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

Transat AT, Inc.

trz.b · TSX Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker trz.b
Exchange TSX
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Leisure
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2011 Annual Report · Transat AT, Inc.
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2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 

is an integrated 

international tour

operator that 

specializes in holiday

travel. It offers more

than 60 destination

countries and dis-

tributes products 

in approximately 

50 countries. 

Revenues
(In millions of dollars)

6
4
0
3

,

3
1
5
3

,

5
4
5
3

,

9
9
4
3

,

8
5
6
,
3

2007

2008

2009

2010 2011

Cash flows relating
to operating activities
(In millions of dollars)

.

7
6
5
1

.

1
5
9

.

2
5
4

.

1
9
1
1

7
.
0
9

2007

2008

2009

2010 2011

Aircraft fuel
(In millions of dollars)

.

6
3
7
2

.

5
5
6
3

.

2
9
1
3

.

3
2
0
3

6
.
7
4
4

2007

2008

2009

2010 2011

Margin
(In millions of dollars)

.

3
6
3
1

.

8
7
2
1

.

4
3
9

.

6
7
2
1

.

0
0
3

2007

2008

2009

2010 2011

Net income (loss)
(In millions of dollars)

.

7
6
7

.

8
1
6

.

6
5
6

.

)
4
9
4
(

.

)
2
2
1
(

2007

2008

2009

2010 2011

Highlights 

(In thousands of dollars, 
except per share amounts and ratios)

Revenues

Margin1

Net income (loss) 
Diluted earnings (loss) 

per share

Cash flows relating 

to operating activities

2011

2010

Variance
$

3,658,164

3,498,877

159,287

29,984

127,582

(97,598)

Variance
%

4.6

(76.5)

(12,213)

65,607

(77,820)

(118.6)

(0.32)

1.73

(2.05)

(118.5)

90,673

119,131

(28,458)

(23.9)

Cash ans cash equivalents

181,576

180,627

949

1,221,965

1,189,458

32,507

0.05

2.7

Total assets

Long-tem debt 

(including current portion)

Debt ratio2

Return on average 

shareholders’ equity3 (%)

Book value per share4

Stock price 

—

0.65

29,059

(29,059)

(100.0)

0.63

0.02

3.5

(2.8)

11.15

16.3

11.60

(19.0)

(0.45)

(117.4)

(3.9)

as at October 31 (TRZ.B)

6.83

16.35

(9.52)

(58.2)

38,022

37,850

172

0.5

Oustanding shares, 

end of year

1 Margin: Revenues less operating

expenses, according to the consoli-
dated statements of income.

2 Debt ratio: Total liabilities divided

by total assets.

3 Return on average shareholders’s

equity: Net income (loss) divided by
average shareholders' equity.

4 Book value per share: Shareholders’
equity divided by total number of
shares oustanding.

In this context, during 2011 we made substantial changes

aimed at simplifying our structures, accelerating decision-
making processes, and increasing accountability. We created
Transat Canada, grouping together the business units that
work closely together every day on travel outbound from
Canada as well as the transatlantic market: Transat Tours
Canada, Transat Distribution Canada, Canadian Affair, Air
Consultants Europe (ACE), Air Transat, Transat Holidays USA
and Handlex. Allen B. Graham, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Air Transat, agreed to head Transat Canada. At the
same time, we made changes to the management structure
of Transat Tours Canada, creating specific divisions for the
Sun and Europe markets. These changes were accompanied
by a review of administrative processes, all of which led to
the departure of two senior executives and the elimination of
143 positions in the organization. We also formally created
Transat International, with André De Montigny at the helm;
this entity oversees our hotel operations, Eleva Travel (our
tour operator in Mexico), Tourgreece, as well as our destina-
tion services companies in Mexico and the Dominican
Republic. No major changes were made to Transat France,
headed by Patrice Caradec.

Besides this modernization of structures, further initia-
tives are planned to help improve our performance. These
will target our product, brand and customer experience, the
Air Transat fleet, distribution, information management sys-
tems, and, of course, costs. 

In terms of product, we are aiming at even greater 
differentiation and enhancement of our offering, with a view
to generating bigger margins. Our priority markets for these
changes are resort travel to Sun destinations outbound from
Canada and France. Progress was made in 2011, and
changes will continue to be made in 2012.

During the past two years we developed a new brand
strategy; it is currently being implemented, and everything is
proceeding on schedule. The strategy calls for customer
experience enhancements to support our product differentia-
tion efforts. Key elements of this program were laid out in
2011, and there will be further progress in 2012. Another
major component is targeting the employee experience and
strategic management of human resources, with an eye to
positioning Transat advantageously in the job market. At the
same time, we have been successfully pursuing our program
aimed at making Transat one of the most responsible com-
panies in its industry.

Air operations account for a major portion of our costs

and our services. As planned, this year we continued the
migration of the Air Transat fleet toward Airbus A330 aircraft.
Between 2012 and 2014, we will be completely redesigning
our cabin interiors and installing a new in-flight entertainment
system, which will mean an improved customer experience.
We are also continuing our efforts to optimize capacity: the
keys to this are our partnerships with third-party providers
like CanJet Airlines in Canada as well as Transavia and XL
Airways in France; more efficient flight scheduling; increased
incidental revenues; and leasing of our wide-body jets to
third parties in the winter or low seasons.

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

Message 
to shareholders

International tourism demand remained fairly firm in 2011

despite the global economic uncertainty, and our industry
continues to demonstrate its enormous potential for growth.
The business environment remains saturated, consumers
demanding, and competition extremely intense, between
destinations as well as service providers. Transat has posted
disappointing results for 2011; on the other hand, we have
an exceptional balance sheet and an enviable market posi-
tion. Moreover, we are in the process of making course
adjustments to ensure that we will soon look back on 2011
as having been a stepping stone for the future.  

For a third consecutive year, we had a difficult winter
season for travel outbound from Canada to Sun destinations.
Oversupply resulting from competition, as well as high jet
fuel costs, resulted in a loss for the first six months of the
year. The second half, during which the transatlantic market
makes up the lion’s share of our revenues, also proved chal-
lenging for the same reasons. This was compounded by the
impact of events in North Africa, the Middle East and Greece,
which caused unexpected shifts in tourist flows. Tunisia, a
hugely important destination outbound from France, as well
as Egypt were hard hit, forcing tour operators like Transat to
rapidly add capacity on other routes in a bid to hold on to
travellers. This often came with a price, however, in the form
of lower margins. As a result, we ended 2011 with an
increase in revenues and an operating loss. 

Our absolute priority is to return to profitability, as early
as 2012—depending, of course, on market conditions, which
may not be easy. We are all too aware that the factors that
led to the current situation are not merely cyclical. Changes
are needed within our organization. We have been working
on this for some years now, and major steps were taken in
2011. Knowing how to evolve is a hallmark of winning com-
panies, and we are currently devoting our energies to imple-
menting a transformation plan that will help in the return to
growth and profitability by building on our many assets.

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2

 
 
 
 
 
We are continuing to plan and implement upgrades to

our information management systems. In 2011, major deci-
sions were made, including the installation—planned for
2012—of a system enabling us to react more quickly in the
Sun destinations segment beginning next winter. 

Our superior strength in distribution, in Canada, along

with the strength of our controlled sales, are among our
major competitive advantages. As at October 31, we had a
total of 542 travel agencies (402 of which are franchises).

It goes without saying that, in addition to the aforemen-

tioned strategic directions, which are in keeping with an
overall dynamic of organizational change, we are continuing
to exercise tight control over administrative and operating
costs.

It is difficult to tell what kind of year 2012 will be, given

the volatility of the markets and the continuing worrisome
outlook for economies in Europe and North America. A com-
pany like ours, in an industry such as tourism, has no choice
but to commit itself to extreme caution. As we prepare to
celebrate our 25th anniversary as a publicly traded company,
however, we are confident that the actions we are taking at
present, and which are in keeping with the natural evolution
of Transat, are conducive to improved financial performance.

In November 2011, we were pleased to announce the
appointment of Madeleine Chenette to Transat’s Board of
Directors. I would like to bid her welcome, and to thank 
H. Clifford Hatch, Jr., who left the Board during the year. 

As we confront this very demanding period, I must

express even more forcefully than usual my gratitude to all of
the members of our staff, the management team and the
Board of Directors for their contribution and their determina-
tion. I also thank our partners and our shareholders for the
trust they place in us. We are determined to live up to the
expectations of one and all, and to ensure that results will
improve beginning in 2012.

Jean-Marc Eustache
Chairman of the Board
President and Chief Executive Officer
December 14, 2011

Transat 
and sustainable 
development

In February 2011, Transat published its second Corporate
Responsibility Report, summarizing its objectives and achieve-
ments in the area of sustainable development. Transat’s
vision in this regard is to become one of the most responsi-
ble companies in its industry. This is necessarily a long-term
project, and one that requires ongoing efforts—which in turn
implies a shift in values, corporate culture, and working
methods. During the year, Transat received a World Travel
Market Global Award in recognition of its sustainable devel-
opment program. 

Also in 2011, several years of work by Air Transat were

capped by the awarding of LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) Platinum Certification in the Existing
Buildings category to its head office building in Saint-Laurent,
Quebec. In addition, the German organization Atmosfair,
after studying the environmental efforts of a hundred or so
major airlines, published a ranking in which Air Transat 
finished first in the long-haul category, and third overall. 

We continued our efforts at destinations, including our

program providing financial support to local sustainable
tourism initiatives. Three new projects were funded in 2011
(in the Dominican Republic, Canada and Cambodia), bringing
the total number supported since 2007 to 15, in 10 countries.
Other work at destinations includes our partnership with SOS
Children’s Villages, which cares for abandoned and orphaned
children in 132 countries.

As part of our association with Beyond Borders, a
Canadian non-governmental organization, and in collabora-
tion with ECPAT France, during the year we stepped up our
efforts aimed at combating the sexual exploitation of children
in tourism. Some 500 employees of Transat, along with 
several travel agents, received training on this issue during
2011. We also took action to raise traveller awareness, 
making our position known publicly and addressing the issue
in the pages of our in-flight magazine. In 2012, online training
will be rolled out to the larger Transat community, and further
traveller-awareness efforts are planned.

Please visit www.resp.transat.com to learn more about

our corporate responsibility program.

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3

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) provides a review of Transat A.T. Inc.’s operations, performance and financial 
position for the year ended October 31, 2011, compared with the year ended October 31, 2010, and should be read in conjunction with the 
audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto. The information contained herein is dated as of December 14, 2011. You will 
find more information about us on Transat’s website at www.transat.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, including the Attest Reports for 
the year ended October 31, 2011 and Annual Information Form. 

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles [GAAP]. We occasionally 
refer to non-GAAP financial measures in the MD&A. See the Non-GAAP financial measures section for more information. All dollar figures in 
this MD&A are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. The terms “Transat,” “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Corporation” mean Transat A.T. 
Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis consists of the following sections: 

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ..................................................................................... 6 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES .............................................................................................................................. 7 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ................................................................................................................................................ 9 

OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9 

CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS ................................................................................................................................... 13 

FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES................................................................................ 19 

INVESTMENTS IN ABCP ............................................................................................................................................... 22 

OTHER ........................................................................................................................................................................... 24 

ACCOUNTING ................................................................................................................................................................ 25 

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES ....................................................................................................................................... 33 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................................. 37 

OUTLOOK ...................................................................................................................................................................... 37 

5 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

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,” “could,”  “estimate,”  “expect,”  “intend,”  “may,”  “plan,” “potential,” 
“predict,”  “project,”  “will,”  “would,”  the  negative  of  these  terms  and  similar  terminology,  including  references  to  assumptions.  All  such 
statements are made pursuant to applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such statements may involve but are not limited to comments 
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, fuel prices, armed conflicts, 
terrorist attacks, general industry, market and economic conditions, disease outbreaks, changes in demand due to the seasonal nature of the 
business,  the  ability  to  reduce  operating  costs  and  employee  counts,  labour  relations,  collective  bargaining  and  labour  disputes,  pension 
issues,  exchange  and  interest  rates,  availability  of  financing  in  the  future,  statutory  changes,  adverse  regulatory  developments  or 
procedures,  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 consider these and other factors carefully and not to place 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, 

market, operational and financial assumptions and assumptions about transactions and forward-looking statements.  

Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The outlook whereby the Corporation should have the resources it needs to meet its 2012 objectives and continue building on 
its long-term strategies. 

The outlook whereby our 2012 revenues are expected to be higher with a volume of travellers similar to or slightly greater than 
in 2011. 

The outlook whereby the Corporation expects to generate positive cash flows from operating activities in 2012. 

The  outlook  whereby  additions 
approximately $60.0 million. 

to  property,  plant  and  equipment  and 

intangible  assets  could  amount 

to 

The outlook whereby the Corporation will be able to meet its obligations with cash on hand, cash flows from operations and 
drawdowns under existing credit facilities. 

In  making  these  statements,  the  Corporation  has  assumed,  among  other  things,  that  travellers  will  continue  to  travel,  that  credit 
facilities will continue to be made available as in the past, that management will continue to manage changes in cash flows to fund working 
capital  requirements  for  the  full  fiscal  year  and  that  fuel  prices,  foreign  exchange  rates  and  hotel  and  other  destination-based  costs  will 
remain steady. 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,  speak  only  as  of  the  date  this 
MD&A  is  issued,  and  represent  the  Corporation’s  expectations  as  of  that  date.  The  Corporation  disclaims  any  intention  or  obligation  to 
update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required 
by applicable securities legislation. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

This  MD&A  was  drawn  up  using  results  and  financial  information  determined  under  GAAP.  We  occasionally  refer  to  non-GAAP 
financial measures. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of an entity’s historical or future financial performance, 
financial  position  or  cash  flows  that  excludes  or  includes  amounts  that  that  would  not  be  so  adjusted  in  the  most  directly  comparable 
measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP measures used by the Corporation are as follows: 

Margin (operating loss)  Revenues less operating expenses. 

Adjusted income (loss) 

Income  (loss)  before  non-controlling  interest  in  subsidiaries’  results,  income  taxes,  change  in  fair  value  of 
derivative financial instruments related to aircraft fuel purchases, non-monetary gain (loss) on investments in 
ABCP and restructuring charge (gain). 

Adjusted after-tax 
income (loss) 

Net  income  (loss)  before  change  in  fair  value  of  derivative  financial  instruments  related  to  aircraft  fuel 
purchases, non-monetary gain (loss) on investments in ABCP and restructuring charge (gain), net of related 
taxes. 

Adjusted after-tax 
income (loss) per share 

Adjusted after-tax income (loss) divided by the adjusted weighted average number of outstanding shares used 
in computing diluted earnings (loss) per share. 

Total debt 

Long-term  debt  plus  the  debenture  and  off-balance  sheet  arrangements,  excluding  agreements  with  service 
providers, reported on page 15.  

Net debt 

Total debt (described above) less cash and cash equivalents and investments in ABCP. 

The above-described financial measures have no meaning prescribed by GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar 
measures reported by other issuers or those used by financial analysts. They are furnished to provide additional information and should not 
be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Management believes 
that readers of our MD&A use these measures, or a subset thereof, to analyze the Corporation’s results, its financial performance and its 
financial position. 

In addition to GAAP financial measures, management uses adjusted income (loss) and adjusted after-tax income (loss) to measure 
the Corporation’s ongoing and recurring operational performance. Management considers these measures important as they exclude from 
results  items  that  arise  mainly  from  long-term  strategic  decisions,  reflecting  instead  the  Corporation’s  day-to-day  operating  performance. 
Management believes these measures to be useful in assessing the Corporation’s capacity to discharge its financial obligations.  

