISTORY 

Ryanair‘s current business strategy dates to the early 1990s, when a new management team, including 
the current chief executive, commenced the restructuring of Ryanair‘s operations to become a low-fares airline 
based  on  the  low-cost  operating  model  pioneered  by  Southwest  Airlines  Co.  in  the  United  States.  During  the 
period  between  1992  and  1994,  Ryanair  expanded  its  route  network  to  include  scheduled  passenger  services 
between Dublin and Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow (Prestwick). In 1994, Ryanair began standardizing 
its fleet by purchasing used Boeing 737-200A aircraft to replace substantially all of its leased aircraft. Beginning 
in  1996,  Ryanair  continued  to  expand  its  service  from  Dublin  to  new  provincial  destinations  in  the  U.K.  In 
August 1996, Irish Air, L.P., an investment vehicle led by David Bonderman and certain of his associates at the 
Texas Pacific Group, acquired a minority interest in the Company. Ryanair Holdings completed its initial public 
offering in June 1997. 

From  1997  through  June  30,  2013,  Ryanair  launched  service  on  more  than  1,600  routes  throughout 
Europe and also increased the frequency of service on a  number of its principal routes. During that period, in 
addition  to  Dublin,  Ryanair  established  57  airports  as  bases  of  operations.  See  ―Item  4.  Information  on  the 
Company—Route System, Scheduling and Fares‖ for a list of these bases. Ryanair has increased the number of 
booked passengers from 4.9 million in the 1999 fiscal year to approximately 79.3 million in the 2013 fiscal year. 
Ryanair had 303 Boeing 737-800 aircraft as of June 30, 2013, and now serves approximately 180 airports with a 
team of over 9,000 people.  

Ryanair  expects  to  have  approximately  410  aircraft  in  its  operating  fleet  by  March  31, 2019. This  is 
subject to lease handbacks and disposals over the period to March 31, 2019 meeting current expectations.  See 
―Liquidity  and  Capital  Resources‖  and  ―Item  4.  Information  on  the  CompanyAircraft‖  for  additional 
details. 

82 

 
 
 
 
BUSINESS OVERVIEW 

Since Ryanair pioneered its ultra-low cost operating model in Europe in the early 1990s, its passenger 
volumes  and  scheduled  passenger  revenues  have  increased  significantly  because  it  has  substantially  increased 
capacity and demand  has been  sufficient  to  match the  increased capacity.  Ryanair‘s annual booked passenger 
volume  has  grown  from  approximately  945,000  passengers  in  the  calendar  year  1992  to  approximately  79.3 
million passengers in the 2013 fiscal year. 

Ryanair‘s revenue passenger miles (―RPMs‖) increased approximately 2% from 58,584.5 million in the 
2012 fiscal year to 59,865.6 million in the 2013 fiscal year due primarily to an increase of approximately 2% in 
scheduled available seat miles (―ASMs‖) from 71,139.7 million in the 2012 fiscal year to 72,829.9 million in the 
2013 fiscal year. Scheduled passenger revenues increased approximately 9% from €3,504.0 million in the 2012 
fiscal year to €3,819.8 million in the 2013 fiscal year. Average booked passenger fare increased from €45.36 in 
the 2012 fiscal year to €48.20 in the 2013 fiscal year.  

Expanding  passenger  volumes  and  capacity,  high  load  factors  and  aggressive  cost  containment  have 
enabled Ryanair to continue to generate operating profits despite increasing price competition and increases in 
certain costs. Ryanair‘s total break-even load factor was 70% in both the 2012 fiscal year and the 2013 fiscal 
year. Cost per passenger was €48.90 in the 2012 fiscal year and €52.56 in the 2013 fiscal year, with the increase 
primarily reflecting the higher fuel cost per passenger of €23.79 in the 2013 fiscal year, as compared to €21.02 
in the 2012 fiscal year, as well as an increase of approximately 5% in passengers in the 2013 fiscal year. Ryanair 
recorded operating profits of €683.2 million in the 2012 fiscal year and €718.2 million in the 2013 fiscal year. 
The Company recorded a profit after taxation of €560.4 million in the 2012 fiscal year and profit after taxation 
of  €569.3  million  in  the  2013  fiscal  year.  Ryanair  recorded  seat  capacity  growth  of  approximately  5%  in  the 
2013  fiscal  year,  compared  to  approximately  6%  in  the  2012  fiscal  year,  and  expects  capacity  to  increase  by 
approximately 3% in the 2014 fiscal year. See ―Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the 
Company— Ryanair Has Decided to Seasonally Ground Aircraft.‖ 

Investment in Aer Lingus 

The Company owns 29.8% of Aer Lingus, which it acquired in fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009 at a 
total cost of €407.2 million. Following the approval of its shareholders, management proposed in the 2007 fiscal 
year  to  effect  a  tender  offer  to  acquire  the  entire  share  capital  of  Aer  Lingus.  This  2006  offer  was,  however, 
prohibited by the European Commission on competition grounds in June 2007. Ryanair‘s management viewed 
the acquisition of Aer Lingus in the context of the overall trend of consolidation among airlines in Europe and 
believed that the acquisition would lead to the formation of one strong Irish airline group able to compete with 
large  carriers  such  as  Lufthansa,  Air  France/KLM  and  British  Airways/Iberia  (now  ―International  Airlines 
Group‖).  During  the  EU  competition  review,  the  Company  made  a  commitment  that  if  the  acquisition  was 
approved, Ryanair would eliminate Aer Lingus‘ fuel surcharges and reduce its fares, which would have resulted 
in  Aer  Lingus  passengers  saving  approximately  €100  million  per  year.  The  Company  was  thus  surprised  and 
disappointed by the European Commission‘s decision to prohibit this offer. This decision was the first adverse 
decision taken in respect of any EU airline merger and the first-ever adverse decision in respect of a proposed 
merger of two companies with less than 5% of the EU market for their services. Ryanair filed an appeal with the 
CFI, which was heard in July 2009. On July 6, 2010, the CFI upheld the Commission‘s decision.  

In  October  2007,  the  European  Commission  also  reached  a  formal  decision  that  it  would  not  force 
Ryanair to sell its shares in Aer Lingus. Aer Lingus appealed this decision before the CFI. This case was heard 
in July 2009 and on July 6, 2010 the court rejected Aer Lingus‘ appeal and confirmed that Ryanair cannot be 
forced to dispose of its 29.8% stake in Aer Lingus. However, EU legislation may change in the future to require 
such  a  forced  disposition.  If  eventually  forced  to  dispose  of  its  stake  in  Aer  Lingus,  Ryanair  could  suffer 
significant losses due to the negative impact on market prices of the forced sale of such a significant portion of 
Aer Lingus‘ shares. 

83 

 
 
 
 
On December 1, 2008, Ryanair made a new offer to acquire all of the ordinary shares of Aer Lingus it 
did not own at a price of €1.40 per ordinary share. Ryanair offered to keep Aer Lingus as a separate company, 
maintain the Aer Lingus brand, and retain its Heathrow slots and connectivity. Ryanair also proposed to double 
Aer  Lingus‘  short-haul  fleet  from  33  to  66  aircraft  and  to  create  1,000  associated  new  jobs  over  a  five-year 
period. If the offer had been accepted, the Irish government would have received over €180 million in cash. The 
employee share ownership trust and employees, who owned 18% of Aer Lingus, would have received over €137 
million in cash. The Company met Aer Lingus management, representatives of the employee share ownership 
trust and other parties, including members of the Irish Government. The offer of €1.40 per share represented a 
premium of approximately 25% over the closing price of €1.12 for Aer Lingus shares on November 28, 2008. 
As the Company was unable to secure the shareholders‘ support, it decided on January 28, 2009 to withdraw its 
offer for Aer Lingus. 

The United Kingdom‘s Office of Fair Trading (―OFT‖) wrote to Ryanair in September 2010, advising 
that  it  intended  to  investigate  Ryanair‘s  minority  stake  in  Aer  Lingus.  Ryanair  objected  on  the  basis  that  the 
OFT‘s investigation was time-barred. Ryanair maintains that the OFT had the opportunity, which it missed, to 
investigate Ryanair‘s minority stake within four months from the European Commission‘s June 2007 decision to 
prohibit  Ryanair‘s  takeover  of  Aer  Lingus.  The  OFT  agreed  in  October  2010  to  suspend  its  investigation 
pending  the  outcome  of  Ryanair‘s  appeal  against  the  OFT‘s  decision  that  its  investigation  is  within  time.  On 
July 28, 2011, the Competition Appeal Tribunal ruled that the OFT was not time barred when it attempted in 
September 2010 to open an investigation into Ryanair‘s 2006 acquisition of a minority non-controlling stake in 
Aer  Lingus.    Ryanair  subsequently  appealed  the  Competition  Appeal  Tribunal‘s  decision.    On  November  24, 
2011, the UK Court of Appeal ordered a stay of the OFT‘s investigation pending the Courts review of whether 
the OFT‘s investigation was time barred.  On May 22, 2012, the Court of Appeal found that the OFT was not 
time  barred  to  investigate  Ryanair‘s  minority  stake  in  Aer  Lingus  in  September  2010.    Ryanair  subsequently 
sought  permission  to  appeal  that  ruling  to  the  UK  Supreme  Court,  but  permission  was  refused.  On  June  15, 
2012,  the  OFT  referred  the  investigation  of  Ryanair‘s  minority  stake  in  Aer  Lingus  to  the  UK  Competition 
Commission.  The  Competition  Commission‘s  decision  is  expected  by  September  05,  2013.  The  Competition 
Commission could order Ryanair to divest some or all of its shares in Aer Lingus, as a result of which Ryanair 
could suffer losses due to the negative impact on market prices of the forced sale of such a significant portion of 
Aer Lingus‘ shares. On July 23, 2013 the Company announced that as part of its remedies discussions with the 
UKCC it had offered to give an undertaking to unconditionally sell its shareholding in Aer Lingus to any other 
EU  airline  that  makes  an  offer  for  Aer  Lingus  and  acquires  acceptances  in  respect  of  more  than  50%  of  Aer 
Lingus‘ issued share capital. 

On June 19, 2012, Ryanair made a third offer to acquire all of the ordinary shares of Aer Lingus it did 
not  own  at  a  price  of  €1.30  per  ordinary  share.    The  timing  of  the  offer  was  influenced  by:  (i)  the  continued 
consolidation of European airlines, and more recently the International Airlines Group (the parent company of 
British Airways) takeover of British Midland International, where the No.1 airline at Heathrow was allowed to 
acquire the No. 2; (ii) the additional capacity available at  Dublin airport following the  opening of Terminal 2 
and the decline in traffic from 23.3 million passengers per annum in 2007 to 18.7 million in 2011, has resulted 
in Dublin airport operating at approximately 50% capacity; (iii) the change in the Irish government policy since 
2006 in that the Irish government has decided to sell its stake in Aer Lingus; (iv) the fact that under the terms of 
the  bailout  agreement  provided  by  the  European  Commission,  European  Central  Bank  and  the  International 
Monetary Fund to Ireland, the Irish government has committed to sell its stake in Aer Lingus; (v) the fact that 
the ESOT (Employee Share Ownership Trust) which at the time of the unsuccessful 2006 offer controlled 15% 
of Aer Lingus, has been disbanded since December 2010 and the shares distributed to the individual members, 
with the result that Ryanair‘s new offer was, in Ryanair‘s view, capable of reaching over 50% acceptance either 
with or without government acceptance; and (vi) the fact that recently Etihad,  an Abu Dhabi based airline, has 
acquired a 3% stake in Aer Lingus and has expressed an interest in buying the government‘s 25% stake in Aer 
Lingus  (the  offer  therefore  provided  Etihad  or  any  other  potential  bidder  the  opportunity  to  purchase  the 
government‘s stake).  

Ryanair offered to keep Aer Lingus as a separate company, maintain the Aer Lingus brand, and to grow 
its traffic from 9.5 million to over 14.5 million passengers over a five year period post acquisition, by growing 
Aer  Lingus‘  short  haul  traffic  at  some  of  Europe‘s  major  airports  where  Aer  Lingus  currently  operates  and 
Ryanair  does  not.  Ryanair  also  intended  to  increase  Aer  Lingus‘  transatlantic  traffic  from  Ireland,  which  has 
fallen  in  recent  years,  by  investing  in  operations.  If  the  offer  was  accepted,  the  Irish  government  would  have 
received €173 million in cash. The offer of €1.30 per share represented a premium of approximately 38% over 
the closing price of €0.94 for Aer Lingus shares as of June 19, 2012. The offer was conditional on competition 
approval by the European Commission. However, on February 27, 2013, the European Commission prohibited 

84 

 
 
the acquisition by Ryanair of the remaining share capital of Aer Lingus. Ryanair appealed this prohibition to the 
EU General Court on May 8, 2013. A judgment in this appeal is expected within 18-24 months of the date of 
filing. 

The available for sale financial asset balance sheet value of €221.2 million reflects the market value of 
the Company‘s stake in Aer Lingus as of March 31, 2013, as compared to a value of €149.7 million as of March 
31,  2012.  In  accordance  with  the  company‘s  accounting  policy,  this  investment  is  held  at  fair  value.  This 
investment is classified as available-for-sale, rather than as an investment in an associate, because the Company 
does not have the power to exercise any influence over Aer Lingus. The increase in the amount of the available 
for sale financial asset from €149.7 million at March 31, 2012 to €221.2 million at March 31, 2013 is comprised 
of  a  gain  of  €71.5  million,  recognized  through  other  comprehensive  income,  reflecting  the  increase  in  Aer 
Lingus‘  share  price  from  €0.94  per  share  at  March  31,  2012  to  €1.39  per  share  at  March  31,  2013.  All 
impairment  losses  are  required  to  be  recognized  in  the  income  statement  and  are  not  subsequently  reversed, 
while  gains  are  recognized  through  other  comprehensive  income.    The  investment  had  in  prior  periods  been 
impaired to €0.50 per share.  In fiscal year 2010, the Company recorded an impairment charge of €13.5 million 
in the income statement on its Aer Lingus shareholding. 

The Company's determination that it does not have control, or even exercise a ―significant influence,‖ 

over Aer Lingus through its minority shareholding has been based on the following factors:  

(i) Ryanair does not have any representation on the Aer Lingus Board of Directors; nor does it have a right to 
appoint a director; 

(ii) Ryanair does not participate in Aer Lingus policy-making decisions; nor does it have a right to participate in 
such policy-making decisions; 

(iii) There are no material transactions between Ryanair and Aer Lingus, there is no interchange of personnel 
between the two companies and there is no sharing of technical information between the companies; 

(iv) Aer Lingus and its significant shareholder (the Irish government: 25.1%) have historically openly opposed 
Ryanair‘s investment or participation in the company; 

(v) In 2007, 2009 and 2010, Aer  Lingus refused Ryanair‘s attempt to assert its statutory right to requisition a 
general meeting (a legal right of any 5% shareholder under Irish law).  

(vi) On April 15, 2011, the High Court in Dublin ruled that Aer Lingus was not obliged to accede to Ryanair‘s 
request that two additional resolutions (on the payment of a dividend and on payments to pension schemes) be 
put to vote at Aer Lingus‘ annual general meeting; and 

(vii) The European Commission has formally found that Ryanair‘s shareholding in Aer Lingus does not grant 
Ryanair ―de jure or de facto control of Aer Lingus‖ and that ―Ryanair‘s rights as a minority shareholder…are 
associated exclusively to rights related to the protection of minority shareholders‖ (Commission Decision Case 
No. COMP/M.4439 dated October 11, 2007).The European  Commission‘s  finding  has  been confirmed by the 
European Union's General Court  which issued a  decision on July 6, 2010 that the European Commission  was 
justified  to  use  the  required  legal  and  factual  standard  in  its  refusal  to  order  Ryanair  to  divest  its  minority 
shareholding in Aer Lingus and that, as part of that decision, Ryanair‘s shareholding did not confer control of 
Aer Lingus (Judgment of the General Court (Third Chamber) Case No. T-411/07 dated July 6, 2010). 

85 

 
 
 
 
Historical Results Are Not Predictive of Future Results  

The historical results of operations discussed herein may not be indicative of Ryanair‘s future operating 
performance. Ryanair‘s future results of operations will be  affected by, among other things, overall passenger 
traffic volume; the availability of new airports for expansion; fuel prices; the airline pricing environment in a 
period  of  increased  competition;  the  ability  of  Ryanair  to  finance  its  planned  acquisition  of  aircraft  and  to 
discharge the resulting debt service obligations; economic and political conditions in Ireland, the U.K. and the 
EU;  terrorist  threats  or  attacks  within  the  EU;  seasonal  variations  in  travel;  developments  in  government 
regulations,  litigation  and  labor  relations;  foreign  currency  fluctuations,  the  impact  of  the  banking  crisis  and 
potential break-up of the euro; competition and the public‘s perception regarding the safety of low-fares airlines; 
the  value  of its equity stake in  Aer  Lingus; changes in aircraft acquisition, leasing, and other operating costs; 
flight interruptions caused by volcanic ash emissions or other atmospheric disruptions; flight disruptions caused 
by periodic and prolonged air traffic controller strikes in Europe; the rates of income and corporate taxes paid, 
and the impact of the financial and Eurozone crisis. Ryanair expects its depreciation, staff and fuel charges to 
increase as additional aircraft and related flight equipment are acquired. Future fuel costs may also increase as a 
result  of  the  depletion  of  petroleum  reserves,  the  shortage  of  fuel  production  capacity  and/or  production 
restrictions imposed by fuel oil producers. Maintenance expenses may also increase as a result of Ryanair‘s fleet 
expansion and replacement program. In addition, the financing of new Boeing 737-800 aircraft will increase the 
total amount of the  Company‘s outstanding debt and the payments it is obliged to  make to service  such debt. 
The cost of insurance coverage for certain third-party liabilities arising from ―acts of war‖ or terrorism increased 
dramatically following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Although Ryanair currently passes on increased 
insurance costs to passengers by means of a special ―insurance levy‖ on each ticket, there can be no assurance 
that  it  will  continue  to  be  successful  in  doing  so.  See  ―Item  3.  Key  Information—Risk  Factors—The  2001 
Terrorist Attacks on the United States Had a Severe Negative Impact on the International Airline Industry.‖ 

RECENT OPERATING RESULTS 

The Company‘s profit after tax for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 (the first quarter of the Company‘s 
2014 fiscal year) was €78.1 million, as compared to €98.8 million for the corresponding period of the previous 
year. The Company recorded a decrease in operating profit, from €132.0 million in the first quarter of the 2013 
fiscal  year  to  €103.3  million  in  the  recently  completed  quarter.  Total  operating  revenues  increased  from 
€1,283.9  million  in  the  first  quarter  of  2013  to  €1,342.2  million  in  the  first  quarter  of  2014.  The  decrease  in 
operating  profit  was  primarily  due  to  a  4%  reduction  in  average  fares  and  an  8%  increase  in  total  operating 
expenses, offset by strong ancillary revenues.  Operating expenses increased from €1,151.9 million in the  first 
quarter of 2013 to €1,238.9 million in the first quarter of 2014, due primarily to the 6% increase in fuel costs 
and an increase in other operating costs associated with a higher level of activity in line with the growth of the 
airline. The Company‘s cash  and cash equivalents, restricted cash and financial assets  with terms of less than 
three  months  amounted  to  €3,592.7  million  at  June  30,  2013  as  compared  with  €3,807.6  million  at  June  30, 
2012. 

86 

 
 
 
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The  following  discussion  and  analysis  of  Ryanair‘s  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  is 
based on its consolidated financial statements, which are included in Item 18 and prepared in accordance with 
IFRS.  

The  preparation of the  Company‘s  financial statements requires  the use of estimates, judgments, and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and 
the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the  periods  presented.  Actual  results  may  differ  from 
these estimates.  

The Company believes that its critical accounting policies, which are those that require management‘s 
most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, are those described in this section. These critical accounting 
policies,  the  judgments  and  other  uncertainties  affecting  application  of  these  policies  and  the  sensitivity  of 
reported  results  to  changes  in  conditions  and  assumptions  are  factors  to  be  considered  in  reviewing  the 
consolidated  financial  statements  included  in  Item  18  and  the  discussion  and  analysis  below.  For  additional 
detail  on  these  policies,  see  Note  1,  ―Basis  of  preparation  and  significant  accounting  policies,‖  to  the 
consolidated financial statements included in Item 18.  

Long-lived Assets 

As  of  March  31,  2013,  Ryanair  had  €4.9  billion  of  long-lived  assets,  virtually  all  of  which  were 
aircraft. In accounting for long-lived assets, Ryanair must make estimates about the expected useful lives of the 
assets, the expected residual values of the assets, and the potential for impairment based on the fair value of the 
assets and the cash flows they generate. 

In estimating the lives and expected residual values of its aircraft, Ryanair has primarily relied on its 
own and industry experience, recommendations from Boeing, the manufacturer of all of the Company‘s aircraft, 
valuations from appraisers and other available marketplace information. Subsequent revisions to these estimates, 
which can be significant, could be caused by changes to Ryanair‘s maintenance program, changes in utilization 
of  the  aircraft,  governmental  regulations  on  aging  of  aircraft,  changes  in  new  aircraft  technology,  changes  in 
governmental and environmental taxes, changes in new aircraft fuel efficiency and changing market prices for 
new  and  used  aircraft  of  the  same  or  similar  types.  Ryanair  evaluates  its  estimates  and  assumptions  in  each 
reporting period, and,  when  warranted, adjusts these assumptions. Generally, these adjustments are accounted 
for on a prospective basis, through depreciation expense. 

Ryanair  periodically  evaluates  its  long-lived  assets  for  impairment.  Factors  that  would  indicate 
potential  impairment  would  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  significant  decreases  in  the  market  value  of  an 
aircraft, a significant change in an aircraft‘s physical condition and operating or cash flow losses associated with 
the use of the aircraft. While the airline industry as a whole has experienced many of these factors from time to 
time, Ryanair has not yet been seriously impacted and continues to record positive cash flows from these long-
lived assets. Consequently, Ryanair has not yet identified any impairments related to its existing aircraft fleet. 
The Company will continue to monitor its long-lived assets and the general airline operating environment.  

The Company‘s estimate of the recoverable amount of aircraft residual values is 15% of current market 
value  of  new  aircraft,  determined  periodically,  based  on  independent  valuations  and  actual  aircraft  disposals 
during  prior  periods.  Aircraft  are  depreciated  over  a  useful  life  of  23  years  from  the  date  of  manufacture  to 
residual value. 

Heavy Maintenance 

An  element  of  the  cost  of  an  acquired  aircraft  is  attributed,  on  acquisition,  to  its  service  potential, 

reflecting the maintenance condition of the engines and airframe.  

87 

 
 
 
 
 
For aircraft held under operating lease agreements, Ryanair is contractually committed to either return 
the  aircraft  in  a  certain  condition  or  to  compensate  the  lessor  based  on  the  actual  condition  of  the  airframe, 
engines and life-limited parts upon return. In order to fulfill such conditions of  the  lease,  maintenance, in the 
form  of  major  airframe  overhaul,  engine  maintenance  checks,  and  restitution  of  major  life-limited  parts,  is 
required  to  be  performed  during  the  period  of  the  lease  and  upon  return  of  the  aircraft  to  the  lessor.  The 
estimated  airframe  and  engine  maintenance  costs  and  the  costs  associated  with  the  restitution  of  major  life-
limited parts, are accrued and charged to profit or loss over the lease term for this contractual  obligation, based 
on the present value of the estimated future cost of the major airframe overhaul, engine maintenance checks and 
restitution of major life-limited parts, calculated by reference to the number of hours flown or cycles operated 
during the year. 

Ryanair‘s  aircraft  operating  lease  agreements  typically  have  a  term  of  seven  years,  which  closely 
correlates  with the timing of  heavy  maintenance checks. The  contractual obligation to  maintain and replenish 
aircraft  held  under  operating  lease  exists  independently  of  any  future  actions  within  the  control  of  Ryanair. 
While Ryanair may, in very limited circumstances, sub-lease its aircraft, it remains fully liable to perform all of 
its contractual obligations under the ‗head lease‘ notwithstanding any such sub-leasing. 

Both of these elements of accounting policies involve the use of estimates in determining the quantum 
of both the initial maintenance asset and/or the amount of provisions to be recorded and the respective periods 
over which such amounts are charged to income. In making such estimates, Ryanair has primarily relied on its 
own and industry experience, industry regulations and recommendations from Boeing; however, these estimates 
can be subject to revision, depending on a number of factors, such as the timing of the planned maintenance, the 
ultimate  utilization  of  the  aircraft,  changes  to  government  regulations  and  increases  or  decreases  in  estimated 
costs. Ryanair evaluates its estimates and assumptions in each reporting period and, when warranted, adjusts its 
assumptions,  which  generally  impact  maintenance  and  depreciation  expense  in  the  income  statement  on  a 
prospective basis. 

88 

 
 
 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  income  statement  data  (calculated  under  IFRS)  for  Ryanair 

expressed as a percentage of Ryanair‘s total revenues for each of the periods indicated: 

Total revenues ..............................................................  
  Scheduled revenues ...................................................  
  Ancillary revenues .....................................................  
Total operating expenses ..............................................  
  Staff costs ..................................................................  
  Depreciation ..............................................................  
  Fuel and oil ................................................................  
  Maintenance, materials and repairs ...........................  
  Aircraft rentals...........................................................  
  Route charges ............................................................  
  Airport and handling charges ....................................  
  Marketing, distribution and other ..............................  
Operating profit ............................................................  
Net interest income (expense) ......................................  
Other income (expenses) ..............................................  
Profit before taxation ....................................................  
Taxation .......................................................................  
Profit after taxation  .....................................................  

Fiscal Year ended March 31, 
2012 

2011 

2013 

100% 
78.2 
21.8 
85.3 
8.9 
6.7 
38.6 
2.5 
2.0 
10.0 
12.5 
4.1 
14.7 
(1.5) 
0.1 
13.3 
(1.6) 
11.7 

100% 
79.8 
20.2 
84.5 
9.5 
7.0 
36.3 
2.4 
2.1 
10.5 
12.6 
4.1 
15.5 
(1.5) 
0.3 
14.3 
(1.7) 
12.6 

100% 
77.9 
22.1 
86.5 
10.4 
7.7 
33.8 
2.6 
2.7 
11.3 
13.5 
4.6 
13.4 
(1.8) 
- 
11.6 
(1.3) 
10.3 

FISCAL YEAR 2013 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR 2012 

Profit after taxation. Ryanair recorded a profit on ordinary activities after taxation of €569.3 million in 
the 2013 fiscal year, as compared with a profit of €560.4 million in the 2012 fiscal year. This 1.6% increase was 
primarily attributable to an increase in revenues driven by a 4.3% increase in average fares and a 20.1% increase 
in ancillary revenues, partially offset by a 18.3% increase in fuel and oil costs from €1,593.6 million to €1.885.6 
million. The result in fiscal 2012 included €57.8 million, net of tax, relating to a one off release of ticket sales 
revenue  due  to  a  change  in  accounting  estimates  arising  in  enhancements  to  Ryanair‘s  revenue  accounting 
system. 

Scheduled revenues. Ryanair‘s scheduled passenger revenues increased 9.0%, from €3,504.0 million in 
the  2012  fiscal  year,  to  €3,819.8  million  in  the  2013  fiscal  year,  primarily  reflecting  an  increase  of  4.3%  in 
average fares. The number of passengers booked increased 4.5%, from 75.8 million to 79.3 million, reflecting 
increased passenger volumes on existing routes and the successful launch of new bases at Chania, Eindhoven, 
Fez,  Krakow,  Maastricht,  Marrakech  and  Zadar  in  the  2013  fiscal  year.    Booked  passenger  load  factors 
remained flat at 82% in both fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013. 

Passenger capacity during the 2013 fiscal year increased by 4.7% due to the addition of 11 Boeing 737-
800  aircraft  (net  of  lease  handbacks).  Scheduled  passenger  revenues  accounted  for  78.2  %  of  Ryanair‘s  total 
revenues for the 2013 fiscal year, compared with 79.8% of total revenues in the 2012 fiscal year. 

During fiscal year 2012, changes in estimates relating to the timing of revenue recognition for unused 
passenger tickets were made, resulting in increased revenue in the 2012 fiscal year of €65.3 million. This change 
reflects more accurate and timely data obtained through system enhancements. 

89 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ancillary revenues. Ryanair‘s ancillary revenues, which comprise revenues from non-flight scheduled 
operations, in-flight sales and Internet-related services, increased 20.1%, from €886.2 million in the 2012 fiscal 
year  to  €1,064.2  million  in  the  2013  fiscal  year,  while  ancillary  revenues  per  booked  passenger  increased  to 
€13.43 from €11.69. Revenues from non-flight scheduled operations, including revenues from excess baggage 
charges,  administration/credit  card  fees,  sales  of  rail  and  bus  tickets,  priority  boarding,  reserved  seating, 
accommodation, travel insurance and car rental increased 23.3% to €796.2 million from €645.6 million in the 
2012  fiscal  year.  Revenues  from  in-flight  sales  increased  2.8%,  to  €110.2  million  from  €107.2  million  in  the 
2012 fiscal  year. Revenues from Internet-related services,  primarily commissions received from products sold 
on  Ryanair.com  or  linked  websites,  increased  18.3%,  from  €133.4  million  in  the  2012  fiscal  year  to  €157.8 
million in the 2013 fiscal year. The rate of increase in revenues from all ancillary revenue categories exceeded 
that of the increase in overall passengers booked. 

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  components  of  ancillary  revenues  earned  by  Ryanair  and  each 

component expressed as a percentage of total ancillary revenues for each of the periods indicated: 

Fiscal Year ended March 31, 

2013 

2012 
(in millions of euro, except percentage data) 

Non-flight Scheduled ..................  
In-flight Sales ..............................  
Internet-related ............................  
Total ............................................  

€796.2 
€110.2 
€157.8 
€1,064.2 

74.8% 
10.4% 
14.8% 
100.0% 

€645.6 
€107.2 
€133.4 
€886.2 

72.9% 
12.1% 
15.0% 
100.0% 

Operating  expenses.  As  a  percentage  of  total  revenues,  Ryanair‘s  operating  expenses  increased  from 
84.5% in the 2012 fiscal year to 85.3% in the 2013 fiscal year, as total revenues increased by 11.2%, slower than 
the  12.4%  increase  in  operating  expenses.  In  absolute  terms,  total  operating  expenses  increased  12.4%,  from 
€3,707.0 million in the 2012 fiscal year to €4,165.8 million in the 2013 fiscal year, principally as a result of an 
18.3% increase in fuel and oil costs from €1,593.6 million in the 2012 fiscal year to €1,885.6 million in the 2013 
fiscal  year.  Staff costs, depreciation and amortization, aircraft rental expenses, route  charges,  airport handling 
charges  and  marketing,  distribution  and  other  costs  decreased  as  a  percentage  of  total  revenues,  while 
maintenance  and  fuel  and  oil  expenses  increased.  Total  operating  expenses  per  passenger  increased  by  7.5%, 
with the increase reflecting, principally, the increase in passenger capacity during the 2013 fiscal year and the 
impact of the higher fuel costs. 

The  Company‘s  decision  to  ground  aircraft  did  not  have  a  material  impact  on  the  results  of  the 
Company  for  the  year  ended  March  31,  2013  and,  at  present,  is  not  anticipated  to  have  a  material  impact  on 
future  operations.  The  Company  anticipates  that  any  revenues  which  could  have  been  generated  had  the 
Company  operated  the  grounded  aircraft  would  have  been  lower  than  the  operating  costs  associated  with 
operating these aircraft, due to significantly higher fuel costs, airport charges and taxes. The Company does not 
anticipate that any material staff costs will be incurred during future periods of the grounding of aircraft, as the 
relevant staff can be furloughed under the terms of their contracts without compensation and the maintenance 
costs  associated  with  the  grounded  aircraft  will  be  minimal.  However,  the  Company  will  still  incur  aircraft 
ownership costs comprised of depreciation and amortization costs, lease rentals costs and financing costs. 

90 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  table  sets  forth  the  amounts  in  euro  cent  of,  and  percentage  changes  in,  Ryanair‘s 
operating expenses (on a per-passenger basis) for the  fiscal years ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012 
under IFRS. These data are calculated by dividing the relevant expense amount (as shown in the consolidated 
financial statements) by the number of booked passengers in the relevant year as shown in the table of ―Selected 
Operating and Other Data‖ in Item 3 and rounding to the nearest euro cent; the percentage change is calculated 
on the basis of the relevant figures before rounding. 

Staff costs ...............................................................................  
Depreciation ...........................................................................  
Fuel and oil .............................................................................  
Maintenance, materials and repairs ........................................  
Aircraft rentals .......................................................................  
Route charges .........................................................................  
Airport and handling charges .................................................  
Marketing, distribution and other ...........................................  
Total operating expenses ........................................................  

Fiscal Year 
Ended 
March 31, 
2013 

Fiscal Year 
Ended 
March 31, 
2012 

% Change 

€ 
5.50 
4.16 
23.79 
1.52 
1.24 
6.14 
7.71 
2.50 
52.56 

€ 
5.47 
4.08 
21.02 
1.37 
1.20 
6.08 
7.31 
2.37 
48.90 

0.4% 
2.0% 
13.2% 
11.0% 
3.5% 
1.1% 
5.6% 
5.2% 
7.5% 

Staff  costs.  Ryanair‘s  staff  costs,  which  consist  primarily  of  salaries,  wages  and  benefits,  increased 
0.4% on a per-passenger basis, while in absolute terms, these costs increased 5.0%, from €415.0 million in the 
2013  fiscal  year  to  €435.6  million  in  the  2013  fiscal  year.  The  increase  in  absolute  terms  was  primarily 
attributable to a 3.7% increase in hours flown and a flight crew pay increase of 2% granted in fiscal 2013. 

Depreciation  and  amortization.  Ryanair‘s  depreciation  and  amortization  per  passenger  increased  by 
2.0%, while in absolute terms these costs increased 6.6% from €309.2 million in the 2012 fiscal year to €329.6 
million in the 2013 fiscal year. The increase was primarily attributable to the addition of 11 owned aircraft to the 
fleet during the 2013 fiscal year. See ―—Critical Accounting Policies—Long-lived Assets‖ above. 

Fuel and oil. Ryanair‘s fuel and oil costs per passenger increased by 13.2%, while in absolute terms, 
these costs increased by 18.3% from €1,593.6 million in the 2012 fiscal  year  to €1,884.6  million in the 2013 
fiscal  year,  in  each  case  after  giving  effect  to  the  Company‘s  fuel  hedging  activities.  The  18.3%  increase 
reflected a 15% increase in average fuel prices paid and the impact of a 3.7% increase in the number of hours 
flown, which were offset in part by a 2.2% decrease in the average sector length. Fuel and oil costs include the 
direct cost of fuel, the cost of delivering fuel to the aircraft, aircraft de-icing and EU emissions trading costs. 
The average fuel price paid by Ryanair (calculated by dividing total fuel costs by the number of U.S. gallons of 
fuel consumed) increased 14.4% from €2.08 per U.S. gallon in the 2012 fiscal year to €2.38 per U.S. gallon in 
the 2013 fiscal year, in each case after giving effect to the Company‘s fuel hedging activities. 

Maintenance,  materials  and  repairs.  Ryanair‘s  maintenance,  materials  and  repair  expenses,  which 
consist primarily of the cost of routine maintenance, provision for leased aircraft and the overhaul of spare parts, 
increased  11.0%  on  a  per-passenger  basis,  while  in  absolute  terms  these  expenses  increased  by  16.0%  from 
€104.0 million in the 2012 fiscal year to €120.7 million in the 2013 fiscal year. The increase in absolute terms 
during the  fiscal year reflected the additional costs arising from increased level of activity and the opening of 
new bases. 

Aircraft  rentals.  Aircraft rental expenses amounted to €98.2  million in the 2013 fiscal  year, an 8.2% 
increase from the €90.7 million reported in the 2012 fiscal year, reflecting the negative impact of higher lessor 
financing costs and the adverse impact of changes in the euro/dollar exchange rate on new leased aircraft and 
the handback of 4 aircraft due to the maturity of leases. 

91 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Route  charges  and  airport  and  handling  charges.  Ryanair‘s  route  charges  per  passenger  increased 
1.1%  in  the  2013  fiscal  year,  while  airport  and  handling  charges  per  passenger  increased  5.6%.  In  absolute 
terms, route charges increased 5.7%, from €460.5 million in the 2012 fiscal year to €486.6 million in the 2013 
fiscal year, primarily as a result of the 4.7% increase in sectors flown. In absolute terms, airport and handling 
charges increased 10.4%, from €554.0 million in the 2012 fiscal year, to €611.6 million in the 2013 fiscal year, 
reflecting the overall growth in passenger volumes and higher charges at Dublin and London (Stansted) airports, 
partially offset by lower average costs at Ryanair‘s newer airports and bases. 

Marketing,  distribution  and  other  expenses.  Ryanair‘s  marketing,  distribution  and  other  operating 
expenses, including those applicable to the generation of ancillary revenues, increased 5.2% on a per-passenger 
basis  in  the  2013  fiscal  year,  while  in  absolute  terms,  these  costs  increased  9.9%,  from  €180.0  million  in  the 
2012  fiscal  year  to  €197.9  million  in  the  2013  fiscal  year,  with  the  overall  increase  primarily  reflecting  the 
higher level of activity and increased onboard product costs reflecting the higher level of sales. 

Operating profit.  As a result of the factors outlined above, operating profit increased 0.6% on a per-
passenger basis in the 2013 fiscal year, and also increased in absolute terms, from €683.2 million in the 2012 
fiscal year to €718.2 million in the 2013 fiscal year.  

Finance  income.  Ryanair‘s  interest  and  similar  income  decreased  38.2%,  from  €44.3  million  in  the 

2012 fiscal year to €27.4 million in the 2013 fiscal year, reflecting the reduced yields on term deposits. 

Finance  expense.  Ryanair‘s  interest  and  similar  charges  decreased  9.0%,  from  €109.2  million  in  the 
2012 fiscal year to €99.3 million in the 2013 fiscal year, primarily due to lower interest rates in the 2013 fiscal 
year compared to the 2012 fiscal year. These costs are expected to increase as Ryanair further expands its fleet. 

Foreign exchange gains/losses. Ryanair recorded foreign exchange gains of €4.6  million in the 2013 
fiscal year, as compared with foreign exchange gains of €4.3 million in the 2012 fiscal year, with the different 
result  being  primarily  due  to  the  positive  impact  of  changes  in  the  U.K.  pound  sterling  and  the  U.S.  dollar 
exchange rates against the euro. 

Taxation. The effective tax rate for the 2013 fiscal year was 12.5%, as compared to an effective tax rate 
of  11.5%  in  the  2012  fiscal  year.  The  effective  tax  rate  reflects  the  statutory  rate  of  Irish  corporation  tax  of 
12.5%. Ryanair recorded an income tax provision of €81.6 million in the 2013 fiscal year, compared with a tax 
provision of €72.6 million in the 2012 fiscal year, with the increase primarily reflecting higher pre-tax profits. 
The determination regarding the recoverability of the deferred tax asset was based on future income forecasts, 
which demonstrated that it was more likely than not that future profits would be available in order to utilize the 
deferred  tax  asset.  A  deferred  tax  asset‘s  recoverability  is  not  dependent  on  material  improvements  over 
historical  levels  of  pre-tax  income,  material  changes  in  the  present  relationship  between  income  reported  for 
financial and tax purposes, or material asset sales or other non-routine transactions. 

92 

 
 
 
 
FISCAL YEAR 2012 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR 2011 

Profit after taxation. Ryanair recorded a profit on ordinary activities after taxation of €560.4 million in 
the  2012  fiscal  year,  as  compared  with  a  profit  of  €374.6  million  in  the  2011  fiscal  year.  This  profit  was 
primarily  attributable  to  an  increase  in  revenues  driven  by  a  15.6%  increase  in  average  fares  and  a  10.6% 
increase in ancillary revenues, partially offset by a 29.9% increase in fuel and oil costs from €1,227.0 million to 
€1,593.6 million. 

Scheduled revenues. Ryanair‘s scheduled passenger revenues increased 23.9%, from €2,827.9 million 
in the 2011 fiscal year, to €3,504.0 million in the 2012 fiscal year, primarily reflecting an  increase of 15.6% in 
average fares. The number of passengers booked increased 5.2%, from 72.1 million to 75.8 million, reflecting 
increased passenger volumes on existing routes and the successful launch of new bases at Manchester, Wroclaw, 
Baden-Baden, Billund, Palma, Paphos and Budapest in the 2012 fiscal year. There was a one percentage point 
decrease in booked passenger load factors from 83% in fiscal 2011 to 82% in fiscal 2012. 

Passenger  capacity  during  the  2012  fiscal  year  increased  by  12.3%  due  to  the  addition  of  22  Boeing 
737-800  aircraft  (net  of  handbacks),  as  well  as  a  5.8%  increase  in  sectors  flown  and  a  6.1%  increase  in  the 
average  length  of  passenger  haul.  Scheduled  passenger  revenues  accounted  for  79.8%  of  Ryanair‘s  total 
revenues for the 2012 fiscal year, compared with 77.9% of total revenues in the 2011 fiscal year. 

During fiscal year 2012, changes in estimates relating to the timing of revenue recognition for unused 
passenger  tickets  were  made,  resulting  in  increased  revenue  in  the  2012  fiscal  year  of  €65.3  million.    This 
change reflects more accurate and timely data obtained through system enhancements. 

Ancillary revenues. Ryanair‘s ancillary revenues, which comprise revenues from non-flight scheduled 
operations, in-flight sales and Internet-related services, increased 10.6%, from €801.6 million in the 2011 fiscal 
year  to  €886.2  million  in  the  2012  fiscal  year,  while  ancillary  revenues  per  booked  passenger  increased  to 
€11.69 from €11.12. Revenues from non-flight scheduled operations, including revenues from excess baggage 
charges, debit and credit card transactions, sales of rail and bus tickets, accommodation, travel insurance and car 
rental increased 12.4% to €645.6 million from €574.2 million in the 2011 fiscal year. Revenues from in-flight 
sales  increased  6.4%,  to  €107.2  million  from  €100.7  million  in  the  2011  fiscal  year.  Revenues  from  Internet-
related  services,  primarily  commissions  received  from  products  sold  on  Ryanair.com  or  linked  websites, 
increased 5.3%, from €126.7 million in the 2011 fiscal year to €133.4 million in the 2012 fiscal year. The rate of 
increase in revenues from all ancillary revenue categories exceeded the increase in overall passengers booked. 

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  components  of  ancillary  revenues  earned  by  Ryanair  and  each 

component expressed as a percentage of total ancillary revenues for each of the periods indicated: 

Fiscal Year ended March 31, 

2012 

2011 
(in millions of euro, except percentage data) 

Non-flight Scheduled ..................  
In-flight Sales ..............................  
Internet-related ............................  
Total ............................................  

€645.6 
€107.2 
€133.4 
€886.2 

72.9% 
12.1% 
15.0% 
100.0% 

€574.2 
€100.7 
€126.7 
€801.6 

71.6% 
12.6% 
15.8% 
100.0% 

Operating expenses. As a percentage of total revenues, Ryanair‘s operating expenses decreased from 
86.5% in the 2011 fiscal year to 84.5% in the 2012 fiscal year, as total revenues increased by 21.0%, faster than 
the  18.0%  increase  in  operating  expenses.  In  absolute  terms,  total  operating  expenses  increased  18.0%,  from 
€3,141.3 million in the 2011 fiscal year to €3,707.0 million in the 2012 fiscal year, principally as a result of a 
29.9% increase in fuel costs from €1,227.0 million in the 2011 fiscal year to €1,593.6 million in the 2012 fiscal 
year. Staff costs, depreciation and amortization, maintenance expenses, aircraft rental expenses, route charges, 
airport handling charges and marketing, distribution and other costs decreased as a percentage of total revenues, 
while  fuel  and  oil  increased.  Total  operating  expenses  per  passenger  increased  by  12.2%,  with  the  increase 
reflecting,  principally,  the  increase  in  passenger  numbers  during  the  2012  fiscal  year  and  the  impact  of  the 
higher fuel costs. 

93 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  Company‘s  decision  to  ground  aircraft  did  not  have  a  material  impact  on  the  results  of  the 
Company  for  the  year  ended  March  31,  2012  and,  at  present,  is  not  anticipated  to  have  a  material  impact  on 
future  operations.  The  Company  anticipates  that  any  revenues  which  could  have  been  generated  had  the 
Company  operated  the  grounded  aircraft  would  have  been  lower  than  the  operating  costs  associated  with 
operating these aircraft, due to significantly higher fuel costs, airport charges and taxes. The Company does not 
anticipate that any material staff costs will be incurred during future periods of the grounding of aircraft, as the 
relevant staff can be furloughed under the terms of their contracts without compensation and the maintenance 
costs  associated  with  the  grounded  aircraft  will  be  minimal.  However,  the  Company  will  still  incur  aircraft 
ownership costs comprised of depreciation and amortization costs, lease rentals costs and financing costs. 

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  amounts  in  euro  cent  of,  and  percentage  changes  in,  Ryanair‘s 
operating expenses per passenger for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 under IFRS. 
These  data  are  calculated  by  dividing  the  relevant  expense  amount  (as  shown  in  the  consolidated  financial 
statements) by the number of ASMs in the relevant year as shown in the table of ―Selected Operating and Other 
Data‖ in Item 3 and rounding to the nearest euro cent; the percentage change is calculated on the basis of the 
relevant figures before rounding. 

Staff costs ...............................................................................  
Depreciation ...........................................................................  
Fuel and oil .............................................................................  
Maintenance, materials and repairs ........................................  
Aircraft rentals .......................................................................  
Route charges .........................................................................  
Airport and handling charges .................................................  
Marketing, distribution and other ...........................................  
Total operating expenses ........................................................  

Fiscal Year 
Ended 
March 31, 
2012 

Fiscal Year 
Ended 
March 31, 
2011 

€ 
5.47 
4.08 
21.02 
1.37 
1.20 
6.08 
7.31 
2.37 
48.90 

€ 
5.22 
3.85 
17.03 
1.30 
1.35 
5.70 
6.82 
2.32 
43.59 

% Change 

4.9% 
5.8% 
23.5% 
5.3% 
(11.3)% 
6.6% 
7.1% 
2.5% 
12.2% 

Staff  costs.  Ryanair‘s  staff  costs,  which  consist  primarily  of  salaries,  wages  and  benefits,  increased 
4.9% on a per-passenger basis, while in absolute terms, these costs increased 10.3%, from €376.1 million in the 
2011 fiscal year (which included €4.6 million in relation to volcanic ash expenses) to €415.0 million in the 2012 
fiscal year. The increase in absolute terms was primarily attributable to a 10.5% increase in hours flown and a 
Company-wide  pay  increase  of  2%  granted  in  April  2011,  partially  offset  by  a  €2.5  million  reversal  of 
previously recognized share-based payment compensation expense for awards that did not vest.  

Depreciation  and  amortization.  Ryanair‘s  depreciation  and  amortization  per  passenger  increased  by 
5.8%, while in absolute terms these costs increased 11.3% from €277.7 million in the 2011 fiscal year, to €309.2 
million in the 2012 fiscal year. The increase was primarily attributable to the addition of 14 owned aircraft to the 
fleet during the 2012 fiscal year. See ―—Critical Accounting Policies—Long-lived Assets‖ above. 

Fuel and oil. Ryanair‘s fuel and oil costs per passenger increased by 23.5%, while in absolute terms, 
these costs increased by 29.9% from €1,227.0 million in the 2011 fiscal  year  to €1,593.6  million in the 2012 
fiscal  year,  in  each  case  after  giving  effect  to  the  Company‘s  fuel  hedging  activities.  The  29.9%  increase 
reflected an 18.2% increase in average fuel prices paid, the impact of a 10.5% increase in the number of hours 
flown and a 6.1% increase in the average sector length. Fuel and oil costs include the direct cost of fuel, the cost 
of delivering fuel to the aircraft, and aircraft de-icing costs. The average fuel price paid by Ryanair (calculated 
by dividing total fuel costs by the number of U.S. gallons of fuel consumed) increased 18.2% from €1.76 per 
U.S.  gallon  in  the  2011  fiscal  year  to  €2.08  per  U.S.  gallon  in  the  2012  fiscal  year,  in  each  case  after  giving 
effect to the Company‘s fuel hedging activities. 

Maintenance,  materials  and  repairs.  Ryanair‘s  maintenance,  materials  and  repair  expenses,  which 
consist primarily of the cost of routine maintenance and the overhaul of spare parts, increased 5.3% on a per-
passenger  basis,  while  in  absolute  terms  these  expenses  increased  by  10.8%  from  €93.9  million  in  the  2011 
fiscal  year  to  €104.0  million  in  the  2012  fiscal  year.  The  increase  in  absolute  terms  during  the  fiscal  year 
reflected the additional costs arising from increased level of activity and the opening of new bases.  

94 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Aircraft  rentals.  Aircraft  rental  expenses  amounted  to  €90.7  million  in  the  2012  fiscal  year,  a  6.7% 
decrease  from  the  €97.2  million  reported  in  the  2011  fiscal  year,  reflecting  the  lower  lease  costs  on  newer 
aircraft and the handback of 3 aircraft due to the maturity of leases. 

Route  charges  and  airport  and  handling  charges.  Ryanair‘s  route  charges  per  passenger  increased 
6.6%  in  the  2012  fiscal  year,  while  airport  and  handling  charges  per  passenger  increased  7.1%.  In  absolute 
terms, route charges increased 12.2%, from €410.6 million in the 2011 fiscal year to €460.5 million in the 2012 
fiscal year, primarily as a result of the 5.8% increase in sectors flown. In absolute terms, airport and handling 
charges increased 12.6%, from €491.8 million in the 2011 fiscal year, to €554.0 million in the 2012 fiscal year, 
reflecting the overall growth in passenger volumes and higher charges at Dublin and Stansted airports, partially 
offset by lower average costs at Ryanair‘s newer airports and bases. 

Marketing,  distribution  and  other  expenses.  Ryanair‘s  marketing,  distribution  and  other  operating 
expenses, including those applicable to the generation of ancillary revenues, increased 2.5% on a per-passenger 
basis  in  the  2012  fiscal  year,  while  in  absolute  terms,  these  costs  increased  7.8%,  from  €167.0  million  in  the 
2011  fiscal  year  to  €180.0  million  in  the  2012  fiscal  year,  with  the  overall  increase  primarily  reflecting  the 
higher level of activity and increased onboard product costs reflecting the higher level of sales. 

