Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Leisure / Transat AT, Inc.

Transat AT, Inc.

trz.b · TSX Consumer Cyclical
Claim this profile
Ticker trz.b
Exchange TSX
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Leisure
Employees 5001-10,000
← All annual reports
FY2007 Annual Report · Transat AT, Inc.
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
.
c
n

I

.

.

T
A

t
a
s
n
a
r
T

7
0
0
2

t
r
o
p
e
R

l

a
u
n
n
A

Integrated
international
tour operator
specializing
in holiday
travel

 
 
 
 
s
t
h
g

i
l

h
g
H

i

R evenues up by 17% to $3.0 billion and net earnings of

$80.5 million, compared with $2.6 billion and $65.8 million
respectively in 2006.

S olid growth in the market for winter packages to sun

destinations departing from Canada despite a fiercely com-
petitive environment.

S trong performance in the summer transatlantic market,

in particular continental European destinations, despite the
fact  that  overcapacity  eroded  margins  on  Canada-United
Kingdom routes.

E xcellent results posted by Look Voyages, with a 28%

increase in revenues and pre-tax earnings of about 6% of
revenues.

A cquisition of Amplitude Internationale, an outgoing

French tour operator specializing in travel to Tunisia, a major
destination from France.

I ntegration of agencies acquired in 2006 and consolida-

tion of our distribution network in Canada and Europe.

A ddition of a 16th aircraft to the Air Transat fleet, sign-

ing of a seat pooling agreement with MyTravel and renewal
of an agreement with WestJet.

E arly in fiscal 2008, creation of a 1,600-room joint venture

with Barcelona’s H10 Hotels in Mexico and the Dominican
Republic, representing an investment of US$55 million for
Transat.

More 
than 60
destination
countries

Transat  A.T.  Inc.  is  an  integrated  international  tour
operator that specializes in holiday travel. It offers more
than 60 destination countries and distributes products in
approximately 50 countries. Transat owns an air carrier,
offers  accomodation  and  destination  services  and  operates 
an extensive distribution network. The Company has a 
dedicated  team  of  thorough  and  efficient  people  who  deliver
quality vacation travel services at affordable prices to a broad
customer base.

In thousands of dollars 

(except amounts per share)

Revenues

Margin

Net income

Diluted earnings per share 

Dividend per share

2007

2006

3,045,917

2,603,746

133,070

126,944

80,480

65,770

2.36

0.34

1.85

0.14

Cash and cash equivalents 

166,768

214,887

Cash flows relating 

to operating activities

121,828

116,160

l

s
r
e
d
o
h
e
r
a
h
S
o
t

e
g
a
s
s
e
M

Staying 
the course 
for 
growth

Building 
on vertical 
integration

F iscal  2007  proved  to  be  a  very  good  year  for

Transat,  at  a  time  when  the  international  tourism  industry
was particularly vibrant. We stayed the course on our
objectives  while  continuing  to  combine  growth  with  prof-
itability, in spite of a rapidly changing tourism market, fierce
competition, increases in certain costs and significant fluc-
tuations in exchange rates. We also made progress in
implementing  our  2006-2008  three-year  plan,  notably  by
successfully  increasing  our  market  share,  completing  the
integration of acquisitions made in 2006 and establishing
a foothold in the hotel industry.

The  international  tourism  market  remains  buoyant.
According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), there
were approximately 846 million international arrivals in 2006,
and all indications point to its forecasts (a billion interna-
tional tourists in 2010 and 1.6 billion in 2020) materializing.
Transat is in an excellent position to benefit from this prom-
ising  situation,  with  products  in  more  than  60  countries,
outgoing  tour  operators  and  distribution  networks  solidly
established in Canada and Europe, as well as a first-rate
air carrier.

However, there remains no shortage of challenges 
to  overcome.  Although  we  have  already  made  significant
adjustments  to  our  organization  over  the  past  six  years,
change will likely remain on the agenda as our environment
demands  considerable  ability  to  adapt.  With  travellers  —
our ultimate customers — becoming increasingly sophisti-
cated, we have to pull out all the stops to offer them prod-
ucts that cater to their every need.

The tourism market

The growth in international tourism is being fuelled
by  most  areas  of  the  world.  Asia  and  Africa  are  currently
posting the highest growth rates in terms of arrivals, while
Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia are reinforcing their
positions  as  the  emerging  outbound  markets.  Following
two recent major German-British mergers, Transat has
climbed to fifth position among the world’s fully integrated
international tour operators and, in this capacity, has all the
tools it needs to capitalize on the new trends in tourism.

Jean-Marc Eustache

Chairman of the Board, 

President and Chief Executive Officer

2

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

 
 
Competition is very intense in all our markets and
we are relying on several measures to deal with it: a very
comprehensive offering, ever-greater efficiency, economies
of  scale  and  consistent  investments  in  marketing  and
advertising.  In  addition,  we  are  continuing  our  efforts  to
increase  customer  loyalty  and  to  set  our  products  and 
services  apart  by  ensuring  that  our  customers  enjoy  an
experience with us that they will want to repeat. Lastly, with
regard  to  the  very  important  issue  of  distribution,  we  are
implementing  solutions  that  are  innovative  and  meet  the
expectations of our customers — both travellers and travel
agents.  We  intensified  our  efforts  on  all  these  fronts  in 
2007 and will continue to do so in 2008.

The cost structure of any international tour opera-
tor depends partly on the conditions prevailing in the airline
industry.  Transat  is  therefore  closely  monitoring  ongoing
discussions  on  the  “open  skies”  agreements,  which  the
Canadian  government  has  made  a  priority,  as  well  as  the
debate on controlling greenhouse-gas emissions attributed
to the aviation industry. The outcome of these complex dis-
cussions may provide some companies with a competitive
edge. For this reason, we have taken many actions (some
publicly),  notably  since  late  2006,  to  make  our  positions
known  in  the  hope  that  our  concerns  will  be  taken  into 
consideration.

Generally speaking, we have indicated our support
for the principle of a reciprocal, orderly opening of aviation
markets as well as the related lifting of entry barriers, to the
extent that the current economic and tax policy framework
imposed  on  Canada’s  airports  and  airlines  is  overhauled 
by  the  federal  government.  The  system  currently  in  place
imposes  a  very  heavy  burden  on  companies  like  Transat,
considerably reducing their ability to compete against 
foreign companies which, in contrast, often receive support
from their governments.

Transat  stands  apart  from  other  companies  in
Canada’s  travel  industry  in  that  it  is  also  a  player  in  the
European market. As a result, from a tourism perspective
we are better positioned than others to leverage an “open
skies”  agreement  between  Canada  and  Europe.  It  is  our
view that any such agreement should take into account all
the companies involved and their individual business mod-
els,  allowing  them  to  pursue  the  specific  commercial
opportunities they envisage.

In 2007, Transat began systemizing the adoption
of  sustainable-tourism  practices.  Air  Transat  continued  to
rigorously implement its fuel-management program, which
has  helped  reduce  consumption  and  greenhouse-gas
emissions by more than 5%. In 2008, we will intensify our

actions to diminish the impact that our operations have on
the  environment  and  climate  change  in  keeping  with  the
Davos  Declaration  drafted  by  the  WTO  in  October  2007.
On  the  issue  of  greenhouse-gas  emissions,  we  favour
adopting  multilateral  solutions  —  under  the  auspices  of
the  International  Civil  Aviation  Organization  (ICAO)  and
International Air Transport Association (IATA) for instance —
that would pave the way for market conditions that are as
uniform and as fair as possible.

Outgoing Canadian market

The  outgoing  Canadian  market  is  posting  solid
growth, but competition remains intense. At the beginning
of each season, tour operators set the tone with increases
in  capacity  which,  taken  globally,  inevitably  translate  into 
a  surplus  of  supply  over  demand,  even  though  the  latter
increases regularly. The “perishable” nature of tourism
products  entails  fierce  price  competition,  which  benefits
travellers  but  severely  tests  the  profit  margins  and  nerves 
of tour operators.

Transat  Tours  Canada  (TTC),  our  main  Canadian
business unit in the outgoing market, orchestrates all oper-
ations conducted under the Transat Holidays, Nolitours and
Air Transat brands. In Canada, TTC grew its customer base
across the board — 866,000 travellers in the winter season,
527,000  in  the  summer;  1,042,000  sun  packages  sold,
351,000  travellers  (including  Canadian  sales  of  Canadian
Affair)  to  European  destinations  —  for  a  total  of  approxi-
mately 1,393,000 travellers. Some 72% of these customers
flew  with  Air  Transat  while  the  rest  travelled  on  airlines
with which we have partnership agreements.

Our  business  model  is  based  on  the  combina-
tion  of  our  own  capacity,  provided  by  Air  Transat,  with
those of many other Canadian and European carriers. In
line  with  this  model,  Transat  and  British  tour  operator
MyTravel (now Thomas Cook Group), which operates in
Canada  under  the  Sunquest  Vacations  brand,  signed 
a  three-year  agreement  under  which  both  parties  can 
sell  each  other  approximately  120,000  seats  for  sun
destinations, effective November 1, 2007. In addition, our
agreement  with  Canadian  carrier  WestJet  has  been
extended to October 31, 2010. It allows TTC to charter
WestJet  aircraft  flying  out  of  more  than  20  Canadian
cities to approximately 20 sun destinations.

In 2007, Transat became the leading tour operator
in Ontario for winter sun packages. According to our evalu-
ation,  we  are  now  the  leader  in  every  Canadian  region  in 
the very targeted segment of all-inclusive packages to sun 
destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.

3

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

We are working on many elements to help maintain or grow
our  market  share:  selection  of  destinations  and  exclusive
hotels, pricing, marketing, quality of service and customer
satisfaction.

We  had  an  excellent  summer  season  in  the
Continental Europe market. However, as expected, routes
into and out of the United Kingdom have been a real bat-
tlefield, with supply clearly outstripping demand. Our mar-
gins have suffered as we have fought fiercely to protect our
market  share.  The  British  government  compounded  the
problem when it doubled the duties payable by internation-
al air travellers, limiting fare increases that would have been
necessary to offset higher fuel costs, for example. In other
words, tour operators had to absorb part of these taxes to
avoid losing customers. The United Kingdom is the number
one transatlantic market for Canada and for Transat. 

Given  the  results  achieved  with  our  new  Madrid
program, launched in 2006, we went further in 2007 with
Barcelona and Malaga, and Spain is proving a resounding
success  for  TTC.  We  also  introduced  Vienna,  and  we
obtained slots at Heathrow Airport departing from Toronto.
We will be adding Switzerland to our list of destinations with
flights to Basel-Mulhouse, as well as Vancouver-Paris and
Calgary-Paris routes in 2008.

In  2006,  Transat  acquired  191  travel  agencies,
thus creating the leading network of agencies in Canada. In
2007, the integration of these agencies continued smooth-
ly and they made an important contribution to the increase
in  our  sales  and  market  shares.  At  fiscal  year-end,  all
brands  combined,  the  Transat  network  consisted  of  409
agencies across the territory, 304 of them franchises. Sales
by  this  network,  combined  with  those  generated  through
our B2C websites, accounted for more than 25% of sales
made in Canada in 2007. In addition, although they remain
modest, online sales of mass tourism products are growing
strongly, particularly on some of our websites. We remain
solidly  engaged  in  the  era  of  multi-channel  distribution,
which  ensures  that  many  distribution  strategies  blend
smoothly. 

Outgoing European market

Transat, which has been operating in France ever
since the company’s creation, has entered other European
markets  over  the  years.  Consequently,  we  now  have  a
promising  platform  in  Europe,  where  some  countries  are
worldwide leaders in both outbound and inbound tourism,
with more than 400 million international trips. 

In  spite  of  the  gloomy  conditions  in  France’s
tourism industry, Look Voyages had a stellar year, thanks in

part to an increase in the number of its Lookéa resort clubs
to 25 (plus a Lookéa cruise in Egypt) from 17 the previous
year. The Lookéa formula is clearly well-adapted to its mar-
ket segment, as is clearly confirmed by customer satisfac-
tion levels. As a result, Look Voyages saw its sales soar by
28%  and  it  posted  pre-tax  earnings  of  6%  of  revenues,
both remarkable figures.

In 2007, we acquired outgoing French tour opera-
tor  Amplitude  Internationale.  This  specialist  in  travel  to
Tunisia  combined  its  efforts  with  those  of  Look  Voyages,
which  was  already  operating  four  Lookéa  resort  clubs  in 
the  North  African  country.  Founded  in  1992,  Amplitude
Internationale sells 80,000 travel packages to Tunisia every
year through traditional and online travel agencies, as well as
through large retail stores. For its part, Look Voyages sells
approximately 50,000 packages to Tunisia, the second-
largest destination market out of France (after Morocco) for
packages.

Vacances Transat (France) remains the leading
French tour operator to Canada and the U.S. It is a major
player in France for tours, with a diverse range of destina-
tions,  including  South  America,  Africa  and  Asia.  Destina-
tions include Vietnam, launched in 2007, and Kenya, where
the number of passengers has increased significantly since
we introduced the destination in 2006. In the last year, its
business  grew  in  terms  of  number  of  travellers,  sales
(including  group  sales)  and  profit  margin.  For  travel  to
Canada, Vacances Transat (France) naturally works closely
with TTC, particularly to market our air capacity, and with
Jonview Canada for the distribution of packages.

We have successfully completed the integration of
British  tour  operator  The  Airline  Seat  Company  —  better
known as Canadian Affair — which we acquired in August
2006. Working with close to 120 suppliers and two airlines
(including Air Transat), Canadian Affair is the foremost tour
operator  in  the  United  Kingdom  for  travel  to  Canada  and
works daily with TTC.

TTC has partners in all the European countries we
serve with Air Transat. For example, Air Consultants Europe
(ACE), now a wholly owned Transat business unit, sells our
air capacity as a wholesaler for travel to Canada from the
Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Luxembourg.
We  brought  some  366,000  travellers  to  Canada  from
approximately 10 European countries (Air Transat, TTC) and
from the UK (Canadian Affair), mainly during the summer.

We have 69 travel agencies in France, 31 of which
are under the Look Voyages banner and 38 under that of
Club  Voyages.  In  2008,  we  plan  to  further  strengthen  the
strategic ties between our tour operators and our distribu-

4

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

tion  network  in  order  to  fully  capitalize  on  the  fact  that,
combined, we are one of the largest outgoing tour opera-
tors in France.

Air transportation 

The  fact  that  Transat  owns  a  fleet  of  aircraft  and
has  formal  charter  agreements  with  many  other  carriers
remains a core element in our business model. Our craft, as
a  tour  operator,  consists  largely  of  managing  inventories 
of  products  —  airline  seats  and  hotel  stays  —  that  have 
a  limited  lifespan.  Being  vertically  integrated  gives  us
enhanced control over this aspect of our operations.

Air Transat, which celebrated its 20th anniversary
at the same time as Transat in 2007, remains our primary
carrier  out  of  Canada  to  all  our  destinations,  as  well  as 
for travel to Canada from Europe. It turned in a remarkable
performance in 2007, as a significant increase in business
resulted in the carrier making close to 13,000 flights. 

Many  factors  contribute  to  making  Air  Transat  a
leader in its category: highly qualified crews (a determining
condition for the quality of service), an exceptional program
for young families and young travellers, its Club class, some
of the best on-time performance and reliability rates in the
industry, etc. In November 2007, Air Transat obtained
Phase 2 accreditation from Transport Canada for its Safety
Management System (SMS), confirming the carrier's lead-
ing  edge  in  this  area;  it  is  also  about  to  complete  IATA’s
International  Operational  Safety  Audit  (IOSA)  certification
process. In 2007, Air Transat implemented an online seat pre-
selection system and posted record incidental revenues. 

Air transportation represents a significant cost
centre, and Air Transat is currently reaping the rewards of
the many years of work put in by its personnel. In spite of
the increase in fuel prices, our cost per available seat mile
(CASM)  dropped  from  2006.  In  fact,  excluding  fuel,  we
posted  the  lowest  CASM  in  our  history;  our  fixed  costs 
per CASM also decreased.

Air Transat was operating 16 Airbus aircraft
(4 A330s and 12 A310s) at the end of 2007 and will add a
17th in 2008. In order to improve comfort for passengers,
Air Transat will be increasing legroom in all its aircraft,
beginning  in  the  summer  of  2008.  This  involves  removing
10 seats from our Airbus A310s (down to 249 seats), and
20 from our Airbus A330s (342 seats).

Handlex  and  its  approximately  1,200  employees
provide airport ground-handling services (passenger check-in,
baggage-handling, cargo, aircraft cleaning and ramp services)
to some 20 airlines, including Air Transat, at airports in
Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. In 2007, Handlex signed

5

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

or  renewed  several  contracts,  overhauled  its  structures,
enhanced its staff training efforts and improved its financial
performance.

Hotel industry

Shortly  after  the  close  of  the  fiscal  year,  we
announced the creation of a hotel joint venture with one of
our  longstanding  partners,  H10  Hotels  of  Barcelona.  The
newly-created company will own and operate five hotels in
Mexico and the Dominican Republic with a total of approx-
imately 1,600 rooms. This partnership with a first-rate hotel
chain  is  a  major  step  in  our  effort  to  develop  a  dynamic
presence  in  the  hotel  industry  at  our  key  destinations.  As
planned, we ensure our access to a certain number of top-
quality rooms and we maximize the benefits of our vertical
structure.

Transat has invested US$55 million for a 35%
interest in the new company. The Dominican Republic and
Mexico are important markets for us: we sell more than a
million  packages  a  year  to  Mexico,  the  Caribbean  and
Central America, from Canada and France. This transaction
is  fully  in  keeping  with  our  three-year  strategic  plan  and
meets all the investment criteria we had set forth.

Our incoming markets

Our  Jonview  Canada  business  unit  remains  the
largest  incoming  tour  operator  in  Canada  with  nearly
249,000  customers  in  2007  —  a  5%  increase  that  is  all 
the more remarkable since international tourism to Canada
(especially out of the U.S.) has been on the decline since
2005. Jonview Canada offers its products in approximately
50 countries, not only in Europe – which is its main strong-
hold  —  but  also  in  a  growing  number  of  increasingly 
popular emerging markets.

In 2007, we restructured Jonview Canada in order
to  improve  its  efficiency  and  margins.  Changes  included 
the  sharing  of  certain  management  and  back-office  func-
tions  with  TTC,  in  order  to  benefit  from  synergies  starting 
in 2008.

We are also active in the incoming Greek market
with tour operator Tourgreece, whose products are distrib-
uted  internationally,  including  in  the  U.S.,  through  Transat
and other tour operators. In 2007, Tourgreece penetrated
new markets (Japan, South Korea, Mexico and Venezuela)
and succeeded in increasing both its sales and its margin.
Greece  attracts  more  than  14  million  international  tourists
every year.

Our financial position

We posted revenues of $3.0 billion for fiscal 2007,
compared  to  $2.6  billion  in  2006.  Our  margin  reached
$133.1  million,  compared  with  $126.9  million  in  2006.
Transat posted record net income of $80.5 million or $2.36
per  share  on  a  diluted  basis  ($74.5  million  or  $2.18  per
share on a diluted basis after a provision on ABCP securi-
ties,  a  write-down  of  goodwill  and  the  favorable  impact 
of  new  hedge  accounting  standards,  as  explained  in  the
MD&A),  compared  to  $65.8  million  ($1.85  per  share,  fully
diluted) in 2006.

Once  again,  the  year  was  marked  by  very  high 
fuel  prices,  driven  of  course  by  the  increase  in  oil  prices.
Our bill for this essential commodity rose 114% to approx-
imately $274 million in 2007 from $128 million in 2004. Our 
revenues grew by 38% during the same period. We offset
part  of  the  rise  by  actively  using  hedging  strategies  and 
by  implementing  fuel  surcharges  (duly  approved  by  the
appropriate authorities). The effects of the latter are limited,
however, due to pressures on selling prices.

Transat remains in a sound financial position. As at
October 31, 2007, our debt had decreased and our cash
position reached $166.8 million. This figure excludes funds
currently  locked-up  in  asset-backed  commercial  paper
(ABCP) trusts. The MD&A provides details on this subject. 

Staying the course

Fiscal  2007  marked  the  second  phase  of  the
three-year strategic plan adopted in 2005. Already, several
major  milestones  of  this  plan  have  been  reached,  namely
our  entry  into  the  outgoing  U.K.  market,  Look  Voyages’
decisive  return  to  profitability,  substantial  gains  in  market
share  in  Ontario,  the  development  of  our  multi-channel 
distribution network, the acquisition of a tour operator spe-
cializing  in  travel  from  France  to  Tunisia  and,  shortly  after
the end of the year, the creation of a joint hotel venture with
a seasoned partner.

As for the U.S. market, we have conducted a
thorough review of all major tour operators that could
potentially offer a strategic fit with us. We have held discus-
sions with many of these tour operators, without a transac-
tion  in  the  interest  of  the  company  and  its  shareholders
materializing. We still intend to break into that market as a
tour operator and in 2008 we will relaunch our efforts on a
new basis.

Our motto for 2008 will be to stay the course. In
addition to initiating the preparation of the next three-year
plan (2009-2011), which will take into account the renewal
of  the  Air  Transat  fleet  as  of  2012,  we  will  be  putting  a 

6

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

significant amount of effort into consolidating our position in
Canada  and  in  Europe.  For  the  transatlantic  market,  TTC
will implement a five-year development plan that will include
new  destinations  and  the  establishment  of  closer  links
between our European subsidiaries and Jonview Canada.
We will also continue to stimulate the growth of our French
tour  operators  and  study  the  possibility  of  breaking  into
new outgoing European markets through acquisitions.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of
Transat’s employees, its management team and the mem-
bers of its Board of Directors. Ours is a demanding indus-
try and each of us plays a vitally important role in Transat’s
success. 

Jean-Marc Eustache

Chairman of the Board
President and Chief Executive Officer
January 16, 2008

7

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

Outgoing tour operators
Transat Tours Canada (TTC)

Transat Holidays
Caribbean, Latin America and Mexico
from Canada, Canada-Europe market
and cruises
Nolitours
Caribbean, Latin America, Mexico
and Florida from Canada

Look Voyages
Mediterranean Basin, Africa, Asia, 
Caribbean, Mexico, etc. from France, 
and Lookéa clubs
Amplitude Internationale
Tunisia from France 
Vacances Transat (France)
Americas, Caribbean, Asia, Africa 
from France. 
Tours in Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, 
Scotland, Ireland under the Bennett brand 
Brokair
Group tours from France
Canadian Affair 
British tour operator specializing in travel 
to Canada
Rêvatours
Eastern Europe, Asia, North Africa, etc. 
from Canada
Merika Tours
North American destinations from Canada
Air Consultants Europe (ACE)
TTC’s representative in Germany,
the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg
and Austria

Incoming tour operators
Destination services
Jonview Canada
Tours and packages to Canada
Tourgreece
Tours and packages to Greece
Trafic Tours
Excursions and destination services 
in Mexico
Turissimo
Excursions and destination services
in the Dominican Republic
Transat Holidays USA
Destination services
and travel agency in Florida

Retail distribution
Transat Distribution Canada
More than 400 travel agencies in Canada
(Marlin Travel, TravelPlus, tripcentral.ca, 
Club Voyages, Voyages en Liberté) 
and exitnow.ca
Club Voyages (France)
Network of 69 travel agencies in France
(Club Voyages, Look Voyages)

Air transportation
Air Transat
Charter air carrier specializing 
in holiday travel
Handlex
Airport ground services in Montréal, Toronto
and Vancouver

8

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

www...
transat.com
transatholidays.com
vacancestransat.com
nolitours.com
look-voyages.fr
amplitudevacances.com
vacancestransat.fr
canadavision.fr
bennett.fr
canadianaffair.com
revatours.com
merikatours.com
airtransat.com
airtransat.fr
airtransat.de
airtransat.nl
airtransat.co.uk
air-transat.be
jonview.com
outbyview.com
tourgreecedmc.com
clubvoyages.com
marlintravel.ca
travelplus.ca
tripcentral.ca
exitnow.ca

CRUISES
Transat Holidays and
Look Voyages offer 
an extensive selection
of cruises: in the
Atlantic Ocean,
Mediterranean 
and Baltic seas, 
South Pacific and
Indian oceans; 
on the Nile and 
on Europe’s major
rivers; in Alaska, 
the Bahamas,
Bermuda, Canada, 
the Caribbean, 
Hawaii, Mexico, 
to the Panama Canal
and in 
South America.

Note 1: 
This map reflects the 
situation as of winter
2006-2007 and summer
2007. Destinations offered
and gateways may vary.

Note 2: 
“Source only” countries
are those where we 
market Jonview Canada
and/or Tourgreece 
products and to which we
offer neither air service,
packages or tours. 
We offer no products out
of “destination only” 
countries.

Main markets 

Source and destination markets

Destination markets only

Source countries only

Air Transat gateways and destinations

TTC & Rêvatours: other carriers

TTC & Rêvatours: Air Transat and other carriers

Look Voyages & Vacances Transat (France) : 
gateways and destinations

Lookéa clubs (Look Voyages)

9

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

y
t
i
l
i

i

b
s
n
o
p
s
e
r

l

i

a
c
o
S

provide dream trips to more
than  200  children  suffering
from  a  serious  illness.  The
“Change  for  Kids” program,
which  encourages  our  pas-
sengers to donate any change
in  foreign  or  local  currency
left  over  after  their  trip,  has
helped raise more than $2.3
million since its creation. We
have  continued  to  support
the  Université  du  Québec  à
Montréal  (UQÀM)  Chair  in
Tourism, which fosters the
growth and prestige of the
tourism  industry  through
research, information and
training. 

In 2007, we contributed
more than $750,000 directly
to  philanthropic  causes,  our
employees  donated  more
than $100,000 to Centraide/
United Way as well as other
organizations, and we raised
approximately  $895,000
through our “Change for Kids”
program. 

O ver the years, Transat

and its 6,000 employees have
remained committed to mak-
ing  a  constant  and  signifi-
cant  contribution  to  society.
This starts with creating jobs
and making a positive direct
and indirect economic impact,
but  goes  much  further  with
philanthropic deeds in the
areas of sustainable tourism,
environmental  protection,
tourism  research,  humani-
tarian aid and healthcare. 
In addition, with the support 
of Transat, a considerable
number of our employees
volunteer  their  time  and
money to causes they believe
in; they collect clothing and
other humanitarian aid items
we ship, clean up shorelines,
participate in sporting events
or  challenges  to  raise  funds
for  research  into  healthcare,
the environment, etc.