Management also uses total debt and net debt to calculate the Corporation’s indebtedness level, cash position, future cash needs and 

financial leverage ratio. Management believes these measures to be useful in gauging the Corporation's financial leveraging. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

The following tables reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures: 

(In thousands of dollars) 
Revenues 
Operating expenses 
Margin 

Income (loss) before non-controlling interest in 

subsidiaries’ results 
Income taxes (recovery) 
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

used for aircraft fuel purchases 

Non-monetary gain on investments in ABCP 

Decline (increase) in value of investments in 

ABCP 

Adjustment related to January 21, 2009 
restructuring plan implementation 
Remeasurement of options related to 

repayment of revolving credit facilities 

Restructuring charge (gain)  
Adjusted income (loss) 

Net income (loss) 
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 

used for aircraft fuel purchases 

Writedown of investments in ABCP (provision reversal) 
Restructuring charge (gain)  
Tax impact 
Adjusted after-tax income (loss) 

Adjusted after-tax income (loss) 
Adjusted weighted average number of outstanding shares 
used in computing diluted earnings per share 

Adjusted after-tax income (loss) per share 

Payments on current portion of long-term debt 
Long-term debt 
Debenture 
Off-balance sheet arrangements, excluding agreements 

with service providers 

Total debt 

Total debt 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Investments in ABCP 
Net debt 

8 

2011 
$ 

2010 
$ 

2009 
$ 

3,658,164 

3,628,180 

3,498,877 

3,371,295 

3,545,341 

3,451,946 

29,984 

127,582 

93,395 

(9,154) 

(4,802) 

69,331 

23,806 

64,894 

30,916 

1,278 

(9,341) 

(68,267) 

(8,113) 

(4,648) 

— 

— 

(4,648) 

(1,157) 

77,991 

(8,113) 

16,543 

(4,248) 

5,993 

1,759 

(800) 

6,952 

11,967 

46,462 

(12,213) 

65,607 

61,847 

1,278 

(8,113) 

16,543 

(4,699) 

(7,204) 

(9,341) 

(4,648) 

(1,157) 

3,202 

53,663 

(68,267) 

6,952 

11,967 

21,224 

33,723 

(7,204) 

53,663 

33,723 

37,930 

(0.19) 

2011 
$ 

37,993 

1.41 

2010 
$ 

13,768 

15,291 
— 

33,485 

1.01 

2009 
$ 

24,576 

83,108 

3,156 

653,663 

653,663 

643,750 

672,809 

396,433 

507,273 

653,663 

672,809 

507,273 

(181,576) 

(180,627) 

(180,552) 

(78,751) 

393,336 

(72,346) 

419,836 

(71,401) 

255,320 

 —

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Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 

(In thousands of dollars) 

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) 
Revenues 
Margin1 
Net income (loss) 
Basic earnings (loss) per share 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share 
Adjusted after-tax income (loss)1 
Adjusted after-tax income (loss) per share 
Dividend – Class A and Class B shares 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
Operating activities 
Investing activities 
Financing activities 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash 

equivalents 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents 

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

(short-term and long-term) 

Investments in ABCP 

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

1 SEE NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 

OVERVIEW 

HOLIDAY TRAVEL INDUSTRY  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

2011 

2010 

2009 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Change 

2011 
% 

2010 
% 

3,658,164 
29,984 
(12,213) 
(0.32) 
(0.32) 
(7,204) 
(0.19) 
— 

3,498,877 
127,582 
65,607 
1.74 
1.73 
53,663 
1.41 
— 

3,545,341 
93,395 
61,847 
1.86 
1.85 
33,723 
1.01 
0.09 

90,673 
(56,683) 
(29,470) 

(3,571) 
949 

119,131 
(27,819) 
(81,034) 

45,234 
(26,662) 
18,303 

(10,203) 
75 

(2,090) 
34,785 

4.6 
(76.5) 
(118.6) 
(118.4) 
(118.5) 
(113.4) 
(113.5) 
— 

(23.9) 
(103.8) 
(63.6) 

65.0 
n/a 

(1.3) 
36.6 
6.1 
(6.5) 
(6.5) 
59.1 
39.6 
(100.0) 

163.4 
(4.3) 
(542.7) 

(388.2) 
(99.8) 

As at 

October 31, 
2011 
$ 

As at 
October 31, 
2010 
$ 

As at 
October 31, 
2009 
$ 

Change 
2011 
% 

Change 
2010 
% 

181,576 

180,627 

180,552 

359,545 
78,751 

352,650 
72,346 

272,726 
71,401 

1,221,965 
 — 
653,663 
393,336 

1,189,458 
29,059 
672,809 
419,836 

1,129,503 
110,840 
507,273 
255,320 

0.5 

2.0 
8.9 

2.7 
(100.0) 
(2.8) 
(6.3) 

0.0 

29.3 
1.3 

5.3 
(73.8) 
32.6 
64.4 

The “holiday travel” industry consists mainly of tour operators, traditional and online travel agencies, destination service providers or 

hotel operators, and air carriers. Each of these subsectors includes companies with different operating models.  

Generally,  “outgoing”  tour  operators  purchase  the  various  components  of  a  trip  locally  or  abroad  and  sell  them  separately  or  in 
packages to consumers in their local markets, through travel agencies or via the Web. “Incoming” tour operators design travel packages or 
other  travel  products  consisting  of  services  they  purchase  in  their  local  market  for  sale  in  foreign  markets,  generally  through  other  tour 
operators or travel agencies. Destination service providers are based at destination and sell a range of optional services to travellers onsite 
for spontaneous consumption, such as excursions or sightseeing tours. These companies also provide outgoing tour operators with logistical 
support  services,  such  as  ground  transfers  between  airports  and  hotels.  Travel  agencies,  operating  independently  or  in  networks,  are 
distributors serving as intermediaries between tour operators and consumers. Air carriers sell seats through travel agencies or through tour 
operators that use them in building packages, or directly to consumers. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

CORE BUSINESS, VISION AND STRATEGY 

CORE BUSINESS 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Transat  is  one  of  the  largest  fully  integrated  world-class  tour  operators  in  North  America.  We  operate  solely  in  the  holiday  travel 
industry and market our services mainly in the Americas and Europe. As a tour operator, Transat’s core business consists in developing and 
marketing holiday travel services in package and air-only formats. 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 in ten other European countries, mainly through 
travel  agencies,  some  of  which  we  own  (as  in  France  and  Canada).  Transat  is  also  a  major  retail  distributor  with  a  total  of  542 travel 
agencies (including 402 franchisees) and a multi-channel distribution system incorporating web-based sales. Transat holds an interest in a 
hotel business that owns and operates properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Transat deals with numerous air carriers, but relies 
on its subsidiary Air Transat for a significant portion of its needs. Transat also offers destination and airport services.  

VISION 

Transat’s vision is to become a leading player in the Americas and build strong competitive positioning in several European countries 
by 2014. At present, we are a market leader in Canada, operating as an outgoing and incoming tour operator. We are a well-established 
outgoing tour operator in France, the U.K., and an incoming tour operator in Greece and the Dominican Republic; we have both incoming 
and outgoing operations in Mexico. We offer customers a broad range of international destinations spanning some 60 countries and market 
products in over 50 countries. Over time, we intend to expand our business to other countries where we see high growth potential for an 
integrated tour operator specializing in holiday travel.  

STRATEGY 

To deliver on its vision, the Corporation intends to continue: deriving synergies from its vertical integration model, which distinguishes it from 
several of its rivals; growing its market share in France, where it ranks among the largest tour operators; and tapping into new markets or 
expanding operations in markets not yet fully served. To increase its buying power for its traditional destinations, Transat is targeting new 
markets with potential demand for these routes. 

With regard to vertical integration, the key growth drivers are multichannel distribution, which Transat will continue developing by expanding 
its physical market presence and by investing in technological solutions to better the increasingly varied expectations of consumers through 
a heightened presence at destination, either in the form of hotels, incoming tour operators or destination-based service providers. 

Alongside  these  initiatives,  Transat  intends  to  leverage  targeted  technology  investments  and  efficiency  gains  from  changes  to  its  internal 
management  structure  to  improve  its  margin  and  maintain  or  grow  market  share  in  all  its  markets.  Cost  management  remains  a  core 
strategic issue in light of the tourism industry’s slim margins.  

Transat  acknowledges  the  growing  strategic  importance  of  sustainable  development  in  the  holiday  and  air  travel  industries.  This 
phenomenon, heightened by the anticipated growth in tourism and air travel, manifests itself in various ways, particularly through regulations 
and tariffs on greenhouse gas emissions and higher customer and investor expectations in this area. Given this trend and the vested interest 
tourism  companies  have  in  seeing  the  environment  protected  and  destination  communities  remaining  amenable  to  tourism,  Transat 
undertook  to  adopt  avant-garde  policies  on  corporate  responsibility  and  sustainable  tourism.  In  doing  so,  the  Corporation  targets  the 
following benefits, in particular: lower resource consumption,  with the associated cost savings;  brand differentiation and greater customer 
loyalty, potentially boosting our commercial benefits; and enhanced employee loyalty and motivation. 

For fiscal 2012, Transat has set the following targets: 

(cid:190) 

Increase organizational efficiency and profitability  

(cid:190)  Make Transat more competitive in Canada  

(cid:190)  Maintain business volumes and improve profitability at Transat France  

(cid:190) 

Continue profitable development of our destination services  

(cid:190)  Optimize airline operations  

(cid:190) 

Finalize and implement the development strategy for the operational information systems   

10 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

(cid:190) 

(cid:190) 

Enhance the strategic value of our brand, as well as customer satisfaction and loyalty  

Pursue our plan to make Transat one of the industry’s most responsible companies. 

REVIEW OF 2011 OBJECTIVES AND ACHIEVEMENTS 

The main goals and achievements for fiscal 2011 were as follows: 

1.  Continue the organizational transformation with the harmonized implementation of new information systems and related 

operating processes. 

Transat  has  developed  a  transformation  plan  including  a  significant  component  to  gradually  replace  “core  business”  information 
management systems, complete with a tailored communication strategy. The main goal is to implement one or more software packages to 
replace the existing system with a system capable of providing a broader, more precise snapshot of inventories and sales, while supporting 
more dynamic sales and pricing management. This project comprises a number of phases spanning several years. Certain parts of the plan 
were completed in 2011. In-depth studies were conducted in 2011 with a view to delivering a major implementation project in 2012 and gave 
rise to changes in strategic direction, resulting in a restructuring charge of approximately $10.0 million (see Operating expenses section). 

2.  Grow revenues and profitability at Transat France to become France’s third largest tour operator by 2013. 

Revenues held steady at Transat France in 2011, while profitability declined. Several factors were involved, consisting primarily of the 
turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East, which caused shifts in tourist flows and effects that were only partially offset. In addition, costs 
remained relatively high, particularly airline costs owing to fuel prices. 

3.  Strengthen our presence, expand sales and improve our bottom line in certain foreign markets. 

We strengthened our presence in Mexico and embarked on business initiatives targeting several European markets. However, the 
economic climate, particularly in Europe but most markedly in major Transat markets, such as Greece, Italy, Span, France and the United 
Kingdom, was not conducive to improving performance. 

4.  Enhance the strategic value of our brand. 

Following an initiative launched in 2010, Transat developed and began implementing a new brand strategy in 2011. The project is 
proceeding  according  to  schedule.  Late  in  2011,  the  Transat  brand  was  repositioned,  and  the  organization’s  commercial  banners  in  the 
Canadian and transatlantic markets (Transat Holidays, Nolitours and Air Transat) adopted a new strategic positioning, and their respective 
new  visual  identities  have  been  successfully  implemented.  In  2011,  strategic  planning  for  commercial  banners  used  in  the  U.K.,  France, 
Greece and Canada for the incoming tour operator market was completed for implementation in 2012 as planned. The brand strategy for 
distribution in Canada was also developed in 2011 and will be implemented in 2012. Lastly, Transat created the Transat Discoveries banner 
under an expansion initiative of its subsidiary formerly known as Rêvatours, which tapped into the Ontario market in 2011.  

5.  Actively pursue our plan to make Transat one of the industry’s most responsible companies. 

In 2011, Transat released its second Corporate Responsibility Report (www.resp.transat.com), which highlighted accomplishments to 
date  and  the  road  map  through  to  2012.  This  program  is  generally  proceeding  as  planned.  The  2011  highlights  include:  developing  and 
deploying a program to combat child sexual exploitation in tourism; adopting a responsible procurement policy and gradually implementing 
clauses  in  Transat’s  contracts  with  partners  and  service  providers  to  encourage  them  to  adopt  responsible  management  practices; 
continuing the hotelier program, including partnerships and a commitment to recognize environmental certifications; continuing the financial 
support program for sustainable destination tourism projects; and continuing Transat’s major humanitarian partnership with SOS Children’s 
Villages. In 2011, Transat won the World Travel Market Global Award for its overall efforts, and Air Transat was recognized as the world’s 
best long-haul airline for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

6. 

Improve our competitiveness in terms of service quality and operating costs in the air carrier industry. 

In  2011,  Transat  finished  developing  and  began  implementing  an  investment  program  to  refurbish  the  cabins  of  its 
Airbus A330 aircraft, based on an operating cost and configuration analysis, to optimize financial and business performance. The program 
will be deployed gradually with the first newly configured aircraft slated to debut in spring 2012. The project primarily seeks to replace seats 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

and lavatories, install individual entertainment systems and launch a new colour palette. Projects are underway at the same time to enhance 
the in-flight experience. 

7. 

Improve our organization’s adaptability. 

The transformation plan consists of a wide range of existing and new programs and projects to allow Transat to achieve its vision of 
becoming  a  vertically  integrated  tour  operator  that  is  a  leader  of  Americas  and  has  a  strong  competitive  position  in  several 
European countries.  There  are  a  number  of  expected  benefits:  a  return  to  profitability,  wider  margins  and  expanded  market  share.  The 
program  entails  improving  system  processes,  developing  brand  value  while  improving  the  customer  experience,  enhancing  and 
differentiating our products, particularly for southern destinations, and ensuring dynamic airline capacity management. All of these projects 
are underway. In addition, in 2011, Transat simplified and streamlined its organizational structure for greater accountability and efficiency. 
Transat  Canada  now  brings  together  all  Transat  entities  that  directly  serve  the  Canadian  and  transatlantic  markets  in  their  day-to-
day operations. 

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 

Remain 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 3%, excluding acquisitions. 

MARGIN 

Generate margins higher than 3%. 

ABILITY TO DELIVER ON OUR OBJECTIVES 

Our ability to deliver on our objectives is dependent on our financial and non-financial resources, both of which have contributed in the 

past to the success of our strategies and achievement of our objectives. 

Our financial resources are as follows: 

Cash 

Our  balances  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  not  held  in  trust  or  otherwise  reserved  totalled 
$181.6 million as at October 31, 2011. Our continued focus on expense reductions and margin 
increases should maintain these balances at healthy levels.  

Credit facilities 

We have revolving term credit facilities currently totalling $200.0 million, up for renewal in 2015.  

 Our non-financial resources include: 

Brand 

Structure 

The Corporation has taken the necessary steps to foster a distinctive brand image and raise 
its profile, including its sustainable tourism approach. 

Our vertically integrated structure enables us to ensure better quality control of our products 
and services. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Employees 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

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 
committed  to  ensuring  overall  customer  satisfaction  and  contributing  to  improving  the 
Corporation’s  effectiveness.  Moreover,  we  believe  the  Corporation  is  managed  by  a 
seasoned leadership team. 

Supplier relationships 

We have exclusive access to certain hotels at sunshine destinations as well as over 20 years 
of privileged relationships with many hotels at these destinations and in Europe. 

Transat has the resources it needs to meet its 2012 objectives and continue building on its long-term strategies. 

CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS 

REVENUES 

Revenues by geographic area 

(In thousands of dollars) 
Americas 
Europe 

Change 

2011 
$ 

2010 
$ 

2,762,351 

2,567,983 

895,813  

930,894  

3,658,164 

3,498,877 

2009 
$ 
2,552,348 
992,993  
3,545,341 

2011 
% 

7.6 

(3.8) 

4.6 

2010 
% 

0.6 

(6.3) 

(1.3) 

We  derive  our  revenues  from  outgoing  tour  operators,  air  transportation,  travel  agencies,  distribution,  incoming  tour  operators  and 

services at travel destinations. 

For the year ended October 31, 2011, revenues were up $159.3 million, driven by higher average selling prices resulting from fuel 
surcharge increases and the end of the seat purchase/sale agreement with Sunquest, particularly in the winter season. Revenue growth was 
however reined in by a 0.5% aggregate decline in the volume of travellers. During the year, revenues rose 7.6% in the Americas but fell 3.8% 
in  Europe.  In  the  Americas,  throughout  fiscal  2011  selling  prices  trended  generally  higher  than  in  2010.  In  Europe,  revenues  from  our 
European subsidiaries in local currencies held steady compared with 2010, except for revenues generated by our subsidiary specialized in 
marketing products to Tunisia, which fell well short of 2010 results, and U.K. revenues.  

Our  2012  revenues  are  expected  to  be  higher  with  a  volume  of  travellers  similar  to  or  slightly  greater  than  in  2011.  We  expect 

competition to remain very intense throughout the first half of the fiscal year for sun destinations departing from Canada.  

OPERATING EXPENSES 

Operating expenses 

(In thousands of dollars) 
Direct costs 
Aircraft fuel 
Salaries and employee benefits 
Commissions 
Aircraft maintenance 
Airport and navigation fees 
Aircraft rent 
Other 
Restructuring charge 
Total 

% of revenues 

Change 

2011 
$ 

1,999,935 
447,625 
375,663 
166,813 
108,399 
104,987 
68,850 
349,395 
6,513 
3,628,180 

2010 
$ 
2,047,713 
302,333 
349,323 
155,357 
85,731 
85,321 
52,949 
292,568 
— 
3,371,295 

2009 
$ 
2,062,626 
319,224 
364,642 
177,166 
89,896 
90,611 
54,287 
293,494 
— 
3,451,946 

2011 
% 

54.7 
12.2 
10.3 
4.6 
3.0 
2.9 
1.9 
9.6 
0.2 
99.4 

2010 
% 

58.5 
8.6 
10.0 
4.4 
2.5 
2.4 
1.5 
8.4 
— 
96.3 

2009 
% 

58.2 
9.0 
10.3 
5.0 
2.5 
2.6 
1.5 
8.3 
— 
97.4 

2011 
% 

(2.3) 
48.1 
7.5 
7.4 
26.4 
23.0 
30.0 
19.4 
n/a 

7.6 

2010 
% 

(0.7) 
(5.3) 
(4.2) 
(12.3) 
(4.6) 
(5.8) 
(2.5) 
(0.3) 
— 
(2.3) 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Our  total  operating  expenses  rose  $256.9 million  or  7.6%  from  2010,  mainly  due  to  higher  fuel  costs  and  the  addition  of  five 
Airbus 330 aircraft during the year. Operating expenses in the Americas were up 11.8%, offset by a 3.9% decline in Europe. As a percentage 
of revenues, operating expenses increased to 99.2% from 96.4% in 2010. 