Operating profit. As a result of the factors outlined above, operating profit increased 33.0% on a per-
passenger basis in the 2012 fiscal year, and also increased in absolute terms, from €488.2 million in the 2011 
fiscal year to €683.2 million in the 2012 fiscal year. See ―Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Ryanair Has 
Decided  to  Seasonally  Ground  Aircraft.  The  Company‘s  decision  to  ground  aircraft  did  not  have  a  material 
impact on the results of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2012 and, at present, is not anticipated to 
have a material impact on future operations. The Company anticipates that any revenues which could have been 
generated  had  the  Company  operated  the  grounded  aircraft,  would  have  been  lower  than  the  operating  costs 
associated  with  operating  these  aircraft,  due  to  significantly  higher  fuel  costs,  airport  charges  and  taxes.  The 
Company does not anticipate that any material staff costs will be incurred during future periods of the grounding 
of aircraft, as the relevant staff can be furloughed under the terms of their contract without compensation and the 
maintenance costs associated with the grounded aircraft will be minimal. However, the Company will still incur 
aircraft  ownership  costs  comprised  of  depreciation  and  amortization  costs,  lease  rentals  costs  and  financing 
costs. 

Finance  income.  Ryanair‘s  interest  and  similar  income  increased  62.5%,  from  €27.2  million  in  the 

2011 fiscal year to €44.3 million in the 2012 fiscal year reflecting the improved yield on term deposits. 

Finance  expense.  Ryanair‘s  interest  and  similar  charges  increased  16.3%,  from  €93.9  million  in  the 
2011 fiscal year to €109.2 million in the 2012 fiscal year, primarily due to higher interest rates in the 2012 fiscal 
year compared to the 2011 fiscal year. These costs are expected to increase as Ryanair further expands its fleet. 

Foreign exchange gains/losses. Ryanair recorded foreign exchange  gains of €4.3  million in the 2012 
fiscal year, as compared with foreign exchange losses of €0.6 million in the 2011 fiscal year, with the different 
result being primarily due to the weakening of the euro against the U.K. pound sterling during the 2012 fiscal 
year. 

Taxation. The effective tax rate for the 2012 fiscal year was 11.5%, as compared to an effective tax rate 
of  11.0%  in  the  2011  fiscal  year.  The  effective  tax  rate  reflects  the  statutory  rate  of  Irish  corporation  tax  of 
12.5%. Ryanair recorded an income tax provision of €72.6 million in the 2012 fiscal year, compared with a tax 
provision of €46.3 million in the 2011 fiscal year, with the increase primarily reflecting higher pre-tax profits. 
The determination regarding the recoverability of the deferred tax asset was based on future income forecasts, 
which demonstrated that it was more likely than not that future profits would be available in order to utilize the 
deferred  tax  asset.  A  deferred  tax  asset‘s  recoverability  is  not  dependent  on  material  improvements  over 
historical  levels  of  pre-tax  income,  material  changes  in  the  present  relationship  between  income  reported  for 
financial and tax purposes, or material asset sales or other non-routine transactions. 

95 

 
 
 
 
SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS 

The  Company‘s  results  of  operations  have  varied  significantly  from  quarter  to  quarter,  and 
management  expects  these  variations  to  continue.  Among  the  factors  causing  these  variations  are  the  airline 
industry‘s  sensitivity  to  general  economic  conditions  and  the  seasonal  nature  of  air  travel.  Ryanair  typically 
records higher revenues and income in the first half of each fiscal year ended March 31 than the second half of 
such year.  

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS 

Please  see  Note  1  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  included  in  Item  18  for  information  on 

recently issued accounting standards that are material to the Company. 

96 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

Liquidity.  The  Company  finances  its  working  capital  requirements  through  a  combination  of  cash 
generated from operations and bank loans for the  acquisition of aircraft.  See ―Item 3. Key Information—Risk 
Factors—Risks Related to the Company—The Company Will Incur Significant Costs Acquiring New Aircraft 
and  Any  Instability  in  the  Credit  and  Capital  Markets  could  Negatively  Impact  Ryanair‘s  Ability  to  Obtain 
Financing  on  Acceptable  Terms‖  for  more  information  about  risks  relating  to  liquidity  and  capital  resources. 
The  Company  had  cash  and  liquid  resources  at  March  31,  2013  and  2012  of  €3,559.0  million  and  €3,515.6 
million, respectively. The increase at March 31, 2013 primarily reflects cash generated from operating activities 
of  €1,023.5  million  offset  in  part  by  the  cash  used  to  fund  the  payment  of  a  €491.5  million  dividend  and  the 
purchase of property, plant, and equipment – primarily 11 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, as well as the purchase 
of  15.0  million  Ordinary  Shares  via  a  share  buy-back  costing  €67.5  million.  During  the  2013  fiscal  year,  the 
Company  partially  funded  its  €310.7  million  in  purchases  of  property,  plant,  and  equipment  out  of  €234.6 
million in loans. Cash and liquid resources included €24.7 million and €35.1 million in ―restricted cash‖ held on 
deposit as collateral for certain derivative financial instruments entered into by the Company with respect to its 
aircraft  financing  obligations  and  other  banking  arrangements  at  March  31,  2013  and  2012,  respectively.  See 
―Item 8. Financial InformationOther Financial InformationLegal Proceedings.‖ 

The Company‘s net cash inflows from operating activities in the 2013 and 2012 fiscal years amounted 
to  €1,023.5  million  and  €1,020.3  million,  respectively.  The  €3.2  million  increase  in  net  cash  flows  from 
operating  activities  for  fiscal  year  2013  compared  to  fiscal  2012  was  principally  due  to  a  number  of  factors 
including a €493.8 million increase in operating revenues, due to a combination of a 4.3% increase in average 
fares,  a  4.5%  increase  in  booked  passengers  and  a  20.1%  increase  in  ancillary  revenues,  partially  offset  by  a 
€291.0 million, or 18.3%, increase in fuel and oil costs, due to the increase in the level of activity and increases 
in  the  average  price  of  fuel,  and  a  €146.4  million,  or  8.1%,  increase  in  non-fuel  related  operating  expenses 
(excluding a €20.4 million, or 6.6%, increase in non-cash depreciation) due to the growth of the business.  In 
addition, movements in working capital, related principally to cash received in advance for flights, and receipt 
of other receivables and increases in other payables balances, generated €67.4 million in cash in 2013, compared 
with  €101.8  million  in  2012.    This  decrease  in  net  cash  generated  from  working  capital  of  €34.4  million,  or 
approximately 34%, is primarily due to the timing of Easter, which led to lower future fly revenues at year end. 

During  the  last  two  fiscal  years,  Ryanair‘s  primary  cash  requirements  have  been  for  operating 
expenses, additional aircraft, including advance payments in respect of new Boeing 737-800s and related flight 
equipment,  payments  on  related  indebtedness  and  payments  of  corporation  tax,  as  well  as  share  buy-backs  of 
€192.1  million  and  the  payment  of  a  €491.5  million  special  dividend  to  shareholders.  Cash  generated  from 
operations has been the principal source for these cash requirements, supplemented primarily by aircraft-related 
bank loans 

The Company‘s net cash inflows from operating activities in the 2012 and 2011 fiscal years amounted 
to  €1,020.3  million  and  €786.3  million,  respectively.  The  €234.0  million,  or  29%,  increase  in  net  cash  flows 
from operating activities for fiscal year 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 was principally due to a number of factors 
including a €760.7 million increase in operating revenues, due to a combination of a 15.6% increase in average 
fares,  a  5.2%  increase  in  booked  passengers  and  a  10.6%  increase  in  ancillary  revenues,  partially  offset  by  a 
€366.6 million, or 29.9%, increase in fuel and oil costs, due to the increase in the level of activity and increases 
in  the  average  price  of  fuel,  and  a  €167.6  million,  or  10.2%,  increase  in  non-fuel  related  operating  expenses 
(excluding a €31.5 million, or 11.3%, increase in non-cash depreciation) due to the growth of the business.  In 
addition, movements in working capital, related principally to cash received in advance for flights, and receipt 
of  other  receivables  and  increases  in  other  payables  balances,  generated  €101.8  million  in  cash  in  2012, 
compared  with  €86.5  million  in  2011.    This  increase  in  net  cash  generated  from  working  capital  of  €15.3 
million, or 17.7%, primarily related to an increase in cash receipts from advance bookings. 

The  Company‘s  net  cash  used  in  investing  activities  in  fiscal  years  2013  and  2012  totaled  €1,821.5 
million and €185.4 million, respectively, primarily reflecting the Company‘s capital expenditures, and increased 
investment of cash with maturities of greater than three months, as described in more detail below. 

The  Company‘s  net  cash  used  in  investing  activities  in  fiscal  years  2012  and  2011  totaled  €185.4 
million and €474.0 million, respectively, primarily reflecting the Company‘s capital expenditures, and decreased 
investment of cash with maturities of greater than three months. 

97 

 
 
Net  cash  used in  financing activities totaled €669.4 million in the 2013 fiscal  year, largely reflecting 
the  receipt of proceeds from  long-term borrowings of €234.6 million in  fiscal  year 2013 and shares issued of 
€21.4 million, offset in part by repayments of long-term borrowings of €366.4 million, the payment of a €491.5 
million  dividend  and  shares  purchased  under  a  share  buy-back  program  of  €67.5  million.  The  Company 
experienced a net cash outflow from financing activities of €154.9 million in fiscal year 2012.  This was due to 
the receipt of proceeds from long term borrowings of €292.3 million being more than offset by repayments of 
long-term  borrowings  of  €329.7  million  and  the  expenditure  of  €124.6  million  under  the  share  buy-back 
program. 

The Company‘s net cash provided by financing activities totaled €238.1 million in the 2011 fiscal year, 
largely reflecting the receipt of proceeds from long-term borrowings of €991.4 million in fiscal year 2011, offset 
in part by repayments of long-term borrowings of €280.7 million.  

Capital Expenditures. The Company‘s net cash outflows for capital expenditures in fiscal years 2013 
and 2012 were €310.7 million and €290.4 million, respectively. Ryanair has funded a significant portion of its 
acquisition of new Boeing 737-800 aircraft and related equipment through borrowings under facilities provided 
by international financial institutions on the basis of guarantees issued by the Export-Import Bank of the United 
States (―Ex-Im Bank‖). At March 31, 2013, Ryanair had a fleet of 305 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the majority of 
which  (210  aircraft)  were  funded  by  Ex-Im  Bank-guaranteed  financing.  Other  sources  of  on-balance-sheet 
aircraft financing utilized by Ryanair are Japanese Operating Leases with Call Options (―JOLCOs‖), which are 
treated as finance leases (30 of the aircraft in the fleet as of March 31, 2013) and commercial debt financing (6 
of  the  aircraft  in  the  fleet  as  of  March  31,  2013).  Of  Ryanair‘s  total  fleet  of  305  Boeing  737-800  aircraft  at 
March  31,  2013  there  were  59  aircraft  which  were  financed  through  operating  lease  arrangements.  Of  the  15 
new Boeing 737-800 aircraft which Ryanair took delivery of between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013, four 
were  financed  through  sale-and-leaseback  financings  and  the  remainder  through  Ex-Im  Bank  guaranteed-
financing. Ryanair has generally been able to generate sufficient funds from operations to meet its non-aircraft 
acquisition-related working capital requirements. Management believes that the working capital available to the 
Company is sufficient for its present requirements and will be sufficient to meet its anticipated requirements for 
capital expenditures and other cash requirements for the 2014 fiscal year. 

The Company‘s net cash outflows for capital expenditures in fiscal years 2012 and 2011 were €290.4 
million and €897.2 million, respectively. Of the 25 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft which Ryanair took delivery of 
between  April  1,  2011  and  March  31,  2012,  11  were  financed  through  sale-and-leaseback  financings  and  the 
remainder through Ex-Im Bank guaranteed-financing. 

The following table sets forth the dates on which and the number of aircraft that will be delivered to the 

Company pursuant to the 2013 Boeing Contract: 

Fiscal Year End 

Opening Fleet 
Aircraft delivered 
Planned returns or disposals 

Closing Fleet 

   Mar 31, 
2013  

Mar 31, 
2014  

Mar 31, 
2015  

Mar 31, 
2016  

Mar 31, 
2017  

Mar 31, 
2018  

Mar 31, 
2019  

Summary  

294   
11   
-   

305   

305    
0    
(15)    

290    

290  
11  
(3)  

298  

298  
35  
(5)  

328  

328  
50  
(24)  

354  

354  
50  
(18)  

386  

386  
29  
(5)  

410  

294  
186  
(70)  

410  

Capital Resources. Ryanair‘s long-term debt (including current maturities) totaled €3,498.3 million at 
March  31,  2013  and  €3,625.2  million  at  March  31,  2012,  with  the  change  being  primarily  attributable  to 
financing  of  new  aircraft  and  repayment  of  existing  debt  facilities.  Please  see  the  table  ―Obligations  Due  by 
Period‖  below  for  more  information  on  Ryanair‘s  long-term  debt  (including  current  maturities)  and  finance 
leases as of March 31, 2013. See also Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 for 
further information on the maturity profile of the interest rate structure and other information on, the Company‘s 
borrowings. 

The Company‘s purchase of the 15 Boeing 737-800 aircraft delivered in the 2013 fiscal year has been 
funded  by  a  combination  of  financing  solutions,  including  bank  loans  supported  by  Ex-Im  Bank  guarantees 
(eleven  aircraft)  and  sale-and-leaseback  financings  (four  aircraft).  At  March  31,  2013,  the  majority  of  the 
aircraft in Ryanair‘s fleet had been financed through loan facilities with various financial institutions active in 
the structured export finance sector and supported by a loan guarantee from Ex-Im Bank. Each of these facilities 
takes  essentially  the  same  form  and  is  based  on  the  documentation  developed  by  Ryanair  and  Ex-Im  Bank, 
which  follows  standard  market  forms  for  this  type  of  financing.  In  November  2010,  Ryanair  financed  seven 

98 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
aircraft through a U.S. dollar-denominated Ex-Im Bank Capital Markets Product (―Eximbond‖). The Eximbond 
has  essentially  the  same  characteristics  as  all  previous  Ex-Im  Bank  guaranteed  financings  with  no  additional 
obligations on Ryanair. On the basis of an Ex-Im Bank guarantee with regard to the financing of up to 85% of 
the eligible U.S. and foreign content represented in the net purchase price of the relevant aircraft, the financial 
institution  investor  enters  into  a  commitment  letter  with  the  Company  to  provide  financing  for  a  specified 
number of aircraft benefiting from such guarantee; loans are then drawn down as the aircraft are delivered and 
payments to Boeing become due. Each of the loans under the facilities are on substantially similar terms, having 
a  maturity  of  12  years  from  the  drawdown  date  and  being  secured  by  a  first  priority  mortgage  in  favor  of  a 
security trustee on behalf of Ex-Im Bank.  

Through  the  use  of  interest  rate  swaps  or  cross  currency  interest  rate  swaps,  Ryanair  has  effectively 
converted  a  portion  of  its  floating-rate  debt  under  its  financing  facilities  into  fixed-rate  debt.  Approximately 
34%  of  the  loans  for  the  aircraft  acquired  under  the  above  facilities  are  not  covered  by  such  swaps  and  have 
therefore remained at floating rates linked to EURIBOR, with the interest rate exposure from these loans largely 
hedged by placing a similar amount of cash on deposit at floating interest rates. The net result is that Ryanair has 
effectively swapped or drawn down fixed-rate euro-denominated debt with maturities between seven and twelve 
years  in  respect  of  approximately  66%  of  its  outstanding  debt  financing  at  March  31,  2013  and  of  this  total 
approximately  49%  of  this  debt  has  been  partially  swapped,  with  the  relevant  swaps  covering  the  first  seven 
years of the twelve-year amortizing period.  

The  table  below  illustrates  the  effect  of  swap  transactions  (each  of  which  is  with  an  established 
international  financial counterparty) on the  profile of Ryanair‘s total outstanding debt at March 31, 2013. See 
―Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Interest Rate Exposure and Hedging‖ 
for additional details on the Company‘s hedging transactions. 

At March 31, 2013 

EUR 
Fixed 

EUR 
Floating 

(in millions of euro) 

Borrowing profile before swap transactions .....................................  
Interest rate swaps – Debt swapped from floating to fixed ...............  
Borrowing profile after swap transactions ........................................  

1,025.3 
1,293.3 
2,318.6 

2,473.0 
(1.293.3) 
1,179.7 

The  weighted-average  interest  rate  on  the  cumulative  borrowings  under  these  facilities  of  €3,498.3 
million  at  March  31,  2013  was  2.5%.  Ryanair‘s  ability  to  obtain  additional  loans  pursuant  to  each  of  the 
facilities  to  finance  the  price  of  future  Boeing  737-800  aircraft  purchases  is  subject  to  the  issuance  of  further 
bank commitments and the satisfaction of various contractual conditions. These conditions include, among other 
things, the execution of satisfactory documentation, the requirement that Ryanair perform all of its obligations 
under  the  Boeing  agreements  and  provide  satisfactory  security  interests  in  the  aircraft  (and  related  assets)  in 
favor of the lenders and Ex-Im Bank, and that Ryanair not suffer a material adverse change in its conditions or 
prospects (financial or otherwise). 

As part of its Ex-Im Bank guarantee-based financing of the Boeing 737-800s, Ryanair has entered into 
certain lease agreements and related arrangements. Pursuant to these arrangements, legal title to the 210 aircraft 
delivered and remaining in the fleet as of March 31, 2013 rests with a number of United States special purpose 
vehicles (the ―SPVs‖) in which Ryanair has no equity or other interest. The SPVs are the borrowers of record 
under  the  loans  made  or  to  be  made  under  the  facilities,  with  all  of  their  obligations  under  the  loans  being 
guaranteed by Ryanair Holdings. 

The shares of the SPVs (which are owned by an unrelated charitable association) are in turn pledged to 
a  security  trustee  in  favor  of  Ex-Im  Bank  and  the  lenders.  Ryanair  operates  each  of  the  aircraft  pursuant  to  a 
finance lease it has entered into with the SPVs, the terms of which mirror those of the relevant loans under the 
facilities.  Ryanair  has  the  right  to  purchase  the  aircraft  upon  termination  of  the  lease  for  a  nominal  amount. 
Pursuant  to  this  arrangement,  Ryanair  is  considered  to  own  the  aircraft  for  accounting  purposes  under  IFRS. 
Ryanair does not use special purpose entities for off-balance sheet financing or any other purpose which results 
in assets or liabilities not being reflected in Ryanair‘s consolidated financial statements. 

99 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ryanair  has  a  track  record  in  securing  finance  for  similar  sized  aircraft  purchases.  The  1998,  2002, 
2003 and 2005 Boeing Contracts totaling 348 aircraft were financed with approximately 66% US Ex-Im Bank 
loan  guarantees  and  capital  markets  (with  85%  loan  to  value)  financing,  24%  through  sale  and  operating 
leaseback  financing,  and  10%  through  Japanese  operating  leases  with  call  options  (―JOLCOs‖).  See  ―Item  5. 
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources.‖  

Under the new Aviation Sector Understanding which came into effect from January 1, 2013, the fees 
payable to Ex-Im Bank for the provision of loan guarantees have significantly increased, thereby making it more 
expensive  than  more  traditional  forms  of  financing.  As  a  result,  Ryanair  intends  to  finance  the  new  aircraft 
obtained  under  the  2013  Boeing  Contract  through  a  combination  of  internally  generated  cash  flows,  debt 
financing  from  commercial  banks,  debt  financing  through  the  capital  markets  in  a  secured  and  unsecured 
manner,  commercial  debt  through  JOLCOs  and  sale  and  operating  leasebacks.  These  forms  of  financing  are 
generally accepted in the aviation industry and are currently widely available for companies who have the credit 
quality  of  Ryanair.  Ryanair  may  periodically  use  Ex-Im  Bank  loan  guarantees  when  appropriate.  Ryanair 
intends  to  finance  pre-delivery  payments  (―Aircraft  Deposits‖)  to  Boeing  in  respect  of  the  New  Aircraft  via 
internally generated cash flows similar to all previous Aircraft Deposit payments.  

Using the debt capital markets to finance the 2013 Boeing Contract may require the Company to obtain 
a  credit  rating  or  potentially  to  obtain  a  credit  rating  for  specific  debt  transactions,  for  example  using  an 
Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate (―EETC‖), a structured product that is widely used in the US to finance 
aircraft  deliveries.  The  requirement  for  a  credit  rating  depends  amongst  other  things  on  whether  Ryanair 
finances the aircraft via secured funding or through general corporate purposes.  

 At March 31, 2013, Ryanair had 59 operating lease aircraft in the fleet. As a result, Ryanair operates, 
but  does  not  own,  these  aircraft,  which  were  leased  to  provide  flexibility  for  the  aircraft  delivery  program. 
Ryanair has no right or obligation to acquire these aircraft at the end of the relevant lease terms. 30 leases are 
denominated  in  euro  and  require  Ryanair  to  make  fixed  rental  payments  over  the  term  of  the  lease.  The 
remaining 29 operating leases are U.S. dollar-denominated and require Ryanair to make fixed rental payments. 
The Company has an option to extend the initial period of seven years on 41 of the 59 remaining operating lease 
aircraft as of March 31, 2013, on pre-determined terms. 15 operating lease arrangements will mature during the 
year ended March 31, 2014. In April 2013, the Company decided not to extend two leases that were maturing 
and handed these aircraft back to the lessor. In addition to the above, the Company financed 30 of the Boeing 
737-800  aircraft  delivered  between  March  2005  and  March  2013  with  13-year  euro-denominated  JOLCOs. 
These  structures  are  accounted  for  as  finance  leases  and  are  initially  recorded  at  fair  value  in  the  Company‘s 
balance  sheet.  Under  each  of  these  contracts,  Ryanair  has  a  call  option  to  purchase  the  aircraft  at  a  pre-
determined  price  after  a  period  of  10.5  years,  which  it  may  exercise.  Six  aircraft  have  been  financed  through 
euro-denominated 12-year amortizing commercial debt transactions. 

Since, under each of the Company‘s operating leases, the Company has a commitment to maintain the 
relevant aircraft, an accounting provision is made during the lease term for this obligation based on estimated 
future  costs  of  major  airframe  and  certain  engine  maintenance  checks  by  making  appropriate  charges  to  the 
income  statement  calculated  by  reference  to  the  number  of  hours  or  cycles  operated  during  the  year.  Under 
IFRS, the accounting treatment for these costs with respect to leased aircraft differs from that for aircraft owned 
by the Company, for which such costs are capitalized and amortized. 

Contractual  Obligations.  The  table  below  sets  forth  the  contractual  obligations  and  commercial 
commitments of the Company with definitive payment terms, which will require significant cash outlays in the 
future,  as  of  March  31,  2013.  These  obligations  primarily  relate  to  Ryanair‘s  aircraft  purchase  and  related 
financing obligations, which are described in more detail above. For additional information on the Company‘s 
contractual  obligations  and  commercial  commitments,  see  Note  23  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements 
included in Item 18. 

The  amounts  listed  under  ―Finance  Lease  Obligations‖  reflect  the  Company‘s  obligations  under  its 

JOLCOs. See ―Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Liquidity and Capital Resources.‖ 

100 

 
 
 
 
The amounts listed under ―Purchase Obligations‖ in the table reflect obligations for aircraft purchases 
and are calculated by multiplying the number of aircraft the Company is obligated to purchase under its current 
agreements with Boeing during the relevant period by the Basic Price for each aircraft pursuant to the relevant 
contract,  with  the  dollar-denominated  Basic  Price  being  converted  into  euro  at  an  exchange  rate  of 
$1.2805=€1.00 (based on the European Central Bank Rate on March 31, 2013). The relevant amounts therefore 
exclude the effect of the price concessions granted to Ryanair by Boeing and CFM, as well as any application of 
the Escalation Factor described below. As a result, Ryanair‘s actual expenditures for aircraft during the relevant 
periods will be lower than the amounts listed under ―Purchase Obligations‖ in the table.  

With respect to purchase obligations under the terms of the 2013 Boeing contract,  the Company  was 
required to pay Boeing 1% of the Basic Price of each of the 175 firm-order Boeing 737-800 aircraft at the time 
the contract was signed in April 2013 (such deposit being fully refundable if the Company had not received the 
shareholder approval it received at an extraordinary general meeting on June 18, 2013), and will be required to 
make  periodic  advance  payments  of  the  purchase  price  for  each  aircraft  it  has  agreed  to  purchase  during  the 
course  of  the  two-year  period  preceding  the  delivery  of  each  aircraft.  As  a  result  of  these  required  advance 
payments,  the  Company  will  have  paid  up  to  30%  of  the  Basic  Price  of  each  aircraft  prior  to  its  delivery 
(including the addition of an estimated ―Escalation Factor‖ but before deduction of any credit memoranda and 
other concessions); the balance of the net price is due at the time of delivery. Similar terms applied under the 
2005 Boeing contract, with the first payment due when the contract was signed in February 2005.  

The  amounts  listed  under ―Operating  Lease  Obligations‖  reflect the  Company‘s obligations  under its 

aircraft operating lease arrangements.  

Obligations Due by Period  

Contractual Obligations 

Total 

Less than 1 
year 

1-2 years 

2-5 years 

After 5 years 

(in millions of euro) 

Long-term Debt (a) ..................................  
Finance Lease Obligations ......................  
Purchase Obligations (b) .........................  
Operating Lease Obligations  ..................  
Future Interest Payments (c)………..... 

Total Contractual Obligations .................  

2,735.7 
762.6 
10,726.8 
544.1 
277.8 
15,047.0 

346.1 
53.4 

                   -    

107.2 
68.1 
574.8 

354.9 
55.8 
674.2 
101.8 
56.9 
1,243.6 

972.2 
290.4 
8,275.0 
240.6 
101.7 
9,879.9 

1,062.5 
363.0 
1,777.6 
94.5 
51.1 
3,348.7 

(a)  For  additional  information  on  Ryanair‘s  long-term  debt  obligations,  see  Note  11  to  the  consolidated  financial 

statements included in Item 18. 

(b)  These are noted at a non-discounted ―list‖ price. 
(c)  In determining an appropriate methodology to estimate future interest payments we have applied either the applicable 
fixed  rate  or  currently  applicable  variable  rate  where  appropriate.    These  interest  rates  are  subject  to  change  and 
amounts actually due may be higher or lower than noted in the table above. 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS 

Ryanair  uses  certain  off-balance  sheet  arrangements  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  including 
financial guarantees and operating lease commitments. Details of each of  these arrangements that  have or are 
reasonably  likely  to  have  a  current  or  future  material  effect  on  the  Company‘s  financial  condition,  results  of 
operations, liquidity or capital resources are discussed below.  

Operating  Lease  Commitments.  The  Company  has  entered  into  a  number  of  sale-and-leaseback 
transactions in connection with the financing of a number of aircraft in its fleet. See ―—Liquidity and Capital 
Resources—Capital Resources‖ above for additional information on these transactions. 

101 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guarantees. Ryanair Holdings has provided an aggregate of €5,973.6 million in letters of guarantee to 
secure obligations of certain of its subsidiaries in respect of loans and bank advances, including those relating to 
aircraft  financing  and  related  hedging  transactions.  This  amount  excludes  guarantees  given  in  relation  to  the 
2013  Boeing  Contract  which  total  approximately  $14.2  billion  at  list  prices,  and  only  became  effective 
following Ryanair Holdings shareholder approval at an EGM on June 18, 2013.  

TREND INFORMATION 

For  information  concerning  the  principal  trends  and  uncertainties  affecting  the  Company‘s  results  of 
operations  and  financial  condition,  see  ―Item  3.  Key  Information—Risk  Factors,‖  ―Item  5.  Operating  and 
Financial  Review  and  Prospects—Business  Overview,‖  ―—Results  of  Operations,‖  ―—Liquidity  and  Capital 
Resources‖ and ―Item 4. Information on the Company—Strategy—Responding to Current Challenges” above. 

Inflation  did  not  have  a  significant  effect  on  the  Company‘s  results  of  operations  and  financial 

condition during the three fiscal years ended March 31, 2013. 

INFLATION 

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees 

Ryanair  Holdings  was  established  in  1996  as  a  holding  company  for  Ryanair.  The  management  of 
Ryanair Holdings and Ryanair are integrated, with the two companies having the same directors and executive 
officers. 

The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  information  concerning  the  directors  of  Ryanair  Holdings  and 

Ryanair as of July 26, 2013:  

DIRECTORS 

Age 
70 
76 
63 
62 
69 
62 
52 
58 
64 
46 

Positions 
Chairman of the Board and Director  
Director  
Director  
Director  
Director  
Director 
Director and Chief Executive Officer 
Director 
Director  
Director 

Name 
David Bonderman (a)(b) .................................  
Michael Horgan (d) .........................................  
Charles McCreevy (c) .....................................  
Declan McKeon (c) .........................................  
Kyran McLaughlin (a)(b) ................................  
Dick Milliken ..................................................  
Michael O‘Leary (a)(b)(f) ...............................  
Julie O‘Neill (e) ...............................................  
James Osborne (a)(c)(e) ..................................  
Louise Phelan (e) .............................................  
______________ 
(a) Member of the Executive Committee. 
(b) Member of the Nomination Committee. 
(c) Member of the Audit Committee. 
(d) Member of the Air Safety Committee. 
(e) Member of the Remuneration Committee. 
(f) Mr. O‘Leary is also the chief executive officer of Ryanair Holdings and Ryanair. None of the other directors 

are executive officers of Ryanair Holdings or Ryanair. 

David Bonderman (Chairman). David Bonderman has served as a director since August 1996 and has served 
as  the  chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors  since  December  1996.    In  1992,  Mr.  Bonderman  co-founded  TPG 
(formerly known as Texas Pacific  Group), a  private equity investment firm. He currently  serves as an officer 
and  director  of  the  general  partner  and  manager  of  TPG.  Mr.  Bonderman  is  also  an  officer,  director  and 
shareholder of 1996 Air G.P. Inc., which owns shares of Ryanair. He also serves on the boards of directors of 
the following public companies:  CoStar Group, Inc. and General Motors Company and is a U.S. citizen. 

102 

 
 
 
 
Michael Horgan (Director). Michael Horgan has served as a director since January 2001. A former Chief Pilot 
of Aer Lingus, he has acted as a consultant to a number of international airlines, civil aviation authorities, the 
European  Commission  and  the  European  Bank  for  Reconstruction  and  Development.  Mr.  Horgan  is  the 
Chairman of the Company‘s Air Safety Committee and is an Irish citizen. 

Charles McCreevy (Director). Charles McCreevy has served as a director since May 2010. Mr. McCreevy has 
previously served as EU Commissioner for Internal Markets and Services (2004-2010) and has held positions in 
several Irish Government Ministerial Offices, including Minister for Finance (1997-2004), Minister for Tourism 
& Trade (1993-1994) and Minister for Social Welfare (1992-1993) and is an Irish citizen. 

Declan McKeon (Director). Declan McKeon has served as a director since May 2010. Mr. McKeon is a former 
audit partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers and continues to act as a consultant to PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is 
currently a director, chairman of the audit committee, and a member of the compensation committee of Icon plc 
and is an Irish citizen. 

Kyran  McLaughlin  (Director).  Kyran  McLaughlin  has  served  as  a  director  since  January  2001,  and  is  also 
Deputy  Chairman  and  Head  of  Capital  Markets  at  Davy  Stockbrokers.  Mr.  McLaughlin  also  advised  Ryanair 
during its initial flotation on the Dublin and NASDAQ stock markets in 1997. Mr. McLaughlin serves on the 
Board of Directors of Elan Corporation plc, and he also serves as a director of a number of other Irish private 
companies and is an Irish citizen.  

R.A.  (Dick)  Milliken  (Director).    Dick  Milliken  has  served  as  a  director  of  Ryanair  since  July  2013.    Mr. 
Milliken is a  former CFO of the Almac Group and CEO Lamont plc.  A qualified Chartered Accountant, Mr. 
Milliken serves as a director of Bank of Ireland Mortgage Bank, NI Science Park Foundation and a number of 
private  companies.  Mr.  Milliken  is  a  graduate  of  Queens  University  Belfast,  a  Fellow  of  the  Institute  of 
Chartered Accountants in Ireland and former Council member and is a British citizen. 

Michael O‟Leary (Executive Director). Michael O‘Leary has served as a director of Ryanair since 1988 and a 
director of Ryanair Holdings since July 1996. Mr. O‘Leary was appointed chief executive officer of Ryanair in 
1994 and is an Irish citizen.  

Julie O‟Neill (Director). Julie O‘Neill has served as a director of Ryanair since December 2012. Ms. O‘Neill 
served  as  Secretary  General  of  the  Department  of  Transport,  Ireland  from  2002  to  2009  and,  in  a  career  that 
spanned 37 years in the Irish public service, worked in strategic policy development and implementation in eight 
Government Departments. She is now an independent strategic management consultant and serves as a director 
of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. She also chairs the audit 
committee of Trinity College Dublin and is an Irish citizen. 

James Osborne (Director).  James Osborne  has served as a director of Ryanair Holdings  since  August 1996, 
and  has  been  a  director  of  Ryanair  since  April  1995.  Mr.  Osborne  is  a  former  managing  partner  of  A  &  L 
Goodbody  Solicitors.    He  is  also  a  former  Chairman  of  Independent  News  and  Media  plc  and  a  director  of 
James Hardie Industries NV.  He also serves as a director of a number of Irish private companies and is an Irish 
citizen. 

Louise Phelan (Director). Louise Phelan has served as a director of Ryanair since December 2012. Ms. Phelan 
is currently serving as VP for PayPal Global Operations Europe Middle East and Africa leading 1,800 people in 
Dublin, Dundalk and Berlin.  Louise has been part of PayPal since 2006 and prior to this she was a member of 
the  Senior  Management  team  for  GE  Money,  a  division  of  General  Electric  (GE),  which  specialises  in  small 
ticket lending for a client base comprising both consumers and commercial customers. Louise is also a member 
of  the  Board  of  the  American  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  a  member  of  the  Dublin  Chamber  of  Commerce, 
CCMA Ireland, the Women‘s Executive Network (WXN) and the International Women‘s Forum and is an Irish 
citizen.  

The Board of Directors has established a number of committees, including the following: 

Executive  Committee.  The  Board  of  Directors  established  the  Executive  Committee  in  August  1996. 
The Executive Committee can exercise the powers exercisable by the full Board of Directors in circumstances in 
which action by the Board of Directors is required but it is impracticable to convene a meeting of the full Board 
of  Directors.  Messrs.  Bonderman,  McLaughlin,  O‘Leary  and  Osborne  are  the  members  of  the  Executive 
Committee.  

103 

 
 
 
Remuneration  Committee.  The  Board  of  Directors  established  the  Remuneration  Committee  in 
September  1996.  This  committee  has  authority  to  determine  the  remuneration  of  senior  executives  of  the 
Company  and  to  administer  the  stock  option  plans  described  below.  The  Board  of  Directors  as  a  whole 
determines the remuneration and bonuses of the chief executive officer, who is the only executive director. Mr. 
Osborne, Ms. O‘Neill and Ms. Phelan are the members of the Remuneration Committee. 

Audit Committee. The Board of Directors established the Audit Committee in September 1996 to make 
recommendations  concerning  the  engagement  of  independent  chartered  accountants;  to  review  with  the 
accountants the plans for and scope of each annual audit, the audit procedures to be utilized and the results of 
the audit; to approve the professional services provided by the accountants; to review the independence of the 
accountants;  and  to  review  the  adequacy  and  effectiveness  of  the  Company‘s  internal  accounting  controls. 
Messrs.  McKeon,  Osborne  and  McCreevy  are  the  members  of  the  Audit  Committee.  In  accordance  with  the 
recommendations  of  the  Irish  Combined  Code  of  Corporate  Governance  (the  ―Combined  Code‖),  a  senior 
independent non-executive director, Mr. McKeon, is the chairman of the Audit Committee. All members of the 
Audit  Committee  are  independent  for  purposes  of  the  listing  rules  of  the  NASDAQ  and  the  U.S.  federal 
securities laws. 

Nomination Committee. The Board of Directors established the Nomination Committee in May 1999 to 
make recommendations and proposals to the full Board of Directors concerning the selection of individuals to 
serve  as  executive  and  non-executive  directors.  The  Board  of  Directors  as  a  whole  then  makes  appropriate 
determinations  regarding  such  matters  after  considering  such  recommendations  and  proposals.  Messrs. 
Bonderman, McLaughlin and O‘Leary are the members of the Nomination Committee. 

Air Safety Committee. The Board of Directors established the Air Safety Committee in March 1997 to 
review and discuss air safety and related issues. The Air Safety Committee reports to the full Board of Directors 
each quarter. The Air Safety Committee is composed of Mr. Horgan (who acts as the chairman), as well as the 
following executive officers of Ryanair: Messrs. Conway, Hickey, O‘Brien and Wilson. 

Powers of, and Action by, the Board of Directors 

The  Board  of  Directors  is  empowered  by  the  Articles  to  carry  on  the  business  of  Ryanair  Holdings, 
subject to the Articles, provisions of general law and the right of stockholders to give directions to the directors 
by way of ordinary resolutions. Every director who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors of Ryanair 
Holdings has one vote. In the case of a tie on a vote, the chairman of the Board of Directors has a second or tie-
breaking vote. A director may designate an alternate director to attend any Board of Directors meeting, and such 
alternate director shall have all the rights of a director at such meeting. 

The quorum for a meeting of the Board of Directors, unless another number is fixed by the directors, 
consists of three directors, a majority of whom must be EU nationals. The Articles require the vote of a majority 
of the directors (or alternates) present at a duly convened meeting for the approval of any action by the Board of 
Directors. 

Composition and Term of Office 

The Articles provide that the Board of Directors shall consist of no fewer than three and no more than 
15 directors, unless otherwise determined by the stockholders. There is no maximum age for a director and no 
director is required to own any shares of Ryanair Holdings. 

   Directors  are  elected  (or  have  their  appointments  confirmed)  at  the  annual  general  meetings  of 
stockholders. Save in certain  circumstances, at every annual general  meeting, one-third  (rounded down to the 
next whole number if it is a fractional number) of the directors (being the directors who have been longest in 
office) must stand for re-election as their terms expire. Accordingly the terms of Charles McCreevy and Declan 
McKeon will have expired and they will be eligible to offer themselves for re-election at the next annual general 
meeting of Ryanair. In addition,  Julie O‘Neill and  Louise  Phelan,  who  were newly appointed to the  board on 
December  13,  2012,  and  Dick  Milliken,  who  was  appointed  to  the  Board  on  July  26,  2013,  will  also  offer 
themselves for re-appointment at the next annual general meeting, which is scheduled to be held on September 
20, 2013. 

104 

 
 
 
Exemptions from NASDAQ Corporate Governance Rules  

The  Company  relies  on  certain  exemptions  from  the  NASDAQ  corporate  governance  rules.  These 

exemptions, and the practices the Company adheres to, are as follows:  

The  Company  is  exempt  from  NASDAQ‘s  quorum  requirements  applicable  to  meetings  of 
shareholders, which require a minimum quorum of 33% for any meeting of the holders of common 
stock,  which  in  the  Company‘s  case  are  its  Ordinary  Shares.  In  keeping  with  Irish  generally 
accepted business practice, the Articles provide for a quorum for general meetings of shareholders 
of three shareholders, regardless of the level of their aggregate share ownership. 

  The Company is exempt from NASDAQ‘s requirement with respect to audit committee approval 
of related-party transactions, as well as its requirement that shareholders approve certain stock or 
asset purchases when a director, officer or substantial shareholder has an interest. The Company is 
subject  to  extensive  provisions  under  the  Listing  Rules  of  the  Irish  Stock  Exchange  (the  ―Irish 
Listing  Rules‖)  governing  transactions  with  related  parties,  as  defined  therein,  and  the  Irish 
Companies  Act  also  restricts  the  extent  to  which  Irish  companies  may  enter  into  related-party 
transactions.  In  addition,  the  Articles  contain  provisions  regarding  disclosure  of  interests  by  the 
directors  and  restrictions  on  their  votes  in  circumstances  involving  conflicts  of  interest.  The 
concept of a related party for purposes of NASDAQ‘s audit committee and shareholder approval 
rules differs in certain respects from the definition of a transaction with a related party under the 
Irish Listing Rules. 

  NASDAQ requires shareholder approval for certain transactions involving the sale or issuance by 
a  listed  company  of  common  stock  other  than  in  a  public  offering.  Under  the  NASDAQ  rules, 
whether shareholder approval is required for such transactions depends, among other things, on the 
number  of  shares  to  be  issued  or  sold  in  connection  with  a  transaction,  while  the  Irish  Listing 
Rules require shareholder approval when the size of a transaction exceeds a certain percentage of 
the size of the listed company undertaking the transaction. 

  NASDAQ requires that each issuer solicit proxies and provide proxy statements for all meetings of 
shareholders and provide copies of such proxy solicitation to NASDAQ. The Company is exempt 
from this requirement as the solicitation of holders of ADSs is not required under the Irish Listing 
Rules or the Irish Companies Acts. Details of our annual general meetings and other shareholder 
meetings, together with the requirements for admission, voting or the appointment of a proxy are 
available  on  the  website  of  the  Company  in  accordance  with  the  Irish  Companies  Acts  and  the 
Company‘s  Articles of  Association.  ADS  holders  may provide instructions to The Bank of  New 
York, as depositary, as to the voting of the underlying Ordinary Shares represented by such ADSs. 
Alternatively, ADS holders  may convert their holding to Ordinary Shares, subject to compliance 
with the nationality ownership rules, in order to be eligible to attend our annual general meetings 
or other shareholder meetings. 

  NASDAQ requires that all members of a listed company‘s Nominating Committee be independent 
directors,  unless  the  Company,  as  a  foreign  private  issuer,  provides  an  attestation  of  non-
conforming  practice  based  upon  home  country  practice  and  then  discloses  such  non-conforming 
practice annually in its Form 20-F.  As permitted by the Irish Listing Rules, Michael O‘Leary, the 
Company‘s  Chief  Executive  Officer,  serves  as  a  member  of  the  Company‘s  Nominating 
Committee. 

105 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company also follows certain other practices under the UK Corporate Governance Code in lieu of 
those set forth in the NASDAQ corporate governance rules, as expressly permitted thereby. Most significantly:  

 

Independence.  NASDAQ  requires  that  a  majority  of  an  issuer‘s  Board  of  Directors  be 
―independent‖  under  the  standards  set  forth  in  the  NASDAQ  rules  and  that  directors  deemed 
independent be identified in the Company‘s annual report on Form 20-F. The Board of Directors 
has  determined  that  each  of  the  Company‘s  nine  non-executive  directors  is  ―independent‖  under 
the  standards  set  forth  in  the  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code.  Under  the  UK  Corporate 
Governance Code, there is no bright-line test establishing set criteria for independence, as there is 
under  NASDAQ  Rule  4200(a)  (15).  Instead,  the  Board  of  Directors  determines  whether  the 
director  is  ―independent  in  character  and  judgment,‖  and  whether  there  are  relationships  or 
circumstances which are likely to affect, or could appear to affect, the director‘s judgment. Under 
the  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code,  the  Board  of  Directors  may  determine  that  a  director  is 
independent  notwithstanding  the  existence  of  relationships  or  circumstances  which  may  appear 
relevant to its determination, but it should state its reasons if it makes such a determination. The 
UK Corporate Governance Code specifies that relationships or circumstances that may be relevant 
include whether the director: (i) has been an employee of the relevant company or group within the 
last  five  years;  (ii)  has  had  within  the  last  three  years  a  direct  or  indirect  material  business 
relationship with such company; (iii) has received payments from such company, subject to certain 
exceptions;  (iv)  has  close  family  ties  with  any  of  the  company‘s  advisers,  directors  or  senior 
employees;  (v)  holds  cross-directorships  or  other  significant  links  with  other  directors;  (vi) 
represents  a  significant  shareholder;  or  (vii)  has  served  on  the  Board  of  Directors  for  more  than 
nine years. In determining that each of the nine  non-executive directors is independent under the 
UK  Corporate  Governance  Code  standard,  the  Ryanair  Holdings  Board  of  Directors  identified 
such  relevant  factors  with  respect  to  non-executive  directors  Messrs.  Bonderman,  McLaughlin, 
Osborne  and  Horgan.  When  arriving  at  the  decision  that  these  directors  are  nonetheless 
independent, the Board of Directors has taken into account the comments made by the Financial 
Reporting Council in its report dated December 2009 on its review of the impact and effectiveness 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code. The NASDAQ independence criteria specifically state that 
an individual may not be considered independent if, within the last three years, such individual or a 
member of his or her immediate family has had certain specified relationships with the company, 
its parent,  any consolidated subsidiary, its internal or external auditors, or any company that  has 
significant  business  relationships  with  the  company,  its  parent  or  any  consolidated  subsidiary. 
Neither ownership of a significant amount of stock nor length of service on the board is a  per se 
bar to independence under the NASDAQ rules. 

  CEO  compensation.  The  NASDAQ  rules  require  that  an  issuer‘s  chief  executive  officer  not  be 
present during voting or deliberations by the Board of Directors on his or her compensation. There 
is no such requirement under the UK Corporate Governance Code. 

106 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 

The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  information  concerning  the  executive  officers  of  Ryanair 

Holdings and Ryanair at June 30, 2013: 

Name 

Age 

Position 

Michael Cawley ........................................  
Ray Conway .............................................  
Caroline Green .........................................  
Michael Hickey ........................................  
Juliusz Komorek .......................................  
Howard Millar ..........................................  
David O‘Brien ..........................................  
Michael O‘Leary ......................................  
Edward Wilson .........................................  

59  Deputy Chief Executive; Chief Operating Officer  
58  Chief Pilot  
49  Director of Customer Service 
50  Director of Engineering  
35  Director of Legal & Regulatory Affairs; Company Secretary 
52  Deputy Chief Executive; Chief Financial Officer  
49  Director of Flight Operations and Ground Operations 
52  Chief Executive Officer 

   49  Director of Personnel and In-flight  

Michael Cawley (Deputy Chief Executive; Chief Operating Officer). Michael Cawley was appointed Deputy 
Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer on January 1, 2003, having served as Chief Financial Officer and 
Commercial  Director since February 1997. From 1993 to 1997, Michael served as Group Finance Director of 
Gowan  Group  Limited,  one  of  Ireland‘s  largest  private  companies  and  the  main  distributor  for  Peugeot  and 
Citröen automobiles in Ireland. On July 1, 2013, The Company announced that Michael has decided step down 
from  his  full-time  executive  role  at  the  end  of  March  2014  as  he  wishes  to  pursue  other  business  interests 
including a number of Non-Executive Board directorships. Michael has been invited to join the board of Ryanair 
after he  steps down as a  full-time executive and it is expected that  he  will join the  board in a Non-Executive 
capacity on May 1, 2014. 

Ray  Conway  (Chief  Pilot).  Captain  Ray  Conway  was  appointed  as  Chief  Pilot  in  June  2002,  having  joined 
Ryanair  in  1987.  He  has  held  a  number  of  senior  management  positions  within  the  Flight  Operations 
Department over the last 25 years, including Fleet Captain of the BAC1-11 and Boeing 737–200 fleets. Ray was 
Head of Training between 1998 and June 2002. Prior to joining Ryanair, Ray served as an officer with the Irish 
Air Corps for 14 years where he was attached to the Training and Transport Squadron, which was responsible 
for the Irish government jet.  

Caroline Green (Director of Customer Service). Caroline Green was appointed Director of Customer Service 
in February 2003. Prior to this, Caroline served as Chief Executive Officer of Ryanair.com between November 
1996  and  January  2003.  Before  joining  Ryanair,  Caroline  worked  in  senior  positions  at  a  number  of  airline 
computerized reservations system providers, including Sabre. 

Michael  Hickey  (Director  of  Engineering).  Michael  Hickey  has  served  as  Director  of  Engineering  since 
January 2000. Michael has held a wide range of senior positions within the Engineering Department since 1988 
and  was  Deputy  Director  of  Engineering  between  1992  and  January  2000.  Prior  to  joining  Ryanair  in  1988, 
Michael worked as an aircraft engineer with Fields Aircraft Services and McAlpine Aviation, working primarily 
on executive aircraft.  

Juliusz  Komorek  (Director  of  Legal  &  Regulatory  Affairs;  Company  Secretary).  Juliusz  Komorek  was 
appointed  Company  Secretary  and  Director  of  Legal  and  Regulatory  Affairs  in  May  2009,  having  served  as 
Deputy Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs since 2007. Prior to joining the Company in 2004, Juliusz had 
gained relevant experience in the European Commission‘s Directorate General for Competition and in the Polish 
Embassy  to  the  EU  in  Brussels,  as  well  as  in  the  private  sector  in  Poland  and  the  Netherlands.  Juliusz  is  a 
lawyer, holding degrees from the universities of Warsaw and Amsterdam.  

107 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Howard  Millar  (Deputy  Chief  Executive;  Chief  Financial  Officer).  Howard  Millar  was  appointed  Deputy 
Chief  Executive  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  on  January  1,  2003,  having  served  as  Director  of  Finance  of 
Ryanair from March 1993. Between April 1992 and March 1993 he served as Financial Controller of Ryanair. 
Howard  was  the  Group  Finance  Manager  for  the  Almarai  Group,  the  largest  vertically  integrated  dairy  food 
processing company in the world, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 1988 to 1992. 

David  O‟Brien  (Director  of  Flight  Operations  and  Ground  Operations).  David  O‘Brien  was  appointed 
Director of Flight Operations and Ground Operations in December 2002; previously, he served as Director of 
Flight Operations of Ryanair from May 2002, having served as Director of U.K. Operations since April 1998. 
Prior  to  that,  David  served  as  Regional  General  Manager  for  Europe  and  CIS  for  Aer  Rianta  International. 
Between 1992 and 1996, David served as Director of Ground Operations and In-flight for Ryanair.  

Michael O‟Leary (Chief Executive Officer). Michael O‘Leary has served as a director of Ryanair since 1988 
and  a  director  of  Ryanair  Holdings  since  July  1996.  He  was  appointed  chief  executive  officer  of  Ryanair  in 
1994. 

Edward Wilson (Director of Personnel and In-flight). Edward Wilson was appointed Director of Personnel 
and  In-flight  in  December  2002,  prior  to  which  he  served  as  Head  of  Personnel  since  joining  Ryanair  in 
December 1997. Prior to joining Ryanair he served as Human Resources Manager for Gateway 2000 and held a 
number of other human resources-related positions in the Irish financial services sector. 

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 

Compensation 

The aggregate amount of compensation paid by Ryanair Holdings and its subsidiaries to the nine sitting 
non-executive directors and nine executive officers named above in the 2013 fiscal year was €6.0 million. For 
details of Mr. O‘Leary‘s compensation in such fiscal year, see ―—Employment and Bonus Agreement with Mr. 
O‘Leary‖ below 

Each of Ryanair Holdings‘ nine non-executive directors is entitled to receive €35,000 plus expenses per 
annum,  as  remuneration  for  their  services  to  Ryanair  Holdings.  Mr.  Bonderman  executed  an  agreement  with 
Ryanair Holdings waiving his entitlement to receive this remuneration for the 2013 fiscal year. The additional 
remuneration  paid  to  Committee  members  for  service  on  that  committee  is  €15,000  per  annum.  Mr.  Horgan 
receives €40,000 per annum in connection with his additional duties in relation to the Air Safety Committee.  