In  2007,  as  in  previous
years, we helped popula-
tions  in  need  by  airlifting
humanitarian  aid  consisting
of clothing, books and com-
puters  on  behalf  of  organi-
zations  working  in  the  field.
Vacances  Transat  (France)
has  lent  its  support  to  the
Enfants du Mékong associa-
tion  –  which  strives  to  pro-
tect,  educate  and  improve
the  lives  of  children  in
Southeast  Asia  –  to  build  a
school  in  Vietnam  in  2008.
Air Transat’s partnership with
the Children’s Wish Founda-
tion of Canada, which dates
back  to  2004,  has  helped

10

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

 
Sustainable
tourism

Worldwide,  tourism  gen-
erates  significant  economic
activity and has a very posi-
tive effect socially. It can,
however, also have less desir-
able impacts, in particular on
the  resources,  ecosystems,
well-being  and  cultures  of
communities. “Sustainable”
tourism  entails  respect  for
nature,  as  well  as  for  host
communities  and  their  val-
ues;  it  combines  positive
socio-economic  benefits  for
local  populations  with  an
enriching  experience  for
travellers. In that spirit, we
are  striving  to  maximize  the
positive impacts of our oper-
ations  and  reducing  their
negative impacts. 

Transat  now  has  a  Sus-
tainable Tourism Committee,
chaired  by  Lina  De  Cesare,
whose  mandate  is  to  devel-
op and execute a long-term
action  plan  that  covers  the
environmental, socio-cultural
and  economic  aspects  of
tourism. The implementation
of  the  resulting  sustainable
tourism strategy is a consid-
erable  undertaking  that  will
continue  over  several  years.
In 2007, we attained some
important  milestones  with
the creation of environmental
committees at all our loca-
tions,  the  launch  of  a  com-
munity support program and
the  preparation  of  a  pilot
project  that  will  focus  on
the performance of our sup-
pliers in terms of sustainable
development.

SUPPORTING 
COMMUNITIES

World Wildlife 
Fund Canada

In the spring of 2007, we
launched a program to sup-
port tourism projects that 
are  based  on  the  principles
of  sustainable  development.
The  program  consists  of
funding  organizations  or
communities  that  are  taking
initiatives  aimed  at  protect-
ing  and  enhancing  their 
natural  and  cultural  heritage
or  maximizing  the  positive
impacts  of  tourism.  Both
within and outside our organ-
ization, this grant program is
also proving to be a powerful
conveyer of Transat’s values.
In 2007, out of approximately
100 applications, we select-
ed  four  projects  in  Canada
and Cuba.

Transat  is  proud  to  be
associated  with  the  World
Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-
Canada),  a  world  leader  in
environmental protection, for
a three-year project in Cuba.
Working  with  local  author-
ities, WWF-Canada will lay
the  groundwork  for  a  sus-
tainable  tourism  policy  to
help  protect  the  country’s
ecosystems, considered to 
be  among  the  richest  in  the
Caribbean region. 

The Frontenac Arch
Biosphere Reserve  

Transat  has  joined  forces
with the Frontenac Arch Bio-
sphere Reserve (a UNESCO
biosphere  reserve  located 
in Ontario) network, which is

t
t
o
t
S
g
e
r
G
/
a
d
a
n
a
C
-
F
W
W
©

“We are very pleased 
to support communities 
that are committed 
to the protection 
and enhancement 
of their heritage and 
environment.”

undertaking  an  important
green-accreditation  project
targeting  the  area's  busi-
nesses and organizations.
The  project  is  part  of  an
extensive  three-year  pro-
gram aimed at developing a
national  sustainable  tourism
model for biosphere reserves.

The Seigneurie 
des Aulnaies

Considered  to  be  the
most complete interpretation
centre of the seigniorial sys-
tem in Quebec, the Seigneurie
des  Aulnaies  received  fund-
ing  to  implement  a  five-year
plan  to  protect  and  develop
its  historic  buildings  as  well
as to modernize its reception
structures, enhance its activ-
ities and permanent exhibition.

The Amis du marais 
de Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly

The  Amis  du  marais  not-
for-profit organization, found-
ed  by  committed  citizens, 
is developing the recreational-
tourism potential of a marsh
area  and  10-kilometre  trail
a l o n g   t h e   b a n k s   o f   t h e  
St. Lawrence River at Saint-
Antoine-de-Tilly, near Quebec
City.

11

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

 
 
Air  Transat  estimates
that  since  2003  its  fuel-
management program has
prevented  the  release  of
some  129,000  tonnes  of  CO2
into  the  atmosphere,  an
amount  equivalent  to  the
yearly  emissions  of  21,000
automobiles. 
In  absolute
values, however, total annu-
al  CO2 emissions  rose  to
1,013,970 tonnes in 2007 as
a result of the fleet expan-
sion  and  the  increase  in  the
number of flights. Our fuel
consumption is 3.17 litres per
passenger/100  kilometres,
representing  CO2 emissions
of  8.02  kilograms  per  pas-
senger/100 kilometres.

Air  Transat  is  among  the
carriers that have adopted
best  industry  practices  in
terms of fuel management.
Our employees’ commitment
plays a pivotal part in enabling
us to succeed. In a quest for
ongoing  improvement,  we
are currently evaluating addi-
tional initiatives.

The  implementation  of  a
new  flight  planning  system
was  one  of  the  key  com-
ponents of the program. The
system takes into account 
a  number  of  variables  —
including  altitude,  speed,
wind  and  cost  of  fuel  —  to
optimize  navigation,  which
translates into substantial
savings. The pilots have also
adopted  new  fuel-saving
takeoff  and  landing  pro-
cedures.

On  the  ground,  single-
engine taxiing has become
the  norm  at  Air  Transat,
resulting  in  a  decrease  in
both  greenhouse-gas  emis-
sions and noise. Other gains
have been achieved by using
the  power  supply  services
provided  by  airports  rather
than  the  airplane  auxiliary
power unit for the cooling of
stationary  aircraft,  where
possible. 

The  company  has  also
reviewed  its  maintenance
program.  We  now  do  inter-
nal  engine  washes  on  a 
regular  basis  in  order  to
increase energy efficiency.
We  also  remove  chipped
paint as well as scratches on
the fuselage of the aircraft in
order to reduce drag.

FUEL 
MANAGEMENT

Given the rise in oil prices
and the increasingly pressing
issue of greenhouse-gas
emissions, the strict manage-
ment  of  aircraft  fuel  remains

2003, an exceptional per-
formance that has generated
savings  of  several  million
dollars, not to mention avoid-
ance of tens of thousands 
of tonnes of emissions. Fuel-
saving  initiatives  relate  to
flight  operations,  flight  plan-

“Our fuel-management
program is one of the 
most important steps 
we have taken in the
past four years.”

a constant priority. As early
as 2003, Air Transat intro-
duced  an  ambitious  fuel-
management program with a
twofold objective: to decrease
fuel costs and to cut down
on greenhouse-gas emissions.
The introduction and sys-
tematic tracking of new pro-
cedures  have  enabled  our
carrier  to  decrease  annual
fuel  consumption.  All  things
being  equal,  fuel  consump-
tion has dropped 5.5% since

ning, ground services as well
as  the  engineering  and  the
catering services. Below are
a few examples of the meas-
ures,  most  of  which  have
been  implemented  over  the
past four years:

Several  measures  were
aimed  at  reducing  aircraft
weight, because of its direct
impact on fuel consumption.
This  includes  reducing  the
amount  of  potable  water
carried  in  aircraft  water
tanks, decreasing the weight
of  entertainment  systems,
replacing  cargo  containers
and tires with light-weight
equivalents, etc.

12

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

2007

2006

2005

2007

2006

2005

Europe
(Revenues in thousands)

North America
(Revenues in thousands of dollars)

Outgoing tour operators 
and air transportation
Transat Tours Canada
(Transat Holidays, Nolitours 
and Air Transat)

Revenues 
Employees
Passengers1
Travellers 2

Rêvatours
Revenues 
Employees
Travellers

2,117,000 
2,881 

1,912,000   1,777,000
2,616
2,918,000   2,625,000  2,504,000
1,200,000  1,140,000
1,348,000 

2,667 

13,300
27 
4,300

18,400 
26
6,000 

19,600
27
7,000

Incoming tour operators 
and destination services
Jonview Canada
Revenues 
Employees
Travellers

121,000
170 
249,000

118,000 
183 
237,000 

117,300
169
223,000

Other
Revenues 
Employees

32,000
107 

32,000 
105 

12,000
19

Retail distribution
Transat Distribution Canada
(Club Voyages, Marlin Travel, 
TravelPlus, Voyages en Liberté 
and exitnow.ca)

Revenues 
(commissions 
and franchise) 
Outlets owned 
Employees
Outlets franchised 

Tripcentral.ca
Revenues 
(commissions) 
Employees
Outlets 

61,400
83
577 
304

36,000 
88 
597 
315 

19,500
21
210
190

7,400
100
22

7,700 
99 
23 

2,800
103 
16

Other airline services
Handlex
Revenues 
Employees

49,500
1,203

41,000 
1,108 

37,000 
1,024

Outgoing tour operators
Vacances Transat (France)
(Vacances Transat (France), 
Bennett Voyages and Brokair)
Revenues (m)
Employees
Travellers

211,000 
220 
155,000 

Look Voyages
Revenues (m)
Employees
Passengers
Travellers
Club Lookéa/summer3
Club Lookéa/winter3

189,000
309
9,000
204,000
26
12

Amplitude Internationale
Revenues (m)
Employees
Travellers 

19,000
19 
46,000

194,000  163,000 
213 
97,000

214 
141,000 

305 
3,000 

148,000  132,000
275 
65,000 
164,000  129,000
13
6

18 
7 

— 
— 
— 

—
—
—

ACE
Revenues 
(commissions) (m)
Employees
Travellers

Canadian Affair
Revenues (£)
Employees
Travellers

3,300
23
46,000

3,200 
19 
45,000 

2,600 
21 
43,000

71,000 
75
161,500 

30,500 
63 
69,700 

— 
— 
—

Incoming tour operators 
and destination services
Tourgreece
Revenues (m)
Employees
Travellers

20,700 
30
72,000

19,700 
35 
71,000 

19,000
27 
65,000

Retail distribution
Club Voyages (France)
Revenues
(commissions) (m)
Employees
Outlets

10,300 
191
69

9,900 
201 
72 

8,800
170 
52 

All subsidiaries wholly owned, except:
Jonview Canada (80.07%), Tourgreece (90.0%) 
and Travel Superstore Inc. (Tripcentral.ca) (50.1%).

1 Airlines record flight segments in terms of passengers
2 Tour operators record round-trip travellers
3 Including a Lookéa cruise in Egypt

In this table, passengers and travellers data have been compiled based
on  revenue  accounting  and  may  not  reflect  geography  of  source  mar-
kets. In addition some travellers may be allocated to more than one tour
operator.

13

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

i

l

i

s
s
y
a
n
A
&
n
o
s
s
u
c
s
D
s
’
t
n
e
m
e
g
a
n
a
M

i

This MD&A is comprised 
of the following sections:

OVERVIEW

CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS 

LIQUIDITY AND 
CAPITAL RESOURCES

OTHER

ACCOUNTING

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

OUTLOOK

16

22

28

30

30

35

35

38

14

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

Caution regarding 
forward-looking statements
This MD&A contains certain forward-looking statements with
respect  to  the  Corporation.  These  forward-looking  statements  are
identified  by  the  use  of  terms  and  phrases  such  as  “anticipate”,
“believe”,  “estimate”,  “expect”,  “intend”,  “may”,  “plan”,  “predict”,
“project”, “will”, “would”, as well as the negative of these terms and
similar  terminology,  including  references  to  assumptions.  All  such
statements are made pursuant to applicable Canadian securities leg-
islation.  Such  statements  may  involve  but  are  not  limited  to  com-
ments  with  respect  to  strategies,  expectations,  planned  operations
or future actions. 

Forward-looking statements, by their nature, necessarily
involve  risks  and  uncertainties  that  could  cause  actual  results  to 
differ  materially  from  those  contemplated  by  these  forward-looking
statements.  Results  indicated  in  forward-looking  statements  may 
differ materially from actual results for a number of reasons, including
without limitation, extreme weather conditions, armed conflicts, ter-
rorist attacks, energy prices, general industry, market and economic
conditions, disease outbreaks, changes in demand due to the sea-
sonal  nature  of  the  business,  the  ability  to  reduce  operating  costs
and employee counts, labour relations, labour negotiations and dis-
putes, pension issues, exchange and interest rates, changes in laws,
adverse regulatory developments or proceedings, pending litigation
and actions by third parties, and other risks detailed from time to time
in the Corporation’s continuous disclosure documents. 

The reader is cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not
exhaustive  of  the  factors  that  may  affect  any  of  the  Corporation’s 
forward-looking statements. The reader is also cautioned to consid-
er these and other factors carefully and not to put undue reliance on
forward-looking statements.

The  Corporation  made  a  number  of  assumptions  in  making
forward-looking statements in this MD&A such as certain economic
assumptions, market assumptions, operational and financial assump-
tions and assumptions about transactions and forward-looking state-
ments. 

Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are

•

•

•

•

•

not limited to, statements concerning:
•

Transat has the resources it needs to meet its 2008 objectives
and continue building on its long-term strategies.
The Corporation will continue investing in the hotel industry in
the Caribbean and in Mexico. 
The total number of travellers in 2008 is expected to be high-
er than in 2007.
The  Corporation’s  operating  expenses  are  expected  to
increase due to the growth in business activities.
The Corporation’s expectation that travel reservations will
continue to be higher than in the prior year. 
The Corporation expects to improve its margins in the winter
2008 season.
The Corporation’s expectation that cash flow from operations,
existing funds and borrowings under its credit facilities will be
sufficient to support ongoing working capital requirements.
In making these statements, the Corporation has assumed
that  the  trends  in  reservations  will  continue  throughout  the
remainder of the season, that the Corporation cannot predict the
impact of future energy prices and foreign exchange rates on its
financial  results,  that  credit  facilities  will  continue  to  be  made
available as in the past, that management will continue to man-
age cash flow variations to fund working capital requirements for
the full year. If these assumptions prove incorrect, actual results
and developments may differ materially from those contemplated
by the forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A.

•

The  Corporation  considers  the  assumptions  on  which

these forward-looking statements are based to be reasonable. 

These  statements  reflect  current  expectations  regarding
future  events  and  operating  performance  and  speak  only  as  of
the  date  of  release  of  this  MD&A,  and  represent  the  Corpora-
tion’s  expectations  as  of  that  date.  The  Corporation  disclaims
any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-look-
ing  statements,  whether  as  a  result  of  new  information,  future
events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

 
 
 
This  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis
(MD&A) provides a review of Transat A.T. Inc.’s opera-
tions, performance and financial position for the year
ended  October  31,  2007,  compared  with  the  year
ended October 31, 2006, and should be read in con-
junction  with  the  audited  Consolidated  Financial
Statements and notes thereto beginning on page 39.
This  MD&A  contains  information  as  of  January  16,
2008.  You  will  find  more  information  about  us  on
Transat’s  Web  site  at  www.transat.com  and  on
SEDAR  at  www.sedar.com,  including  the  Attest
Reports for fiscal 2007 and Annual Information Form.

Our financial statements are prepared in accor-
dance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles  (GAAP).  We  will  occasionally  refer  to  non-
GAAP  financial  measures  in  the  MD&A.  These  non-
GAAP  financial  measures  have  no  meaning  pre-
scribed  by  GAAP  and  are  therefore  unlikely  to  be
comparable  to  similar  measures  reported  by  other
issuers.  They  provide  additional  information  and
should not be considered a substitute for measures of
performance  prepared  in  accordance  with  GAAP.  All
dollar figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise
indicated.  The  terms “Transat,” “we,” “us,” “our” and
the “Corporation” mean Transat A.T. Inc. and its sub-
sidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. 

Financial Highlights
(In thousands of dollars, except per share data)

Consolidated Statements of Income

Revenues
Margin1
Net income  
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Dividend – Class A and B shares

Consolidated Balance Sheets
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in trust or  

otherwise reserved
Investments in ABCP

Assets

Debt (short-term and long-term)
Total debt1
Net debt1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

2007
$

2006
$

2005
$

3,045,917
133,070
80,480
2.38
2.36
0.34

2,603,746
126,944
65,770
1.88
1.85
0.14

2,364,481
120,631
55,416
1.43
1.33
—

Variance

2006
%

10.1
5.2
18.7
31.5
39.1
n/a

2007
%

17.0
4.8
22.4
26.6
27.6
142.9

166,768

214,887

293,495

(22,4)

(26,8)

168,196
142,346
477,310

1,097,505

91,837
371,146
62,032

203,613
—
418,500

959,195

87,824
408,161
193,274

182,268
—
475,763

949,537

106,769
463,382
169,887

(17,4)
n/a
14.1

14.4

4.6
(9.1)
(67.9)

11,7
n/a
(12.0)

1.0

(17.7)
(11.9)
13.8

Operating activities  

121,828

116,160

74,156

4.9

56.6

1 NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The terms “margin”, “operating cash flows”, “total debt” and “net debt” have no standard definition prescribed by Canadian GAAP and are therefore
unlikely to be comparable to similar measures reported by other issuers. However, these terms are presented on a consistent basis from year to year as
management uses them to measure Transat’s financial performance. 

Margin is used by management to assess Transat’s ongoing and recurring operational performance. Margin equals revenues less operating expenses,

according to the Consolidated Statements of Income. 

Operating cash flows is used by management to assess Transat’s operating performance and its capacity to meet its financial obligations. Operating
cash flows are defined as cash flows from operating activities excluding the net change in non-cash working capital balances related to operations, the
net change in the provision for aircraft overhaul and the net change in other assets and liabilities related to operations, according to the Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows.

Total debt is used by management to assess Transat’s future cash requirements. It represents the combination of balance sheet debt (long-term debt

and debenture) and off-balance sheet arrangements, excluding arrangements with suppliers presented on p.29.

Net debt is used by management to assess Transat’s cash position. It corresponds to the total debt (described above) less cash and cash equivalents

not held in trust or otherwise reserved, and investments in asset backed commercial paper [“ABCP”].

15

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

OVERVIEW

The holiday travel industry  
The  holiday  travel  industry  is  composed  mainly
of  tour  operators,  travel  agencies  (traditional  and
online) and air carriers serving the holiday travel mar-
ket through a combination of scheduled and charter
air services. According to the World Tourism Organiza-
tion, international tourist arrivals reached a record high
of 846 million in 2006 and could reach one billion by
2010. 

Tour  operators  specialized  in  outgoing  services
purchase the various components of a trip (including
certain  services  purchased  abroad)  and  sell  them  to
consumers  in  their  local  markets,  generally  via  travel
agencies,  either  as  travel  packages  or  separately.
‘Incoming’  tour  operators  design  travel  packages  or
other travel products consisting of services they pur-
chase in their local market for sale in foreign markets,
generally through other tour operators or travel agen-
cies. The companies providing destination services are
based  at  destination  and  sell  a  range  of  products  to
travellers onsite for quick or immediate consumption.
Travel  agencies  are  the  intermediaries  between
tour  operators  and  consumers.  Travel  agents  meet
with,  advise  and  sell  to  consumers.  Travel  agencies
sell holiday packages and plane tickets offered by tour
operators, in addition to plane tickets sold directly by
airline carriers and other travel products and services.
Online travel agencies now offer a large range of trav-
el  products  via  transactional  Internet  Web  sites.  In
both  North  America  and  Europe,  online  travel  sales
are  now  made  up  almost  exclusively  of  air-only  tick-
ets,  with  only  a  small  proportion  consisting  of  pack-
ages  (including  airline  tickets  and  hotels).  Sales  of
online packages, however, are expected to grow.

Air  carriers  provide  services  to  travel  agencies
and tour operators. These carriers are known as
“scheduled”  when  they  sell  services  directly  to  the
public  and  travel  agencies,  and  as  “charter”  when
they sell seats in blocks to tour operators.

Core business, vision and strategy
Core business – Transat is one of the largest
fully  integrated  world-class  tour  operators  in  North
America. We do business in a single industry (holiday
travel) and we mainly market our products in two geo-
graphic areas (North America and Europe). Transat’s
core  business  involves  developing  and  marketing
vacation travel services in air-only or package formats,

including airline seats. We operate as both an outgoing
and incoming tour operator by bundling services bought
in  Canada  and  abroad  and  reselling them  in  Canada,
France, the U.K. and elsewhere, mainly through travel
agencies, some of which we own. Transat is also a major
retail distributor with a total of approximately 500 travel
agencies and a multi-channel distribution system that
incorporates Web-based sales. Transat leverages on its
subsidiary  Air  Transat,  Canada’s  largest  international
charter  air  carrier,  to  meet  a  substantial  portion  of  its 
airline seat needs. We also offer destination, hotel man-
agement and airport services. 

Vision  – The  international  tourism  market  is
growing,  and  international  tourists  have  increasingly
varied origin markets and travel destinations. Transat’s
vision  is  to  maximize  shareholder  value  by  entering
new markets, increasing our market share and maxi-
mizing the benefits of vertical integration. We maintain
a leadership position in the Canadian market, where
we operate as an outgoing and incoming tour opera-
tor  and  as  the  country’s  leading  charter  airline.  We
are also a well-established outgoing tour operator in
France and the U.K. and an incoming tour operator in
Greece. We offer our customers a broad range of
international destinations spanning some 60 coun-
tries. Over time, we want to expand our business into
other countries where we believe there is high growth
potential  for  an  integrated  player  specializing  in  holi-
day  travel,  namely  the  United  States  and  additional
European countries. 

Strategy  – We  have  completed  a  three-year
strategic  plan  (2006-2008)  focusing  on  growth  and
profitability. We anticipate that increased international
tourism  will  speed our  growth  in  North  America  and
Europe. To this end, we will be making new acquisi-
tions  while  pursuing  an  aggressive  pace  of  internal
growth. Our key strategic focuses are as follows:

In Canada, Transat is the leader in all regions. We
plan to bolster our presence in Ontario by adding new
destinations and expanding our distribution network to
remain the market leader in all regions of the country.
In  Europe,  Transat  intends  to  grow  its  market
share  and  continue  its  vertical  integration  in  France
and the U.K., building on its strong presence in these
two high-potential markets. Transat will also continue
its initiatives to expand into other European countries
as  a  tour  operator  specializing  in  travel  to  Canada,
among other destinations.

16

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

Elsewhere, Transat plans to target new markets,
in particular, to become a tour operator in the U.S., a
strategic  market  which  has  been  analyzed  for  some
time.  In  addition,  Transat  will  continue  considering 
the  possibility  of  penetrating  other  markets  in  North
America.

Transat wishes to step up development of desti-
nation services and to assume a portion of its accom-
modation  needs  in  order  to  gain  better  control  over
capacity and product quality, while increasing its mar-
gins. In practical terms, this may mean greater invest-
ments  in  the  hotel  industry  in  the  Caribbean  and  in
Mexico. 

In light of rapid change in the distribution indus-
try and travellers’ expectations, and given the impor-
tance of organizational responsiveness and productiv-
ity, our strategic plan includes our ongoing technolo-
gy  and  training  initiatives  and  investments.  To  this
end, Transat will strive to introduce cutting-edge solu-
tions via agencies and direct sales in order to adapt 
to  new  markets  and  to  continue  efficiency  improve-
ments.

Transat  anticipates  to  implement  its  strategic
plan with funding from existing cash resources, future
cash flows and external sources, as needed.

Review of 2006-2007 objectives 
and achievements
(See table, pages 18 to 21)

Key performance drivers
The  following  key  performance  drivers  are
essential  to  the  successful  implementation  of  our
strategy and to the achievement of our objectives:

Market  share – Be  the  leader  in  Canada  in  all
provinces and  increase  market  share  in  Ontario,
across the rest of the country and in Europe.

Revenue growth – Grow revenues by more than

5%, excluding acquisitions. 

Margin – Generate margins higher than 5%.  

Ability to deliver on our objectives
Our ability to deliver on our objectives is depend-
ent on our financial and non-financial resources, both
of  which  have  contributed  to  the  success  of  our
strategies  and  the  achievement  of  our  objectives  in
the past.

Our financial resources include:
Cash – Cash and cash equivalents not held in
trust or otherwise reserved amount to a strong $166.8
million as at October 31, 2007. Moreover, our contin-
ued  focus  on  expense  control  and  margin  increases
should maintain our cash balances at healthy levels,
taking into consideration the possible use of cash bal-
ances to acquire businesses. We also hold a $142.3
million investment in ABCP.  

Credit  facilities – Since  November  2007,  we
can also count on a revolving credit facility of $150.0
million expiring in 2012.  

Our non-financial resources include:
Brand – We  have  taken  all  necessary  steps,
including the use of a new corporate logo and an inte-
grated branding platform, to create a unique, strong
and  visible  identity  across  our  main  business  units
with  a  view  to  maximizing  customer  awareness  in
both  the  B2C  and  B2B  markets,  fully  leveraging  the
contribution of all business units and creating value.

Structure – Our  vertically  integrated  structure
ensures a  better  quality  control  of  our  products  and
services.  

Employees – In recent years, we have intensified
our efforts to build a unified corporate culture based on
a  clear  vision  and  shared  values.  As  a  result,  our
employees work together as a team and are commit-
ted  to  ensuring  overall  customer  satisfaction  and
improving the efficiency of the Corporation. In addition,
we believe we reap the benefits and expertise of strong
leadership, since our founders are still at the helm.

Relationships  with  suppliers – We  have
exclusive access to certain hotels at sunshine desti-
nations as well as almost 20 years of preferred rela-
tionships with many hotels at these destinations and
in Europe.

Transat  has  the  resources  it  needs  to  meet  its
2008 objectives  and  to  continue  building  on  its
long-term strategies. 