DIRECT COSTS 

Direct costs are incurred by our tour operators. They consist primarily of hotel room costs and the cost of reserving blocks of seats or 
full  flights  with  air  carriers  other  than  Air  Transat.  Direct  costs  were  down  $47.8 million  or  2.3%  compared  with  the  fiscal  year  ended 
October 31, 2010. The decrease arose primarily from lower seat purchases following the end of our seat purchase agreement with Sunquest, 
a decline in our seat purchases from Thomas Cook in the U.K. due to greater use of our own fleet, and the dollar’s strength, offset by higher 
hotel room costs. In 2011, these costs represented 54.7% of revenues, down from 58.5% in 2010.  

AIRCRAFT FUEL 

Aircraft fuel costs rose $145.3 million or 48.1% during the year, driven mainly by the surge in fuel prices and a higher number of flights 

logged by our fleet of aircraft. Our average fuel price for the year was considerably higher than in fiscal 2010.  

SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 

Salaries and employee benefits rose $26.3 million, or 7.5%, to $375.7 million. This increase stemmed among others from new hires, 

primarily following the addition of new aircraft to our fleet and, to a lesser degree, annual salary increases.  

COMMISSIONS 

Commissions  include  the  fees  paid  by  tour  operators  to  travel  agencies  for  serving  as  intermediaries  between  tour  operators  and 
consumers. Commission expense totalled $166.8 million, up $11.5 million or 7.4% from its fiscal 2010 level. As a percentage of revenues, 
commissions rose to 4.6% from 4.4% in 2010, owing primarily to higher revenue levels used to calculate commissions. 

AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE 

Aircraft maintenance costs consist mainly of engine and airframe maintenance expenses incurred by Air Transat. These costs were 
up $22.7 million or 26.4% during the fiscal year, mainly due to higher number of flights logged by our fleet. Also, in 2010, we had also revised 
downwards some of our assumptions related to future maintenance costs following new agreements entered into with certain suppliers and 
optimization of the future maintenance schedule, which resulted in lower aircraft maintenance costs for the fiscal year.  

AIRPORT AND NAVIGATION FEES 

Airport and navigation fees consist mainly of fees charged by airports and air traffic control entities. Fees for the fiscal year were up 
$19.7 million  or  23.0%  compared  with  2010,  owing  primarily  to  the  increase  in  the  number  of  flights  logged  by  our  fleet,  offset  by  the 
dollar's strength.  

AIRCRAFT RENT 

Aircraft rent rose $15.9 million or 30.0% during the year, due to the addition of five Airbus A330 in fiscal 2011, partly offset by the 

withdrawal of one Airbus A310 and the Canadian dollar’s strength against the U.S. currency. 

OTHER 

Other expenses were up $56.8 million or 19.4% in fiscal 2011, compared with 2010, due mainly to the rise in flights logged by our 

fleet. As a percentage of revenues, other expenses rose from 8.4% in 2010 to 9.6% in 2011. 

RESTRUCTURING CHARGE 

In fiscal 2011, the Corporation undertook a restructuring program aimed particularly at reducing direct costs and operating expenses 
and adjusting its information systems approach. The plan also provides for changes in IT solutions to facilitate a faster deployment of proven 
solutions at lower cost. As a result, the total restructuring charge amounts to $16.5 million, consisting of severance benefits of $6.5 million, 
reported under operating expenses, and write-offs of intangible assets totalling $10.0 million, reported under other expenses.  

14 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

MARGIN 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

In light of the foregoing, the Corporation recorded a margin of $30.0 million for the year compared with $127.6 million in the previous 
year. As a percentage of revenues, our margins decreased from 3.6% in 2010 to 0.8% in 2011. Soaring fuel prices conspired with lower load 
factors, higher overall transatlantic capacity and downward pressure on selling prices to compress our margins. 

GEOGRAPHIC AREAS 

AMERICAS 

Americas 

(In thousands of dollars) 
Winter season 
Revenues 
Operating expenses 
Margin 
Margin (%) 

Summer season 
Revenues 
Operating expenses 
Margin (operating loss) 
Margin (%) 

2011 
$ 

2010 
$ 

2009 
$ 

2011 
% 

Change 

1,584,037 
1,580,437 
3,600 
0.2 

1,543,546 
1,534,387 
9,159 
0.6 

1,653,636 
1,613,468 
40,168 
2.4 

2.6 
3.0 
(60.7) 
(61.7) 

1,178,314 
1,192,043 
 (13,729) 
(1.2) 

1,024,437 
946,430 
78,007 
7.6 

898,712 
869,276 
29,436 
3.3 

15.0 
26.0 
(117.6) 
(115.3) 

2010 
% 

(6.7) 
(4.9) 
(77.2) 
(75.6) 

14.0 
8.9 
165.0 
132.5 

Revenues at our North American subsidiaries, stemming from sales in Canada and abroad, were up $40.5 million or 2.6% during the 
winter season, compared with 2010. Revenue growth resulted from higher average selling prices compared with winter 2010 while the total 
volume of travellers remained stable. However, Canadian travellers to sun destination rose about 12%. Our margin for the winter season fell 
to 0.2% from 0.6% in 2010, mainly due to higher fuel prices. 

For the summer season, revenues were up 15.0%, driven by a 16.3% rise in traveller volumes, while average selling prices eased 
slightly lower from summer 2010. We are reporting an operating loss of 1.2%  compared with a 7.6% margin in  2010. The margin loss is 
primarily due to higher fuel costs, and lower average selling prices resulting from excess supply in the market during summer, and to a lesser 
extent, to severance benefits recognized during the season under the restructuring charge. 

EUROPE 

Europe 

(In thousands of dollars) 
Winter season 
Revenues 
Operating expenses 
Margin (operating loss) 
Margin (%) 

Summer season 
Revenues 
Operating expenses 
Margin 
Margin (%) 

2011 
$ 

2010 
$ 

2009 
$ 

2011 
% 

Change 

327,226 
336,296 
(9,070) 
(2.8) 

309,402 
322,772 
(13,370) 
(4.3) 

352,695 
362,231 
(9,536) 
(2.7) 

568,587 
519,404 
49,183 
8.7 

621,492 
567,706 
53,786 
8.7 

640,298 
606,971 
33,327 
5.2 

5.8  
4.2 
32.2 
35.9 

(8.5) 
(8.5) 
(8.6) 
0.0 

2010 
% 

(12.3)  
(10.9) 
(40.2) 
(59.8) 

(2.9) 
(6.5) 
61.4 
66.3 

Compared with 2010, revenues at our European subsidiaries, stemming from sales in Europe and Canada, were up $17.8 million or 
5.8% during the winter. Except for our subsidiary Amplitravel, which sells packages to Tunisia, revenues at our European subsidiaries were 
all higher, owing primarily to increased average selling prices and despite a 10.0% decline in traveller volumes. Revenue growth was further 
curbed by the Canadian dollar’s strength against the euro and the pound sterling. Our European operations reported an operating loss of 
$9.1 million or 2.8% for the winter compared with an operating loss of $13.4 million or 4.3% in 2010. The margin for the winter was affected 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

by  turmoil  in  Northern  Africa,  which  resulted  in  the  temporary  suspension  of  sales  of  travel  to  Tunisia  and  Egypt  during  the  season.  In 
fiscal 2010, our margin was reduced by additional costs incurred by our European companies owing to volcanic activity in Iceland. 

Revenues  for  the  summer  season  were  down  $52.9 million  or  8.5%  following  a  27.3% decline  in  the  volume  of  travellers.  These 
decreases stem primarily from the significant decline in sales at our Amplitravel subsidiary, which generated most of its revenues during the 
summer, and lower revenues in the U.K. (Since the beginning of the summer season, our English subsidiary has reduced its seat purchase 
commitments with Thomas Cook to purchase seats, without commitment, from our airline). We generated a margin of $49.2 million or 8.7% 
for the summer season compared with $53.8 million or 8.7% in 2010.  

OTHER EXPENSES (REVENUES) 

(In thousands of dollars) 
Amortization 
Interest on long-term debt 
Other interest and financial expenses 
Interest income 
Change in fair value of derivative 

financial instruments used for aircraft 
fuel purchases 

Foreign exchange loss (gain) on long-

term monetary items 
Gain on investments in ABCP 
Restructuring charge (gain)  
Share of net loss (income) of a company 
subject to significant influence 

AMORTIZATION 

Change 

2011 
$ 

43,814 
1,250 
2,249 
(7,395) 

2010 
$ 

48,662 
2,225 
2,359 
(3,036) 

2009 
$ 

51,155 
4,866 
2,679 
(4,588) 

2011 
% 

(10.0) 
(43.8) 
(4.7) 
143.6 

2010 
% 

(4.9) 
(54.3) 
(11.9) 
(33.8) 

1,278 

(9,341) 

(68,267) 

(113.7) 

(86.3) 

1,654 
(8,113) 
10,030 

(1,109) 
(4,648) 
 (1,157) 

(135) 
(68) 
11,967 

249.1 
(74.5) 
(966.9) 

(827) 

490 

(24) 

268.8 

721.5 
n/a 
109.7 

n/a 

Amortization  includes  amortization  of  property,  plant  and  equipment,  intangible  assets  subject  to  amortization,  deferred  lease 
inducements  and  deferred  gains  on  options.  Amortization  expense  was  down  $4.8 million  in  fiscal  2011,  mainly  due  fewer  additions  to 
property,  plant  and  equipment  and  intangible  assets  in  fiscal  2010  and  2009.  The  amortization  expense  for  the  years  ended 
October 31, 2010 and 2009 includes the amortization of a deferred gain on options in the amount of $4.2 million. 

INTEREST ON LONG-TERM DEBT 

Interest on long-term debt and the debenture was down $1.0 million in fiscal 2011 as average debt levels were lower than in 2010. 

OTHER INTEREST AND FINANCIAL EXPENSES 

Other interest and financial expenses were down $0.1 million in fiscal 2011 compared with the previous year.  

INTEREST INCOME 

Interest  income  rose  $4.4 million  in  fiscal  2011,  driven  mainly  by  higher  average  balances  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  than  in 

fiscal 2010. 

CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS USED FOR TO AIRCRAFT FUEL PURCHASES 

The change in fair value of derivative financial instruments used for aircraft fuel purchases represents the change in fair value for the 
period  of  the  portfolio  of  derivative  financial  instruments  held  and  used  by  the  Corporation  to  manage  its  exposure  to  fluctuations  in  fuel 
prices. For the year, the fair value of derivative financial instruments used for aircraft fuel purchases decreased by $1.3 million compared 
with a $9.3 million increase in 2010. 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE LOSS (GAIN) ON LONG-TERM MONETARY ITEMS 

The  foreign  exchange  loss  on  long-term  monetary  items  of  $1.7 million  in  fiscal  2011  arose  mainly  from  an  unfavourable  foreign 

exchange effect on our foreign currency deposits.  

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

GAIN ON INVESTMENTS IN ABCP 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

The gain on investments in ABCP results from the change in the fair value of investments in ABCP during the period. The gain on 
investments  in  ABCP  for  fiscal  2011  amounted  to  $8.1  million  compared  with  $4.6  million  in  2010.  See  Investments  in  ABCP  for 
more information. 

RESTRUCTURING CHARGE (GAIN) 

The restructuring charge of $10.0 million comprises write-offs of intangible assets. See Operating expenses for more information. 

On September 24, 2009, we announced a restructuring plan to make structural changes to our distribution network in France. These 
structural changes resulted in the closure of an administrative centre. These changes also led to the closure of some agencies while others 
were  sold.  Following  this  announcement,  we  recognized  a  $12.0 million  restructuring  charge  for  fiscal  2009.  During  the  year  ended 
October 31,  2010,  the  Corporation  recorded  a  $1.2  million  gain  on  disposal  of  held-for-sale  assets  related  to  the  restructuring, consisting 
mainly of gains on the sale of agencies for which no restructuring charge had been recognized in 2009. 

SHARE OF NET LOSS (INCOME) OF A COMPANY SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE  

Our  share  of  net  loss  (income)  of  a  company  subject  to  significant  influence  represents  our  share  of  the  net  income  of  our  hotel 
business, Caribbean Investments B.V. [“CIBV”]. Our share of net income of a company subject to significant influence for the year amounted 
to  $0.8 million compared  with  a  share  of  net  loss  of  $0.5 million  for  2010.  This  increase  in  our  share  arises  mainly  from  improved 
operational profitability.  

INCOME TAXES 

Income tax recovery for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011 amounted to $4.8 million compared with a $23.8 million income tax 
expense for the previous fiscal year. Excluding the share in net income (loss) of companies subject to significant influence, the effective tax 
rates were 32.5% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011 and 25.4% for the preceding year. 

The change in tax rates between fiscal 2011 and 2010 resulted mainly from differences between countries in the statutory tax rates 

applied to taxable income or losses. 

NET INCOME (LOSS)  

In light of the items discussed in Consolidated Operations, our net loss for the year ended October 31, 2011 totalled $12.2 million, or 
$0.32 per share, compared with a net income of $65.6 million, or $1.74 per share, for the previous year. The weighted average number of 
outstanding shares used to compute per share amounts was 37,930,000 for fiscal 2011 and 37,796,000 for fiscal 2010. 

On a diluted per share basis, the loss per share amounted to $0.32 for fiscal 2011, compared with an income per share of $1.73 in 
2010.  The  adjusted  weighted  average  number  of  shares  used  to  determine  these  amounts  was  37,930,000  for  the  current  year  and 
37,993,000 for fiscal 2010. See note 13 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements. 

In  fiscal  2011,  our  adjusted  after-tax  loss  stood  at  $7.2  million  ($0.19  per  share)  compared  with  an  adjusted  after-tax  income  of 

$53.7 million ($1.41 per share) for fiscal 2010. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

The  Corporation’s  operations  are  seasonal  in  nature;  consequently,  interim  operating  results  do  not  proportionately  reflect  the 
operating results for a full year. Overall, revenues are up compared with the corresponding quarters of previous years, owing primarily to 
increases in traveller volumes and/or average selling prices. Margins have fluctuated from quarter to quarter, mainly due to competitive price 
pressures. As a result, the following quarterly financial information may vary significantly from quarter to quarter. 

Selected unaudited quarterly financial 
information 

(In thousands of dollars, 
except per share amounts) 
Revenues 
Margin 
Net income (loss) 
Basic earnings (loss) 

per share 

Diluted earnings (loss) 

per share  

Diluted adjusted after-tax 
income (loss) per 
share 

Q1-2010 
$  
792,562 
(12,409) 
(13,872) 

(0.37) 

(0.37) 

Q2-2010 
$  
1,060,386 
8,198 
6,198 

0.16 

0.16 

Q3-2010 
$  
867,344 
53,941 
20,925 

0.55 

0.55 

Q4-2010 
$  
778,585 
77,852 
52,356 

1.38 

1.37 

Q1-2011 
$  
810,154 
(14,638) 
(13,473) 

(0.36) 

(0.36) 

Q2-2011 
$  
1,101,109 
9,168 
8,620 

0.23 

0.23 

Q3-2011 
$  
936,974 
14,604 
(2,877) 

(0.08) 

(0.08)  

Q4-2011 
$  
809,927 
20,850 
 (4,483) 

(0.12) 

(0.12) 

(0.48) 

(0.07) 

0.70 

1.25 

(0.51) 

(0.02) 

0.07 

0.27 

FOURTH-QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS 

For the fourth quarter, the Corporation generated $809.9 million in revenues, up $31.3 million, or 4.0%, from $778.6 million for the 
corresponding period in 2010. This increase resulted mainly from higher average selling prices offset by a 3.8% decrease in the volume of 
travellers compared with the fourth quarter of 2010. 

In  the  Americas,  revenues  at  our  subsidiaries  were  up  $73.6  million  (15.3%)  compared  with  the  same  period  of  2010,  driven  by 
increases in the volume of travellers and average selling prices. Total market supply for the quarter remained higher than in 2010, owing to 
moves  by  several  air  carriers  to  transfer  capacity  into  the  transatlantic  market  following  the  March  tsunami  in  Japan.  Excess  supply  and 
difficult  economic  conditions  in  Europe  continued  to  spark  competition  in  the  transatlantic  market.  This  excess  market  capacity  further 
resulted in lower load factors than in the fourth quarter of 2010, making it impossible for the Corporation to fully offset the sharp increase in 
fuel prices. In light of the foregoing, our North American operations reported a margin of $2.2 million, down from a $51.4 million margin for 
the same period of 2010. 

Year  over  year,  revenues  at  our  European  subsidiaries  were  down  $42.2 million  (14.2%),  owing  primarily  to  the  lower  volume  of 
travellers. Our European operations recorded a margin of $18.6 million for the quarter, down from $26.4 million for the same period of 2010, 
due mainly to a decline in the volume of travellers. 

The Corporation reported a margin of $20.9 million or 2.6% for the quarter compared with $77.9 million or 10.0% in 2010. The slimmer 

margin stems mainly from higher fuel costs and lower aircraft load factors compared with the last quarter of 2010.  