For further details of stock options that have been granted to the Company‘s employees, including the 
executive  officers,  see  ―Item  10.  Additional  Information—Options  to  Purchase  Securities  from  Registrant  or 
Subsidiaries,‖ as well as Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements included herein. 

Employment and Bonus Agreement with Mr. O‟Leary 

Mr.  O‘Leary‘s  current  employment  agreement  with  the  Company  is  dated  July  1,  2002  and  can  be 
terminated  by  either  party  upon  12  months‘  notice.  Pursuant  to  the  agreement,  Mr.  O‘Leary  serves  as  Chief 
Executive  Officer  at  a  current  annual  gross  salary  of  €768,000,  subject  to  any  increases  that  may  be  agreed 
between the Company and Mr. O‘Leary. Mr. O‘Leary is also eligible for annual bonuses as determined by the 
Board of Directors  of the Company; the amount of  such bonuses paid to Mr. O‘Leary in the 2013 fiscal  year 
totaled €504,000. Mr. O‘Leary is subject to a covenant not to compete with the Company within the EU for a 
period  of  two  years  after  the  termination  of  his  employment  with  the  Company.  Mr.  O‘Leary‘s  employment 
agreement does not contain provisions providing for compensation on its termination. 

108 

 
 
 
 
 
 
STAFF AND LABOR RELATIONS 

The following table sets forth the details of Ryanair‘s team at each of March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:  

Classification 

2013 

Number of Staff at March 31, 
2012 

2011 

Management ..............................................  
Administrative ...........................................  
Maintenance ...............................................  
Ground Operations .....................................  
Pilots ..........................................................  
Flight Attendants .......................................  

Total ...........................................................  

99 
282 
139 
229 
2,625 
5,763 

9,137 

99 
280 
138 
243 
2,429 
5,199* 

8,388 

* Decrease on prior year due to lower aircraft in operation in March 2012 and cabin crew staff being furloughed. 

95 
275 
149 
268 
2,344 
5,429 

8,560 

Ryanair‘s pilots, flight attendants and maintenance and ground operations personnel undergo training, 
both initial and recurrent. A substantial portion of the initial training for Ryanair‘s flight attendants is devoted to 
safety procedures, and cabin crew are required to undergo annual evacuation and fire drill training during their 
tenure with the airline. Ryanair also provides salary increases to its engineers who complete advanced training 
in  certain  fields  of  aircraft  maintenance.  Ryanair  utilizes  its  own  Boeing  737-800  aircraft  simulators  for  pilot 
training.  

IAA regulations require pilots to be licensed as commercial pilots with specific ratings for each aircraft 
to be flown. In addition, IAA regulations require all commercial pilots to be medically certified as physically fit. 
At March 31, 2013, the average age of Ryanair‘s pilots was 35 years and their average period of employment 
with Ryanair was 4.8 years. Licenses and medical certification are subject to periodic re-evaluation and require 
recurrent  training  and  recent  flying  experience  in  order  to  be  maintained.  Maintenance  engineers  must  be 
licensed and qualified for specific aircraft types. Flight attendants must undergo initial and periodic competency 
training. Training programs are subject to approval and monitoring by the IAA. In addition, the appointment of 
senior management personnel directly involved in the supervision of flight operations, training, maintenance and 
aircraft inspection must be satisfactory to the IAA. Based on its experience in managing the airline‘s growth to 
date,  management  believes  that  there  is  a  sufficient  pool  of  qualified  and  licensed  pilots,  engineers  and 
mechanics  within  the  EU  to  satisfy  Ryanair‘s  anticipated  future  needs  in  the  areas  of  flight  operations, 
maintenance and quality control and that Ryanair will not face significant difficulty in hiring and continuing to 
employ the required personnel. Ryanair has also been able to satisfy its needs for additional pilots through the 
use  of  contract  agencies.    These  contract  pilots  are  included  in  the  table  above.  In  addition,  Ryanair  has  also 
been able to satisfy its needs for additional flight attendants through the use of contract agencies. These contract 
flight attendants are included in the table above. 

Ryanair has licensed approved organizations in Sweden and Holland to operate pilot training courses 
using Ryanair‘s syllabus, in order to grant Boeing 737 type-ratings. Each trainee pilot must pay for his or her 
own training and, based on his or her performance, he or she may be offered a position operating on Ryanair 
aircraft. This program enables Ryanair to secure a continuous stream of type-rated co-pilots.  

Ryanair‘s employees earn productivity-based incentive payments, including a sales bonus for onboard 
sales  for  flight  attendants  and  payments  based  on  the  number  of  hours  or  sectors  flown  by  pilots  and  flight 
attendants (within limits set by  industry  standards or regulations  fixing  maximum  working hours). During the 
2013 fiscal  year, such productivity-based incentive payments accounted for approximately 46% of an average 
flight attendant‘s total earnings and approximately 35% of the typical pilot‘s compensation. Pilots at 54 out of 
Ryanair‘s 57 bases are covered by four or five year agreements on pay, allowances and rosters which variously 
fall due for negotiation between 2014 and 2018. In March 2012, Ryanair agreed to increase the pay of pilots and 
cabin crew in accordance with the terms of individual base agreements. The remaining employees who were not 
covered  by  base  agreements  had  their  salary  frozen  for  a  period  of  12  months.  Ryanair‘s  pilots  are  currently 
subject to IAA-approved limits of 100 flight-hours per 28-day cycle and 900 flight-hours per fiscal year. For the 
2013 fiscal year, the average flight-hours for Ryanair‘s pilots amounted to approximately 66.5 hours per month 
and  approximately  798  hours  for  the  complete  year,  a  5%  decrease  on  the  previous  fiscal  year.  Were  more 
stringent regulations on flight hours to be adopted, Ryanair‘s  flight personnel could  experience a reduction in 
their  total  pay  due  to  lower  compensation  for  the  number  of  hours  or  sectors  flown  and  Ryanair  could  be 
required to hire additional flight personnel.  

109 

 
 
 
 
 
Ryanair considers its relations with its employees to be good. Ryanair currently negotiates with groups 
of  employees,  including  its  pilots,  through  ―Employee  Representation  Committees‖  (―ERCs‖)  regarding  pay, 
work  practices  and  conditions  of  employment,  including  conducting  formal  negotiations  with  these  internal 
collective bargaining units. Ryanair‘s senior management meets regularly with the different ERCs to discuss all 
aspects of the business and those issues that specifically relate to each relevant employee group.  

On  June  19,  2009,  BALPA  (the  U.K.  pilots  union)  made  a  request  for  voluntary  recognition  under 
applicable U.K. legislation,  which  Ryanair rejected. BALPA  had the option of applying to the U.K.‘s  Central 
Arbitration Committee (CAC) to organize a vote on union recognition by Ryanair‘s pilots in relevant bargaining 
units, as determined by the CAC but BALPA decided not to proceed with an application at that time. The option 
to apply for a ballot remains open to BALPA and if it were to seek and be successful in such a ballot, it would 
be able to represent the U.K. pilots in negotiations over salaries and working conditions. 

Ryanair  Holdings‘  shareholders  have  approved  a  number  of  share  option  plans  for  employees  and 
directors.  Ryanair  Holdings  has  also  issued  share  options  to  certain  of  its  senior  managers.  For  details  of  all 
outstanding  share  options,  see  ―Item  10.  Additional  Information––Options  to  Purchase  Securities  from 
Registrant or Subsidiaries.‖ 

110 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions 

As  of  June  30,  2013,  there  were  1,423,341,213  Ordinary  Shares  outstanding.  As  of  that  date, 
116,316,349 ADRs, representing 581,581,745 Ordinary Shares, were held of record in the United States by 62 
holders, and represented in the aggregate 40.86% of the number of Ordinary Shares then outstanding. See ―Item 
10.  Additional  InformationArticles  of  Association‖  and  ―Limitations  on  Share  Ownership  by  Non-EU 
Nationals.‖ 

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS 

Based on information available to Ryanair Holdings, the  following table summarizes the holdings of 
those shareholders holding 3% or more of the Ordinary Shares as of June 30, 2013, June 30, 2012 and June 30, 
2011, the latest practicable date prior to the Company‘s publication of its statutory annual report in each of the 
relevant years. 

As of June 30, 2013 

As of June 30, 2012 

No. of Shares 

% of 
Class 

No. of Shares 

% of 
Class  No. of Shares 

As of June 30, 2011 
% of 
Class 

Capital Research and Management 

Company. ..................................................  190,022,595 

13.4% 

239,479,390  16.6% 

242,547,995  16.3% 

Baillie Gifford  ..............................................  71,863,457 

BlackRock Inc ..............................................  68,532,811 

Manning and Napier .....................................  48,194,525 

Michael O‘Leary  ..........................................  51,081,256 

5.0% 

4.8% 

3.4% 

3.6% 

52,883,746 

3.7%  Not Reportable 

74,688,280 

5.2% 

82,794,588 

85,044,870 

5.9% 

76,774,465 

51,081,256 

3.5% 

55,081,256 

Lloyds Banking Group  .................................  Not Reportable 

n/a 

Not Reportable 

n/a 

50,892,144 

n/a 

5.6% 

5.2% 

3.7% 

3.4% 

As  of  June  30,  2013,  the  directors  and  executive  officers  of  Ryanair  Holdings  as  a  group  owned 
59,837,771  Ordinary  Shares,  representing  4.2%  of  Ryanair  Holdings‘  outstanding  Ordinary  Shares  as  of  such 
date. See also Note 19(d) to the consolidated financial statements included herein. Each of our shareholders has 
identical voting rights with respect to its Ordinary Shares. 

As of March 31, 2013, there were 1,447,051,752 Ordinary Shares outstanding. 

Based on information available to Ryanair Holdings plc, the following table summarizes shareholdings in excess 
of 3% or more of the Ordinary Shares as of March 31, 2013, March 31 2012 and March 31, 2011.   

As of March 31, 2013 
% of 
Class 

No. of Shares 

As of March 31, 2012 
% of 
Class  No. of Shares 

As of March 31, 2011 
% of 
Class 

No. of Shares 

Capital Research and Management 

Company. ..................................................  191,997,595 

13.3% 

275,514,695  18.9% 

242,844,495  16.3% 

Baillie Gifford  ..............................................  70,323,718 

BlackRock Inc ..............................................  66,399,232 

Manning and Napier .....................................  59,095,500 

Michael O‘Leary  ..........................................  51,081,256 

4.9% 

4.6% 

4.1% 

3.5% 

Not Reportable 

n/a  Not Reportable 

66,163,716 

4.5%  Not Reportable 

73,249,220 

5.0% 

57,767,390 

51,081,256 

3.5% 

55,081,256 

n/a 

n/a 

3.9% 

3.7% 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

The Company has not entered into any ―related party transactions‖ as defined in Item 7.B. of Form 20-

F in the three fiscal years ending March 31, 2013 or in the period from March 31, 2013 to the date hereof. 

111 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8. Financial Information 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Please refer to ―Item 18. Financial Statements.‖ 

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

Legal Proceedings  

The  Company  is  engaged  in  litigation  arising  in  the  ordinary  course  of  its  business.  Although  no 
assurance can be given as to the outcome of any current or pending litigation, management does not believe that 
any  of  such  litigation  will,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  results  of 
operations or financial condition of the Company, except as otherwise described below.  

EU State Aid-Related Proceedings. On December 11, 2002, the European Commission announced the 
launch  of  an  investigation  into  the  2001  agreement  among  Ryanair,  the  Brussels  (Charleroi)  airport  and  the 
government of the Walloon Region of Belgium, the owner of the airport, which enabled the Company to launch 
new routes and base up to four aircraft at Brussels (Charleroi). The European Commission‘s investigation was 
based  on  an  anonymous  complaint  alleging  that  Ryanair‘s  arrangements  with  Brussels  (Charleroi)  constituted 
illegal state aid.  

The  European  Commission  issued  its  decision  on  February  12,  2004.  As  regards  the  majority  of  the 
arrangements between Ryanair, the airport and the region, the European Commission found that although they 
constituted  state  aid,  they  were  nevertheless  compatible  with  the  EC  Treaty  provisions  and  therefore  did  not 
require  repayment.  However,  the  European  Commission  also  found  that  certain  other  arrangements  did 
constitute  illegal  state  aid  and  therefore  ordered  Ryanair  to  repay  the  amount  of  the  benefit  received  in 
connection  with  those  arrangements.  On  April  20,  2004,  the  Walloon  Region  wrote  to  Ryanair  requesting 
repayment of such state aid, although it acknowledged that Ryanair could offset against the amount of such state 
aid  certain  costs  incurred  in  relation  to  the  establishment  of  the  base,  in  accordance  with  the  European 
Commission‘s decision. Ryanair made the requested repayment. 

On May 25, 2004, Ryanair appealed the decision of the European Commission to the CFI, requesting 

the court to annul the decision because: 

 

 

the European Commission infringed Article 253 of the EC Treaty by failing to provide adequate 
reasons for its decision; and 

the European Commission misapplied Article 87 of the EC Treaty by failing to properly apply the 
Market Economy Investor Principle (MEIP), which generally holds that an investment made by a 
public entity that would have been made on the same basis by a private entity does not constitute 
state aid. 

In March 2008, Ryanair had its hearing before the CFI, and in December 2008, the CFI annulled the 
European Commission‘s decision, and Ryanair was repaid the €4 million that the Commission had claimed was 
illegal  state  aid.  The  Belgian  government  has  also  withdrawn  a  separate  €2.3  million  action  against  Ryanair 
arising from the European Commission‘s decision. 

In  January  2010,  the  European  Commission  concluded  that  the  financial  arrangements  between 
Bratislava airport in Slovakia and Ryanair do not constitute state aid within the meaning of EU rules, because 
these arrangements were in line with market terms. In July 2012, the European Commission similarly concluded 
that the financial arrangements between Tampere airport in Finland and Ryanair do not constitute state aid. 

Ryanair  is  facing  similar  legal  challenges  with  respect  to  agreements  with  certain  other  airports, 
notably  Lübeck,  Berlin  (Schönefeld),  Alghero,  Pau,  Aarhus,  Frankfurt  (Hahn),  Dusseldorf  (Weeze), 
Zweibrücken,  Altenburg,  Klagenfurt,  (Stockholm)  Vasteras,  Paris  (Beauvais),  La  Rochelle,  Carcassonne, 
Nimes, Angouleme, Marseille, Cagliari and Brussels (Charleroi). These investigations are ongoing and Ryanair 
currently  expects  that  they  will  conclude  in  late  2013/early  2014,  with  any  European  Commission  decisions 
appealable to the EU General Court. 

112 

 
 
State aid complaints by Lufthansa about Ryanair‘s cost base at Frankfurt (Hahn) have been rejected by 
German  courts,  as  have  similar  complaints  by  Air  Berlin  in  relation  to  Ryanair‘s  arrangement  with  Lubeck 
airport, but following a German Supreme Court ruling on a procedural issue in early 2011, these cases will be 
re-heard by lower courts.  The court case  regarding Frankfurt (Hahn) airport has been referred by the German 
courts to the Court of Justice of the European Union, which will make a ruling on the discretion national courts 
have in state aid proceedings running in parallel with European Commission investigations regarding the same 
airport. The ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union is expected within one year and will be binding 
on  all  EU  national  courts.  In  addition,  Ryanair  has  been  involved  in  legal  challenges  including  allegations  of 
state aid at Alghero and Marseille airports. The Alghero case (initiated by Air One) was dismissed in its entirety 
in April 2011. The Marseille case was withdrawn by the plaintiffs (subsidiaries of Air France) in May 2011. 

In September 2005, the European Commission announced new guidelines on the financing of airports 
and  the  provision  of  start-up  aid  to  airlines  departing  from  regional  airports,  based  on  the  European 
Commission‘s  finding  in  the  Brussels  (Charleroi)  case,  which  Ryanair  successfully  appealed.  The  guidelines 
apply only to publicly owned regional airports, and place restrictions on the incentives these airports can offer 
airlines to deliver traffic. The guidelines apply only in cases in which the terms offered by a public airport are in 
excess of what a similar private airport would have offered. Ryanair deals with airports, both public and private, 
on an equal basis and receives the same cost agreements from both. The guidelines have therefore had no impact 
on  Ryanair‘s  business,  although  they  have  caused  significant  uncertainty  in  the  industry  in  relation  to  what 
public airports may or may not do in order to attract traffic. 

Ryanair believes that the positive decision by the CFI in the Brussels (Charleroi) case has caused the 
European  Commission  to  rethink  its  policy  in  this  area.  Ryanair  believes  that  the  CFI‘s  findings  should  be 
addressed in the ongoing revision of the guidelines, whereby the European Commission announced on July 3, 
2013 that it would finalize this revision by early 2014. However, adverse rulings in the above or similar cases 
could be used as precedents by other competitors to challenge Ryanair‘s agreements with other publicly owned 
airports and could cause Ryanair to strongly reconsider its growth strategy in relation to  public or state-owned 
airports across Europe. This could in turn lead to a scaling back of Ryanair‘s growth strategy due to the smaller 
number of privately owned airports available for development. No assurance can be given as to the outcome of 
these  proceedings,  nor  as  to  whether  any  unfavorable  outcomes  may,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  have  a 
material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company. 

In November 2007, Ryanair initiated proceedings in the CFI against the European Commission for its 
failure to take action on a number of state aid complaints Ryanair had submitted against Air France, Lufthansa, 
Alitalia, Volare and Olympic Airways. Following the European Commission‘s subsequent findings that illegal 
state  aid  had  been  provided  to  Air  France  and  Olympic  Airways,  Ryanair  withdrew  the  two  relevant 
proceedings.  The  case  related  to  Lufthansa  concluded  with  the  EU  General  Court‘s  ruling  in  May  2011,  in 
which the Court found that while the European Commission has not failed to act, it has unreasonably delayed 
the  launch  of  the  investigation,  which  justified  Ryanair‘s  action  for  failure  to  act.  Consequently,  the  Court 
ordered  the  European  Commission  to  pay  50%  of  Ryanair‘s  costs  in  the  proceedings.  Similarly,  in  October 
2011,  the  General  Court  found  that  the  European  Commission  has  failed  to  act  on  Ryanair‘s  2005-2006 
complaints against state aid to Alitalia. The European Commission appealed the ruling to the Court of Justice of 
the European Union, and on May 16, 2013, the European Commission‘s appeal was rejected.  

In  November  2008,  Ryanair  initiated  proceedings  in  the  CFI  contesting  the  European  Commission‘s 
refusal to grant Ryanair access to documents relating to the European Commission‘s state aid investigations  at 
Hamburg  (Lubeck),  Tampere,  Berlin  (Schonefeld),  Alghero,  Pau,  Aarhus,  Bratislava  and  Frankfurt  (Hahn) 
airports. These cases were heard on July 7, 2010 and a judgment was issued in December 2010. The CFI found 
that  the  European  Commission  had  acted  in  line  with  applicable  legislation,  which  highlighted  the  unfairness 
inherent in state aid procedures in the EU, whereby alleged beneficiaries of aid have no right of access to the 
European  Commission‘s  files  and  therefore  cannot  properly  exercise  their  rights  to  defense  and  good 
administration. The CFI ordered the European Commission to pay Ryanair‘s costs in three of the eight access to 
documents cases. 

113 

 
 
 
 
As a result of rising airport charges and the introduction of an Air Travel Tax, in March 2009, of €10 
on  passengers  departing  from  Irish  airports  on  routes  longer  than  300  kilometers  from  Dublin  Airport  (€2 on 
shorter routes), Ryanair reduced its fleet at Dublin airport to 13 during winter 2010 (down from 22 in summer 
2008  and  20  in  winter  2008).  Ryanair  also  complained  to  the  European  Commission  about  the  unlawful 
differentiation in the level of the Irish Air Travel tax between routes within the EU. From April 2011, a single 
rate (€3) of the Air Travel Tax has been introduced on all routes. In July 2012 the European Commission found 
that Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Aer Arann had received state aid from the Irish government by way of a two-tier 
air travel tax levied on passengers departing from Irish airports. Also in July 2012, Ryanair issued proceedings 
before the Irish courts seeking repayment of the entire amount of the air travel tax paid by Ryanair during the 
period  (€87.8  million)  where  it  was  two-tier  on  the  basis  of  its  illegality.  In  April  2013 the  Irish  government 
issued proceedings against Ryanair seeking recovery of €12 million of alleged state aid attributable to Ryanair, 
arising from the European Commission decision. There is a risk that Ryanair will be ordered by the Irish courts 
to pay the  €12  million amount to the  Irish  government notwithstanding our claim  for repayment of the entire 
amount of the tax. 

Matters  Related  to  Investment  in  Aer  Lingus.  During  the  2007  fiscal  year,  the  Company  acquired 
25.2% of Aer Lingus. The Company increased its interest to 29.3% during the 2008 fiscal year, and to 29.8% 
during  the  2009  fiscal  year  at  a  total  aggregate  cost  of  €407.2  million.  Following  the  acquisition  of  its  initial 
stake and upon the approval of the  Company‘s shareholders, management proposed to effect a tender offer to 
acquire  the  entire  share  capital  of  Aer  Lingus.  This  2006  offer  was,  however,  prohibited  by  the  European 
Commission on competition grounds. Ryanair filed an appeal with the CFI, which was heard in July 2009. On 
July 6, 2010 the Court upheld the European Commission‘s decision. (see also: ―Item 5. Operating and Financial 
Review and Prospects—Business Overview‖). 

The then EU Commissioner for Competition, Neelie Kroes, said on June 27, 2007 that, ―Since Ryanair 
is not in a position to exert de jure or de facto control over Aer Lingus, the European Commission is not in a 
position to require Ryanair to divest its minority shareholding, which is, by the way, not a controlling stake.‖ In 
October 2007, the European Commission also reached a formal decision that it would not force Ryanair to sell 
its shares in Aer Lingus. However, Aer Lingus appealed this decision before the CFI. In January 2008, the CFI 
heard an application by Aer Lingus for interim measures limiting Ryanair‘s voting rights, pending a decision of 
the  CFI  on  Aer  Lingus‘  appeal  of  the  European  Commission‘s  decision  not  to  force  Ryanair  to  sell  the  Aer 
Lingus shares. In March 2008, the court dismissed Aer Lingus‘ application for interim measures. Aer Lingus‘ 
main appeal was heard in July 2009. On July 6, 2010, the court rejected Aer Lingus‘ appeal and confirmed that 
Ryanair  cannot  be  forced  to  dispose  of  its  29.8%  stake  in  Aer  Lingus.  Aer  Lingus  chose  not  to  appeal  this 
judgment to the  Court of Justice  of the EU. EU legislation  may change in the  future to  require such a  forced 
disposal. If eventually forced to dispose of its stake in Aer Lingus, Ryanair could suffer significant losses due to 
the negative impact on market prices of the forced sale of such a significant portion of Aer Lingus‘ shares.  

On December 1, 2008, Ryanair made a second offer to acquire all of the ordinary shares of Aer Lingus 
it did not own at a price of €1.40 per ordinary share. Ryanair offered to keep Aer Lingus as a separate company, 
maintain the Aer Lingus brand, and retain its Heathrow slots and connectivity. Ryanair also proposed to double 
Aer  Lingus‘  short-haul  fleet  from  33  to  66  aircraft  and  to  create  1,000  associated  new  jobs  over  a  five-year 
period. If the offer had been accepted, the Irish government would have received over €180 million in cash. The 
employee share ownership trust and employees who owned 18% of Aer Lingus would have received over €137 
million in cash. The Company met Aer Lingus management, representatives of the employee share ownership 
trust and other parties. The offer of €1.40 per Aer Lingus share represented a premium of approximately 25% 
over  the  closing  price  of  €1.12  on  November  28,  2008.  Ryanair  also  advised  the  market  that  it  would  not 
proceed to seek EU approval for the new bid unless the shareholders agreed to sell their stakes in Aer Lingus to 
Ryanair. However, as the Company was unable to secure the shareholders‘ support it decided, on January 28, 
2009, to withdraw its second offer for Aer Lingus. 

114 

 
 
 
 
The United Kingdom‘s Office of Fair Trading (―OFT‖) wrote to Ryanair in September 2010, advising 
that  it  intended  to  investigate  Ryanair‘s  minority  stake  in  Aer  Lingus.  Ryanair  objected  on  the  basis  that  the 
OFT‘s  investigation  was  time-barred.  Ryanair  maintains  that  the  OFT  had  and  missed  the  opportunity  to 
investigate Ryanair‘s minority stake within four months from the European Commission‘s June 2007 decision to 
prohibit  Ryanair‘s  takeover  of  Aer  Lingus.  The  OFT  agreed  in  October  2010  to  suspend  its  investigation 
pending the outcome of Ryanair‘s appeal against the OFT‘s decision that its investigation is not time barred. On 
July 28, 2011, the Competition Appeal Tribunal ruled that the OFT was not time barred when it attempted in 
September 2010 to open an investigation into Ryanair‘s 2006 acquisition of a minority non-controlling stake in 
Aer  Lingus.    Ryanair  subsequently  appealed  the  Competition  Appeal  Tribunal‘s  decision.    On  November  24, 
2011, the UK Court of Appeal ordered a stay of the OFT‘s investigation into Ryanair‘s minority stake in Aer 
Lingus pending the outcome of the appeal.  On May 22, 2012, the UK Court of Appeal found that the OFT was 
not time barred to investigate Ryanair‘s minority stake in Aer Lingus in September 2010. Ryanair subsequently 
sought  permission  to  appeal  this  ruling  to  the  UK  Supreme  Court  but  permission  was  refused.    On  June  15, 
2012,  the  OFT  referred  the  investigation  of  Ryanair‘s  minority  stake  in  Aer  Lingus  to  the  UK  Competition 
Commission  

On June 19, 2012, Ryanair announced its third all cash offer to acquire all of the ordinary shares of Aer 
Lingus  it  did  not  own  at  a  price  of  €1.30  per  ordinary  share  and  immediately  commenced  pre-notification 
discussions with the European Commission for the purpose of preparing a merger filing.  Pending the outcome 
of  the  European  Commission‘s  review  of  Ryanair‘s  bid,  on  the  basis  of  the  duty  of  ―sincere  cooperation‖ 
between  the  EU  and  the  Member  States,  and  under  the  EU  Merger  Regulation,  the  UK  Competition 
Commission‘s  investigation  of  Ryanair‘s  minority  stake  in  Aer  Lingus  should  not  have  properly  proceeded.  
Nevertheless, Aer Lingus argued that the investigation should proceed and that Ryanair‘s offer was in breach of 
certain provisions of the UK Enterprise Act 2002.   

On July 10, 2012, the Competition Commission ruled that Ryanair‘s bid was not in breach of the UK 
Enterprise Act, but nevertheless decided that its investigation of the minority stake can proceed in parallel with 
the European Commission‘s investigation of Ryanair‘s offer for Aer Lingus.  In July 2012, Ryanair appealed the 
latter  part  of  the  Competition  Commission‘s  ruling  to  the  UK  Competition  Appeal  Tribunal,  and  the 
Competition Commission‘s investigation became suspended pending the appeal process.  On  August 8, 2012, 
the  Competition  Appeal  Tribunal  rejected  Ryanair‘s  appeal  and  found  that  the  Competition  Commission‘s 
investigation could proceed in parallel with the European Commission‘s investigation, but that the Competition 
Commission  must  avoid  taking  any  final  decision  which  could  conflict  with  the  European  Commission‘s 
ultimate  conclusion  on  Ryanair‘s  bid.    In  August  2012,  Ryanair  appealed  the  Competition  Appeal  Tribunal 
judgment to the UK Court of Appeal.  In December 2012, the Court of Appeal rejected Ryanair‘s appeal and 
subsequently  the  Competition  Commission‘s  investigation  has  restarted.    On  December  13,  2012,  Ryanair 
applied to the UK Supreme Court for permission to appeal the judgment of the Court of Appeal.  The Supreme 
Court refused permission to appeal on April 25, 2013.  

On February 27, 2013 the European Commission prohibited Ryanair‘s bid to acquire the entire share 
capital of Aer Lingus on the claimed basis that it would be incompatible with the EU internal market.  Ryanair 
appealed  this  decision  to  the  EU  General  Court  on  May  8,  2013.  The  judgment  of  the  EU  General  Court  is 
expected within 18-24 months and may affirm or annul the decision of the European Commission. 

The timing of Ryanair‘s 2012 offer for Aer Lingus was influenced by; (i) the continued consolidation 
of  European  airlines,  and  more  recently  the  International  Airlines  Group  (the  parent  company  of  British 
Airways) takeover of British Midland International, where the No.1 airline at Heathrow was allowed to acquire 
the No. 2; (ii) the additional capacity available at Dublin airport following the opening of Terminal 2 and the 
decline in traffic from 23.3 million passengers per annum in 2007 to 18.7 million in 2011, resulting in Dublin 
airport operating at approximately 50% capacity; (iii) the change in the Irish government policy since 2006 in 
that  the Irish  government  has decided to sell  its stake  in  Aer Lingus; (iv) the  fact that  under the terms of the 
bailout agreement provided by the European Commission, European Central bank and International Monetary 
Fund to Ireland, the Irish government has committed to sell its stake in Aer Lingus; (v) the fact that the ESOT 
(Employee  Share  Ownership  Trust)  which  at  the  time  of  the  unsuccessful  2006  offer  controlled  15%  of  Aer 
Lingus has been disbanded since December 2010 and the shares distributed to the individual members, with the 
result that Ryanair‘s new offer was, in Ryanair‘s view, capable of reaching over 50% acceptance either with or 
without government acceptance; and (vi) the  fact that Etihad, an Abu Dhabi based airline, has acquired a  3% 
stake in Aer Lingus and has expressed an interest in buying the Irish government‘s 25% stake in Aer Lingus (the 
offer now provides Etihad or any other potential bidder the opportunity to purchase the government‘s stake). 

115 

 
 
Ryanair offered to keep Aer Lingus as a separate company, maintain the Aer Lingus brand, and to grow 
its traffic from 9.5 million to over 14.5 million passengers over a five year period post acquisition, by growing 
Aer  Lingus‘  short  haul  traffic  at  some  of  Europe‘s  major  airports  where  Aer  Lingus  currently  operates  and 
Ryanair  does  not.  Ryanair  also  intended  to  increase  Aer  Lingus‘  transatlantic  traffic  from  Ireland,  which  has 
fallen  in  recent  years,  by  investing  in  operations.  If  the  offer  had  been  accepted,  the  Irish  government  would 
have received €173 million in cash. The offer of €1.30 per share represented a premium of approximately 38% 
over  the  closing  price  of  €0.94  for  Aer  Lingus  shares  as  of  June  19,  2012.  The  offer  was  conditional  on 
competition approval by the European Commission.   

Following  the  European  Commission‘s  decision  to  prohibit  its  offer  for  Aer  Lingus,  Ryanair  has 
actively  engaged  with  the  Competition  Commission‘s  investigation  of  the  minority  stake.  In  its  provisional 
findings on May 30, 2013, the UK Competition Commission (UKCC) stated that Ryanair, through its minority 
shareholding  in  Aer  Lingus,  ―has    influence‖  over  Aer  Lingus,  that  this  ―could  reduce  competition‖,  and  that 
Ryanair  should  be  required  to  divest  some  or  all  of  its  shares  in  Aer  Lingus.    Following  an  extension  of  the 
investigation timetable on June 24, 2013, the UKCC‘s final decision will be published by September 5, 2013.  
The UKCC could order Ryanair to divest some or all of its shares in Aer Lingus, as a result of which Ryanair 
could suffer losses due to the negative impact on market prices of the forced sale of such a significant portion of 
Aer  Lingus‘  shares.    Ryanair  believes  that  the  enforcement  of  any  such  decision  should  be  delayed  until  the 
outcome  of  Ryanair‘s  appeal  against  the  European  Commission‘s  February  2013  prohibition  decision  of 
Ryanair‘s 2012 offer for Aer Lingus, and the conclusion of any appeals against the UKCC‘s decision in the UK 
courts.  However, it is possible that the UKCC will seek to enforce any such sell-down remedy at an earlier date. 
On July 23, 2013 the Company announced that as part of its remedies discussions with the UKCC it had offered 
to give an undertaking to unconditionally sell its shareholding in Aer Lingus to any other EU airline that makes 
an  offer  for  Aer  Lingus  and  acquires  acceptances  in  respect  of  more  than  50%  of  Aer  Lingus‘  issued  share 
capital.  For  more  information,  see  ―Item  8.  Financial  Information—Other  Financial  Information—Legal 
Proceedings—Matters Related to Investment in Aer Lingus.‖ 

Legal  Actions  Against  Monopoly  Airports.  Ryanair  has  been  involved  in  a  number  of  legal  and 
regulatory actions against the Dublin and London (Stansted) airports in relation to what Ryanair considers to be 
ongoing abuses of their dominant positions in the Dublin and London (Stansted) markets. Management believes 
that  both  of  these  airports  have  been  engaging  in  ―regulatory  gaming‖  in  order  to  achieve  inflated  airport 
charges under the regulatory processes in the U.K. and Ireland. By inflating its so-called ―regulated asset base‖ 
(essentially the value of its airport facilities), a regulated airport can achieve higher returns on its assets through 
inflated airport charges. With respect to London (Stansted), the OFT, following complaints  from  Ryanair and 
other airlines, has recognized that the regulatory process is flawed and provides perverse incentives to regulated 
airports to spend excessively on infrastructure in order to inflate their airport charges. The OFT referred the case 
to the Competition Commission which released its preliminary findings in April 2008. It found that the common 
ownership by BAA of the three main airports in London affects competition and that the ―light touch‖ regulation 
by the Civil Aviation Authority was having an adverse impact on competition. In March 2009, the Competition 
Commission published its  final report on the BAA and ordered the breakup of the BAA, (which involved the 
sale  of  London  (Gatwick)  and  London  (Stansted)  and  either  Glasgow  or  Edinburgh  Airport  in  Scotland).  In 
October 2009, London (Gatwick) was sold to Global Infrastructure Partners for £1.5 billion. In May 2009, BAA 
appealed  the  Competition  Commission‘s  decision  on  the  bases  of  apparent  bias  and  lack  of  proportionality. 
Ryanair secured the right to intervene in this appeal in support of the Competition Commission. The case was 
heard  in  October  2009  and  in  February  2010  the  Competition  Appeal  Tribunal  quashed  the  Competition 
Commission‘s ruling on the basis of the ―apparent bias‖ claim. This decision was successfully appealed by both 
the Competition Commission and Ryanair before the Court of Appeal. The appeal was heard in June 2010 and 
the judgment was issued in October 2010, quashing the Competition Appeal Tribunal ruling and reinstating the 
Competition Commission March 2009 decision. In February 2011, the Supreme Court refused to grant the BAA 
permission to appeal the Court of Appeal ruling. The Competition Commission has subsequently reconsidered 
the  appropriateness  of  the  remedies  imposed  on  the  BAA  in  March  2009  in  light  of  the  passage  of  time,  and 
confirmed in its preliminary report in April 2011 that the remedies are still appropriate and the sale of Stansted 
and  one  of  either  Glasgow  or  Edinburgh  airports  should  proceed.  In  July  2011,  the  Competition  Commission 
confirmed its March 2011 provisional decision on ―possible material changes of circumstances.‖ It found that no 
material changes of circumstances (that would necessitate a change in the remedies package) had occurred since 
the March 2009 decision requiring the BAA to sell Gatwick, Stansted and one of either Glasgow or Edinburgh 
airports, and that consequently the BAA should proceed to dispose of Stansted and one of the Scottish airports. 
The BAA appealed this decision to the Competition Appeal Tribunal, and lost on February 1, 2012. The BAA 
then brought a further appeal to the Court of Appeal, which they also lost on July 26, 2012. While these appeals 
were  ongoing,  the  BAA  proceeded  to  sell  Edinburgh  airport  in  April  2012.  BAA  did  not  appeal  the  Court  of 

116 

 
 
Appeal  judgment  to  the  UK  Supreme  Court,  and  proceeded  to  complete  the  sale  of  Stansted  airport  to 
Manchester Airports Group plc in March 2013.  

With respect to Dublin airport, Ryanair appealed the December 2009 decision of the CAR, which set 
maximum  charges  at  the  airport  for  2010  through  2014,  to  the  Appeals  Panel  set  up  by  the  Minister  for 
Transport.  In  June  2010,  the  Appeals  Panel  found  in  favor  of  Ryanair  on  the  matter  of  differential  pricing 
between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, recommending that such differential pricing be imposed by the CAR. The 
CAR  subsequently  overruled  the  decision  of  the  Appeals  panel  and  allowed  the  charges  increase  at  Dublin 
Airport, with no differential pricing between Terminals 1 and 2. 

Ryanair  has  also  been  trying  to  prevent  both  the  BAA  in  London  and  the  DAA  in  Dublin  from 
engaging in  wasteful capital  expenditure. In the case of London (Stansted) Airport,  the BAA  was planning to 
spend £4 billion on a second runway and terminal, which Ryanair believes should only cost approximately £1 
billion.  Following  the  final  decision  of  the  Competition  Commission  forcing  BAA  to  sell  London  (Stansted) 
airport,  Ryanair believed that it  was highly  unlikely that BAA‘s planned £4 billion plans  would proceed. The  
Liberal/Conservative  government  in  the  U.K.  had  also  outlined  that  it  would  not  approve  the  building  of  any 
more runways in the Southeast of England. Consequently, in May 2010, the BAA announced that it would not 
pursue its plans to develop a second runway at London (Stansted). 

In the case of Dublin, the DAA has built a second terminal, costing over four times its initial estimate. 
When the DAA first announced plans to build a second terminal (―Terminal 2‖) at Dublin Airport, it estimated 
that  the  proposed  expansion  would  cost  between  €170  million  and  €200  million.  Ryanair  supported  a 
development of this scale; however, in September 2006, the DAA announced that the construction of Terminal 2 
would cost approximately €800 million. Subsequently, the cost of the new infrastructure rose in excess of €1.2 
billion. Ryanair opposed expansion at what it believed to be an excessive cost. On August 29, 2007, however 
the relevant planning authority approved the planning application from the DAA for the building of Terminal 2, 
and other facilities, all of which went ahead. On May 1, 2010, the airport fees per departing passenger increased 
by 27% from €13.61 to €17.23, and by a further 12% in 2011 following the opening of Terminal 2 in November 
2010 in accordance with the CAR‘s decision of December 4, 2009 in relation to airport charges between 2010 
and  2014.  Ryanair  sought  a  judicial  review  of  the  planning  approval,  however,  this  appeal  was  unsuccessful. 
The increase in charges, in combination with the introduction of the €10 Air Travel Tax (subsequently reduced 
to €3) mentioned above, led to substantially reduced passenger volumes to and from Dublin Airport.  See ―Item 
3.  Risk  FactorsRisks  Related  to  the  CompanyRyanair‘s  Continued  Growth  is  Dependent  on  Access  to 
Suitable Airports; Charges for Airport Access are Subject to Increase‖ and ―—The Company Is Subject to Legal 
Proceedings Alleging State Aid at Certain Airports,‖ as well as ―Item 4. Information on the Company—Airport 
Operations—Airport Charges.‖ 

Legal  Proceedings  Against  Internet  Ticket  Touts.  The  Company  is  involved  in  a  number  of  legal 
proceedings against internet ticket touts (screenscraper websites) in Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, France, 
Spain, Italy and Switzerland. Screenscraper websites gain unauthorized access to Ryanair‘s website and booking 
system, extract flight and pricing information and display it on their own websites for sale to customers at prices 
which include intermediary fees on top of Ryanair‘s fares. Ryanair does not allow any such commercial use of 
its  website  and  objects  to  the  practice  of  screenscraping  also  on  the  basis  of  certain  legal  principles,  such  as 
database  rights,  copyright  protection,  etc.  The  Company‘s  objective  is  to  prevent  any  unauthorized  use  of  its 
website.  The  Company  also  believes  that  the  selling  of  airline  tickets  by  screenscraper  websites  is  inherently 
anti-consumer  as  it  inflates  the  cost  of  air  travel.  At  the  same  time,  Ryanair  encourages  genuine  price 
comparison websites which allow consumers to compare prices of several airlines and then refer consumers to 
the airline website in order to perform the booking at the original fare. Ryanair offers licensed access to its flight 
and pricing information to such websites. The Company has received favorable rulings in Ireland, Germany and 
The  Netherlands,  and  unfavorable  rulings  primarily  in  Spain.  However,  pending  the  outcome  of  these  legal 
proceedings and if Ryanair were to be ultimately unsuccessful in them, the activities of screenscraper websites 
could  lead  to  a  reduction  in  the  number  of  customers  who  book  directly  on  Ryanair‘s  website  and  loss  of 
ancillary revenues which are an important source of profitability through the sale of car hire, hotels and travel 
insurance  etc.  Also,  some  customers  may  be  lost  to  the  Company  once  they  are  presented  by  a  screenscraper 
website with a Ryanair fare inflated by the screenscraper‘s intermediary fee. See Item 3. Key Information—Risk 
Factors—Risks  Related  to  the  Company—Ryanair  Faces  Risks  Related  to  Unauthorized  Use  of  Information 
from the Company‘s Website.‖ 

117 

 
 
 
 
Dividend Policy 

Following shareholder approval at the September 2010 annual general meeting of shareholders, a €500 
million special dividend was paid in October 2010.  Similarly, following shareholder approval at the September 
2012  annual  general  meeting  of  shareholders,  a  dividend  of  €0.34  per  Ordinary  Share  (approximately  €492 
million) was paid in November 2012.  The Company may pay other dividends from time to time. In June 2013, 
the  Company  detailed  plans  to  return  up  to  €1  billion  to  shareholders  over  the  next  two  years  with  at  least 
€400.0 million (€176.6 million already completed in June 2013) in share buybacks to be completed in the fiscal 
year  to  March  31,  2014  and  up  to  a  further  €600.0  million  in  either  special  dividends  or  share  buybacks. 
However, there can be no assurance that the €1 billion will be returned to shareholders, in whole or in part, as it 
is subject to shareholder approval, continuing profitability, the economic environment, capital expenditure and 
other  commitments.  Any  cash  dividends  or  other  distributions,  if  made,  are  expected  to  be  made  in  euro, 
although Ryanair Holdings‘ Articles provide that dividends may be declared and paid in U.S. dollars. In the case 
of ADRs, the Depositary will convert all cash dividends and other distributions payable to owners of ADRs into 
U.S. dollars to the extent that, in its judgment, it can do so on a reasonable basis, and will distribute the resulting 
U.S. dollar amounts (net of conversion expenses and any applicable fees) to the owners of ADRs. See ―Item 12. 
Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities‖ for information regarding fees of the Depositary. 

Share Buy-back Program 

Following  shareholder  approval  at  the  2006  annual  general  meeting  of  shareholders,  a  €300  million 
share  buy-back  program  was  formally  announced  on  June  5,  2007.  Permission  was  received  at  the  annual 
general  meeting  of  the  shareholders  held  on  September  20,  2007  to  repurchase  a  maximum  of  75.6  million 
Ordinary Shares representing 5% of the Company‘s then outstanding share capital. The €300 million share buy-
back of approximately 59.5 million Ordinary Shares, representing approximately 3.8% of the Company‘s pre-
existing share capital, was completed in November 2007. In February 2008, the Company announced a second 
share buy-back program of up to €200 million worth of Ordinary Shares, which was ratified by shareholders at 
the annual general meeting of the shareholders held on September 18, 2008. 18.1 million Ordinary Shares were 
repurchased  under  this  program  at  a  cost  of  approximately  €46.0  million.  The  Company  also  completed  the 
share  buy-back  of  €125  million  in  respect  of  36.5  million  Ordinary  Shares  in  the  2012  fiscal  year.    In  April 
2012, the Company completed a share buy-back of 15 million Ordinary Shares at a cost of approximately €68 
million. A further 24.1 million Ordinary Shares (including just over 2.0 million ADRs were repurchased in June 
2013  at  a  cost  of  approximately  €176.6  million.  As  a  result,  the  total  amount  spent  on  the  share  buy-back 
programs to date was approximately €714.3 million.  All Ordinary Shares (including ADRs which represent five 
Ordinary Shares) repurchased have been cancelled. 

In  April  2012,  the  Company  held  an  extraordinary  general  meeting  to  authorize  the  Directors  to 
repurchase Ordinary Shares and ADRs for up to 5% of the issued share capital of the Company traded on the 
NASDAQ. Up until April 2012, shareholders had only authorized the Directors to repurchase Ordinary Shares. 
As  the  ADRs  typically  trade  at  a  premium  of  up  to  20%  compared  to  Ordinary  Shares,  this  may  result  in 
increased costs in performing share buy-backs in the future. On June 20, 2013 the Company detailed plans to 
return  up  to  €1  billion  to  shareholders  over  the  next  two  years  with  at  least  €400.0  million  (€176.6  million 
already completed in June 2013) in share buybacks to be completed in the fiscal year to March 31, 2014 and up 
to a further €600.0 million in either special dividends or share buybacks. However, there can be no assurance 
that the €1 billion will be returned to shareholders, in whole or in part, as it is subject to shareholder approval, 
continuing  profitability,  the  economic  environment,  capital  expenditure  and  other  commitments.  At  this  time, 
the  Company  has  not  decided  whether  it  will  conduct  these  further  share  repurchases  in  Ordinary  Shares  or 
ADRs or a combination of both. 

 See ―Item 9. The Offer and Listing - Trading Markets and Share Prices‖ below for further information 

regarding share buy-backs. 

118 

 
 
 
 
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES 

On May 27, 2013 the Company issued a Class 1 circular to shareholders seeking their approval for the 
purchase of 175 new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, with a list value of over US$14.2 billion.  An EGM was held 
June 18, 2013 and shareholders approved the transaction.  

In June 2013 the Company bought back 24.1 million ordinary shares at a total cost of €176.6 million, 
for  cancellation.    Cumulatively  these  buybacks  are  equivalent  to  1.7%  of  the  issued  share  capital  of  the 
Company. 

On June 20, 2013 the Company detailed plans to return up to €1 billion to shareholders over the next 
two years with at least €400.0 million (€176.6 million already completed in June 2013) in share buybacks to be 
completed in the fiscal year to March 31, 2014 and up to a further €600.0 million in either special dividends or 
share buybacks (subject to shareholder approval). 

119 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9. The Offer and Listing 

TRADING MARKETS AND SHARE PRICES 

The primary market for Ryanair Holdings‘ Ordinary Shares is the Irish Stock Exchange Limited (the 
―Irish Stock Exchange‖); Ordinary Shares are also traded on the London Stock Exchange. The Ordinary Shares 
were  first  listed  for  trading  on  the  Official  List  of  the  Irish  Stock  Exchange  on  June  5,  1997  and  were  first 
admitted to the Official List of the London Stock Exchange on July 16, 1998. 

ADRs,  each  representing  five  Ordinary  Shares,  are  traded  on  NASDAQ.  The  Bank  of  New  York 
Mellon  is  Ryanair  Holdings‘  depositary  for  purposes  of  issuing  ADRs  evidencing  the  ADSs.  The  following 
tables  set  forth,  for  the  periods  indicated,  the  reported  high  and  low  closing  sales  prices  of  the  ADRs  on 
NASDAQ and for the Ordinary Shares on the Irish Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, and have 
been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one split of the Ordinary Shares and ADRs effected on February 26, 2007: 

*All quarterly high and low prices for ADRs and Ordinary Shares in the following tables refer to calendar year quarters and not fiscal year 
quarters 

2007 ...................................................................................................  
2008 ...................................................................................................  
2009 ...................................................................................................  
2010 ...................................................................................................  
2011 

First Quarter* .................................................................................  
Second Quarter ..............................................................................  
Third Quarter .................................................................................  
Fourth Quarter ...............................................................................  

2012 

First Quarter ...................................................................................  
Second Quarter ..............................................................................  
Third Quarter .................................................................................  
Fourth Quarter ...............................................................................  

Month ending: 

January 31, 2013 ............................................................................  
February 28, 2013 ..........................................................................  
March 31, 2013 ..............................................................................  
April 30, 2013 ................................................................................  
May 31, 2013 .................................................................................  
June 30, 2013 .................................................................................  
Period ending July 19, 2013 ..............................................................  

ADRs 
(in U.S. dollars) 

High 

49.560 
35.482 
29.586 
33.090 

31.990  
30.560 
29.730  
30.820  

36.280 
36.890 
32.740  
36.140  

40.190  
41.580  
43.230  
44.410  
49.520  
51.530  
53.790  

Low 

36.210 
15.089 
20.779 
21.268 

26.580  
27.970  
24.200  
25.410  

27.770 
29.330 
27.890  
31.900  

34.620  
38.230  
39.080  
41.360  
42.990  
48.870  
51.560 

120 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2007 ...................................................................................................  
2008 ...................................................................................................  
2009 ...................................................................................................  
2010 ...................................................................................................  
2011 

First Quarter ...................................................................................  
Second Quarter ..............................................................................  
Third Quarter .................................................................................  
Fourth Quarter ...............................................................................  

2012 

First Quarter ...................................................................................  
Second Quarter ..............................................................................  
Third Quarter .................................................................................  
Fourth Quarter ...............................................................................  

Month ending: 

January 31, 2013 ............................................................................  
February 28, 2013 ..........................................................................  
March 31, 2013 ..............................................................................  
April 30, 2013 ................................................................................  
May 31, 2013 .................................................................................  
June 30, 2013 .................................................................................  
Period ending July 19, 2013 ..............................................................  

2007 ...................................................................................................  
2008 ...................................................................................................  
2009 ...................................................................................................  
2010 ...................................................................................................  
2011 

First Quarter ...................................................................................  
Second Quarter ..............................................................................  
Third Quarter .................................................................................  
Fourth Quarter ...............................................................................  

2012 

First Quarter ...................................................................................  
Second Quarter ..............................................................................  
Third Quarter .................................................................................  
Fourth Quarter ...............................................................................  

Month ending: 

January 31, 2013 ............................................................................  
February 28, 2013 ..........................................................................  
March 31, 2013 ..............................................................................  
April 30, 2013 ................................................................................  
May 31, 2013 .................................................................................  
June 30, 2013 .................................................................................  
Period ending July 19, 2013 ..............................................................  