(Cont’d p.22)

17

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

Review of 2007-2008 objectives and achievements

2007 Objectives

Achievements or progress 
as at October 31, 2007

Enhance  our  competitiveness  in  Canada.  In  Canada,  where
competition  remains  fierce,  we  intend  to  continue  growing  our
Ontario  market  share,  and  maintain  or  increase  our  share  else-
where.  We  are  stepping  up  capacity,  adding  new  destinations,
continuing to expand the scope of our distribution network, which
is  increasingly  efficient  at  combining  all  the  channels  the  market
expects,  and  pursuing  initiatives  to  reduce  costs  and  maximize
revenue  streams,  particularly  between  Canada  and  the  U.K.  In
addition, we are preparing the next stage in the initiative to renew
our  fleet  of  aircraft,  whose  structure  remains  a  key  competitive-
ness factor.

We have:
(cid:1) Expanded  and  protected  our  market  share  (in  Québec)  and
improved it (in Ontario and the West) for vacation packages to
Mexico  and  the  Caribbean  during  the  winter  season.  Added
new destinations to Europe in the summer (Barcelona, Malaga,
Vienna) and achieved one of our objectives: be the leader in all
parts of the country.

(cid:1) Completed the integration of travel agencies acquired in 2006
and the migration to the Marlin Travel banner; increased sales
of  Transat  products  by  the  group’s  agencies;  introduced  a
compensation  plan  for  travel  agents  that  is  aligned  with  the
corporate strategy; set up the foundations for a CRM program
by launching the initial phase of an outbound marketing effort.

Become  more  competitive  and  accelerate  our  growth  in
Europe. We will be developing a new European expansion plan
based on growth in our tour operator and distribution operations,
through internal growth and potentially acquisitions. We will focus
on (i) expanding our multi-channel distribution system combining
various  distribution  strategies,  including  direct  sales;  (ii)  growing
the  Air  Transat  network;  (iii)  optimizing  business  processes  to
reduce costs at our European operations; and of course (iv) inte-
grating  Canadian  Affair’s  operating  and  marketing  functions  and
increasing our market share between Canada and the U.K.

We have:
(cid:1) Substantially  increased  our  volumes,  sales  (by  28%)  and  the
EBT  at  Look  Voyages  (6%  of  revenues),  confirming  the  shift
completed in 2006.
Increased  sales  at  Vacances  Transat  (France)  by  9%  and
strengthened its long-haul offering (increase in Africa, new des-
tinations in Asia).

(cid:1)

(cid:1) Acquired Amplitude Internationale, an outgoing tour operator
specializing on Tunisia, the second most popular foreign des-
tination for purchasers of packages in France.

Tap into new outgoing markets. After breaking into the British
market in 2006, we continue to actively study the U.S. market in
search of acquisitions, in order to gain a foothold in this market as
an  outgoing  tour  operator.  We  will  achieve  this  goal  via  acquisi-
tions, provided the opportunity meets our parameters.

We have:
(cid:1) Completed an in-depth analysis of the U.S. market, approached
several potential targets and held talks (in the U.S and in
Europe) that did not however lead to a transaction beneficial 
to our shareholders.

18

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

(cid:1) Successfully continued the implementation of our multi-chan-
nel  distribution  system,  which  resulted  in  sales  increases  of
more  than  20%  on  our  B2C  Web  sites  (mainly  under  the  Air
Transat  brand  in  summer)  and  of  more  than  15%  compared
with 2006 via global distribution systems (GDS). Implemented
online seat pre-selection.

(cid:1) Developed a new growth plan for Europe.
(cid:1) Maintained  Air  Transat  fleet’s  excellent  on-time  performance
and  reliability  ratio,  increased  capacity,  substantially  reduced
costs (total costs excluding fuel) in terms of available seat miles
and increased incidental revenues.

(cid:1) Successfully completed the integration of Canadian Affair.
(cid:1) Completed  the  acquisition  of  Air  Consultants  Europe  (70%
interest  already  held)  and  forged  closer  links  between  our
European subsidiaries working with TTC and Jonview Canada.

(cid:1) Revised our entry strategy into the U.S., based on information

gathered in 2007.

2008 Objectives

Strengthen our leadership position in Canada and the rela-
tionships  between  Transat  Tours  Canada  (TTC)  and  our
European subsidiaries active in the Transatlantic market.
(cid:1) Further increase our Ontario market share for Southern desti-
nations  in  winter  by  leveraging  our  leadership  position
achieved in 2007 and maintain or increase market share in all
other parts of Canada where we are the leader. 

(cid:1) Start  implementing  the  five-year  expansion  plan  for  the
Transatlantic  market  by  adding  new  destinations  and  forging
closer links between TTC and our European subsidiaries act-
ing  as  sellers/resellers  (Canadian  Affair,  Vacances  Transat
(France) and Air Consultants Europe (ACE) as well as with Air
Transat and Jonview Canada, and capitalize on our presence
on both sides of the Atlantic.

(cid:1) Continue  to  strengthen  our  multi-channel  distribution  system
by  consolidating  the  travel  agency  network  and  developing
web platforms that are well-adapted to market trends.
Increase our margins, particularly by continuing our cost con-
trol efforts, e.g. seeking new synergies among subsidiaries.

(cid:1)

Become more competitive and strengthen our position as
an outgoing European tour operator.

(cid:1) Continue to diversify destinations offered from France, based
on  the  current  business  models  at  Look  Voyages  and
Vacances Transat (France).

(cid:1) Continue  to  strengthen  our  multi-channel  distribution  system
by  strengthening  links  between  our  travel  agencies  and  tour
operators  and  by  developing  web  platforms  that  are  well-
adapted to markets trends.

(cid:1) Develop a strategic growth plan for our organization in France.

Tap into new outgoing markets.

(cid:1) Seek growth opportunities for outgoing tour operations in new
markets,  mainly  in  southern  Europe  and  North  America,  via
acquisitions that match our business model.

(cid:1) Continue  to  seek  targets  in  the  U.S.  based  on  new  criteria,
namely smaller players that are very active on the Internet.

19

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

Review of 2007-2008 objectives and achievements (Cont’d)

2007 Objectives

Achievements or progress 
as at October 31, 2007

Further  capitalize  on  vertical  integration  at  destination.  This
initiative will be threefold: (i) increase the non-Transat sales of our
incoming tour operators and destination service providers; (ii) tar-
get acquisitions in the incoming market; (iii) target acquisitions or
partnerships in the hotel industry in our primary Southern markets
to supply a portion of our room needs and benefit from the eco-
nomic performance of this industry segment.

We have:
(cid:1)

Increased  our  non-Transat  sales  at  Tourgreece,  which  has
developed new markets: Japan, Venezuela, North Korea and
Mexico.

(cid:1) Restructured  our  destination  service  providers  in  the
Caribbean and Mexico to become the majority shareholder of
each of them, have a shared management team and generate
substantial savings.

Implement a knowledge management culture complete with
the necessary processes to support our growth and continu-
ity. Acknowledging the vital contribution of human capital to the
achievement of our mission statement and the necessity of antic-
ipating our needs to drive growth, we will (i) enhance our training
and  development  programs;  and  (ii)  ensure  that  all  our  sub-
sidiaries  develop  or  fine-tune  their  succession  plans,  such  as
through a high-potential employee development program.

We have:
(cid:1) Developed  a  formal  process  for  reviewing  organizational
design using a multidimensional approach (structure, culture,
talent management, management styles).

(cid:1) Developed guiding principles and set new succession-related
objectives  for  2008,  based  on  some  60  meetings  with  man-
agers.

Develop  and  implement  an  integrated  information  manage-
ment  infrastructure  that  supports  development  and  actively
contributes  to  profitable  growth.  Taking  into  account  specific
geographic considerations, we will continue developing our busi-
ness-to-business  (B2B)  and  business-to-consumer  (B2C)  plat-
forms  by  adding  new  features  to  support  greater  product  sales
and tight price management, thereby enhancing the breadth and
flexibility of our service offering. In addition, we will (i) actively con-
tinue the pooling of assets, investments and resources among our
business units to either upgrade services, achieve greater harmo-
nization or reduce costs; (ii) pursue our plan to adopt a more effi-
cient  centralized  seat  management  system;  (iii)  and  implement
new  analytical  and  decision-making  support  tools  to  lower  our
response time.

In 2007, we made sustainable tourism a strategic priority. 

We have:
(cid:1) Developed a three-year IT strategic plan (2008-2010)) aimed at

(cid:1)

renewing our portfolio of applications.
Implemented online seat pre-selection on Air Transat and con-
tinued the development of our platforms (B2C).

(cid:1) Considerably improved the strength of our systems and their

(cid:1)

capacity to handle increasing volumes (B2B). 
Installed  a  new  telephone  infrastructure  (particularly  for  call
centres)  to  enhance  customer  service;  built  a  new  external
server  room  to  serve  all  Canadian  subsidiaries,  thereby
strengthening security and our recovery capacity.

We have:
(cid:1) Set up a Sustainable Tourism Committee headed by Lina De
Cesare,  who  is  responsible  for  planning  and  implementing  a
plan  that  will  be  developed  in  2008  to  adapt  our  processes,
products and culture, and make Transat a leader in sustainable
tourism in North America.

20

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

(cid:1) Held  discussions  with  several  incoming  tour  operators  in
Europe that did not however lead to a transaction beneficial to
our shareholders.

(cid:1) Set up a joint venture in the hotel industry in Mexico and the
Dominican  Republic  with  H10  Hotels,  a  Spanish  chain:  we
paid US$55 million for a 35% interest in five top-grade hotels
(1,600 rooms), thereby achieving an important objective of the
2006-2008 strategic plan.

(cid:1) Provided tailor-made management training courses for almost

600 employees .

(cid:1) Launched  a  management  certificate  program  in  cooperation
with Ryerson University in Toronto, as part of Air Transat
Academy. 

(cid:1)

(cid:1) Carried out a tactical revamping of the current seat manage-
ment system and undertook new actions to migrate to a new
system that will be purchased in 2008.
Implemented  new  analytical  and  decision-making  tools  to
lower our response time as well as a new management system
for  aircraft  maintenance,  which  will  help  better  control  costs.
Successfully continued SAP deployment in our company.

2008 Objectives

Capitalize on vertical integration at destination.

(cid:1) Successfully complete the integration of our joint venture in the

hotel industry and develop a growth plan.   

(cid:1) Seek out acquisition targets in the incoming tourism business
to increase the number of destinations with a complete 
offering.

Provide  additional  resources  to  managers  to  actively
ensure employee development from the perspective of
long-term retention and knowledge management. 
(cid:1) Develop new tools to enhance managers’ coaching skills.
(cid:1) Make  the  process  of  identifying  talent  more  transparent  for

(cid:1)

employees.
Improve succession management by setting up a new system
for monitoring employee development plans.

Develop  and  implement  an  integrated  information  man-
agement  infrastructure  that  supports  development  and
actively contributes to profitable growth.

(cid:1) Adapt  our  Internet  strategy  by  further  integrating  it  into  our
business model, with respect to both distribution channels and
management processes.

(cid:1) Test  and  select  second-generation  application  solutions  and
initiate  migration  to  such  solutions  while  continuing  to
strengthen  platforms,  all  of  which  contributing  to  profitable
growth.

(cid:1) Taken  several  initiatives,  namely  creating  a  new  philanthropic
program  to  support  community-based  projects,  setting  up
environmental committees at all Transat sites, implementing an
environmental certification initiative at Air Transat and continu-
ing our aggressive fuel management program developed and
implemented in 2003.

(cid:1) Carefully studied the impact of potential European regulations
on greenhouse gases emissions starting in 2011 on the renew-
al of our fleet slated for 2012.

Enhance  our  structures,  processes  and  strategies  to
adapt  to  fast-changing  trends  in  the  tourism  industry,
particularly those resulting from expectations and chal-
lenges relating to social responsibility.

(cid:1) Develop and adopt a policy and action plan to make Transat
the  leader  in  sustainable  tourism,  in  Canada’s  mass  tourism
industry. 

(cid:1) Develop a medium-term development strategy that reconciles
the fleet renewal plan with the potential additional costs result-
ing from regulations related to greenhouse gases emissions.

21

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

Revenues per geographic areas
Years ended October 31 (in thousands of dollars)

2007
$

2006
$

2005
$

2007 2006
%

%

Variance

North 
America 2,278,116 2,059,611 1,896,487 10.6
Europe
Total

8.6
467,994 41.1 16.3
3,045,917 2,603,746 2,364,481 17.0 10.1

544,135

767,801

The overall increase is due to revenue growth of
10.6%  in  North  America  and  41.1%  in  Europe.  The
key factor driving higher revenues was the number of
travellers, which increased by 18.3% over 2006. The
growth  in  the  number  of  travellers  resulted  from  an
increase  of  6.7%  in  North  America  and  74.8%  in
Europe,  due  to  the  acquisition  of  Canadian  Affair  in
2006,  among  other  factors.  Higher  revenues  from
European operations were also amplified by the
weakness  of  the  dollar  against  the  euro  and  the
pound sterling. 

We expect that the total number of travellers in
2008 will be higher than in 2007. In light of this
increased volume and our recent acquisitions, we also
expect revenues to grow, compared with 2007.

Operating expenses 
Our operating expenses consist mainly of direct
costs, salaries  and  employee  benefits,  aircraft  fuel,
commissions, aircraft maintenance, airport and navi-
gation fees, and aircraft rent.

The overall growth in operating expenses is due
to  a  11.4%  increase  in  North  America  and  a  40.1%
increase in Europe. These increases resulted primari-
ly from the higher pace of business activity, especially
in Europe but also in North America, and the impact
of  acquisitions  since  2006.  As  a  percentage  of  rev-
enues, operating expenses have marginally grown to
95.6% from 95.1% in 2006.

Approximately  30%  of  our  operating  expenses
are payable in U.S. dollars. We did not however fully
benefit  from  the  rebounding  Canadian  dollar,  due  to
our hedging program.

Direct costs include the cost of the various trip
components  sold  to  consumers  via  travel  agencies
and incurred by our tour operators. They also include
hotel  room  costs  and  the  costs  of  reserving  blocks 
of  seats  or  full  flights  with  air  carriers  other  than  Air
Transat. In 2007, these costs amounted to 52.6% of
our revenues, up from 50.2% in 2006. The dollar-figure
increases were mainly due to our acquisition of

CONSOLIDATED 
OPERATIONS
Acquisitions
During  the  year  ended  October  31,  2007,  the
Corporation acquired several businesses. These
acquisitions  were  recorded  using  the  purchase
method. The results of these businesses were includ-
ed  in  the  Corporation’s  results  as  of  their  respective
dates of acquisition.

On  May  1,  2007,  the  Corporation  acquired  the
balance of the shares (30%) of Air Consultants Europe
(ACE) that it did not already own for a cash consider-
ation  of  m1.3  million  ($1.9  million).  Since  this  date,
ACE is a wholly owned subsidiary.

On July 11, 2007, the Corporation acquired
100% of the issued and outstanding shares of French
outgoing  tour  operator  L’Européenne  de  Tourisme
(Amplitude  Internationale)  for  a  total  consideration  of
m6.0  million  ($8.6  million).  A  cash  payment  of  m4.6
million ($6.2 million) was made on the acquisition date
and the balance of m1.4 million ($1.9 million) is due by
July  31,  2008.  The  final  purchase  price  allocation  is
expected to be completed as soon as the Corpora-
tion’s  management  has  gathered  all  the  significant
information it deems necessary. 

These  transactions  resulted  in  a  $5.6  million
increase in balance sheet goodwill. Note 18 to the audit-
ed  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  presents  the
purchase price allocation for the acquired businesses.

Geographic Areas
Revenues
We draw our revenues from outgoing tour oper-
ators, air transportation, travel agencies, distribution,
incoming tour operators and services at travel des-
tinations. The terms “travellers” and “passengers” will
be  used  throughout  the  MD&A  to  explain  certain
changes. Basically, tour operators record round-trips
in  terms  of  travellers  and  airlines  record  flight  seg-
ments in terms of passengers.

22

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

Canadian  Affair,  which  almost  exclusively  uses 
third party flights, an increased level of business oper-
ations, and higher per-seat and hotel room costs. The
strength  of  the  euro  and  the  pound  sterling  against
the Canadian dollar also contributed to increasing our
direct costs compared to 2006.

Salaries and employee benefits rose 15.4% com-
pared  with  fiscal  2006,  due  in  part  to  our  business
acquisitions since November 1, 2005, increased busi-
ness activity and the addition of two aircraft to our fleet
since 2006 that required us to hire more employees. 
Aircraft fuel costs rose 10.5%, or $25.9 million,
during the year. This increase arose mainly from greater
business activity, and the addition of one aircraft to the
fleet in 2006 and another in the third quarter of 2007. 
Commissions include the fees paid by tour oper-
ators to travel agencies for serving as intermediaries
between  tour  operators  and  consumers.  As  a  per-
centage  of  revenues,  commissions  decreased  from
6.6% in 2006 to 6.1%, partly due to synergies result-
ing from the expansion of our travel agency network
following  acquisitions  in  fiscal  2006  and  to  the  fact
that most sales at Canadian Affair involve no interme-
diaries.

Aircraft  maintenance  costs  relate  mainly  to  the
engine  and  airframe  maintenance  expenses  incurred
by Air Transat. Despite a higher pace of business activ-
ity,  these  expenses  remained  stable  compared  with
2006 due to, among other factors, the strength of our
domestic currency against the U.S. dollar and the high
reliability of our aircraft.

Airport and navigation fees mainly comprise fees
charged by airports. The 20.5% increase in fees com-

pared with the previous year resulted from greater busi-
ness activity and higher airport landing fees imposed by
several airports.

Aircraft rent remained stable in 2007 compared
with  2006.  The  Canadian  dollar  strength  against  the
U.S. dollar partially offset new lease payments for air-
craft added to our fleet in 2006 and 2007. Aircraft rent
will increase in the next fiscal year with the addition of
another  aircraft  to  our  fleet  at  the  end  of  the  2008 
winter season.

Although they fell marginally as a percentage of
revenues,  other  expenses  were  up  16.0%  compared
with  2006, primarily  as  a  result  of  greater  business
activity.

Despite  our  continued  efforts  to  reduce  and
control costs, we expect total operating expenses to
increase due to growth in business activity in 2008.

North America
Winter season
In  North  America,  revenues  rose  16.7%  during
the  2007  winter  season,  compared  with  the  corre-
sponding  season  in  2006,  mainly  due  to  a  13.2%
increase  in  the  number  of  travellers  over  2006.
Throughout the winter season, competition continued
to apply downward pressure on prices, particularly in
Québec. 

Our margin for the 2007 winter season declined
to  6.5%  from  7.2%  in  the  same  period  in  2006.  As
expected,  our  efforts  to  increase  market  share  in
Ontario, which turned out to be successful, resulted in
higher sales and lower margins. 

Operating expenses
Years ended October 31 (in thousands of dollars)

Direct costs
Salaries and 

2007
$
1,601,652

2006
$
1,307,732

2005
$
1,168,612

employee benefits

Aircraft fuel
Commissions
Aircraft maintenance
Airport and navigation fees
Aircraft rent
Other
Total

334,973
273,614
186,686
81,146
86,594
48,883
299,299
2,912,847

290,385
247,697
171,116
81,150
71,833
48,870
258,019
2,476,802

241,776
199,376
181,587
91,778
67,937
52,064
240,720
2,243,850

% of revenues

2007
52.6

11.0
9.0
6.1
2.7
2.8
1.6
9.8
95.6

2006
50.2

11.1
9.5
6.6
3.1
2.8
1.9
9.9
95.1

2005
49.4

10.2
8.4
7.7
3.9
2.9
2.2
10.2
94.9

Variance

2007
%
22.5

2006
%
11.9

20.1
15.4
24.2
10.5
9.1
(5.8)
— (11.6)
5.7
(6.1)
7.2
10.4

20.5
—
16.0
17.6

23

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

During the 2007 winter season, Air Transat
served some 40 destinations in 18 countries, primari-
ly southern or other sunshine destinations. During the
summer months, Air Transat shifts most of its capac-
ity to Europe, while maintaining some flights to south-
ern  destinations.  In  2007,  Air  Transat  offered  direct
flights to some 30 cities in 11 European countries.

Summer season
During  the  summer  season,  moderate  price
increases boosted revenues by 2.5%. The volume of
travellers held steady over the season, compared with
the same period in 2006. 

Competition remained fierce, particularly between
Canada and the U.K., contributing to a decline in the
margin from 3.8% in 2006 to 3.0% in 2007.

Europe
Winter season
In  Europe,  revenues  were  up  from  the  year
ended October 31, 2006. In particular, package sales
grew  at  Look Voyages,  mainly  as  a  result  of  height-
ened  business  activity,  but  also  due  to  the  euro’s
strength  against  the  dollar.  The  volume  of  travellers

rose 17.0% during the winter season, compared with
the corresponding period of 2006. 

We reported a negative margin of $1.4 million
compared  with  a  negative  margin  of  $2.7  million 
in 2006. As expected, Canadian Affair generated a
negative  margin,  which is entirely attributable to the
seasonal nature of its operations, i.e. mainly in sum-
mer. Meanwhile, the margin in France improved over
that in 2006. 

Summer season
For the summer season, revenues were up
48.5%, mainly due to the acquisitions of Canadian
Affair  (in  2006)  and  Amplitude  Internationale  in  July
2007. The number of travellers surged 66.5%, com-
pared with the 2006 season. Excluding the impact of
acquisitions,  the  number  of  travellers  rose  21.0%,
mainly due to growth at Look Voyages in France. 

Our  European  operations  generated  a  3.6%
margin for the summer season, up from 3.1% in
2006,  helped  by  solid  results  at  Look  Voyages  and
Amplitude Internationale. These  results  were  how-
ever partly offset by the loss incurred by Canadian
Affair.

North America — Winter and summer results
Years ended October 31 (in thousands of dollars)

Winter
2007
2006
$
$
1,375,092 1,178,532

2005
$
1,111,924

1,285,771 1,093,342
85,190
7.2

89,321
6.5

1,026,033
85,891
7.7

Variance

2007
%
16.7

17.6
4.8
(9.7)

2006
%
6.0

6.6
(0.8)
(6.5)

2007
$
903,024

Summer
2006
$

2005
$
881,079 784,563

Variance

2007
%
2.5

2006
%
12.3

876,314
26,710
3.0

847,474 750,778
33,785
4.3

33,605
3.8

3.4
(20.5)
(21.1)

12.9
(0.5)
(11.6)

Revenues
Operating 
expenses
Margin
Margin (%)

Europe — Winter and summer results
Years ended October 31 (in thousands of dollars)

2007
$
248,645

Winter
2006
$
194,613

2005
$
205,760

250,073
(1,428)
(0.6)

197,286
(2,673)
(1.4)

211,614
(5,854)
(2.8)

Variance

2007
%
27.8

26.8
46.6
57.1

2006
%
(5.4)

(6.8)
54.3
50.0

2007
$
519,156

Summer
2006
$

2005
$
349,522 262,234

500,689
18,467
3.6

338,700 255,425
6,809
2.6

10,822
3.1

Variance

2007
%
48.5

47.8
70.6
16.1

2006
%
33.3

32.6
58.9
19.2

Revenues
Operating 
expenses
Margin
Margin (%)

24

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

Other expenses and revenues
Amortization
Amortization is calculated on property, plant and
equipment, intangible assets subject to amortization,
deferred  lease  inducements  and  other  assets,  con-
sisting mainly of development costs.

Amortization expense was up 9.2%, mainly as a
result  of  additions  to  property,  plant  and  equipment
during the year and previous years.

Interest on long-term debt and debenture
The  14.2%  decrease  in  interest  on  long-term
debt  and  debenture  compared  with  2006  is  mainly
due  to  a  principal  repayment  on  a  long-term  debt
made in the third quarter of the year ended October
31,  2007,  and  the  strength  of  the  dollar  against  the
U.S. dollar since a significant portion of our long-term
debt is denominated in this currency. 

Other interest and financial expenses
Other  interest  and  financial  expenses  remained
relatively unchanged during the year, compared with
the previous year. 

Interest income
Growth in interest income resulted primarily
from higher  interest  rates  and  higher  average  cash
balances than in 2006. 

Other expenses and revenues 
Years ended October 31 (in thousands of dollars)

Unrealized gain on derivative financial 
instruments used for aircraft 
fuel purchases
Subsequent to the adoption on November 1, 2006
of new accounting standards and the discontinuation
of hedge accounting for its derivative financial instru-
ments  used  for  aircraft  fuel  purchases,  the  Corpo-
ration  recognized  an  unrealized  gain  on  derivative
financial  instruments  used  for  aircraft  fuel  purchases
amounting to $26.6 million for the year ended October
31, 2007. This gain corresponds to the change, during
the  fiscal  year,  in  the  fair  value  of  derivative  financial
instruments  outstanding  as  at  October  31,  2007,
used by the Corporation for managing risks related to
fluctuations in fuel prices (see Accounting section for more
details).

Foreign exchange gain on long-term 
monetary items
The  Corporation  recorded  a  foreign  exchange
gain  on  long-term  monetary  items  for  the  fiscal  year
as the Canadian dollar continued to strengthen against
the  U.S.  dollar  during  the  year.  A  stronger  Canadian
dollar  reduces  the  value  of  our  long-term  monetary
assets and liabilities. The foreign exchange gain on
long-term  monetary  items  was  primarily  due  to  the
positive impact of exchange rates on our debt levels.

Amortization
Interest on long-term debt and debenture
Other interest and financial expenses
Interest income
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments 

used for aircraft fuel purchases

Foreign exchange gain on long-term monetary items
Writeoff of goodwill
Writedown of investments in ABCP 
Gain on disposal of investment
Share of net income of companies subject 

to significant influence

Restructuring charge

2007
$
42,973
6,229
1,929
(19,745)

(26,577)
(3,023)
3,900
11,200
—

(651)
—

2006
$
39,360
7,264
1,484
(15,706)

—
(4,162)
—
—
—

(375)
—

2005
$
37,558
10,815
1,708
(12,963)

—
(2,309)
—
—
(5,747)

(461)
(934)

Variance

2006
%
4.8
(32.8)
(13.1)
21.2

—
80.3
—
—
n/a

(18.7)
n/a

2007
%
9.2
(14.2)
30.0
25.7

n/a
(27.4)
n/a
n/a
—

73.6
—

25

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

Writeoff of goodwill
During the quarter ended October 31, 2007, the
Corporation performed its annual test for impairment
of goodwill and trademarks by discounting future cash
flows  based  on  the  most  recent  financial  forecasts.
The fair value of a reporting unit, Travel Superstore Inc.,
was less than its net book value, which translated into
a  $3.9  million  impairment  of  goodwill  related  to  this
reporting unit.