In the fourth quarter, we recorded a $4.9 million loss arising from the change in fair value of derivative financial instruments used for 
aircraft fuel purchases, compared with a gain of $2.0 million in the corresponding period of 2010. We also recorded a $1.2 million gain on 
investments in ABCP compared with $3.2 million for the same period of fiscal 2010. 

The Corporation reported a net loss for the fourth quarter of $4.5 million, or $0.12 per share on a diluted basis, compared with a net 

income of $52.4 million, or $1.37 per share in 2010.  

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, adjusted after-tax income stood at $10.1 million ($0.27 per share) compared with $47.7 million 

($1.25 per share) in 2010. 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
    
 
  
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

As at October 31, 2011, cash and cash equivalents totalled $181.6 million compared with $180.6 million as at October 31, 2010. Cash 
and cash equivalents in trust or otherwise reserved amounted to $359.5 million as at the end of fiscal 2011, compared with $352.7 million in 
2010. The Corporation’s balance sheet reflects working capital of $22.8 million and a ratio of 1.03 compared with $64.3 million and 1.1 as at 
October 31, 2010.  

Total assets rose $32.5 million (2.7%) to $1,222.0 million as at October 31, 2011 from $1,189.5 million as at October 31, 2010, driven 
mainly by increases in income taxes receivable and future income tax assets of $13.0 million and $11.9 million, respectively. Shareholders’ 
equity fell $15.1 million to $424.0 million as at October 31, 2011 from $439.1 million as at October 31, 2010. This decline stemmed mainly 
from  a  $12.2 million net  loss  and  a  $10.2 million  foreign  exchange  loss  on  translation  of  the  financial  statements  of  our  self-sustaining 
operations, offset by a $3.5 million change in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges with these losses accounted for in 
other comprehensive income (loss). 

CASH FLOWS 

(In thousands of dollars) 
Cash flows related to operating activities 
Cash flows related to investing activities 
Cash flows related to financing activities 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 
Net change in cash 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES 

Change 

2011 
$ 

90,673 
(56,683) 
 (29,470) 
(3,571) 
949 

2010 
$ 

119,131 
(27,819) 
 (81,034) 
(10,203) 
75 

2009 
$ 

45,234 
(26,662) 
18,303 
(2,090) 
34,785 

2011 
% 

(23.9) 
(103.8) 
63.6 
65.0 
n/a 

2010 
% 

163.4 
(4.3) 
(542.7) 
(388.2) 
(99.8) 

Operating activities generated $90.7 million in cash flows, compared with $119.1 million in 2010. This $28.5 million or 23.9% decrease 
during  the  year  resulted  mainly  from  lower  profitability,  offset  by  a  $59.0 million  increase  in  the  net  change  in  non-cash  working  capital 
balances related to operations, which was primarily due to a larger increase in accounts payable compared with 2010. 

We expect to continue to generate positive cash flows from our operating activities in 2012. 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES 

Cash flows used in investing activities totalled $56.7 million for the year, up $28.9 million from 2010: additions to property, plant and 
equipment  and  other  intangible  assets  rose  $25.2 million  to  $54.2 million  and  consisted  mainly  of  purchases  of  computer  hardware  and 
software and aircraft enhancements. Following the increase in some of our letters of credit, the cash and cash equivalents balance reported 
as a long-term asset rose $4.2 million. Last, we received $1.7 million from investments in ABCP compared with $3.7 million in 2010.  

In 2012, additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets could amount to approximately $60.0 million. 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES 

Cash  flows  used  by  financing  activities  totalled  $29.5 million,  down  $51.6  million  from  $81.0 million  in  2010,  due  primarily  to  a 
$51.7 million  decrease  in  repayments  of  our  credit  facilities  and  other  debt  compared  with  fiscal 2010.  During the  year,  a  share  issuance 
generated  proceeds  of  $1.7 million  for  the  Corporation,  up  $0.4 million  from  2010,  while  a  subsidiary  paid  dividends  in  the  amount  of 
$2.5. million to a non-controlling shareholder compared with $2.1 million in 2010.  

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

FINANCING 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

As at October 31, 2011, the Corporation had several types of financing, consisting primarily of two revolving term credit facilities and 

lines of credit. 

On July 29, 2011, the Corporation renewed the agreements for its revolving credit facilities for operations and issuance of letters of 
credit.  Under  the  new  agreements,  the  Corporation  has  access  to  a  $100.0 million revolving  credit  facility  maturing  in  2015,  which  is 
renewable  or  immediately  payable  in  the  event of  a  change  in control.  The Corporation  has  a $60.0 million  annually  renewable  revolving 
credit  facility  for  issuing  letters  of  credit  in  respect  of  which  the  Corporation  must  pledge  cash  as  collateral  security  against  105%  of  the 
amount of the letters of credit. Under the terms and conditions of the agreement for the revolving credit facility for operations, funds may be 
drawn down by way of bankers’ acceptances or bank loans, denominated in Canadian dollars, U.S. dollars, euros or pounds sterling. Under 
this agreement, interest is charged at bankers’ acceptance rates, at the financial institution’s prime rate or at the London Interbank Offered 
Rate (LIBOR), plus a premium based on certain financial ratios calculated on a consolidated basis.  

The Corporation also has access to an $84.1 million revolving credit facility which matures in 2013 or is immediately payable in the 
event of a change in control. Under the terms and conditions of this agreement, funds may be drawn down by way of bankers’ acceptances 
or bank loans, denominated in Canadian dollars, U.S. dollars, euros or pounds sterling. Under this agreement, interest is charged at bankers’ 
acceptance rates, at the financial institution’s prime rate or at the LIBOR, plus a premium specific to the type of financing vehicle. This credit 
facility  also  includes  options,  now  in  effect  following  implementation  of  the  ABCP  restructuring  plan,  allowing  the  Corporation,  at  its 
discretion, to repay amounts drawn down as they fall due under certain conditions up to a maximum of $45.3 million using the restructured 
notes. This option is reported at fair value at each balance sheet date under Derivative financial instruments, and any change in fair value of 
the options is recorded in net income (loss) under Gain on investments in ABCP. 

As at October 31, 2011, these credit facilities were undrawn, except for the $60.0 million facility for issuing letters of credit for which 
the Corporation must pledge cash as collateral security against 105% of the letters of credit issued, under which $48.1 million was drawn 
down. The terms of the agreements require the Corporation to comply with financial criteria and ratios. As at October 31, 2011, all financial 
ratios were met. 

With regard to our French operations, we also have access to undrawn lines of credit totalling €11.5 million [$15.9 million]. 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS 

In the normal course of business, Transat enters into arrangements and incurs obligations that will impact the Corporation’s future 
operations and liquidity, some of which are reflected as liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Corporation did not report 
any obligations in the balance sheet as at October 31, 2011 compared with $29.1 million of obligations as at October 31, 2010. 

 Obligations that are not reported as liabilities are considered off-balance sheet arrangements. These contractual arrangements are 

entered into with non-consolidated entities and consist of the following: 

• 
• 
• 

Guarantees (see notes 11 and 22 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements) 
Operating leases (see note 21 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements) 
Agreements with suppliers (see note 21 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements) 

Off-balance sheet arrangements that can be estimated amounted to approximately $797.0 million as at October 31, 2011 compared 

with $916.1 million as at October 31, 2010, and is detailed as follows: 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS 

Guarantees 

Irrevocable letters of credit 
Collateral security contracts 

Operating leases 

Obligations under operating leases 

Agreements with suppliers 

20 

2011 
$ 

2,798 
14,247 

636,618 
653,663 
143,324 
796,987 

2010 
$ 

5,273 
957 

637,520 
643,750 
272,334 
916,084 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

In  the  normal  course  of  business,  guarantees  are  required  in  the  travel  industry  to  provide  indemnifications  and  guarantees  to 
counterparties in transactions such as operating leases, irrevocable letters of credit and collateral security contracts. Historically, Transat has 
not  made  any  significant  payments  under  such  guarantees.  Operating  leases  are  entered  into  to  enable  the  Corporation  to  lease  certain 
items rather than acquire them. 

In addition, the Corporation agrees to commitments with certain providers from time to time to purchase person-nights, airplane seats 
and other services to benefit from better prices or conditions. As at October 31, 2011, such agreements were down $129.0 million, owing 
primarily to the non-renewal of the seat purchase agreement with Thomas Cook in the U.K. 

In  addition,  the  Corporation  has  a  $50.0 million guarantee  facility  renewable  annually.  Under  this  agreement,  the  Corporation  may 
issue collateral security contracts with a maximum three-year term. As at October 31, 2011, $13.6 million was drawn down under these credit 
facilities for issuing letters of credit to some of our service providers. 

We believe that the Corporation will be able to meet its obligations with cash on hand, cash flows from operations and drawdowns 

under existing credit facilities. 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS BY YEAR 

Year ending October 31 
Contractual obligations 
Long-term debt 
Leases (aircraft) 
Leases (other) 
Agreements with suppliers and other 

obligations 

2012 
$ 

— 
88,525 
26,972 

2013 
$ 

— 
84,263 
22,842 

2014 
$ 

— 
72,200 
18,105 

2015 
$ 

— 
52,546 
14,885 

2016 
$ 

— 
49,252 
12,863 

2017 
and later 
$ 

— 
104,229 
89,936 

Total 
$ 

— 
451,015 
185,603 

76,658 
192,155 

38,800 
145,905 

25,055 
115,360 

5,671 
73,102 

715 
62,830 

23,007 
217,172 

169,906 
806,524 

DEBT LEVELS 

The Corporation’s debt levels as at October 31, 2011 were lower than as at October 31, 2010. 

The balance sheet debt of $29.1 million as at October 31, 2010 was fully repaid during the fiscal year while our off-balance sheet 
arrangements,  excluding  agreements  with  suppliers  and  other  obligations,  increased  $9.9 million  to  $653.7 million  from  $643.8 million, 
collectively representing a $19.1 million decrease in total debt compared with October 31, 2010. The $9.9 million increase in our off-balance 
sheet arrangements arose mainly from the addition of an aircraft, offset by the repayments made during the fiscal year. 

Net  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  our  investments  in  ABCP,  the  Corporation  reported  $393.3  million  in  net  debt  as  at 

October 31, 2011, down 6.3% from $419.8 million as at October 31, 2010.  

SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING 

The Corporation has three authorized classes of shares: an unlimited number of Class A Variable Voting Shares, an unlimited number 
of Class B Voting Shares and an unlimited number of preferred shares. The preferred shares are non-voting and issuable  in  series, with 
each  series  including  the  number  of  shares,  designation,  rights,  privileges,  restrictions  and  conditions  as  determined  by  the  Board 
of Directors. 

As  at  December  13,  2011,  there  were  937,441 Class A  Variable  Voting  Shares  outstanding  and  37,124,469 Class B  Voting 

Shares outstanding. 

STOCK OPTIONS 

As at December 13, 2011, there were a total of 1,744,477 stock options outstanding, 907,328 of which were exercisable. 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

INVESTMENTS IN ABCP 

RESTRUCTURING 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

In 2007, the Canadian third-party asset backed commercial paper [“ABCP”] market was hit by a liquidity disruption. Subsequent to 
this disruption, 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. A Pan-Canadian Investors Committee was subsequently established to oversee the orderly 
restructuring of these instruments during this standstill period.  

In  2009,  the  Pan-Canadian  Investors  Committee  announced  that  the  third-party  ABCP  restructuring  plan  had  been  implemented. 
Pursuant to the terms of the plan, holders of ABCP had their short-term commercial paper exchanged for longer-term notes whose maturities 
match  those  of  the  assets  previously  held  in  the  underlying  conduits.  As  at  January 21,  2009,  the  Corporation  held  a  portfolio  of  ABCP 
issued by several trusts with an overall notional value of $143.5 million. 

On  January 21,  2009,  the  plan  implementation  date,  the  Corporation  measured  its  investments  in  ABCP  at  fair  value  prior  to  the 
exchange. During this valuation, the Corporation reviewed its assumptions to factor in new information available at that date, as well as the 
changes in credit market conditions. Subsequent to this valuation, the provision for impairment totalled $47.5 million, and the fair value of the 
ABCP investment portfolio stood at $96.1 million. The ABCP held by the Corporation was exchanged on that date for new securities. As at 
that date, the new ABCP had a notional value of $141.7 million. 

PORTFOLIO 

In  fiscal 2011,  the  Corporation  received  $1.7 million  in  principal  repayments  on  ABCP  supported  solely  by  traditional  securitized 

assets (Master Asset Vehicle (MAV) 3 Traditional [MAV3 Traditional]). 

During  fiscal  2010,  the  Corporation  received  $3.1 million  in  principal  repayments  on  ABCP  supported  by  synthetic  assets  or  a 
combination  of  synthetic  and  traditional  securitized  assets  MAV2  Eligible  and  ABCP  supported  solely  by  traditional  securitized  assets 
(MAV3 Traditional). In addition, the Corporation received its share of $0.6 million of the cash accumulated in the conduits. Also during the 
fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, the Corporation exercised one of its options allowing it to repay a $9.4 million portion of the balance of 
one its revolving credit facilities using ABCP supported primarily by subprime assets in the U.S. (MAV2 Ineligible) with a carrying amount of 
nil. The option was initially reported at a fair value, amounting to $8.4 million, with the corresponding initial gain deferred and recognized in 
net income under amortization over the term of the credit agreements. The option is reported at fair value at each balance sheet date in 
assets under derivative financial instruments with any change in  fair value of the options recorded in net income under loss (gain) in fair 
value of the investments in ABCP.  

The notional value of the new ABCP amounted to $116.4 million as at October 31, 2011 and is detailed as follows: 

MAV2 Eligible 

The  Corporation  holds  $113.3 million  in  ABCP  supported  by  synthetic  assets  or  a  combination  of  synthetic  and  traditional 
securitized assets, which have been restructured into floating rate notes with maturities through January 2017.  

MAV3 Traditional 

The  Corporation  holds  $3.1 million  in  ABCP  supported  solely  by  traditional  securitized  assets  that  have  been  restructured  on  a 
series-by-series basis, with each series or trust maintaining its own assets and maturing through September 2016. 

VALUATION 

On  October  31,  2011,  the  Corporation  remeasured  its  new  ABCP  at  fair  value.  During  this  valuation,  the  Corporation  reviewed  its 
assumptions  to  factor  in  new  information  available,  as  well  as  the  changes  in  credit  market  conditions.  During  the  year  ended 
October 31, 2011, a limited number of transactions were entered into in respect of the investments in ABCP. However, the Corporation did 
not take these transactions into account in measuring its ABCP since, in its opinion, there were too few of them to meet the definition of an 
active market. Once ABCP begins trading in an active market again, the Corporation will review its valuation assumptions accordingly. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

The  Corporation  reviews  the  information  released  by  BlackRock  Canada  Ltd.  [BlackRock],  which  was  appointed  to  administer  the 
assets  on  the  plan  implementation  date.  BlackRock  issues  monthly  valuation  reports  on  the  value  of  ABCP  supported  exclusively  by 
traditional securitized assets (MAV3 Traditional). The Corporation’s management measured the fair value of its assets from these classes 
using said valuations. For the other securities, given the lack of an active market, the Corporation’s management estimated the fair value of 
these assets by discounting future cash flows determined using a valuation model that incorporates management’s best estimates based as 
much  as  possible  on  observable  market  inputs,  such  as  the  credit  risk  attributable  to  underlying  assets,  relevant  market  interest  rates, 
amounts to be received and maturity dates. The Corporation also considered the information released by DBRS on September 23, 2011, 
confirming the A+ rating of Class A-1 ABCP supported by synthetic assets or a combination of synthetic and traditional securitized assets 
(MAV2 Eligible) and upgrading Class A-2 to a BBB+ rating.  

For the purposes of estimating future cash flows, the Corporation estimated that the long-term financial instruments arising from the 
conversion of its ABCP would generate interest at rates ranging from 0.0% to 1.16% [weighted average rate of 1.0%], depending on the type 
of series. These future cash flows were discounted, according to the type of series, over a 5.2-year period using discount rates ranging from 
6.4% to 30.8% [weighted average rate of 9.9%], which factor in liquidity.  

Subsequent to this new valuation, the Corporation recognized increases, on October 31, 2011, in the fair value of its investments in 
ABCP of $8.1 million [$4.6 million for the year ended October 31, 2010]. These adjustments do not take into account any additional amount 
of the Corporation’s share of the estimated cash accumulated in the conduits. The ABCP investment portfolio had a fair value of $78.8 million 
and the provision for impairment totalled $37.7 million, representing 32.4% of the notional value of $116.4 million. 

The Corporation’s estimate of the fair value of its ABCP investments is subject to significant uncertainty. The substitution of one or 
more  inputs  by  one  or  more  assumptions  cannot  reasonably  be  completed  in  these  conditions.  Management  believes  that  its  valuation 
technique  is  appropriate  in  the  circumstances;  however,  changes  in  significant  assumptions  could  significantly  impact  the  value  of  ABCP 
securities over the coming fiscal year. 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. 

A  1% increase  (decrease),  representing  100 basis  points,  in  the  estimated  discount  rates  would  result  in  a  decrease  (increase)  of 

approximately $3.6 million in the estimated fair value of ABCP held by the Corporation. 