Ordinary Shares 
(Irish Stock Exchange) 
(in euro) 

High 

6.33 
4.20 
3.45  
4.19 

3.98  
3.64 
3.58  
3.84 

4.48 
4.49 
4.48  
5.00  

5.62  
5.78  
6.16  
6.20  
6.97  
7.20 
7.47  

Low 

4.40 
1.80 
2.51  
2.77 

3.13  
3.32  
2.82  
3.15  

3.68 
3.83 
3.86  
4.43  

4.76  
5.55  
5.68  
5.70  
5.97  
6.67  
6.95  

Ordinary Shares 
(London Stock Exchange) 
(in euro) 

High 

6.30 
4.20 
3.45 
4.19 

3.97 
3.65 
3.58 
3.85 

4.48 
4.49 
4.47  
5.00  

5.63  
5.79  
6.20  
6.18  
6.98  
7.18  
7.48  

Low 

4.44 
1.81 
2.50 
2.76 

3.13 
3.31 
2.83 
3.14 

3.68 
3.84 
3.88  
4.40  

4.76  
5.52  
5.72  
5.80  
5.96  
6.69  
6.95  

Since certain of the Ordinary Shares are held by brokers or other nominees, the number of direct record 
holders  in  the  United  States,  which  is  reported  above  62, may  not  be  fully  indicative  of  the  number  of  direct 
beneficial owners in the United States, or of where the direct beneficial owners of such shares are resident. 

121 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
In order to increase the percentage of its share capital held by EU nationals, beginning June 26, 2001, 
Ryanair Holdings instructed the Depositary to suspend the issuance of new ADRs in exchange for the deposit of 
Ordinary  Shares  until  further  notice.  Therefore,  holders  of  Ordinary  Shares  cannot  currently  convert  their 
Ordinary Shares into  ADRs.  The  Depositary  will  however convert existing  ADRs into Ordinary Shares at the 
request  of  the  holders  of  such  ADRs.  The  Company  in  2002  implemented  additional  measures  to  restrict  the 
ability of non-EU nationals to purchase Ordinary Shares. As a result, non-EU nationals are currently effectively 
barred  from  purchasing  Ordinary  Shares.  See  ―Item  10.  Additional  Information—Limitations  on  Share 
Ownership by Non-EU Nationals‖ for additional information. 

The Company, at its annual general meeting of the Shareholders, has, in recent years, passed a special 
resolution  permitting  the  Company  to  engage  in  Ordinary  Share  buy-back  programs  subject  to  certain  limits 
noted below. Since June 2007 (when the  Company engaged in its first Ordinary Share buy-back program) the 
Company has repurchased the following Ordinary Shares: 

Year ended March 31,  

No. of shares („m) 

Approx. cost (€‟m) 

2008 ..........................................................................  
2009 ..........................................................................  
2010 ..........................................................................  
2011 ..........................................................................  
2012 ..........................................................................  
2013 ..........................................................................  
Period through July 19, 2013 ....................................  

Total ..........................................................................  

59.5 
18.1 
- 
- 
36.5 
15.0 
24.1 

153.2 

300.0 
46.0 
- 
- 
124.6 
67.5 
176.6 

714.7 

All Ordinary Shares repurchased have been cancelled. 

The maximum price  at  which the Company  may repurchase Ordinary Shares,  in accordance  with the 
listing rules of the Irish Stock Exchange and of the Financial Services Authority, is the higher of 5% above the 
average  market  value  of  the  Company‘s  Ordinary  Shares  for  the  five  business  days  prior  to  the  day  of  the 
repurchase and the price stipulated by Article 5(1) of Commission Regulation (EC) of December 22 2003 (No. 
2273/2003)  (which  is  the  higher  of  the  last  independent  trade  and  the  highest  current  independent  bid  on  the 
Irish  Stock  Exchange).  The  minimum  price  at  which  the  Company  may  repurchase  Ordinary  Shares  is  their 
nominal value, currently 0.635 euro cent per share. 

At an extraordinary general meeting of Shareholders held on April 19, 2012, the Company obtained a 
new repurchase authority which enables the Company to repurchase the Company‘s ADRs which are traded on 
NASDAQ.  The  maximum  price  at  which  Ordinary  Shares  which  underlie  the  Company‘s  ADRs  can  be 
repurchased  is  5%  above  one-fifth  of  the  average  market  value  of  the  Company‘s  ADRs  as  quoted  on 
NASDAQ,  for  the  five  business  days  prior  to  the  date  of  purchase  (as  one  ADS  represents  five  Ordinary 
Shares). Any ADRs purchased will be converted to Ordinary Shares by the Company‘s brokers for subsequent 
repurchase  and  cancellation  by  the  Company.  On  June  5,  2013  the  Company  repurchased  2,018,800  ADRs 
equivalent to 10,094,000 ordinary shares at a price of €7.65 per ordinary share. 

As  of  June  30,  2013,  the  total  number  of  options  over  Ordinary  Shares  outstanding  under  all  of  the 
Company‘s share option plans was 11,142,430, representing 0.8% of the Company‘s issued share capital at that 
date. 

122 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 10. Additional Information 

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK 

Ryanair  Holdings‘  capital  stock  consists  of  Ordinary  Shares,  each  having  a  par  value  of  0.635  euro 
cent. As of March 31, 2013, a total of 1,447,051,752 Ordinary Shares were outstanding. On February 26, 2007, 
Ryanair effected a 2-for-1 share split as a result of which each of its then existing Ordinary Shares, par value 
1.27 euro cent, was split into two new Ordinary Shares, par value 0.635 euro cent. Each Ordinary Share entitles 
the holder thereof to one vote in respect of any matter voted upon by Ryanair Holdings‘ shareholders. 

OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES FROM REGISTRANT OR SUBSIDIARIES 

Ryanair  Holdings‘  shareholders  approved  a  stock  option  plan  (referred  to  herein  as  ―Option  Plan 
2000‖),  under  which  all  employees  and  directors  are  eligible  to  receive  options.  Grants  of  options  were 
permitted  to  take  place  at  the  close  of  any  of  the  ten  years  beginning  with  fiscal  year  2000  only  if  the 
Company‘s net profit after tax for such fiscal year had exceeded its net profit after tax for the prior fiscal year by 
at  least  25%,  or  if  an  increase  of  1%  in  net  profit  after  tax  for  the  relevant  year  would  have  resulted  in  such 
requirement being met. 

Ryanair Holdings‘ shareholders have also approved a stock option plan (referred to herein as ―Option 
Plan 2003‖) established in accordance with a then tax-favorable share option scheme available under Irish law, 
so that employees would not be subject to income tax on the exercise of options (subject to certain conditions). 
Option Plan 2003 was approved by the Revenue Commissioners on July 4, 2003 for the purposes of Chapter 4, 
Part 17, of the Irish Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 and Schedule 12C of that Act. Following the publication of 
the  Irish  National  Recovery  Plan:  2011-2014  (the  ―NRP‖)  on  November  24,  2010,  Revenue  approved  share 
option  plans,  such  as  Option  Plan  2003,  no  longer  qualified  for  favorable  tax  treatment  from  that  date.  All 
employees and full-time directors were eligible to participate in the plan, under which grants of options could be 
made at the close of any of the ten years beginning with fiscal year 2002 only if the Company‘s net profit after 
tax  for  such  fiscal  year  had  exceeded  its  net  profit  after  tax  for  the  prior  fiscal  year  by  at  least  25%,  or  if  an 
increase of 1% in net profit after tax for the relevant year would have resulted in such requirement being met. 

Under Option Plan 2000, 20 senior managers (including seven of the current executive officers) were 
granted 10,500,000 share options, in the aggregate, at a strike price of €3.21 in July 2005. Not all of the vesting 
conditions  were  met,  and  as  a  result  only  80%  of  the  options  granted  that  satisfied  the  conditions  were 
exercisable between August 1, 2011 and August 31, 2013.  The Company recognized a credit of €2.5 million in 
relation to the options that did not vest in June 2011. Also, under Option Plan 2000, each of the non-executive 
directors were granted 25,000 share options, at a strike price of €4.96, during the 2008 fiscal year. These options 
are  exercisable  between  June  2012  and  June  2014.  In  addition,  39  senior  managers  (including  eight  of  the 
current executive officers) were granted 10,000,000 share options, in the aggregate, under Option Plan 2000, at 
a strike price of €2.56, on September 18, 2008. These options will become exercisable between September 18, 
2013 and September 17, 2015, but only for managers who continue to be employed by the Company through 
September 18, 2013. 

The  aggregate  of  11,142,430  Ordinary  Shares  that  would  be  issuable  upon  exercise  in  full  of  the 
options that were outstanding as of June 30, 2013 under Company‘s option plan represent approximately 0.8% 
of the issued share capital of Ryanair Holdings as of such date. Of such total, options in respect of an aggregate 
of 9,575,000 Ordinary Shares were held by the directors and executive officers of Ryanair Holdings. For further 
information, see notes 15 and 19 to the consolidated financial statements included herein. 

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION 

The following is a summary of certain provisions of the Articles of Association of Ryanair Holdings. 
This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of 
the Articles, which are included as an exhibit to this annual report. 

Objects. Ryanair Holdings‘ objects, which are detailed in its Articles, are broad and include carrying on 
business  as  an  investment  and  holding  company.  Ryanair  Holdings‘  Irish  company  registration  number  is 
249885.  

123 

 
 
Directors.  Subject  to  certain  exceptions,  directors  may  not  vote  on  matters  in  which  they  have  a 
material  interest.  The  ordinary  remuneration  of  the  directors  is  determined  from  time  to  time  by  ordinary 
resolutions  of  the  shareholders.  Any  director  who  holds  any  executive  office,  serves  on  any  committee  or 
otherwise performs services, which, in the opinion of the directors, are outside the scope of the ordinary duties 
of a director, may be paid such extra remuneration as the directors may determine. The directors may exercise 
all the powers of the Company to borrow money. These powers may be amended by special resolution of the 
shareholders. The directors are not required to retire at any particular age. There is no requirement for directors 
to  hold  shares.  One-third  of  the  directors  retire  and  offer  themselves  for  re-election  at  each  annual  general 
meeting of the Company. The directors to retire by rotation are those who have been longest in office since their 
last appointment or reappointment.  As between persons who became or were appointed directors on the same 
date,  those  to  retire  are  determined  by  agreement  between  them  or,  otherwise,  by  lot.  All  of  the  shareholders 
entitled  to  attend  and  vote  at  the  annual  general  meeting  of  the  Company  may  vote  on  the  re-election  of 
directors.  

Annual and General Meetings.  Annual and extraordinary  meetings are called upon 21 days‘ advance 
notice.  At  Ryanair‘s  annual  general  meeting,  held  on  September  22,  2010,  the  Company‘s  Articles  of 
Association  were  amended  by  special  resolution  to  reflect  the  implementation  of  the  Shareholders‘  Rights 
(Directive 2007/36/EC) Regulations 2009 to allow all Ryanair shareholders to appoint proxies electronically to 
attend, speak, ask questions and vote on behalf of them at annual general meetings and to reflect certain other 
provisions  of  those  Regulations.  All  holders  of  Ordinary  Shares  are  entitled  to  attend,  speak  at  and  vote  at 
general meetings of the Company, subject to limitations described below under ―—Limitations on the Right to 
Own Shares.‖ 

Rights,  Preferences  and  Dividends  Attaching  to  Shares.  The  Company  has  only  one  class  of  shares, 
Ordinary  Shares  with  a  par  value  of  0.635  euro  cent  per  share.  All  such  shares  rank  equally  with  respect  to 
payment of dividends and on any winding-up of the Company. Any dividend, interest or other sum payable to a 
shareholder that remains unclaimed for one year after having been declared may be invested by the directors for 
the  benefit  of  the  Company  until  claimed.  If  the  directors  so  resolve,  any  dividend  which  has  remained 
unclaimed  for  12  years  from  the  date  of  its  declaration  shall  be  forfeited  and  cease  to  remain  owing  by  the 
Company. The Company is permitted under its Articles to issue redeemable shares on such terms and in such 
manner as the Company may, by special resolution, determine. The Ordinary Shares currently in issue are not 
redeemable. The liability of shareholders to invest additional capital is limited to the amounts remaining unpaid 
on the shares held by them. There are no sinking fund provisions in the Articles of the Company. 

Action Necessary to Change the Rights of Shareholders. The rights attaching to shares in the Company 

may be varied by special resolutions passed at meetings of the shareholders of the Company. 

Limitations  on  the  Rights  to  Own  Shares.  The  Articles  contain  detailed  provisions  enabling  the 
directors  of  the  Company  to  limit  the  number  of  shares  in  which  non-EU  nationals  have  an  interest  or  the 
exercise by non-EU nationals of rights attaching to shares. See ―—Limitations on Share Ownership by Non-EU 
Nationals‖  below.  Such  powers  may  be  exercised  by  the  directors  if  they  are  of  the  view  that  any  license, 
consent,  permit or privilege of the Company or any of its subsidiaries that enables it to operate an air service 
may be refused, withheld, suspended or revoked or have conditions attached to it that inhibit its exercise and the 
exercise of the powers referred to above could prevent such an occurrence. The exercise of such powers could 
result in non-EU holders of shares being prevented from attending, speaking at or voting at general meetings of 
the Company and/or being required to dispose of shares held by them to EU nationals.  

Disclosure  of  Share  Ownership.  Under  Irish  law,  the  Company  can  require  parties  to  disclose  their 
interests in shares. The Articles of the Company entitle the directors to require parties to complete declarations 
indicating their nationality and the nature and extent of any interest which such parties hold in Ordinary Shares 
before allowing such parties to transfer such Ordinary Shares. See, also ―—Limitations on Share Ownership by 
non-EU nationals‖ below. Under Irish law, if a party acquires or disposes of Ordinary Shares so as to bring his 
interest above or below 5% of the total  issued share capital of the  Company,  he  must notify the Company of 
that.  The  Irish  Stock  Exchange  must  also  be  notified  of  any  acquisition  or  disposal  of  shares  that  brings  the 
shareholding of a party above or below certain specified percentages – i.e., 10%, 25%, 50% and 75%. 

124 

 
 
 
 
Other Provisions of the Articles of Association. There are no provisions in the Articles: 

(i)  delaying  or  prohibiting  a  change  in  the  control  of  the  Company,  but  which  operate  only  with 

respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring; 

(ii)  discriminating against any existing or prospective holder of shares as a result of such shareholder 

owning a substantial number of shares; or 

(iii) governing changes in capital, 

in each case, where such provisions are more stringent than those required by law. 

MATERIAL CONTRACTS 

On  March  19,  2013  the  Company  announced  that  it  had  entered  into  an  agreement  with  Boeing  to 
purchase 175 Boeing 737-800NG aircraft,  with a list value of over $14.2 billion, over a five  year period from 
fiscal 2015 to 2019  in accordance with the terms of the contract. The contract was approved by the shareholders 
of the Company at an extraordinary general meeting on June 18, 2013. 

EXCHANGE CONTROLS 

Except  as  indicated  below,  there  are  no  restrictions  on  non-residents  of  Ireland  dealing  in  Irish 
securities  (including  shares  or  depositary  receipts  of  Irish  companies  such  as  the  Company).  Dividends  and 
redemption proceeds also continue to be freely transferable to non-resident holders of such securities.  

Under  the  Financial  Transfers  Act  1992  (the  ―1992  Act‖),  the  Minister  for  Finance  of  Ireland  may 
make provision for the restriction of financial transfers between Ireland and other countries. Financial  transfers 
are  broadly  defined,  and  the  acquisition  or  disposal  of  the  ADRs,  which  represent  shares  issued  by  an  Irish 
incorporated  company,  the  acquisition  or  the  disposal  of  Ordinary  Shares  and  associated  payments  may  fall 
within  this  definition.  Dividends  or  payments  on  the  redemption  or  purchase  of  shares  and  payments  on  the 
liquidation of an Irish-incorporated company would fall within this definition. 

The  1992  Act  prohibits  financial  transfers  involving  the  late  Slobodan  Milosevic  and  associated 
persons,  Belarus,  Burma  (Myanmar),  certain  persons  indicted  by  the  International  Criminal  Tribunal  for  the 
former Yugoslavia, the now deceased Usama Bin Laden, the Al-Qaeda network and the Taliban of Afghanistan, 
the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, the Republic of Guinea, the Democratic People‘s Republic 
of  Korea  (North  Korea),  Iran,  Iraq,  Côte  d‘Ivoire,  Lebanon,  Liberia,  Libya,  Afghanistan,  Tunisia,  Zimbabwe, 
Sudan,  Somalia,  Syria,  certain  known  terrorists  and  terrorist  groups,  and  countries  that  harbor  certain 
terrorist groups, without the prior permission of the Central Bank of Ireland. 

Any  transfer  of,  or  payment  in  respect  of,  an  ADS  involving  the  government  of  any  country  that  is 
currently the subject of United Nations sanctions, any person or body controlled by any of the foregoing, or any 
person  acting  on  behalf  of  the  foregoing,  may  be  subject  to  restrictions  pursuant  to  such  sanctions  as 
implemented into Irish law. The Company does not anticipate that Irish exchange controls or orders under  the 
1992 Act or United Nations sanctions implemented into Irish law will have a material effect on its business. 

125 

 
 
 
 
LIMITATIONS ON SHARE OWNERSHIP BY NON-EU NATIONALS 

The Board of Directors of Ryanair Holdings is given certain powers under the Articles to take action to 
ensure that the number of Ordinary Shares held in Ryanair Holdings by non-EU nationals does not reach a level 
which  could  jeopardize  the  Company‘s  entitlement  to  continue  to  hold  or  enjoy  the  benefit  of  any  license, 
permit, consent or privilege which it holds or enjoys and which enables it to carry on business as an air carrier (a 
―License‖). In particular, EU Regulation 2407/92 requires that, in order to obtain and retain an operating license, 
an EU air carrier must be majority-owned and effectively controlled by EU nationals. The regulation does not 
specify what level of share ownership will confer effective control on a holder or holders of shares. As described 
below, the directors will, from time to time, set a ―Permitted Maximum‖ on the number of Ordinary Shares that 
may  be  owned  by  non-EU  nationals  at  such  level  as  they  believe  will  comply  with  EU  law.  The  Permitted 
Maximum is currently set at 49.9%.  

Ryanair Holdings maintains a separate register (the ―Separate Register‖) of Ordinary Shares in which 
non-EU  nationals,  whether  individuals,  bodies  corporate  or  other  entities,  have  an  interest  (such  shares  are 
referred  to  as  ―Affected  Shares‖  in  the  Articles).  Interest  in  this  context  is  widely  defined  and  includes  any 
interest  held  through  ADRs  in  the  shares  underlying  the  relevant  ADRs.  The  directors  can  require  relevant 
parties to provide them  with  information to enable a determination to be  made by the directors as to  whether 
Ordinary Shares are, or are to be treated as, Affected Shares. If such information is not available or forthcoming 
or is unsatisfactory then the directors can, at their discretion, determine that Ordinary Shares are to be treated as 
Affected Shares. Registered holders of Ordinary Shares are also obliged to notify the Company if they are aware 
that any Ordinary Share which they hold ought to be treated as an Affected Share for this purpose. With regard 
to  ADRs,  the  directors  can  treat  all  of  the  relevant  underlying  shares  as  Affected  Shares  unless  satisfactory 
evidence as to why they should not be so treated is forthcoming.  

In the event that, inter alia, (i) the refusal, withholding, suspension or revocation of any License or the 
imposition  of  any  condition  which  materially  inhibits  the  exercise  of  any  License  (an  ―Intervening  Act‖)  has 
taken  place,  (ii)  the  Company  receives  a  notice  or  direction  from  any  governmental  body  or  any  other  body 
which  regulates  the  provision  of  air  transport  services  to  the  effect  that  an  Intervening  Act  is  imminent, 
threatened or intended or (iii) an Intervening Act may occur as a consequence of the level of non-EU ownership 
of Ordinary Shares or an Intervening Act is imminent,  threatened or intended because of the  manner of share 
ownership or control of Ryanair Holdings generally, the directors can take action pursuant to the Articles to deal 
with  the  situation.  They  can,  inter  alia,  (i)  remove  any  directors  or  change  the  chairman  of  the  Board  of 
Directors,  (ii)  identify  those  Ordinary  Shares,  ADRs  or  Affected  Shares  which  give  rise  to  the  need  to  take 
action and treat such Ordinary Shares, ADRs, or Affected Shares as Restricted Shares (see below) or (iii) set a 
―Permitted Maximum‖ on the number of Affected Shares which may subsist at any time (which may not, save in 
the  circumstances  referred  to  below,  be  lower  than  40%  of  the  total  number  of  issued  shares)  and  treat  any 
Affected  Shares  (or  ADRs  representing  such  Affected  Shares)  in  excess  of  this  Permitted  Maximum  as 
Restricted Shares (see below).  

In addition to the above, if as a consequence of a change of law or a direction, notice or requirement of 
any state, authority or person it is necessary to reduce the total number of Affected Shares below 40% or reduce 
the number of Affected Shares held by any particular stockholder or stockholders in order to overcome, prevent 
or  avoid  an  Intervening  Act,  the  directors  may  resolve  to  (i)  set  the  Permitted  Maximum  at  such  level  below 
40% as they consider necessary in order to overcome, prevent or avoid such Intervening Act, or (ii) treat such 
number  of  Affected  Shares  (or  ADRs  representing  Affected  Shares)  held  by  any  particular  stockholder  or 
stockholders  as  they  consider  necessary  (which  could  include  all  of  such  Affected  Shares  or  ADRs)  as 
Restricted  Shares  (see  below).  The  directors  may  serve  a  Restricted  Share  Notice  in  respect  of  any  Affected 
Share, or any ADR representing any ADS, which is to be treated as a Restricted Share. Such notices can have 
the effect of depriving the recipients of the rights to attend, vote at and speak at general meetings, which they 
would  otherwise  have  as  a  consequence  of  holding  such  Ordinary  Shares  or  ADRs.  Such  notices  can  also 
require  the  recipients  to  dispose  of  the  Ordinary  Shares  or  ADRs  concerned  to  an  EU  national  (so  that  the 
relevant shares (or shares underlying the relevant ADRs) will then cease to be Affected Shares) within 21 days 
or such longer period as the  directors  may determine. The directors are also  given  the  power to transfer such 
Restricted Shares, themselves, in cases of non-compliance with the Restricted Share Notice.  

126 

 
 
 
 
To  enable  the  directors  to  identify  Affected  Shares,  transferees  of  Ordinary  Shares  are  generally 
required to provide a declaration as to the nationality of persons having interests in those shares. Stockholders 
are  also  obliged  to  notify  Ryanair  Holdings  if  they  are  aware  that  any  shares,  which  they  hold,  ought  to  be 
treated as Affected Shares for this purpose. Purchasers or transferees of ADRs need not complete  a nationality 
declaration because the directors expect to treat all of the Ordinary Shares held by the Depositary as Affected 
Shares. ADS holders must open ADR accounts directly with the Depositary if they wish to provide to Ryanair 
Holdings nationality declarations or such other evidence as the directors may require in order to establish to the 
directors‘ satisfaction that the Ordinary Shares underlying such holder‘s ADRs are not Affected Shares. 

In deciding which Affected Shares are to be selected as Restricted Shares, the directors can take into 
account which Affected Shares have given rise to the necessity to take action. Subject to that they will, insofar 
as practicable, firstly view as Restricted Shares those Affected Shares in respect of which no declaration as to 
whether  or  not  such  shares  are  Affected  Shares  has  been  made  by  the  holder  thereof  and  where  information 
which has been requested by the directors in accordance with the Articles has not been provided within specified 
time periods and, secondly, have regard to the chronological order in which details of Affected Shares have been 
entered  in  the  Separate  Register  and,  accordingly,  treat  the  most  recently  registered  Affected  Shares  as 
Restricted  Shares  to  the  extent  necessary.  Transfers  of  Affected  Shares  to  Affiliates  (as  that  expression  is 
defined in the Articles) will not affect the chronological order of entry in the Separate Register for this purpose. 
The  directors do however  have  the  discretion to apply another basis of selection  if, in  their sole opinion, that 
would  be  more  equitable.  Where  the  directors  have  resolved  to  treat  Affected  Shares  held  by  any  particular 
stockholder or stockholders as Restricted Shares (i) because such Affected Shares have given rise to the need to 
take  such  action  or  (ii)  because  of  a  change  of  law  or  a  requirement  or  direction  of  a  regulatory  authority 
necessitating such action (see above), such powers may be exercised irrespective of the date upon which such 
Affected Shares were entered in the Separate Register. 

After having initially resolved to set the maximum level at 49.0%, the directors increased the maximum 
level to 49.9% on May 26, 1999, after the number of Affected Shares exceeded the initial limit. This maximum 
level could be reduced if it becomes necessary for the directors to exercise these powers in the circumstances 
described above. The decision to make any such reduction or to change the Permitted Maximum from time to 
time will be published in at least one national newspaper in Ireland and in any country in which the Ordinary 
Shares or ADRs are listed. The relevant notice will specify the provisions of the Articles that apply to Restricted 
Shares and the name of the person or persons who will answer queries relating to Restricted Shares on behalf of 
Ryanair  Holdings.  The  directors  shall  publish  information  as  to  the  number  of  shares  held  by  EU  nationals 
annually. 

In  an  effort  to  increase  the  percentage  of  its  share  capital  held  by  EU  nationals,  on  June  26,  2001, 
Ryanair Holdings instructed the Depositary to suspend the issuance of new ADSs in exchange for the deposit of 
Ordinary  Shares  until  further  notice  to  its  shareholders.  Holders  of  Ordinary  Shares  cannot  convert  their 
Ordinary Shares into ADRs during such suspension, and there can be no assurance that the suspension will ever 
be lifted.  

As a further measure to increase the percentage of Ordinary Shares held by EU nationals, on February 
7, 2002, the  Company issued a notice to shareholders to the effect that any purchase of Ordinary Shares by a 
non-EU national after such date will immediately result in the issue of a Restricted Share Notice to such non-EU 
national  Purchaser.  The  Restricted  Share  Notice  compels  the  non-EU  national  purchaser  to  sell  the  Affected 
Shares  to  an  EU  national  within  21  days  of  the  date  of  issuance.  In  the  event  that  any  such  non-EU  national 
shareholder does not sell its Ordinary Shares to an EU national within the specified time period, the Company 
can  then  take  legal  action  to  compel  such  a  sale.  As  a  result,  non-EU  nationals  are  effectively  barred  from 
purchasing  Ordinary  Shares  for  as  long  as  these  restrictions  remain  in  place.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that 
these restrictions will ever be lifted. 

As  an  additional  measure,  to  ensure  the  percentage  of  shares  held  by  EU  nationals  remains  at  least 
50.1%,  at the extraordinary general  meeting held on April 19, 2012, the Company obtained a new repurchase 
authority which  will enable the repurchase of ADRs for up to 5% of the issued share capital of the Company 
traded on the NASDAQ 

127 

 
 
 
 
Concerns  about  the  foreign  ownership  restrictions  described  above  could  result  in  the  exclusion  of 
Ryanair  from certain  stock tracking indices.  Any  such exclusion  may adversely affect the  market price  of the 
Ordinary  Shares  and  ADRs.  See  also  ―Item  3.  Risk  Factors––Risks  Related  to  Ownership  of  the  Company‘s 
Shares or  ADRs—EU  Rules  Impose Restrictions on the Ownership of  Ryanair Holdings‘  Ordinary Shares by 
Non-EU  Nationals  and  the  Company  has  Instituted  a  Ban  on  the  Purchase  of  Ordinary  Shares  by  Non-EU 
Nationals‖ above. 

As  of  June  30,  2013,  EU  nationals  owned  at  least  55.2%  of  Ryanair  Holdings‘  Ordinary  Shares 
(assuming  conversion  of  all  outstanding  ADRs  into  Ordinary  Shares).  Ryanair  continuously  monitors  the 
ownership status of its Ordinary Shares, which changes on a daily basis. 

128 

 
 
 
 
Irish Tax Considerations 

TAXATION 

The  following  is  a  discussion  of  certain  Irish  tax  consequences  of  the  purchase,  ownership  and 
disposition of Ordinary Shares or ADSs. This discussion is based upon tax laws and practice of Ireland at the 
date of this document, which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Particular rules may apply 
to certain classes of taxpayers (such as dealers in securities) and this discussion does not purport to deal with the 
tax consequences of purchase, ownership or disposition of the relevant securities for all categories of investors. 

The discussion is intended only as a general guide based on current Irish law and practice and is not 
intended to be, nor should it be considered to be, legal or tax advice to any particular investor or stockholder. 
Accordingly,  current  stockholders  or  potential  investors  should  satisfy  themselves  as  to  the  overall  tax 
consequences by consulting their own tax advisers.  

Dividends. If Ryanair Holdings pays dividends or makes other relevant distributions, the following is 

relevant:  

Withholding Tax. Unless exempted, a withholding at the standard rate of income tax (currently 20%) 
will apply to dividends or other relevant distributions paid by an Irish resident company. The withholding tax 
requirement  will  not  apply  to  distributions  paid  to  certain  categories  of  Irish  resident  stockholders  or  to 
distributions paid to certain categories of non-resident stockholders.  

The following Irish resident stockholders are exempt from withholding if they make to the Company, 

in advance of payment of any relevant distribution, an appropriate declaration of entitlement to exemption:  

 

Irish resident companies;  

  Pension schemes approved by the Irish Revenue Commissioners (―Irish Revenue‖);  

  Qualifying fund managers or qualifying savings managers; 

  Personal  Retirement  Savings  Account  (―PRSA‖)  administrators  who  receive  the  relevant 

distribution as income arising in respect of PRSA assets; 

  Qualifying employee share ownership trusts;  

  Collective investment undertakings;  

  Tax-exempt charities; 

  Designated brokers receiving the distribution for special portfolio investment accounts; 

  Any  person  who  is  entitled  to  exemption  from  income  tax  under  Schedule  F  on  dividends  in 
respect of an investment  in  whole or in part of payments received in respect of a civil action or 
from  the  Personal  Injuries  Assessment  Board  for  damages  in  respect  of  mental  or  physical 
infirmity; 

  Certain qualifying trusts established for the benefit of an incapacitated individual and/or persons in 

receipt of income from such a qualifying trust; 

  Any  person  entitled  to  exemption  to  income  tax  under  Schedule  F  by  virtue  of  Section  192(2) 

Taxes Consolidation Act (―TCA‖) 1997;  

  Unit trusts to which Section 731(5)(a) TCA 1997 applies; and 

  Certain Irish Revenue-approved amateur and athletic sport bodies. 

129 

 
 
The following non-resident stockholders are exempt from withholding if they make to the Company, in 

advance of payment of any dividend, an appropriate declaration of entitlement to exemption:  

  Persons (other than a company) who (i) are neither resident nor ordinarily resident in Ireland and 
(ii) are resident for tax purposes in (a) a country which has signed a tax treaty with Ireland (a ―tax 
treaty country‖) or (b) an EU member state other than Ireland; 

  Companies  not  resident  in  Ireland  which  are  resident  in  an  EU  member  state  or  a  tax  treaty 
country, by virtue of the law of an EU member state or a tax treaty country and are not controlled, 
directly or indirectly, by Irish residents; 

  Companies  not  resident  in  Ireland  which  are  directly  or  indirectly  controlled  by  a  person  or 
persons who are, by virtue of the law of a tax treaty country or an EU member state, resident for 
tax purposes in a tax treaty country or an EU member state other than Ireland and which are not 
controlled  directly  or  indirectly  by  persons  who  are  not  resident  for  tax  purposes  in  a  tax  treaty 
country or EU member state;  

  Companies  not  resident  in  Ireland  the  principal  class  of  shares  of  which  is  substantially  and 
regularly  traded  on  a  recognized  stock  exchange  in  a  tax  treaty  country  or  an  EU  member  state 
including Ireland or on an approved stock exchange; or 

  Companies not resident in Ireland that are  75% subsidiaries of a single company, or are  wholly-
owned by two or more companies, in either case the principal classes of shares of which is or are 
substantially and regularly traded on a recognized stock exchange in a tax treaty country or an EU 
member state including Ireland or on an approved stock exchange. 

In  the  case  of  an  individual  non-resident  stockholder  resident  in  an  EU  member  state  or  tax  treaty 
country, the declaration must be accompanied by a current certificate of tax residence from the tax authorities in 
the stockholder‘s country of residence. In the case of both an individual and corporate non-resident stockholder 
resident in an EU  member state  or tax treaty country the  declaration also  must contain an  undertaking by the 
individual or corporate non-resident stockholder that he, she or it will advise the Company accordingly if he, she 
or  it  ceases  to  meet  the  conditions  to  be  entitled  to  the  DWT  exemption.  No  declaration  is  required  if  the 
stockholder is a 5% parent company in another EU  member state in accordance  with  section 831 TCA 1997. 
Neither  is  a  declaration  required  on  the  payment  by  a  company  resident  in  Ireland  to  another  company  so 
resident if the company making the dividend is a 51% subsidiary of that other company. 

American  Depositary  Receipts.  Special  arrangements  with  regard  to  the  dividend  withholding  tax 
obligation  apply  in  the  case  of  Irish  companies  using  ADRs  through  U.S.  depositary  banks  that  have  been 
authorized by the Irish Revenue. Such banks, which receive dividends from the company and pass them on to 
the U.S. ADS holders beneficially entitled to such dividends, will be allowed to receive and pass on the gross 
dividends (i.e., before withholding) based on an ―address system‖ where the recorded addresses of such holder, 
as listed in the depositary bank‘s register of depositary receipts, is in the United States.  

Taxation on Dividends. Companies resident in Ireland other than those taxable on receipt of dividends 
as trading income are exempt from corporation tax on distributions received on Ordinary Shares from other Irish 
resident  companies.  Stockholders  that  are  ―close‖  companies  for  Irish  taxation  purposes  may,  however,  be 
subject to a 20% corporation tax surcharge on undistributed investment income. 

Individual stockholders who are resident or ordinarily resident in Ireland are subject to income tax on 
the  gross  dividend  at  their  marginal  tax  rate,  but  are  entitled  to  a  credit  for  the  tax  withheld  by  the  company 
paying the dividend. The dividend will also be subject to the universal social charge. An individual stockholder 
who  is  not  liable  or  not  fully  liable  for  income  tax  by  reason  of  exemption  or  otherwise  may  be  entitled  to 
receive  an  appropriate  refund  of  tax  withheld.  A  charge  to  Irish  social  security  taxes  can  also  arise  for  such 
individuals on the amount of any dividend received from the Company.  

130 

 
 
 
 
Except in certain circumstances, a person who is neither resident nor ordinarily resident in Ireland and 
is entitled to receive dividends without deductions is not liable for Irish tax on the dividends. Where a person 
who is neither resident nor ordinarily resident in Ireland is subject to withholding tax on the dividend received 
due to not benefiting from any exemption from such withholding, the amount of that withholding will generally 
satisfy such person‘s liability for Irish tax.  

Capital Gains Tax.  A person who is either resident or ordinarily resident in Ireland will generally be 
liable  for  Irish  capital  gains  tax  on  any  gain  realized  on  the  disposal  of  the  Ordinary  Shares  or  ADSs.  The 
current capital gains tax rate is 33%. A person who is neither resident nor ordinarily resident in Ireland and who 
does not carry on a trade in Ireland through a branch or agency will not be subject to Irish capital gains tax on 
the disposal of the Ordinary Shares or ADSs.  

Irish Capital Acquisitions Tax. A gift or inheritance of the Ordinary Shares or ADSs will be within the 
charge  to  Irish  Capital  Acquisitions  Tax  (―CAT‖)  notwithstanding  that  the  donor  or  the  donee/successor  in 
relation to such gift or inheritance is resident outside Ireland. CAT is charged at a rate of 33% above a tax-free 
threshold. This tax-free threshold is determined by the amount of the current benefit and of previous benefits 
taken since December 5, 1991, as relevant, within the charge to CAT and the relationship between the donor and 
the  successor  or  donee.  Gifts  and  inheritances  between  spouses  (and  in  certain  cases  former  spouses)  are  not 
subject to CAT. 

In a case where an inheritance or gift of the Ordinary Shares or ADSs is subject to both Irish CAT and 
foreign tax of a similar character, the foreign tax paid may in certain circumstances be credited in whole or in 
part against the Irish tax. 

Irish  Stamp  Duty.  It  is  assumed  for  the  purposes  of  this  paragraph  that  ADSs  are  dealt  in  on  a 
recognized stock exchange in the United States (NASDAQ is a recognized stock exchange in the United States 
for this purpose). Under current Irish law, no stamp duty will be payable on the acquisition of ADSs by persons 
purchasing  such  ADSs  or  on  any  subsequent  transfer  of  ADSs.  A  transfer  of  Ordinary  Shares  (including 
transfers  effected  through  Euroclear  U.K.  &  Ireland  Limited)  wherever  executed  and  whether  on  sale,  in 
contemplation of a sale or by way of a gift, will be subject to duty at the rate of 1% of the consideration given 
or,  in  the  case  of  a  gift  or  if  the  purchase  price  is  inadequate  or  unascertainable,  on  the  market  value  of  the 
Ordinary Shares. Transfers of Ordinary Shares that are not liable for duty at the rate of 1% (e.g., transfers under 
which there is no change in beneficial ownership) may be subject to a fixed duty of €12.50. 

The Irish Revenue treats a conversion of Ordinary Shares to ADSs made in contemplation of a sale or a 
change in beneficial ownership (under Irish law) as an event subject to stamp duty at a  rate  of 1%. The Irish 
Revenue has indicated that a re-conversion of ADSs to Ordinary Shares made in contemplation of a sale or a 
change in beneficial ownership (under Irish law) will not be subject to a stamp duty. However, the subsequent 
sale of the re-converted Ordinary Shares will give rise to Irish stamp duty at the 1% rate. If the transfer of the 
Ordinary Shares is a transfer under which there is no change in the beneficial ownership (under Irish law) of the 
Ordinary Shares being transferred, nominal stamp duty only will be payable on the transfer. Under Irish law, it 
is  not  clear  whether  the  mere  deposit  of  Ordinary  Shares  for  ADSs  or  ADSs  for  Ordinary  Shares  would  be 
deemed to constitute a change in beneficial ownership. Accordingly, it is possible that holders would be subject 
to stamp duty at the 1% rate when merely depositing Ordinary Shares for ADSs or ADSs for Ordinary Shares 
and, consequently, the Depositary reserves the right in such circumstances to require payment of stamp duty at 
the rate of 1% from the holders. 

The person accountable for payment of stamp duty is the transferee or, in the case of a transfer by way 
of  a  gift  or  for  a  consideration  less  than  the  market  value,  all  parties  to  the  transfer.  Stamp  duty  is  normally 
payable within 30 days after the date of execution of the transfer. Late or inadequate payment of stamp duty will 
result in liability for interest, penalties and fines. 

131 

 
 
 
 
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations 

Except  as  described  below  under  the  heading  ―Non-U.S.  Holders,‖  the  following  is  a  summary  of 
certain U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of Ordinary 
Shares  or  ADRs  by  a  holder  that  is  a  citizen  or  resident  of  the  United  States,  a  U.S.  domestic  corporation  or 
otherwise  subject  to  U.S.  federal  income  tax  on  a  net  income  basis  in  respect  of  the  Ordinary  Shares  or  the 
ADRs  (―U.S.  Holders‖).  This  summary  does  not  purport  to  be  a  comprehensive  description  of  all  of  the  tax 
considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase the Ordinary Shares or the ADRs. In particular, the 
summary deals only with U.S. Holders that will hold Ordinary Shares or ADRs as capital assets and generally 
does  not  address  the  tax  treatment  of  U.S.  Holders  that  may  be  subject  to  special  tax  rules  such  as  banks, 
insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies, partnerships or partners therein, entities subject to the 
branch profits tax, traders in securities electing to mark to market, persons that own 10% or more of the stock of 
the Company, U.S. Holders whose  ―functional currency‖ is not U.S. dollars or persons that hold the Ordinary 
Shares  or  the  ADRs  as  part  of  an  integrated  investment  (including  a  ―straddle‖)  consisting  of  the  Ordinary 
Shares or the ADRs and one or more other positions. 

Holders of the Ordinary Shares or the  ADRs should consult their own tax advisors as to the  U.S.  or 
other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of the Ordinary Shares or the ADRs in light 
of their particular circumstances, including, in particular, the effect of any foreign, state or local tax laws.  

For  U.S.  federal  income  tax  purposes,  holders  of  the  ADRs  will  be  treated  as  the  owners  of  the 

Ordinary Shares represented by those ADRs.  

Taxation of Dividends 

U.S. Holders 

Dividends, if any, paid with respect to the Ordinary Shares, including Ordinary Shares represented by 
ADRs, will be included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder when the dividends are received by the holder or 
the  Depositary.  Such  dividends  will  not  be  eligible  for  the  ―dividends  received‖  deduction  allowed  to  U.S. 
corporations in respect of dividends from a domestic corporation. Dividends paid in euro will be includible in 
the income of a U.S. Holder in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the 
day  they  are  received  by  the  holder  or  the  Depositary.  U.S.  Holders  generally  should  not  be  required  to 
recognize  any foreign currency  gain or loss to the extent such dividends paid in Euro are converted into U.S. 
dollars immediately upon receipt.  

Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends 
received by an individual post January 1, 2013 with respect to the Ordinary Shares or ADRs will be subject to 
taxation at a maximum rate of 20% (15% prior to January 1, 2013) if the dividends are ―qualified dividends.‖ 
Dividends paid on the Ordinary Shares or ADRs will be treated as qualified dividends if (i) the issuer is eligible 
for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the Internal Revenue Service 
has approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules and (ii) the Company was not, in the year prior to 
the year in which the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign 
investment  company  (a  ―PFIC‖).  The  income  tax  treaty  between  Ireland  and  the  United  States  has  been 
approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules. Effective January 1, 2013, a Medicare contribution tax 
of  3.8%  is  also  applicable  to  U.S.  individuals,  estates  and  trusts.  Based  on  the  Company‘s  audited  financial 
statements  and  relevant  market  data,  the  Company  believes  that  it  was  not  treated  as  a  PFIC  for  U.S.  federal 
income  tax  purposes  with  respect  to  its  2011/12  taxable  year.  In  addition,  based  on  the  Company‘s  audited 
financial  statements  and  its  current  expectations  regarding  the  value  and  nature  of  its  assets,  the  sources  and 
nature  of  its  income,  and  relevant  market  data,  the  Company  does  not  anticipate  becoming  a  PFIC  for  its 
2013/14 taxable year.  

Under the U.S.-Ireland Income Tax Treaty currently in effect, in the event the Company were to pay 
any  dividend,  the  tax  credit  attaching  to  the  dividend  (as  used  herein  the  ―Tax  Credit‖;  see  ―—Irish  Tax 
Considerations‖) generally will be treated as a foreign income tax eligible for credit against such U.S. Holder‘s 
United States federal income tax liability, subject to generally applicable limitations and conditions. Any such 
dividend  paid  by  the  Company  to  such  U.S.  Holder  will  constitute  income  from  sources  outside  the  United 
States for foreign tax credit purposes, and generally will constitute ―passive category‖ income for such purposes. 

132 

 
 
Foreign tax credits may not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in respect of certain short-term 

or hedged positions in securities. 

U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the implications of these rules in light of 

their particular circumstances.  

Distributions  of  Ordinary  Shares  that  are  made  as  part  of  a  pro  rata  distribution  to  all  stockholders 

generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.  

Taxation of Capital Gains 

Sale or Disposition of Ordinary Shares or ADRs. Gains or losses realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale 
or other disposition of ADRs generally will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as capital gains or 
losses, which generally will be long-term capital gains or losses if the ADRs have been held for more than one 
year.  The  net  amount  of  long-term  capital  gain  recognized  by  an  individual  holder  post  January  1,  2013 
generally is subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 20% (15% prior to January 1, 2013). Effective January 1, 
2013,  a  Medicare  contribution  tax  of  3.8%  is  also  applicable  to  U.S.  individuals,  estates  and  trusts.  The 
deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.  

Deposits and withdrawals of Ordinary Shares by U.S. Holders in exchange for ADRs will not result in 

the realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  

Non-U.S. Holders.  A holder of Ordinary Shares or ADRs that is,  with respect  to the United States,  a 
foreign corporation or a nonresident alien individual (a ―Non-U.S. Holder‖) generally will not be subject to U.S. 
federal income or withholding tax on dividends received on such Ordinary Shares or ADRs unless such income 
is effectively connected with the conduct by such holder of a trade or business in the United States. A Non-U.S. 
Holder of ADRs or Ordinary Shares will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax in respect 
of gain realized on the sale or other disposition of Ordinary Shares or ADRs, unless (i) such gain is effectively 
connected with the conduct by such holder of a trade or business in the United States or (ii) in the case of gain 
realized by an individual Non-U.S. Holder, such Non-U.S. Holder is present in the United States for 183 days or 
more in the taxable year of the sale and certain other conditions are met. 

DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY 

Copies of Ryanair Holdings‘  Articles  may be  examined  at its registered office  and principal place of 

business at its Corporate Head Office, Dublin Airport, County Dublin, Ireland. 

Ryanair Holdings also files reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, periodic reports on Form 6-
K and other information,  with the SEC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC that apply to foreign 
private issuers. You may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at its Public Reference Room at 100 F 
Street,  N.E.,  Washington,  D.C.  20549.  You  may  obtain  information  on  the  operation  of  the  Public  Reference 
Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  

133 

 
 
 
 
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

GENERAL 

Ryanair  is  exposed  to  market  risks  relating  to  fluctuations  in  commodity  prices,  interest  rates  and 
currency  exchange  rates.  The  objective  of  financial  risk  management  at  Ryanair  is  to  minimize  the  negative 
impact of commodity price, interest rate and foreign exchange rate fluctuations on the Company‘s earnings, cash 
flows and equity. 

To manage these risks, Ryanair uses various derivative financial instruments, including cross currency 
interest  rate  swaps,  foreign  currency  forward  contracts  and  commodity  forwards.  These  derivative  financial 
instruments  are  generally  held  to  maturity  and  are  not  actively  traded.  The  Company  enters  into  these 
arrangements with the goal of hedging its operational and balance sheet risk. However, Ryanair‘s exposure to 
commodity price, interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations cannot be neutralized completely. 

In  executing  its  risk  management  strategy,  Ryanair  currently  enters  into  forward  contracts  for  the 
purchase  of  some  of  the  jet  fuel  (jet  kerosene)  that  it  expects  to  use.  It  also  uses  foreign  currency  forward 
contracts  intended  to  reduce  its  exposure  to  risks  related  to  foreign  currencies,  principally  the  U.S.  dollar. 
Furthermore,  it  enters  into  interest  rate  contracts  with  the  objective  of  fixing  certain  borrowing  costs  and 
hedging principal repayments, particularly those associated with the purchase of new Boeing 737-800s. Ryanair 
is also exposed to the risk that the counterparties to its derivative financial instruments may not be creditworthy. 
Were  a  counterparty  to  default  on  its  obligations  under  any  of  the  instruments  described  below,  Ryanair‘s 
economic expectations when entering into these arrangements might not be achieved and its financial condition 
could be adversely affected. Transactions involving derivative financial instruments are also relatively illiquid 
as compared  with those involving other kinds of  financial  instruments. It is Ryanair‘s policy not to enter into 
transactions involving financial derivatives for speculative purposes. 

The  following  paragraphs  describe  Ryanair‘s  fuel  hedging,  foreign  currency  and  interest  rate  swap 
arrangements  and  analyze  the  sensitivity  of  the  market  value,  earnings  and  cash  flows  of  the  financial 
instruments to hypothetical changes in commodity prices, interest rates and exchange rates as if these changes 
had occurred at March 31, 2013. The range of changes selected for this sensitivity analysis reflects Ryanair‘s 
view of the changes that are reasonably possible over a one-year period. 

FUEL PRICE EXPOSURE AND HEDGING 

Fuel costs constitute a substantial portion of Ryanair‘s operating expenses (approximately 45.3% and 
43.0%  of  such  expenses  in  fiscal  years  2013  and  2012,  respectively,  after  taking  into  account  Ryanair‘s  fuel 
hedging  activities).  Ryanair  engages  in  fuel  price  hedging  transactions  from  time  to  time,  pursuant  to  which 
Ryanair and a counterparty agree to exchange payments equal to the difference between a fixed price for a given 
quantity of jet fuel and the market price for such quantity of jet fuel at a given date in the future, with Ryanair 
receiving the amount of any excess of such market price over such fixed price and paying to the counterparty the 
amount of any deficit of such fixed price under such market price. 

Ryanair  has  historically  entered  into  arrangements  providing  for  substantial  protection  against 
fluctuations  in  fuel  prices,  generally  through  forward  contracts  covering  periods  of  up  to  18  months  of 
anticipated  jet  fuel  requirements.  Ryanair  (like  many  other  airlines)  has,  in  more  recent  periods,  entered  into 
hedging  arrangements  on  a  much  more  selective  basis.  See  ―Item  3.  Key  Information—Risk  Factors—Risks 
Related  to  the  Company—Changes  in  Fuel  Costs  and  Fuel  Availability  Affect  the  Company‘s  Results  and 
Increases  the  Likelihood  that  the  Company  May  Incur  Losses‖  and  ―Item  11.  Quantitative  and  Qualitative 
Disclosures  About  Market  Risks—Fuel  Price  Exposure  and  Hedging‖  for  additional  information  on  recent 
trends in  fuel costs and the Company‘s related hedging activities, as  well as certain associated risks. See also 
―Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Fiscal Year 2013 Compared with Fiscal Year 2012—
Fuel and Oil.‖ As of July 26, 2013, Ryanair had entered into forward jet fuel (jet kerosene) contracts covering 
approximately 90% of its estimated requirements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 at prices equivalent 
to approximately $980 per metric ton. In addition, as of July 26, 2013, Ryanair had entered into forward jet fuel 
(jet kerosene) contracts covering approximately 75% of its estimated requirements for the first half of the fiscal 
year ending March 31, 2015 at prices equivalent to approximately $935 per metric ton, and had not entered into 
any jet fuel hedging contracts with respect to its expected fuel purchases beyond that period.  