Writedown of investments in ABCP
On August 22, 2007, pursuant to the disruption
of credit markets, the Corporation announced that a
portion totalling $154.5 million of cash on hand was
invested  in  non-bank  ABCP  with  ten  different  ABCP
trusts. Our results for the year include a writedown of
$11.2 million in respect of our ABCP holdings. 

The Canadian market for third party sponsored
ABCP  suffered  a  liquidity  disruption  in  mid-August
2007 following which a group of financial institutions
and  other  parties  agreed,  pursuant  to  the  Montréal
Accord (the “Accord”), to a standstill period in respect
of  ABCP  sold  by  23  conduit  issuers.  Participants  to
the Accord also agreed in principle to the conversion
of  the  ABCP  investments  into  longer-term  financial
instruments with maturities corresponding to the under-
lying  assets.  A  Pan-Canadian  Investors  Committee
was  subsequently  set  up  to  successfully  restructure
the Canadian ABCP market, bring back liquidity, cre-
ate  transparency  and  optimize  value  for  holders  of
notes  and  to  achieve  all  the  foregoing  as  quickly  as
possible. The signatories to the Accord, which do not
include  the  Corporation,  agreed  in  principle  on
December 23, 2007, to restructure all of the conduits
except  one.  The  solution  would  segregate  the  con-
duits  into  three  different  categories  based  on  the
underlying  assets.  Information  about  valuation  and
specifics  of  the  restructuring  is  not  yet  available  to
investors  and  wil  be  sent  to  investors  in  the  coming
week  in  order  to  complete  the  restructuring  by  the
end of March 2008.

Since there is no active market for ABCP secu-
rities,  the  Corporation’s  management  has  estimated
the fair value of these assets using a valuation model
that  incorporates  management’s  best  estimates  of
credit risk attributable to underlying assets, the rel-
evant market interest rate, amounts to be received,
maturity dates and assumptions regarding the likeli-
hood that the restructuring process will proceed as
planned by the Investors Committee. As a result of the

valuation,  the  Corporation  has  recognized  an  $11.2
million  writedown  reflecting  the  estimated  decline  in
fair value of these investments as at October 31,
2007, including a provision for its estimated share of
restructuring costs associated with the Accord. 

The Corporation’s estimate of the fair value of its
ABCP investments as at October 31, 2007 is subject
to significant uncertainty. While management believes
that  its  valuation  technique  is  appropriate  in  the  cir-
cumstances, changes in significant assumptions could
substantially affect the value of ABCP securities in the
coming quarters. The resolution of these uncertainties
could result in the ultimate value of these investments
varying significantly from management’s current best
estimates and the extent of that difference could have
a material effect on our financial results.

The  liquidity  crisis  in  the  Canadian  market  for
third  party  sponsored  ABCP  has  had  no  significant
impact  on  the  Corporation’s  operations  or  financial
position. The Corporation holds or has access to 
sufficient cash to meet all its financial, operational 
and regulatory obligations. Cash in trust, representing
deposits  from  customers,  as  well  as  cash  on  hand,
are  held  either  as  cash  or  invested  in  liquid  instru-
ments (mainly cash and term deposits) with a broad
range  of  major  financial  institutions  and  have  no 
exposure  whatsoever  to  the  current  ABCP  market
disruption.

Subsequent  to  year-end,  the  Corporation  was
repaid $10.8 million in ABCP securities, following the
successful restructuring and distribution of the assets
of one of the trusts. The nominal value of these secu-
rities was $11.0 million.

Gain on disposal of investment
In June 2005, we signed an agreement that led
to the sale of our 44.27% stake in Star Airlines S.A. for
a total consideration of m4.5 million. This transaction
resulted in a $5.7 million gain on disposal.

Income taxes
Our  income  tax  expense  for  the  fiscal  year
ended October 31, 2007 amounted to $35.6 million,
compared with $32.0 million for fiscal 2006. Excluding
the share in net income of companies subject to sig-
nificant influence, the effective tax rate was 30.7% for
the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 and 32.5%,
for the preceding year. 

The lower tax rate results mainly from the use by 
our  French  companies  of  a  portion  of  their  tax  loss

26

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

carryforwards  for  which  no  income  tax  assets  have
been  recognized.  However,  our  effective  tax  rate  for
fiscal  2007  would  have  been  37.0%  compared  with
35.1% in 2006, had we recorded income tax assets
related to these loss carryforwards.

Net income
As  a  result  of  the  items  discussed  in  “Consoli-
dated operations” of this MD&A, our net income
totalled  $80.5  million,  or  $2.38  per  share,  for  fiscal
2007, compared with a net income of $65.8 million, or
$1.88 per share, for fiscal 2006. For fiscal 2007, the
average number of outstanding shares used to deter-
mine the per share amounts was 33,763,000, and for
fiscal 2006, 34,907,000. 

On a diluted per share basis, earnings per share
for  fiscal  2007  amounted  to  $2.36,  compared  with
$1.85 for fiscal 2006. The adjusted weighted average
number of shares used to determine diluted earnings
per  share  was  34,212,000  for  the  current  year  and
35,660,000  for  2006  (see  note  15  to  the  audited  Consoli-
dated Financial Statements).

Excluding the unrealized gain on derivative finan-
cial  instruments  used  for  aircraft  fuel  purchases,  the
writeoff of goodwill and the writedown of investments
in ABCP, income in 2007 would total $74.5 million or
$2.18 per fully diluted share.

Selected unaudited 
quarterly financial information
Overall, revenues in 2007 were up compared
with 2006, primarily due to an increase in the number
of travellers and to the acquisitions made since fiscal
2006. 

Our margins fluctuated over the different quarters
in  2007,  compared  with  2006,  generally  shrinking  as 
a result of fierce competition throught the fiscal year.

Selected unaudited quarterly financial information
(In thousands of dollars, except per share data)

Fourth-quarter highlights
For the fourth quarter, the Corporation gener-
ated revenues  of  $680.4  million,  up  $60.9  million  or
9.8%, from $619.5 million for the corresponding peri-
od  in  2006.  This  increase  is  primarily  attributable  to
the  growth  in  revenues  generated  by  Canadian  tour
operators, and higher rev-enues  in  France  resulting
from internal growth at Look Voyages and the acqui-
sition of Amplitude Internationale in July 2007. 

The  margin  for  the  fourth  quarter  was  $20.5 
million, or 3.0%, compared with $28.8 million, or
4.7%, in 2006. Although operations in France gener-
ated  solid  returns,  price  pressure  was  extremely
strong on Canada-U.K. flights due to greater capaci-
ty  deployed  by  other  players  and  higher  taxes
imposed  by  the  U.K.,  all  of  which  having  a  negative
impact on the quarter’s margins.  

The  quarterly  results  were  affected  by  several
non-cash  items  including  an  $11.2  million  write-
down  ($8.0 million  after-tax)  in  respect  of  ABCP
investments, a $3.9 million writedown of goodwill from
the Corporation’ investment in Travel Superstore Inc.,
a  group  of  travel  agencies  based  in  Ontario,  and  a
gain  of  $13.6  million  ($9.1  million  after  tax)  resulting
from  the  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  financial  instru-
ments used for fuel purchases.

Net  income  for  the  fourth  quarter  amounted  to
$7.7  million,  or  $0.23  per  share  on  a  diluted  basis,
compared  with  $13.6  million,  or  $0.39  per  share  in
2006.  Excluding  the  above-mentioned  non-cash
items  not  related  to  operations,  net  income  would
total $10.4 million ($0.31 per share on a diluted basis)
compared  with  $13.6  million  ($0.39  per  share  on  a
diluted basis).

Revenues
Margin
Net income 
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share 

2007
712,337
24,674
2,132
0.06
0.06

Q1

2006
581,576
14,030
5,168
0.14
0.13

2007
911,400
63,219
53,944
1.59
1.58

Q2

2006
791,569
68,487
42,845
1.27
1.24

2007
741,762
24,722
16,749
0.50
0.49

Q3

2006
611,107
15,606
4,205
0.12
0.12

2007
680,418
20,455
7,655
0.23
0.23

Q4

2006
619,494
28,821
13,552
0.40
0.39

27

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

LIQUIDITY AND 
CAPITAL RESOURCES
As at October 31, 2007, cash and cash equiva-
lents totalled $166.8 million, compared with $214.9 mil-
lion in 2006. Cash and cash equivalents in trust or oth-
erwise  reserved  amounted  to  $168.2  million  at  the
end  of  fiscal  2007,  compared  with  $203.6  million  in
2006. Our balance sheet shows a working capital of
$71.5 million with a ratio of 1.1, compared with $97.6
million and a ratio of 1.2 in 2006.

On  November  16,  2007,  the  Corporation
entered into an agreement with a financial institution
for an unsecured revolving credit facility of $150.0 mil-
lion as well as a revolving credit facility of $60.0 million
for the purposes of issuing letters of credit, in respect
of which the Corporation must pledge cash as secu-
rity  for  105%  of  letters  of  credit  issued.  This  agree-
ment expires on November 16, 2012. Under the terms
and  conditions  of  this  agreement,  funds  may  be
drawn  down  by  way  of  bankers’  acceptances  and
bank loans in Canadian dollars, US dollars, euros or
pound sterling. Under this agreement, interest is charged
at bankers’ acceptance rates, at the financial institu-
tion’s prime rate or at LIBOR, plus a premium based
on certain financial ratios calculated on a consolidated
basis. 

With  regard  to  our  French  operations,  we  also
have access to unused lines of credit totalling m11.3
million ($15.5 million).

Total assets increased by $137.9 million, or 
14.4 %, to $1,097.5 million from $959.6 million as at
October 31, 2006. Shareholders’ equity fell by $13.1
million, from $296.0 million as at October 31, 2006

to $282.9 million as at October 31, 2007. The increase
in assets and liabilities and the decrease in sharehold-
ers’ equity result primarily from the application of new
accounting standards on financial instruments leading
to the recognition of the fair value of derivative finan-
cial instruments in the balance sheet and, for deriva-
tive  financial  instruments  designated  as  hedges  for
the purposes of hedge accounting, to a decrease in
accumulated other comprehensive income reported
under shareholders’ equity (see “Accounting” for more details).

Operating activities
Cash flows totalling $121.8 million were generat-
ed from operating activities, up $5.7 million from 2006,
mainly as a result of heightened business activities.

We expect to continue to generate positive cash

flows from our operating activities in 2008.

Investing activities
Cash flows used in investing activities during the 
fiscal year increased by $115.7 million to $160.8 mil-
lion from $45.1 million in 2006. Besides the reporting
of  our  investments  in  ABCP  as  an  investing  activity,
the  increase  results  primarily  from  the  $17.7  million
addition  to  property,  plant  and  equipment,  mainly
made  up  of  investments  in  computer  hardware  and
software as well as improvements made to our aircraft
fleet,  offset  by  the  positive  net  change  in  cash  and
cash equivalents in trust or otherwise reserved. 

In  2008,  we  expect  that  additions  to  property,
plant and equipment will total between $40.0 million
and $50.0 million.

Summary of Cash Flows
Years ended October 31 (in thousands of dollars)

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 

and cash equivalents

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

2007
$
121,828
(160,757)
(14,830)

2006
$
116,160
(45,054)
(152,046)

5,640
(48,119)

2,332
(78,608)

2005
$
70,434
(39,468)
(44,091)

(4,255)
(17,380)

Variance

2007
%
4.9
(256.8)
90.2

141.9
38.8

2006
%
64.9
(14.2)
(244.8)

154.8
(352.3)

The above table summarizes the cash flow activity and should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

28

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

Financing activities
During the year, cash flows used from financing
activities totalled $14.8 million for the fiscal year, down
$137.2 million compared with 2006, mainly because
share repurchases in fiscal 2007 fell by $108.5 million.
During the fiscal year, we repaid $26.1 million of our
long-term debt, mainly relating to certain aircraft, and
in the fourth quarter, we drew an amount of $39.9 mil-
lion  from  our  new  long-term  credit  facility.  Last,  we
issued $6.8 million in shares during the fiscal year and
paid  out  $11.5  million  in  dividends, compared  with
$1.9 million and $4.7 million respectively in 2006.

Off-balance sheet arrangements 
and contractual obligations
In the normal course of business, Transat enters
into  arrangements  and  incurs  obligations  that  will
impact its future operations and cash flows. Some of
these  obligations  are  reported  as  liabilities  in  the
Corporation’s  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for
the year. These obligations totalled $91.8 million as at
October 31, 2007 ($87.8 million in 2006). Obligations
that are not reported as liabilities are considered off-
balance  sheet  arrangements.  These  contractual
arrangements are entered into with non-consolidated
entities and are made up of:

• Guarantees (see notes 11 and 23 to the audited Consoli-

dated Financial Statements)

• Operating leases (see note 22 to the audited Consoli-

dated Financial Statements)

• Agreements with suppliers (see note 22 to the audit-

ed Consolidated Financial Statements)

Payments due by period  
Years ending October 31 (in thousands of dollars)

The  estimated  off-balance  sheet  debt  totalled
$504.9 million as at October 31, 2007 ($550.8 million
in 2006).

Off-balance sheet debt
(In thousands of dollars)

Guarantees

Irrevocable letters of credit
Security contracts 

Operating leases

Commitments under operating 
leases

Agreements with suppliers
Total

2007
$

10,751
848

2006
$

5,751
780

267,710

313,806

225,603
504,912

230,418
550,755

In the normal course of business, guarantees are
required in the travel industry to provide indemnifica-
tions and guarantees to counterparties in transactions
such as operating leases, irrevocable letters of credit
and  security  contracts.  Historically,  Transat  has  not
made  any  significant  payments  under  such  guaran-
tees.  With  operating  leases,  the  Corporation  can
lease  certain  items  rather  than  acquire  them.
Agreements  with  suppliers  are  negotiated  to  reserve
hotel rooms, blocks of seats and flights. 

We  believe  that  the  Corporation  will  be  able  to
meet its obligations with existing funds, operating cash
flows and borrowings under existing credit facilities.

Contractual  
obligations
Debenture
Long-term debt
Operating leases (aircraft)
Operating leases (other)
Agreements with suppliers
Total

2008
—
48,794
44,933
20,492
162,145
276,364

2009
3,156
—
39,446
17,276
37,991
97,869

2010
—
—
23,253
15,165
14,634
53,052

2012
2011
—
—
— 39,887
3,138
12,839
3,770
59,634

12,548
13,440
7,063
33,051

2013
and later
—
—
379
64,801
—
65,180

Total
3,156
88,681
123,697
144,013
225,603
585,150

The above table summarizes the Corporation’s obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts, including long-term debt,
operating leases, debentures and agreements with suppliers. Additional information is contained in notes 11, 12, 13 and 22 to the audited Consolidated
Financial Statements

29

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

OTHER

the  Dominican Republic, for a cash consideration of
US$55.0 million.

Normal course issuer bid
On June 15, 2007, the Corporation renewed, for
a 12-month period, the normal course issuer bid that
expired on June 14, 2007, with the intention to repur-
chase for cancellation up to a maximum of 3,288,003
of  its  Class  A  Variable  Voting  Shares  and  Class  B
Voting Shares, representing less than 10% of the pub-
licly held Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B
Voting Shares at the date the renewal bid was filed. 
This  program  allows  the  Corporation  to  pur-
chase  Class  A  Variable  Voting  Shares  and  Class  B
Voting Shares in the normal course of business, i.e.,
when  the  Corporation  believes  that  the  Class  A
Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares are
undervalued by the market.

These purchases are to be made via the Toronto
Stock Exchange in accordance with its policy on nor-
mal course issuer bids. The price the Corporation will
pay for any Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class
B Voting Shares will be the market price at the time of
acquisition, plus brokerage fees. Purchases began on
June 15, 2004, and will terminate no later than June
14, 2008.

During  the  year,  736,100  voting  shares,  made
up  of  Class  A  Variable  Voting  Shares  and  Class  B
Voting Shares, were purchased for cancellation for a
cash consideration of $23.9 million. 

Dividends
During  the  year,  the  Corporation  declared  and
paid dividends totalling $11.5 million. During the 2007
second quarter, the Corporation increased its quarter-
ly dividend by $0.02 per share to $0.09 per share.

Shares issued and outstanding
As at October 31, 2007, the number of Class A
Shares and Class B Shares totalled 1,978,743 and
31,649,643, respectively.

Stock options
As at October 31, 2007, the number of outstand-
ing  options  totalled  506,083,  of  which  250,993  were
exercisable.

Subsequent event
On December 10, 2007, the Corporation acquired
a 35% interest in Caribbean Investments B.V., a
company  that  operates  five  hotels  in  Mexico  and  in 

ACCOUNTING

Financial instruments
Management of fuel price 
and foreign exchange risks
In the normal course of business, the Corpora-
tion is exposed to risks related to changes in certain
foreign exchange rates and in fuel prices. The Corpo-
ration manages these risks through various derivative
financial instruments. Management is responsible for
determining the acceptable level of risk and only uses
derivative financial instruments to hedge existing com-
mitments or obligations and not to realize a profit on
trading activities notwithstanding wether or not hedge
accounting is used to account for these financial
instruments. 

The Corporation has entered into fuel purchas-
ing forward contracts maturing in less than two years
to  manage  exposure  to  fuel  price  fluctuations.  To
manage  foreign  exchange  risks,  it  has  also  entered
into  foreign  exchange  forward  contracts,  expiring  in
less than two years, for the purchase and sale of for-
eign currencies. 

Note  6  to  the  audited  Consolidated  Financial
Statements for the year ended October 31, 2007
(included  in  this  Annual  Report)  contains  additional
information on derivative financial instruments. 

Credit risk
Except for its investments in ABCP, the Corpora-
tion believes it is not exposed to a significant concen-
tration of credit risk. The risk to which the Corpora-
tion is exposed in relation to derivative financial instru-
ments is limited to the replacement cost of contracts
at market prices in the event of default by one of the
parties. Management is of the opinion that the credit
risk  related  to  financial  instruments  is  well  controlled
because the Corporation only enters into agreements
with  large  financial  institutions  with  suitable  credit
ratings. Cash and cash equivalents are invested on a
diversified  basis  in  investment-grade  corporations.
More  than  90%  of  the  Corporation’s  investments  in
ABCP are invested in funds whose assets are ranked

30

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

AAA according to the most recent ranking by Dominion
Bond  Rating  Service  (DBRS)  dated  November  6,
2007.  Accounts  receivable  generally  arise  from  the
sale of vacation packages to individuals through trav-
el  agencies  and  the  sale  of  seats  to  tour  operators,
which are dispersed over a wide geographic area.

Fair value of financial instruments 
reported in the balance sheets
Following the adoption, on November 1, 2006,
of  the  new  recommendations  of  the  Canadian
Institute of Chartered Accountants [“CICA”], including
Section  3855,  “Financial  Instruments  –  Recognition
and Measurement,” all the Corporation’s derivative
financial instruments are presented at their fair value in
the balance sheet. Cash and cash equivalents, cash
and  cash  equivalents  in  trust  or  otherwise  reserved,
and investments in ABCP are also presented at their
fair value in the balance sheet. 

The  carrying  amounts  of  the  financial  assets
designated  as  loans  and  receivables  consisting  pri-
marily of accounts receivable and short-term financial
liabilities classified as other financial liabilities approxi-
mate  their  fair  value  given  that  they  are  expected  to 
be realized or settled in the short term. The carrying
amounts of other long-term financial liabilities approx-
imate  their  fair  value  given  that  they  are  subject  to
terms and conditions, such as interest rates, similar to
those available to the Corporation for instruments with
comparable terms. 

The  fair  value  of  the  derivative  financial  instru-
ments  represents  the  amount  of  the  consideration
that could be exchanged in an arm’s length transac-
tion between willing parties who are under no compul-
sion to act. The Corporation determines the fair value
of  its  derivative  financial  instruments  using  the  pur-
chase  or  selling  price,  as  appropriate,  in  the  most
advantageous active market to which the Corporation
has immediate access. When the market for a deriva-
tive financial instrument is not active, the Corporation
establishes  fair  value  by  applying  valuation  tech-
niques,  such  as  using  information  on  recent  market
transactions involving other instruments that are sub-
stantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis or
other techniques, where appropriate. The Corporation
ensures,  to  the  extent  practicable,  that  its  valuation
technique incorporates all factors that market partici-
pants would consider in setting a price and that it is
consistent with accepted economic methods for pric-
ing financial instruments.

Related party transactions and balances
In the normal course of business, the Corpora-
tion enters into transactions with related companies.
These  transactions  are  measured  at  the  exchange
amount, which is the amount of consideration deter-
mined  and  agreed  to  by  the  related  parties.  Related
party transactions and balances are not material.  

Critical accounting estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accor-
dance with GAAP requires management to make cer-
tain  estimates.  We  periodically  review  these  esti-
mates,  which  are  based  on  historical  experience,
changes in the business environment and other fac-
tors  that  management  considers  reasonable  under
the circumstances. Our estimates involve judgements
we  make  based  on  the  information  available  to  us.
Actual  results  may  differ  materially  from  these  esti-
mates.

In  the  discussion  below,  we  have  identified  a
number of critical accounting estimates that required
us  to  make  assumptions  about  matters  that  were
uncertain  at  the  time  the  estimates  were  made.  Our
results,  financial  position  and  cash  flows  might  be
substantially  different  if  we  had  used  different  esti-
mates in the current period or if these estimates were
likely to change in the future.

This discussion addresses only those estimates
that  we  consider  important  based  on  the  degree  of
uncertainty  and  the  likelihood  of  a  material  impact  if
we  had  used  different  estimates.  There  are  many
other areas in which we use estimates about uncer-
tain matters.

Fair value of investments in ABCP 
(See “Consolidated Operations: Writedown of investments
in ABCP” section.)

Provision for aircraft overhaul
The  Corporation  provides  for  aircraft  overhaul
expenses, mainly for engines and airframes, for its air-
craft based on an estimate of all such future expens-
es  until  the  expiry  of  the  leases  for  these  aircraft,  or 
on  their  estimated  useful  lives  when  owned  by  the
Corporation. These expenses are amortized over the
total  number  of  engine  cycles  and  the  total  number 
of  estimated  airframe  hours  over  the  same  periods.
These expenses are charged to income according to

31

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

the number of cycles used or over the completed fis-
cal  months,  by  a  provision  for  future  costs  or  the
amortization of the capitalized overhaul costs, as the
case may be. Any changes in demand for  air  travel
or in the economy as a whole, or any additional actions
by management, could alter the factors used to esti-
mate  this  provision.  This  may  result  in  charges  that
could  materially  affect  our  results,  financial  position
and cash flows. Generally speaking, the main assump-
tions used to calculate this provision would have to be
reduced by approximately 15%, to produce additional
charges  that  could  have  a  material  impact  on  our
results, financial position and cash flows.

Goodwill and intangible assets
We  record  material  balance  sheet  amounts
under goodwill and other intangible assets calculated
using the historical cost method. We are required to
measure  goodwill  and  intangible  assets  that  have
indefinite  lives,  such  as  trademarks,  each  year,  or
more  often  if  events  or  changes  in  circumstances
indicate  it  is  more  likely  than  not  that  they  might  be
impaired. Our review is based on an asset’s or oper-
ating  unit’s  ability  to  generate  future  cash  flows.  We
carry  out  an  analysis  by  estimating  the  discounted
cash  flows  attributable  to  each  asset.  This  analysis
requires us to make a variety of judgements concern-
ing  our  future  operations.  The  cash  flow  forecasts
used  to  determine  asset  values  may  change  in  the
future  due  to  market  conditions,  competition  and
other  factors.  Any  changes  may  result  in  non-cash
charges  that  could  materially  affect  our  results  and
financial  position.  Generally  speaking,  the  main
assumptions would have to be reduced by 30%-70%
(depending on the operating unit), to produce a signif-
icant  loss  in  value  for  the  operating  unit  and  have  a
material impact on our results and financial position.
However,  reducing  these  assumptions  would  only
result in a non-cash charge and would not affect our
cash flows.

Property, plant and equipment
Property,  plant  and  equipment  in  the  balance
sheet  includes  material  amounts  based  on  historical
costs. These assets are reviewed for impairment
whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indi-
cate  that  the  carrying  amount  may  not  be  recover-
able. Our review is based on an asset’s ability to gen-
erate future cash flows. We carry out an analysis by
estimating the net undiscounted cash flows attributa-

ble to each asset. This analysis requires us to make a
variety  of  judgements  concerning  our  future  opera-
tions.  The  cash  flow  forecasts  used  to  determine
asset values may change in the future due to market
conditions or other factors. Any changes may result in
non-cash  charges  that  could  materially  affect  our
results and financial position. Generally speaking, the
main assumptions would have to be reduced by 60%,
to produce a loss in value and have a material impact
on our results and financial position. However, reduc-
ing these assumptions would not result in cash out-
flows and would not affect our cash flows.

Accounting changes
On November 1, 2006, the Corporation adopted
retroactively,  without  restatement  of  prior  periods, 
the  recommendations  of  the  following  sections  of 
the  Canadian  Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants
Handbook:  Section  1530,  “Comprehensive  Income,”
Section  3855,  “Financial  Instruments  –  Recognition
and Measurement,” and Section 3865, “Hedges.” 

Section 1530 requires the presentation of com-
prehensive  income  and  its  components  in  a  new
financial  statement.  Comprehensive  income  repre-
sents the change in an enterprise’s net assets result-
ing from transactions, events and circumstances from
non-shareholder sources.

Section  3855  prescribes  the  recognition  and
measurement standards for financial assets, financial
liabilities  and  derivatives.  These  standards  prescribe
when  to  recognize  a  financial  instrument  in  the  bal-
ance sheet and at what amount. Depending on their
balance sheet classification, fair value or cost-based
measures  are  used.  These  standards  also  specify
how  financial  instrument  gains  and  losses  are  to  be
presented.  Based  on  their  classification,  gains  and
losses on financial instruments are recognized in net
income or other comprehensive income.