The following table details the change in balances of investments in ABCP in the consolidated balance sheet and the composition of 

loss (gain) on investments in ABCP in the consolidated statement of income (loss): 

Provi
impa

(57,43

sion for 
irment   
$ 
4) 
7,630 
4,648
— 
(620) 

Inv

71

estments  
$ 
,401 
— 
4,6
48 
(3,083) 
(620) 

(45,776) 

8,113
— 

(37,663) 

72,346 

8,1
13 
(1,708) 

78,751 

Loss (gain)  
$ 

— 
(4,648) 
— 
— 

(4,648) 

(8,113) 
— 

(8,113) 

(In thousands of dollars) 
Balance as at October 31, 2009 
Disposal of investments in ABCP 
Increase in value of investments in ABCP 
Principal repayments 
Share of cash accumulated in conduits 
Balance as at October 31, 2010/Impact on results for the 

year ended October 31, 2010 
Increase in value of investments in ABCP 
Principal repayments 
Balance as at October 31, 2011/Impact on results for the 

year ended October 31, 2011 

Notiona

l value  
$ 
128,835 
(7,630) 
— 
(3,083) 
— 

118,122 
— 
(1,708) 

116,414 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

The balance of investments in ABCP as at October 31, 2011 is detailed as follows:  

(In thousands of dollars) 
MAV2 Eligible 
Class A-1 
Class A-2 
Class B 
Class C 

MAV3 Traditional 

OTHER 

ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES 

Notional value  
$ 

P ovision for impairment   
r
$ 

Investments  
$ 

,415 
34
,894 
63
,598 
11
3,
403 
3,310 
3,
104 
6,414 

11

11

(7
,984) 
9,899) 
(1
,578) 
(7
(2
,680) 
8,141) 
(3
47
8 
7,663) 

(3

26,431 
43,995 
4,020 
723 
75,169 
3,582 
78,751 

The Corporation has implemented changes to streamline organizational structure in Canada and accelerate its processes for making 
and  implementing  decisions.  Against  this  background,  on  September  8,  2011,  the  Corporation  announced  the  departures  of  Nelson 
Gentiletti,  Chief  Operating  Officer  and  Michael  DiLollo,  President  of  Transat  Tours  Canada.  At  that  time,  President  and  Chief  Executive 
Officer  Allen  Graham  was  given  oversight  of  operations  at  subsidiaries  Air  Transat,  Transat  Tours  Canada,  Transat  Distribution  Canada, 
Canadian  Affair,  Air  Consultants  Europe  and  Handlex.  André  De  Montigny  was  given  responsibility  for  Eleva  Travel,  Tourgreece,  Trafic 
Tours  and  Turissimo,  as  well  as  hotelling  operations,  while  remaining  Vice-President,  Corporate  Development.  The  President  and  Chief 
Executive Officer will be directly responsible for Transat France, Transat Discoveries, tripcentral.ca and Jonview Canada. 

RENEWALS OF COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS 

On February 15, 2011, Handlex, one of the Corporation's subsidiaries, locked out 400 of its ramp and baggage workers at airports in 
Toronto and Montréal, following the rejection of its most recent offer to renew the collective agreement, which expired in November 2010, 
and  the  strike  action  launched  by  the  union.  A  contingency  plan  was  immediately  implemented  to  ensure  continuity  of  operations  and 
services for all airlines served by Handlex, including Air Transat. On March 7, 2011, Handlex and its ramp and baggage workers at airports in 
Toronto and Montréal agreed to renew the collective agreement.  

On August 4, 2011, the Corporation announced that the flight attendants of Air Transat, represented by the Canadian Union of Public 
Employees  (CUPE),  had  ratified  the  agreement  in  principle  to  renew  their  collective  agreement.  The  new  five-year  agreement  will  expire 
in 2015. 

ADDITION OF A CREDIT CARD PROCESSOR 

On  February 28,  2011,  we  announced  the  signing  of  an  agreement  with  a  second  credit  card  processor  in  Canada  effective 

immediately, expiring on February 28, 2015. 

Credit card transactions processed in Canada under this agreement are subject to the requirement of maintaining certain levels of 
unrestricted  cash  and  other  cash  equivalents  at  each  quarter-end,  as  well  as  the  same  financial  ratios  to  those  set  out  in  its  bank  credit 
agreements. The Corporation’s failure to comply with these covenants could result in a variety of adverse consequences, including, among 
other things, an obligation by Transat to provide this new credit card processor with a letter of credit according to a predetermined formula 
based on the monthly dollar volume of credit card transactions processed by this new credit card processor. 

FLEET 

During  the  year  ended  October  31,  2011,  one  A310  was  retired  and  four  A330s  were  commissioned.  And  in  November  2011,  an 
eleventh A330  was  commissioned  and  an  A310 was  retired.  Air Transat’s  fleet  currently  consists  of  11 Airbus A310  aircraft  (249 seats), 
which will be gradually retired, and five Airbus A330 (342 seats). A twelfth A330 is slated for commissioning in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

ACCOUNTING 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates. We periodically 
review these estimates, which are based on historical experience, changes in the business environment and other factors that management 
considers  reasonable  under  the  circumstances.  The  main  estimates  include  the  measurement  of  fair  value  of  the  financial  instruments, 
including derivatives and investments in ABCP, the provision for overhaul of leased aircraft and the amortization and impairment of property, 
plant and equipment and intangible assets including goodwill as well as the accrued benefit liability. Our estimates involve judgments we 
make based on the information available to us. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates. 

We discuss below the 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 liquidity could be substantially different if we had used different estimates in 
the current period or were these estimates 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 uncertain matters. 

FAIR VALUE OF DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

The fair value of derivative financial instruments represents the amount of the consideration that would be agreed upon in an arm’s 
length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties who are under no compulsion to act. The Corporation determines the fair value of 
its derivative financial instruments using the purchase or selling price, as appropriate, in the most advantageous active market to which the 
Corporation  has  immediate  access.  The  Corporation  also  takes  into  account  its  own  credit  risk  and  the  credit  risk  of  the  counterparty  in 
determining  fair  value  for  its  derivative  financial  instruments  based  on  whether  they  are  financial  assets  or  financial  liabilities.  When  the 
market for a derivative financial instrument is not active, the Corporation determines the fair value by applying valuation techniques, such as 
using available information on 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 that it is consistent with accepted economic methods for pricing financial 
instruments, including the  credit  risk of the  party involved. The fair value of options related to repayment of revolving credit facilities was 
determined using the Black & Scholes option pricing model. 

FAIR VALUE OF INVESTMENTS IN ABCP 

See Investments in ABCP. 

PROVISION FOR OVERHAUL OF LEASED AIRCRAFT 

Under  the  aircraft  and  engine  operating  leases,  the  Corporation  is  required  to  maintain  the  aircraft  and  engines  in  serviceable 
condition and to follow the maintenance plan. The Corporation accounts for its leased aircraft and engine 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. Generally speaking, the main assumptions used to calculate this provision would have to be reduced by 5% to 15%, to result in 
additional expenses that could have a material impact on our results, financial position and cash flows. 

AMORTIZATION AND IMPAIRMENT OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

We record material balance sheet amounts under goodwill and other intangible assets calculated using the historical cost method. 
Goodwill and other intangible assets stem primarily from business acquisitions. We are required to test goodwill and intangible assets with 
indefinite lives, such as trademarks, for impairment each year or more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate it is more likely 
than not that they might be impaired.  

The impairment test to identify a potential impairment in goodwill is performed in two steps. The first step consists in comparing the 
fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill, in order to identify a potential impairment. When the fair value of a 
reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not to be impaired. When the carrying amount of a 
reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step, where necessary, consists in comparing the fair value of any goodwill associated with 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

its carrying amount to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The Corporation uses the discounted cash flow method to measure 
the fair value of its reporting units. We carry out an analysis by estimating the discounted cash flows attributable to each reporting unit. This 
analysis  requires  us  to  make  a  variety  of  judgments  concerning  our  future  operations.  The  cash  flow  forecasts  used  to  determine  asset 
values  may  change  in  the  future  due  to  market  conditions,  competition  and  other  risk  factors  (see  Risks  and  uncertainties).  During  fiscal 
2011 and 2010, we determined that the fair value of our reporting units exceeded their carrying amount; as a result, we did not carry out 
step 2  of  the  test  for  any  of  our  reporting  units.  No  impairment  was  recognized  except  for  an  $8.5 million  charge  recognized  in  2009  in 
connection with our distribution network restructuring in France.  

The impairment test for identifying a possible impairment of intangible assets with an indefinite life such as trademarks consists in 
comparing their fair value with their carrying amount. When the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment 
charge in the amount of the excess amount is recognized in the consolidated statement of income. The Corporation uses the discounted 
cash flow method to measure the fair value of its trademarks. Similarly to the review of goodwill, this analysis requires us to make a variety of 
judgments concerning our future operations. 

Generally,  we  consider  that  our  main  assumptions  regarding  the  cash  flow  forecasts  would  have  to  be  reduced  by  5%  to  10%, 
depending on the reporting unit or the trademark, in order to trigger a loss in fair value of a reporting unit or trademark such that its fair value 
would be less than its carrying amount and to require the Corporation, in the case of goodwill, to carry out step 2 of the impairment test and 
determine the impairment loss.  

On  October 31,  2011,  the  Corporation  performed  its  annual  test  for  impairment  of  goodwill,  and  no  impairment  was  detected  [no 
impairment in 2010]. The Corporation’s management is of the opinion that no significant change in the key assumptions used to calculate the 
fair value of each of its reporting units could produce carrying amounts higher than those fair values, with the exception of one reporting unit 
in France. This reporting unit, which includes outgoing tour operators and a travel agency network, generates a significant percentage of its 
revenues  from  the  sale  of  products  to  North  Africa,  including  Tunisia,  Morocco  and  Egypt.  In  establishing  its  assumptions  for  the 
measurement of this reporting unit, management considered, among other factors, the potential impact on its future results of the prevailing 
political climate in certain North African countries and current economic conditions in Europe. The fair value calculated for this reporting unit 
was higher than its carrying amount, which includes a goodwill of $30.6 million. However, a change in the assumptions used could result in 
an  impairment  in  goodwill  for  this  reporting  unit.  Furthermore,  outcomes  could  be  different  if  political  instability  in  certain  North  African 
countries does not subside in the medium term. 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS WITH FINITE LIVES  

Property,  plant  and  equipment  in  the  balance  sheet  represent  material  amounts  based  on  historical  costs.  Property,  plant  and 
equipment are amortized, taking into account their residual value, over their estimated useful life. Aircraft and aircraft components account 
for a major class of property, plant and equipment. The amortization period is determined based on the fleet renewal schedule, currently 
slated for completion by 2014. The estimate of the residual value of aircraft and aircraft components at the time of their anticipated disposal 
is supported by periodically reviewed external valuations. Our fleet renewal schedule and the realizable value of our aircraft obtainable upon 
fleet renewal depend on numerous factors such as supply and demand for aircraft at the scheduled fleet renewal date. Changes in estimated 
useful life and residual value of aircraft could have a significant impact on amortization expense. 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, 
reducing these assumptions would not result in cash outflows and would not affect our cash flows.  

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.  During  the  year  ended  October 31,  2011,  the 
Corporation  recorded  a  $10.0 million  write-off  in  respect  of  software  in  development  under  its  restructuring  program.  No  other  events  or 
changes in circumstances of this nature have occurred in recent fiscal years. 

ACCRUED BENEFIT LIABILITY 

The Corporation offers defined  benefit pension  arrangements to certain senior executives. The cost of pension benefits earned by 
employees  is  determined  from  actuarial  calculations,  performed  annually,  using  the  projected  benefit  method  prorated  on  services  and 
management’s best estimate assumptions for the increase in eligible earnings and the retirement age of employees. Past service costs and 
amendments  to  the  arrangements  are  amortized  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  average  remaining  service  period  of  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, 2010. Plan obligations are discounted using current 
market interest rates. 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

CHANGEOVER TO IFRS 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

In  February  2008,  the  AcSB  confirmed  that  Canadian  GAAP,  as  used  by  publicly  accountable  enterprises,  will  be  superseded  by 
International Financial Reporting Standards for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. The Corporation will be required to report 
under  IFRS  for  its  interim  and  annual  financial  statements  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  October 31, 2012.  The  Corporation  has  prepared  an 
IFRS  transition  plan  consisting  of  three  phases:  design  and  planning;  identification  of  differences  and  development  of  solutions;  and 
implementation and review. 

Under Phase 1, consisting of design and planning, an IFRS transition plan was prepared based on the results of a preliminary high-
level diagnostic review of the differences between IFRS and the Corporation’s accounting policies. This analysis provided an overview of key 
issues  raised  by  the  changeover  to  IFRS  and  the  resulting  impacts  on  the  Corporation,  including  enhanced  presentation  and  disclosure 
requirements.  During  Phase 1,  the  Corporation’s  management  established  a  formal  governance  structure  for  the  conversion  project, 
including  an  IFRS  Steering  Committee,  to  oversee  the  transition  process  with  regard  to  the  impact  on  financial  reporting,  operating 
processes, internal controls and information systems.  

Phase 2 consisted of identifying the differences between IFRS and the Corporation’s accounting policies, and developing solutions. 
During this phase, the Corporation performed a detailed analysis of IFRS, which consisted first in identifying the differences between IFRS 
and the Corporation’s current accounting policies to prioritize key areas that will be more significantly impacted by the changeover and then 
determining the options permitted under IFRS at the effective date and on an ongoing basis in order to finalize conclusions. The second 
stage of Phase 2 included detailed planning of information technology and human resources requirements as they relate to the changeover. 
We  also  identified  internal  procedures  and  systems  that  require  updating  and  adapting,  including  adjustments  to  existing  internal  control 
procedures  and  the  implementation  of  additional  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  and  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  that  are 
necessary to certify financial reporting during the changeover and post-implementation periods.  

In Phase 3, the Corporation implemented accounting and other necessary changes to internal procedures, controls and systems to 

ensure all changes are in place and operating effectively for the first fiscal year under IFRS. 

The following table provides a progress update on timelines for core items of the IFRS conversion plan as at October 31, 2011: 

Financial 
information 

Core item(s) 
Identify differences and develop solutions for accounting 
policy elections, particularly permitted elections under IFRS, 
including those involving permitted exemptions under 
IFRS 1.  

Progress 
The analyses are now complete. 

Develop a model set of IFRS financial statements with 
accompanying notes. 

Development of a model set of IFRS financial 
statements is now complete. 

Prepare an opening balance sheet and compile financial 
information to prepare (interim and annual) comparative 
IFRS financial statements. 

The preparation of the opening balance sheet and 
compilation of annual and quarterly comparative 
financial information are being validated. 

Information and 
data systems 

Assess the effects of changes on information and data 
systems, and make the necessary changes.  

Assessment of the effects of changes on information 
technology and data systems is now complete. No 
major changes to the information systems were 
required. 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Internal control 
over financial 
reporting 

Core item(s) 
Assess the effects of changes on internal control over 
financial reporting and disclosures controls and procedures 
and implement modifications as necessary. 

Progress 
Assessment of the effects of changes on internal 
control over financial reporting is now complete. No 
significant changes to existing internal controls were 
required.  

Business activity 

Assess the conversion’s impact on the Corporation’s 
business activity.  

Assessment of the conversion’s impact on the 
Corporation’s business activity is now complete. 
Adopting IFRS is not expected to materially affect 
the Corporation’s business operations. 

Training and 
communications 

Offer training to affected employees, management and the 
Board of Directors and its relevant committees, particularly 
the Audit Committee.  

Training was offered in a timely fashion in 
accordance with conversion timelines and continue 
to be provided.  

Provide conversion plan status reports to internal and 
external stakeholders. 

Periodic status reports are sent to internal and 
external stakeholders. 

The  Corporation  has  assessed  some  of  the  exemptions  from  full  retrospective  application  under  IFRS 1,  First-time  Adoption  of 
International  Financial  Reporting  Standards,  on  the  effective  date  and  their  potential  impact  on  the  Corporation’s  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements. The exemptions that will have an impact on the Corporation are as follows:  

Exemption 
Business combinations 

Application of exemption 
The Corporation has elected not to retrospectively restate business acquisitions completed prior to 
November 1, 2010. No adjustments are expected to the opening balance sheet as at the transition date. 

Employee benefits 

Cumulative translation 
adjustments 

Share-based payment 
transactions 

The Corporation has elected to recognize cumulative actuarial gains and losses arising from its defined 
benefit pension plans through opening retained earnings at the IFRS transition date and prospectively 
apply IAS 19, Employee Benefits. The application of this exemption will result in the recognition, as at 
November 1, 2010 of a $5.7 million after-tax decrease [$8.2 million before taxes] in the Corporation’s 
opening retained earnings balance at the IFRS transition date. 
The Corporation has elected to recognize cumulative translation adjustments through opening retained 
earnings at the IFRS transition date. The application of this exemption will result in the recognition, as 
at November 1, 2010 of a $16.8 million decrease in the Corporation’s opening retained earnings 
balance at the IFRS transition date. 
The Corporation has elected to apply the exemption enabling it not to retrospectively apply IFRS 2, 
Share-based Payment, to share-based payment transactions prior to the transition date. 