134 

 
 
While these  hedging strategies can cushion the impact on Ryanair of fuel price increases in the  short 
term, in the medium to longer-term, such strategies cannot be expected to eliminate the impact on the Company 
of an increase in the market price of jet fuel. The unrealized gains on outstanding forward agreements at March 
31,  2013  and  2012,  based  on  their  fair  values,  amounted  to  €34.9  million  and  €145.8  million  (gross  of  tax), 
respectively. Based on Ryanair‘s fuel consumption for the  2013 fiscal  year, a change of $1.00 in the average 
annual price per metric ton of jet fuel would have caused a change of approximately €1.7 million in Ryanair‘s 
fuel  costs.  See  ―Item  3.  Key  Information—Risk  Factors—Risks  Related  to  the  Company—Changes  in  Fuel 
Costs and Fuel Availability Affect the Company‘s Results and Increase the Likelihood that the Company May 
Incur Losses.‖  

Under  IFRS,  the  Company‘s  fuel  forward  contracts  are  treated  as  cash-flow  hedges  of  forecast  fuel 
purchases  for  risks  arising  from  the  commodity  price  of  fuel.  The  contracts  are  recorded  at  fair  value  in  the 
balance  sheet  and  are  re-measured  to  fair  value  at  the  end  of  each  fiscal  period  through  equity  to  the  extent 
effective, with any ineffectiveness recorded through the income statement. The Company has considered these 
hedges to be highly effective in offsetting variability in future cash flows arising from fluctuations in the market 
price of jet fuel because the jet fuel forward contracts typically relate to the same quantity, time, and location of 
delivery  as  the  forecast  jet  fuel  purchase  being  hedged  and  the  duration  of  the  contracts  is  typically  short. 
Accordingly, the quantification of the change in expected cash flows of the forecast jet fuel purchase is based on 
the jet fuel forward price, and in the 2013 fiscal year, the Company recorded no hedge ineffectiveness within 
earnings. The Company has recorded no level of ineffectiveness on its jet fuel hedges in its income statements to 
date. In the 2013 fiscal year, the Company recorded a positive fair-value adjustment of €30.6 million (net of tax) 
within accumulated other comprehensive income in respect of jet fuel forward contracts, and in the 2012 fiscal 
year, the Company recorded a positive fair-value adjustment of €127.6 million (net of tax) within accumulated 
other comprehensive income. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXPOSURE AND HEDGING 

In recent years, Ryanair‘s revenues have been denominated primarily in two currencies, the euro and 
U.K.  pound  sterling.  The  U.K.  pound  sterling  and  the  euro  accounted  for  approximately  25%  and  63%, 
respectively, of Ryanair‘s total revenues in the 2013 fiscal year, as compared to approximately 24% and 65%, 
respectively, in the 2012 fiscal year. As Ryanair reports its results in euro, the Company is not exposed to any 
material currency risk as a result of its euro-denominated activities. Ryanair‘s operating expenses are primarily 
denominated in euro, U.K. pounds sterling and U.S. dollars. Ryanair‘s operations can be subject to significant 
direct  exchange  rate  risks  between  the  euro  and  the  U.S.  dollar  because  a  significant  portion  of  its  operating 
costs  (particularly  those  related  to  fuel  purchases)  is  incurred  in  U.S.  dollars,  while  none  of  its  revenues  are 
denominated  in  U.S.  dollars.  Appreciation  of  the  euro  against  the  U.S.  dollar  positively  impacts  Ryanair‘s 
operating income because the euro equivalent of its U.S. dollar operating costs decreases, while depreciation of 
the  euro  against  the  U.S.  dollar  negatively  impacts  operating  income.  It  is  Ryanair‘s  policy  to  hedge  a 
significant  portion  of  its  exposure  to  fluctuations  in  the  exchange  rate  between  the  U.S.  dollar  and  the  euro. 
From  time  to  time,  Ryanair  hedges  its  operating  surpluses  and  shortfalls  in  U.K.  pound  sterling.  Ryanair 
matches certain U.K. pound sterling costs with U.K. pound sterling revenues and may choose to sell any surplus 
U.K. pound sterling cash flows for euro. 

Hedging associated with the income statement. In the 2013 and 2012 fiscal years, the Company entered 
into a series of forward contracts, principally euro/U.S. dollar forward contracts to hedge against variability in 
cash  flows  arising  from  market  fluctuations  in  foreign  exchange  rates  associated  with  its  forecast  fuel, 
maintenance and insurance costs and euro/U.K. pound sterling  forward contracts to hedge certain surplus U.K. 
pound sterling cash flows. At March 31, 2013, the total unrealized gain relating to these contracts amounted to 
€47.4 million, compared to a €89.4 million unrealized loss at March 31, 2012. 

Under IFRS, these foreign currency forward contracts are treated as cash-flow hedges of forecast U.S. 
dollar and U.K. pound sterling purchases to address the risks arising from U.S. dollar and U.K. pound sterling 
exchange rates. The derivatives are recorded at fair value in the balance sheet and are re-measured to fair value 
at the end of each reporting period through equity to the extent effective, with ineffectiveness recorded through 
the  income  statement.  Ryanair  considers  these  hedges  to  be  highly  effective  in  offsetting  variability  in  future 
cash flows arising from fluctuations in exchange rates, because the forward contracts are timed so as to match 
exactly  the  amount,  currency  and  maturity  date  of  the  forecast  foreign  currency-denominated  expense  being 
hedged. In the 2013 fiscal year, the Company recorded a positive fair-value adjustment of €42.3 million (net of 
tax)  within  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  in  respect  of  these  contracts,  as  compared  to  a  positive 
adjustment of €86.1 million in the 2012 fiscal year.  

135 

 
 
Hedging  associated  with  the balance  sheet.  In  the  2012  and  2013  fiscal  years,  the  Company  entered 
into a series of cross currency interest rate swaps to manage exposures to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates 
of US dollar-denominated floating rate borrowings entered into during the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years, together 
with  managing  the  exposures  to  fluctuations  in  interest  rates  on  these  US  dollar-denominated  floating  rate 
borrowings. Cross currency interest rate swaps are primarily used to convert a portion of the Company‘s U.S. 
dollar-denominated debt to euro and floating rate interest exposures into fixed rate exposures and are set so as to 
match  exactly  the  critical  terms  of  the  underlying  debt  being  hedged  (i.e.  notional  principal,  interest  rate 
settings,  re-pricing  dates).  These  are  all  classified  as  cash-flow  hedges  of  the  forecasted  U.S.  dollar  variable 
interest  payments  on  the  Company‘s  underlying  debt  and  have  been  determined  to  be  highly  effective  in 
achieving  offsetting  cash  flows.  Accordingly,  no  ineffectiveness  has  been  recorded  in  the  income  statement 
relating to these hedges in the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years.  

At March 31, 2013, the fair value of the cross currency interest rate swap agreements relating to this 
U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate debt was represented by a loss of €11.7 million (gross of tax) compared to 
a  loss  of  €7.4  million  in  fiscal  2012.  In  the  2013  fiscal  year,  the  Company  recorded  a  negative  fair-value 
adjustment of €10.2 million (net of tax), compared to a loss of €6.5 million in fiscal 2012, within accumulated 
other comprehensive income in respect of these contracts.  

Hedging  associated  with  capital  expenditures.  During  the  2013  and  2012  fiscal  years,  the  Company 
also  entered  into  a  series  of  euro/U.S.  dollar  contracts  to  hedge  against  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  aircraft 
purchase  commitments  under  the  Boeing  contracts,  which  arise  from  fluctuations  in  the  U.K.  pound 
sterling/U.S.  dollar  and  euro/U.S.  dollar  exchange  rates.  There  were  no  such  contracts  in  effect  at  March  31, 
2013. 

Under  IFRS,  the  Company  generally  accounts  for  these  contracts  as  either  cash-flow  hedges  or  fair-
value hedges. Fair-value hedges are recorded in the balance  sheet at fair value. Any gains or losses arising on 
these  instruments,  as  well  as  the  related  gain  or  loss  on  the  underlying  aircraft  purchase  commitment,  are 
recorded  in  the  balance  sheet.  Any  related  ineffectiveness  is  measured  by  the  amount  by  which  these 
adjustments to earnings do not match. Cash-flow hedges are recorded at fair value in the balance sheet and are 
re-measured  to  fair  value  at  the  end  of  the  financial  period  through  equity  to  the  extent  effective,  with  any 
ineffectiveness  recorded  through  the  income  statement.  The  Company  has  found  these  hedges  to  be  highly 
effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the aircraft purchase commitments arising from fluctuations in 
exchange rates because the forward exchange contracts are always for the same amount, currency and maturity 
dates as the corresponding aircraft purchase commitments. 

At  March  31,  2013,  the  total  unrealized  gains  relating  to  these  contracts  amounted  to  €nil,  while  at 
March  31,  2012  unrealized  gains  amounted  to  €6.8  million.  Under  IFRS,  the  Company  recorded  fair-value 
adjustments  of  €nil  and  positive  fair-value  adjustments  of  €6.0  million  for  cash-flow  hedges  in  the  2013  and 
2012 fiscal years, respectively. No amounts were recorded for such fair-value  hedges from other accumulated 
comprehensive income in the 2013 and 2012 fiscal years. 

Holding other variables constant, if there were an adverse change of 10% in relevant foreign currency 
exchange rates, the market value of Ryanair‘s foreign currency contracts outstanding at March 31, 2013 would 
decrease by approximately €160.0 million (net of tax), all of which would ultimately impact earnings when such 
contracts mature. 

INTEREST RATE EXPOSURE AND HEDGING 

The Company‘s purchase of 246 of the 305 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in the fleet as of March 31, 2013 
has been funded by bank financing in the form of loans supported by a loan guarantee from Ex-Im Bank (with 
respect to 210 aircraft), JOLCOs and commercial debt. With respect to these 246 aircraft, at March 31, 2013, the 
Company  had  outstanding  cumulative  borrowings  under  these  facilities  of  €3,498.4  million  with  a  weighted 
average  interest  rate  of  2.5%.  See  ―Item  5.  Operating  and  Financial  Review  and  Prospects—Liquidity  and 
Capital  Resources—Capital  Resources‖  for  additional  information  on  these  facilities  and  the  related  swaps, 
including a tabular summary of the ―Effective Borrowing Profile‖ illustrating the effect of the swap transactions 
(each of  which is with an established international financial counterparty) on the profile of Ryanair‘s aircraft-
related debt at March 31, 2013. At March 31, 2013, the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements relating to 
this floating rate debt was represented by a loss of €81.9 million (gross of tax), as compared with a loss of €80.3 
million  at  March  31,  2012.  See  Note  11  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  included  in  Item  18  for 
additional information.  

136 

 
 
If  Ryanair  had  not  entered  into  such  derivative  agreements,  a  plus  or  minus  one  percentage  point 
movement  in  interest  rates  would  impact  the  fair  value  of  this  liability  by  approximately  €28.8  million.  The 
earnings  and  cash-flow  impact  of  any  such  change  in  interest  rates  would  have  been  approximately  plus  or 
minus €18.3 million in the 2013 fiscal year. 

137 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities 

Holders of ADSs are required to pay certain fees and expenses. The table below sets forth the fees and 
expenses  which,  under  the  deposit  agreement  between  the  Company  and  The  Bank  of  New  York  Mellon, 
holders of ADRs can be charged or be deducted from dividends or other distributions on the deposited shares. 
The Company and The Bank of New York Mellon have also entered into a separate letter agreement, which has 
the effect of reducing some of the fees listed below.  

 Persons depositing or withdrawing 
ADSs must pay: 
US$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion 
of 100 ADSs). 

  For: 
  Issuance  of  ADSs, 

including 
distribution of common shares or rights or other property. 

issuances  resulting  from  a 

   Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if 

the deposit agreement terminates. 

US$0.02 (or less) per ADS. 

   Any cash distribution to the holder of the ADSs. 

US$0.02  (or  less)  per  ADS  per  calendar 
year. 

   Depositary services. 

A  fee  equivalent  to  the  fee  that  would  be 
the 
if  securities  distributed 
payable 
holder  of  ADSs  had  been  shares  and  the 
shares  had  been  deposited  for  issuance  of 
ADSs. 

to 

   Distribution  of  securities  distributed  by  the  issuer  to  the  holders 
of common securities, which are distributed by the depositary to 
ADS holders. 

Registration or transfer fees. 

   Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from 
the name of the depositary or its agent when the holder of ADSs 
deposits or withdraws common shares. 

Expenses of the depositary. 

Cable, 
telex  and  facsimile 
provided for in the deposit agreement). 

transmissions  (when  expressly 

    Expenses of the depositary in converting foreign currency to U.S. 

dollars. 

Taxes  and  other  governmental  charges  the 
depositary  or  the  custodian  have  to  pay  on 
any  ADSs  or  common  shares  underlying 
ADSs  (for  example,  stock  transfer  taxes, 
stamp duty or withholding taxes). 

   As necessary. 

Any charges incurred by the depositary or 
its  agents  for  servicing  the  deposited 
securities. 

  As necessary. 

Reimbursement of Fees 

From April 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 the Depositary collected annual depositary services fees equal to 

approximately US$5.5 million from holders of ADSs, net of fees paid to the Depositary by the Company. 

138 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies 

PART II 

None. 

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds 

None. 

Item 15. Controls and Procedures 

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

The Company has carried out an evaluation, as of March 31, 2013, under the supervision and with the 
participation of the Company‘s management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of 
the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company‘s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in 
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of 
any  system  of  disclosure  controls  and  procedures,  including  the  possibility  of  human  error  and  the 
circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and 
procedures  can  only  provide  reasonable  assurance  of  achieving  their  control  objectives.  Based  upon  the 
Company‘s evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of March 
31, 2013, the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information 
required  to  be  disclosed  in  the  reports  the  Company  files  or  submits  under  the  Exchange  Act  is  recorded, 
processed, summarized and reported as and when required, within the time periods specified in the applicable 
rules  and  forms,  and  that  it  is  accumulated  and  communicated  to  the  Company‘s  management,  including  the 
chief executive officer and chief  financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required 
disclosure. 

139 

 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT‟S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL 

REPORTING 

The Company‘s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control 
over financial reporting, (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). The Company‘s 
internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements  for external purposes in accordance  with IFRS. 
The Company‘s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: 

 

 

 

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the 
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; 

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation 
of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that 
receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  Company  are  being  made  only  in  accordance  with 
authorizations of management and directors; and 

provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  prevention  or  timely  detection  of  unauthorized 
acquisition, use or disposition of the Company‘s assets that could have a material effect on the 
financial statements. 

The  Company‘s  management  evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company‘s  internal  control  over 
financial reporting as of March 31, 2013, based on the criteria established in the 1992 Framework in ―Internal 
Control  —  Integrated  Framework,‖  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway 
Commission  (―COSO‖).  Based  on  the  evaluation,  management  has  concluded  that  the  Company  maintained 
effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2013. 

140 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 

There has been no change in the Company‘s internal control over financial reporting during the 2013 
fiscal  year  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the  Company‘s  internal 
control over financial reporting. 

Item 16. Reserved 

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert 

The  Company‘s  Board  of  Directors  has  determined  that  Declan  McKeon  qualifies  as  an  ―audit 
committee financial expert‖ within the meaning of this Item 16A. Mr. McKeon is ―independent‖ for purposes of 
the listing rules of NASDAQ.  

Item 16B. Code of Ethics 

The Company has adopted a broad Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that meets the requirements 
for a ―code of ethics‖ as defined in Item 16B of Form 20-F. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to 
the  Company‘s chief executive  officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, controller and persons 
performing  similar  functions,  as  well  as  to  all  of  the  Company‘s  other  officers,  directors  and  employees.  The 
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on Ryanair‘s website at http://www.ryanair.com. (Information 
appearing on the website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report.) The Company has not made 
any amendment to, or granted any waiver from, the provisions of this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that 
apply  to  its  chief  executive  officer,  chief  financial  officer,  chief  accounting  officer,  controller  or  persons 
performing similar functions during its most recently completed fiscal year.  

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

Audit and Non-Audit Fees 

The following table sets forth the  fees billed or billable to the Company by its independent auditors, 

KPMG, during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:  

2013 

Year ended March 31, 
2012 
(millions) 

2011 

Audit fees ..................................................  
Tax fees .....................................................  
Total fees ...................................................  

€0.5 
€0.3 
€0.8 

€0.4 
€0.4 
€0.8 

€0.4 
€0.4 
€0.8 

Audit fees in the above table are the aggregate fees billed or billable by KPMG in connection with the 
audit of the Company‘s annual financial statements, as well as work that generally only the independent auditor 
can reasonably be expected to provide, including the provision of comfort letters, statutory audits, discussions 
surrounding  the  proper  application  of  financial  accounting  and  reporting  standards  and  services  provided  in 
connection with certain regulatory requirements including those under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

Tax fees include fees for all services, except those services specifically related to the audit of financial 
statements,  performed  by  the  independent  auditor‘s  tax  personnel,  work  performed  in  support  of  other  tax-
related regulatory requirements and tax compliance reporting. 

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures 

The audit committee expressly pre-approves every engagement of Ryanair‘s independent auditors for 

all audit and non-audit services provided to the Company. 

141 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees 

None. 

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers 

The following table details purchases by the Company of its Ordinary shares in the 2013 fiscal year.  

Month / Period 

April 1, 2012 to April 30, 2012 
May 1, 2012 to May 31, 2012 
June 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012 
July 1, 2012 to July 31, 2012 
August 1, 2012 to August 31, 2012 
September 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012 
October 1, 2012 to October 31, 2012 
November 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012 
December 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 
January 1, 2013 to January 31, 2013 
February 1, 2013 to February 28, 2013 
March 1, 2013 to March 31, 2013 
Total (Year-end) 

Post Year-end (b) 

Total Number of 
Ordinary Shares 
Purchased (a) 

(Millions) 

15.0 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
15.0 

24.1 

Average Price 
Paid Per 
Ordinary Share 

(€) 

4.45 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
4.45 

7.23 

(a) The  Ordinary  Share  purchases  in  the  table  above  have  not  been  made  pursuant  to  publicly  announced  plans  or 
programs,  and  consist  of  open-market  transactions  conducted  within  defined  parameters  pursuant  to  the  Company‘s 
repurchase authority from shareholders granted via a special resolution. 

(b) In June 2013, the Company bought back 24.1 million ordinary shares, at a total cost of €176.6 million, for cancellation.  
Cumulatively these buybacks are equivalent to 1.7% of the issued share capital of the Company at March 31, 2013. 

See  ―Item  8.  Financial  Information—Other  Financial  Information—Share  Buy-Back  Program‖  and 
―Item  9.  The  Offer  and  Listing—Trading  Markets  and  Share  Prices‖  for  further  information  regarding  the 
Company‘s Ordinary Share buy-back program, pursuant to which all of the shares purchased by the Company 
and disclosed in the table above were purchased. 

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certified Accountant 

Not applicable. 

Item 16G. Corporate Governance 

See ―Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Directors—Exemptions from NASDAQ 
Corporate  Governance  Rules‖  for  further  information  regarding  the  ways  in  which  the  Company‘s  corporate 
governance practices differ from those followed by domestic companies listed on NASDAQ.  

Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure 

Not applicable. 

142 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART III 

Item 17. Financial Statements 

Not applicable. 

Item 18. Financial Statements 

RYANAIR HOLDINGS PLC 
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Consolidated Balance Sheet of Ryanair Holdings plc at March 31, 2013 ................................  

Consolidated Income Statement of Ryanair Holdings plc for the year ended March 31, 2013  

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income of Ryanair Holdings plc for the year 
ended March 31, 2013 .............................................................................................................  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders‘ Equity of Ryanair Holdings plc for the 
year ended March 31, 2013 ......................................................................................................  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows of Ryanair Holdings plc for the year ended March 
31, 2013 ...................................................................................................................................  

Notes ........................................................................................................................................  

Company Balance Sheet of Ryanair Holdings plc at March 31, 2013 .....................................  

Company Statement of Cash Flows of Ryanair Holdings plc for the year ended March 31, 
2013 .........................................................................................................................................  

Company Statement of Changes in Shareholders‘ Equity of Ryanair Holdings plc for the 
year ended March 31, 2013 ......................................................................................................  

Notes forming part of Company Financial Statements ............................................................  

Directors and other Information ...............................................................................................  

Page 

144 

145 

146 

147 

149 

150 

200 

201 

202 

203 

206 

143 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet 

At March 
31, 2013 
€M 

At March 
31, 2012 
€M 

At March 
31, 2011 
€M 

Note 

Non-current assets 

Property, plant and equipment .......................................................................  2 
Intangible assets .............................................................................................  3 
Available for sale financial assets ..................................................................  4 
Derivative financial instruments ....................................................................  5 
Total non-current assets ..................................................................................   

Current assets 

Inventories  ....................................................................................................  6 
Other assets  ...................................................................................................  7 
Current tax  ....................................................................................................  12 
Trade receivables ...........................................................................................  8 
Derivative financial instruments ....................................................................  5 
Restricted cash ...............................................................................................  9 
Financial assets: cash > 3 months ..................................................................   
Cash and cash equivalents .............................................................................   
Total current assets ..........................................................................................   
Total assets .......................................................................................................   

Current liabilities 

Trade payables ...............................................................................................   
Accrued expenses and other liabilities ...........................................................  10 
Current maturities of debt ..............................................................................  11 
Current tax  ....................................................................................................  12 
Derivative financial instruments ....................................................................  5 
Total current liabilities ....................................................................................   

Non-current liabilities 

Provisions ......................................................................................................  13 
Derivative financial instruments ....................................................................  5 
Deferred tax  ..................................................................................................  12 
Other creditors ...............................................................................................  14 
Non-current maturities of debt .......................................................................  11 
Total non-current liabilities ............................................................................   
Shareholders‟ equity 

Issued share capital ........................................................................................  15 
Share premium account..................................................................................  15 
Capital redemption reserve ............................................................................   
Retained earnings ...........................................................................................   
Other reserves ................................................................................................  16 
Shareholders‟ equity ........................................................................................   
Total liabilities and shareholders‟ equity .......................................................   

4,906.3 
46.8 
221.2 
5.1 
5,179.4 

2.7 
67.7 
- 
56.1 
78.1 
24.7 
2,293.4 
1,240.9 
3,763.6 
8,943.0 

138.3 
1,341.4 
399.9 
0.3 
31.8 
1,911.7 

135.9 
50.1 
346.5 
127.8 
3,098.4 
3,758.7 

9.2 
687.8 
0.8 
2,418.6 
156.2 
3,272.6 
8,943.0 

4,925.2 
46.8 
149.7 
3.3 
5,125.0 

2.8 
64.9 
9.3 
51.5 
231.9 
35.1 
772.2 
2,708.3 
3,876.0 
9,001.0 

181.2 
1,237.2 
368.4 
- 
28.2 
1,815.0 

103.2 
53.6 
319.4 
146.3 
3,256.8 
3,879.3 

9.3 
666.4 
0.7 
2,400.1 
230.2 
3,306.7 
9,001.0 

4,933.7 
46.8 
114.0 
23.9 
5,118.4 

2.7 
99.4 
0.5 
50.6 
383.8 
42.9 
869.4 
2,028.3 
3,477.6 
8,596.0 

150.8 
1,224.3 
336.7 
- 
125.4 
1,837.2 

89.6 
8.3 
267.7 
126.6 
3,312.7 
3,804.9 

9.5 
659.3 
0.5 
1,967.6 
317.0 
2,953.9 
8,596.0 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial information. 

On behalf of the Board 

M.O‘Leary 
Director  

July 26, 2013 

D.Bonderman 
Director 

144 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Income Statement 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

Note 

Operating revenues 

Scheduled revenues ........................................................................................  
Ancillary revenues ..........................................................................................  
Total operating revenues – continuing operations .........................................  
Operating expenses 

17 
17 
17 

Staff costs .......................................................................................................  
Depreciation ...................................................................................................  
Fuel and oil .....................................................................................................  
Maintenance, materials and repairs ................................................................  
Aircraft rentals ................................................................................................  
Route charges .................................................................................................  
Airport and handling charges .........................................................................  
Marketing, distribution and other ...................................................................  
Icelandic volcanic ash related costs ................................................... es costs 

18 
2 

Total operating expenses ..................................................................................  

3,819.8 
1,064.2 
4,884.0 

(435.6) 
(329.6) 
(1,885.6) 
(120.7) 
(98.2) 
(486.6) 
(611.6) 
(197.9) 
- 
(4,165.8) 

3,504.0 
886.2 
4,390.2 

(415.0) 
(309.2) 
(1,593.6) 
(104.0) 
(90.7) 
(460.5) 
(554.0) 
(180.0) 
- 
(3,707.0) 

2,827.9 
801.6 
3,629.5 

(376.1) 
(277.7) 
(1,227.0) 
(93.9) 
(97.2) 
(410.6) 
(491.8) 
(154.6) 
(12.4) 
(3,141.3) 

Operating profit – continuing operations .......................................................  

718.2 

683.2 

488.2 

Other income/(expense) 

Finance income...............................................................................................  
Finance expense .............................................................................................  
Foreign exchange gain/(loss) ..........................................................................  
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment ........................................  

20 

Total other expense ..........................................................................................  

Profit before tax ................................................................................................  
Tax expense on profit on ordinary activities...................................................  

12 

27.4 
(99.3) 
4.6 
- 
(67.3) 

650.9 
(81.6) 

44.3 
(109.2) 
4.3 
10.4 
(50.2) 

633.0 
(72.6) 

27.2 
(93.9) 
(0.6) 
- 
(67.3) 

420.9 
(46.3) 

Profit for the year – all attributable to equity holders of parent ..................  

569.3 

560.4 

374.6 

Basic earnings per ordinary share (euro cent) ................................................  
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (euro cent) .............................................  
Number of ordinary shares (in Ms) ................................................................  
Number of diluted shares (in Ms) ...................................................................  

22 
22 
22 
22 

39.45 
39.33 
1,443.1 
1,447.4 

38.03 
37.94 
1,473.7 
1,477.0 

25.21 
25.14 
1,485.7 
1,490.1 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial information. 

On behalf of the Board 

M.O‘Leary 
Director  

July 26, 2013 

D.Bonderman 
Director 

145 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Year ended 
March 31, 
2013 

Year ended 
March 31, 
2012 

Year ended 
March 31, 
2011 

Profit for the year ...........................................................................................................  

569.3 

560.4 

Other comprehensive income: 

€M 

€M 

€M 

374.6 

(1.1) 
     Net actuarial (loss)/gain from retirement benefit plans  .........................................  

(6.3) 

5.0 

     Cash-flow hedge reserve-effective portion of fair value 

changes to derivatives: 
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash-flow hedges  .......................................  
Net change in fair value of cash-flow hedges transferred to 
property, plant and equipment  .........................................................................................  
Net change in fair value of cash-flow hedges transferred to profit 
or loss ................................................................................................................................  
Net movements in cash-flow hedge reserve ......................................................................  

(14.4) 
(138.1) 

(128.4) 

4.7 

147.3 

(11.1) 

(255.0) 
(118.8) 

227.1 

(15.2) 

(14.8) 
197.1 

Available for sale financial asset: 
Net increase/(decrease) in fair value of available-for-sale asset .......................................  

71.5 

35.7 

(2.2) 

Total other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year, net of 
(67.7) 
income tax ........................................................................................................................  

(89.4) 

199.9 

Total comprehensive income for the year – all attributable to 
equity holders of parent  ................................................................................................  

501.6 

471.0 

574.5 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial information. 

On behalf of the Board 

M.O‘Leary 
Director  

July 26, 2013 

D.Bonderman 
Director 

146 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders‟ Equity 

Other Reserves 

Balance at March 31, 2010 ..................  
Profit for the year ...................................  
Other comprehensive income 
Net actuarial gains from  retirement  
benefits plan ..........................................  
Net movements in cash-flow reserve .....  
Net change in fair value of available- 
for -sale asset .........................................  
Total other comprehensive income/ 
(loss) ......................................................  
Total comprehensive income .................  
Transactions with owners of the 
Company, recognised directly in equity 
Issue of ordinary equity shares ..............  
Share-based payments ...........................  
Transfer of exercised and expired share-
based awards ..........................................  
Dividend paid ........................................  
Balance at March 31, 2011 ..................  
Profit for the year ...................................  
Other comprehensive income 
Net actuarial losses from retirement 
benefits plan ..........................................  
Net movements in cash-flow reserve .....  
Net change in fair value of available- 
for -sale asset .........................................  
Total other comprehensive income/ 
(loss) ......................................................  
Total comprehensive income .................  
Transactions with owners of the 
Company, recognised directly in equity 
Issue of ordinary equity shares ..............  
Repurchase of ordinary equity shares ....  
Cancellation of repurchased ordinary 
shares .....................................................  
Share-based payments ...........................  
Transfer of exercised and expired share-
based awards ..........................................  
Balance at March 31, 2012 ..................  

Ordinary 
Shares 
M 
1,478.9 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

10.7 
- 

- 
- 
1,489.6 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

2.5 
- 

(36.5) 
- 

- 
1,455.6 

Issued 
Share 
Capital  Account  Earnings  Reserve  Hedging  Reserves 

Capital 
Redemption 

Share 
Premium 

Retained 

Other 

€M 

9.4 
- 

€M 
631.9 
- 

€M 
2,083.5 
374.6 

€M 

€M 

€M 

0.5 
- 

60.3 
- 

63.0 
- 

Total 
€M 
2,848.6 
374.6 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

0.1 
- 

- 
- 
9.5 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

(0.2) 
- 

- 
9.3 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

5.0 
- 

- 

5.0 
379.6 

27.4 
- 

- 
- 
659.3 
- 

- 
- 

4.5 
(500.0) 
1,967.6 
560.4 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

(6.3) 
- 

- 

(6.3) 
554.1 

7.1 
- 

- 
(124.6) 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
666.4 

3.0 
2,400.1 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
0.5 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

0.2 
- 

- 
0.7 

- 
197.1 

- 
- 

5.0 
197.1 

- 

(2.2) 

(2.2) 

197.1 
197.1 

(2.2) 
(2.2) 

199.9 
574.5 

- 
- 

- 
- 
257.4 
- 

- 
(118.8) 

- 

(118.8) 
(118.8) 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
138.6 

- 
3.3 

(4.5) 
- 
59.6 
- 

27.5 
3.3 

- 
(500.0) 
2,953.9 
560.4 

- 
- 

(6.3) 
(118.8) 

35.7 

35.7 
35.7 

35.7 

(89.4) 
471.0 

- 
- 

7.1 
(124.6) 

- 
(0.7) 

(3.0) 
91.6 

- 
(0.7) 

- 
3,306.7 

147 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders‟ Equity Continued 

Other Reserves 

Issued 
Share 
Capital  Account  Earnings  Reserve  Hedging  Reserves 

Capital 
Redemption 

Share      
Premium 

Retained 

Other 

€M 

€M 

€M 

€M 

€M 

Ordinary 
Shares 
M 

Profit for the year ...................................  
Other comprehensive income 
Net actuarial losses from  retirement 
benefits plan ..........................................  
Net movements in cash-flow reserve .....  
Net change in fair value of available- 
for -sale asset .........................................  
Total other comprehensive income/ 
(loss) ......................................................  
Total comprehensive income .................  
Transactions with owners of the 
Company, recognised directly in equity 
Issue of ordinary equity shares ..............  
Repurchase of ordinary equity shares ....  
Cancellation of repurchased ordinary 
shares .....................................................  
Share-based payments ...........................  
Dividend Paid ........................................  
Transfer of exercised share-based 
awards ....................................................  
Balance at March 31, 2013 ..................  

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

6.5 
- 

(15.0) 
- 
- 

- 
1,447.1 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

(0.1) 
- 
- 

- 
9.2 

€M 
569.3 

(1.1) 
- 

- 

(1.1) 
568.2 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

21.4 
- 

- 
(67.5) 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
(491.5) 

- 
687.8 

9.3 
2,418.6 

- 

- 
(138.1) 

- 

(138.1) 
(138.1) 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

71.5 

71.5 
71.5 

- 
- 

- 
1.9 
- 

Total 
€M 
569.3 

(1.1) 
(138.1) 

71.5 

(67.7) 
501.6 

21.4 
(67.5) 

- 
1.9 
(491.5) 

- 
0.5 

(9.3) 
155.7 

- 
3,272.6 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

0.1 
- 
- 

- 
0.8 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial information. 

148 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Year ended 
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year ended 
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year ended 
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

Operating activities 

Profit before tax .............................................................................................  

650.9 

633.0 

420.9 

Adjustments to reconcile profit before tax  
to net cash provided by operating activities 

Depreciation...................................................................................................  
Decrease/(increase) in inventories .................................................................   
(Increase) in trade receivables .......................................................................  
(Increase)/decrease in other current assets .....................................................  
(Decrease)/increase in trade payables ............................................................  
Increase in accrued expenses .........................................................................  
(Decrease)/increase in other creditors ............................................................  
Increase in provisions ....................................................................................  
Increase/(decrease) on disposal of property, plant and equipment .................  
Decrease in finance income ...........................................................................  
(Decrease)/increase in finance expense .........................................................  
Retirement costs ............................................................................................  
Share-based payments charge/(credit) ...........................................................  
Income tax (paid) ...........................................................................................  

Net cash provided by operating activities ..................................................  

329.6 
0.1 
(4.6) 
(5.0) 
(42.9) 
107.2 
(18.5) 
31.1 
- 
2.2 
(2.7) 
- 
1.9 
(25.8) 
1,023.5 

Investing activities 

Capital expenditure (purchase of property, plant and equipment) .................   (310.7) 
- 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment ....................................  
10.4 
Decrease in restricted cash .............................................................................  
(Increase)/decrease in financial assets: cash > 3 months................................  (1,521.2) 
(1,821.5) 

Net cash used in investing activities............................................................  

Financing activities 

(67.5) 
Shares purchased under share buy-back programme .....................................  
21.4 
Net proceeds from shares issued ....................................................................  
Dividend paid ................................................................................................   (491.5) 
234.6 
Proceeds from long term borrowings .............................................................  
Repayments of long term borrowings ............................................................   (366.4) 
(669.4) 

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities ...................................  

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents ......................................  

(1,467.4) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year .............................................   2,708.3 
1,240.9 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ..................................................  

309.2 
(0.1) 
(0.9) 
34.5 
30.4 
11.6 
19.7 
6.6 
(10.4) 
- 
1.1 
(0.1) 
(0.7) 
(13.6) 
1,020.3 

(317.6) 
27.2 
7.8 
97.2 
(185.4) 

(124.6) 
7.1 
- 
292.3 
(329.7) 
(154.9) 

680.0 
2,028.3 
2,708.3 

277.7 
(0.2) 
(6.3) 
(20.9) 
(3.2) 
135.0 
(10.0) 
(7.9) 
- 
1.6 
2.3 
(0.1) 
3.3 
(5.9) 
786.3 

(897.2) 
- 
24.9 
398.3 
(474.0) 

- 
27.4 
(500.0) 
991.4 
(280.7) 
238.1 

550.4 
1,477.9 
2,028.3 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial information. 

149 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes forming part of the Consolidated Financial Statements 

1 

Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies  

The accounting policies applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for the 2013 
fiscal year are set out below. These have been applied consistently for all periods presented, except as otherwise 
stated. 

Business activity 

Ryanair Limited and its subsidiaries (―Ryanair Limited‖) has operated as an international airline since 
commencing  operations  in  1985.  On  August  23,  1996,  Ryanair  Holdings  Limited,  a  newly  formed  holding 
company,  acquired  the  entire  issued  share  capital  of  Ryanair  Limited.  On  May  16,  1997,  Ryanair  Holdings 
Limited re-registered as a public limited company, Ryanair Holdings plc (the  ―Company‖). Ryanair Holdings 
plc  and  its  subsidiaries  are  hereafter  together  referred  to  as  ―Ryanair  Holdings  plc‖  (or  ―we‖,  ―our‖,  ―us‖, 
―Ryanair‖  or  the  ―Company‖)  and  currently  operate  a  low-fares  airline  headquartered  in  Dublin,  Ireland.  All 
trading activity continues to be undertaken by the group of companies headed by Ryanair Limited.  

Statement of compliance 

In  accordance  with  the  International  Accounting  Standards  (―IAS‖)  Regulation  (EC  1606  (2002)) 
which applies throughout the European Union (―EU‖), the consolidated financial statements have been prepared 
in  accordance  with  International  Accounting  Standards  and  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards 
(collectively ―IFRS‖) as adopted by the EU, which are effective for the year ended and as at March 31, 2013. In 
addition  to  complying  with  its  legal  obligation  to  comply  with  IFRS  as  adopted  by  the  EU,  the  consolidated 
financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  IFRS  as  issued  by  the  International  Accounting 
Standards Board (―IASB‖). The consolidated financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with 
the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2012.  

Details of  legislative changes and new accounting standards or amendments to accounting  standards, 
which are not yet effective and have not been early adopted in these consolidated financial statements, and the 
likely impact on future financial statements are set forth below in the prospective accounting changes section.  

New accounting standards adopted during the year 

There were no new standards, interpretations or amendments to existing standards adopted for the first 
time  during  the  year  ended  March  31,  2013,  which  had  a  material  impact  on  our  financial  position  or  results 
from operations. 

Basis of preparation 

These  consolidated  financial  statements  are  presented  in  euro  millions,  the  euro  being  the  functional 
currency of the parent entity and the majority of the group companies. They are prepared on the historical cost 
basis, except for derivative financial instruments and available-for-sale securities which are stated at fair value, 
and share-based payments, which are based on fair value determined as at the grant date of the relevant share 
options. Certain non-current assets, when they are classified as held for sale, are stated at the lower of cost and 
fair value less costs to sell. 

150 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Critical accounting policies 

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  IFRS  requires  management  to  make 
judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and 
liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience 
and various other factors believed to be  reasonable under the circumstances, and the results of such estimates 
form the basis of judgements about carrying  values of assets and liabilities that are  not readily apparent  from 
other  sources.  Actual  results  could  differ  materially  from  these  estimates.  These  underlying  assumptions  are 
reviewed  on  an  ongoing  basis.  A  revision  to  an  accounting  estimate  is  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 
these are also affected. Principal sources of estimation uncertainty have been set forth in the critical accounting 
policies section below. Actual results may differ from estimates. 

The Company believes that its critical accounting policies, which are those that require management‘s 
most difficult, subjective and complex judgements, are those described in this section. These critical accounting 
policies,  the  judgements  and  other  uncertainties  affecting  application  of  these  policies  and  the  sensitivity  of 
reported  results  to  changes  in  conditions  and  assumptions  are  factors  to  be  considered  in  reviewing  the 
consolidated financial statements. 

Long-lived assets 

As  of  March  31,  2013,  Ryanair  had  €4.9  billion  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  long-lived  assets, 
virtually  all  of  which  consisted  of  aircraft.  In  accounting  for  long-lived  assets,  Ryanair  must  make  estimates 
about  the  expected  useful  lives  of  the  assets,  the  expected  residual  values  of  the  assets  and  the  potential  for 
impairment based on the fair value of the assets and the cash flows they generate.  

In estimating the lives and expected residual values of its aircraft, Ryanair has primarily relied on its 
own and industry experience, recommendations from Boeing, the manufacturer of all of the Company‘s aircraft, 
and other data available in the marketplace. Subsequent revisions to these estimates, which can be significant, 
could be caused by changes to Ryanair‘s maintenance programme, changes in utilisation of the aircraft, changes 
to governmental regulations on aging aircraft, and changing market prices for new and used aircraft of the same 
or similar types. Ryanair evaluates its estimates and assumptions in each reporting period, and, when warranted, 
adjusts  these  assumptions.  Generally,  these  adjustments  are  accounted  for  on  a  prospective  basis,  through 
depreciation expense. 

Ryanair  periodically  evaluates  its  long-lived  assets  for  impairment.  Factors  that  would  indicate 
potential  impairment  would  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  significant  decreases  in  the  market  value  of  an 
aircraft, a significant change in an aircraft‘s physical condition and operating or cash flow losses associated with 
the use of the aircraft. While the airline industry as a whole has experienced many of these factors from time to 
time, Ryanair has not yet been seriously impacted and continues to record positive cash flows from these long-
lived assets. Consequently, Ryanair has not yet identified any impairments related to its existing aircraft fleet. 
The Company will continue to monitor its long-lived assets and the general airline operating environment.  

The Company‘s estimate of the recoverable amount of aircraft residual values is 15% of current market 
value  of  new  aircraft,  determined  periodically,  based  on  independent  valuations  and  actual  aircraft  disposals 
during  prior  periods.  Aircraft  are  depreciated  over  a  useful  life  of  23  years  from  the  date  of  manufacture  to 
residual value. 

Heavy maintenance 

An  element  of  the  cost  of  an  acquired  aircraft  is  attributed,  on  acquisition,  to  its  service  potential, 

reflecting the maintenance condition of the engines and airframe.  

151 

 
 
 
 
 
For aircraft held under operating lease agreements, Ryanair is contractually committed to either return 
the  aircraft  in  a  certain  condition  or  to  compensate  the  lessor  based  on  the  actual  condition  of  the  airframe, 
engines and life-limited parts upon return. In order to fulfill such conditions of  the  lease,  maintenance, in the 
form  of  major  airframe  overhaul,  engine  maintenance  checks,  and  restitution  of  major  life-limited  parts,  is 
required  to  be  performed  during  the  period  of  the  lease  and  upon  return  of  the  aircraft  to  the  lessor.  The 
estimated  airframe  and  engine  maintenance  costs  and  the  costs  associated  with  the  restitution  of  major  life-
limited parts, are accrued and charged to profit or loss over the lease term for this contractual obligation, based 
on the present value of the estimated future cost of the major airframe overhaul, engine maintenance checks, and 
restitution of major life-limited parts, calculated by reference to the number of hours flown or cycles operated 
during the year. 

Ryanair‘s  aircraft  operating  lease  agreements  typically  have  a  term  of  seven  years,  which  closely 
correlates  with the timing of  heavy  maintenance checks. The  contractual obligation to  maintain and replenish 
aircraft held under operating lease exists independently of any future actions within the control of Ryanair.   

While  Ryanair  may,  in  very  limited  circumstances,  sub-lease  its  aircraft,  it  remains  fully  liable  to 

perform all of its contractual obligations under the ‗head lease‘ notwithstanding any such sub-leasing. 

Both of these elements of accounting policies involve the use of estimates in determining the quantum 
of both the initial maintenance asset and/or the amount of provisions to be recorded and the respective periods 
over which such amounts are charged to income. In making such estimates, Ryanair has primarily relied on its 
own and industry experience, industry regulations and recommendations from Boeing; however, these estimates 
can be subject to revision, depending on a number of factors, such as the timing of the planned maintenance, the 
ultimate  utilisation  of  the  aircraft,  changes  to  government  regulations  and  increases  or  decreases  in  estimated 
costs. Ryanair evaluates its estimates and assumptions in each reporting period and, when warranted, adjusts its 
assumptions,  which  generally  impact  maintenance  and  depreciation  expense  in  the  income  statement  on  a 
prospective basis. 

Basis of consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of Ryanair Holdings plc and its 
subsidiary  undertakings  as  of  March  31,  2013.  Subsidiaries  are  entities  controlled  by  Ryanair.  Control  exists 
when  Ryanair  has  the  power  either  directly  or  indirectly  to  govern  the  financial  and  operating  policies  of  an 
entity so as to obtain benefit from its activities. 

All  inter-company  account  balances  and  any  unrealised  income  or  expenses  arising  from  intra-group 

transactions have been eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. 

The  results  of  subsidiary  undertakings  acquired  or  disposed  of  in  the  period  are  included  in  the 
consolidated income statement from the date of acquisition or up to the date of disposal. Upon the acquisition of 
a business, fair values are attributed to the separable net assets acquired. 

Business combinations 

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which 
is  the  date  on  which  control  is  transferred  to  the  Company.  Control  is  the  power  to  govern  the  financial  and 
operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. 

Acquisitions on or after April 1, 2010 

For acquisitions on or after January 1, 2010, the Company measures goodwill at the acquisition date as 
the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the 
acquiree, less the net recognised amount of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 

152 

 
 
 
 
Acquisitions between January 1, 2004 and April 1, 2010 

For acquisitions between January 1, 2004 and January 1, 2010, goodwill represents the excess of the 
cost of the acquisition over the Company‘s interest in the recognised amount of the identifiable assets, liabilities 
and contingent liabilities of the acquiree. 

Acquisitions prior to January 1, 2004 (date of transition to IFRSs) 

As part of its transition to the IFRSs, the Company elected to restate only those business combinations 
that occurred on or after January 1, 2003. Prior to January 1, 2003, goodwill represented the amount recognised 
under the Company‘s previous accounting framework, Irish GAAP. 

Foreign currency translation 

Items included in the financial statements of each of the group entities are measured using the currency 
of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the ―functional currency‖). The consolidated 
financial statements are presented in euro, which is the functional currency of the majority of the group entities. 

Transactions arising in foreign currencies are translated into the respective functional currencies at the 
rates of exchange in effect at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 
currencies are re-translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and 
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to euro at foreign exchange rates in effect at the dates 
the transactions were effected. Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognised in profit or 
loss,  except  for  differences  arising  on  qualifying  cash-flow  hedges,  which  are  recognised  in  other 
comprehensive income. 

Property, plant and equipment 

Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and provisions 
for impairments, if any. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Cost 
may also include transfers from other comprehensive income of any gain or loss on qualifying cash-flow hedges 
of foreign currency purchases of property, plant and equipment. Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the 
cost,  less  estimated  residual  value,  of  assets  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  their  expected  useful  lives  at  the 
following annual rates: 

Hangar and buildings .....................................................................................................................  
Plant and equipment (excluding aircraft) .......................................................................................  
Fixtures and fittings .......................................................................................................................  
Motor vehicles ...............................................................................................................................  

Rate of 
Depreciation 
5% 
20-33.3% 
20% 
33.3% 

Aircraft are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives to estimated residual 

values. The estimates of useful lives and residual values at year-end are: 

Aircraft Type 
Boeing 737-800s 

Number of Owned Aircraft 

at March 31, 2013 

246(a) 

Useful Life 
23 years from date of 
manufacture 

Residual Value 
15% of current market value of new 
aircraft, determined periodically 

______________ 
(a)  The Company operated 305 aircraft as of March 31, 2013, of which 59 were leased. 

The Company‘s estimate of the recoverable amount of aircraft residual values is 15% of current market 
value  of  new  aircraft,  determined  periodically,  based  on  independent  valuations  and  actual  aircraft  disposals 
during prior periods.  

153 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
An  element  of  the  cost  of  an  acquired  aircraft  is  attributed  on  acquisition  to  its  service  potential, 
reflecting  the  maintenance  condition  of  its  engines  and  airframe.  This  cost,  which  can  equate  to  a  substantial 
element  of  the  total  aircraft  cost,  is  amortised  over  the  shorter  of  the  period  to  the  next  maintenance  check 
(usually between 8 and 12 years for Boeing 737-800 aircraft) or the remaining life of the aircraft. The costs of 
subsequent major airframe and engine maintenance checks are capitalised and amortised over the shorter of the 
period to the next check or the remaining life of the aircraft. 

Advance and option payments made in respect of aircraft purchase commitments and options to acquire 
aircraft are recorded at cost and separately disclosed within property, plant and equipment. On acquisition of the 
related aircraft, these payments are included as part of the cost of aircraft and are depreciated from that date. 

Rotable  spare  parts  held  by  the  Company  are  classified  as  property,  plant  and  equipment  if  they  are 

expected to be used over more than one period. 

Gains and losses on disposal of items of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing 
the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment, and are recognised on a 
net basis within other income/(expenses) in profit or loss. 

Aircraft maintenance costs 

The  accounting  for  the  cost  of  providing  major  airframe  and  certain  engine  maintenance  checks  for 

owned aircraft is described in the accounting policy for property, plant and equipment. 

For aircraft held under operating lease agreements, Ryanair is contractually committed to either return 
the  aircraft  in  a  certain  condition  or  to  compensate  the  lessor  based  on  the  actual  condition  of  the  airframe, 
engines and life-limited parts upon return. In order to fulfill such conditions of  the  lease,  maintenance, in the 
form  of  major  airframe  overhaul,  engine  maintenance  checks,  and  restitution  of  major  life-limited  parts,  is 
required  to  be  performed  during  the  period  of  the  lease  and  upon  return  of  the  aircraft  to  the  lessor.  The 
estimated  airframe  and  engine  maintenance  costs  and  the  costs  associated  with  the  restitution  of  major  life-
limited parts, are accrued and charged to profit or loss over the lease term for this contractual obligation, based 
on the present value of the estimated future cost of the major airframe overhaul, engine maintenance checks, and 
restitution of major life-limited parts, calculated by reference to the number of hours flown or cycles operated 
during the year. 

Ryanair‘s  aircraft  operating  lease  agreements  typically  have  a  term  of  seven  years,  which  closely 
correlates  with the timing of  heavy  maintenance checks. The  contractual obligation to  maintain and replenish 
aircraft  held  under  operating  lease  exists  independently  of  any  future  actions  within  the  control  of  Ryanair.  
While Ryanair may, in very limited circumstances, sub-lease its aircraft, it remains fully liable to perform all of 
its contractual obligations under the ‗head lease‘ notwithstanding any such sub-leasing. 

All  other  maintenance  costs,  other  than  major  airframe  overhaul,  engine  maintenance  checks,  and 

restitution of major life-limited parts costs associated with leased aircraft, are expensed as incurred. 

Intangible assets - landing rights 

Intangible  assets  acquired  are  recognised  to  the  extent  it  is  considered  probable  that  expected  future 
benefits will flow to the Company and the associated costs can be measured reliably. Landing rights acquired as 
part of a business combination are capitalised at fair value at that date and are not amortised, where those rights 
are  considered  to  be  indefinite.  The  carrying  values  of  those  rights  are  reviewed  for  impairment  at  each 
reporting  date  and  are  subject  to  impairment  testing  when  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that 
carrying  values  may  not  be  recoverable.  No  impairment  to  the  carrying  values  of  the  Company‘s  intangible 
assets has been recorded to date. 

154 

 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities 

The  Company  holds  certain  equity  securities,  which  are  classified  as  available-for-sale,  and  are 
measured  at  fair  value,  less  incremental  direct  costs,  on  initial  recognition.  Such  securities  are  classified  as 
available-for-sale,  rather  than  as  an  investment  in  an  associate  if  the  Company  does  not  have  the  power  to 
exercise significant influence over the investee. Subsequent to initial recognition they are measured at fair value 
and changes therein, other than impairment losses, are recognised in other comprehensive income and reflected 
in shareholders‘ equity in the consolidated balance sheet. Fair value losses, subsequent to any impairments are 
recognised in other comprehensive income against net cumulative gains in the reserve.  Fair value losses below 
the  impaired value are recognised in the income  statement.  The fair  values of available-for-sale securities are 
determined by reference to quoted prices in active  markets  at each reporting date. When an investment is de-
recognised the cumulative gain or loss in other comprehensive income is transferred to the income statement.  

Such securities are considered to be impaired if there is objective evidence which indicates that events 
have occurred that can reasonably be expected to adversely affect the  future cash flows of the securities, such 
that the future cash flows do not support the current fair value of the securities. This includes where there is a 
significant  or  prolonged  decline  in  the  fair  value  below  its  cost.  All  impairment  losses  are  recognised  in  the 
income statement and any cumulative loss in respect of an available-for-sale asset recognised previously in other 
comprehensive income is also transferred to the income statement. 

Other financial assets 

Other financial assets (other than available-for-sale financial assets) comprise cash deposits of greater 
than three months‘ maturity. All amounts are categorised as loans and receivables and are carried initially at fair 
value and then subsequently at amortised cost, using the effective interest method in the balance sheet. 

Derivative financial instruments 

Ryanair  is  exposed  to  market  risks  relating  to  fluctuations  in  commodity  prices,  interest  rates  and 
currency  exchange  rates.  The  objective  of  financial  risk  management  at  Ryanair  is  to  minimise  the  impact  of 
commodity  price,  interest  rate  and  foreign  exchange  rate  fluctuations  on  the  Company‘s  earnings,  cash  flows 
and equity. 