The Corporation has used the following classifi-

cations:

• Cash  and  cash  equivalents,  cash  and  cash
equivalents in trust or otherwise reserved, short-
term investments and derivative financial instru-
ments  used  to  manage  exposure  to  fuel  price
fluctuations  are  classified  as  “Assets  held-for-
trading.” These assets are measured at fair value
and the gains or losses arising from subsequent
measurements  at  the  end  of  each  period  are
recorded in net income.

32

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

• Accounts receivable are classified under “Loans
and  receivables.”  They  are  recorded  at  cost,
which  on  initial  recognition  represents  their  fair
value.  Subsequent  valuations  are  recorded  at
amortized  cost  using  the  effective  interest
method.

• Bank loans, accounts payable and accrued lia-
bilities,  the  debenture  and  long-term  debt  are
classified under “Other financial liabilities.” They
are  initially  measured  at  fair  value.  Subsequent
valuations are recorded at amortized cost using
the effective interest method.

Section 3865 prescribes the standards specify-
ing when and how an entity can use hedge account-
ing.  The  adoption  of  this  new  standard  is  discre-
tionary. It offers entities the possibility of applying dif-
ferent reporting options than those set out in Section
3855 to qualifying transactions that they elect to des-
ignate  as  being  part  of  a  hedging  relationship  for
accounting  purposes.  The  Corporation  elected  to
continue  applying  hedge  accounting  for  its  foreign
exchange  forward  contracts,  recorded  as  cash  flow
hedges, and its U.S. dollar loans secured by aircraft,
recorded  as  fair  value  hedges.  The  Corporation  also
enters into fuel purchasing forward contracts to man-
age  exposure  to  fuel  price  fluctuations.  For  these
derivative  instruments,  the  Corporation  decided  to
cease  using  hedge  accounting.  Unrealized  gains  or
losses  were  recognized  in  other  comprehensive
income  at  the  transition  date,  namely  November  1,
2006,  and  are  recognized  in  net  income  under
“Aircraft  fuel”  when  contracts  expire  and  the  related
fuel purchases occur.

The adoption of these new standards translated,
as at November 1, 2006, into a $12.4 million decrease
in accumulated other comprehensive income, a $3.5
million  increase  in  derivative  financial  instruments
reported under assets, a $6.1 million increase in future
income tax assets, a $21.6 million increase in deriva-
tive financial instruments reported under liabilities and
a $0.4 million increase in long-term debt. 

For  the  year  ended  October  31,  2007,  the
Corporation  recognized  an  unrealized  loss  of  $59.0
million  (net  of  $28.5  million  in  related  income  taxes)
under other comprehensive income representing the
effective  portion  of  the  change  in  fair  value  of  the
derivatives  designated  as  cash  flow  hedges.  The
amount  thus  recognized  was  reclassified  under
“Operating  expenses”  for  the  periods  during  which

the operating expenses were affected by the variabil-
ity in the hedged item’s cash flows. A $2.2 million gain
was recognized in net income during the year ended
October 31, 2007. A loss estimated at $81.4 million,
included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income”
as at October 31, 2007, should be reclassified under
net income during the next fiscal year.

For the year ended October 31, 2007, the Corpo-
ration  recognized  a  loss  of  $12.1  million  (net  of  $6.0
million  in  related  income  taxes)  under  other  compre-
hensive income representing the portion of unrealized
losses  on  fuel  purchasing  contracts  realized  at  the 
transition  date.  Unrealized  losses  amounting  to  $0.5
million, included in “Accumulated other comprehensive
income” as at October 31, 2007, should be reclassi-
fied under net income during the next fiscal year.

The  adoption  of  these  new  standards  has  no
impact  on  the  Corporation’s  cash  flows.  However,  it
increased net income and diluted earnings per share
for the year ended October 31, 2007 by $17.8 million
and $0.52 respectively.

Future accounting changes
Aircraft overhaul expenses
On November 1, 2007, the Corporation changed
its  method  for  accounting  for  aircraft  overhaul
expenses. Up until October 31, 2007, the Corporation
accounted  for  its  expenses  using  the  accrue-in-
advance  method,  as  set  out  in  note  2  to  the  Con-
solidated  Financial  Statements  for  the  year  ended
October 31, 2007, in accordance with the accounting
methods  suggested  in  the  U.S.  Audits  of  Airlines
guide  issued  by  the  American  Institute  of  Certified
Public Accountants.

On September 8, 2006, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board [“FASB”] issued FASB Staff Position
[“FSP”] AUG AIR-1, Accounting for Planned Major
Maintenance Activities. This FSP amended the Audits
of Airlines guide to preclude the use of accruals as an
acceptable method. This FSP is applicable to all enti-
ties  for  fiscal  years  beginning  on  or  after  December
15, 2006.

As a result, effective November 1, 2007, the
Corporation discontinued use of the accrue-in-advance
method  and  began  accounting  for  aircraft  overhaul
expenses as follows:

33

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

Leased aircraft
Under the terms of the leases, the Corporation is
required to maintain the aircraft in serviceable condi-
tion  and  follow  the  maintenance  plan.  This  commit-
ment  creates  an  implicit  obligation  for  the  lessor
whose  past  events  arise  from  the  use  of  leased  air-
craft. The Corporation accounts for its leased aircraft
maintenance  obligation  based  on  utilization  until  the
next  maintenance  activity.  The  obligation  is  adjusted
to  reflect  any  change  in  the  related  maintenance
expenses  anticipated.  Depending  on  the  type  of
maintenance,  utilization  is  determined  based  on  the
cycles, logged flight time or time between overhauls.
The excess of the maintenance obligation over main-
tenance  deposits  made  to  lessors  and  unclaimed  is
included  in  liabilities  under  “Provision  for  overhaul  of
leased aircraft.”

Owned aircraft
When aircraft are acquired, a portion of the cost
is allocated to “major maintenance activities,” which is
related to airframe, engine and landing gear overhaul
costs.  The  aircraft  and  major  maintenance  activities
are amortized taking into account their expected esti-
mated residual value. The aircraft are amortized on a
straight-line  basis  over  seven  to  ten  year  periods,
while  major  maintenance  activities  are  amortized
according  to  the  type  of  maintenance  activity  on  a
straight-line  basis  or  based  on  the  use  of  the  corre-
sponding aircraft until the next related major mainte-
nance activity. Subsequent major maintenance activi-
ty  expenses  are  capitalized  as  major  maintenance
activities  and  are  amortized  according  to  their  type.
Expenses  related  to  other  maintenance  activities,
including  unexpected  repairs,  are  recognized  in  net
income as incurred.

This change in accounting policy will be adopt-
ed retroactively with restatement of prior fiscal years.
The  adoption  of  these  new  standards  will  translate
into the following changes: as at November 1, 2006,
a  $2.6  million  increase  in  retained  earnings  and,  as 
at October 31, 2007, a $17.0 million net decrease 
in property, plant and equipment, a $17.8 million
decrease in the provision for aircraft overhaul, a $0.3
million  increase  in  future  income  tax  liabilities  and  a
$0.6 million increase in retained earnings. For the year
ended October 31, 2007, the adoption of these new
standards will translate into the following changes: a
$5.0  million  decrease  in  maintenance  expenses,  an
$8.0 million increase in amortization of property, plant

and equipment and a $1.0 million decrease in future
income tax expense, for a $2.0 million decrease in net
income and a $0.06 decrease in diluted earnings per
share.  For  the  year  ended  October  31,  2007,  the
adoption  of  these  new  standards  will  also  translate
into  the  following  changes:  a  $12.6  million  increase 
in  cash  flows  relating  to  operating  activities  and  a
decrease in cash flows related to investing activities of
the same amount.

The Corporation could have chosen to account
for  maintenance  expenses  for  owned  aircraft  in  net
income  as  incurred.  We  believe  that  the  adopted
standards provide better information to users of finan-
cial statements.

Other standards
The  CICA  has  issued  the  following  accounting
standards to take effect on November 1, 2007 for the
Corporation:  Section  3862,  “Financial  Instruments  –
Disclosures,”  Section  3863,  “Financial  Instruments  –
Presentation,”  Section  1535,  “Capital  Disclosures,”
Section  3031,  “Inventories,”  and  Section  1506,
“Accounting Changes.”

Sections  3862  and  3863  will  replace  section
3861,  “Financial  Instruments  –  Disclosure  and
Presentation,”  and  increase  emphasis  on  disclosure
of the risks arising from financial instruments, includ-
ing hedging instruments, and how the entity manages
such exposure. 

Section 1535 will require supplementary disclo-
sure regarding the Corporation’s capital management
and  compliance  with  any  externally  imposed  capital
requirements.

Section  3031  will  provide  guidance  on  the
method  for  determining  the  cost  of  inventories.  The
new accounting standard recommends that invento-
ries be valued at the lower of cost and net realizable
value.  The  standard  further  requires  the  reversal  of
previously recorded writedowns to net realizable value
when there is clear evidence that net realizable value
has  increased.  Additional  disclosure  will  also  be
required under this standard. The adoption of Section
3031 is not expected to have a material effect on the
Corporation’s financial statements.

Section  1506  provides  guidance,  in  particular,
on  the  criteria  for  changing  accounting  policies,  the
appropriate  accounting  treatment  in  specific  circum-
stances and the required disclosure.

34

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

CONTROLS 
AND PROCEDURES
The  implementation  of  the  Canadian  Securities
Administrators  Multilateral  Instrument  52-109  repre-
sents a continuous improvement process, which has
prompted  the  Corporation  to  formalize  existing
processes  and  control  measures  and  introduce  new
ones. Transat has chosen to make this a corporate-
wide project, which will result in operational improve-
ments and better management.

In  accordance  with  this  instrument,  the  Corpo-
ration  has  filed  certificates  signed  by  the  President
and  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  the  Vice-Presi-
dent, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial
Officer, that, among other things, report on the design
and  effectiveness  of  disclosure  controls  and  proce-
dures and the design of internal control over financial
reporting.

Management  has  designed  disclosure  controls
and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that
material  information  relating  to  the  Corporation  is
made  known  to  the  President  and  Chief  Executive
Officer  and  the  Vice-President,  Finance  and  Admi-
nistration  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  particularly 
during the period in which the annual filings are being
prepared.

These two certifying officers evaluated the effec-
tiveness of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and
procedures  as  of  October  31,  2007,  and  based  on
their evaluation, they have concluded that these 
controls and procedures are effective. This evaluation,
among other things, took into consideration the Cor-
porate Disclosure Policy, the sub-certification process,
and the operation of its Disclosure Committee.

Management has also designed internal controls
over  financial  reporting  to  provide  reasonable  assur-
ance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external
purposes  in  accordance  with  Canadian  GAAP.  The
President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  the  Vice-
President,  Finance  and  Administration  and  Chief
Financial  Officer  have  evaluated  the  design  of  the
Corporation’s internal controls over financial reporting
as of the end of the period covered by the annual fil-
ings, and believe the design to be sufficient to provide
such reasonable assurance.

Finally, there has been no change in the Corpo-
ration’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that
occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 that

materially affected, or is likely to materially affect, the
Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

RISKS 
AND UNCERTAINTIES
Economic and general factors
Economic factors such as a significant downturn
in  the  economy,  a  recession  or  a  decline  in  the
employment  rate  in  North  America,  Europe  or  key
international markets could have a negative impact on
our  business  and  operating  results  by  affecting
demand for our products and services. Our operating
results could also be adversely affected by more gen-
eral factors, including the following: extreme weather
conditions;  war,  political  instability  or  terrorism,  or
any  threat  thereof;  epidemics  or  disease  outbreaks;
consumer  preferences  and  spending  patterns;  con-
sumer  perceptions  of  airline  safety;  demographic
trends; disruptions to air traffic control systems; and
costs of safety, security and environmental measures.
Furthermore,  our  revenues  are  sensitive  to  events
affecting domestic and international air travel as well
as the level of car rentals and hotel and cruise reser-
vations.

Investments in ABCP
(See “Consolidated Operations: Writedown of investments
in ABCP” section.)

Competition
Competition is fierce in the holiday travel indus-
try.  Some  competitors  are  large,  with  strong  brand
name  recognition  and  an  established  presence  in
specific  geographic  areas,  substantial  financial
resources and preferred relationships with travel sup-
pliers. We also face competition from travel suppliers
selling directly to travellers at very competitive prices.
These competitive pressures could adversely impact
our  revenues  and  margins  since  we  might  have  to
match competitors’ prices.

Fluctuations in foreign exchange 
and interest rates
Transat  is  exposed,  due  to  its  many  arrange-
ments with foreign-based suppliers, to fluctuations in

35

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

exchange rates mainly concerning the U.S. dollar, the
euro and the pound sterling against the Canadian dol-
lar and the euro. These fluctuations could increase our
operating costs. Changes in interest rates could also
impact  our  interest  income  from  our  cash  and  cash
equivalents as well as the interest expense on variable
rate debt instruments, which in turn could affect our
earnings.  We  currently  purchase  derivative  financial
instruments to hedge against exchange rate fluctua-
tions affecting our long-term debt in U.S. dollars, our
off-balance  sheet  financing  obtained  for  aircraft  and
the  revenues  and  operating  expenses  that  the
Corporation settles in foreign currencies.

Fuel costs and supply
Transat is particularly exposed to fluctuations in
fuel costs. Due to competitive pressures in the indus-
try, there can be no assurance that we would be able
to pass along any increase in fuel prices to our cus-
tomers by increasing prices, or that any price increase
would  offset  higher  fuel  costs,  which  could  in  turn
adversely  impact  our  business,  financial  position  or
operating results. We purchase forward contracts to
hedge  against  fuel  cost  fluctuations.  Furthermore,  if
there were a reduction in the supply of fuel, our oper-
ations could be adversely impacted.

Changing industry dynamics: 
new distribution methods
The  widespread  popularity  of  the  Internet  has
resulted in travellers being able to access information
about  travel  products  and  services  and  to  purchase
such  products  and  services  directly  from  suppliers,
thereby  bypassing  not  only  tour  operators  such  as
Transat, but also retail travel agents through whom we
generate  a  substantial  portion  of  our  revenues.
Although  direct  Internet  sales  in  the  vacation  travel
segment remain limited for now, risks can arise since
shifts in industry dynamics in the distribution business
occur rapidly. In order to address this issue, Transat is
in the process of developing and implementing a mul-
tichannel  distribution  system  to  strike  a  harmonious
balance  between  a  variety  of  distribution  strategies
such  as  travel  agencies,  direct  sales  (including  via
Internet),  third-party  sales  and  the  use  of  electronic
booking systems.

In addition, the gradual erosion of commissions
paid by travel suppliers, particularly airlines, has weak-
ened  the  financial  position  of  many  travel  agents.
Because we rely to some extent on retail travel agen-

cies for access to travellers and revenues, any con-
sumer shift away from travel agencies and toward
direct purchases from travel suppliers could have an
impact on our Corporation.

Reliance on contracting travel suppliers
Despite being well positioned due to our vertical
integration, we depend on third parties who supply us
with  certain  components  of  our  packages.  We  are
dependent, for example, on non-group airlines and a
large  number  of  hotels.  Generally  speaking,  these
suppliers can terminate or modify existing agreements
with us at relatively short notice. The potential inability
to replace these agreements, to find similar suppliers,
or to renegotiate agreements at reduced rates could
have  an  adverse  effect  on  our  results.  Furthermore,
any decline in the quality of travel products or servic-
es  provided  by  these  suppliers,  or  any  perception 
by travellers of such a decline, could adversely affect
our reputation. Any loss of contracts, changes to our
pricing agreements, access restrictions to travel sup-
pliers’ products and services or negative shifts in pub-
lic opinion regarding certain travel suppliers resulting
in lower demand for their products and services could
have a significant effect on our results.

Dependence on technology
Our  business  depends  on  our  ability  to  access
information,  manage  reservation  systems  (including
handling high telephone call volumes on a daily basis),
protect  such  information,  and  distribute  our  prod-
ucts to retail travel agents and other travel intermedi-
aries. To this end, we rely on a variety of information
and  telecommunications  technologies.  In  the  event
rapid  changes  in  these  technologies  require  higher-
than-anticipated capital expenditures to improve cus-
tomer service, our operating results could be affected.
In  addition,  any  systems  failures  or  outages  could
adversely affect our business, customer relationships
and operating results.

Dependence on customer deposits 
and advance payments
Transat  derives  significant  interest  income  from
customer deposits and advance payments. In accor-
dance with our investment policy, we are required to
invest  these  deposits  and  advance  payments  exclu-
sively  in  investment-grade  securities.  Any  failure  of
these  investment  securities  to  perform  at  historical
levels could reduce our interest income.

36

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

Negative working capital
In the normal course of business, we receive
customer deposits and advance payments. If the flow
of  advance payments  diminishes  and  if  Transat  is
required  to  find  alternative  sources  of  capital,  there
can  be  no  assurance  that  such  sources  would  be
available  at  terms  and  conditions  acceptable  to  us.
This could have a significant impact on our business.

Fluctuations in financial results
The travel industry in general and our operations
in  particular  are  seasonal.  As  a  result,  our  quarterly
operating  results  are  subject  to  fluctuations.  In  our
view, quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating
results  are  not  necessarily  meaningful  and  should 
not be relied on as indicators of future performance.
Furthermore,  due  to  the  economic  and  general  fac-
tors  described  above,  our  operating  results  in  future
periods could fall short of the expectations of securi-
ties  analysts  and  investors,  thus  adversely  affecting
the market price of our shares.

Government regulation and taxation
Transat’s  future  results  may  vary  depending  on
the actions of government authorities with jurisdiction
over our operations. These actions include the grant-
ing  and  timing  of  certain  government  approvals  or
licenses;  the  adoption  of  regulations  impacting  cus-
tomer  service  standards  (such  as  new  passenger
security  standards);  the  adoption  of  more stringent
noise  restrictions  or  curfews;  and  the  adoption  of
provincial  regulations  impacting  the  operations  of
retail  and  wholesale  travel  agencies.  In  addition,  the
adoption  of  new  regulatory  frameworks  or  amend-
ments  to  existing  ones,  or  tax  policy  changes  could
affect  our  operations,  particularly  as  regards  hotel
room taxes, car rental taxes, airline excise taxes and
airport taxes and fees.

Future capital requirements
Transat may need to raise additional funds in the
future  to  capitalize  on  growth  opportunities  or  to
respond  to  competitive  pressures.  There  can  be  no
assurance that additional financing will be available on
terms  and  conditions  acceptable  to  us.  This  could
adversely affect our business.

Interruption of operations
If  our  operations  are  interrupted  for  any  reason
(including  aircraft  unavailability  due  to  mechanical

troubles), the loss of associated revenues could have
an  impact  on  our  business,  financial  position  and
operating results.

Insurance coverage
In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September
11, 2001, the airline insurance market for risks asso-
ciated with war and terrorist acts has undergone sev-
eral changes. The limit on third-party civil liability cov-
erage for bodily injury and property damage has been
set at US$150 million per claim.

Until  insurance  companies  provide  coverage
above this US$150 million limit to air carriers, govern-
ments have to step in and do so. The Canadian gov-
ernment  covers  domestic  air  carriers  accordingly.
Moreover, some insurers are not licensed to transact
business in Canada.

The Canadian government continues to cover its
air carriers, prompted by the licensing situation and by
the U.S. government’s decision to continue protecting
its own carriers against such risks. However, there
can be no assurance that the Canadian government
will  not  amend  its  coverage,  particularly  should  the
U.S. government change its position.  

Casualty losses
We feel that we and our suppliers have adequate
liability insurance to cover risks arising in the normal
course of business, including claims for serious injury
or  death  arising  from  accidents  involving  aircraft  or
other  vehicles  carrying  our  customers.  Although  we
have never faced a liability claim for which we did not
have adequate insurance coverage, there can be no
assurance that our coverage will be sufficient to cover
large claims or that the insurer concerned will be sol-
vent at the time of any covered loss. In addition, there
can  be  no  assurance  that  we  will  be  able  to  obtain
coverage at acceptable levels and cost in the future.
These  uncertainties  could  adversely  affect  our  busi-
ness and operating results.

Slot and gate availability
Access  to  landing  and  departure  runway  slots,
airport gates and facilities is critical to our operations
and  growth  strategy.  Future  availability  or  cost  of
these  facilities  could  have  an  adverse  effect  on  our
operations.

37

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

OUTLOOK

Winter  reservations  in  North  America  are  slightly
ahead  of  those  last  year  at  the  same  date.  Excess
supply  and  late  reservations  are  applying  greater
downward  pressure  than  last  year  on  selling  prices
and first quarter margins. It is too early to comment on
volumes and margins for the season as a whole.

Reservations  for  the  winter  season  in  Europe 
are  up  compared  with  the  previous  year  and  the
Corporation expects to improve its margins slightly. 

Aircraft lease obligations
Transat has significant non-cancellable lease
obligations relating to its aircraft fleet. If revenues from
aircraft operations were to decrease, the payments to
be made under our existing lease agreements could
have a substantial impact on our operations.

Aircraft availability at the end of leases
If, at the expiry of existing aircraft leases, we
are unable to renew them or to obtain leases with sat-
isfactory  conditions  for  the  type  of  aircraft  required,
our business and operating results may be adversely
affected. 

Environment
As  an  airline  industry  company,  Transat  is
exposed to any future regulations concerning green-
house gas emissions by its aircraft. If Transat finds it
difficult to meet any new regulatory requirements with
its  existing  fleet,  it  could  be  faced  with  additional
costs, which in turn could adversely affect its financial
results.

Key personnel
Our  future  success  depends  on  our  ability  to
attract and retain qualified personnel. The loss of key
employees  could  adversely  affect  our  business  and
operating results.

Uncertainty concerning upcoming 
bargaining agreements
Our  operations  could  be  adversely  affected  in
the event of any inability to reach an agreement with a
labour union representing our employees, particularly
pilots.

38

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

Management’s report
and auditor’s report 

The consolidated financial statements are the responsibility
of management and have been approved by the Board of
Directors. Management’s responsibility in this respect includes
the selection of appropriate accounting principles as well as
the exercise of sound judgment in establishing reasonable
and  fair  estimates  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally
accepted accounting principles which are adequate in the
circumstances. The financial information presented throughout
this annual report is consistent with that appearing in the
financial statements. 

The Corporation and its affiliated companies have set up
accounting and internal control systems designed to pro-
vide  reasonable  assurance  that  the  Corporation’s  assets
are safeguarded against loss or unauthorized use and that
its books of account may be relied upon for the preparation
of financial statements. 

The Board of Directors is responsible for the consolidated
financial statements through its Audit Committee. The Audit
Committee reviews the annual consolidated financial state-
ments  and  recommends  their  approval  to  the  Board  of
Directors. The Audit Committee is also responsible for ana-
lyzing, on an ongoing basis, the results of the audits by the
external  auditors  of  the  accounting  methods  and  policies
used as well as of the internal control systems set up by the
Corporation. These financial statements have been audited
by Ernst & Young LLP, the external auditors. Their report on
the consolidated financial statements appears opposite.

To the Shareholders of Transat A.T. Inc.

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of
Transat A.T. Inc. as at October 31, 2007 and 2006 and 
the  consolidated  statements  of  income,  comprehensive
income, retained earnings and cash flows for the years then
ended. These financial statements are the responsibility 
of the Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian
generally  accepted  auditing  standards.  Those  standards
require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reason-
able assurance whether the financial statements are free of
material  misstatement.  An  audit  includes  examining,  on  a
test  basis,  evidence  supporting  the  amounts  and  disclo-
sures  in  the  financial  statements.  An  audit  also  includes
assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. 

In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of the Corporation as at October 31, 2007 and 2006 and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then
ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted
accounting principles.