The Corporation has finalized the preliminary quantification of the expected impact of material differences between IFRS and current 
accounting  treatment  under  Canadian  GAAP.  The  following  table  shows  the  preliminary  impact  of  these  differences  on  the  Corporation’s 
equity as at November 1, 2010 and the net loss for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

(In thousands of dollars) (unaudited) 

Equity under Canadian GAAP, as reported 
Restatement of the measurement and recognition of: 

Pension benefits 
Business combination 

Tax impacts 
Total restatements 
Equity under IFRS 

(In thousands of dollars) (unaudited) 

Net loss under Canadian GAAP, as reported 
Restatement of the measurement and recognition of: 

Pension benefits 
Non-controlling interests 

Tax impacts 
Total restatements 
Net loss under IFRS 

Net income (loss) attributable to: 
Shareholders of the Corporation 
Non-controlling interests 
Net loss under IFRS 

Basic and diluted loss per share under Canadian GAAP, as 

reported 

Impact of IFRS restatements on net loss 
Basic and diluted loss per share under IFRS 

As at November 1, 
2010 
$ 

Difference 

(i) 
(ii) 

(i) 

439,072 

(8,178) 
(17,824) 
(26,002) 
2,502 
(23,500) 
415,572 

Year ended October 31, 2011 
$ 

Difference 

(i) 
(ii) 

(i) 

(12,213) 

526 
3,059 
3,585 
(146) 
3,439 
(8,669) 

(11,728) 
3,059 
(8,669) 

(0.32) 
0.09 
(0.23) 

The  main  differences  in  the  accounting  policies  applied  at  the  IFRS  transition  date  and,  subsequently,  in  the  recognition, 

measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial information in key accounting areas are as follows: 

Accounting area 
(i) Employee benefits 

Main differences with impacts for the Corporation  
• 

Immediate recognition of all actuarial gains and losses and vested past service costs 
through opening retained earnings at the transition date with a corresponding 
increase in liabilities. 

•  After IFRS transition, recognition of vested past service costs through income. 
•  After IFRS transition, the Corporation elected to recognize changes in actuarial gains 
and losses as they occur in comprehensive income with no impact on income. 
This change in accounting policy results in a pension expense that is different from 
that recognized under Canadian GAAP where the excess of net actuarial gains and 
losses over 10% of the benefit obligation was amortized over the average remaining 
service period of active employees.  

• 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Accounting area 
(ii) Business combinations 

(iii) Property, plant and equipment 

(iv) Asset impairment 

(v) Leases 

(vi) Income taxes 

(vii) Provisions and contingencies 

(viii) Financial statement presentation and 

disclosure  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Main differences with impacts for the Corporation  
• 

Transaction costs related to acquisitions made prior to November 1, 2010 and 
restructuring costs are expensed as incurred.  

•  Contingent consideration is measured at its acquisition-date fair value with 

subsequent changes in fair value recognized through income. 

•  Changes in equity interests in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are 

accounted for as equity transactions. 

•  Non-controlling interests are reported separately from equity. 
•  Non-controlling interests in respect of which shareholders hold an option entitling 

them to require the Corporation to buy back their shares are reclassified as liabilities, 
deeming exercise of the option. The carrying amount of reclassified interests is also 
adjusted to match the fair value of options. Any changes in the fair value of options 
are recognized as equity transactions in retained earnings (deficit). This change 
resulted in a $17.8 million reduction in equity as at November 1, 2010. 

•  Separate amortization over different useful lives for component parts of significant 

• 

assets. 
These changes had no impact on the November 1, 2010 opening balance sheet and 
the statement of income (loss) for the year ended October 31, 2011.  
•  Grouping of assets in cash generating units (CGUs) on the basis of largely 

independent cash inflows for impairment testing purposes, using a discounted future 
cash flow method in a single-step approach. 

•  Goodwill allocated to and tested in conjunction with its related CGU or group of 

• 

• 

• 

• 

CGUs that benefit from collective synergies. 
In certain circumstances, previous impairment charges on assets other than goodwill 
are required to be reversed. 
These changes had no impact on the November 1, 2010 opening balance sheet and 
the statement of income (loss) for the year ended October 31, 2011. 
IFRS require the use of qualitative versus quantitative thresholds as under Canadian 
GAAP in accounting for capital leases. 
This change had no impact on the November 1, 2010 opening balance sheet and the 
statement of income (loss) for the year ended October 31, 2011. 

•  Recognition and measurement criteria for deferred tax assets and liabilities may 

differ. 

•  All deferred tax balances are now classified outside of current assets and liabilities.  
•  A different threshold is used to recognize contingent liabilities, which could impact 

• 

• 

the timing for recognition of provisions. 
This change had no impact on the November 1, 2010 opening balance sheet and the 
statement of income (loss) for the year ended October 31, 2011. 
IFRS require a different format and additional disclosures in the notes to financial 
statements. 

The above table shows the key differences regarding accounting policies applied on or after the IFRS transition date and should not 

be considered to be a comprehensive list. 

As  the  Corporation  assessed  its  obligations  under  IFRS,  adjustments  to  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  and  disclosure 

controls and procedures became necessary and new controls were implemented. 

The Company has secured the appropriate internal and external resources to complete the transition plan in a timely fashion. The 
Corporation  has  provided  and  continues  to  provide  sufficient  training  to  all  resources  concerned.  The  Corporation  is  regularly  monitoring 
developments in the standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and AcSB, as well as regulatory changes made by 
the  Canadian  Securities  Administrators,  which  could  impact  the  adoption  of  IFRS,  and  the  nature  and  extent  of  adjustments  that  will  be 
made. The Corporation’s transition plan is currently on track with its implementation schedule, calling for initial reporting under IFRS as of the 
quarter ended January 31, 2012. 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

In the normal course of business, the Corporation is exposed to credit and counterparty risk, liquidity risk, and market risk arising from 
changes  in  certain  foreign  exchange  rates,  changes  in  fuel  prices  and  changes  in  interest  rates.  The  Corporation  manages  these  risk 
exposures  on  an  ongoing  basis.  In  order  to  limit  the  effects  of  changes  in  foreign  exchange  rates,  fuel  prices  and  interest  rates  on  its 
revenues,  expenses  and  cash  flows,  the  Corporation  can  avail  itself  of  various  derivative  financial  instruments.  The  Corporation’s 
management is responsible for determining the acceptable level of risk and only uses derivative financial instruments to manage existing or 
anticipated risks, commitments or obligations based on its past experience. 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK MANAGEMENT 

The  Corporation  is  exposed  to  foreign  exchange  risk,  primarily  as  a  result  of  its  many  arrangements  with  foreign-based  suppliers, 
aircraft and engine leases, fuel purchases, revenues in foreign currencies, and fluctuations in exchange rates mainly with respect to the U.S. 
dollar, the euro and the pound sterling against the Canadian dollar and the euro. Approximately 30% of the Corporation’s costs are incurred 
in a currency other than the measurement currency of the reporting unit incurring the costs, whereas less than 5% of revenues is incurred in 
a  currency  other  than  the  measurement  currency  of  the  reporting  unit  making  the  sale.  In  accordance  with  its  foreign  currency  risk 
management policy and to safeguard the value of anticipated commitments and transactions, the Corporation enters into foreign exchange 
forward contracts, expiring in generally less than 15 months, for the purchase and/or sale of foreign currencies based on anticipated foreign 
exchange rate trends.  

The  Corporation  documents  its  derivative  financial  instruments  related  to  foreign  currencies  as  hedging  instruments  and  regularly 
demonstrates that these instruments are sufficiently effective to continue using hedge accounting. These derivative financial instruments are 
designated as cash flow hedges except for any contracts related to U.S. dollar loans payable secured by aircraft, which are designated as 
fair value hedges. 

All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in the balance sheet. For the derivative financial instruments designated 
as cash flow hedges, changes in value of the effective portion are recognized in “Other comprehensive income (loss)” in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income (loss). Any ineffectiveness within a cash flow hedge is recognized in net income (loss) as it arises in the 
same account in the consolidated statement of income (loss) 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 (loss)” until 
the hedged item is settled and future changes in value of the derivative are recognized in income prospectively. The change in value of the 
effective portion of a cash flow hedge remains in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the related hedged item is settled, at 
which  time  amounts  recognized  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  are  reclassified  to  the  same  income  (loss)  statement 
account in which the hedged item is recognized. For derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges, periodic changes in fair 
value are recognized in net income and changes in fair value of U.S. dollar loans secured by aircraft are also recorded under the same net 
income (loss) items.  

MANAGEMENT OF FUEL PRICE RISK 

The Corporation is particularly exposed to fluctuations in fuel prices. Due to competitive pressures in the industry, there can be no 
assurance that the Corporation would be able to pass along any increase in fuel prices to its customers by increasing prices, or that any 
eventual price increase would fully offset higher fuel costs, which could in turn adversely impact its business, financial position or operating 
results.  To  hedge  against  sharp  increases  in  fuel  prices,  the  Corporation  has  implemented  a  fuel  price  risk  management  policy  that 
authorizes foreign exchange forward contracts, and other types of derivative financial instruments, expiring in generally less than 15 months. 

These  derivative  financial  instruments  used  for  fuel  purchases  are  measured  at  fair  value  at  the  end  of  each  period,  and  the 
unrealized  gains  or  losses  arising  from  remeasurement  are  recorded  and  reported  under  change  in  fair  value  of  derivative  financial 
instruments used for aircraft fuel purchases  in the consolidated  statement of income (loss). When realized at maturity of these  derivative 
financial instruments, any gains or losses are reclassified to “Aircraft fuel.” 

CREDIT AND COUNTERPARTY RISK 

Credit risk stems primarily from the potential inability of clients, service providers, aircraft and engine lessors and financial institutions, 
including  the  other  counterparties  to  cash  equivalents,  derivative  financial  instruments  and  investments  in  ABCP,  to  discharge 
their obligations. 

Trade accounts receivable included in accounts receivable in the balance sheet totalled $75.2 million as at October 31, 2011. Trade 
accounts  receivable  consist  of  a  large  number  of  customers,  including  travel  agencies  and  other  service  providers.  Trade  accounts 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

receivable generally result from the sale of vacation packages to individuals through travel agencies and the sale of seats to tour operators, 
dispersed  over  a  wide  geographic  area.  No  customer  represented  more  than  10%  of  total  accounts  receivable.  As  at  October  31,  2011, 
approximately 6%  of accounts receivable were over 90 days past  due, whereas approximately  82% were current, that is, under 30 days. 
Historically, the Corporation has not incurred any significant losses in respect of its trade accounts receivable. 

Pursuant  to  the  agreements  entered  into  with  its  service  providers  consisting  primarily  of  hotel  operators,  the  Corporation  pays 
deposits to capitalize on special benefits, including pricing, exclusive access and room allotments. As at October 31, 2011, these deposits 
totalled $36.9 million and were generally offset by purchases of  person-nights at these hotels. Risk arises from the fact that these hotels 
might not be able to honour their obligations to provide the agreed number of person-nights. The Corporation strives to minimize its exposure 
by limiting deposits to recognized and reputable hotel operators in its active markets. These deposits are spread across a large number of 
hotels and, historically, the Corporation has not been required to write off a considerable amount for its deposits with suppliers. 

Under  the  terms  of  its  aircraft  and  engine  leases,  the  Corporation  pays  deposits  when  aircraft  and  engines  are  commissioned, 
particularly as collateral for remaining lease payments. These deposits totalled $12.6 million as at October 31, 2011 and will be returned on 
lease  expiry.  The  Corporation  is  also  required  to  pay  cash  security  deposits  to  lessors  over  the  lease  term  to  guarantee  the  serviceable 
condition of aircraft. Cash security deposits with lessors are expensed when the funds are disbursed. However, these cash security deposits 
with lessors are generally returned to the Corporation upon receipt of documented proof that the related maintenance has been performed by 
the Corporation. As at October 31, 2011, the cash security deposits with lessors that have been claimed totalled $19.3 million and have been 
included  in  accounts  receivable.  Historically,  the  Corporation  has  not  written  off  any  significant  amount  of  deposits  and  claims  for  cash 
security deposits with aircraft and engine lessors.  

For financial institutions including the various counterparties, the maximum credit risk as at October 31, 2011 relates to cash and cash 
equivalents,  including  cash  and  cash  equivalents  reserved,  investments  in  ABCP  and  derivative  financial  instruments  accounted  for  in 
assets. These assets are held or traded with a limited number of financial institutions and other counterparties. The Corporation is exposed 
to the risk that the financial institutions and other counterparties with which it holds securities or enters into agreements could be unable to 
honour  their  obligations.  The  Corporation  minimizes  risk  by  entering  into  agreements  with  large  financial  institutions  and  other  large 
counterparties  with  appropriate  credit  ratings.  The  Corporation’s  policy  is  to  invest  solely  in  products  that  are  rated  R1-Mid  or  better  [by 
DBRS], A1 [by Standard & Poor’s] or P1 [by Moody’s] and rated by at least two rating firms. Exposure to these risks is closely monitored and 
maintained within the limits set out in the Corporation’s various policies. The Corporation revises these policies on a regular basis.  

Except for the investments in ABCP, the Corporation does not believe it is exposed to a significant concentration of credit risk as at 

October 31, 2011. 

LIQUIDITY RISK 

The Corporation is exposed to the risk of being unable to honour its financial commitments by the deadlines set out under the terms of 
such commitments and at a reasonable price. The Corporation has a Treasury Department in charge, among other things, of ensuring sound 
management  of  available  cash  resources,  financing  and  compliance  with  deadlines  within  the  Corporation’s  scope  of  consolidation.  With 
senior  management  oversight,  the  Treasury  Department  manages  the  Corporation’s  cash  resources  based  on  financial  forecasts  and 
anticipated cash flows. 

INTEREST RATE RISK 

The Corporation is exposed to interest rate fluctuations, primarily due to its variable-rate long-term debt. The Corporation manages its 

interest rate exposure and could potentially enter into swap agreements consisting in exchanging variable rates for fixed rates. 

Furthermore,  interest  rate  fluctuations  could  have  an  effect  on  the  Corporation’s  interest  income  derived  from  its  cash  and  cash 
equivalents. The Corporation has implemented an investment policy designed to safeguard its capital and instrument liquidity and generate a 
reasonable  return.  The  policy  sets  out  the  types  of  allowed  investment  instruments,  their  concentration,  acceptable  credit  rating  and 
maximum maturity.  

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES 

In the normal course of business, the Corporation 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.  During  the  year,  the 
Corporation recorded $12.2 million in person-nights purchased at hotels belonging to CIBV, a company subject to significant influence. 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

This section provides an overview of the general risks as well as specific risks to which Transat and its subsidiaries are exposed, and 
which are likely  to have a significant impact on the Corporation’s financial position, operating results and activities. It does not purport to 
cover all contingencies or to describe all factors that are likely to affect the Corporation or its activities. Moreover, the risks and uncertainties 
described  may  or  may  not  materialize,  and  may  develop  differently  or  have  consequences  other  than  those  contemplated  in  this  MD&A. 
Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Corporation or that are currently considered immaterial could also materialize in 
the future and adversely affect the Corporation. 

The Corporation has developed and implemented mitigation measures to minimize the impact of risks and/or the likelihood that risks 

will materialize, and has assigned risks to “owners.” 

ECONOMIC AND GENERAL FACTORS 

The holiday travel industry is sensitive to business conditions.  Economic factors such as a  significant downturn in the economy, a 
recession or a decline in consumer purchasing power or 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  factors  beyond  Transat’s  control,  including  the  following:  extreme  weather  conditions,  climate-related  or 
geological  disasters,  war,  political  instability,  terrorism  whether  actual  or  apprehended,  epidemics  or  disease  outbreaks,  consumer 
preferences and spending patterns, consumer perceptions of destination-based service and 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 reservations. 

COMPETITION 

We  face  many  competitors  in  the  holiday  travel  industry.  Some  of  them  are  larger,  with  strong  brand  name  recognition  and  an 
established presence in specific geographic areas, substantial financial resources and preferred relationships with travel suppliers. 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  would  likely  have  to  match  competitors’  prices.  The  Corporation’s  performance  in  all  of  the 
countries in which it operates will depend on its continued ability to offer quality products at competitive prices. 

FLUCTUATIONS IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND INTEREST RATES 

Transat is exposed, due to its many arrangements with foreign-based suppliers, to fluctuations in exchange rates mainly concerning 
the U.S. dollar, the euro and the pound sterling against the Canadian dollar and the euro. These exchange rate fluctuations could increase 
our  operating  costs  or  decrease  our  revenues.  Changes  in  interest  rates  could  also  impact  interest  income  from  our  cash  and  cash 
equivalents  as  well  as  interest  expenses  on  our  variable  rate  debt  instruments,  which  in  turn  could  affect  our  interest  income  and 
interest expenses.  

FUEL COSTS AND SUPPLY 

Transat is particularly exposed to fluctuations in fuel costs. Due to competitive pressures in the industry, there can be no assurance 
that we would be able to pass along any increase in fuel prices to our customers by increasing fares, or that any fare increase would offset 
higher fuel costs, which could in turn adversely impact our business, financial position or operating results.  