To  manage  these  risks,  Ryanair  uses  various  derivative  financial  instruments,  including  interest  rate 
swaps, foreign currency forward contracts and commodity contracts. These derivative financial instruments are 
generally held to maturity. The Company enters into these arrangements with the goal of hedging its operational 
and balance sheet risk. However, Ryanair‘s exposure to commodity price, interest rate and currency exchange 
rate fluctuations cannot be neutralised completely. 

Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, 
derivative financial instruments continue to be re-measured to fair value, and changes therein are accounted for 
as described below. 

The  fair  value  of  interest  rate  swaps  is  computed  by  discounting  the  projected  cash  flows  on  the 
Company‘s swap arrangements to present value using an appropriate market rate of interest. The fair value of 
forward  foreign  exchange  contracts  and  commodity  contracts  is  determined  based  on  the  present  value  of  the 
quoted forward price. Recognition of any resultant gain or loss depends on the nature of the item being hedged. 

Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as  a hedge  of the  variability in cash flows of a 
recognised asset or liability or a highly probable forecasted transaction, the effective part of any gain or loss on 
the  derivative  financial  instrument  is  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income  (in  the  cash  flow  hedging 
reserve  on  the  balance  sheet).  When  the  hedged  forecasted  transaction  results  in  the  recognition  of  a  non-
financial  asset  or  liability,  the  cumulative  gain  or  loss  is  removed  from  other  comprehensive  income  and 
included in the initial measurement of that asset or liability. Otherwise the cumulative gain or loss is removed 
from  other  comprehensive  income  and  recognised  in  the  income  statement  at  the  same  time  as  the  hedged 
transaction.  The  ineffective  part  of  any  hedging  transaction  and  the  gain  or  loss  thereon  is  recognised  in  the 
income statement immediately. 

155 

 
 
 
 
When a hedging instrument or hedge relationship is terminated but the underlying hedged transaction is 
still expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss at that point remains in other comprehensive income and is 
recognised  in  accordance  with  the  above  policy  when  the  transaction  occurs.  If  the  hedged  transaction  is  no 
longer expected to take place, the cumulative unrealised gain or loss recognised in other comprehensive income 
is recognised in the income statement immediately. 

Where  a  derivative  financial  instrument  hedges  the  changes  in  fair  value  of  a  recognised  asset  or 
liability or an unrecognised firm commitment, any gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in the 
income statement. The hedged item is also stated at fair value in respect of the risk being hedged, with any gain 
or loss also being recognised in the income statement. 

Inventories 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is  based on invoiced price on 
an average basis for all stock categories. Net realisable value is calculated as the estimated selling price arising 
in the ordinary course of business, net of estimated selling costs. 

Trade and other receivables and payables 

Trade  and  other  receivables  and  payables  are  stated  on  initial  recognition  at  fair  value  plus  any 
incremental direct costs and subsequently at amortised cost, net (in the case of receivables) of any impairment 
losses, which approximates fair value given the short-dated nature of these assets and liabilities. 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash  represents  cash  held  at  banks  and  available  on  demand,  and  is  categorised  for  measurement 

purposes as ―loans and receivables.‖ 

Cash equivalents are current asset investments (other than cash) that are readily convertible into known 
amounts of cash, typically cash deposits of more than one day but less than three months at the date of purchase. 
Deposits with maturities greater than three months are recognised as short-term investments, are categorised as 
loans and receivables and are carried initially at  fair  value  and then  subsequently at amortised cost,  using  the 
effective-interest method. 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

All loans and borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, being the fair value of the consideration 
received,  net  of  attributable  transaction  costs.  Subsequent  to  initial  recognition,  non-current  interest-bearing 
loans are measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest yield methodology. 

Leases 

Leases under which the Company assumes substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership are 
classified as finance leases. Assets held under finance leases are capitalised in the balance sheet, at an amount 
equal to the lower of their fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments, and are depreciated 
over  their  estimated  useful  lives.  The  present  values  of  the  future  lease  payments  are  recorded  as  obligations 
under finance leases and the interest element of a lease obligation is  charged to the income statement over the 
period of the lease in proportion to the balances outstanding. 

Other leases are operating leases and the associated leased assets are not recognised on the Company‘s 
balance sheet.  Expenditure arising under operating leases is charged to the income  statement as incurred. The 
Company also enters into sale-and-leaseback transactions whereby it sells the rights to an aircraft to an external 
party and subsequently leases the aircraft back, by way of an operating lease. Any profit or loss on the disposal 
where the price achieved is not considered to be at fair value is spread over the period during which the asset is 
expected  to  be  used.  The  profit  or  loss  amount  deferred  is  included  within  ―other  creditors‖  and  divided  into 
components of greater than and less than one year. 

156 

 
 
Provisions and contingencies 

A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when there is a present legal or constructive obligation 
as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefit will be required to settle the 
obligation. If the effect is  material, provisions are  determined by discounting the expected future outflow at a 
pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, when appropriate, the risks 
specific to the liability. 

The  Company  assesses  the  likelihood  of  any  adverse  outcomes  to  contingencies,  including  legal 
matters,  as  well  as  probable  losses.  We  record  provisions  for  such  contingencies  when  it  is  probable  that  a 
liability  will  be  incurred  and  the  amount  of  the  loss  can  be  reasonably  estimated.  A  contingent  liability  is 
disclosed where the existence of the obligation will only be confirmed by future events, or where the amount of 
the obligation cannot be measured with reasonable reliability. Provisions are re-measured at each balance sheet 
date based on the best estimate of the settlement amount. 

In  relation  to  legal  matters,  we  develop  estimates  in  consultation  with  internal  and  external  legal 
counsel taking into account the relevant facts and circumstances known to us. The factors that we consider in 
developing our legal provisions include  the  merits and jurisdiction of the litigation, the  nature and  number of 
other similar current and past litigation cases, the nature of the subject matter of the litigation, the likelihood of 
settlement and current state of settlement discussions, if any. 

Segment reporting 

Operating  segments  are  reported  in  a  manner  consistent  with  the  internal  organisational  and 
management  structure  and  the  internal  reporting  information  provided  to  the  chief  operating  decision  maker, 
who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of operating segments.  The Company is 
managed as a single business unit that provides low fares airline-related services, including scheduled services, 
and ancillary services including car hire services, and internet and other related services to third parties, across a 
European route network.   

Income statement classification and presentation 

Individual income statement captions have been presented on the face of the income statement, together 
with additional line items, headings and sub-totals, where it is determined that such presentation is relevant to an 
understanding of our financial performance, in accordance with IAS 1, ―Presentation of Financial Statements‖. 

Expenses are classified and presented in accordance with the nature-of-expenses method. We disclose 
separately on the face of the income statement, within other income and expense, losses on the impairment of 
available-for-sale financial assets and gains or losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment. The nature 
of the Company‘s available-for-sale asset is that of a financial investment; accordingly any impairment of the 
investment is categorised as finance expense and included in other income/(expense) as a separate line item. The 
presentation of gains or losses on the disposal of property, plant and equipment within other income/(expense) 
accords with industry practice.  

Revenues 

Scheduled revenues comprise the invoiced value of airline and other services, net of government taxes. 
Revenue  from  the  sale  of  flight  seats  is  recognised  in  the  period  in  which  the  service  is  provided.  Unearned 
revenue  represents  flight  seats  sold  but  not  yet  flown  and  a  provision  for  government  tax  refund  claims 
attributable  to  unused  tickets,  and  is  included  in  accrued  expenses  and  other  liabilities.  Revenue,  net  of 
government  taxes,  is  released  to  the  income  statement  as  passengers  fly.  Unused  tickets  are  recognised  as 
revenue on a systematic basis, such that twelve months of time expired revenues are recognised in revenue in 
each  fiscal  year.  Miscellaneous  fees  charged  for  any  changes  to  flight  tickets  are  recognised  in  revenue 
immediately. 

157 

 
 
 
 
During  the  year  ended  March  31,  2012,  changes  in  estimates  relating  to  the  timing  of  revenue 
recognition for unused passenger tickets were made, resulting in increased revenue of €65.3 million (fiscal year 
2013:Nil).  This change reflects more accurate and timely data obtained through system enhancements. 

Ancillary  revenues  are  recognised  in  the  income  statement  in  the  period  the  ancillary  services  are 

provided. 

Share-based payments 

The  Company  engages  in  equity-settled,  share-based  payment  transactions  in  respect  of  services 
received from certain of its employees. The fair value of  the services received is measured by reference to the 
fair  value  of  the  share  options  on  the  date  of  the  grant.  The  grant  measurement  date  is  the  date  that  a  shared 
understanding of the terms of the award is established between the Company and the employee. The cost of the 
employee services received in respect of the share options granted is recognised in the income statement over 
the period that the services are received, which is the vesting period, with a corresponding increase in equity. To 
the  extent  that  service  is  provided  prior  to  the  grant  measurement  date,  the  fair  value  of  the  share  options  is 
initially estimated and re-measured at each balance sheet date until the grant measurement date is achieved. The 
fair value of the options granted is determined using various option-pricing models, including binomial lattice 
and black-scholes, which takes into account the exercise price of the option, the current share price, the risk-free 
interest rate, the expected volatility of the Ryanair Holdings plc share price over the life of the option and other 
relevant  factors.  Non-market  vesting  conditions  are  taken  into  account  by  adjusting  the  number  of  shares  or 
share  options  included  in  the  measurement  of  the  cost  of  employee  services  so  that  ultimately,  the  amount 
recognised in the income statement reflects the number of vested shares or share options. 

Pensions and other post-retirement obligations 

The Company provides certain employees  with post-retirement benefits in the  form of  pensions. The 

Company operates a number of defined contribution and defined benefit pension schemes. 

Costs  arising  in  respect  of  the  Company‘s  defined  contribution  pension  schemes  (where  fixed 
contributions are paid into the scheme and there is no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts) 
are charged to the income statement in the period in which they are incurred. Any contributions unpaid at the 
balance sheet date are included as a liability. 

A defined benefit plan is a post-employment benefit plan other than a defined-contribution plan. The 
liabilities and costs associated with the Company‘s defined benefit pension schemes are assessed on the basis of 
the  projected  unit  credit  method  by  professionally  qualified  actuaries  and  are  arrived  at  using  actuarial 
assumptions based on market expectations at the balance sheet date. The discount rates employed in determining 
the present value of each scheme‘s liabilities are determined by reference to market yields at the balance sheet 
date of high quality corporate bonds in the same currency and term that is consistent with those of the associated 
pension  obligations.  The  net  surplus  or  deficit  arising  on  the  Company‘s  defined-benefit  schemes  is  shown 
within  non-current  assets  or  liabilities  on  the  balance  sheet.  The  deferred  tax  impact  of  any  such  amount  is 
disclosed separately within deferred tax. 

The  Company  separately  recognises  the  operating  and  financing  costs  of  defined-benefit  pensions  in 
the income statement. IFRS permits a number of options for the recognition of actuarial  gains and losses. The 
Company has opted to recognise all actuarial gains and losses within other comprehensive income. 

Income taxes including deferred income taxes 

Income tax on the profit or loss for a year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised 
in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income 
(such  as  certain  hedging  derivative  financial  instruments,  available-for-sale  assets,  pensions  and  other  post-
retirement obligations). Current tax payable on taxable profits is recognised as an expense in the period in which 
the profits arise using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. 

158 

 
 
 
 
Deferred  income  tax  is  provided  in  full,  using  the  balance  sheet  liability  method,  on  temporary 
differences  arising  from  the  tax  bases  of  assets  and  liabilities  and  their  carrying  accounts  in  the  consolidated 
financial statements. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates and legislation enacted or substantively 
enacted by the balance sheet date and expected to apply when the temporary differences reverse. 

The  following  temporary  differences  are  not  provided  for:  (i)  the  initial  recognition  of  assets  and 
liabilities  that  effect  neither  accounting  nor  taxable  profit  and  (ii)  differences  relating  to  investments  in 
subsidiaries to the extent that it is probable they will not reverse in the future.  

A  deferred  tax  asset  is  recognised  to  the  extent  that  it  is  probable  that  future  taxable  profits  will  be 
available against which temporary differences can be utilised. The carrying amounts of deferred tax assets are 
reviewed  at  each  balance  sheet  date  and  reduced  to  the  extent  that  it  is  no  longer  probable  that  a  sufficient 
taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be realised. 

Share capital 

Ordinary  shares  are  classified  as  equity.  Incremental  costs  directly  attributable  to  the  issuance  of 
ordinary shares and share options are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects. When share 
capital  recognised  as  equity  is  repurchased,  the  amount  of  consideration  paid,  which  includes  any  directly 
attributable  costs,  net  of  any  tax  effects,  is  recognised  as  a  deduction  from  equity.  Repurchased  shares  are 
classified as treasury shares and are presented as a deduction from total equity, until they are cancelled.  

Prospective accounting changes, new standards and interpretations not yet adopted 

The following new or revised IFRS standards and IFRIC interpretations will be adopted for purposes of 
the  preparation  of  future  financial  statements,  where  applicable  from  the  IASB  effective  date.  We  do  not 
anticipate that the adoption of these new or revised standards and interpretations will have a material impact on 
our financial position or results from operations:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IAS 1 (amendment 2011) “Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income” (effective for fiscal 
periods beginning on or after July 1, 2012).* 

 IAS  19  (amendment  2011)  “Employee  Benefits”  (effective  for  fiscal  periods  beginning  on  or  after 
January 1, 2013).*  

IAS 27 (amended 2011) ―Separate Financial Statements‖ (effective for fiscal periods beginning on or 
after January 1, 2013).* 

IAS  28  (amended  2011)  ―Investments  in  Associates  and  Joint  Ventures‖  (effective  for  fiscal  periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2013).*  

IFRS  10,  ―Consolidated  Financial  Statements”  (effective  for  fiscal  periods  beginning  on  or  after 
January 1, 2013).*  

IFRS 11, ―Joint Arrangements” (effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013).* 

IFRS 12, ―Disclosure of Interests in other Entities” (effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after 
January 1, 2013).* 

IFRS  13,  ―Fair  Value  Measurement”  (effective  for  fiscal  periods  beginning  on  or  after  January  1, 
2013).* 

  Amendments to IFRS 7: “Disclosures – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” 

(effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013).* 

 

IAS  32  (amendment)  “Offsetting  Financial  Assets  and  Financial  Liabilities‖  (effective  for  fiscal 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014). 

159 

 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

IAS 36 (amendment) ―Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets‖ (effective for fiscal 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014). 

IAS39  (amendment)  ―Novation  of  Derivatives  and  Continuation  of  Hedge  Accounting‖  (effective  for 
fiscal periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014). 

IFRIC 21―Levies‖ (effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014). 

IFRS  9  ―Financial  Instruments‖  (IFRS  9  (2010))  (effective  for  fiscal  periods  beginning  on  or  after 
January 1, 2015). 

―Annual Improvements to IFRSs‖ (issued May 2012): (effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after 
January 1, 2013). 

*Endorsed by the EU (IASB effective date in brackets). 

160 

 
 
 
 
 
2 

Property, plant and equipment  

Aircraft 
€M 

Hangar and 
Buildings 
€M 

Plant and 
Equipment 
€M 

Fixtures 
and 
Fittings 
€M 

Motor 
Vehicles 
€M 

Total 
€M 

Year ended March 31, 2013 
Cost 

At March 31, 2012 ........................................  
Additions in year ..........................................  
Disposals in year ...........................................  
At March 31, 2013 ........................................  

6,158.3 
293.4 
(42.1) 
6,409.6 

Depreciation 

At March 31, 2012 ........................................  
Charge for year .............................................  
Eliminated on disposal ..................................  
At March 31, 2013 ........................................  

1,275.9 
321.3 
(42.1) 
1,555.1 

Net book value 

At March 31, 2013 ........................................  

4,854.5 

46.8 
12.0 
- 
58.8 

13.4 
2.3 
- 
15.7 

43.1 

20.8 
2.4 
- 
23.2 

17.1 
2.2 
- 
19.3 

3.9 

30.5 
2.8 
(0.1) 
33.2 

25.0 
3.7 
(0.1) 
28.6 

4.6 

2.3 
0.1 
(0.1) 
2.3 

2.1 
0.1 
(0.1) 
2.1 

6,258.7 
310.7 
(42.3) 

6,527. 1                                                                                                                             

1,333.5 
329.6 
(42.3) 
1,620.8 

0.2 

4,906.3 

Aircraft 
€M 

Hangar and 
Buildings 
€M 

Plant and 
Equipment 
€M 

Fixtures 
and 
Fittings 
€M 

Motor 
Vehicles 
€M 

Total 
€M 

Year ended March 31, 2012 
Cost 

At March 31, 2011 ........................................  
Additions in year ..........................................  
Disposals in year ...........................................  
At March 31, 2012 ........................................  

5,953.2 
312.3 
(107.2) 
6,158.3 

Depreciation 

At March 31, 2011 ........................................  
Charge for year .............................................  
Eliminated on disposal ..................................  
At March 31, 2012 ........................................  

1,065.1 
301.1 
(90.3) 
1,275.9 

Net book value 

At March 31, 2012 ........................................  

4,882.4 

46.6 
0.2 
- 
46.8 

11.1 
2.3 
- 
13.4 

33.4 

19.1 
1.7 
- 
20.8 

14.8 
2.3 
- 
17.1 

3.7 

27.2 
3.3 
- 
30.5 

21.6 
3.4 
- 
25.0 

5.5 

2.2 
0.1 
- 
2.3 

2.0 
0.1 
- 
2.1 

0.2 

6,048.3 
317.6 
(107.2) 
6,258.7 

1,114.6 
309.2 
(90.3) 
1,333.5 

4,925.2 

Aircraft 
€M 

Hangar and 
Buildings 
€M 

Plant and 
Equipment 
€M 

Fixtures 
and 
Fittings 
€M 

Motor 
Vehicles 
€M 

Total 
€M 

Year ended March 31, 2011 
Cost 

At March 31, 2010 ........................................  
Additions in year ..........................................  
At March 31, 2011 ........................................  

5,069.6 
883.6 
5,953.2 

Depreciation 

At March 31, 2010 ........................................  
Charge for year .............................................  
At March 31, 2011 ........................................  

794.4 
270.7 
1,065.1 

Net book value 

At March 31, 2011 ........................................  

4,888.1 

39.2 
7.4 
46.6 

8.9 
2.2 
11.1 

35.5 

16.4 
2.7 
19.1 

12.3 
2.5 
14.8 

4.3 

23.7 
3.5 
27.2 

19.4 
2.2 
21.6 

5.6 

2.2 
- 
2.2 

1.9 
0.1 
2.0 

0.2 

5,151.1 
897.2 
6,048.3 

836.9 
277.7 
1,114.6 

4,933.7 

At March 31, 2013, aircraft with a net book value of €4,663.0 million (2012: €4,856.0 million; 2011: 
€4,718.7  million)  were  mortgaged  to  lenders  as  security  for  loans.  Under  the  security  arrangements  for  the 
Company‘s  new  Boeing  737-800  ―next  generation‖  aircraft,  the  Company  does  not  hold  legal  title  to  those 
aircraft while these loan amounts remain outstanding. 

161 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At  March  31,  2013,  the  cost  and  net  book  value  of  aircraft  did  not  include  any  amount  relating  to 
advance payments on aircraft (2012: €110.5 million; 2011: €194.2 million).  Such amounts, where present, are 
not depreciated. The cost and net book value also includes capitalised aircraft maintenance, aircraft simulators 
and the stock of rotable spare parts. 

The net book value of assets held under finance leases at March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was €582.9 

million, €607.5 million and €635.1 million respectively. 

3 

Intangible assets 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Landing rights ...........................................................................................................   46.8 

46.8 

46.8 

Landing  slots  were  acquired  with  the  acquisition  of  Buzz  Stansted  Limited  in  April  2003.  As  these 
landing  slots  have  no  expiry  date  and  are  expected  to  be  used  in  perpetuity,  they  are  considered  to  be  of 
indefinite  life  and  accordingly  are  not  amortised.  The  Company  also  considers  that  there  has  been  no 
impairment of the value of these rights to date. The recoverable amount of these rights has been determined on a 
value-in-use  basis,  using discounted cash-flow projections  for a twenty-year period for  each route that  has an 
individual landing right. The calculation of value-in-use is most sensitive to the operating margin and discount 
rate assumptions. Operating margins are based on the existing margins generated from these routes and adjusted 
for  any  known  trading  conditions.  The  trading  environment  is  subject  to  both  regulatory  and  competitive 
pressures  that  can  have  a  material  effect  on  the  operating  performance  of  the  business.  Foreseeable  events, 
however, are unlikely to result in a change of projections of a significant nature so as to result in the landing 
rights‘ carrying amounts exceeding their recoverable amounts. These projections have been discounted based on 
the estimated discount rate applicable to the asset of 7.0% for 2013, 7.7% for 2012 and 7.3% for 2011. 

4 

Available-for-sale financial assets 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Investment in Aer Lingus .........................................................................................  221.2 

149.7 

114.0 

As at March 31, 2013 Ryanair‘s total percentage shareholding in Aer Lingus was 29.8% (2012: 29.8%; 
2011: 29.8%). The balance sheet value of €221.2 million (2012: €149.7 million; 2011: €114.0 million) reflects 
the market value of this investment as at March 31, 2013. In accordance with the Company‘s accounting policy, 
this asset is held at fair value with a corresponding adjustment to other comprehensive income following initial 
acquisition. Any impairment losses that arise are recognised in the income statement and are not subsequently 
reversed.    Any  cumulative  loss  previously  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income  is  transferred  to  the 
income statement once an impairment is considered to have occurred. 

The  movement  on  the  available  for  sale  financial  asset  from  €149.7  million  at  March  31,  2012  to 
€221.2  million  at  March  31,  2013  is  comprised  of  a  gain  of  €71.5  million,  recognised  through  other 
comprehensive income, reflecting the increase in the share price of Aer Lingus from €0.94 per share at March 
31,  2012  to  approximately  €1.39  per  share  at  March  31,  2013.    The  investment  in  Aer  Lingus  has  in  prior 
periods been impaired to €0.50 per share. 

162 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This investment is classified as available-for-sale, rather than as an investment in an associate, because 
the Company does not have the power to exercise any influence over the entity. The Company's determination 
that  it  does  not  have  any  influence  over  Aer  Lingus  through  its  minority  shareholding  has  been  based  on  the 
following factors, in particular:  

(i) 

Ryanair does not have any representation on the  Aer  Lingus Board of Directors, nor does it 

have a right to appoint a director;  

(ii) 

Ryanair does not participate in Aer Lingus‘ policy-making decisions, nor does it have a right 

to participate in such policy-making decisions;  

(iii) 

There are no material transactions between Ryanair and Aer Lingus, there is no interchange of 

personnel between the two companies and there is no sharing of technical information between the companies;  

(iv) 

Aer Lingus and its significant shareholder (the Irish government: 25.1%) have openly opposed 

Ryanair‘s investment or participation in the company; 

(v) 

In  August  2007,  September  2007  and  November/December  2011,  Aer  Lingus  refused 
Ryanair‘s  attempt  to  assert  its  statutory  right  to  requisition  a  general  meeting  (a  legal  right  of  any  10% 
shareholder under Irish law).   

(vi) 

On April 15, 2011, the High Court in Dublin ruled that Aer Lingus was not obliged to accede 
to Ryanair‘s request that two additional resolutions (on the payment of a dividend and on payments to pension 
schemes) be put to vote at Aer Lingus‘ annual general meeting;  

(vii)  

The  European  Commission  has  formally  found  that  Ryanair‘s  shareholding  in  Aer  Lingus 
does  not  grant  Ryanair  ―de  jure  or  de  facto  control  of  Aer  Lingus‖  and  that  ―Ryanair‘s  rights  as  a  minority 
shareholder are associated exclusively to rights related to the protection of minority shareholders‖ (Commission 
Decision  Case  No.  COMP/M.4439  dated  October  11,  2007).  The  European  Commission‘s  finding  has  been 
confirmed by the European Union's General Court which issued a decision on July 6, 2010 that the European 
Commission was justified to use the required legal and factual standard in its refusal to order Ryanair to divest 
its minority shareholding in Aer Lingus and that, as part of that decision, Ryanair‘s shareholding did not confer 
control of Aer Lingus (Judgment of the General Court (Third Chamber) Case No. T-411/07 dated July 6, 2010); 
and 

(viii)  On  February  27,  2013  the  European  Commission  prohibited  Ryanair‘s  bid  made  on  June  19,  
2012, to acquire the entire share capital of Aer Lingus on the claimed basis that it would be incompatible with 
the EU internal market.  Ryanair appealed this decision to the EU General Court on May 8, 2013. The judgment 
of the EU General Court is expected within 18-24 months and may affirm or annul the decision of the European 
Commission. 

Following  the  European  Commission‘s  decision  to  prohibit  its  offer  for  Aer  Lingus,  Ryanair  has 
actively  engaged  with  the  Competition  Commission‘s  investigation  of  the  minority  stake.  In  its  provisional 
findings on May 30, 2013, the UK Competition Commission (UKCC) stated that Ryanair, through its minority 
shareholding  in  Aer  Lingus,  ―has    influence‖  over  Aer  Lingus,  that  this  ―could  reduce  competition‖,  and  that 
Ryanair  should  be  required  to  divest  some  or  all  of  its  shares  in  Aer  Lingus.    Following  an  extension  of  the 
investigation timetable on June 24, 2013, the UKCC‘s final decision will be published by September 5, 2013.  
The UKCC could order Ryanair to divest some or all of its shares in Aer Lingus, as a result of which Ryanair 
could suffer losses due to the negative impact on market prices of the forced sale of such a significant portion of 
Aer  Lingus‘  shares.    Ryanair  believes  that  the  enforcement  of  any  such  decision  should  be  delayed  until  the 
outcome  of  Ryanair‘s  appeal  against  the  European  Commission‘s  February  2013  prohibition  decision  of 
Ryanair‘s 2012 offer for Aer Lingus, and the conclusion of any appeals against the UKCC‘s decision in the UK 
courts.  However, it is possible that the UKCC will seek to enforce any such sell-down remedy at an earlier date.   
On July 23, 2013 the Company announced that as part of its remedies discussions with the UKCC it had offered 
to give an undertaking to unconditionally sell its shareholding in Aer Lingus to any other EU airline that makes 
an  offer  for  Aer  Lingus  and  acquires  acceptances  in  respect  of  more  than  50%  of  Aer  Lingus‘  issued  share 
capital. 

163 

 
 
5 

Derivative financial instruments 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has responsibility for monitoring the treasury policies 
and objectives of the Company, which include controls over the procedures used to manage the main financial 
risks  arising  from  the  Company‘s  operations.  Such  risks  comprise  commodity  price,  foreign  exchange  and 
interest rate risks. The Company uses financial instruments to manage exposures arising from these risks. These 
instruments  include  borrowings,  cash  deposits  and  derivatives  (principally  jet  fuel  derivatives,  interest  rate 
swaps, cross-currency interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts). It is the Company‘s policy 
that no speculative trading in financial instruments takes place. 

The Company‘s historical fuel risk management policy has been to hedge between 70% and 90% of the 
forecast rolling annual volumes required to ensure that the future cost per gallon of fuel is locked in. This policy 
was adopted to prevent the Company being exposed, in the short term, to adverse movements in global jet fuel 
prices. However, when deemed to be in the best interests of the Company, it may deviate from this policy. At 
March 31, 2013, the Company had hedged approximately 90% of its estimated fuel exposure for the year ending 
March  31,  2014.    At  March  31,  2012,  the  Company  had  hedged  approximately  90%  of  its  estimated  fuel 
exposure for the year ending March 31, 2013. At March 31, 2011, the Company had hedged approximately 77% 
of its estimated fuel exposure for the year ending March 31, 2012.  

Foreign currency risk in relation to the Company‘s trading operations largely arises in relation to non-
euro currencies. These currencies are primarily U.K. pounds sterling and the U.S. dollar. The Company manages 
this risk by  matching U.K. pounds  sterling revenues against U.K. pounds  sterling costs. Surplus U.K. pounds 
sterling revenues are sometimes used to fund forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge U.S. dollar currency 
exposures that arise in relation to fuel, maintenance, aviation insurance, and capital expenditure costs and excess 
U.K.  pounds  sterling  are  converted  into  euro.  Additionally,  the  Company  swaps  euro  for  U.S.  dollars  using 
forward currency contracts to cover any expected U.S. dollar outflows for these costs. From time to time, the 
Company also swaps euro for U.K. pounds sterling using forward currency contracts to hedge expected future 
surplus U.K. pounds sterling. From time to time the Company also enters into cross-currency interest rate swaps 
to hedge against fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates in respect of U.S. dollar denominated 
borrowings.         

The  Company‘s  objective  for  interest  rate  risk  management  is  to  reduce  interest-rate  risk  through  a 
combination  of  financial  instruments,  which  lock  in  interest  rates  on  debt  and  by  matching  a  proportion  of 
floating  rate  assets  with  floating  rate  liabilities.  In  addition,  the  Company  aims  to  achieve  the  best  available 
return on investments of surplus cash – subject to credit risk and liquidity constraints. Credit risk is managed by 
limiting the aggregate  amount and duration of exposure to any one counterparty based  on third-party  market-
based  ratings.  In  line  with  the  above  interest  rate  risk  management  strategy,  the  Company  has  entered  into  a 
series  of  interest  rate  swaps  to  hedge  against  fluctuations  in  interest  rates  for  certain  floating  rate  financial 
arrangements  and  certain  other  obligations.  The  Company  has  also  entered  into  floating  rate  financing  for 
certain aircraft,  which is matched with floating rate deposits. Additionally, certain cash deposits have been set 
aside  as  collateral  for  the  counterparty‘s  exposure  to  risk  of  fluctuations  on  certain  derivative  and  other 
financing  arrangements  with  Ryanair  (restricted  cash).  At  March  31,  2013,  such  restricted  cash  amounted  to 
€24.7 million (2012: €35.1 million; 2011: €42.9 million). Additional numerical information on these swaps and 
on  other  derivatives  held  by  the  Company  is  set  out  below  and  in  Note  11  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements.  

The  Company  utilises  a  range  of  derivatives  designed  to  mitigate  these  risks.  All  of  the  above 
derivatives  have  been  accounted  for  at  fair  value  in  the  Company‘s  balance  sheet  and  have  been  utilised  to 
hedge  against  these  particular  risks  arising  in  the  normal  course  of  the  Company‘s  business.  All  have  been 
designated as hedging derivatives for the purposes of IAS 39 and are fully set out below.  

164 

 
 
 
 
 
Derivative  financial  instruments,  all  of  which  have  been  recognised  at  fair  value  in  the  Company‘s 

balance sheet, are analysed as follows: 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Current assets 
Gains on cash-flow hedging instruments – maturing within one year .................................................  

78.1 
78.1 

Non-current assets 
Gains on cash flow hedging instruments – maturing after one year .....................................................  

5.1 
5.1 

231.9 
231.9 

3.3 
3.3 

383.8 
383.8 

23.9 
23.9 

Total derivative assets .......................................................................................................................  

83.2 

235.2 

407.7 

Current liabilities 
Losses on cash flow hedging instruments – maturing within one year ................................................  

(31.8) 
(31.8) 

Non-current liabilities 
Losses on cash flow hedging instruments – maturing after one year ...................................................  

Total derivative liabilities ..................................................................................................................  

Net derivative financial instrument position at year-end  ..............................................................  

1.3 

All of the above gains and losses were unrealised at the period-end. 

The table above includes the following derivative arrangements: 

(50.1) 
(50.1) 
(81.9) 

(28.2) 
(28.2) 

(53.6) 
(53.6) 
(81.8) 

153.4 

(125.4) 
(125.4) 

(8.3) 
(8.3) 
(133.7) 

274.0 

Interest rate swaps (a) 
Less than one year (b)...………………………………………………..….. 
Between one and five years……………………………………………….. 
After five years……………………………………………………………. 

Foreign currency forward contracts (a) 
Less than one year…………………………………………………………. 
Between one and five years……………………………………………….. 
After five years……………………………………………………………. 

Commodity forward contracts 
Less than one year(c)………………………………………………………. 

Net derivative position at year end……………………………………… 

Fair value 
2013 
€M 

Fair value 
2012 
€M 

Fair value 
2011 
€M 

(31.8) 
(49.9) 
(0.2) 
(81.9) 

42.3 
5.1 
- 
47.4 

35.8 
35.8 
1.3 

(26.7) 
(53.8) 
0.2 
(80.3) 

86.1 
3.0 
0.3 
89.4 

144.3 
144.3 
153.4 

(61.7) 
7.7 
16.2 
(37.8) 

(63.7) 
(8.2) 
(0.1) 
(72.0) 

383.8 
383.8 
274.0 

(a)  Additional information in relation to the above interest rate swaps and forward currency contracts (i.e. notional value 

and weighted average interest rates) can be found in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements. 

(b)  €31.8  million  interest  rate  swap  financial  liabilities  falling  due  within  one  year,  includes  €5.2  million  derivative 
financial liabilities, falling due within one year, in respect of cross currency interest rate swaps (see Note 11 to the 
consolidated financial statements). 

(c)  €35.8  million  commodity  forward  contracts  falling  due  within  one  year,  includes  €35.0  million  jet  fuel  derivative 
financial assets and €0.8 million carbon swap financial asset (see Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements). 

165 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps are primarily used to convert a portion of the Company‘s floating rate exposures on 
borrowings and operating leases into fixed rate exposures and are set so as to match exactly the critical terms of 
the underlying debt or lease being hedged (i.e. notional principal, interest rate settings, re-pricing dates). These 
are  all  classified  as  cash-flow  hedges  of  the  forecasted  variable  interest  payments  and  rentals  due  on  the 
Company‘s underlying debt and operating leases and have been determined to be highly effective in achieving 
offsetting  cash  flows.  Accordingly,  no  ineffectiveness  has  been  recorded  in  the  income  statement  relating  to 
these hedges in the current and preceding years. 

The  Company  also  utilises  cross  currency  interest  rate  swaps  to  manage  exposures  to  fluctuations  in 
foreign  exchange  rates  of  U.S.  dollar  denominated  floating  rate  borrowings,  together  with  managing  the 
exposures  to  fluctuations  in  interest  rates  on  these  U.S.  dollar  denominated  floating  rate  borrowings.  Cross 
currency interest rate swaps are primarily used to convert a portion of the Company‘s U.S. dollar denominated 
debt to euro and floating rate interest exposures into fixed rate exposures and are set so as to match exactly the 
critical terms of the underlying debt being hedged (i.e. notional principal, interest rate settings, re-pricing dates). 
These  are  all  classified  as  cash-flow  hedges  of  the  forecasted  U.S.  dollar  variable  interest  payments  on  the 
Company‘s underlying debt and have been determined to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows. 
Accordingly,  no  ineffectiveness  has  been  recorded  in  the  income  statement  relating  to  these  hedges  in  the 
current year.  

Foreign currency forward contracts are utilised in a number of ways: forecast U.K.  pounds sterling and 
euro  revenue  receipts  are  converted  into  U.S.  dollars  to  hedge  against  forecasted  U.S.  dollar  payments 
principally  for  jet  fuel,  insurance,  capital  expenditure  and  other  aircraft  related  costs.  These  are  classified  as  
cash-flow  hedges  of  forecasted  U.S.  dollar  payments  and  have  been  determined  to  be  highly  effective  in 
offsetting variability in future cash flows arising from the fluctuation in the U.S. dollar to U.K. pounds sterling 
and euro exchange rates for the forecasted U.S.  dollar purchases. Because the timing of anticipated payments 
and the settlement of the related derivatives is very closely coordinated, no ineffectiveness has been recorded for 
these  foreign  currency  forward  contracts  in  the  current  or  preceding  years  (the  underlying  hedged  items  and 
hedging instruments have been consistently closely matched).  

The Company also utilises jet fuel forward contracts to manage exposure to jet fuel prices. These are 
used to hedge the Company‘s forecasted fuel purchases, and are arranged so as to match as closely as possible 
against  forecasted  fuel  delivery  and  payment  requirements.  These  are  classified  as  cash-flow  hedges  of 
forecasted fuel payments and have been determined to be highly effective in offsetting variability in future cash 
flows arising from fluctuations in jet fuel prices. No ineffectiveness has been recorded on these arrangements in 
the current or preceding years.  

The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) began operating for airlines on January 1,  
2012. In order to manage the risks associated  with the fluctuation  in the price  of carbon emission credits, the 
Company entered into swap  arrangements to  fix the  cost  of a portion of  its  forecasted carbon emission credit 
purchases.  The  Company  can  forecast  its  requirement  for  carbon  credits  as  they  are  directly  linked  to  its 
consumption of jet fuel. These instruments have been classified as cash-flow hedges and no ineffectiveness has 
been recorded in the current year. 

The  (gains)/losses  on  the  aircraft  firm  commitments  are  recognised  as  part  of  the  capitalised  cost  of 
aircraft additions,  within property, plant and equipment.  The (gains)/losses on interest rate swaps, commodity 
forward contracts and forward currency contracts (excluding aircraft firm commitments) are recognised in the 
income statement when the hedged transaction occurs.  

166 

 
 
 
 
The following table indicates the amounts that were reclassified from other comprehensive income into 
the income statement, analysed by income statement category, in respect of cash-flow hedges realised during the 
year:  

Year ended March 31,  

2013 
€M 

2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Commodity forward contracts 
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) recognised in fuel 
(38.0) 
 and oil operating expenses, net of tax  ..........................................................................  
Interest rate swaps 
Reclassification adjustments for losses recognised 
in finance expense, net of tax ........................................................................................  
25.9 
Foreign currency forward contracts 
Reclassification adjustments for (gains)/losses recognised in fuel 
(2.3) 
and oil operating expenses, net of tax ............................................................................  
(14.4) 

(284.2) 

(39.5) 

22.7 

21.2 

6.5 
(255.0) 

3.5 
(14.8) 

The following table indicates the amounts that were reclassified from other comprehensive income into 
the  capitalised  cost  of  aircraft  additions  within  property,  plant  and  equipment,  in  respect  of  cash-flow  hedges 
realised during the year:  

Year ended March 31,  
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

2013 
€M 

Foreign currency forward contracts 
4.7 
Recognised in property plant and equipment – aircraft additions ..................................  
4.7 

(11.1) 
(11.1) 

(15.2) 
(15.2) 

The following tables indicate the periods in which cash flows associated with derivatives that are designated as 
cash-flow hedges were expected to occur, as of March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011: 

Carrying 
Amount 
€M 

Expected 
Cash 
Flows 
€M 

2014 
€M 

2015 
€M 

2016 
  €M 

2017 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

At March 31, 2013 
(81.9) 
Interest rate swaps ......................................................................................................................  
U.S. dollar currency forward 
47.4 
contracts ......................................................................................................................................  
35.8 
Commodity forward contracts ....................................................................................................  
1.3 

1.6 
- 
(20.4) 

42.3 
35.8 
51.0 

48.5 
35.8 
12.0 

(27.1) 

(72.3) 

(22.0) 

(14.6) 

1.7 
- 
(12.9) 

(7.3) 

1.8 
- 
(5.5) 

(1.3) 

1.1 
- 
(0.2) 

Carrying 
Amount 
€M 

Expected 
Cash 
Flows 
€M 

2013 
€M 

2014 
€M 

2015 
  €M 

2016 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

At March 31, 2012 
Interest rate swaps ......................................................................................................................  
(80.3) 
U.S. dollar currency forward 
89.4 
contracts ......................................................................................................................................  
144.3 
Commodity forward contracts ....................................................................................................  
153.4 

0.9 
- 
(22.8) 

86.0 
144.3 
207.6 

90.1 
144.3 
163.9 

(22.7) 

(70.5) 

(23.7) 

(14.4) 

0.9 
- 
(13.5) 

(7.4) 

0.9 
- 
(6.5) 

(2.3) 

1.4 
- 
(0.9) 

167 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying 
Amount 
€M 

Expected 
Cash 
Flows 
€M 

2012 
€M 

2013 
€M 

2014 
  €M 

2015 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

At March 31, 2011 
(37.8) 
Interest rate swaps ......................................................................................................................  
(72.0) 
U.S. dollar currency forward 
contracts ......................................................................................................................................  
383.8 
Commodity forward contracts ....................................................................................................  
274.0 

- 
(18.1) 

383.8 
300.5 

383.8 
292.4 

(19.6) 
(63.7) 

(18.7) 
(72.7) 

(9.5) 
(8.6) 

(1.6) 
(0.1) 

- 
(1.7) 

2.8 
(0.1) 

- 
2.7 

9.2 
(0.2) 

- 
9.0 

The following tables indicate the periods in which cash flows associated with derivatives designated as cash-
flow hedges were expected to impact profit or loss, as of March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:  

Carrying 
Amount 
€M 

Expected 
Cash 
flows 
€M 

2014 
€M 

2015 
€M 

2016 
  €M 

2017 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

At March 31, 2013 
Interest rate swaps ......................................................................................................................  
U.S. dollar currency forward 
47.4 
contracts ......................................................................................................................................  
35.8 
Commodity forward contracts ....................................................................................................  

42.3 
35.8 

48.5 
35.8 

1.6 
- 

(27.1) 

(72.3) 

(22.0) 

(81.9) 

(14.6) 

1.7 
- 

1.3 

12.0 

51.0 

(20.4) 

(12.9) 

(7.3) 

1.8 
- 

(5.5) 

(1.3) 

1.1 
- 

(0.2) 

Carrying 
Amount 
€M 

Expected 
Cash 
flows 
€M 

2013 
€M 

2014 
€M 

2015 
  €M 

2016 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

(80.3) 

At March 31, 2012 
Interest rate swaps ......................................................................................................................  
U.S. dollar currency forward 
contracts ......................................................................................................................................  
82.5 
U.S. dollar currency forward 
contracts capitalised in property 
plant and equipment – aircraft 
6.9 
additions .....................................................................................................................................  
144.3 
Commodity forward contracts ....................................................................................................  

6.9 
144.3 

6.9 
144.3 

(22.7) 

(23.7) 

(70.5) 

79.1 

83.2 

0.9 

- 
- 

(14.4) 

0.9 

- 
- 

(7.4) 

0.9 

- 
- 

(2.3) 

1.4 

- 
- 

153.4 

163.9 

207.6 

(22.8) 

(13.5) 

(6.5) 

(0.9) 

Carrying 
Amount 
€M 

Expected 
Cash 
flows 
€M 

2012 
€M 

2013 
€M 

2014 
  €M 

2015 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

(37.8) 

At March 31, 2011 
Interest rate swaps ......................................................................................................................  
U.S. dollar currency forward 
contracts ......................................................................................................................................  
U.S. dollar currency forward 
contracts capitalised in property 
plant and equipment – aircraft 
3.7 
additions .....................................................................................................................................  
383.8 
Commodity forward contracts ....................................................................................................  

(19.6) 

(68.3) 

(76.3) 

(18.7) 

(9.5) 

(7.6) 

(75.7) 

3.6 
383.8 
292.4 

4.6 
383.8 
300.5 

(1.0) 
- 
(18.1) 

274.0 

(1.6) 

(0.1) 

- 
- 
(1.7) 

2.8 

(0.1) 

- 
- 
2.7 

9.2 

(0.2) 

- 
- 
9.0 

168 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6 

Inventories 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Consumables .............................................................................................................   2.7 

2.8 

2.7 

In  the  view  of  the  directors,  there  are  no  material  differences  between  the  replacement  cost  of 

inventories and the balance sheet amounts. 

7 

Other assets  

Prepayments ............................................................................................................  
Interest receivable ...................................................................................................  

64.9 
2.8 
67.7 

60.0 
4.9 
64.9 

94.5 
4.9 
99.4 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

All amounts fall due within one year. 

8 

  Trade receivables 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Trade receivables ..............................................................................................................  56.2 
(0.1) 
Allowance for impairment ................................................................................................  
56.1 

51.6 
(0.1) 
51.5 

50.7 
(0.1) 
50.6 

All amounts fall due within one year. 

There has been no change to the allowance for impairment during the year (2012:Nil; 2011:Nil).  There 

were no bad debt write-offs in the year (2012:Nil; 2011:Nil) 

 No individual customer accounted for more than 10% of our accounts receivable at March 31, 2013, 

March 31, 2012 or at March 31, 2011. 

At  March  31,  2013  €1.1  million  (2012:  €1.0  million;  2011:  €0.7  million)  of  our  total  accounts 
receivable balance were past due, of which €0.1 million (2012: €0.1 million; 2011: €0.1 million) was impaired 
and  provided  for  and  €1.0  million  (2012:  €0.9  million;  2011:  €0.6  million)  was  considered  past  due  but  not 
impaired.  

169 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9 

Restricted cash 

Restricted cash consists of €24.7 million (2012: €35.1 million; 2011: €42.9 million) placed on deposit 
as  collateral  for  certain  derivative  financial  instruments  and  other  financing  arrangements  entered  into  by  the 
Company. 

10 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities 

2013 
€M 

At  March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Accruals .............................................................................................................................  
431.6 
Taxation .............................................................................................................................  
251.5 
658.3 
Unearned revenue ..............................................................................................................  
1,341.4 

327.0 
228.8 
681.4 
1,237.2 

Taxation comprises: 

2011 
€M 

273.2 
185.2 
765.9 
1,224.3 

2013 
€M 

At  March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

PAYE (payroll taxes) .........................................................................................................  5.2 
246.3 
Other tax (principally air passenger duty) ..........................................................................  
251.5 

5.1 
223.7 
228.8 

5.3 
179.9 
185.2 

11 

Financial instruments and financial risk management 

The  Company  utilises  financial  instruments  to  reduce  exposures  to  market  risks  throughout  its 
business.  Borrowings,  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  liquid  investments  are  used  to  finance  the  Company‘s 
operations.  Derivative  financial  instruments  are  contractual  agreements  with  a  value  that  reflects  price 
movements  in  an  underlying  asset.  The  Company  uses  derivative  financial  instruments,  principally  jet  fuel 
derivatives,  interest  rate  swaps,  cross-currency  interest  rate  swaps  and  forward  foreign  exchange  contracts  to 
manage commodity risks, interest rate risks and currency exposures and to achieve the desired profile of fixed 
and variable rate borrowings and leases in appropriate currencies. It is the Company‘s policy that no speculative 
trading in financial instruments shall take place. 

The main risks attaching to the Company‘s financial instruments, the Company‘s strategy and approach 
to  managing  these  risks,  and  the  details  of  the  derivatives  employed  to  hedge  against  these  risks  have  been 
disclosed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements. 

170 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) 

Financial assets and financial liabilities – fair values 

The carrying value and fair value of the Company‘s financial assets by class and measurement category 

at March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows: 

Available 
For Sale 
€M 

Cash-Flow 
Hedges 
€M 

Loans and 
Receivables 
€M 

Total 
Carrying 
Value 
€M 

Total Fair 
Value 
€M 

At March 31, 2013 
Available-for-sale financial assets ..............................................................................................  
- 
Cash and cash equivalents ..........................................................................................................  
1,240.9 
Financial asset: cash > 3 months .................................................................................................  
2,293.4 
Restricted cash ............................................................................................................................  
24.7 
Derivative financial instruments:- 
- U.S. dollar currency forward contracts .....................................................................................  
- 
- Jet fuel derivative contracts ......................................................................................................  
- 
- Carbon derivative contracts ......................................................................................................  
- 
56.1 
Trade receivables ........................................................................................................................  
2.8 
Other Assets ................................................................................................................................  

221.2 
- 
- 
- 

47.4 
35.0 
0.8 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

Total financial assets at March 31, 2013 .....................................................................................  
3,617.9 

221.2 

83.2 

221.2 
1,240.9 
2,293.4 
24.7 

221.2 
1,240.9 
2,293.4 
24.7 

47.4 
35.0 
0.8 
56.1 
2.8 

47.4 
35.0 
0.8 
56.1 
2.8 

3,922.3 

3,922.3 

Available 
For Sale 
€M 

Cash-Flow 
Hedges 
€M 

Loans and 
Receivables 
€M 

Total 
Carrying 
Value 
€M 

Total Fair 
Value 
€M 

At March 31, 2012 
Available-for-sale financial assets ..............................................................................................  
- 
Cash and cash equivalents ..........................................................................................................  
2,708.3 
Financial asset: cash > 3 months .................................................................................................  
772.2 
35.1 
Restricted cash ............................................................................................................................  
Derivative financial instruments:- 
- U.S. dollar currency forward contracts .....................................................................................  
- 
- Jet fuel derivative contracts ......................................................................................................  
- 
51.5 
Trade receivables ........................................................................................................................  
4.9 
Other Assets ................................................................................................................................  

149.7 
- 
- 
- 

89.4 
145.8 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

Total financial assets at March 31, 2012 .....................................................................................  
3,572.0 

149.7 

235.2 

149.7 
2,708.3 
772.2 
35.1 

89.4 
145.8 
51.5 
4.9 

149.7 
2,708.3 
772.2 
35.1 

89.4 
145.8 
51.5 
4.9 

3,956.9 

3,956.9 

Available 
For Sale 

€M 

Cash-Flow 
Hedges 

Loans and 
Receivables 

€M 

€M 

Total 
Carrying 
Value 

€M 

Total Fair 
Value 

€M 

At March 31, 2011 
Available-for-sale financial assets ..............................................................................................  
Cash and cash equivalents ..........................................................................................................  
Financial asset: cash > 3 months .................................................................................................  
Restricted cash ............................................................................................................................  
Derivative financial instruments:- 
- Jet fuel derivative contracts ......................................................................................................  
- Interest rate swaps ....................................................................................................................  
Trade receivables ........................................................................................................................  
Other Assets ................................................................................................................................  

- 
2,028.3 
869.4 
42.9 

114.0 
- 
- 
- 

383.8 
23.9 
- 
- 

- 
- 
50.6 
4.9 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

Total financial assets at March 31, 2011 .....................................................................................  

2,996.1 

114.0 

407.7 

114.0 
2,028.3 
869.4 
42.9 

383.8 
23.9 
50.6 
4.9 

114.0 
2,028.3 
869.4 
42.9 

383.8 
23.9 
50.6 
4.9 

3,517.8 

3,517.8 

171 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The carrying values and fair values of the Company‘s financial liabilities by class and category were as follows: 

Liabilities at 
Amortised 
Cost 
€M 

Cash-Flow 
Hedges 
€M 

Total 
Carrying 
Value 
€M 

Total Fair 
Value 
€M 

At March 31, 2013 
Long-term debt ...........................................................................................................................  
3,498.3 
Derivative financial instruments:- 
81.9 
    -Interest rate swaps .................................................................................................................  
Trade payables ............................................................................................................................  
138.3 
431.6 
Accrued expenses .......................................................................................................................  
4,150.1 
Total financial liabilities at March 31, 2013 ...............................................................................  