Montréal, Canada
December 6, 2007

Jean-Marc Eustache
Chairman of the Board, 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Ernst & Young LLP
Chartered Accountants

François Laurin
Vice-President, Finance and Administration
and Chief Financial Officer

39

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

Consolidated balance sheets

As at October 31
(In thousands of dollars)

ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in trust or otherwise reserved [note 4]
Investments in ABCP [note 5]
Accounts receivables
Income tax receivable
Future income tax assets [note 19]
Inventories
Prepaid expenses
Derivative financial instruments [notes 3 and 6]
Current portion of deposits
Total current assets
Deposits [note 7]
Future income tax assets [note 19]
Property, plant and equipment [notes 8 and 12]
Goodwill and other intangible assets [note 9]
Derivative financial instruments [notes 3 and 6]
Other assets [note 10]

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Income taxes payable
Future income tax liabilities [note 19]
Customer deposits and deferred income
Derivative financial instruments [notes 3 and 6]
Payments on current portion of long-term debt
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt [notes 11, 12 and 25]
Debenture [note 13]
Provision for aircraft overhaul
Other liabilities [note 14]
Derivative financial instruments [notes 3 and 6]
Future income tax liabilities [note 19]

Shareholders’ equity
Share capital [note 15]
Retained earnings
Contributed surplus
Warrants [note 15] 
Accumulated other comprehensive income [notes 3, 6 and 16]

Commitments and contingencies [note 22] and Subsequent events [note 25]
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

On behalf of the Board:
Jean-Marc Eustache, Director
André Bisson, O.C., Director

40

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

2007
$

2006

$   

166,768 
168,196
142,346 
109,128 
13,037
25,250 
8,931
45,981
26,997
31,077
737,711
17,191
9,341
180,000
148,515 
316 
4,431
1,097,505

281,985 
8,757
298
237,898
88,469
48,794
666,201
39,887 
3,156
49,527
32,189
6,135
17,542
814,637

156,964 
190,534 
1,871
— 
(66,501)
282,868 
1,097,505 

214,887 
203,613 
— 
87,996 
— 
1,357 
8,312 
43,706 
420 
29,849 
590,140 
19,350 
7,120 
181,349 
153,681 
— 
7,975 
959,615 

236,282 
10,122 
— 
218,875 
— 
27,305 
492,584
57,363 
3,156 
64,961 
31,934 
— 
13,654 
663 652663,652

151,430 
142,116 
1,379 
1,016 
22 
295,963 
959,615 

Consolidated statements of income

Years ended October 31
[In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

Revenues

Operating expenses
Direct costs
Salaries and employee benefits
Aircraft fuel
Commissions
Aircraft maintenance
Airport and navigation fees
Aircraft rent
Other

Amortization [note 17]
Interest on long-term debt and debenture
Other interest and financial expenses
Interest income
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments

related to aircraft fuel purchases

Foreign exchange gain on long-term monetary items
Write-off of goodwill [note 9]
Writedown of investments in ABCP [note 5]
Share of net income of companies subject to significant influence

Income before the following items
Income taxes (recovery) [note 19]

Current
Future

Income before non-controlling interest in subsidiaries’ results
Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries’ results 
Net income for the year

Basic earnings per share [note 15]
Diluted earnings per share [note 15]

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2007
$

2006

$   

3,045,917 

2,603,746 

1,601,652
334,973
273,614 
186,686
81,146
86,594
48,883
299,299
2,912,847
133,070
42,973 
6,229
1,929 
(19,745)

(26,577)
(3,023)
3,900
11,200
(651)
16,235 
116,835

28,222 
7,396 
35,618
81,217 
(737)
80,480 

2.38
2.36 

1,307,732 
290,385 
247,697 
171,116 
81,150 
71,833 
48,870 
258,019 
2,476,802 
126,944 
39  39,360
7,264 
1,484 
(15,706)

— 
(4,162)
— 
— 
(375)
27,865
99,079 

32,558 
(512)
32,046 
67,033 
(1,263)
65,770 

1.88 
1.85 

41

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income

Years ended October 31
(In thousands of dollars)

Net income for the year
Other comprehensive income
Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as
cash flow hedges (net of income taxes of $28,546)
Losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges  
before November 1, 2006 included in net income  
during the period (net of income taxes of $5,950)
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on the conversion of  
financial statements of self-sustaining foreign   
subsidiaries due to the (appreciation) depreciation of

the Canadian dollar compared to the euro and the pound sterling

Net comprehensive income for the year

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated statements of retained earnings

Years ended October 31
(In thousands of dollars)

Retained earnings, beginning of year
Net income for the year
Premium paid on share repurchase [note 15]
Share repurchase costs, net of related income taxes of $145
Dividends
Retained earnings, end of year

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2007
$

2006

$   

80,480 

65,770 

(59,036)

12,080

(7,132)
(54,088)
26,392

2007
$

142,116 
80,480 
(20,561)
— 
(11,501)
190,534 

— 

— 

2,613 
2,613 
68,383 

2006

$   

183,718 
65,770 
(102,327)
(308)
(4,737)
142,116  

42

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

Consolidated statements of cash flows

Years ended October 31
(In thousands of dollars)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income
Operating items not involving an outlay (receipt) of cash:

Amortization
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments related 

to the purchase of aircraft fuel

Foreign exchange gain on long-term monetary items
Write-off of goodwill 
Changes in the fair value of investments in ABCP
Share of net income of companies subject to significant influence
Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries’ results
Future income taxes
Pension expense
Compensation expense related to stock option plan

Net change in non-cash working capital balances  

related to operations

Net change in the provision for aircraft overhaul
Net change in other assets and liabilities related to operations
Cash flows relating to operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Cash and cash equivalents of acquired companies
Consideration paid for acquired companies
Acquisition of investments in ABCP 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  

in trust or otherwise reserved

Cash flows relating to investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase in long-term debt
Repayment of long-term debt
Repayment of debentures
Proceeds from issuance of shares
Share repurchase
Share repurchase costs
Dividends
Cash flows relating to financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

Supplementary information
Income taxes paid
Interest paid

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2007
$

80,480

42,973 

(26,577)
(3,023)
3,900 
11,200 
(651)
737 
7,396
2,809
1,577 
120,821

17,324
(15,434)
(883)
121,828

(40,073)
5,607
(8,162)
(153,546)

35,417
(160,757)

39,887 
(26,088)
—
6,816 
(23,944)
— 
(11,501)
(14,830)

5,640

(48,119)
214,887 
166,768

43,391
6,774 

2006

$   

65,770 

39,360 

— 
(4,162)
— 
— 
(375)
1,263 
(512)
2,572 
886 
104,802 

8,749 
1,152 
1,457 
116,160 

(22,366)
49,797 
(56,780)
— 

(15,705)
(45,054)

— 
(6,312)
(10,000)
1,878 
(132,422)
(453)
(4,737)
(152,046)

2,332 

(78,608)
293,495 
214,887 

26,348 
6,895 

43

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

Basis of consolidation
The  consolidated  financial  statements  include
the accounts of the Corporation, its subsidiaries and its vari-
able  interest  entities  where  the  Corporation  is  the  primary
beneficiary.

The  Corporation  consolidates  the  variable  interest
entities in accordance with Accounting Guideline 15, Consolida-
tion  of  Variable  Interest  Entities  [“AcG-15”].  This  Guideline  pres-
ents clarification on the application of consolidation principles to
certain  entities  that  are  subject  to  control  on  a  basis  other  than
ownership  of  voting  interests.  AcG-15  provides  guidance  for
determining when an enterprise includes the assets, liabilities and
results of activities of a variable interest entity in its consolidated
financial statements. Under AcG-15, an enterprise should consol-
idate a variable interest entity when that enterprise has a variable
interest,  or  combination  of  variable  interests,  that  will  absorb  a
majority  of  the  entity’s  expected  losses  if  they  occur,  receive  a
majority of the entity’s expected residual returns if they occur, or
both [the “primary beneficiary”]. 

Assets  recognized  as  a  result  of  consolidating  cer-
tain  variable  interest  entities  do  not  represent  additional  assets
that could be used to satisfy claims against the Corporation’s gen-
eral assets.

Cash equivalents
Cash equivalents consist primarily of term deposits,
bankers’  acceptances  and  commercial  paper  that  are  readily 
convertible  into  known  amounts  of  cash  with  initial  maturities  of
less than three months. 

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined
according to the first-in, first-out method, and replacement cost.  

Property, plant and 
equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost
and are amortized, taking into account their residual value, on a
straight-line basis over their estimated useful life as follows:
Aircraft [note 3]
Improvements to aircraft 
under operating leases

7 to 10 years

Aircraft equipment
Computer hardware and software
Aircraft engines
Office furniture and equipment
Leasehold improvements
Rotable aircraft spare parts
Hangar and administrative buildings

Lease term
5 to 10 years
3 to 7 years
Cycles used
4 to 10 years
Lease term
Use 
35 years

Notes to consolidated
financial statements

October 31, 2007 and 2006
[Unless specified otherwise, amounts are expressed in thousands
of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts]

1

INCORPORATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

Transat  A.T.  Inc.  [the  “Corporation”],  incorporated
under  the  Canada  Business  Corporations  Act,  is  an  integrated
company  operating  in  the  tourism  industry,  specializing  in  the
organization, marketing and distribution of holiday travel. The core
of  its  business  consists  of  tour  operators  based  in  Canada  and
Europe. The Corporation is also involved in air transportation and
value-added services at travel destinations. Finally, the Corpora-
tion has secured a dynamic presence in distribution through 
travel agency networks.

2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements of the Corpora-
tion  have  been  prepared  by  management  in  accordance  with
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. The prepara-
tion of financial statements in accordance with generally accept-
ed accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial
statements and accompanying notes. The main estimates include
the  measurement  of  the  fair  value  of  the  financial  instruments,
including  derivatives  and  investments  in  asset-backed  commer-
cial paper [“ABCP”], the provision for aircraft overhaul, the amor-
tization  and  impairment  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  and
intangible  assets  including  goodwill,  allocations  in  respect  of
acquired interests and future income tax balances. Actual results
could differ from those estimates and differences could be signif-
icant.  The  consolidated  financial  statements  have,  in  manage-
ment’s opinion, been properly prepared within reasonable limits of
materiality  and  within  the  framework  of  the  accounting  policies
summarized below.

44

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets with an indefi-

nite life have not been amortized.

Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the  purchase
price  over  the  fair  value  of  identifiable  net  assets  acquired.
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more often if events
or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not
that it is impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison
of the fair value of the reporting unit to which goodwill is assigned
with  its  carrying  amount.  Any  impairment  loss  in  the  carrying
amount compared with the fair value is charged to income in the
period  in  which  the  loss  is  recognized.  The  Corporation  uses 
the  discounted  cash  flow  method  to  assess  the  fair  value  of  its
reporting units.

Intangible assets acquired that have an indefinite life,
such  as  trademarks,  are  also  tested  for  impairment  annually  or
more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it
is more likely than not that they are impaired. The impairment test
consists of a comparison of the fair value of intangible assets with
their carrying amount. Any impairment loss in the carrying amount
compared with the fair value is charged to income in the period in
which the loss is recognized. The Corporation uses the discount-
ed  cash  flow  method  to  assess  the  fair  value  of  its  intangible
assets. 

Intangible assets with definite useful lives, such as
customer lists, are amortized on a straight-line basis over terms
ranging from seven to ten years. 

Impairment of long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
with  finite  lives  are  reviewed  for  impairment  whenever  events  or
changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  of 
an  asset  may  not  be  recoverable.  Impairment  is  assessed  by
comparing  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  with  its  expected
future  net  undiscounted  cash  flows  from  use  together  with  its
residual value [net recoverable value]. If such assets are consid-
ered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured
by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets
exceeds their fair value.  

Other assets
Other assets consist in particular of development costs

and investments in companies subject to significant influence. 

Development  costs  are  amortized  over  periods  not
exceeding five years. Investments in companies subject to signif-
icant influence are accounted for using the equity method.  

Provision for aircraft overhaul  
for aircraft overhaul [note 3]
The  Corporation  provides  for  aircraft  overhaul
expenses, primarily for engines and airframes, using the accrue-
in-advance method based on an estimate of all future expenses
until the expiry of the leases for these aircraft leased under oper-
ating leases, or for their estimated useful lives anticipated for the
Corporation while held, allocated over the total number of engine
cycles and the total number of months anticipated for the airframe
and other components over the same periods.

These expenses are charged to income according to
the number of cycles used or over the completed fiscal months,
by a provision for future costs or the amortization of the capital-
ized overhaul costs, as the case may be.

The Corporation makes deposits representing a por-
tion of expected engine and airframe overhaul expenses to certain
aircraft lessors. These deposits are usually recoverable upon pres-
entation  of  claims  for  eligible  overhaul  expenses.  Amounts  so
claimed  are  included  in  assets  as  “Accounts  receivable.”  The
excess of the provision for future overhaul expenses over deposits
made and unclaimed is included in liabilities as “Provision for air-
craft overhaul.”  

Foreign currency translations
(a) Self-sustaining foreign operations

The Corporation translates the accounts of its self-
sustaining foreign subsidiaries into Canadian dollars
using the current rate method. Assets and liabilities
are translated at the exchange rates in effect at peri-
od-end.  Revenues  and  expenses  are  translated  at
average rates of exchange during the period. Foreign
exchange gains or losses resulting from the transla-
tion are recorded in a separate line item under other
comprehensive income.

(b) Accounts and transactions in foreign currencies
The  accounts  and  transactions  of  the  Corporation
denominated  in  foreign  currencies,  including  the
accounts of integrated foreign operations, are trans-
lated using the temporal method. At the transaction
date, each asset, liability, revenue or expense arising
from a foreign currency transaction is translated into
Canadian dollars by using the exchange rate in effect
at that date. At each balance sheet date, monetary
items denominated in a foreign currency are adjust-
ed  to  reflect  the  exchange  rate  in  effect  at  the  bal-
ance  sheet  date.  Any  exchange  gain  or  loss  that
arises on translation is included in the determination
of net income for the current period.  

45

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

[Cont’d]
Stock-based compensation 
and other 
compensation plans
A description of the stock-based compensation plans

offered by the Corporation is included in note 15.

The  Corporation  accounts  for  its  stock  option  plan
for executives and employees in respect of stock option awards
granted after October 31, 2003 using the fair value method. The
fair value of stock options at the grant date is determined using an
option  pricing  model.  The  fair  value  of  the  options  at  the  grant
date is charged to net income over the period from the grant date
to  the  date  that  the  award  is  vested.  Any  consideration  paid  by
employees  on  exercising  stock  options  and  the  corresponding
portion previously credited to contributed surplus are credited to
share capital.

The Corporation’s contributions to the stock owner-
ship incentive and capital accumulation plan and the permanent
stock  ownership  incentive  plan  are  the  shares  acquired  in  the
marketplace by the Corporation for the benefit of plan participants
when participants purchase shares under the stock plan. These
contributions are charged to net income over the period from the
grant date to the date that the award is vested to the participant.
Any  consideration  paid  by  the  participant  to  purchase  shares
under the stock plan is credited to share capital.

The Corporation records a deferred share unit plan
expense when the units are awarded based on the fair value of the
shares at the award date. Fluctuations in the share price subse-
quent to the award date are recorded in net income for the peri-
od. For the restricted share unit plan, the fair value of the shares
at the units’ grant date is charged to net income over the period
from  the  grant  date  to  the  date  that  the  award  is  vested.
Fluctuations in the share price subsequent to the award date are
recorded in net income over the unit vesting period.

Revenue recognition  
The  Corporation  recognizes  revenues  once  all  the
significant risks and rewards of the service have been transferred
to  the  customer.  As  a  result,  revenues  earned  from  passenger
transportation are recognized upon each return flight. Revenues
of tour operators and the related costs are recognized on passen-
gers’ departure. Commission revenues of travel agencies are rec-
ognized  at  the  reservation  date.  Amounts  received  from  cus-
tomers for services not yet rendered are included in current liabil-
ities as “Customer deposits and deferred income.”  

Financial instruments [note 3]
Classification of financial instruments
The  Corporation  made  the  following  classifications

on November 1, 2006:

Cash and cash equivalents, cash and cash equiva-
lents in trust or otherwise reserved, investments in asset-backed
commercial  paper  [ABCP]  and  derivative  financial  instruments
used to manage exposure to fuel price instability are classified as
“Held-for-trading assets.” These assets are measured at fair value
and the gains or losses arising from the remeasurement at the end
of  each  period  are  recorded  in  net  income.  The  portion  of  the
change in fair value attributable to implied interest is presented in
the interest income.

Accounts receivable are classified under “Loans and
receivables.” They are recorded at cost, which on initial recogni-
tion represents their fair value. Subsequent valuations are record-
ed at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

Bank loans, accounts payable and accrued liabilities,
the  debenture  and  long-term  debt  are  classified  under  “Other
financial liabilities.” They are initially measured at fair value.
Subsequent valuations are recorded at amortized cost using the
effective interest method.  

Hedge accounting and 
derivative financial instruments
The  Corporation  uses  foreign  exchange  forward
contracts to hedge against future currency exchange rate varia-
tions  related  to  its  long-term  debt  obligations,  operating  lease
payments,  receipts  of  revenue  from  certain  tour  operators  and
disbursements pertaining to certain operating expenses in other
currencies. For hedge accounting purposes, the Corporation des-
ignates  foreign  exchange  forward  contracts  as  hedging  instru-
ments. The Corporation documents its foreign exchange forward
contracts as hedging instruments and regularly demonstrates that
these instruments are sufficiently effective to continue using hedge
accounting. These foreign exchange forward contracts are desig-
nated  as  cash  flow  hedges  except  for  the  contracts  related  to
U.S. dollar loans secured by aircraft, which are designated as fair
value hedges.

Since November 2006, all foreign exchange forward
contracts have been recorded at fair value in the balance sheet.
For cash flow hedges, the change in value of the effective portion
is recognized in “Other comprehensive income” in the consolidat-
ed statement of comprehensive income. Any ineffectiveness with-
in an effective cash flow hedge is recognized in income as it aris-
es in the same income account as the hedged item when realized.
Should  the  hedging  of  a  cash  flow  hedge  relationship  become
ineffective,  previously  unrealized  gains  and  losses  remain  within
“Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income”  until  the  hedged
item is settled and, prospectively, future changes in value of the

46

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

derivative  are  recognized  in  income.  The  change  in  value  of  the
effective  portion  of  a  cash  flow  hedge  remains  in  “Accumulated
other comprehensive income” until the related hedged item set-
tles,  at  which  time  amounts  recognized  in  “Accumulated  other
comprehensive  income”  are  reclassified  to  the  same  income
account that records the hedged item. For fair value hedges, the
periodic  change  in  value  is  recognized  in  net  income  and  the
change  in  value  of  U.S.  dollar  loans  secured  by  aircraft  is  also
recorded in the same line items in net income. Prior to November
1, 2006, the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts relat-
ed to future transactions was not recognized but was disclosed in
the notes to financial statements.

The Corporation also enters into fuel purchasing for-
ward contracts in the normal course of business to manage expo-
sure  to  fuel  pricing  instability  that  have  not  been  designated  for
hedge  accounting.  Since  November  1,  2006,  these  derivatives
have been measured at fair value at the end of each period and
the  unrealized  gains  or  losses  arising  from  remeasurement  are
recorded  and  presented  under  “Unrealized  gain  on  derivative
financial instruments related to aircraft fuel purchases” in the con-
solidated statement of income. When realized at contract maturi-
ty, these gains or losses are recorded under “Aircraft fuel.” Prior to
November  1,  2006,  the  Corporation  used  hedge  accounting  for
fuel  derivates  and  the  fair  value  of  these  derivatives  related  to
future transactions was not recognized but rather was disclosed
in the notes to financial statements.

It is the Corporation’s policy not to speculate on deriv-
ative instruments; thus, these instruments are normally purchased
for risk management purposes and maintained until maturity.

Income taxes
The Corporation provides for income taxes using the
liability method. Under this method, future income tax assets and
liabilities are calculated based on differences between the carrying
value and tax bases of assets and liabilities and measured using
substantively enacted tax rates and laws expected to be in effect
when  the  differences  reverse.  A  valuation  allowance  has  been
recorded  to  the  extent  that  it  is  more  likely  than  not  that  future
income tax assets will not be realized.

Deferred lease inducements
Deferred  lease  inducements  are  amortized  on  a
straight-line basis over the term of the leases and are recognized
as a reduction of the amortization expense.

Employee future benefits
The  Corporation  offers  defined  benefit  pension
arrangements  to  certain  senior  executives.  The  cost  of  pension
benefits earned by employees is determined from actuarial calcu-
lations  using  the  projected  benefit  method  prorated  on  services

and management’s most likely estimate of the increase in eligible
earnings and the retirement age of employees. The past service
costs  and  amendments  to  the  agreements  are  amortized  on  a
straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of the
active  employees  generally  affected  thereby.  The  excess  of  net
actuarial  gains  and  losses  over  10%  of  the  benefit  obligation  is
amortized  over  the  average  remaining  service  period  of  active
employees, which was 7.7 years as at November 1, 2006. Plan
obligations are discounted using current market interest rates and
are included in “Other liabilities.”  

Earnings per share
Earnings per share are calculated based on the
weighted average number of Class A Variable Voting Shares and
Class B Voting Shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earn-
ings per share are calculated using the treasury stock method and
take into account all the elements that have a dilutive effect.

3

CHANGES TO ACCOUNTING POLICIES  

Standards in effect on November 1, 2006
Financial instruments, hedges 
and comprehensive income
On November 1, 2006, the Corporation retroactively
adopted, without restatement of prior periods, the recommenda-
tions included in the following Sections of the Canadian Institute
of  Chartered  Accountants  [“CICA”]  Handbook:  Section  1530,
Comprehensive  Income,  Section  3855,  Financial  Instruments  –
Recognition and Measurement, and Section 3865, Hedges. 

Section  1530  requires  the  presentation  of  compre-
hensive income and its components in a new financial statement.
Comprehensive income represents the change in an enterprise’s
net assets resulting from transactions, events and circumstances
from non-shareholder sources.

Section 3855 prescribes the recognition and meas-
urement  standards  for  financial  assets,  financial  liabilities  and
derivatives. These standards prescribe when to recognize a finan-
cial  instrument  in  the  balance  sheet  and  at  what  amount.
Depending on their balance sheet classification, fair value or cost-
based  measures  are  used.  These  standards  also  specify  how
financial instrument gains and losses are to be presented. Based
on  their  classification,  gains  and  losses  on  financial  instruments
are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income.

47

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

3

CHANGES TO ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

[Cont’d]
Section  3865  prescribes  the  standards  specifying
when and how an entity can use hedge accounting. The adoption
of this new standard is discretionary. It offers entities the possibil-
ity  of  applying  different  reporting  options  than  those  set  out  in
Section  3855  to  qualifying  transactions  that  they  elect  to  desig-
nate as being part of a hedging relationship for accounting pur-
poses.  The  Corporation  elected  to  continue  applying  hedge
accounting  for  its  foreign  exchange  forward  contracts,  recorded
as cash flow hedges, and its U.S. dollar loans secured by aircraft,
recorded  as  fair  value  hedges.  The  Corporation  also  enters  into
fuel  purchasing  forward  contracts  to  manage  exposure  to  fuel
price instability. For these derivative instruments, the Corporation
decided  to  cease  using  hedge  accounting.  Unrealized  gains  or
losses  were  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income  at  the
transition date, namely November 1, 2006, and are recognized in
net  income  under  “Aircraft  fuel”  when  contracts  expire  and  the
related fuel purchases occur.

The adoption of these new standards translated into
the  following  changes  as  at  November  1,  2006:  a  $12,435
decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income, a $3,492
increase in derivative financial instruments under assets, a $6,125
increase in future income tax assets, a $21,632 increase in deriv-
ative financial instruments under liabilities and a $420 increase in
long-term debt. 

For  the  year  ended  October  31,  2007,  the  Corpo-
ration  recognized  an  unrealized  loss  of  $59,036  (net  of  $28,546 
in related income taxes) under other comprehensive income repre-
senting  the  effective  portion  of  the  change  in  fair  value  of  the 
derivatives  designated  as  cash  flow  hedges.  This  amount  thus 
recognized  was  reclassified  under  “Operating  expenses”  for  the 
periods during which the operating expenses were affected by the
variability  in  the  hedged  item’s  cash  flows.  A  $2,159  gain  was 
recognized in net income during the year ended October 31, 2007.
A loss estimated at $81,423, included in “Accumulated other com-
prehensive income” as at October 31, 2007, should be reclassified
under net income during the next fiscal year.

For the year ended October 31, 2007, the Corpora-
tion recognized a loss of $12,080 (net of $5,950 in related income
taxes) under other comprehensive income representing the por-
tion of unrealized losses on fuel purchasing contracts at the tran-
sition  date  that  were  realized.  Unrealized  losses  amounting  to
$522, included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” as
at October 31, 2007, should be reclassified into net income dur-
ing the next fiscal year.

The adoption of this new standard has no impact on
the  Corporation’s  cash  flows.  However,  it  increased  net  income
and  diluted  earnings  per  share  for  the  year  ended  October  31,
2007 by $17,807 and $0.52, respectively.

Standards in effect on November 1, 2007
Aircraft overhaul expenses
On November 1, 2007, the Corporation changed its
method  for  accounting  for  aircraft  overhaul  expenses.  Up  until
October  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  accounted  for  its  expenses
using  the  accrue-in-advance  method,  as  set  out  in  note  2,  in
accordance with the accounting methods suggested in the U.S.
Audits  of  Airlines  guide  issued  by  the  American  Institute  of
Certified Public Accountants.

On September 8, 2006, the Financial Accounting
Standards  Board  [“FASB”]  issued  FASB  Staff  Position  [“FSP”]
AUG AIR-1, Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities.
This FSP amended the Audits of Airlines guide to preclude the use
of  accruals  as  an  acceptable  method.  This  FSP  is  applicable  to
entities in all industries for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2006.

As a result, effective November 1, 2007, the Corpora-
tion discontinued use of the accrue-in-advance method and
began accounting for aircraft overhaul expenses as follows:

Leased aircraft
Under  the  terms  of  the  leases,  the  Corporation  is
required to maintain the aircraft in sound working order and follow
the maintenance plan. This commitment creates an implicit obli-
gation  for  the  lessor  whose  past  events  arise  from  the  use  of
leased  aircraft.  The  Corporation  accounts  for  its  leased  aircraft
maintenance obligation based on utilization until the next mainte-
nance activity. The obligation is adjusted to reflect any change in
the related maintenance expenses anticipated. Depending on the
type  of  maintenance,  utilization  is  determined  based  on  the
cycles, logged flight time or time between overhauls. The excess
of the maintenance obligation over maintenance deposits made to
lessors and unclaimed is included in liabilities under “Provision for
overhaul of leased aircraft.”

Owned aircraft
When  aircraft  are  acquired,  a  portion  of  the  cost  is
allocated to “major maintenance activities,” which is related to air-
frame,  engine  and  landing  gear  overhaul  costs.  The  aircraft  and
major  maintenance  activities  are  amortized  taking  into  account
their expected estimated residual value. The aircraft are amortized
on a straight-line basis over seven to ten year periods, while major
maintenance  activities  are  amortized  according  to  the  type  of
maintenance activity on a straight-line basis or based on the use
of the corresponding aircraft until the next related major mainte-
nance activity. Subsequent major maintenance activity expenses
are capitalized as major maintenance activities and are amortized
according  to  their  type.  Expenses  related  to  other  maintenance
activities,  including  unexpected  repairs,  are  recognized  in  net
income as incurred.

48

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

This  change  in  accounting  policy  will  be  adopted
retroactively with restatement of prior fiscal years. The adoption of
these new standards will translate into the following changes: as
at November 1, 2006, a $2,561 increase in retained earnings and,
as at October 31, 2007, a $16,982 net decrease in property, plant
and  equipment,  a  $17,826  decrease  in  the  provision  for  aircraft
overhaul,  a  $260  increase  in  future  income  tax  liabilities  and  a
$584 increase in retained earnings. For the year ended October
31, 2007, the adoption of these new standards will translate into
the  following  changes:  a  $5,048  decrease  in  maintenance
expenses,  an  $8,017  increase  in  amortization  of  property,  plant
and  equipment  and  a  $992  decrease  in  future  income  tax
expense,  for  a  $1,977  decrease  in  net  income  and  a  $0.06
decrease  in  diluted  earnings  per  share.  For  the  year  ended
October 31, 2007, the adoption of these new standards will also
translate into the following changes: a $12,629 increase in cash
flows relating to operating activities and a decrease in cash flows
related to investing activities of the same amount.

The  Corporation  could  have  chosen  to  account  for
maintenance  expenses  for  owned  aircraft  in  net  income  as
incurred.  The  managements  believe  that  the  adopted  standards
provide better information to users of financial statements.