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 purchase such products and services directly from suppliers, thereby bypassing not only vacation providers such as Transat, 
but also retail travel agents through whom we generate a substantial portion of our revenues. For the time being, direct Internet sales remain 
limited in the vacation travel segment, but shifts in industry dynamics in the distribution business occur rapidly and, in this respect, give rise 
to certain risks. In order to address this issue, Transat is in the process of developing and implementing a multichannel 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. 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Further, given that we rely to some extent on retail travel agencies for access to travellers and revenues, any consumer shift away 

from travel agencies and toward direct purchases from travel suppliers could impact the Corporation. 

DEPENDENCE ON 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,  several  of  which  are  exclusive  to  the 
Corporation. In general, these suppliers can terminate or modify existing agreements with us on 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 
business, financial position and operating results.  

Furthermore, any decline in the quality of travel products or services 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 
suppliers’  products  and  services  or  negative  shifts  in  public  opinion  regarding  certain  travel  suppliers  resulting  in  lower  demand  for  their 
products and services could have a significant effect on our results. 

DEPENDENCE ON CERTAIN SUPPLIERS OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 

We source certain goods and services from third-party suppliers. Any significant interruption in the flow of goods and services from 
these suppliers, which may be outside our control, could have a significant adverse impact on our business, financial position and operating 
results. Our dependence on Airbus, Rolls-Royce and General Electric means that we could be adversely affected by problems connected 
with  Airbus  aircraft  and  Rolls-Royce  or  General  Electric  engines  or  components,  including  defective  material,  mechanical  problems  or 
negative perceptions among travellers. Our increasing dependence on a single type of aircraft could result in significant downtime for all or 
part of our fleet if mechanical problems arise or if the regulator releases any mandatory inspection or maintenance directives applicable to 
our types of aircraft. 

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, stave off information system intrusions and distribute our products to retail travel agents 
and  other  travel  intermediaries.  To  this  end,  we  rely  on  a  variety  of  information  and  telecommunications  technologies.  Rapid  changes  in 
these technologies could require higher-than-anticipated capital expenditures to improve customer service; this could impact our operating 
results. In addition, any systems failures or outages could adversely affect our business, customer relationships and operating results. 

DEPENDENCE ON CREDIT CARD PROCESSORS 

As  a  Corporation  that  processes,  transmits  and  retains  information  with  respect  to  credit  cards  used  by  our  customers,  we  must 
comply with the regulatory requirements of our credit card processors. Failure to comply with certain rules regarding deposits or bank card 
data security may result in penalties or in the suspension of service by credit card processors. The inability to use credit cards could have a 
significant negative impact on our reservations and consequently on our operating results and profitability. 

DEPENDENCE ON CUSTOMER DEPOSITS AND ADVANCE PAYMENTS 

Transat derives a portion of its interest income from customer deposits and advance payments. In accordance with our investment 
policy,  we  are  required  to  invest  these  deposits  and  advance  payments  exclusively  in  investment-grade  securities.  Any  failure  of  these 
investment securities to perform at historical levels could reduce our interest income. 

NEGATIVE WORKING CAPITAL 

In the normal course of business, we receive customer deposits and advance payments. If funds from advance payments were to 
diminish or be unavailable to pay our suppliers, we would be required to secure alternative capital funding. There could be no assurance that 
additional funding would be available under terms and conditions suitable to the Corporation, which could adversely affect its business. 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

FLUCTUATIONS IN FINANCIAL RESULTS 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

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,  comparisons  of  our  operating  results  between  quarters  or  between  six-month  periods  are  not  necessarily 
meaningful and should not be relied on as indicators of future performance. Furthermore, due to the economic and general factors described 
herein,  our  operating  results  in  future  periods  could  fall  short  of  the  expectations  of  securities  analysts  and  investors,  thus  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 granting and timing of certain government approvals or licenses; the adoption of regulations impacting customer 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 or different regulatory 
frameworks or amendments to existing legislation or regulations and 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. 
The availability of financing under our existing credit facilities is subject to compliance with respect to certain covenants, including financial 
ratios.  There can be no guarantee that, in the future, our ability to use our existing credit facilities or to obtain additional financing will not be 
jeopardized  if  current  recessionary  trends  persist  or  worsen.  Moreover,  financial  market  volatility  could  limit  access  to  credit  and  raise 
borrowing  costs,  hampering  access  to  additional  funding  under  satisfactory  terms  and  conditions.  Our  business,  financial  position  and 
operating results could be adversely affected as a result. 

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 adverse 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 associated with war and terrorist acts 
has  undergone  several  changes.  The  limit  on  third-party  civil  liability  coverage  for  bodily  injury  and  property  damage  has  been  set  at 
US$150 million per claim. As a result, governments are still required to cover air carriers above this US$150 million limit until commercial 
insurers  do  so  at  a  reasonable  cost.  The  Canadian  government  covers  domestic  air  carriers  accordingly.  In  addition,  some  insurers  that 
could provide coverage in excess of US$150 million are not licensed to transact business in Canada, which further limits availability. 

The  Canadian  government  continues  to  cover  its  air  carriers,  prompted  by  the  licensing  situation  and  by  the  U.S.  government’s 
decision to continue covering its own carriers against such risks. However, there can be no assurance that the Canadian government will not 
withdraw its coverage, particularly if the U.S. government were to change its position. If that were to happen, we would be required to deal 
with private insurers to attempt to secure such coverage, and there could be no assurance that we would be able to secure coverage at an 
acceptable level and cost. 

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 larger claims or that the insurer concerned will be solvent 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 business 
and operating results. 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

ACCESS TO AIRPORT FACILITIES 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

To carry on business or extend its outreach, the Corporation requires access to airport facilities in its source markets and multiple 
destinations.  In  particular,  the  Corporation  must  have  access  to  takeoff  and  landing  slots  and  gates  under  conditions  that  allow  it  to  be 
competitive. Accordingly, any difficulty in securing such access or disruptions in airport operations caused, for instance by labour conflicts or 
other factors could adversely affect our business. 

With  the  privatization  of  airports  and  air  navigation  authorities  over  the  past  decade  in  Canada,  new  airports  and  air  navigation 
authorities have imposed significant increases in airport user fees and air navigation fees. If these user and navigation fees were to increase 
substantially, our business, financial position and operating results could be adversely affected. 

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 business. 

AIRCRAFT AVAILABILITY  

To carry on business or extend its outreach, the Corporation requires access to aircraft and, in particular, its own fleet operated by its 
subsidiary  Air  Transat.  This  fleet  consists  primarily  of  aircraft  leased  for  several  years  with  varying  renewal  dates  and  conditions.  If  the 
Corporation were unable to renew its leases, secure timely access to appropriate aircraft under adequate conditions or retire certain aircraft 
as anticipated, such an outcome could adversely affect the Corporation. 

CLIMATE CHANGE REGULATIONS 

Numerous  jurisdictions  around  the  world  have  implemented  or  unveiled  measures,  particularly  taxes,  to  penalize  greenhouse  gas 
emissions, which cover the airline industry, with a view to fighting climate change. Other jurisdictions could follow suit. In light of its airline 
operations, the Corporation is directly exposed to such measures, which generally give rise to additional costs that the Corporation might be 
unable to fully pass on through its product selling prices. In such a scenario, its margin would be adversely affected. 

LITIGATION 

In  the  course  of  our  business  in  the  air  carrier  and  travel  industry,  the  Corporation  is  exposed  to  claims  and  legal  proceedings, 

including class action suits. Litigation and claims could adversely affect our business and operating results. 

KEY PERSONNEL 

The Corporation’s ability to achieve its business plan is a function of the experience of its key executives and employees, and their 
expertise  in  the  tourism,  travel  and  air  carrier  industries.  The  loss  of  key  employees  could  adversely  affect  our  business  and  operating 
results. Further, our recruitment program, salary structure, performance management programs, succession plan, as well as our training plan 
carry risks that could have adverse effects on our ability to attract and retain the skilled resources needed to sustain the Corporation's growth 
and success. 

COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS 

As at October 31, 2011, the Corporation had approximately 6,500 employees, including nearly 40% unionized personnel covered by 
12  collective  agreements.  Although  most  of  the  agreements  were  renewed  for  several  years,  our  inability  to  renew  certain  collective 
agreements, particularly the agreement covering Air Transat maintenance and store personnel that expired on April 30, 2011, could give rise 
to work stoppages and other disruptions that could adversely impact our business, financial position and operating results.  

Furthermore,  although  the  collective  agreements  covering  our  pilots  and  flight  attendants  were  renewed  up  to  April  30,  2014  and 
October  31,  2015,  respectively,  they  include  certain  conditions  which,  in  the  event  of  non-compliance,  could  lead  to  the  payment  of 
significant monetary compensation, thereby adversely impacting our operating results. 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
2011 Annual Report 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

The  implementation  of  the  Canadian  Securities  Administrators  National  Instrument  52-109  represents  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 improvements and better management. 

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

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

The  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  the  Vice-President,  Finance  and  Administration  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  have 
evaluated  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (DC&P)  or  caused  them  to  be  evaluated  under  their  supervision  to  provide  reasonable 
assurance that: 

•  Material information relating to the Corporation has been made known to them; and 
• 

Information required to be disclosed in the Corporation’s filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the 
prescribed time periods under securities legislation. 

An evaluation of the design and operating effectiveness of DC&P was carried out under the supervision of the President and Chief 
Executive  Officer  and  the  Vice-President,  Finance  and  Administration  and  Chief  Financial  Officer.  Based  on  this  evaluation,  these  two 
certifying officers concluded that the DC&P were adequate and effective as at October 31, 2011. This evaluation consisted of a review of 
documentation,  audits  and  other  procedures  that  management  considered  appropriate  in  the  circumstances.  Among  other  things,  the 
evaluation  took  into  consideration  the  Corporate  Disclosure  Policy,  the  code  of  professional  ethics,  the  sub-certification  process  and  the 
operation of the Corporation’s Disclosure Committee. 

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 

The President and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice-President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer have also 
designed internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), or have caused it to be designed under their supervision, to provide reasonable 
assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  financial  reporting  purposes  in 
accordance with Canadian GAAP. 

An evaluation of the design and operating effectiveness of ICFR was carried out under the supervision of the President and Chief 
Executive  Officer  and  the  Vice-President,  Finance  and  Administration  and  Chief  Financial  Officer.  Based  on  this  evaluation,  these  two 
certifying  officers  concluded  that  ICFR  is  effective  as  at  October  31,  2011  using  the  criteria  set  forth  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission on Internal Control – Integrated Framework.  

Lastly, although there were certain organizational changes, no significant changes in ICFR occurred during the fourth quarter ended 

October 31, 2011 that materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s ICFR. 

OUTLOOK 

The Canadian sun destinations market accounts for a very significant portion of Transat’s business in the winter. In that market, the 
fact that, at this time of year, a significant portion of seats remains to be sold, the trend towards last-minute bookings and the volatility of 
margins make it difficult to make forecasts. 

For that market, Transat’s capacity is approximately 2% lower than the capacity offered at the same date last year (8% lower in first 
quarter, and similar capacity in the second quarter, compared to same date last year). Load factors are similar; and selling prices are higher, 
as are costs, mainly due to the increase in fuel costs in the first quarter and the value of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar in the 
second quarter. 

In France, medium-haul bookings are down 13%, long-haul bookings are up 8% and prices are up in both cases. 

On the transatlantic market, Transat’s capacity is 20% higher than last year for the winter, load factors are slightly lower, and prices 

are slightly higher. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

MANAGEMENT’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 provide 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 statements and recommends their approval to the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee is also 
responsible for analyzing, 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. 

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

Denis Pétrin 
Vice-President, Finance and Administration 
and Chief Financial Officer 

38 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

To the Shareholders of Transat A.T. Inc. 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Transat A.T. Inc., which comprise the consolidated balance sheets 
as at October 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated statements of income (loss), comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and 
cash flows for the years then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.  

Management’s responsibility for the consolidated financial statements 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with Canadian 
generally accepted accounting principles, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of 
consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.  

Auditors’ responsibility  

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in 
accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and 
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material 
misstatement.  

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial 
statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of 
the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditors consider internal control 
relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are 
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An 
audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.  

Opinion  

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Transat A.T. Inc. as at 
October 31, 2011 and 2010 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 13, 2011 
1 CA auditor permit no. 13764                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Chartered Accountants 

39 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
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] 
Accounts receivable 
Income taxes receivable 
Future income tax assets [note 18] 
Inventories 
Prepaid expenses 
Derivative financial instruments [note 6] 
Current portion of deposits 
Total current assets 
Cash and cash equivalents reserved [note 4] 
Investments in ABCP [note 5] 
Deposits [note 7] 
Future income tax assets [note 18] 
Property, plant and equipment [notes 8, 12 and 17] 
Goodwill [notes 9 and 17] 
Other intangible assets [note 9] 
Derivative financial instruments [note 6] 
Investments and other assets [note 10] 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY 
Current liabilities 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Current portion of provision for overhaul of leased aircraft 
Income taxes payable 
Future income tax liabilities [note 18] 
Customer deposits and deferred income 
Derivative financial instruments [note 6] 
Payments on current portion of long-term debt 
Total current liabilities 

Long–term debt  [note 12] 
Provision for overhaul of leased aircraft 
Other liabilities [note 13] 
Future income tax liabilities [note 18] 

Shareholder’s equity 
Share capital [note 14] 
Contributed surplus  
Retained earnings 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [notes 6 and 15] 

Commitments and contingencies [note 21] 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

On behalf of the Board : 

2011 
$ 

181,576 
323,314 
124,000 
17,749 
6,065 
11,096 
55,196 
7,935 
15,599 
742,530 
36,231 
78,751 
33,907 
18,378 
86,520 
109,495 
52,347 
— 
63,806 
1,221,965 

355,246 
19,088 
7,943 
513 
331,280 
5,659 
— 
719,729 

— 
14,230 
50,260 
13,761 
797,980 

219,462 
11,063 
218,490 
(25,030) 
423,985 

2010 
$ 

180,627 
320,428 
146,944 
4,738 
2,895 
9,867 
50,297 
868 
12,554 
729,218 
32,222 
72,346 
29,837 
9,650 
88,376 
112,454 
50,464 
23 
64,868 
1,189,458 

300,355 
18,301 
14,608 
106 
313,695 
4,116 
13,768 
664,949 

15,291 
12,408 
45,368 
12,370 
750,386 

217,604 
9,090 
230,703 
(18,325) 
439,072 

1,221,965   

1,189,458 

Director

Director 

40 

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
$ 

2010 
$ 

  3,658,164 

3,498,877 

  1,999,935 
447,625 
375,663 
166,813 
108,399 
104,987 
68,850 
349,395 
6,513 

  3,628,180 
29,984 

43,814 
1,250 
2,249 

(7,395) 

1,278 
1,654 
(8,113) 
10,030 
(827) 
43,940 

(13,956) 

7,000 
(11,802) 
(4,802) 

(9,154) 
(3,059) 

(12,213) 

(0.32) 
(0.32)  

2,047,713 
302,333 
349,323 
155,357 
85,731 
85,321 
52,949 
292,568 
— 

3,371,295 
127,582 

48,662 
2,225 
2,359 

(3,036) 

(9,341) 
(1,109) 
(4,648) 
(1,157) 
490 
34,445 

93,137 

25,603 
(1,797) 
23,806 

69,331 
(3,724) 

65,607 

1.74 
1.73 

TRANSAT A.T. INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) 

Years ended October 31 
(in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) 

Revenues 

Operating expenses 
Direct costs 
Aircraft fuel 
Salaries and employee benefits 
Commissions 
Aircraft maintenance 
Airport and navigation fees 
Aircraft rent 
Other 
Restructuring – Severance benefits [note 17] 

Amortization [note 16] 
Interest on long-term debt 
Other interest and financial expenses 

Interest income 

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments used for aircraft 

fuel purchases 

Foreign exchange loss (gain) on long-term monetary items 
Gain on investments in ABCP [note 5]  
Restructuring – Impairment (gain on disposal) of assets [note 17] 
Share of net loss (income) of a company subject to significant influence   

Income (loss) before the undernoted items 

Income taxes (recovery) [note 18] 

Current 
Future 

Income (loss) before non-controlling interest in  

subsidiaries’ results 

Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries’ results 

Net income (loss) for the year  

Earnings (loss) per share [note 14] 

Basic 
Diluted 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statement 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRANSAT A.T. INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 

Years ended October 31 
(in thousands of dollars) 
Net income (loss) for the year 

Other comprehensive income 
Change in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges    
Reclassification in income 
Future income taxes 

Foreign exchange losses on translation of financial statements of 

self-sustaining foreign subsidiaries due to appreciation of 
Canadian dollars vs. euro, pound sterling and U.S. dollar at 
balance sheet date 

Comprehensive income (loss) for the period 

2011 
$ 
(12,213) 

15,812 
(10,620) 
(1,722) 
3,470 

(10,175) 
(6,705) 
(18,918) 

2010 
$ 
65,607 

44,276 
(22,191) 
(6,564) 
15,521 

(13,233) 
2,288 
67,895 

TRANSAT A.T. INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF  
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Years ended October 31 
(in thousands of dollars) 