- 
138.3 
431.6 
4,068.2 

81.9 
- 
- 
81.9 

3,498.3 

- 

At March 31, 2012 
Long-term debt ...........................................................................................................................  
3,625.2 
Derivative financial instruments:- 
80.3 
    -Interest rate swaps .................................................................................................................  
    -Carbon swaps ........................................................................................................................  
1.5 
Trade payables ............................................................................................................................  
181.2 
327.0 
Accrued expenses .......................................................................................................................  
4,215.2 
Total financial liabilities at March 31, 2012 ...............................................................................  

- 
- 
181.2 
327.0 
4,133.4 

80.3 
1.5 
- 
- 
81.8 

3,625.2 

- 

At March 31, 2011 
3,649.4 
Long-term debt ...........................................................................................................................  
Derivative financial instruments:- 
    -U.S. dollar currency forward contracts ..................................................................................  
72.0 
61.7 
    -Interest rate swaps .................................................................................................................  
150.8 
Trade payables ............................................................................................................................  
273.2 
Accrued expenses .......................................................................................................................  
4,207.1 
Total financial liabilities at March 31, 2011 ...............................................................................  

- 
- 
150.8 
273.2 
4,073.4 

72.0 
61.7 
- 
- 
133.7 

3,649.4 

- 

3,555.7 

81.9 
138.3 
431.6 
4,207.5 

3,665.4 

80.3 
1.5 
181.2 
327.0 
4,255.4 

3,621.1 

72.0 
61.7 
150.8 
273.2 
4,178.8 

Estimation of fair values 

Fair  value  is  the  amount  at  which  a  financial  instrument  could  be  exchanged  in  an  arm‘s  length 
transaction between informed and willing parties, other than as part of a forced liquidation sale. The following 
methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each material class of the Company‘s financial 
instruments: 

Cash and liquid resources: Carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of 
these  instruments.  Cash  and  liquid  resources  comprise  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  short-term  investments  and 
restricted cash. 

Fixed-rate  long-term  debt:  The  repayments  which  Ryanair  is  committed  to  make  have  been 
discounted at the relevant market rates of interest applicable (including credit spreads) at March 31, 2013, 2012, 
and 2011 to arrive at a fair value representing the amount payable to a third party to assume the obligations. 

Derivatives  –  interest  rate  swaps:  Discounted  cash-flow  analyses  have  been  used  to  determine  the 
estimated amount Ryanair would receive or pay to terminate the contracts. Discounted cash-flow analyses are 
based on forward interest rates. 

Derivatives  – currency forwards, aircraft fuel contracts and carbon swaps:  A comparison of the 
contracted rate to the market rate for contracts providing a similar risk management profile at March 31, 2013, 
2012 and 2011 has been made. 

172 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value in the balance sheet categorised by the type 
of valuation method used. The different valuation levels are defined as follows: 

  Level 1: Inputs are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments. 

  Level  2:  Inputs  are  based  on  quoted  prices  for  identical  or  similar  instruments  in  markets  that  are  not 
active, quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and model-based valuation techniques for 
which  all  significant  assumptions  are  observable  in  the  market  or  can  be  corroborated  by  observable 
market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. 

  Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability are not based on observable market data. 

Level 1 
€M 

Level 2 
€M 

Level 3 
€M 

Total 
€M 

At March 31, 2013 
Assets measured at fair value 
Available-for-sale financial asset .............................................................................  
Cash-flow hedges – U.S. dollar currency forward contracts ....................................  
Cash-flow hedges – jet fuel derivative contracts ......................................................  
Cash-flow hedges –carbon derivative contracts .......................................................  

221.2 
- 
- 
- 
221.2 

Liabilities measured at fair value 
Cash-flow hedges – interest rate swaps ....................................................................  

- 
- 

- 
47.4 
35.0 
0.8 
83.2 

(81.9) 
(81.9) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

221.2 
47.4 
35.0 
0.8 
304.4 

(81.9) 
(81.9) 

During the year ended March 31, 2013, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair-value 

measurements, and no transfers into or out of Level 3 fair-value measurement. 

Level 1 
€M 

Level 2 
€M 

Level 3 
€M 

Total 
€M 

At March 31, 2012 
Assets measured at fair value 
Available-for-sale financial asset .............................................................................  
Cash-flow hedges – U.S. dollar currency forward contracts ....................................  
Cash-flow hedges – jet fuel derivative contracts ......................................................  

149.7 
- 
- 
149.7 

Liabilities measured at fair value 
Cash-flow hedges – interest rate swaps ....................................................................  
Cash-flow hedges – carbon swaps............................................................................  

- 
- 
- 

- 
89.4 
145.8 
235.2 

(80.3) 
(1.5) 
(81.8) 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

149.7 
89.4 
145.8 
384.9 

(80.3) 
(1.5) 
(81.8) 

During the year ended March 31, 2012, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair-value 

measurements, and no transfers into or out of Level 3 fair-value measurement. 

Level 1 
€M 

Level 2 
€M 

Level 3 
€M 

Total 
€M 

At March 31, 2011 
Assets measured at fair value 
Available-for-sale financial asset .............................................................................  
Cash-flow hedges – jet fuel derivative contracts ......................................................  
Cash-flow hedges – interest rate swaps ....................................................................  

114.0 
- 
- 
114.0 

Liabilities measured at fair value 
Cash-flow hedges – U.S. dollar currency forward contracts ....................................  
Cash-flow hedges – interest rate swaps ....................................................................  

- 
- 
- 

- 
383.8 
23.9 
407.7 

(72.0) 
(61.7) 
(133.7) 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

114.0 
383.8 
23.9 
521.7 

(72.0) 
(61.7) 
(133.7) 

During the year ended March 31, 2011, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair-value 

measurements, and no transfers into or out of Level 3 fair-value measurement. 

173 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b) 

Commodity risk 

The Company‘s exposure to price risk in this regard is primarily for jet fuel used in the normal course 

of operations. 

At the year-end, the Company had the following jet fuel and carbon arrangements in place: 

Carbon swaps – fair value ........................................................................................  
0.8 
Jet fuel forward contracts – fair value ......................................................................   35.0 
35.8 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

(1.5) 
145.8 
144.3 

2011 
€M 

- 
383.8 
383.8 

All of the above commodity contracts mature within the year and are matched against highly probable 

forecast commodity cash flows. 

(c) 

Maturity and interest rate risk profile of financial assets and financial liabilities 

At  March  31,  2013,  the  Company  had  total  borrowings  of  €3,498.3  million  (2012:  €3,625.2  million; 
2011:  €3,649.4  million)  from  various  financial  institutions,  provided  primarily  on  the  basis  of  guarantees 
granted by the Export-Import Bank of the United States to finance the acquisition of 216 Boeing 737-800 ―next 
generation‖  aircraft  (2012:199;  2011:185).  The  guarantees  are  secured  with  a  first  fixed  mortgage  on  the 
delivered aircraft. The remaining long-term debt relates to 30 aircraft held under finance leases (2012: 30; 2011: 
30), 6 aircraft financed by way of other commercial debt (2012: 6; 2011: 6) and aircraft simulators.  

The  maturity  profile  of  the  Company‘s  financial  liabilities  (excluding  aircraft  provisions,  trade 

payables and accrued expenses) at March 31, 2013 was as follows: 

Weighted 
average 
fixed rate 
(%) 

2.93% 

3.88% 

3.36% 
2.81% 

2014 
€M 

2015 
€M 

2016 
€M 

2017 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

Total 
€M 

87.9 

90.9 

94.0 

97.0 

353.7 

723.5 

171.4 

174.1 

152.9 

140.9 

654.0 

1,293.3 

259.3 
- 
259.3 

265.0 
40.7 
305.7 

246.9 
- 
246.9 

237.9 
- 
237.9 

1,007.7 
261.1 
1,268.8 

2,016.8 
301.8 
2,318.6 

258.6 

264.0 

242.7 

233.0 

1,013.9 

2,012.2 

(171.4) 

(174.1) 

(152.9) 

(140.9) 

(654.0) 

(1,293.3) 

0.65% 
1.42% 
0.95% 

87.2 
53.4 
140.6 
399.9 

89.9 
55.8 
145.7 
451.4 

89.8 
67.5 
157.3 
404.2 

92.1 
66.9 
159.0 
396.9 

359.9 
217.2 
577.1 
1,845.9 

718.9 
460.8 
1,179.7 
3,498.3 

Fixed rate 
Secured long term-debt............... 
Debt swapped from floating to 

fixed......................................... 

Secured long-term debt after 

swaps........................................ 
Finance leases............................ 
Total fixed rate debt.................... 

Floating rate 
Secured long-term debt............... 
Debt swapped from floating to 

fixed......................................... 

Secured long-term debt after 

swaps........................................ 
Finance leases.............................. 
Total floating rate debt................ 
Total financial liabilities............. 

All of the above debt maturing after 2017 will mature between fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2025. 

174 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  maturity  profile  of  the  Company‘s  financial  liabilities  (excluding  aircraft  provisions,  trade 

payables and accrued expenses) at March 31, 2012 was as follows: 

Weighted 
average 
fixed rate 
(%) 

2.94% 

3.96% 

3.59% 
2.81% 

2013 
€M 

2014 
€M 

2015 
€M 

2016 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

Total 
€M 

78.9 

81.8 

84.7 

87.5 

392.8 

725.7 

154.7 

159.0 

161.5 

140.2 

675.2 

1,290.6 

233.6 
- 
233.6 

240.8 
- 
240.8 

246.2 
39.8 
286.0 

227.7 
- 
227.7 

1,068.0 
254.4 
1,322.4 

2,016.3 
294.2 
2,310.5 

238.5 

245.9 

251.4 

230.0 

1,127.6 

2,093.4 

(154.7) 

(159.0) 

(161.5) 

(140.2) 

(675.2) 

(1,290.6) 

1.47% 
2.43% 
1.85% 

83.8 
51.0 
134.8 
368.4 

86.9 
53.4 
140.3 
381.1 

89.9 
55.8 
145.7 
431.7 

89.8 
67.5 
157.3 
385.0 

452.4 
284.2 
736.6 
2,059.0 

802.8 
511.9 
1,314.7 
3,625.2 

Fixed rate 
Secured long term-debt............... 
Debt swapped from floating to 

fixed......................................... 

Secured long-term debt after 

swaps........................................ 
Finance leases.............................. 
Total fixed rate debt.................... 

Floating rate 
Secured long-term debt............... 
Debt swapped from floating to 

fixed......................................... 

Secured long-term debt after 

swaps........................................ 
Finance leases.............................. 
Total floating rate debt................ 
Total financial liabilities............. 

All of the above debt maturing after 2016 will mature between 2016 and 2024. 

The  maturity  profile  of  the  Company‘s  financial  liabilities  (excluding  aircraft  provisions,  trade 

payables and accrued expenses) at March 31, 2011 was as follows: 

Weighted 
average 
fixed rate 
(%) 

3.03% 

4.12% 

3.81% 
2.80% 

2012 
€M 

2013 
€M 

2014 
€M 

2015 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

Total 
€M 

57.4 

58.3 

60.5 

62.7 

251.9 

490.8 

138.2 

142.0 

146.0 

148.0 

692.0 

1,266.2 

195.6 
- 
195.6 

200.3 
- 
200.3 

206.5 
- 
206.5 

210.7 
38.9 
249.6 

943.9 
247.7 
1,191.6 

1,757.0 
286.6 
2,043.6 

230.6 

237.5 

244.9 

250.4 

1,348.1 

2,311.5 

(138.2) 

(142.0) 

(146.0) 

(148.0) 

(692.0) 

(1,266.2) 

1.57% 
2.39% 
1.86% 

92.4 
48.7 
141.1 
336.7 

95.5 
51.0 
146.5 
346.8 

98.9 
53.4 
152.3 
358.8 

102.4 
55.8 
158.2 
407.8 

656.1 
351.6 
1,007.7 
2,199.3 

1,045.3 
560.5 
1,605.8 
3,649.4 

Fixed rate 
Secured long term-debt............... 
Debt swapped from floating to 

fixed......................................... 

Secured long-term debt after 

swaps........................................ 
Finance leases.............................. 
Total fixed rate debt.................... 

Floating rate 
Secured long-term debt............... 
Debt swapped from floating to 

fixed......................................... 

Secured long-term debt after 

swaps........................................ 
Finance leases.............................. 
Total floating rate debt................ 
Total financial liabilities............. 

All of the above debt maturing after 2015 will mature between 2015 and 2023. 

175 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following provides an analysis of changes in borrowings during the year: 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Balance at start of year ......................................................................................................  3,625.2 
Loans raised to finance aircraft acquisitions– denominated in euro ..................................  82.8 
Loans raised to finance aircraft acquisitions– denominated in U.S. dollars ......................  151.8 
Repayments of amounts borrowed ....................................................................................  (366.4) 
Foreign exchange loss/(gain) on conversion of U.S. dollar loans .....................................   4.9 
Balance at end of year ....................................................................................................  3,498.3 

Less than one year ............................................................................................................  399.9 
More than one year ...........................................................................................................  3,098.4 
3,498.3 

3,649.4 
292.3 
- 
(329.7) 
13.2 
3,625.2 

368.4 
3,256.8 
3,625.2 

2,956.2 
751.2 
240.2 
(280.7) 
(17.5) 
3,649.4 

336.7 
3,312.7 
3,649.4 

The maturities of the contractual undiscounted cash flows (including estimated future interest payments on debt) 
of the Company‘s financial liabilities are as follows:  

Total 
Carrying 
Value 
€M 

Total 
Contractual 
Cash flows 
€M 

2014 
€M 

2015 
€M 

2016 
€M 

2017 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

At March 31, 2013 
Long term debt and 
finance leases:- 
   -Fixed rate debt 
(excluding Swapped debt) ..  
   -Swapped to fixed rate 
debt.....................................  
- Fixed rate debt ..................   3.29% 
- Floating rate debt..............   0.95% 

Derivative financial 
instruments:- 
   -Interest rate swaps  .........  
Trade payables ....................  
Accrued expenses ...............  

Total at March 31, 2013 .....  

1,025.3 

1,293.3 
2,318.6 
1,179.7 
3,498.3 

81.9 
138.3 
431.6 
4,150.1 

1,131.3 

105.9 

107.1 

148.9 

109.3 

660.1 

1,329.2 
2,460.5 
1,226.3 
3,686.8 

72.3 
138.3 
431.6 
4,329.0 

182.1 
288.0 
154.8 
442.8 

27.1 
138.3 
431.6 
1,039.8 

180.6 
287.7 
156.7 
444.4 

22.0 
- 
- 
466.4 

156.2 
305.1 
166.1 
471.2 

14.6 
- 
- 
485.8 

141.8 
251.1 
166.6 
417.7 

7.3 
- 
- 
425.0 

668.5 
1,328.6 
582.1 
1,910.7 

1.3 
- 
- 
1,912.0 

Total 
Carrying 
Value 
€M 

Total 
Contractual 
Cash flows 
€M 

2013 
€M 

2014 
€M 

2015 
€M 

2016 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

At March 31, 2012 
Long term debt and 
finance leases:- 
   -Fixed rate debt 
(excluding Swapped debt) ..  
     -Swapped to fixed rate 
debt.....................................    
- Fixed rate debt ..................   3.49% 
- Floating rate debt..............   1.85% 

Derivative financial 
instruments:- 
   -Interest rate swaps..........  
   -Carbon swaps .................  
Trade payables ....................  
Accrued expenses ...............  

Total at March 31, 2012 .....  

1,019.9 

1,290.6 
2,310.5 
1,314.7 
3,625.2 

80.3 
1.5 
181.2 
327.0 
4,215.2 

1,133.9 

98.9 

99.9 

140.7 

101.8 

692.6 

170.2 
269.1 
158.3 
427.4 

22.7 
1.5 
181.2 
327.0 
959.8 

170.6 
270.5 
161.3 
431.8 

23.7 
- 
- 
- 
455.5 

168.7 
309.4 
164.4 
473.8 

14.4 
- 
- 
- 
488.2 

143.7 
245.5 
173.3 
418.8 

7.4 
- 
- 
- 
426.2 

676.2 
1,368.8 
779.6 
2,148.4 

2.3 
- 
- 
- 
2,150.7 

1,329.4 
2,463.3 
1,436.9 
3,900.2 

70.5 
1.5 
181.2 
327.0 
4,480.4 

176 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total 
Carrying 
Value 
€M 

Total 
Contractual 
Cash flows 
€M 

2012 
€M 

2013 
€M 

2014 
€M 

2015 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

At March 31, 2011 
Long term debt and 
finance leases:- 
- Fixed rate debt ..................   3.67% 
- Floating rate debt..............   1.86% 

Derivative financial 
instruments:- 
   -U.S dollar currency 
forward contracts ................  
   -Interest rate swaps ..........  
Trade payables ....................  
Accrued expenses ...............  

Total at March 31, 2011 .....  

Interest rate re-pricing 

2,043.6 
1,605.8 
3,649.4 

72.0 
37.8 
150.8 
273.2 
4,183.2 

2,237.8 
1,747.6 
3,985.4 

237.0 
170.0 
407.0 

235.8 
173.2 
409.0 

236.0 
176.3 
412.3 

273.0 
179.4 
452.4 

1,256.0 
1,048.7 
2,304.7 

72.7 
18.7 
150.8 
273.2 
4,500.8 

63.7 
19.6 
150.8 
273.2 
914.3 

8.6 
9.5 
- 
- 
427.1 

0.1 
1.6 
- 
- 
414.0 

0.1 
(2.8) 
- 
- 
449.7 

0.2 
(9.2) 
- 
- 
2,295.7 

Floating  interest  rates  on  financial  liabilities  are  generally  referenced  to  European  inter-bank  interest 
rates (EURIBOR).  Secured long-term debt and interest rate swaps  typically re-price  on a quarterly basis  with 
finance leases re-pricing on a semi-annual basis. We use current interest rate  settings on existing floating rate 
debt at each year-end to calculate contractual cash flows. 

Fixed  interest  rates  on  financial  liabilities  are  fixed  for  the  duration  of  the  underlying  structures 

(typically between 10 and 12 years). 

The  Company  holds  significant  cash  balances  that  are  invested  on  a  short-term  basis.  At  March  31, 
2013, all of the Company‘s cash and liquid resources had a maturity of one year or less and attracted a weighted 
average interest rate of 0.39% (2012: 1.07%; 2011: 0.97%). 

March 31, 2013 

March 31, 2012 

March 31, 2011 

Financial assets 

Within  
1 year 
€M 

Total 
€M 

Within  
1 year 
€M 

Total 
€M 

Cash and cash equivalents ................................................................................................  
Cash > 3 months ...............................................................................................................  
Restricted cash ..................................................................................................................  
Total financial assets .........................................................................................................  

2,708.3 
772.2 
35.1 
3,515.6 

1,240.9 
2,293.4 
24.7 
3,559.0 

1,240.9 
2,293.4 
24.7 
3,559.0 

2,708.3 
772.2 
35.1 
3,515.6 

Within  
1 year 
€M 

2,028.3 
869.4 
42.9 
2,940.6 

Total 
€M 

2,028.3 
869.4 
42.9 
2,940.6 

Interest rates on cash and liquid resources are generally based on the appropriate EURIBOR, LIBOR or 

bank rates dependant on the principal amounts on deposit. 

 (d) 

Foreign currency risk 

The  Company  has  exposure  to  various  foreign  currencies  (principally  U.K.  pounds  sterling  and  U.S. 
dollars)  due  to  the  international  nature  of  its  operations.  The  Company  manages  this  risk  by  matching  U.K. 
pound  sterling  revenues  against  U.K.  pound  sterling  costs.  Any  remaining  unmatched  U.K.  pound  sterling 
revenues  are  used  to  fund  U.S.  dollar  currency  exposures  that  arise  in  relation  to  fuel,  maintenance,  aviation 
insurance  and  capital  expenditure  costs  or  are  sold  for  euro.  The  Company  also  sells  euro  forward  to  cover 
certain  U.S.  dollar  costs.  Further  details  of  the  hedging  activity  carried  out  by  the  Company  are  disclosed  in 
Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.  

177 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table shows the net amount of monetary assets of the Company that are not denominated 
in  euro  at  March  31,  2013,  2012  and  2011.  Such  amounts  have  been  translated  using  the  following  year-end 
foreign currency rates in 2013: €/£: 0.8456; €/$: 1.2805 (2012: €/£: 0.8339 ; €/$: 1.3356, 2011: €/£: 0.8837; €/$: 
1.4207). 

March 31, 2013 

March 31, 2012 

March 31, 2011 

GBP  U.S.$ 
$M 
£M 

euro  
equiv. 
€M 

GBP 
£M 

U.S.$ 
$M 

euro  
equiv.  GBP  U.S.$ 
$M 
£M 

€M 

euro  
equiv. 
€M 

Monetary assets 
U.K. pounds sterling cash and liquid 
resources ............................................................  
73.6 
U.S. Dollar cash and liquid  
resources ............................................................  - 
73.6 

- 

87.1 

38.9 

206.9 
206.9 

161.6 
248.7 

- 
38.9 

- 

- 
- 

46.7 

33.8 

- 
46.7 

- 
33.8 

- 

- 
- 

38.2 

- 
38.2 

The  following  table  shows  the  net  amount  of  monetary  liabilities  of  the  Company  that  are  not 
denominated in euro at March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Such amounts have been translated using the following 
year-end foreign currency rates in 2013: €/$: 1.2805.  

March 31, 2013 
euro  
equiv. 
€M 

U.S.$ 
$M 

March 31, 2012 
euro  
equiv. 
€M 

U.S.$ 
$M 

March 31, 2011 
euro 
equiv. 
€M 

U.S.$ 
$M 

Monetary liabilities 

U.S dollar long term debt ...................................  

450.0 
450.0 

351.4 
351.4 

282.8 
282.8 

211.7 
211.7 

341.3 
341.3 

240.2 
240.2 

The Company has entered into cross currency interest rate swap arrangements to manage exposures to 
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on these U.S. dollar denominated floating rate borrowings, together with 
managing  the  exposures  to  fluctuations  in  interest  rates  on  these  U.S.  dollar  denominated  floating  rate 
borrowings.  The fair value of these cross currency interest rate swap instruments at March 31, 2013 was €5.2 
million, (2012: €7.4 million; 2011: €7.9 million) which has been classified within current liabilities, specifically 
derivative liabilities falling due within one year (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements).  

The following table gives details of the notional amounts of the Company‘s currency forward contracts 

as at March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011: 

Currency forward contracts 

March 31, 2013 

March 31, 2012 

March 31, 2011 

U.S.$ 
$M 

euro 
equiv. 
€M 

U.S.$ 
$M 

euro 
equiv. 
€M 

U.S.$ 
$M 

euro 
equiv. 
€M 

U.S. dollar currency forward 
contracts 
2,417.8 
- for fuel and other purchases ............................................................................................  
- 
- for aircraft purchases ......................................................................................................  
2,417.8 

1,836.2 
- 
1,836.2 

2,657.0 
191.7 
2,848.7 

1,907.9 
136.9 
2,044.8 

2,552.6 
584.2 
3,136.8 

1,887.2 
410.8 
2,298.0 

Currency forward contracts 

March 31, 2013 

March 31, 2012 

March 31, 2011 

Stg £ 
£M 

euro 
equiv. 
€M 

Stg £ 
£M 

euro 
equiv. 
€M 

Stg £ 
£M 

euro 
equiv. 
€M 

U.K pounds sterling currency 
forward contracts ..............................................................................................................  

- 
- 

- 
- 

10.0 
10.0 

12.0 
12.0 

- 
- 

- 
- 

178 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(e) 

Equity risk 

The  Company  has  exposure  to  equity  price  risk  primarily  in  relation  to  its  29.8%  investment  in  Aer 
Lingus. The Company does not have significant influence over Aer Lingus and accordingly, this investment is 
classified  as  an  available-for-sale  financial  asset  rather  than  an  investment  in  an  associate.  Additional 
information  in  relation  to  the  available-for-sale  financial  asset  can  be  found  in  Note  4  to  the  consolidated 
financial statements. 

(f) 

Credit risk 

The  Company  holds  significant  cash  balances,  which  are  invested  on  a  short-term  basis  and  are 
classified  as  either  cash  equivalents  or  liquid  investments.  These  deposits  and  other  financial  instruments 
(principally  certain  derivatives  and  loans  as  identified  above)  give  rise  to  credit  risk  on  amounts  due  from 
counterparties.  Credit  risk  is  managed  by  limiting  the  aggregate  amount  and  duration  of  exposure  to  any  one 
counterparty  through  regular  review  of  counterparties‘  market-based  ratings,  Tier  1  capital  level  and  credit 
default swap rates and by taking into account bank counterparties‘ systemic importance to the financial systems 
of their home  countries. The Company typically enters into deposits and derivative contracts  with parties that 
have a long term Standard and Poors ―A‖ category rating or equivalent credit rating. The maximum exposure 
arising  in  the  event  of  default  on  the  part  of  the  counterparty  is  the  carrying  value  of  the  relevant  financial 
instrument.  The  Company  is  authorised  to  place  funds  on  deposit  for  periods  up  to  18 months.  The  Board of 
Directors monitors the return on capital as well as the level of dividends to ordinary shareholders on an ongoing 
basis. 

The Company‘s revenues derive principally from airline travel on scheduled services, internet income 
and  in-flight  and  related  sales.  Revenue  is  primarily  derived  from  European  routes.  No  individual  customer 
accounts for a significant portion of total revenue. 

At  March  31,  2013,  €1.1  million  (2012:  €1.0  million;  2011:  €0.7  million)  of  our  total  accounts 
receivable balance were past due, of which €0.1 million (2012: €0.1 million; 2011: €0.1 million) was impaired 
and provided for and €1.0 million (2012: €0.9 million; 2011: €0.6 million) was past due but not impaired. See 
Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements. 

(g) 

Liquidity and capital management 

The Company‘s cash and liquid resources comprise cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments 
and  restricted  cash.  The  Company  defines  the  capital  that  it  manages  as  the  Company‘s  long-term  debt  and 
equity. The Company‘s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market 
confidence and to maintain sufficient financial resources to mitigate against risks and unforeseen events.  

The Company finances its working capital requirements through a combination of cash generated from 
operations and bank loans for the acquisition of aircraft. The Company had cash and liquid resources at March 
31, 2013 of €3,559.0 million (2012: €3,515.6 million; 2011: €2,940.6 million). During the year, the Company 
funded  €310.7  million  in  purchases  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  (2012:  €317.6  million;    2011:  €897.2 
million).  Cash  generated  from  operations  has  been  the  principal  source  for  these  cash  requirements, 
supplemented primarily by aircraft-related financing structures. 

The Board of Directors periodically reviews the capital structure of the Company, considering the cost 
of capital and the risks associated with each class of capital. The Board approves any material adjustments to the 
capital structure in terms of the relative proportions of debt and equity. 

Ryanair  has  generally  been  able  to  generate  sufficient  funds  from  operations  to  meet  its  non-aircraft 
acquisition-related working capital requirements. Management believes that the working capital available to the 
Company is sufficient for its present requirements and will be sufficient to meet its anticipated requirements for 
capital expenditures and other cash requirements for the 2014 fiscal year. 

(h) 

Guarantees 

Details of the Company‘s guarantees and the related accounting have been disclosed in Note 23 to the 

consolidated financial statements. 

179 

 
 
(i) 

Sensitivity analysis 

(i) 

Interest rate  risk: Based on the levels of and composition of  year-end interest bearing assets 
and  liabilities,  including  derivatives,  at  March  31,  2013,  a  plus  or  minus  one-percentage-point  movement  in 
interest rates would result in a respective increase or decrease of €18.3 million (net of tax) in net interest income 
and expense in the income statement (2012: €18.3 million; 2011: €10.9 million) and €28.8 million in equity. All 
of  the  Group‘s  interest  rate  swaps  are  used  to  swap  variable  rate  debt  to  fixed  rate  debt;  consequently  any 
changes  in  interest  rates  would  have  an  equal  and  opposite  income  statement  effect  for  both  the  interest  rate 
swaps and the debt.  

(ii) 

Foreign currency risk: A plus or minus change of 10% in relevant foreign currency exchange 
rates, based on outstanding foreign currency-denominated financial assets and financial liabilities at March 31, 
2013 would have a respective positive or negative impact on the income statement of  €2.6 million (net of tax) 
(2012:  €1.8  million;  2011:  €3.7    million)  and  on  equity  of  €183.1  million  (net  of  tax)  (2012:  €176.3  million; 
2011: €201.1 million). 

(iii) 

Equity price risk: An increase/decrease of 10% in the Aer Lingus share price as of March 31, 
2013 would result  in an increase/decrease  of  €22.1 million in the  fair  value of the available-for-sale  financial 
assets  (2012:  €15.0  million;  2011:  €11.4  million).  The  increase/decrease  would  be  recognised  in  other 
comprehensive income.  

12  

Deferred and current taxation 

The components of the deferred and current taxation in the balance sheet are as follows: 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Current tax liabilities/(assets) 
Corporation tax provision/(prepayment) ..........................................................................   0.3 
Total current tax liabilities/(assets) ..................................................................................   0.3 

Deferred tax liabilities  
Origination and reversal of temporary differences on property, plant and 
equipment,  derivatives, pensions and available-for-sale securities ................................   346.5 
Total deferred tax liabilities ............................................................................................  346.5 

Deferred tax (assets) 
Net operating losses ........................................................................................................   
Total deferred tax assets .................................................................................................  

- 
- 

Total deferred tax liabilities (net) ................................................................................  346.5 

Total tax liabilities (net) ................................................................................................  346.8 

(9.3) 
(9.3) 

324.4 
324.4 

(5.0) 
(5.0) 

319.4 

310.1 

(0.5) 
(0.5) 

299.1 
299.1 

(31.4) 
(31.4) 

267.7 

267.2 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Reconciliation of current tax 

At beginning of year .....................................................................................................  (9.3) 
Corporation tax charge in year .....................................................................................  34.1 
Adjustment in respect of  prior-year under/(over)provision .........................................   1.3 
Tax paid ........................................................................................................................  (25.8) 
At end of year ...............................................................................................................   0.3 

(0.5) 
4.9 
(0.1) 
(13.6) 
(9.3) 

0.9 
4.4 
- 
(5.8) 
(0.5) 

180 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Reconciliation of deferred tax 

At beginning of year ....................................................................................................  319.4 
Release of deferred tax asset for prior-year net operating losses .................................   5.0 
New temporary differences on property, plant and equipment, 
derivatives, pensions and other items ..........................................................................  22.1 
At end of year ..............................................................................................................  346.5 

267.7 
26.4 

25.3 
319.4 

199.6 
(1.9) 

70.0 
267.7 

As at March 31, 2013, a deferred tax asset of €nil million was recognised in respect of net operating 

losses incurred and available to carry forward to future periods (2012: €5 million; 2011: €31.4 million).  

The  charge  in  the  year  to  March  31,  2013  consisted  of  temporary  differences  of  a  charge  of  €41.3 
million  for  property,  plant  and  equipment  recognised  in  the  income  statement,  a  credit  of  €19.0  million  for 
derivatives  and  a  credit  of  €0.2  million  for  pensions,  both  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income.  New 
temporary differences arising in the  year to March 31, 2012 consisted of temporary differences of a charge of 
€41.4 million for property, plant and equipment recognised in the income statement, a credit of €15.2 million for 
derivatives  and  a  credit  of  €0.9  million  for  pensions,  both  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income.  The 
charge  in  the  year  to  March  31,  2011  consisted  of  temporary  differences  of  a  charge  of  €43.7  million  for 
property, plant and equipment recognised in the income statement, a charge of €25.6 million for derivatives and 
a charge of €0.7 million for pensions, both recognised in other comprehensive income. 

The components of the tax expense in the income statement were as follows: 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

Corporation tax charge in year .......................................................................................  35.4 
Deferred tax charge relating to origination and reversal of  

temporary differences ............................................................................................  46.2 
81.6 

4.9 

67.7 
72.6 

4.4 

41.8 
46.3 

The  following  table  reconciles  the  statutory  rate  of  Irish  corporation  tax  to  the  Company‘s  effective 

corporation tax rate: 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2013 
% 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2012 
% 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2011 
% 

Statutory rate of Irish corporation tax ............................................................................  12.5 
Adjustments for earnings taxed at higher rates ..............................................................   0.1 
Adjustments for earnings taxed at lower rates ...............................................................  (0.7) 
Other differences ...........................................................................................................   0.6 
Total effective rate of taxation .......................................................................................  12.5 

12.5 
0.2 
(1.1) 
(0.1) 
11.5 

12.5 
0.2 
(0.9) 
(0.8) 
11.0 

181 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax applicable to items charged or credited to other comprehensive income were as follows: 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Defined benefit pension obligations ..............................................................................  (0.2) 
Derivative financial instruments ....................................................................................  (19.0) 
Total tax charge in other comprehensive income ...........................................................  (19.2) 

(0.9) 
(15.2) 
(16.1) 

0.7 
25.6 
26.3 

The  majority  of  current  and  deferred  tax  recorded  in  each  of  fiscal  2013,  2012  and  2011  relates  to 
domestic tax charges and there is no expiry date associated with these temporary differences. In fiscal 2013, the 
Irish corporation tax rate remained at 12.5%. 

The principal components of deferred tax at each year-end were: 

2013 
€M 

At March 31,  
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Arising on capital allowances and other temporary differences...............................  348.2 
- 
Arising on net operating losses carried forward.......................................................  
- 
Arising on derivatives ..............................................................................................  
Arising on pension ...................................................................................................  (1.7) 
Total.........................................................................................................................  346.5 

306.9 
(5.0) 
19.0 
(1.5) 
319.4 

265.5 
(31.4) 
34.2 
(0.6) 
267.7 

At  March  31,  2013,  2012  and  2011,  the  Company  recognised  all  required  deferred  tax  assets  and 
liabilities.  There  are  no  taxable  temporary  differences  arising  in  overseas  subsidiaries  and,  on  that  basis,  no 
deferred  tax  has  been  provided  for  on  the  un-remitted  earnings  of  overseas  subsidiaries  because  there  is  no 
intention to remit these to Ireland. 

13 

Provisions  

122.4 
 Provision for aircraft maintenance on operating leased aircraft (a) ..............................  
 Provision for pension obligation (b) .............................................................................  13.5 
135.9 

2013 
€M 

(a) Provision for aircraft maintenance on operating leased aircraft 

 At beginning of year .....................................................................................................  91.3 
 Increase in provision during the year ............................................................................  41.9 
(10.8) 
 Utilisation of provision upon the hand-back of aircraft ................................................  
 At end of year ...............................................................................................................  
122.4 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

91.3 
11.9 
103.2 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

84.7 
33.1 
(26.5) 
91.3 

2011 
€M 

84.7 
4.9 
89.6 

2011 
€M 

92.6 
31.3 
(39.2) 
84.7 

During the 2013 fiscal year, the Company returned 4 aircraft held under operating lease to the lessors. 

182 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The expected timing of the outflows of economic benefits associated with the provision at March 31, 2013, 2012 
and 2011 are as follows:  

At March 31, 2013 
Provision for leased aircraft 
maintenance  

At March 31, 2012 
Provision for leased aircraft 
maintenance  

At March 31, 2011 
Provision for leased aircraft 
maintenance  

Carrying  
Value 
€M 

2014 
€M 

2015 
€M 

2016 
€M 

2017 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

122.4 

52.0 

10.4 

20.7 

23.3 

16.0 

Carrying  
Value 
€M 

2013 
€M 

2014 
€M 

2015 
€M 

2016 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

91.3 

4.3 

44.3 

8.0 

14.9 

19.8 

Carrying  
Value 
€M 

2012 
€M 

2013 
€M 

2014 
€M 

2015 
€M 

Thereafter 
€M 

84.7 

10.8 

13.4 

30.5 

10.4 

19.6 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

b) Provision for pension obligation 

At beginning of year ......................................................................................................  11.9 
Movement during the year .............................................................................................  1.6 
At end of year ................................................................................................................  13.5 

4.9 
7.0 
11.9 

10.3 
(5.4) 
4.9 

The  present  value  of  the  net  pension  obligation  before  tax  is  €13.5  million  (2012:  €11.9  million;  2011:  €4.9 
million) in Ryanair Limited. See Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.  

14 

Other creditors 

This consists of deferred gains arising from the sale and leaseback of aircraft. During fiscal year 2013, 
Ryanair returned 4 sale-and-leaseback aircraft and entered into sale-and-leaseback arrangements for 4 (2012: 11; 
2011: 6) new Boeing 737-800 ―next  generation‖ aircraft,  bringing  total sale-and-leaseback aircraft to 59 as at 
March 31, 2013. 

15 

(a) 

Issued share capital, share premium account and share options 

Share capital 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Authorised: 

1,680,000,000 ordinary equity shares of 0.635 euro cent each ...................................... 0 
10.7 

10.7 

10.7 

Allotted, called-up and fully paid: 

1,447,051,752 ordinary equity shares of 0.635 euro cent each ...........................................  9.2 
1,455,593,261 ordinary equity shares of 0.635 euro cent each ...........................................  - 
1,489,574,915 ordinary equity shares of 0.635 euro cent each ...........................................  - 

- 
9.3 
- 

- 
- 
9.5 

183 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  movement  in  the  share  capital  balance  year  on  year  principally  relates  to  6.5  million  (2012:  2.5 
million; 2011: 10.6 million) new shares issued due to the exercise of share options, less the cancellation of 15.0 
million shares relating to share buy-backs (2012: 36.5 million; 2011: nil).  

The  share  capital  of  Ryanair  consists  of  one  class  of  stock,  the  ordinary  equity  shares.  The  ordinary 

equity shares do not confer on the holders thereof the specific right to be paid a dividend out of profits. 

(b) 

Share premium account 

2013 
€M 

At March 31,  
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Balance at beginning of year ..............................................................................................  
666.4 
Share premium arising from the exercise of 6.5 million options in 
fiscal 2013, 2.5 million options in fiscal 2012 and 10.6 million options 
in fiscal 2011 .....................................................................................................................  21.4 
687.8 
Balance at end of year ........................................................................................................  

659.3 

631.9 

7.1 
666.4 

27.4 
659.3 

(c) 

Share options and share purchase arrangements 

The Company has adopted a number of share option plans, which allow current or future employees or 
executive  directors  to  purchase  shares  in  the  Company  up  to  an  aggregate  of  approximately  5%  (when 
aggregated with other ordinary shares over which options are granted and which have not yet been exercised) of 
the outstanding ordinary shares of Ryanair Holdings plc, subject to certain conditions. All grants are subject to 
approval  by  the  Remuneration  Committee.  These  are  exercisable  at  a  price  equal  to  the  market  price  of  the 
ordinary shares at the time options are granted. The key terms of these option plans include the requirement that 
certain employees remain in employment with the Company for a specified period of time and that the Company 
achieves certain Net Profit targets. These share options schemes are cash settled.  

Details of the share options outstanding are set out below:  

Share Options 

M 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 

Outstanding at March 31, 2010 ......................................................................................  
Exercised .......................................................................................................................  
Expired ..........................................................................................................................  
Forfeited ........................................................................................................................  
Outstanding at March 31, 2011 ......................................................................................  
Exercised .......................................................................................................................  
Expired ..........................................................................................................................  
Forfeited ........................................................................................................................  
Outstanding at March 31, 2012 ......................................................................................  
Exercised .......................................................................................................................  
Outstanding at March 31, 2013 ......................................................................................  

35.8 
(10.6) 
(1.8) 
(0.0) 
23.4 
(2.5) 
(0.8) 
(2.1) 
18.0 
(6.5) 
11.5 

€3.00 
€2.58 
€4.13 
€3.77 
€3.07 
€2.81 
€3.40 
€3.08 
€3.11 
€3.32 
€2.97 

The mid-market price of Ryanair Holdings plc‘s ordinary shares on the Irish Stock Exchange at March 
31, 2013 was €5.95 (2012: €4.48; 2011: €3.36). The highest and lowest prices at which the Company‘s shares 
traded on the Irish Stock Exchange in the 2013 fiscal year were €6.16 and €3.83, respectively (2012: €4.48 and 
€2.82, respectively; 2011: €4.20 and €2.78, respectively). There were 2.1 million options exercisable at March 
31, 2013 (2012: 6.2 million; 2011: 12.9 million). The average share price for the year was €4.65 (2012: €3.58; 
2011: €3.60). 

The weighted average share price (as of the dates of exercises) for all options exercised during the 2013 

fiscal year was €4.94 (2012: €3.69; 2011: €3.72). 

184 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At  March  31,  2013  the  range  of  exercise  prices  and  weighted  average  remaining  contractual  life  of 

outstanding and exercisable options was as follows: 

Options outstanding 

Options exercisable 

Number 
outstanding 

M 

11.5 

Weighted-
average 
remaining 
contractual life 
(years) 

Weighted-
average 
exercise  
price (€) 

2.27 

2.97 

Number 
exercisable  

M 

2.1 

Weighted-
average 
remaining 
contractual life 
(years) 

Weighted-
average 
exercise 
price (€) 

1.24 

4.86 

Range of 
exercise 
 price (€) 

2.56-4.96 

The Company has accounted for its share option grants to employees at fair value, in accordance with 
IFRS 2, using a binomial lattice model to value the option grants. This has resulted in a charge of €1.9 million to 
the income statement (2012: €0.7 million credit; 2011: €3.3 million charge) being recognised within the income 
statement in accordance with employee services rendered.   

There were no share options granted during the years ended March 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013. 

16  Other equity reserve  

The  total  share  based  payments  reserve  at  March  31,  2013  was  €14.2  million  (2012:  €21.6  million; 
2011: €25.3 million). The available-for-sale financial asset reserve at March 31, 2013 was €141.5 million (2012: 
€70.0 million; 2011: €34.3 million). The total cash-flow hedge reserve amounted to €0.5 million at March 31, 
2013 (2012: €138.6 million; 2011: €257.4 million). Further details of the group‘s derivatives are set out in Notes 
5 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements.  

17  Analysis of operating revenues and segmental analysis 

The  Company  is  managed  as  a  single  business  unit  that  provides  low  fares  airline-related  services, 
including  scheduled  services,  internet  and  other  related  services  to  third  parties  across  a  European  route 
network.  The  Company  operates  a  single  fleet  of  aircraft  that  is  deployed  through  a  single  route  scheduling 
system.   

The Company determines and presents operating segments based on the information that internally is 
provided to Michael O‘Leary, CEO, who is the  Company‘s Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM). When 
making  resource  allocation  decisions  the  CODM  evaluates  route  revenue  and  yield  data,  however  resource 
allocation decisions are made based on the entire route network and the deployment of the entire aircraft fleet, 
which are uniform in type.  The objective in making resource allocation decisions is to maximise consolidated 
financial results, rather than results on individual routes within the network. 

The CODM assesses the performance of the business based on the consolidated adjusted profit/(loss) 
after tax of the Company for the year. This measure excludes the effects of certain income and expense items, 
which  are  unusual,  by  virtue  of  their  size  and  incidence,  in  the  context  of  the  Company‘s  ongoing  core 
operations,  such  as  the  impairment  of  a  financial  asset  investment,  accelerated  depreciation  related  to  aircraft 
disposals and Icelandic volcanic ash related costs. 

All  segment  revenue  is  derived  wholly  from  external  customers  and,  as  the  Company  has  a  single 

reportable segment, inter-segment revenue is zero.   

The  Company‘s  major  revenue-generating  asset  class  comprises  its  aircraft  fleet,  which  is  flexibly 
employed across the Company‘s integrated route network and is directly attributable to its reportable segment 
operations.  In addition, as the Company is managed as a single business unit, all other assets and liabilities have 
been allocated to the Company‘s single reportable segment. 

185 

 
 
 
 
 
There  have  been  no  changes  to  the  basis  of  segmentation  or  the  measurement  basis  for  the  segment 

profit or loss since the prior year. 

Reportable segment information is presented as follows: 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

External revenues ................................................................................................  4,884.0 

4,390.2 

3,629.5 

Reportable segment adjusted profit after income tax .......................................  569.3 

502.6 

400.7 

Other segment information: 
Depreciation  ..........................................................................................................  (329.6) 
Finance income ......................................................................................................   27.4 
Finance expense .....................................................................................................  (99.3) 
Capital expenditure ................................................................................................  (310.7) 

(309.2) 
44.3 
(109.2) 
(317.6) 

(277.7) 
27.2 
(93.9) 
(897.2) 

At March 31, 
2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

At March 31, 
2011 
€M 

Reportable segment assets (i).................................................................................  8,721.8 
(i) Excludes the available-for-sale financial asset. 

8,851.3 

8,482.0 

Reconciliation of reportable segment profit or loss to consolidated profit after income tax is as follows: 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

Total adjusted profit for reportable segment ..........................................................  569.3 
Other items of profit or loss: 
One-off revenue adjustment (a) .............................................................................  
Icelandic volcanic ash related cost (b) ...................................................................  
Consolidated profit after income tax .................................................  

- 
- 
569.3 

502.6 

57.8 
- 
560.4 

400.7 

- 
(26.1) 
374.6 

(a)    

(b) 

The  exceptional  item  in  the prior  year,  fiscal  year  2012,  relates  to  a one-off  release  of  ticket  sales  revenue  of 
€57.8 million, net of tax, due to a change in accounting estimates relating to the timing of revenue recognition 
for  unused  passenger  tickets  which  was  made  as  a  result  of  the  availability  of  more  accurate  and  timely  data 
obtained through system enhancements. 

Icelandic volcanic ash related costs of €26.1 million reflect the estimated costs relating to the closure of airspace 
in April and May 2010 due to the Icelandic volcanic ash disruptions. The closure of European airspace in April 
and May 2010, due to the Icelandic volcanic ash disruption, resulted in the cancellation of 9,400 Ryanair flights. 
The impact on the Group‘s operating results totaled €29.7 million, (before associated tax of €3.6 million) for the 
year  ended  March  31,  2011,  comprising  €15.6  million  of  operating  expenses  and  €1.7  million  of  finance 
expenses attributable to the period of flight disruption, together with estimated passenger compensation costs of 
€12.4 million pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 (‗EU261‘). The Company‘s estimate of total passenger 
compensation  costs  has  been  determined  based  on  actual  claims  received  and  processed  to  date  together  with 
probable future compensation payments and other related costs. 

186 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Entity-wide disclosures: 

Revenue is analysed by geographical area (by country of origin) as follows: 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

Ireland ....................................................................................................................  471.3 
United Kingdom ....................................................................................................  1,227.1 
Other European countries ......................................................................................  3,185.6 
4,884.0 

387.2 
1,054.6 
2,948.4 
4,390.2 

375.1 
965.0 
2,289.4 
3,629.5 

Ancillary revenues included in total revenue above comprise: 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

Non-flight scheduled..............................................................................................  832.9 
In-flight ..................................................................................................................  109.8 
Internet income ......................................................................................................  121.5 
1,064.2 

677.4 
106.7 
102.1 
886.2 

603.4 
102.1 
96.1 
801.6 

Non-flight  scheduled  revenue  arises  from  the  sale  of  rail  and  bus  tickets,  hotel  reservations,  car  hire 
and other sources, including excess baggage charges and administration fees, all directly attributable to the low-
fares business. 

All of the Company‘s operating profit arises from low-fares airline-related activities, its only business 
segment. The major revenue earning assets of the Company are its aircraft, which are registered in Ireland and 
therefore profits accrue principally in Ireland. Since the Company‘s aircraft fleet is flexibly employed across its 
route network in Europe, there is no suitable basis of allocating such assets and related liabilities to geographical 
segments.  

18  Staff numbers and costs  

The  average  weekly  number  of  staff,  including  the  executive  director,  during  the  year,  analysed  by 

category, was as follows: 

Flight and cabin crew.......................................................................................  8,280 
Sales, operations, management and administration .........................................   779 
9,059 

7,656 
782 
8,438 

7,239 
824 
8,063 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2013 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2012 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2011 

At March 31, 2013 the company had a team of 9,137 people (2012: 8,388; 2011: 8,560). 

187 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows: 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2011 
€M 

Staff and related costs .................................................................................................................  
Social welfare costs ....................................................................................................................  
Other pension costs (a) ...............................................................................................................  
Share based payments (b) ...........................................................................................................  

412.3 
18.4 
2.9 
2.0 
435.6 

395.0 
18.1 
2.6 
(0.7) 
415.0 

352.0 
18.1 
2.7 
3.3 
376.1 

____________________________ 
(a)  Costs in respect of defined-contribution benefit plans and other pension arrangements were €2.1 million in 
2013  (2012:  €1.9  million;  2011:  €1.7  million)  while  costs  associated  with  defined-benefit  plans  included 
here were €0.8 million in 2013 (2012: €0.7 million; 2011: €1.0 million). (See Note 21 to the consolidated 
financial statements). 

(b)  The  net  credit  to  the  income  statement  in  the  prior  year  of  approximately  €0.7  million  comprises  a  €2.5 
million reversal of previously recognised share-based compensation expense for awards that did  not  vest, 
offset by a charge of €1.8 million for the fair value of various share options granted in prior periods, which 
are being recognised in the income statement in accordance with employee services rendered. 

19  Statutory and other information  

Year ended  
March 31,  
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2011 
€M 

Directors‟ emoluments: 
-Fees ..............................................................................................................................   0.3 
-Other emoluments, including bonus and pension contributions ...................................   1.3 
Total directors‘ emoluments ..........................................................................................   1.6 

Auditor‟s remuneration:  
- Audit services (i) .........................................................................................................   0.5 
- 
- Audit-related services (ii) ............................................................................................  
- Tax advisory services (iii) ...........................................................................................   0.3 
Total fees .......................................................................................................................   0.8 

Included within the above total fees, the following fees were payable to 
other KPMG firms outside of Ireland: 
Audit services ................................................................................................................  
- 
Tax services ...................................................................................................................   0.2 
Total fees .......................................................................................................................   0.2 

Depreciation of owned property, plant and equipment ..................................................  311.2 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment held under finance leases .....................  18.4 
Operating lease charges, principally for aircraft ............................................................  98.2 

______________ 

0.3 
1.3 
1.6 

0.4 
- 
0.4 
0.8 

- 
0.3 
0.3 

294.3 
14.9 
90.7 

0.3 
1.1 
1.4 

0.4 
- 
0.4 
0.8 

- 
0.3 
0.3 

260.5 
17.2 
97.2 

(i)  Audit services comprise audit work performed on the consolidated financial statements. In 2013, €1,000, (2012: €1,000; 

2011: €1,000) of audit fees relate to the audit of the parent company.  

(ii)  Audit-related services are for assurance and related services that are traditionally performed by the independent auditor, 
including  statutory  audits,  interim  reviews,  employee  benefit  plan  audits,  and  special  procedures  required  to  meet 
certain regulatory requirements. 

(iii)  Tax  services  include  all  services,  except  those  services  specifically  related  to  the  audit  of  financial  statements, 
performed  by  the  independent  auditor‘s  tax  personnel,  supporting  tax-related  regulatory  requirements,  and  tax 
compliance and reporting. 