Other standards
The CICA has issued the following accounting stan-
dards that will be effective on November 1, 2007 for the Corpo-
ration: Section 3862, Financial Instruments – Disclosures, Section
3863, Financial Instruments – Presentation, Section 1535, Capital
Disclosures,  Section  3031,  Inventories,  and  Section  1506,
Accounting Changes.

Sections 3862 and 3863 will replace section 3861,
Financial Instruments – Disclosure and Presentation, and increase
emphasis  on  disclosure  of  the  risks  arising  from  financial  instru-
ments,  including  hedging  instruments,  and  how  the  entity  man-
ages such exposure. 

Section  1535  will  require  supplementary  disclosure
regarding the Corporation’s capital management and compliance
with any externally imposed capital requirements.

Section  3031  will  provide  guidance  on  the  method
for determining the cost of inventories. The new accounting stan-
dard specifies that inventories are to be valued at the lower of cost
and net realizable value. The standard further requires the reversal
of  previously  recorded  write-downs  to  net  realizable  value  when
there  is  clear  evidence  that  net  realizable  value  has  increased.
Additional disclosure will also be required under this standard. The
adoption of Section 3031 is not expected to have a material effect
on the Corporation’s financial statements.

Section 1506 provides guidance, in particular, on the
criteria for changing accounting policies, the appropriate account-
ing treatment in specific circumstances and the required disclosure.

4

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
IN TRUST OR OTHERWISE RESERVED

As at October 31, 2007, cash and cash equivalents
in trust or otherwise reserved included $168,196 [$168,164 as at
October 31, 2006] in funds received from customers for services
not  yet  rendered  and  no  amount  [$35,449  as  at  October  31,
2006] which was pledged as collateral security against letters of
credit and foreign exchange contracts [note 23].

5
INVESTMENTS IN ABCP  

On  August  22,  2007,  pursuant  to  the  disruption  of
credit markets, the Corporation announced that a portion totalling
$154,500  of  its  cash  available  was  invested  in  non-bank  ABCP
with ten different ABCP trusts. Our results for the year include a
provision for losses and restructuring costs amounting to $11,200
in respect of our ABCP holdings. 

The  Canadian  market  for  third  party  sponsored
ABCP suffered a liquidity disruption in mid-August 2007 following
which  a  group  of  financial  institutions  and  other  parties  agreed,
pursuant  to  the  Montréal  Accord  (the  “Accord”),  to  a  standstill
period in respect of ABCP sold by 23 conduit issuers. Participants
to  the  Accord  also  agreed  in  principle  to  the  conversion  of  the
ABCP  investments  into  longer-term  financial  instruments  with
maturities  corresponding  to  the  underlying  assets.  A  Pan-
Canadian Investors Committee was subsequently established to
restructure with success the Canadian market of ABCP, bring liq-
uidity  and  create  transparency  as  well  as  optimize  the  value  for
notes’  holders  and  realize  all  this  the  fastest  way  possible.  The
signatories to the Accord recently agreed to extend the standstill
period to December 14, 2007. The Corporation is not a signatory
to the Accord.

Since there is no active market for ABCP securities,
the  Corporation’s  management  has  estimated  the  fair  value  of
these assets using a valuation model that incorporates manage-
ment’s  best  estimates  of  credit  risk  attributable  to  underlying
assets, the relevant market interest rate, amounts to be received,
maturity dates and assumptions regarding the likelihood that the
restructuring  process  will  proceed  as  planned  by  the  Investors
Committee. As a result of the valuation, the Corporation has rec-
ognized an $11,200 write-down reflecting the estimated decline in
fair value of these investments as at October 31, 2007, including
a provision for its estimated share of restructuring costs associat-
ed with the Accord. 

49

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

5
INVESTMENTS IN ABCP  

[Cont’d]
The  Corporation’s  estimate  of  the  fair  value  of  its
ABCP investments as at October 31, 2007 is subject to significant
uncertainty.  While  management  believes  that  its  valuation  tech-
nique is appropriate in the circumstances, changes in significant
assumptions could significantly affect the value of ABCP securities
in the coming quarters. The resolution of these uncertainties could
result in the ultimate fair value of these investments varying signif-
icantly from management’s current best estimates and the extent
of that difference could have a substantial effect on our financial
results.

The  liquidity  crisis  in  the  Canadian  market  for  third
party  sponsored  ABCP  has  had  no  significant  impact  on  the
Corporation’s  operations  or  financial  position.  The  Corporation
holds or has access to sufficient available cash to meet all of its
financial,  operational  and  regulatory  obligations.  Cash  in  trust,
representing deposits from customers, as well as available cash,
are  held  either  as  cash  or  invested  in  liquid  instruments  (mainly
cash  and  term  deposits)  with  a  broad  range  of  major  financial
institutions  and  have  no  exposure  whatsoever  to  the  current
ABCP market disruption. 

6

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Fair value
As at October 31, 2007, the carrying amounts of the
financial  assets  designated  as  loans  and  receivables  consisting
primarily of receivables and short-term financial liabilities classified
as other financial liabilities approximate their fair value given that
they are expected to be realized or settled in the short term. The
carrying  amounts  of  other  long-term  financial  liabilities  approxi-
mate their fair value given that they are subject to terms and con-
ditions,  such  as  interest  rates,  similar  to  those  available  to  the
Corporation for instruments with comparable terms.  

The  fair  value  of  the  derivative  financial  instruments
represents  the  amount  of  the  consideration  that  could  be
exchanged in an arm’s length transaction between willing parties
who are under no compulsion to act. The Corporation determines
the fair value of its derivative financial instruments using the pur-
chase or selling price, as appropriate, in the most advantageous
active  market  to  which  the  Corporation  has  immediate  access.
When the market for a derivative financial instrument is not active,
the Corporation establishes fair value by applying valuation tech-
niques, such as using recent market transactions involving other
instruments that are substantially the same, discounted cash flow
analysis or other techniques, where appropriate. The Corporation

ensures,  to  the  extent  practicable,  that  its  valuation  technique
incorporates all factors that market participants would consider in
setting a price and is consistent with accepted economic meth-
ods for pricing financial instruments. 

The classification and carrying amounts of the deriv-
ative financial instruments as at October 31, 2007 are as follows:
Liabilities
$

Assets
$

Derivative financial 

instruments designated as 
cash flow hedges

Foreign exchange 
forward contracts

Derivative financial 

instruments designated as 
fair value hedges
Foreign exchange 
forward contracts
Derivative financial 

instruments designated as 
held-for-trading 

Fuel purchasing 

forward contracts

1,258

90,969

—

3,629

26,055
27,313

6
94,604

Management  of foreign exchange risk 
and fuel price risk 
In the normal course of business, the Corporation is
exposed to risks related to changes in certain foreign exchange
rates  and  in  fuel  prices.  The  Corporation  manages  these  risks
through various financial instruments. The Corporation’s manage-
ment  is  responsible  for  determining  the  acceptable  level  of  risk
and only uses financial instruments to manage risks in respect of
existing or anticipated commitments or obligations.

The Corporation has entered into foreign exchange
forward contracts, expiring in less than two years, for the purchase
and sale of foreign currencies to manage its foreign exchange 
risk. As at October 31, 2007, the face value of these foreign
exchange  forward  contracts  amounted  to  $799,615  [$645,878 
as at October 31, 2006].

The  Corporation  has  entered  into  fuel  purchasing
contracts  to  manage  its  exposure  to  fuel  price  instability.  As  at
October 31, 2007, 50% of estimated fuel requirements for fiscal
2008 and 2% of estimated requirements for fiscal 2009 were cov-
ered by fuel purchasing contracts [53% of estimated requirements
for fiscal 2007 and 12% of estimated requirements for fiscal 2008
were covered as at October 31, 2006].

50

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

7

DEPOSITS

Deposits on leased 

aircraft and engines
Deposits with suppliers

Less current portion

2007
$

8,946
39,322
48,268
31,077
17,191

2006
$

10,036
39,163
49,199
29,849
19,350

Credit risk
Except for its investments in ABCP, the Corporation
believes it is not exposed to a significant concentration of credit
risk. The risk to which the Corporation is exposed in relation to
derivative financial instruments is limited to the replacement cost
of contracts at market prices in the event of default by one of the
parties. Management is of the opinion that the credit risk related
to financial instruments is well controlled because the Corporation
only enters into agreements with large financial institutions with
suitable credit ratings. Cash and cash equivalents are invested on
a  diversified  basis  in  investment-grade  corporations.  More  than
90% of the Corporation’s investments in ABCP are invested in
funds whose assets are ranked AAA according to the most
recent ranking by Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS) dated
November 6, 2007. Accounts receivable generally arise from the
sale of vacation packages to individuals through travel agencies
and the sale of seats to tour operators, which are dispersed over
a wide geographic area.

8

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Aircraft
Improvements to aircraft under  

operating leases

Aircraft equipment
Computer hardware and software 
Aircraft engines
Office furniture and equipment
Leasehold improvements
Rotable aircraft spare parts
Hangar and administrative buildings

Accumulated amortization
Net book value

2007

2006

Accumulated 
amortization
$
72,879

21,155
32,986
82,897
9,094
20,667
16,909
11,657
406
268,650

Cost

$
150,937

33,698
38,172
115,444
20,358
31,900
31,008
26,301
832
448,650

268,650
180,000

Accumulated 
amortization
$
60,230

15,054
31,133
73,161
7,768
21,681
15,295
9,426
380
234,128

Cost

$
150,937

26,525
36,603
98,789
20,358
28,853
27,328
25,234
850
415,477

234,128
181,349

51

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

11
BANK LOANS

For its Canadian operations, the Corporation has a
revolving credit facility renewable annually amounting to $60,000.
Under the terms and conditions of the agreement, funds may be
drawn down by issuing letters of credit. As at October 31, 2007,
letters of credit had been issued for a total of $30,008 [$33,166
as at October 31, 2006], thereby reducing the undrawn balance
of  the  revolving  term  credit  facility  by  the  same  amount.  This
agreement expired on November 16, 2007, due to the negotiation
of a new banking agreement [note 25].

As  at  October  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  has  a
revolving  credit  facility  amounting  to  $40,000.  Under  the  terms
and conditions of this agreement, funds may be drawn down by
way of bankers’ acceptances and bank loans in Canadian dollars
bearing  interest  at  bankers’  acceptance  rates  or  the  prime  rate 
of the financial institution. The revolving credit facility bore interest
at an average rate of 4.7% for the year ended October 31, 2007.
As at October 31, 2007, $39,887 had been drawn down. On
November 16, 2007, the Corporation refinanced its revolving cred-
it facility in full following negotiation of its new banking agreement
[note 25].

Operating lines of credit totalling m11,300 [$15,529]
[m11,800  [$16,921]  in  2006]  have  been  authorized  for  certain
French subsidiaries. These operating lines of credit are renewable
annually and were undrawn as at October 31, 2007 and 2006.

For  its  European  operations,  the  Corporation  has
guarantee  facilities  renewable  annually  amounting  to  m13,100
[$18,002] [m17,893 [$25,660] in 2006]. As at October 31, 2007,
letters of guarantee had been issued totalling m7,525 [$10,341]
[m3,747 [$5,373] in 2006].

9
GOODWILL AND OTHER 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill
Trademarks not subject  

to amortization

Customer lists, net of $1,139 

in accumulated amortization   
[$590 in 2006]

The change in goodwill is as follows:

Balance, beginning of year
Acquisitions [note 18]
Writedown of goodwill
Translation adjustment

2007
$
119,614

2006
$
121,138

17,203

18,454

11,698
148,515

14,089
153,681

2007
$
121,138
5,624
(3,900)
(3,248)
119,614

2006
$
93,741
26,866
—
531
121,138

During the quarter ended October 31, 2007, the
Corporation performed its annual test for impairment of goodwill
and trademarks by discounting the future cash flows based on the
most recent financial forecasts. The fair value of reporting unit
Travel Superstore Inc. is less than the net book value, which trans-
lated into an impairment of the goodwill related to this reporting
unit amounting to $3,900, which was recorded in income for the
year ended October 31, 2007.

10
OTHER ASSETS

Deferred costs, unamortized balance
Investments in companies subject 

to significant influence 
and other investments

Other

2007
$
2,701

628
1,102
4,431

2006
$
3,387

874
3,714
7,975

52

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

12

LONG-TERM DEBT

15

SHARE CAPITAL

Loans  secured  by  aircraft  amount-
ing to US$49,500 [US$54,000 as at
October 31, 2006], bearing interest
at the London Interbank Offered
Rate [LIBOR] rate plus 2.15% and 
3.25% and maturing in 2008.

2007
$

2006
$

46,763

60,626

Revolving credit facility maturing 
in November 2012 [notes 11 and 25]

39,887

—

L o a n s   s e c u re d   b y   a n   a i rc r a f t
amounting  to  US$18,905  as  at
October 31, 2006, bearing interest
at  LIBOR  plus  2.95%  and  3.64%.
The loans were repaid during the 
year

Other

Less current portion

13

DEBENTURE

—

21,224

2,031
88,681
48,794
39,887

2,818
84,668
27,305
57,363

On  April  6,  2004,  a  subsidiary  of  the  Corporation
issued a $3,156 debenture, bearing interest at 6%. The debenture
is  repayable  in  one  instalment  in  September  2009  in  cash  or
shares of the Corporation at the Corporation’s option.   

14
OTHER ASSETS

Deferred lease inducements
Non-controlling interest
Accrued benefit liability [note 21]

2007
$
13,832
7,148
11,209
32,189

2006
$
15,260
8,264
8,410
31,934

Authorized
Class A Variable Voting Shares
An  unlimited  number  of  Class  A  Variable  Voting
Shares [“Class A Shares”], participating, which may be owned or
controlled  only  by  non-Canadians  as  defined  by  the  Canada
Transportation Act [“CTA”], carrying one vote per Class A Share
unless (i) the number of issued and outstanding Class A Shares
exceeds  25%  of  the  total  number  of  all  issued  and  outstanding
voting  shares  (or  any  higher  percentage  that  the  Governor  in
Council may specify pursuant to the CTA); or (ii) the total number
of votes cast by or on behalf of holders of Class A Shares at
any  meeting  exceeds  25%  (or  any  higher  percentage  that  the
Governor in Council may specify pursuant to the CTA) of the total
number of votes that may be cast at such meeting. 

If either of the above-noted thresholds is surpassed,
the vote attached to each Class A Share will decrease automati-
cally, without further act or formality. In the scenario described in
subparagraph  (i)  above,  the  Class  A  Shares  as  a  class  cannot
carry more than 25% (or any higher percentage that the Governor
in  Council  may  specify  pursuant  to  the  CTA)  of  the  aggregate
votes attached to all issued and outstanding voting shares of the
Corporation. Under the circumstance described in subparagraph
(ii) above, the Class A Shares as a class cannot, for a given share-
holders’ meeting, carry more than 25% (or any higher percentage
that the Governor in Council may specify pursuant to the CTA) of
the total number of votes that may be cast at the said meeting.

Each issued and outstanding Class A Share shall be
automatically  converted  into  one  Class  B  Voting  Share  without
any further act on the part of the Corporation or of the holder if (i)
the  Class  A  Share  is  or  becomes  owned  and  controlled  by  a
Canadian as defined by the CTA; or (ii) the provisions contained in
the CTA relating to foreign ownership restrictions are repealed and
not replaced with other similar provisions.

Class B Voting Shares
An  unlimited  number  of  Class  B  Voting  Shares
[“Class B Shares”], participating, which may be owned and con-
trolled only by Canadians as defined by the CTA and shall confer
the right to one vote per Class B Share at all meetings of share-
holders of the Corporation. Each issued and outstanding Class B
Share  shall  be  converted  into  one  Class  A  Share  automatically
without any further act on the part of the Corporation or the hold-
er if the Class B Share is or becomes owned or controlled by a
non-Canadian as defined by the CTA. 

53

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

15

SHARE CAPITAL

[Cont’d]
Preferred shares
An unlimited number of preferred shares, non-voting,
issuable in series, each series bearing the number of shares, des-
ignation,  rights,  privileges,  restrictions  and  conditions  as  deter-
mined by the Board of Directors.

Issued and outstanding
The  changes  affecting  the  Class  A  Shares  and  the

Class B Shares were as follows:

Balance as at October 31, 2005
Issued from treasury
Exercise of options
Conversion of warrants
Repurchase and cancellation 

of shares

Balance as at October 31, 2006
Issued from treasury
Exercise of options
Conversion of warrants
Repurchase and cancellation 

of shares

Balance as at October 31, 2007

Number of 
shares
40,156,450
38,392
123,904
59,150

(6,730,299)
33,647,597
35,307
331,257
350,325

$
179,438
768
748
571

(30,095)
151,430
1,042
4,494
3,381

(736,100)
33,628,386

(3,383)
156,964

As  at  October  31,  2007,  the  number  of  Class  A
Shares and Class B Shares stood at 1,978,743 and 31,649,643
respectively [2,794,011 and 30,853,586 as at October 31, 2006].

Normal course issuer bid  
In  accordance  with  its  issuer  bid,  the  Corporation
repurchased,  on  January  3,  2006,  a  total  of  6,443,299  voting
shares,  consisting  of  1,780,797  Class  A  Shares  and  4,662,502
Class B Shares, for a cash consideration of $125,000.

On June 15, 2007, the Corporation renewed its nor-
mal course issuer bid, which began on June 13, 2006, for a 12-
month period. With this renewal, the Corporation intends to repur-
chase  for  cancellation  up  to  a  maximum  of  3,288,003  Class  A
Shares  and  Class  B  Shares,  representing  less  than  10%  of  the
issued and outstanding Class A Shares and Class B Shares at the
offer  renewal  date  [3,270,939  Class  A  Shares  and  Class  B
Shares, representing less than 10% of the issued and outstand-
ing Class A Shares and Class B Shares as at June 13, 2006]. The
shares can be repurchased at market prices plus brokerage fees.
In accordance with its normal course issuer bids, the
Corporation  repurchased,  during  the  year  ended  October  31,
2007,  a  total  of  736,100  voting  shares,  consisting  of  Class  A

Shares and Class B Shares, for a cash consideration of $23,944
[287,000 voting shares, consisting of Class A Shares and Class B
Shares, for a cash consideration of $7,422 in 2006].

The excess of the shares’ repurchase value over their
carrying amount was charged to retained earnings as share repur-
chase premiums.

Subscription rights plan
At  the  annual  meeting  held  on  April  27,  2005,  the
shareholders ratified the renewal, by the Corporation, of a share-
holders’  subscription  rights  plan  [“rights  plan”].  The  rights  plan
entitles holders of Class A Shares and Class B Shares to acquire,
under certain conditions, additional shares at a price equal to 50%
of  their  market  value  at  the  time  the  rights  are  exercised.  The
rights plan is designed to give the Board of Directors time to con-
sider  offers,  thus  allowing  shareholders  to  receive  full  and  fair
value for their shares. The rights plan will terminate at the annual
shareholders’  meeting  in  2008,  unless  it  is  terminated  earlier  by
the Corporation’s Board of Directors.

Stock option plan  
Options  are  granted  under  a  stock  option  plan  for
executives  and  employees.  Under  the  plan,  as  at  October  31,
2007,  the  Corporation  may  grant  869,121  additional  Class  A
Shares or Class B Shares to eligible persons at a share price equal
to the weighted average price of the shares during the five trading
days  prior  to  the  granting  of  the  options.  Options  granted  are
exercisable  over  a  ten-year  period;  a  maximum  of  one-third  of
options is exercisable in the first two years after the grant date. An
additional third is exercisable in the third year and the final third,
after  the  start  of  the  fourth  year.  For  awards  subsequent  to
November 1, 2006, a maximum of two-thirds of options is exer-
cisable  in  the  third  year  with  all  options  becoming  exercisable
when the fourth year begins. The tables below summarize all out-
standing options:

2007

2006

Number Weighted

Number Weighted

of options

average

of options

average

price
$
14,07
37,12
10,29
26,80
22,70

796 069
129 927
(123 904)
(91 630)
710 462

price
$
10,69
22,84
5,73
8,42
14,07

710 462
145 099
(331 257)
(18 221)
506 083

250 993

14,73

480 027

10,89

Beginning of year
Granted
Exercised
Cancelled
End of year
Options 

exercisable,  
end of year

54

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

2007

Range of 
exercise prices 
$
4.50
3.00 –
7.50
6.01 –
7.51 –
9.00
9.01 – 11.50
15.01 – 17.00
21.01 – 29.00
37.00 – 37.50

Outstanding options

Exercisable options

Number of options  
outstanding as at  
October 31, 2007

Weighted  
average 
remaining life  

30,228
39,589
8,160
18,122
62,239
210,523
137,222
506,083

5.5 years
3.7 years
2.4 years
3.4 years
6.6 years
8.1 years
9.6 years

Weighted
average
price
$
3.80
6.85
7.86
9.90
15.68
22.67
37.24
22.70

Exercisable

options  
as at 
October 31, 2007

30,228
39,589
8,160
18,122
62,239
92,655
—
250,993

Weighted 
average
price
$
3.80
6.85
7.86
9.90
15.68
22.57
—
14.73

During  the  year,  the  Corporation  issued  35,307
Class  B  Shares  [38,392  Class  B  Shares  in  2006]  for  a  total  of
$1,042 [$768 in 2006] under the share purchase plan.

Stock ownership incentive 
and capital accumulation plan
Subject  to  participation  in  the  share  purchase  plan
offered  to  all  eligible  employees  of  the  Corporation,  the
Corporation awards annually to each eligible officer a number of
Class B Shares, the aggregate subscription price of which is equal
to an amount ranging from 20% to 60% of the maximum percent-
age of salary contributed, which may not exceed 5%. Shares so
awarded by the Corporation will vest gradually to the eligible offi-
cer,  subject  to  the  eligible  officer’s  retaining,  during  the  first  six
months of the vesting period, all the shares subscribed for under
the  Corporation’s  share  purchase  plan.  The  shares  awarded
under this plan are bought in the market by the Corporation and
deposited in the participant’s account as and when he/she pur-
chases shares under the share purchase plan.

During the year ended October 31, 2007, the Corpo-
ration  accounted  for  a  compensation  expense  of  $117  [$79  in
2006] related to its stock ownership incentive and capital accu-
mulation plan. 

Compensation expense related 
to stock option plan
During the year ended October 31, 2007, the Corpo-
ration granted 145,099 stock options [129,927 in 2006] to certain
key employees. The average fair value of each option granted was
estimated  on  the  date  of  grant  using  the  Black-Scholes  option
pricing model. The assumptions used and the weighted average
fair value of the options on the date of grant are as follows:

Risk-free interest rate
Expected life
Expected volatility
Dividend yield
Weighted average grant-date 

2007
4.18%
6 years
40.0%
0.97%

2006
4.48%
6 years
55.6%
—

fair value

$15.05

$12.70

During the year ended October 31, 2007, the Corpo-
ration  recorded  a  compensation  expense  of  $1,577  [$886  in
2006]  related  to  its  stock  option  plan.  An  amount  of  $1,085
[$38 in 2006] was recognized in share capital subsequent to the
exercise of options.  

Share purchase plan
A share purchase plan is available to eligible employ-
ees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. Under the plan, as at
October  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  was  authorized  to  issue  a
maximum of 576,176 Class B shares. The plan allows each eligi-
ble employee to purchase shares for a total subscription limit up
to 10% of his or her annual salary in effect at the time of the sub-
scription. The purchase price of the shares under the plan is equal
to the weighted average price of the Class B Shares during the
five trading days prior to the issue of the shares, less 10%.

55

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

15

SHARE CAPITAL

[Cont’d]
Permanent stock ownership incentive plan
Subject  to  participation  in  the  share  purchase  plan
offered  to  all  eligible  employees  of  the  Corporation,  the  Corpo-
ration awards annually to each eligible senior executive a number
of  Class  B  Shares,  the  aggregate  subscription  price  of  which  is
equal  to  the  maximum  percentage  of  salary  contributed,  which
may not exceed 10%. Shares so awarded by the Corporation will
vest gradually to the eligible senior executive, subject to the sen-
ior executive’s retaining, during the vesting period, all the shares
subscribed for under the Corporation’s share purchase plan. The
shares awarded under this plan are bought in the market by the
Corporation  and  deposited  in  the  participant’s  account  as  and
when he/she purchases shares under the share purchase plan.

During the year ended October 31, 2007, the Corpo-
ration  accounted  for  a  compensation  expense  of  $208  [$207  in
2006] related to its permanent stock ownership incentive plan.   

Deferred share unit plan
Deferred  share  units  [“DSUs”]  are  awarded  in  con-
nection with the senior executive deferred share unit plan and the
independent director deferred share unit plan. Under these plans,
each eligible senior executive or independent director receives a
portion of his or her compensation in the form of DSUs. The value
of a DSU is determined based on the average closing price of the
Class B Shares for the five trading days prior to the award of the
DSUs.  The  DSUs  are  repurchased  by  the  Corporation  when  a
senior executive or a director ceases to be a plan participant. For
the purpose of repurchasing DSUs, the value of a DSU is deter-
mined based on the average closing price of the Class B Shares
for the five trading days prior to the repurchase of the DSUs.

As at October 31, 2007, the number of DSUs award-
ed amounted to 35,732 [31,653 as at October 31, 2006]. For the
year  ended  October  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  accounted  for 
a  compensation  expense  of  $595  [$501  in  2006]  related  to  its
deferred share unit plan.

Restricted share unit plan
Restricted share units [“RSUs”] are awarded annual-
ly to eligible employees under the new restricted share unit plan.
Under this plan, each eligible employee receives a portion of his or
her  compensation  in  the  form  of  RSUs.  The  value  of  an  RSU  is
determined  based  on  the  weighted  average  closing  price  of  the
Class B Shares for the five trading days prior to the award of the
RSUs. The rights related to RSUs are acquired over a period of
three  years.  When  acquired,  the  RSUs  are  immediately  repur-
chased by the Corporation, subject to certain conditions and cer-
tain provisions relating to the Corporation’s financial performance.

For  the  purpose  of  repurchasing  RSUs,  the  value  of  an  RSU  is
determined  based  on  the  weighted  average  closing  price  of  the
Class B Shares for the five trading days prior to the repurchase of
the RSUs.

As at October 31, 2007, the number of RSUs award-
ed amounted to 66,784 [nil as at October 31, 2006]. For the year
ended October 31, 2007, the Corporation accounted for a com-
pensation  expense  of  $887  [nil  in  2006]  related  to  its  restricted
share unit plan.

Warrants
On  January  10,  2002,  the  Corporation  issued
1,421,225  warrants  entitling  the  holders  to  subscribe  the  same
number of Class B Voting Shares of the Corporation at an exer-
cise price of $6.75 each. These warrants expired on January 10,
2007.  As  at  October  31,  2006,  the  balance  of  the  warrants
amounted to 350,325, and these warrants were exercised during
the year ended October 31, 2007.

Earnings per share
Basic  earnings  per  share  and  diluted  earnings  per

share were computed as follows:

NUMERATOR
Income attributable to voting 

shareholders

Interest on the debenture that 

2007
$

2006
$

80,480

65,770

may be settled in voting shares

129

129

Income used to calculate    
diluted earnings per share

80,609

65,899

DENOMINATOR
Weighted average number 
of outstanding shares
Effect of dilutive securities
Debenture that may be settled 

in voting shares

Stock options
Warrants
Adjusted weighted average  

number of outstanding shares 
used in computing  
diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share  
Diluted earnings per share

33,763

34,907

94
304
51

141
330
282

34,212
2.38
2.36

35,660
1.88
1.85

56

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

For the purposes of calculating diluted earnings per
share for the year ended October 31, 2007, 137,222 stock options
[129,927  stock  options  as  at  October  31,  2006]  were  excluded
since the exercise price of these options was higher than the
average price of the Corporation’s shares.

16
ACCUMULATED OTHER  
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Accumulated Other  

comprehensive income
Balance, beginning of year
Accumulated effect of accounting 

changes relating to financial 
instruments  [note 3]

2007
$

2006
$

22

(2,591)

(12,435)

—

Restated balance, beginning of year
Other comprehensive income
Balance, end of year

(12,413)
(54,088)
(66,501)

(2,591)
2,613
22

The  2006  balance  represents  the  reclassification  of
deferred  translation  adjustment  to  accumulated  other  compre-
hensive income.

17
AMORTIZATION

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets subject 

to amortization

Other assets
Deferred lease inducements

18
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

2007
$
41,218

1,600
1,815
(1,660)
42,973

2006
$
38,301

590
2,226
(1,757)
39,360

During the years ended October 31, 2007 and 2006,
the  Corporation  acquired  several  businesses.  These  acquisitions
were  recorded  using  the  purchase  method.  The  results  of  these
businesses  were  included  in  the  Corporation’s  results  as  of  their
respective dates of acquisition, unless otherwise indicated.

2007 Acquisitions
On  May  1,  2007,  the  Corporation  made  a  m1,264
($1,921) cash payment to acquire the balance of the shares (30%)
of Air Consultants B.V. (ACE) that it did not already own. Goodwill
amounting to $2,108 was recognized subsequent to this transac-
tion. Since this date, ACE is a wholly owned subsidiary.

On  July  11,  2007,  the  Corporation  acquired  100% 
of  the  issued  and  outstanding  shares  of  French  outgoing  tour
operator  L’Européenne  de  Tourisme  (Amplitude  Internationale) 
for  a  total  consideration  of  m6,044  ($8,631).  A  cash  payment 
of  m4,644  [$6,241]  was  paid  on  the  acquisition  date  and  the 
balance  of  m1,400  [$1,923]  is  due  by  July  31,  2008.  The  final 
purchase price allocation is expected to be completed as soon as
the  Corporation’s  management  has  gathered  all  the  significant
information it deems necessary. A temporary goodwill amount of
$3,516 was recognized subsequent to this transaction.

2006 Acquisitions
On December 1, 2005, the Corporation acquired the
assets of 20 travel agencies operating in France and belonging to
the Carlson Wagonlit Travel network for a total cash consideration
of m3,102 [$4,314]. Goodwill amounting to $3,920 was recorded
subsequent to this transaction. The results of these agencies have
been consolidated as of January 1, 2006.

During the year ended October 31, 2006, the Corpo-
ration acquired the assets, via Travel Superstore Inc., of six travel
agencies for a total consideration of $1,096. Of that amount, $338
was paid in cash on the acquisition dates, with the $619 balance
payable  in  instalments  over  periods  ranging  from  three  to  five
years. Goodwill amounting to $925 was recognized subsequent
to  these  transactions.  The  results  of  these  agencies  have  been
consolidated as of their respective acquisition dates.

On May 1, 2006, the Corporation acquired 100% of
the  issued  and  outstanding  shares  of  the  Thomas  Cook  Travel
Limited [“TCT”] travel agency network, located in Canada, for
a cash consideration of $8,297. TCT operates a network of 67
wholly  owned  agencies  and  124  franchised  agencies  under  the
Thomas  Cook  and  Marlin  Travel  banners.  TCT  also  operates
22 foreign exchange offices. Subsequent to this transaction, the
Corporation undertook a restructuring program that it completed
prior  to  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year  ended  October  31,  2006.  An
amount of $1,651, mainly comprising employee termination ben-
efits, was reflected in the purchase price allocation with regard to
this  restructuring.  The  Corporation  does  not  foresee  any  further
disbursements in respect of this integration. Goodwill amounting
to $732 was recognized subsequent to this transaction. 

On August 1, 2006, the Corporation acquired 100%
of the issued and outstanding shares of British tour operator The
Airline Seat Company, which operates under the Canadian Affair
brand,  for  £20,670  [$43,692]  in  cash.  Goodwill  amounting  to
$21,289 was recognized subsequent to this transaction.

57

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

18
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

[Cont’d]
Business acquisitions are summarized as follows:

2007

Air 

Consultants  L’Européenne
de Tourisme
$

B.V.
$

Total
$

2006
The
Airline Seat
Company
Ltd.
$

Thomas
Cook Travel
Ltd.
$

Other
$

Total
$

2,363

5,607

7,970

3,478

46,319

— 49,797

—
381
46

—
—
—
2,108
4,898

2,977
—
—
2,977
1,921

—
12,117
79

—
—
—
3,516
21,319

12,688
—
—
12,688
8,631

—
12,498
125

—
—
—
5,624
26,217

15,665
—
—
15,665
10,552

779
3,710
1,284

2,600
2,900
1,736
732
17,219

7,907
—
1,015
8,922
8,297

4,861
7,229
420

15,642
11,626
—
21,289
107,386

56,712
6,982
—
63,694
43,692

—
156
409

5,640
11,095
2,113

— 18,242
— 14,526
1,736
—
4,845
26,866
5,410 130,015

— 64,619
6,982
—
—
1,015
— 72,616
57,399

5,410

Assets acquired 
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents  

in trust or otherwise reserved

Other current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Trademarks
Customer lists

Future income tax assets
Goodwill

Liabilities assumed
Current liabilities
Future income tax liabilities
Long-term debt

Net assets acquired at fair value

19
INCOME TAXES

Income taxes as reported differ from the amount calculated by applying the statutory income tax rates to income before

income taxes and non-controlling interest in subsidiaries’ results.

The reasons for this difference and the effect on income taxes are detailed as follows:

Income taxes at the statutory rate
Change in income taxes arising from the following:

Effect of differences in Canadian and foreign tax rates
Non-deductible items
Recognition of previously unrecorded tax benefits
Effect of tax rate changes
Valuation allowance
Other

2007

2006

$
37,411

(1,781)
4,858
(7,350)
(397)
2,557
320
35,618

%
32.0

(1.5)
4.2
(6.3)
(0.3)
2.1
0.3
30.5

$
32,662

(390)
2,701
(2,545)
516
—
(898)
32,046

%
33.0

(0.4)
2.7
(2.6)
0.5
—
(0.9)
32.3

58

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

Significant  components  of  the  Corporation’s

Significant  transactions  between  related  parties  are

future income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

as follows:  

2007
$

2006
$

Future income taxes
Net operating loss carry-forwards 

and other tax deductions

20,628

24,937

Carrying value of capital assets 

in excess of tax basis  
Non-deductible reserves 

and provisions

Taxes related to accumulated 
other comprehensive income

Other
Total future income taxes
Valuation allowance
Net future income tax assets 

(liabilities)

Current future income tax liabilities
Long-term future income tax assets
Current future income tax liabilities
Long-term future income tax liabilities
Net future income tax assets 

(33,765)

(35,935)

28,802

27,910

21,115
52
36,832
(20,081)

16,751
25,250
9,341
(298)
(17,542)

—
354
17,266
(22,443)

(5,177)
1,357
7,120
—
(13,654)

(liabilities)

16,751

(5,177)

Non-capital losses carried forward and other tempo-
rary  differences,  which  are  available  to  reduce  future  taxable
income  of  certain  subsidiaries  in  Europe,  for  which  no  related
income tax benefits have been recognized, amounted to m31,266
[$42,966]  as  at  October  31,  2007  [m43,836  [$62,862]  as  at
October 31, 2006]. Of these losses and deductions, an amount of
m19,056 [$27,326] will expire in three years; the balance has no
specific expiry date.

Retained earnings of the Corporation’s foreign sub-
sidiaries are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly,
no provision for income taxes has been provided thereon. Upon
distribution  of  these  earnings  in  the  form  of  dividends  or  other-
wise, the Corporation may be subject to withholding taxes.

20

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES

In  the  normal  course  of  its  operations,  the  Corpo-
ration  enters  into  transactions  with  related  companies.  These
transactions are measured at the exchange amount, which is the
amount of consideration determined and agreed to by the related
parties. 

Revenues from companies 

subject to significant influence
Operating expenses incurred with 

companies subject to 
significant influence

2007
$

2006
$

262

220

1,365

1,340

The balances receivable from and payable to related
parties included in accounts receivable and accounts payable and
accrued liabilities are as follows:

Accounts receivable from companies 

subject to significant influence
Accounts payable and accrued 
liabilities due to companies 
subject to significant influence

2007
$

239

69

2006
$

32

54

21

EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS

The  Corporation  offers  defined  benefit  pension
arrangements  to  certain  senior  executives.  These  arrangements
provide for payment of benefits based on the number of years of
eligible service provided and the average eligible earnings for the
five years in which the participant’s eligible earnings were the high-
est. These arrangements are not funded; however, to secure its
obligations,  the  Corporation  has  issued  a  letter  of  credit  to  the
trustee amounting to $15,284 [note 11]. The Corporation uses an
actuarial estimate to measure the accrued benefit obligation as at
October 31 each year.

The  following  table  provides  a  reconciliation  of  the

changes in the accrued benefit obligation:

Accrued benefit obligation, 

beginning of year
Current service cost
Interest cost
Benefits paid
Actuarial loss
Accrued benefit obligation, 

end of year

2007
$

14,349
786
840
(9)
729

2006
$

11,739
682
756
—
1,172

16,695

14,349

59

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

21

22

EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

[Cont’d]
The funded status of the pension plan and the
amounts recorded in the balance sheet under other liabilities were
as follows:   

Plan assets at fair value
Accrued benefit obligation
Plan deficit
Unamortized past service costs
Unamortized net actuarial loss
Accrued benefit liability

2007
$
—
16,695
16,695
2,620
2,866
11,209

2006
$
—
14,349
14,349
3,680
2,259
8,410

Pension plan expense is allocated as follows:

Current service cost
Interest cost
Amortization of past service costs
Amortization of net actuarial loss
Pension expense

2007
$
786
840
1,060
123
2,809

2006
$
682
756
1,060
74
2,572

The  significant  actuarial  assumptions  adopted  to
determine the Corporation’s accrued benefit obligation and pen-
sion expense were as follows:

Accrued benefit obligation
Discount rate
Rate of increase in eligible earnings

Pension expense
Discount rate
Rate of increase in eligible earnings

2007
$

5.50
3.00

5.50
3.00

2006
$

5.50
3.00

5.75
3.00

(a) The  Corporation’s  commitments  under  agreements
with  suppliers  and  operating  leases  relating  to  air-
craft,  buildings,  automotive  equipment,  telephone
systems, maintenance contracts and office premis-
es  amounted  to  $493,313  and  are  broken  down
as  follows:  $130,356,  US$151,659,  m104,531
and £38,312.

The  annual  instalments  to  be  made  under  these
commitments  during  the  next  five  years  are  as 
follows:  

2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

$
227,570
94,713
53,052
33,051
19,747

(b)

In 2009, the minority shareholder in Jonview Canada
Inc.’s  parent  company  may  require  the  Corporation
to  buy  the  shares  of  Jonview  Canada  Inc.’s  parent
company which it holds, at a price equal to the fair
market value. The price paid may be settled, at the
Corporation’s option, in cash or by a share issue.

(c) The  minority  shareholders  of  Travel  Superstore  Inc.
could  require,  between  2011  and  2015,  that  the
Corporation acquires the shares of Travel Superstore
Inc. that they hold at a price equal to their fair mar-
ket value and payable in cash.

(d)

In  the  normal  course  of  its  operations,  the  Corpo-
ration  is  exposed  to  various  claims  and  legal  pro-
ceedings.  These  disputes  often  involve  numerous
uncertainties and the outcome of the individual cases
is  unpredictable.  According  to  management,  these
claims and proceedings are adequately provided for
or covered by insurance policies and their settlement
should not have a significant negative impact on the
Corporation’s financial position.

60

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

23
GUARANTEES

In  the  normal  course  of  business,  the  Corporation
has entered into agreements that contain features which meet the
definition of a guarantee. These agreements provide compensation
and guarantees to counterparties in transactions such as operat-
ing leases, irrevocable letters of credit and security contracts.

These  agreements  may  require  the  Corporation  to
compensate the counterparties for costs and losses incurred as a
result of various events, including breaches of representations and
warranties, loss of or damages to property, claims that may arise
while providing services and environmental liabilities. 

Notes 4, 11, 12, 13 and 21 to the financial statements
provide information relating to some of these agreements. The fol-
lowing constitutes additional disclosure.  

Operating leases
The Corporation’s subsidiaries have general indem-
nity clauses in many of their airport and other real estate leases
whereby  they,  as  lessee,  indemnify  the  lessor  against  liabilities
related to the use of the leased property. These leases expire at
various  date  up  to  2034.  The  nature  of  the  agreements  varies
based  on  the  contracts  and  therefore  prevents  the  Corporation
from estimating the total potential amount its subsidiaries would
have to pay to lessors. Historically, the Corporation’s subsidiaries
have not made any significant payments under such agreements
and have liability insurance coverage in such circumstances.  

Irrevocable letters of credit
The Corporation has entered into irrevocable letters
of credit with some of its suppliers. Under these letters of credit,
the Corporation guarantees the payment of certain tourist servic-
es such as hotel rooms whether it sells the services or not. These
agreements, which are entered into for significant blocks of tourist
services, typically cover a one-year period and are renewable. The
Corporation has also issued letters of credit to provincial regulato-
ry  agencies  in  Ontario  and  British  Columbia  guaranteeing
amounts  to  the  Corporation’s  clients  for  the  performance  of  its
obligations.  In  addition  to  the  letters  of  credit  and  security  con-
tracts mentioned in notes 4, 11 and 21, the other guarantees pro-
vided by the Corporation under letters of credit totalled $410 as at
October  31,  2007.  Historically,  the  Corporation  has  never  made
any significant payments under such letters of credit. 

Security contracts
The Corporation has entered into security contracts
whereby it has guaranteed a prescribed amount to its clients at
the request of regulatory agencies for the performance of the obli-
gations included in mandates by its clients during the term of the
licenses granted to the Corporation for its travel agent and whole-
saler activities in the province of Québec. These agreements typ-
ically cover a one-year period and are renewable annually. As at
October 31, 2007, the secured amount totalled $848. Historically,
the  Corporation  has  not  made  any  significant  payments  under
such agreements. 

As  at  October  31,  2007,  no  amounts  have  been

accrued with respect to the above-mentioned agreements.

24
SEGMENT DISCLOSURE

The Corporation has determined that it conducts its
activities  in  a  single  industry  segment,  namely  holiday  travel.
Therefore, the statements of income include all the required infor-
mation. With respect to geographic areas, the Corporation oper-
ates mainly in North America and in Europe. Geographic interseg-
ment sales are accounted for at prices that take into account mar-
ket conditions and other considerations.

2007
Revenues from 
third parties

Operating 

expenses

2006
Revenues from 
third parties

Operating 

expenses

North  

America
$

Europe
$

Total
$

2,278,116

767,801

3,045,917

2,162,085
116,031

750,762
17,039

2,912,847
133,070

North  

America
$

Europe
$

Total
$

2,059,611

544,135

2,603,746

1,940,816
118,795

535,986
8,149

2,476,802
126,944

61

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

24
SEGMENT DISCLOSURE 

[Cont’d]

Canada
France
United Kingdom
Other 40,711

Revenues (1)

2007
$
2,257,040
602,058
146,108
40,711
3,045,917

2006
$
2,038,594
465,728
62,055
137,369
2,603,746

Property, plant and  
equipment, goodwill  
and other intangible assets

2007
$
209,618
63,413
44,384
11,100
328,515

2006
$
215,899
60,374
49,266
9,491
335,030

(1) Revenues are allocated based on the subsidiary’s country of domicile.  

25
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 

On November 16, 2007, the Corporation entered into
an agreement with a financial institution for an unsecured revolving
credit  facility  of  $150,000  as  well  as  a  revolving  credit  facility  of
$60,000  for  the  purposes  of  issuing  letters  of  credit,  in  respect  of
which  the  Corporation  must  pledge  cash  as  collateral  security
against 105% of letters of credit issued. This agreement expires on
November 16, 2012. Under the terms and conditions of this agree-
ment, funds may be drawn down by way of bankers’ acceptances
and bank loans in Canadian dollars, US dollars, euros or pound ster-
ling. Under this agreement, interest is charged at bankers’ accept-
ance rates, at the financial institution’s prime rate or at LIBOR, plus a
premium based on certain financial ratios calculated on a consolidat-
ed basis. A portion of the credit available under this agreement has
been used to repay the balance under the existing agreement prior
to this date [note 11].

On  December  10,  2007,  the  Corporation  acquired  a
35% interest in Caribbean Investments B.V., a company that oper-
ates five hotels in Mexico and in the Dominican Republic, for a cash
consideration of US$55,000.

62

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

Supplementary financial data
(In thousands of dollars, except per share data)

Consolidated Statements of Income

Revenues
Operating expenses

Other expenses and revenues

Amortization
Restructuring charge
Interest on long-term debt and debenture
Other interest and financial expenses
Interest income
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments 

used for aircraft fuel purchases

Foreign exchange loss (gain) on long-term monetary items
Writeoff of goodwill
Writedown of investments in ABCP 
Gain on disposal of investment
Share of (net income) net loss of companies subject 

to significant influence

Income (loss) from continuing operations for the year

Income taxes (recovery)
Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries results

Income (loss) from continuing operations for the year
Income (loss) from discontinued operations for the year
Net income (net loss) for the year
Basic earnings (loss) per share 

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share 2

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Cash flows relating to:

Operating activities (continuing operations)

Investing activities (continuing operations)
Financing activities (continuing operations)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 

from continuing operations

Net change in cash and cash equivalents 

from discontinued operations

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Cash provided by operations
Total assets
Long-term debt (including the short-term portion) 
Debenture
Shareholders’ equity
Debt ratio1
Book value per share
Return on weighted average shareholders’ capital
Shareholding statistics (in thousands)

Outstanding shares, end of year
Weighted average number of outstanding shares (undiluted)
Weighted average number of outstanding shares (diluted) 2

1 Total liabilities divided by the sum of liabilities and shareholders’ equity.
2 See note 15 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements.

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

3,045,917
2,912,847
133,070

2,603,746
2,476,802
126,944

2,364,481
2,243,850
120,631

2,199,822
2,036,067
163,755

2,096,649
2,021,687
74,962

42,973
—
6,229
1,929
(19,745)

(26,577)
(3,023)
3,900
11,200
—

(651)
16,235
116,835
35,618
(737)
80,480
—
80,480

2.38
—
2.38

2.36
—
2.36

39,360
—
7,264
1,484
(15,706)

—
(4,162)
—
—
—

(375)
27,865
99,079
32,046
(1,263)
65,770
—
65,770

1.88
—
1.88

1.85
—
1.85

37,558
(934)
10,815
1,708
(12,963)

—
(2,309)
—
—
(5,747)

(461)
27,667
92,964
36,302
(1,246)
55,416
—
55,416

1.43
—
1.43

1.33
—
1.33

33,027
11,350
7,712
1,907
(11,307)

—
1,474
—
—
—

1,509
45,672
118,083
45,010
(753)
72,320
—
72,320

2.07
—
2.07

1.76
—
1.76

42,138
47,972
9,839
3,071
(9,530)

—
(3,873)
—
—
—

(673)
88,944
(13,982)
(5,533)
(766)
(9,215)
54,083
44,868

(0.38)
1.65
1.27

(0.38)
1.65
1.27

121,828
(160,757)
(14,830)
5,640

116,160
(45,054)
(152,046)
2,332

70,434
(39,468)
(44,091)
(4,255)

179,787
(79,162)
(35,359)
3,436

85,495
(17,388)
(61,368)
(470)

(48,119)

(78,608)

(17,380)

67,923

6,269

—
(48,119)
166,768
120,821
1,097,505
88,681
3,156
282,868
0.74
8.41
27.81

33,628
33,763
34,212

—
(78,608)
214,887
104,802
959,195
84,668
3,156
295,963
0.69
8.80
19.98 %

33,648
34,907
35,660

—
(17,380)
293,495
78,014
949,537
93,613
13,156
362,383
0.62
9.02
16.03 %

40,156
37,863
41,684

—
67,923
310,875
124,039
838,389
—
33,214
311,106
0.63
9.16
25.11 %

33,955
33,374
41,156

77,858
84,127
242,952
52,795
714,757
35,350
31,731
239,596
0.66
7.29
19.32 %

32,864
32,796
32,796

63

2007 Annual Report
Transat A.T. Inc.

s
r
o
t
c
e
r
i

D

f

o

d
r
a
o
B

Jean-Marc Eustache
Chairman of the Board, 
President and Chief Executive Officer, 
Transat A.T. Inc.

André Bisson, O.C.
Chairman of the Board, CIRANO
Chancellor Emeritus, Université de Montréal

John P. Cashman
President, Humphrey Management Limited

Lina De Cesare
President, Tour Operators, Transat A.T. Inc.

Jean Pierre Delisle
Director

Benoît Deschamps
President, Champré Capital Inc.

Jean Guertin
Corporate Advisor and Director
Honorary Professor, HEC Montréal

H. Clifford Hatch Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer, 
Cliffco Investments Limited 

Jacques Simoneau
Executive Vice President, Investment,  
Business Development Bank of Canada

Philippe Sureau
President, Distribution, Transat A.T. Inc.

John D. Thompson
Deputy Chairman, 
Montreal Trust Company of Canada

Dennis Wood, O.C.
President and Chief Executive Officer, DWH Inc.

Executive Committee

Jean-Marc Eustache (President)
André Bisson, O.C.
H. Clifford Hatch Jr.
Jean Guertin

Human Resources and 
Compensation Committee

Jean Guertin (President)
H. Clifford Hatch Jr.
John D. Thompson
Dennis Wood, O.C.

Audit Committee

André Bisson, O.C. (President)
Benoît Deschamps
Jean Guertin
John D. Thompson

Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee

H. Clifford Hatch Jr. (President)
André Bisson, O.C.
Benoît Deschamps
Jacques Simoneau

64

2007 Annual Report 
Transat A.T. Inc.

t
n
e
m
e
g
a
n
a
M

t
n
e
m
e
g
a
n
a
M
s
e
i
r
a
d
s
b
u
S

i

i

Jean-Marc Eustache
President and Chief Executive Officer  

Philippe Sureau
President, Distribution

Lina De Cesare
President, Tour Operators  

Bernard Bussières
Vice-President, General Counsel  
and Corporate Secretary

Corinne Charette
Vice-President  
and Chief Information Officer 

André De Montigny
Vice-President, Corporate Development

François Laurin
Vice-President, Finance and Administration 
and Chief Financial Officer

Michel Lemay
Vice-President, Communications  
and Corporate Affairs

Jean-Luk Pellerin
Corporate Vice-President, 
Human Resources

Air Consultants Europe
Marc Koenis 
General Manager

Air Transat
Allen B. Graham 
President and Chief Executive Officer

Canadian Affair
Anette Rayner 
President and General Manager

Club Voyages (France)
Patricia Chastel 
General Manager

Handlex
Jean-Luc Paiement 
President and General Manager

Jonview Canada
Nelson Gentiletti 
President

Look Voyages
Olivier Kervella 
General Manager

Rêvatours
Amina Hafez 
General Manager

Tourgreece
Vassilis P. Sakellaris 
President

Transat Distribution Canada
Philippe Sureau 
President

Transat Tours Canada
Nelson Gentiletti 
President

Trip Central
Richard Vanderlubbe 
President

Vacances Transat (France)
Patrice Caradec 
General Manager

 
 
 
l

s
r
e
d
o
h
e
r
a
h
S

r
o

f

n
o
i
t
a
m
r
o
n

f

I

Head Office
Transat A.T. Inc.
Place du Parc
300 Léo-Pariseau Street, Suite 600
Montréal, Québec  H2X 4C2
Telephone: 514.987.1660
Fax: 514.987.8035
www.transat.com

Information
Press releases are available on our website 
at www.transat.com
For additional information,
investors and analysts are invited
to contact, in writing, the Vice-President,
Finance and Administration
and Chief Financial Officer.

Ce rapport annuel est disponible en français :
Pour l’obtenir, écrire au vice-président,
finances et administration et chef 
de la direction financière

Stock Exchange
Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) TRZ.B; TRZ.A.

Transfer Agent and Registrar 
CIBC Mellon Trust Company 
2001 University Street, Suite 1600
Montréal, Québec  H3A 2A6
Toll-free: 1.800.387.0825
inquiries@cibcmellon.com
www.cibcmellon.com

Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
Montréal, Québec

Annual General Meeting 
of shareholders 

Graphic Design: Claude Angers
Illustrations: Jean Aubé
Picture of Jean-Marc Eustache: Pierre Charbonneau
Photograhs: Transat, except when mentioned otherwise