188 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Fees and emoluments - executive director 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2011 
€M 

Basic salary ....................................................................................................................   0.8 
Bonus (performance and target-related) .........................................................................   0.5 
- 
Pension contributions .....................................................................................................  
1.3 

0.8 
0.5 
- 
1.3 

0.6 
0.4 
0.1 
1.1 

During  the  years  ended  March  31,  2013,  2012,  and  2011  Michael  O‘Leary  was  the  only  executive 

director. 

(b) Fees and emoluments – non-executive directors 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2011 
€M 

Fees 
Emmanuel Faber (i) .......................................................................................................  
- 
Michael Horgan .............................................................................................................  0.03 
Klaus Kirchberger (ii) ....................................................................................................  0.04 
Charles McCreevy .........................................................................................................  0.05 
Declan McKeon .............................................................................................................  0.05 
Kyran McLaughlin .........................................................................................................  0.05 
Julie O‘Neill (iii)............................................................................................................  0.01 
James Osborne ...............................................................................................................  0.05 
Louise Phelan (iv) ..........................................................................................................  0.01 
Paolo Pietrogrande (v) ...................................................................................................  0.02 
0.31 

Emoluments 
Michael Horgan .............................................................................................................  0.04 
0.35 

(i) 
(ii) 
(iii) 
(iv) 
(v) 

Emmanuel Faber resigned on September 22, 2010 
Klaus Kirchberger resigned on March 31, 2013 
Julie O‘Neill joined the Board on December 13, 2012 
Louise Phelan joined the Board on December 13, 2012 
Paolo Pietrogrande resigned on September 21, 2012 

- 
0.03 
0.03 
0.05 
0.05 
0.05 
- 
0.05 
- 
0.03 
0.29 

0.04 
0.33 

0.01 
0.03 
0.03 
0.04 
0.04 
0.05 
- 
0.05 
- 
0.03 
0.28 

0.04 
0.32 

(c) Pension benefits 

Director 

Increase in 
Accrued Benefit 
Fiscal 
2012 
€M 

Fiscal 
2011 
€M 

Fiscal 
2013 
€M 

Transfer Value 
Equivalent of Increase in 
Accrued Benefit 
Fiscal 
2012 
€M 

Fiscal 
2013 
€M 

Fiscal 
2011 
€M 

Total Accumulated 
Accrued Benefit 
Fiscal 
2012 
€M 

Fiscal 
2013 
€M 

Fiscal 
2011 
€M 

Michael O‘Leary ...............  0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.1 

0.1 

0.1 

Defined Contribution Plan: Company Contributions Paid 

Director 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2013 
€ 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2012 
€ 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2011 
€ 

Michael O‘Leary ............................................................................................................  

- 

- 

68,425 

189 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of October 1, 2008, Michael O‘Leary is no longer an active member of a Company defined-benefit 
plan. Michael  O‘Leary  is  now  a  member  of  a  defined-contribution  plan.  The  cost  of  the  death-in-service  and 
disability benefits provided during the accounting year is not included in the above figures. No pension benefits 
are provided for non-executive directors. The pension benefits set out above have been computed in accordance 
with Section 6.8 of the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange. The increases in transfer values of the accrued 
benefits have been calculated as at the year-end in accordance with version 1.1 of Actuarial Standard of Practice 
PEN-11. 

(d) Shares and share options 

(i) Shares 

Ryanair Holdings plc is listed on the Irish, London and NASDAQ stock exchanges.  

The  beneficial interests as at  March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 of the directors  in office  at March 31, 

2013 and of their spouses and dependent children in the share capital of the Company are as follows: 

No. of Shares at March 31, 
2012 

2011 

2013 

David Bonderman ......................................................................................................  
Michael Horgan .........................................................................................................  
Kyran McLaughlin .....................................................................................................  
Michael O‘Leary ........................................................................................................  
James Osborne ...........................................................................................................  

9,230,671 
50,000 
200,000 
51,081,256 
310,256 

9,230,671 
50,000 
200,000 
51,081,256 
510,256 

13,230,671 
50,000 
200,000 
55,081,256 
1,010,256 

(ii) Share options 

The share options held by each director in office at the end of fiscal 2013 were as follows: 

No. of Options at March 31, 
2012 

2013 

2011 

David Bonderman  ...................................................................................................................  
Michael Horgan  ......................................................................................................................  
Kyran McLaughlin ..................................................................................................................  
James Osborne  ........................................................................................................................  

25,000 
25,000 
25,000 
25,000 

25,000 
25,000 
25,000 
25,000 

25,000 
25,000 
25,000 
25,000 

These options were granted to these directors at an exercise price of €4.96 (the market value at the date of grant) during the 
2008 fiscal year and are exercisable between June 2012 and June 2014. 

Directors not referred to above held no shares or share options. 

In the 2013 fiscal year the Company incurred total share-based compensation expense of €0.01 million 

(2012: €0.1 million; 2011: €0.05 million) in relation to directors.  

20  Finance expense  

Interest payable on bank loans wholly repayable after five years ............................   99.1 
Interest arising on pension liabilities, net (see Note 21) ..........................................   0.2 
99.3 

109.3 
(0.1) 
109.2 

93.8 
0.1 
93.9 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

190 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21  Pensions 

The Company accounts for pensions in accordance with IAS 19, ―Employee Benefits.‖  

The Company operates defined-benefit and defined-contribution schemes. 

Defined-benefit schemes 

The Company funds the pension entitlements of certain employees through defined-benefit plans. Two 
plans are operated for eligible Irish and UK employees.  The UK and Irish schemes were closed to new entrants 
on January 1, 2000.  In general, on retirement, a member is entitled to a pension calculated at 1/60th of the final 
pensionable salary for each year of pensionable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years. These plans are fully 
funded on a discontinuance basis and the related pension costs and liabilities are assessed in accordance with the 
advice of a professionally qualified actuary. The investments of the plans at March 31, 2013 consisted of units 
held in independently administered funds. The most recent full actuarial valuations of the plans were carried out 
at January 1, 2011 in respect of the UK plan and December 31, 2009 in respect of the Irish plan, in accordance 
with  local  regulatory  requirements  using  the  projected  unit  credit  method,  and  the  valuation  reports  are  not 
available for public inspection. 

A separate annual actuarial valuation has been performed for the purposes of preparing these financial 

statements. The principal actuarial assumptions used for the purpose of this actuarial valuation were as follows: 

2013 

At March 31, 
2012 

Discount rate used for Irish plan ..........................................................................................  
Discount rate used for UK plan............................................................................................  
Return on plan assets for Irish plan ......................................................................................  
Return on plan assets for UK plan .......................................................................................  
Rate of euro inflation ...........................................................................................................  
Rate of UK inflation ............................................................................................................  
Future pension increases in Irish plan ..................................................................................  
Future pension increases in UK plan ...................................................................................  
Future salary increases for Irish plan ...................................................................................  
Future salary increases for UK plan  ....................................................................................  

% 
4.30 
4.40 
5.92 
6.52 
2.00 
3.30 
0.00 
3.20 
1.75 
1.75 

% 
5.00 
5.00 
6.15 
6.55 
2.00 
3.25 
0.00 
3.15 
2.00 
2.25 

2011 

% 
5.75 
5.60 
6.75 
7.55 
2.25 
3.40 
0.00 
3.30 
2.00 
2.00 

The  Company  uses  certain  mortality  rate  assumptions  when  calculating  scheme  liabilities.  The 
mortality assumptions of the Irish scheme have been based on the mortality table 62%/70% PNM/FL00 while 
the  mortality  assumptions  of  the  UK  scheme  have  been  based  on  the  ―SAPS‖  mortality  table.  Both  mortality 
assumptions make allowance for future improvements in mortality rates. Retirement ages for scheme members 
are 60 for pilots and 65 for other staff.  

The current life expectancies underlying the value of the scheme liabilities for the Irish scheme are as 

follows: 

Retiring at age 60: 
Male ...............................................................................................................................  26.8 
Female ...........................................................................................................................  28.4 
Retiring at age 65: 
Male ...............................................................................................................................  22.5 
Female ...........................................................................................................................  23.9 

26.6 
28.2 

22.3 
23.7 

26.5 
28.1 

22.2 
23.6 

2013 

At March 31, 
2012 

2011 

191 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The current life expectancies underlying the value of the scheme liabilities for the UK scheme are as 

follows: 

2013 

At March 31, 
2012 

2011 

Retiring at age 60: 
Male ...............................................................................................................................  26.4 
Female ...........................................................................................................................  28.7 
Retiring at age 65: 
Male ...............................................................................................................................  21.9 
Female ...........................................................................................................................  23.9 

26.4 
28.7 

21.9 
23.9 

26.7 
29.6 

21.7 
24.5 

The amounts recognised in the consolidated balance sheet in respect of our defined benefit plans are as 

follows: 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Present value of benefit obligations ...............................................................................  (48.1) 
Fair value of plan assets .................................................................................................  34.6 
Present value of net obligations .....................................................................................  (13.5) 
Related deferred tax asset ..............................................................................................  1.7 
Net pension liability .......................................................................................................  (11.8) 

(42.2) 
30.3 
(11.9) 
1.5 
(10.4) 

(32.8) 
27.9 
(4.9) 
0.6 
(4.3) 

The amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement in respect of our defined-benefit plans 

are as follows: 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

Included in payroll costs 
Service cost .................................................................................................................   0.9 

0.7 

0.8 

Included in finance expense 
Interest on pension scheme liabilities .........................................................................   2.1 
Expected return on plan assets ....................................................................................  (1.9) 
Net finance expense/(income) .....................................................................................   0.2 

Net periodic pension cost ..........................................................................................   1.1 

1.9 
(2.0) 
(0.1) 

0.6 

1.9 
(1.8) 
0.1 

0.9 

192 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Analysis of amounts included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (―CSOCI‖); 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

Actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets ......................................   2.0 
Experience gains/(losses) on scheme liabilities ...........................................................   0.3 
Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of scheme  
liabilities ......................................................................................................................  (3.6) 
Actuarial (losses)/gains recognised in the CSOCI .......................................................  (1.3) 
Related deferred tax asset/(liability) ............................................................................   0.2 
Net actuarial (losses)/gains recognised in the CSOCI ..................................................  (1.1) 

(0.8) 
(0.8) 

(5.5) 
(7.1) 
0.8 
(6.3) 

(0.3) 
1.0 

5.0 
5.7 
(0.7) 
5.0 

Changes in the present value of the defined-benefit obligation of the plans are as follows: 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year ........................................................   42.2 
Service cost ..................................................................................................................   0.9 
Interest cost ..................................................................................................................   2.1 
Plan participants‘ contributions ...................................................................................   0.3 
Actuarial loss/(gain) .....................................................................................................   3.5 
Benefits paid ................................................................................................................   (0.8) 
Foreign exchange rate changes ....................................................................................   (0.1) 
Projected benefit obligation at end of year funded.......................................................   48.1 

32.9 
0.6 
1.9 
0.3 
6.2 
(0.2) 
0.5 
42.2 

35.9 
0.8 
1.9 
0.3 
(6.0) 
(0.2) 
0.1 
32.8 

Changes in fair values of the plans‘ assets are as follows: 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year .............................................................   30.3 
Expected return on plan assets ....................................................................................   1.9 
Actual gain/(losses) on plan assets ..............................................................................   2.0 
Employer contribution ................................................................................................   0.8 
Plan participants‘ contributions ..................................................................................   0.3 
Benefits paid ...............................................................................................................   (0.8) 
Foreign exchange rate changes ...................................................................................   0.1 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year .......................................................................   34.6 

27.9 
2.0 
(0.8) 
0.7 
0.3 
(0.2) 
0.4 
30.3 

25.6 
1.8 
(0.3) 
0.8 
0.3 
(0.2) 
(0.1) 
27.9 

The fair value of the plans‘ assets at March 31 of each year is analysed as follows: 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Equities ........................................................................................................................   26.8 
Bonds ...........................................................................................................................   5.8 
Property .......................................................................................................................   0.7 
Other assets ..................................................................................................................   1.3 
Total fair value of plan assets ......................................................................................   34.6 

22.5 
5.4 
0.7 
1.7 
30.3 

21.5 
4.4 
0.6 
1.4 
27.9 

The plans‘ assets do not include any of our own financial instruments, nor any property occupied by, or 

other assets used by us. 

193 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  expected  long-term  rate  of  return  on  assets  of  5.92%  (2012:  6.15%;  2011:  6.75%)  for  the  Irish 
scheme was calculated based on the assumptions of the following returns for each asset class: Equities 7.25% 
(2012: 7.50%; 2011: 7.50%); Bonds 3.5% (2012: 4.50%; 2011: 4.50% ); Property 6.25% (2012: 6.50%; 2011: 
6.25%); and Cash 2.00% (2012: 3.00%; 2011: 3.00%). The expected long-term rate of return on assets of 6.52% 
(2012:  6.55%;  2011:  7.55%)  for  the  UK  scheme  was  calculated  based  on  the  assumptions  of  the  following 
returns for each asset class: Equities 7.50% (2012: 7.50%; 2011: 8.10%); Corporate and Overseas Bonds 4.40% 
(2012: 4.65%; 2011: 5.60%); and Other 2.85% (2012: 3.00%; 2011: 3.00%). 

Since  there  are  no  suitable  euro-denominated  AA-rated  corporate  bonds,  the  expected  return  is 
estimated by adding a suitable risk premium to the rate available from government bonds. The assumptions are 
based on long-term expectations at the beginning of the reporting period and are expected to be relatively stable. 

The history of the plans for the current and prior periods is as follows: 

2013 
€M 

2012 
€M 

At March 31, 
2011 
€M 

2010 
€M 

2009 
€M 

Difference between expected and actual 
return on assets ....................................................................................  
Expressed as a percentage of scheme assets ........................................  
Experience (losses)/gains on scheme 
liabilities ..............................................................................................  
Expressed as a percentage of scheme 
liabilities ..............................................................................................  

2.0 
6% 

1% 

0.3 

Total actuarial (losses)/gains ................................................................  
Expressed as a percentage of scheme 
liabilities ..............................................................................................  

(3%) 

(1.3) 

(0.8) 
(3%) 

(0.8) 

(2%) 

(7.1) 

(0.3) 
(1%) 

0.9 

3% 

5.5 

(17%) 

17% 

5.6 
22% 

0.5 

1% 

- 

0% 

(9.8) 
(54%) 

0.9 

3% 

(8.6) 

(31%) 

The Company expects to contribute approximately €0.9 million to our defined-benefit plans in 2014.  

Defined-contribution schemes 

The Company operates defined-contribution retirement plans in Ireland and the UK. The costs of these 
plans are charged to the consolidated income  statement in the period in  which they are incurred. The pension 
cost of these defined-contribution plans was €2.1 million in 2013 (2012: €1.9 million; 2011: €1.7 million). 

22 

Earnings per share  

2013 

At March 31, 
2012 

2011 

Basic earnings per ordinary share (in euro cent) ..........................................................  39.45 
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (in euro cent) .......................................................  39.33 
Number of ordinary shares (in Ms) used for EPS 
Basic  ...........................................................................................................................  1,443.1 
Diluted (a)  ...................................................................................................................  1,447.4 
______________ 
(a)  Details of share options in issue have been described more fully in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.  

1,473.7 
1,477.0 

38.03 
37.94 

25.21 
25.14 

1,485.7 
1,490.1 

See below for explanation of diluted number of ordinary shares. 

Basic earnings per ordinary share (EPS) for Ryanair Holdings plc for the years ended March 31, 2013, 
2012 and 2011 has been computed by dividing the profit attributable to shareholders by the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. 

Diluted earnings per share takes account solely of the potential future exercise of share options granted 
under the Company‘s share option schemes. For the 2013 fiscal year, the weighted average number of shares in 
issue of 1,447.4 million includes weighted average share options assumed to be converted, and equal to a total 
of  4.3  million  shares.    For  the  2012  fiscal  year,  the  weighted  average  number  of  shares  in  issue  of  1,477.0 
million  includes  weighted  average  share  options  assumed  to  be  converted,  and  equal  to  a  total  of  3.3  million 
shares.  For  the  2011  fiscal  year,  the  weighted  average  number  of  shares  in  issue  of  1,490.1  million  includes 
weighted average share options assumed to be converted, and equal to a total of 4.4 million shares. 

194 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23 

Commitments and contingencies 

Commitments 

In  January  2002,  the  Company  entered  into  a  contract  with  Boeing  (the  ―2002  Boeing  contract‖) 
whereby  the  Company  agreed  to  purchase  100  new  Boeing  737-800  ―next  generation‖  aircraft,  and  received 
purchase  rights  to  acquire  a  further  50  such  aircraft.  The  2002  Boeing  contract  was  superseded  by  a  contract 
entered  into  with  Boeing  in  January  2003  (the  ―2003  Boeing  contract‖)  whereby  the  Company  agreed  to 
purchase  125  new  Boeing  737-800  ―next  generation‖  aircraft,  thus  adding  ―firm‖  orders  for  22  aircraft  to  the 
existing  ―firm‖  orders  (100  ―firm‖  orders,  plus  three  options  exercised)  under  the  2002  Boeing  contract.  In 
addition, the Company acquired purchase rights over a further 78 aircraft, bringing the number of option aircraft 
to 125. 

In  February  2005,  the  Company  entered  into  another  contract  with  Boeing  (the  ―2005  Boeing 
contract‖)  whereby  the  Company  agreed  to  purchase  70  new  Boeing  737-800  ―next  generation‖  aircraft  and 
acquired  additional  purchase  rights  to  acquire  a  further  70  such  aircraft  over  a  five-year  period  from  2006  to 
2012 (subsequently extended to 2013). The aircraft to be delivered after January 1, 2005, arising from the 2002 
and  2003  Boeing  contracts,  benefit  from  the  discounts  and  concessions  under  the  2005  Boeing  contract.  In 
addition, the orders for the 89 ―firm‖ aircraft still to be delivered at January 1, 2005 and the remaining additional 
purchase rights in respect of 123 aircraft granted under the 2002 and 2003 Boeing contracts are governed by the 
2005 Boeing contract from January 2005.  

In  August  2006  the  Company  exercised  32  options  under  the  2005  contract  whereby  it  increased  its 

―firm‖ aircraft deliveries by this amount during fiscal 2009 (22) and 2010 (10). 

In  April  2007  the  Company  exercised  27  options  under  the  2005  contract  whereby  it  increased  its 

―firm‖ aircraft deliveries during fiscal 2010. 

In June 2008, the Company exercised three options with Boeing under the terms of its 2005 contract. 

These ―firm‖ Boeing 737-800 aircraft were delivered in fiscal 2011. 

In  September  2008,  the  Company  exercised  four  options  with  Boeing  under  the  terms  of  its  2005 

contract. These ―firm‖ Boeing 737-800 aircraft were delivered in fiscal 2011. 

In October 2008, the Company exercised 10 options with Boeing under the terms of its 2005 contract. 

These ―firm‖ Boeing 737-800 aircraft were delivered in fiscal 2011. 

In January 2009, the Company exercised 13 options with Boeing under the terms of its 2005 contract. 

These ―firm‖ Boeing 737-800 aircraft were delivered in fiscal 2011. 

In  December  2009,  the  Company  exercised  10  options  with  Boeing  under  the  terms  of  its  2005 

contract. These ―firm‖ Boeing 737-800 aircraft were delivered in fiscal 2013. 

In March 2013, the Group entered into a contract with Boeing (the ―2013 Boeing Contract‖) whereby 
the  Group  agree  to  purchase  175  Boeing  737-800  ―next-generation‖  aircraft  over  a  five  year  period  from 
calendar 2014 to 2018. 

The table below details the firm aircraft delivery schedule at March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012 for 

the Company pursuant to the 2005 and 2013 Boeing contracts. 

Aircraft 
Delivered at 
March 31, 
2013 

Firm Aircraft 
Deliveries  
Fiscal 2014/ 2015 

Total “Firm” 
Aircraft 

2005 Contract .......................  
2013 Contract .......................  
Total ......................................  

245 
- 
245 

245 
175 
420 

- 
- 
- 

195 

Basic price 
per aircraft 
(U.S.$ 
million) 

51.0 
78.0 

Firm Aircraft 
Deliveries 
Fiscal 2013-
2014 at 
March 31, 
2012 

15 
- 
15 

 
 
 
 
The  ―Basic  Price‖  (equivalent  to  a  standard  list  price  for  an  aircraft  of  this  type)  for  each  aircraft 
governed by the 2005 Boeing contract will be increased by (a) an estimated U.S.$900,000 per aircraft for certain 
―buyer furnished‖ equipment the Company has asked Boeing to purchase and install on each of the aircraft, and 
(b) an ―Escalation Factor‖ designed to increase  the Basic  Price, as defined  in the purchase agreement,  of any 
individual aircraft by applying a formula which reflects increases in the published U.S. Employment Cost and 
Producer  Price  indices  between  the  time  the  Basic  Price  was  set  and  the  period  of  six  months  prior  to  the 
delivery of such aircraft. 

Boeing  has  granted  Ryanair  certain  price  concessions  with  regard  to  the  Boeing  737-800  ―next 
generation‖  aircraft.  These  take  the  form  of  credit  memoranda  to  the  Company  for  the  amount  of  such 
concessions, which the Company may apply toward the purchase of goods and services from Boeing or toward 
certain payments, in respect of the purchase of the aircraft under the various Boeing contracts. 

Boeing  and  CFMI  (the  manufacturer  of  the  engines  to  be  fitted  on  the  purchased  aircraft)  have  also 
agreed  to  give  the  Company  certain  allowances  in  addition  to  providing  other  goods  and  services  to  the 
Company on concessionary terms. These credit memoranda and allowances will effectively reduce the price of 
each  aircraft  to  the  Company.  As  a  result,  the  effective  price  of  each  aircraft  will  be  significantly  below  the 
Basic  Price  mentioned  above.  At  March  31,  2013,  the  total  potential  commitment  to  acquire  all  175  ―firm‖ 
aircraft,  not  taking  such  increases  and  decreases  into  account,  will  be  approximately  U.S.  $14.2  billion.    At 
March 31, 2012, the total potential commitment was U.S. $0.8 billion to acquire all 15 ―firm‖ aircraft). 

Operating leases 

The  Company  financed  76  of  the  Boeing  737-800  aircraft  delivered  between  December  2003  and 
March  2013  under  seven-year,  sale-and-leaseback  arrangements  with  a  number  of  international  leasing 
companies,  pursuant  to  which  each  lessor  purchased  an  aircraft  and  leased  it  to  Ryanair  under  an  operating 
lease. Between October 2010 and December 2012, 17 operating lease aircraft were returned to the lessor at the 
agreed maturity date of the lease. At March 31, 2013 Ryanair had 59 operating lease aircraft in the fleet. As a 
result,  Ryanair  operates,  but  does  not  own,  these  aircraft.  Ryanair  has  no  right  or  obligation  to  acquire  these 
aircraft at the end of the relevant lease terms. Thirty of these leases are denominated in euro and require Ryanair 
to  make  fixed  rental  payments  over  the  term  of  the  leases.  29  remaining  operating  leases  are  U.S.  dollar-
denominated which require Ryanair to make fixed rental payments. The Company has an option to extend the 
initial period of seven  years  on  41 of the 59 remaining operating  lease aircraft as at  March 31, 2013, on pre-
determined terms. Fifteen operating lease arrangements will mature during the year ended March 31, 2014.  The 
following table sets out the total future minimum payments of leasing  59 aircraft (2012: 59 aircraft; 2011: 51 
aircraft), ignoring  movement in interest rates, foreign currency and hedging arrangements, at March 31, 2013, 
2012 and 2011, respectively: 

2013 

At March 31, 
2012 

2011 

Present 
value of 
Minimum 
payments 
€M 

Minimum 
payments 
€M 

Present 
value of 
Minimum 
payments 
€M 

Minimum 
payments 
€M 

Present 
value of 
minimum 
payments 
€M 

Minimum 
payments 
€M 

Due within one year ..........................................................................................................  
Due between one and five 
years ..................................................................................................................................  
Due after five years ...........................................................................................................  
Total ..................................................................................................................................  

342.4 
94.5 
544.1 

328.0 
160.9 
605.8 

258.0 
53.3 
409.7 

107.2 

116.9 

98.4 

106.4 

232.5 
87.4 
426.3 

100.2 

325.5 
164.8 
590.5 

91.7 

248.5 
91.8 
432.0 

Finance leases 

The Company financed 30 of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft delivered between March 2005 and March 
2013  with  13-year  euro-denominated  Japanese  Operating  Leases  with  Call  Options  (―JOLCOs‖).  These 
structures are accounted for as finance leases and are initially recorded at fair value in the Company‘s balance 
sheet. Under each of these contracts, Ryanair has a call option to purchase the aircraft at a pre-determined price 
after a period of 10.5 years, which it may exercise.  

196 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  table  sets  out  the  total  future  minimum  payments  of  leasing  30  aircraft  (2012:  30 

aircraft; 2011: 30 aircraft) under JOLCOs at March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively: 

2013 

At March 31, 
2012 

2011 

Present 
value of 
Minimum 
payments 
€M 

Minimum 
payments 
€M 

Present 
value of 
Minimum 
payments 
€M 

Minimum 
payments 
€M 

Present 
value of 
minimum 
payments 
€M 

Minimum 
payments 
€M 

63.2 

53.4 

58.1 

Due within one year ..........................................................................................................  
Due between one and five 
years ..................................................................................................................................  
Due after five years ...........................................................................................................  
Total minimum lease 
payments ...........................................................................................................................  
Less amounts allocated to 
future financing costs ........................................................................................................  
Present value of minimum 
lease payments ..................................................................................................................  

359.1 
365.7 

260.9 
146.5 

318.9 
484.0 

(20.3) 

(60.1) 

782.9 

762.6 

460.8 

460.8 

866.1 

806.0 

- 

51.0 

243.6 
217.2 

511.8 

- 

511.8 

61.9 

305.2 
556.3 

923.4 

(76.2) 

847.2 

48.7 

262.8 
535.7 

847.2 

- 

847.2 

Commitments resulting from the use of derivative financial instruments by the Company are described 

in Notes 5 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements. 

Contingencies 

The Company is engaged in litigation arising in the ordinary course of its business. Management does 
not  believe  that  any  such  litigation  will  individually  or  in  aggregate  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the 
financial  condition  of  the  Company.  Should  the  Company  be  unsuccessful  in  these  litigation  actions, 
management believes the possible liabilities then arising cannot be determined but are not expected to materially 
adversely affect the Company‘s results of operations or financial position. 

In February 2004, the European Commission ruled that Ryanair had received illegal state aid from the 
Walloon regional government in connection  with its establishment of a low cost base at  Brussels (Charleroi). 
Ryanair advised the regional government that it believed no money was repayable as the cost of establishing the 
base exceeded the amount determined to be illegal state aid. Ryanair also appealed the decision of the European 
Commission to the European Court of First Instance (―CFI‖), requesting that the Court annul the decision on the 
basis  that  Ryanair‘s  agreement  at  Brussels  (Charleroi)  was  consistent  with  agreements  at  similar  privately 
owned airports and therefore did not constitute illegal state aid. The Company placed €4.0 million in an escrow 
account pending the outcome of this appeal.  In  December  2008, the CFI  annulled the Commission‘s decision 
against Charleroi Airport and Ryanair was repaid the €4.0 million that the Commission had claimed was illegal 
state aid. A further action taken by the Belgian government for €2.3 million has also been withdrawn. 

 Ryanair  is  facing  similar  legal  challenges  with  respect  to  agreements  with  certain  other  airports, 
notably Lübeck, Berlin (Schönefeld), Tampere, Alghero, Pau, Aarhus, Frankfurt (Hahn), Niederrhein (Weeze), 
Zweibrücken, Altenburg, Klagenfurt, Vasteras, Paris (Beauvais), La Rochelle, Carcassonne, Nimes, Angouleme, 
Marseille and Brussels (Charleroi). In January 2010, the  European commission concluded the Bratislava  state 
aid investigation with a finding that Ryanair‘s agreement with Bratislava airport involved no aid. The remaining 
nineteen  investigations  involving  Ryanair  are  ongoing  and  Ryanair  currently  expects  that  they  will  conclude 
within the next 12 months, with any European Commission‘s decisions appealable to the EU General Court. 

State aid complaints by Lufthansa about Ryanair‘s cost base at Frankfurt (Hahn) have been rejected by 
German  courts,  as  have  similar  complaints  by  Air  Berlin  in  relation  to  Ryanair‘s  arrangement  with  Lubeck 
airport, but following a German Supreme Court ruling on a procedural issue in early 2011, these cases will be 
re-heard  by  lower  courts.  In  addition,  Ryanair  has  been  involved  in  legal  challenges  including  allegations  of 
state aid at Alghero and Marseille airports. The Alghero case (initiated by Air One) was dismissed in its entirety 
in April 2011. The Marseille case was withdrawn by the plaintiffs (subsidiaries of Air France) in May 2011. 

197 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  Company  has  also  entered  into  a  series  of  interest  rate  swaps  to  hedge  against  fluctuations  in 
interest rates for certain floating-rate financing arrangements. Cash deposits have been set aside as collateral for 
the  counterparty‘s  exposure  to  risk  of  fluctuations  on  long-term  derivative  and  other  financing  arrangements 
with Ryanair (restricted cash) (see Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further details). Additional 
numerical information on these swaps and on other derivatives held by the Company is set out in Notes 5 and 11 
to the consolidated financial statements. 

24 

Note to cash flow statement 

2013 
€M 

At March 31, 
2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

(109.6) 
Net debt at beginning of year .......................................................................................  
(1,467.4) 
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents in year ............................................  
1,521.2 
Increase/(decrease) in financial assets > 3 months .......................................................  
(10.4) 
Decrease in restricted cash ...........................................................................................  
126.9 
Net cash flow from decrease/(increase) in debt ...........................................................  
170.3 
Movement in net funds resulting from cash flows .......................................................  
Net funds/(debt) at end of year ....................................................................................  60.7 
Analysed as: 
3,559.0 
Cash and cash equivalents, financial assets and restricted cash ...................................  
(3,498.3) 
Total borrowings* ........................................................................................................  
Net funds/(debt) ...........................................................................................................  60.7 

(708.8) 
680.0 
(97.2) 
(7.8) 
24.2 
599.2 
(109.6) 

3,515.6 
(3,625.2) 
(109.6) 

(142.8) 
550.4 
(398.3) 
(24.9) 
(693.2) 
(566.0) 
(708.8) 

2,940.6 
(3,649.4) 
(708.8) 

*current and non-current maturities of debt 

25 

Dividends and share buy-backs  

On March 29, 2012, the Company agreed to buy back 15.0 million ordinary shares at a cost of €67.5 
million.    This  trade  settled  in  early  April  2012.    This  is  equivalent  to  approximately  1.0%  of  the  Company‘s 
issued share capital.  All ordinary shares repurchased have been cancelled.  Accordingly, share capital decreased 
by  15.0  million  ordinary  shares  with  a  nominal  value  of  €0.1  million  and  the  capital  redemption  reserve 
increased by a corresponding €0.1 million.  The capital redemption reserve is required to be created under Irish 
law to preserve permanent capital in the Parent Company.   

At the Company‘s AGM on September 21, 2012, a dividend of €0.34 per ordinary share was approved 

by the shareholders. The dividend totalling €491.5 million was paid to shareholders on November 30, 2012 

In August 2011, the Company bought back 27.0 million ordinary shares at a cost of €85.1 million.  In 
March 2012, the Company bought back a further 9.5 million ordinary shares at a cost of €39.5 million.  Overall 
this is equivalent to approximately 2.5% of the Company‘s issued share capital.  All ordinary shares repurchased 
have been cancelled.  Accordingly, share capital decreased by 36.5 million ordinary shares with a nominal value 
of €0.2  million and the capital redemption reserve  increased by a  corresponding €0.2  million  which  has been 
transferred from retained earnings.  The capital redemption reserve is required to be created under Irish law to 
preserve  permanent  capital  in  the  parent  Company.  See  note  15  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for 
further details.  

26 

Post-balance sheet events  

On May 27, 2013 the Company issued a Class 1 circular to shareholders seeking their approval for the 
purchase of 175 new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, with a list value of approximately US$14.2 billion, in advance 
of an EGM.  The EGM was held June 18, 2013 and shareholders approved the transaction.  In accordance with 
the terms of the contract entered into with Boeing, the Group made stage payments to Boeing in April, May and 
June 2013 in relation to the purchase of these aircraft.  

198 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In June 2013 the Company bought back 24.1 million ordinary shares at a total cost of €176.6 million, 
for  cancellation.    Cumulatively  these  buybacks  are  equivalent  to  1.7%  of  the  issued  share  capital  of  the 
Company.    Also in June  2013 the  Company detailed plans to return up  to €1 billion to shareholders over the 
next two years with at least €400.0 million (€176.6 million already completed in June 2013) in share buybacks 
to be completed in fiscal year 2014 and a further €600.0 million in either special dividends or share buybacks in 
fiscal year 2015 subject to current fuel, yields and profitability trends continuing. 

27 

Subsidiary undertakings and related party transactions 

The following is the principal subsidiary undertaking of Ryanair Holdings plc: 

Name 

Ryanair Limited (a) .....................  

Effective date of 
acquisition/incorporation 

Registered 
Office 

Nature of 
Business 

August 23, 1996 
(acquisition) 

Corporate Head Office 
Dublin Airport 
Co Dublin, Ireland. 

Airline operator 

____________________________ 
(a)  Ryanair Limited is wholly owned by Ryanair Holdings plc. 

Information regarding all other subsidiaries will be filed with the Company‘s next Irish Annual Return 

as provided for by Section 16(3) of the Irish Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986. 

In  accordance  with  the  basis  of  consolidation  policy,  as  described  in  Note  1  of  these  consolidated 
financial  statements,  the  subsidiary  undertaking  referred  to  above  has  been  consolidated  in  the  financial 
statements of Ryanair Holdings plc for the years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. 

The  total  amount  of  remuneration  paid  to  senior  key  management  (defined  as  the  executive  team 
reporting to the Board of Directors) and directors amounted to €7.1 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 
2013, (2012: €5.0 million; 2011: €6.5 million), the majority of which comprises short-term employee benefits. 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2013 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2012 
€M 

Year ended  
March 31,  
2011 
€M 

Basic salary and bonus ...................................................................................................  6.0 
Pension contributions .....................................................................................................  0.1 
Share-based compensation expense (a) ..........................................................................  1.0 
7.1 

5.9 
0.1 
(1.0) 
5.0 

3.9 
0.9 
1.7 
6.5 

(a)   In the year ended March 31, 2012, the net credit to the income statement in the year comprises a reversal 
of  previously  recognised  share-based  compensation  expense  for awards  that  did  not  vest,  offset  by  a 
charge for the fair value of various share options granted in prior periods, which are being recognised 
within the income statement in accordance with employee services rendered. 

28 

  Date of approval 

The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors of the Company on  

July 26, 2013. 

199 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
………………………………………………..   ………………………………………… 

……………………………………………….. 

…………………………………………………………. 

Company Balance Sheet 

At March 31, 

Note 

2013 
€M 

2012 
€M 

2011 
€M 

Non-current assets 
Investments in subsidiaries  ............ .................................................................... 

30 

103.4 

101.5 

102.2 

Current assets 
Loans and receivables from subsidiaries .................................................................... 
Cash and cash equivalents .................................... .............................................. 

31 

1,517.5 
……………………………… 
979.8 
2.1 
2.2 

683.0 
4.1 

Total assets .......................................................................................................  

          1,085.4 

1,621.1 

789.3 

Current liabilities 
Amounts due to subsidiaries ..............................................................................   .................................................................... 

35.2 

35.2 

32 

35.2 

Shareholders‟ equity  
Issued share capital ............................................................................................   .................................................................... 
Share premium account .....................................................................................   .................................................................... 
Capital redemption reserve ................................................................................  
Retained earnings ...............................................................................................   .................................................................... 
Other reserves  ...................................................................................................   .................................................................... 

9.3 
666.4 
0.7 
888.0 
21.5 

9.2 
687.8 
0.8 
338.3 
14.1 

9.5 
659.3 
0.5 
59.6 
25.2 

Shareholders‟ equity ........................................................................................  

1,050.2 

1,585.9 

Total liabilities and shareholders‟ equity .......................................................  

1,085.4 

1,621.1 

754.1 

789.3 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial information. 

On behalf of the Board 

M. O‘Leary 
Director 

July 26, 2013 

D. Bonderman 
Director 

200 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Statement of Cash Flows 

Year ended 
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year ended 
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year ended 
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

Operating activities 
Profit for the year ................................................................ . 
Net cash provided by operating activities 

Investing activities 
Decrease/(increase) in loans to subsidiaries .........................  

Net cash from/(used) in investing activities .....................  

Financing activities 
Shares purchased under share buy-back programme ...........  

Dividend paid ......................................................................  

Net proceeds from shares issued ..........................................  

Net cash (used)/from by financing activities ....................  

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ............  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ..............   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ........................   

- 
- 

537.7 

537.7 

(67.5) 

(491.5) 

21.4 

(537.6) 

0.1 

2.1 

2.2 

950.0 
950.0 

(834.5) 

115.5 

400.0 
400.0 

76.6 

76.6 

(124.6) 

- 

- 

(500.0) 

7.1 

(117.5) 

27.5 

(472.5) 

(2.0) 

                    4.1 

4.1 

                    - 

2.1 

                    4.1 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial information. 

201 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
                    
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Statement of Changes in Shareholders‟ Equity 

Ordinary 
Shares 
M 

Issued 
Share 
Capital 
€M 

1,478.9 

9.4 

Share 
Premium 
Retained 
Account  Earnings 

€M 
631.9 

€M 
155.1 

Capital 
Redemption 
Shares 
€M 

Other 
Reserves 
€M 

0.5 

26.4 

Total 
€M 
823.3 

Balance at March 31, 2010………..…… 
Comprehensive income  
Profit for the year……………………....... 
Total comprehensive income…………….. 
Transactions with owners of the 
Company, recognised directly in equity 
Issue of ordinary equity shares…………… 
Share based payments…..……………….. 
Transfer of exercised and expired share  
based awards…,…………………………. 
Dividend paid……………………………... 
Balance at March 31, 2011…………….. 
Comprehensive income  
Profit for the year………….…………….. 
Total comprehensive income…………….. 
Transactions with owners of the 
Company, recognised directly in equity 
Issue of ordinary equity shares…………… 
Repurchase of ordinary equity shares……  
Cancellation of repurchased ordinary  
shares…..………………………………… 
Share-based payments……………………. 
Transfer of exercised and expired share 
based awards……………………………... 
Balance at March 31, 2012……………... 
Comprehensive income 
Profit for the year……………………....... 
Total comprehensive income…………….. 
Transactions with owners of the 
Company, recognised directly in equity 
Issue of ordinary equity shares…………… 
Repurchase of ordinary equity shares……  
Cancellation of repurchased ordinary  
shares……………………..……………… 
Share-based payments……………………. 
Transfer of exercised and expired share 
based awards……………………………... 
Dividend paid……………………………... 
Balance at March 31, 2013…………….. 

- 
- 

10.7 
- 

- 
- 
1,489.6 

- 
- 

2.5 
- 

(36.5) 
- 

- 
1,455.6 

- 
- 

6.5 
- 

(15.0) 
- 

- 
- 
1,447.1 

- 
- 

0.1 
- 

- 
- 
9.5 

- 
- 

- 
- 

(0.2) 
- 

- 
9.3 

- 
- 

- 
- 

(0.1) 
- 

- 
- 
9.2 

- 
- 

400.0 
400.0 

27.4 
- 

- 
- 
659.3 

- 
- 

4.5 
(500.0) 
59.6 

- 
- 

950.0 
950.0 

7.1 
- 

- 
(124.6) 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
666.4 

3.0 
888.0 

- 
- 

- 
- 

21.4 
- 

- 
(67.5) 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
687.8 

9.3 
(491.5) 
338.3 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
0.5 

- 
- 

- 
- 

0.2 
- 

- 
0.7 

- 
- 

- 
- 

0.1 
- 

- 
- 
0.8 

- 
- 

400.0 
400.0 

- 
3.3 

(4.5) 
- 
25.2 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
(0.7) 

(3.0) 
21.5 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
1.9 

(9.3) 
- 
14.1 

27.5 
3.3 

- 
(500.0) 
754.1 

950.0 
950.0 

7.1 
(124.6) 

- 
(0.7) 

- 
1,585.9 

- 
- 

21.4 
(67.5) 

- 
1.9 

- 
(491.5) 
1,050.2 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial information. 

202 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes forming part of the Company Financial Statements 

29         Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies 

The  Company  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (EU), which are effective for the year ended and 
as at March 31, 2013, as applied in accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2012.  On publishing parent 
entity  financial  statements  together  with  group  financial  statements  the  Company  is  taking  advantage  of  the 
exemption  contained  in  Section  148(8)  of  the  Companies  Act,  1963  not  to  present  its  individual  income 
statement,  statement  of  comprehensive  income  and  related  notes  that  form  a  part  of  these  approved  financial 
statements. 

The Company financial statements are presented in euro millions, being its functional currency. They are 
prepared on an historical cost basis except for certain share based payment transactions, which are based on fair 
values determined at grant date. 

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  IFRS  requires  management  to  make 
judgements,  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  application  of  policies  and  reported  amounts  of  assets, 
liabilities, income and expenses.  These estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience 
and various other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis 
of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other 
sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates. These 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 these are also 
affected. Principal sources of estimation uncertainty have been set out in the critical accounting policy section 
in  Note  1  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  Such  uncertainties  may  impact  the  carrying  value  of 
investments in subsidiaries at future dates. 

Statement of compliance  

The  Company  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  IFRS  as  adopted  by  the  EU, 

which are effective at March 31, 2013 as applied in accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2012.  

The directors have reviewed  all EU endorsed IFRSs, effective  for  future  financial  years,   as  set  forth in 
Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, and have  concluded their adoption will not have a significant 
impact on the parent entity financial statements. 

Share-based payments  

The  Company  accounts  for  the  fair  value  of  share  options  granted  to  employees  of  a  subsidiary  as  an 
increase in its investment in that subsidiary. The fair value of such options is determined in a consistent manner 
to  that  set  out  in  the  Group  share-based  payment  accounting  policy  and  as  set  out  in  Note  15  (c)  to  the 
consolidated financial statements. 

Income taxes  

Income taxes are accounted for by the Company in a manner consistent to that set out in the Group income 

tax accounting policy. 

Financial assets  

The Company holds investments in subsidiary companies, which are carried at cost less any impairments. 

Guarantees  

The Company occasionally guarantees certain liabilities of subsidiary companies. These are considered to 
be insurance arrangements and are accounted for as such i.e. a contingent liability until such time as it becomes 
probable that the Company will be required to make a payment under the guarantee. 

203 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans and borrowings 

All  loans  and  borrowings  are  initially  recorded  at  the  fair  value  of  consideration  received,  net  of 
attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, non-current interest bearing loans are measured 
at amortised cost, using the effective interest yield methodology. 

30    Investments in subsidiaries 

Year  ended  
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year  ended  
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year  ended  
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

Balance at start of year 
New investments in subsidiaries by way of share 
option grant to subsidiary employees .....................................................................  
Reversal of unvested cumulative share based 
expense........................................................................ 
Balance at end of year 

- 
103.4 

101.5 

1.9 

102.2 

1.8 

(2.5) 
101.5 

98.9 

3.3 

- 
102.2 

31    Loans and receivables from subsidiaries 

Year  ended  
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year  ended  
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year  ended  
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

Due from Ryanair Limited (subsidiary)  ................................................................  

979.8 
979.8 

1,517.5 
1,517.5 

683.0 
683.0 

All amounts due from subsidiaries are interest free and repayable upon demand. 

32   Amounts due to subsidiaries 

Year  ended  
March 31, 
2013 
€M 

Year  ended  
March 31, 
2012 
€M 

Year  ended  
March 31, 
2011 
€M 

Due to Ryanair Limited ..........................................................................................  

35.2 
35.2 

35.2 
35.2 

35.2 
35.2 

At  March  31,  2013,  Ryanair  Holdings  plc  had  borrowings  of  €35.2  million  (2012:  €35.2  million;  2011: 

€35.2 million) from Ryanair Limited. The loan is interest free and repayable on demand.  

33    Financial instruments 

The  Company  does  not  undertake  hedging  activities  on  behalf  of  itself  or  other  companies  within  the 

Group. Financial instruments in the Company primarily take the form of loans to subsidiary undertakings. 

Amounts due to or from subsidiary undertakings (primarily Ryanair Limited) in the form of inter-company 
loans are interest free and are repayable upon demand and further details of these have been given in Notes 31 
and  32  of  the  parent  entity  financial  statements.  These  inter-company  balances  are  eliminated  in  the  group 
consolidation. 

The euro is the functional and presentation currency of the Company‘s balance sheet and all transactions 
entered  into  by  the  Company  are  euro  denominated.  As  such,  the  Company  does  not  have  any  significant 
foreign currency risk. 

204 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The credit risk associated with the Company‘s financial assets principally relates to  the credit risk of the 
Ryanair  group  as  a  whole,  which  is  not  rated  by  an  external  rating  agency.  Additionally  the  Company  had 
guaranteed certain of its subsidiary company liabilities. Details of these arrangements are given in  Note 34 to 
the company financial statements. 

34    Contingencies 

 a) The Company has provided €5,973.6 million (2012: €5,503.4 million; 2011: €5,349.6  million) in letters 
of guarantee to secure obligations of subsidiary undertakings in respect of loans, bank advances and long dated 
foreign currency transactions. 

b)  In order to avail itself of the exemption contained in Section 17 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 
1986, the holding company, Ryanair Holdings plc, has guaranteed the liabilities of its subsidiary undertakings 
registered  in  Ireland.  As  a  result,  the  subsidiary  undertakings  have  been  exempted  from  the  provisions  of 
Section 7 of the Companies (Amendment)  Act,  1986. Details of the  Group‘s principal subsidiaries have been 
included at Note 27. The Irish subsidiaries of the Group covered by the Section 17 exemption are listed at Note 
27  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  also.  Four  additional  Irish  subsidiaries  covered  by  this  exemption, 
which  are  not  listed  as  principal  subsidiaries  at  Note  27  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  are  Airport 
Marketing Services Limited, FRC Investments Limited, Coinside Limited and Mazine Limited. 

35    Dividends  

Please refer to Note 25 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

36  Post-balance sheet events 

Please refer to Note 26 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

37  Date of approval 

The Company financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors of the Company on July 26, 2013. 

205 

 
 
Chairman 

Chief Executive 

Directors 

Secretary 

Registered Office 

Auditors 

Principal Bankers 

Solicitors &Attorneys at Law 

Directors and Other Information 

D. Bonderman 
M. Horgan 
C.McCreevy 
D. McKeon 
K. McLaughlin 
D. Milliken 
M. O‘Leary 
J. O‘Neill 
J. Osborne 
L. Phelan 

J. Komorek 

Corporate Head Office 
Dublin Airport 
Co. Dublin 
Ireland 

KPMG – Chartered Accountants 
1 Stokes Place 
St. Stephens Green 
Dublin 2 
Ireland 

Barclays Bank Plc 
2 Park Place 
Upper Hatch Street 
Dublin 2 
Ireland 

Bank of Ireland 
Dublin Airport 
Co. Dublin 
Ireland 

A&L Goodbody - Solicitors 
International Financial Services Centre 
North Wall Quay 
Dublin 1 
Ireland 

Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen Hamilton 
1 Liberty Plaza, New York 
NY 10006, United States 

206 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
                                                          
 
 
Appendix 

GLOSSARY 

Certain  of  the  terms  included  in  the  section  on  Selected  Operating  and  Other  Data  and  elsewhere  in  this 
annual  report  on  Form  20-F  have  the  meanings  indicated  below  and  refer  only  to  Ryanair‘s  scheduled  passenger 
service. 

Available Seat Miles (―ASMs‖) ....................   Represents the number of seats available for passengers multiplied 

by the number of miles those seats were flown.  

Average Booked Passenger Fare ...................   Represents  the  average  fare  paid  by  a  fare-paying  passenger  who 
has booked a ticket. 
Average Daily Flight Hour Utilization ..........   Represents the average number of flight hours flown in service per 

day per aircraft for the total fleet of operated aircraft. 

Average Fuel Cost Per U.S. Gallon ...............   Represents the average cost per U.S. gallon of jet fuel for the fleet 
(including  fueling  charges)  after  giving  effect  to  fuel  hedging 
arrangements. 

Average Length of Passenger Haul ...............   Represents the average number of  miles traveled by a fare-paying 

passenger. 

Ancillary Revenue per Booked Passenger ....   Represents the average revenue earned per booked passenger flown 

from ancillary services. 

Average Yield per ASM ................................   Represents  the  average  flown  passenger  fare  revenue  for  each 

available seat mile (ASM). 

Average Yield per RPM ................................   Represents  the  average  passenger  fare  revenue  for  each  revenue 

passenger mile (RPM), or each mile a revenue passenger is flown. 

Baggage Commissions ..................................   Represents  the  commissions  payable  to  airports  on  the  revenue 
collected  at  the  airports  for  excess  baggage  and  airport  baggage 
fees. 

Booked Passenger Load Factor .....................   Represents  the  total  number  of  seats  sold  as  a  percentage  of  total 

seat capacity on all sectors flown. 

Break-even Load Factor ................................   Represents  the  number  of  RPMs  at  which  passenger  revenues 
would  have  been  equal  to  operating  expenses  divided  by  ASMs 
(based  on  Average  Yield  per  RPM).  For  the  purposes  of  this 
calculation,  the  number  of  RPMs  at  which  passenger  revenues 
would  have  been  equal  to  operating  expenses  is  calculated  by 
dividing operating expenses by Average Revenue per RPM. 

Cost Per ASM (―CASM‖) .............................   Represents  operating  expenses  (excluding  ancillary  costs)  divided 

by ASMs. 

Cost Per Booked Passenger ...........................   Represents  operating  expenses  divided  by  revenue  passengers 

booked. 

Net Margin ....................................................   Represents profit after taxation as a percentage of total revenues. 
Number of Airports Served ...........................   Represents the number of airports to/from which the carrier offered 

scheduled service at the end of the period. 

Number of Owned Aircraft Operated ............   Represents the number of aircraft owned and operated at the end of 

the period. 
Operating Margin ..........................................   Represents operating profit as a percentage of total revenues. 
Part 145 .........................................................   The  European  regulatory  standard  for  aircraft  maintenance 

established by the European Aviation Safety Agency. 

Revenue Passenger Miles (―RPMs‖) .............   Represents  the  number  of  miles  flown  by  booked  fare-paying 

passengers.  

Revenue Passengers Booked .........................   Represents the number of fare-paying passengers booked. 
Sectors Flown ................................................   Represents the number of passenger flight sectors flown. 

207