Balance as at October 31, 2009 
Net income for the year 
Other comprehensive income 
Issued from treasury [note 14] 
Options exercised [note 14] 
Compensation expense for stock option plan [note 14] 
Balance as at October 31, 2010 
Net loss for the year 
Other comprehensive loss 
Issued from treasury [note 14] 
Options exercised [note 14] 
Compensation expense for stock option plan [note 14] 

Balance as at October 31, 2011 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statement 

  Share capital 

Contributed 
surplus 

$ 

216,236 
— 
— 
1,226 
142 
— 
217,604 
— 
— 
1,361 
497 
— 

219,462 

$ 

6,642 
— 
— 
— 
— 
2,448 
9,090 
— 
— 
— 
(127) 
2,100 

11,063 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income (loss)   

Shareholder
s’ equity 

$ 

(20,613) 
— 
2,288 
— 
— 
— 
(18,325) 
— 
(6,705) 
— 
— 
— 

(25,030) 

$ 

367,361 
65,607 
2,288 
1,226 
142 
2,448 
439,072 
(12,213) 
(6,705) 
1,361 
370 
2,100 

423,985 

Retained 
earnings 

$ 

165,096 
65,607 
— 
— 
— 
— 
230,703 
(12,213) 
— 
— 
— 
— 

218,490 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRANSAT A.T. INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF 
CASH FLOWS 

Years ended October 31 
(in thousands of dollars) 

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

Amortization 
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments used for aircraft fuel 

purchases 

Foreign exchange loss (gain) on long-term monetary items 
Gain on investments in ABCP 
Restructuring charge (gain) 
Share of net loss (income) of a company 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 provision for overhaul of leased aircraft 
Net change in other assets and liabilities related to operation 
Cash flows related to operating activities 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
Disposal of investments in ABCP 
Increase in cash and cash equivalent reserved  
Consideration paid for an acquisition and a capital contribution to a company 

under significant influence 

Cash flow related to investing activities 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
Net change in credit facilities and other debt 
Repayment of long-term debt 
Proceeds from issuance of shares 
Dividend paid by a subsidiaries to a non-controlling shareholder 
Cash flow related 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 (recovery) 
Interest paid 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statement  

43 

2011 
$ 

2010 
$ 

(12,213) 

65,607 

43,814 

48,662 

1,278 
1,654 
(8,113) 
10,030 
(827) 
3,059 
(11,802) 
2,876 
2,100 
31,856 
72,127 
2,609 
(15,919) 
90,673 

(54,194) 
— 
1,708 
(4,197) 

— 
(56,683) 

(15,475) 
(13,198) 
1,731 
(2,528) 
(29,470) 

(3,571) 
949 
180,627 
181,576 

25,017 
2,007 

(9,341) 
(1,109) 
(4,648) 
(1,157) 
490 
3,724 
(1,797) 
2,294 
2,448 
105,173 
13,155 
1,130 
(327) 
119,131 

(29,002) 
2,880 
3,703 
(3,786) 

(1,614) 
(27,819) 

(63,479) 
(16,845) 
1,368 
(2,078) 
(81,034) 

(10,203) 
75 
180,552 
180,627 

(3,770) 
3,177 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

October 31, 2011 and 2010 
[Unless specified otherwise, amounts are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per share amounts]  

Note 1 

INCORPORATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS 

Transat  A.T.  Inc.  [the  “Corporation”],  incorporated  under  the  Canada  Business  Corporations  Act,  is  an  integrated  company 
specializing in the organization, marketing and distribution of holiday travel in the tourism industry. The core of its business consists of tour 
operators  based  in  Canada  and  Europe,  which  are  vertically  integrated  with  its  other  airline  travel  services,  distribution  network  of  travel 
agencies services, value-added services at travel destinations and hotel services.  

Note 2 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The consolidated financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally 
accepted accounting principles. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted 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 
commercial paper [“ABCP”], the provision for overhaul of leased aircraft, the amortization and impairment of property, plant and equipment 
and  other  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 significant. The consolidated financial statements have, in management’s opinion, 
been properly prepared within reasonable limits of materiality and within the framework of the accounting policies summarized below. 

 BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation, its subsidiaries and its variable interest entities where 

the Corporation is the primary beneficiary.  

The Corporation consolidates variable interest entities in accordance with Accounting Guideline 15, Consolidation of Variable Interest 
Entities [“AcG-15”]. This Guideline presents 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 consolidate 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”]. 

CASH EQUIVALENTS 

Cash equivalents consist primarily of term deposits and bankers’ acceptances 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 using the first-in, first-out method, and net realizable value.  

44 

 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are amortized, taking into account their residual value, on a straight-line basis 

[unless otherwise specified] over their estimated useful life as follows: 

Improvements to aircraft under operating leases 
Aircraft equipment 
Computer equipment 
Aircraft engines 
Office furniture and equipment 
Leasehold improvements 
Rotable aircraft spare parts 
Administrative building 

Lease term 
5 to 10 years 
3 to 7 years 
Cycles used 
4 to 10 years 
Lease term 
Use  
10 to 45 years 

When  aircraft  are  acquired,  a  portion  of  the  cost  is  allocated  to  the  “major  maintenance  activities”  subclass,  which  is  related  to 
airframe, engine and landing gear overhaul costs. Aircraft and major maintenance activities, included in Aircraft, are amortized taking into 
account their expected estimated residual value. Aircraft are amortized on a straight-line basis over seven- to ten-year periods, and 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 maintenance 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 (loss) as incurred. 

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Goodwill  and  trademarks  with  an  indefinite  life  are  recorded  at cost  and  are  not  amortized.  Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the 

purchase price of a business over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. 

Goodwill are tested for impairment annually at fiscal year-end or more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is 
more likely than not that it is impaired. A two-step impairment test is used to identify a potential impairment in goodwill and measure the 
amount of a goodwill impairment loss to be recognized, if any. The first step consists in comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its 
carrying amount, including goodwill, in order to identify a potential impairment. When the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying 
amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not to be impaired. When the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, 
the  second  step  consists  in  comparing  the  fair  value  of  any  goodwill  associated  with  the  reporting  unit  with  the  carrying  amount  of  said 
goodwill to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. When the carrying amount of any goodwill associated with a reporting unit 
exceeds the fair value of said goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess in income for the period in which 
the impairment occurred. The Corporation uses the discounted cash flow method to measure the fair value of its reporting units. 

Intangible  assets  with  indefinite  useful  lives,  such  as  trademarks,  are  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 the trademarks with their carrying amounts. When the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss equal to the 
difference  is  recognized  in  income (loss)  in  the  period  in  which  the  impairment  occurred.  The  Corporation  uses  the  discounted  cash  flow 
method to measure the fair value of its trademarks.  

Intangible assets with definite useful lives are recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, 

as follows: 

Software 
Customer lists 

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS 

3 to 10 years 
7 to 10 years 

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 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

such assets are considered 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. 

INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS 

Investments in companies subject to significant influence but not control or joint control are accounted for using the equity method. 
Other investments are recorded at cost. When there is an other-than-temporary impairment in an investment, its carrying amount must be 
written down to net realizable value. The write-down in value is taken into account in determining net income (loss). 

PROVISION FOR OVERHAUL OF LEASED AIRCRAFT 

Under  the  aircraft  and  engine  operating  leases,  the  Corporation  is  required  to  maintain  the  aircraft  and  engines  in  serviceable 
condition and to follow the maintenance plan. The Corporation accounts for its leased aircraft and engine 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  maintenance  deposits  made  to  lessors  and  unclaimed  is  included  in  liabilities 
under “Provision for overhaul of leased aircraft.” 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION 

SELF-SUSTAINING FOREIGN OPERATIONS 

The  Corporation  translates  the  accounts  of  its  self-sustaining  foreign  subsidiaries,  including  the  investment  in  a  foreign  company 
subject  to  significant  influence,  into  Canadian  dollars,  its  functional  currency,  using  the  current  rate  method.  Assets  and  liabilities  are 
translated at the exchange rates in effect at the end of the period. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange 
during  the  period.  Foreign  exchange  gains  or  losses  resulting  from  the  translation  are  recorded  in  a  separate  line  item  under  other 
comprehensive income (loss). 

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 translated 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  adjusted  to  reflect  the  exchange  rate  in  effect  at  the  balance  sheet  date.  Any 
exchange gain or loss that arises on translation is included in the determination of net income (loss) for the period. 

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND OTHER COMPENSATION PLANS 

A summary description of the stock-based compensation plans offered by the Corporation is included in note 14. 

The Corporation accounts for its stock option plan for executives and employees in respect of stock options 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 (loss) over the period from the grant date to the date that the award vests. 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 ownership 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 income (loss) over the period from the grant date to the date that the award 
vests 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 granted based on the fair value of the shares at the 
grant date. Fluctuations in the share price subsequent to the grant date are recorded in net income for the period. For the restricted share 
unit plan, the fair value of the shares at the units’ grant date is charged to net income (loss) over the period from the grant date to the date 
that the award vests. Fluctuations in the share price subsequent to the grant date are recorded in net income (loss) over the unit vesting 
period. 

46 

 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

REVENUE RECOGNITION  

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

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 at the time of the departure of the passengers. Commission revenues of travel agencies are recognized at the 
time of reservation. Amounts received from customers for services not yet rendered are included in current liabilities as “Customer deposits 
and deferred income.” 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

CLASSIFICATION OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Financial assets and financial liabilities, including derivative financial instruments, are initially measured at fair value. Subsequent to 
initial recognition, financial assets and financial liabilities are measured based on their classification: held-for-trading, loans and receivables 
or other financial liabilities. Derivative financial instruments, including embedded derivative financial instruments that are not closely related 
to the host contract, are classified as held-for-trading unless they are designated within an effective hedging relationship. 

Held-for-trading 

Financial assets, financial liabilities and derivative financial instruments classified as held-for-trading are measured at fair value at the 
balance sheet date. Gains and losses realized on disposal and unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair value are reflected in the 
consolidated statement of income (loss) as they occur. 

Loans and receivables and other financial liabilities 

Financial assets as loans and receivables and financial liabilities classified as other liabilities are recorded at amortized cost using the 

effective interest method. 

Transaction costs 

Transaction  costs  related  to  held-for-trading  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  are  expensed  as  incurred.  Transactions  costs 
related to financial assets classified as loans and receivables or other financial liabilities or to financial liabilities classified as other financial 
liabilities are reflected in the carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability and are then amortized over the estimated useful life of 
the instrument using the effective interest method.  

Fair value hierarchy 

The Company categorizes its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value into one of three different levels depending on the 

observability of the inputs used in the measurement. 

Level 1 :  

This  level  includes  assets  and  liabilities  measured  at  fair  value  based  on  unadjusted  quoted  prices  for  identical  assets  and 
liabilities in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date. 

Level 2 :  

This level includes valuations determined using directly or indirectly observable inputs other than quoted prices included within 
Level 1.  Derivative  instruments  in  this  category  are  valued  using  models  or  other  industry  standard  valuation  techniques 
derived from observable market inputs. 

Level 3 :  

This level includes valuations based on inputs which are less observable, unavailable or where the observable data does not 
support a significant portion of the instruments’ fair value. 

HEDGE ACCOUNTING AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

The Corporation uses derivative financial instruments to hedge against future currency exchange rate variations related to its long-
term debt obligations, operating lease payments, receipts of revenues from certain tour operators and disbursements pertaining to certain 
operating  expenses  in  other  currencies.  For  hedge  accounting  purposes,  the  Corporation  designates  its  derivative  financial  instruments 
related to foreign currencies as hedging instruments. 

The  Corporation  documents  its  derivative  financial  instruments  related  to  foreign  currencies  as  hedging  instruments  and  regularly 
demonstrates that these instruments are sufficiently effective to continue using hedge accounting. These derivative financial instruments are 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

designated as cash flow hedges except for the contracts related to U.S. dollar loans payable secured by aircraft, which are designated as fair 
value hedges. 

All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in the balance sheet. For the derivative financial instruments designated 
as cash flow hedges, changes in value of the effective portion are recognized in “Other comprehensive income (loss)” in the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income (loss). Any ineffectiveness within a cash flow hedge is recognized in net income as it arises in the same 
account  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  income (loss)  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 (loss)” until 
the hedged item is settled and future changes in value of the derivative are recognized in income prospectively. The change in value of the 
effective portion of a cash flow hedge remains in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” until the related hedged item settles, at 
which  time  amounts  recognized  in  “Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income (loss)”  are  reclassified  to  the  same  account  in  the 
consolidated statement of income (loss) that records the hedged item. For derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges, 
periodic changes in fair value are recognized in the same account in the consolidated statement of income (loss) as the hedged item. 

In  the  normal  course  of  business  and  to  manage  exposure  to  fuel  pricing  instability,  the  Corporation  also  enters  into  derivative 
financial instruments used for aircraft fuel purchases that have not been designated for hedge accounting. These derivatives are measured 
at fair value at the end of each period, and the unrealized gains or losses arising from remeasurement are recorded and reported under 
“Change  in  fair  value  of  derivative  financial  instruments  used  for  aircraft  fuel  purchases”  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  income (loss). 
When realized at maturity of these derivative financial instruments, any gains or losses are reclassified to “Aircraft fuel.”  

It  is  the  Corporation’s  policy  not  to  speculate  on  derivative  financial  instruments;  accordingly,  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 basis 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 recognized through other liabilities are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases and 

are recognized as a reduction of 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  calculations  using  the  projected  benefit  method  prorated  on  services  and  management’s  best 
estimate assumptions for the increase in eligible earnings and the retirement age of employees. Past service costs and amendments to the 
arrangements  are  amortized  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  average  remaining  service  period  of  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, 2010. Plan obligations are discounted using current market interest rates 
and are included in “Other liabilities.”  

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE 

Earnings  (loss)  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 earnings (loss) per share are calculated using the treasury stock method and take into 
account all the elements that have a dilutive effect. 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

Note 3 

FUTURE CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

In  February  2008,  Canada’s  Accounting  Standards  Board  confirmed  that  Canadian  GAAP,  as  used  by  publicly  accountable 
enterprises, will be superseded by International Financial Reporting Standards [“IFRS”] for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. 
The  Corporation  will  be  required  to  report  under  IFRS  for  its  interim  and  annual  financial  statements  for  the  fiscal  year  ending 
October 31, 2012. 

Note 4 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS IN TRUST OR OTHERWISE RESERVED 

As  at  October 31,  2011,  cash  and  cash  equivalents  in  trust  or  otherwise  reserved  included  $281,292  [$266,617  as  at  October 31, 
2010]  in  funds  received  from  customers,  consisting  primarily  of  Canadians,  for  services  not  yet  rendered  and/or  for  which  the  availability 
period  had  not  ended,  in  accordance  with  Canadian  regulatory  bodies  and  the  Corporation’s  business  agreement  with  its  credit  card 
processor. Cash and cash equivalents in trust or otherwise reserved also included $78,253, of which $36,231 was recorded as non-current 
assets [$86,033 as at October 31, 2010, of which $32,222 was recorded as non-current assets], which was pledged as collateral security 
against letters of credit.   

Note 5 

INVESTMENTS IN ABCP 

RESTRUCTURATION 

In 2007, the Canadian third-party asset backed commercial paper [“ABCP”] market was hit by a liquidity disruption. Subsequent to this 
disruption, 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.  A  Pan-Canadian  Investors  Committee  was  subsequently  established  to  oversee  the  orderly 
restructuring of these instruments during this standstill period.  

In  2009,  the  Pan-Canadian  Investors  Committee  announced  that  the  third-party  ABCP  restructuring  plan  had  been  implemented. 
Pursuant to the terms of the plan, holders of ABCP had their short-term commercial paper exchanged for longer-term notes whose maturities 
match those of the assets previously held in the underlying conduits. As of that date, the Corporation held a portfolio of ABCP issued by 
several trusts with an overall notional value of $143,500. 

On  January 21,  2009,  the  plan  implementation  date,  the  Corporation  measured  its  investments  in  ABCP  at  fair  value  prior  to  the 
exchange. During this valuation, the Corporation reviewed its assumptions to factor in new information available at that date, as well as the 
changes  in  credit  market  conditions.  Subsequent  to  this  measurement,  the  provision  for  impairment  totalled  $47,450,  and  the  ABCP 
investment portfolio had a fair value of $96,050. The ABCP held by the Corporation was exchanged on that date for new securities. The new 
ABCP now has a notional value of $141,741. 

PORTFOLIO 

In  fiscal 2011,  the  Corporation  received  $1,708 in  principal  repayments  on  ABCP  supported  solely  by  traditional  securitized  assets 

[MAV3 Traditional].  

During fiscal 2010, the Corporation received $3,083 in principal repayments on ABCP supported by synthetic assets or a combination 
of synthetic and traditional securitized assets [Master Asset Vehicle 2 Eligible [“MAV2 Eligible”]] and ABCP supported solely by traditional 
securitized  assets  [Master  Asset  Vehicle 3  Traditional  [“MAV3  Traditional”]].  The  Corporation  received  its  share  of  $620  of  the  cash 
accumulated in the conduits. Also during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, the Corporation exercised one of its options allowing it to 
repay a $9,355 portion of the balance of one its revolving credit facilities using ABCP supported primarily by subprime assets in the U.S. 
[MAV2 Ineligible] with a carrying amount of nil. The option was initially reported at a fair value, amounting to $8,400, with the corresponding 
initial gain deferred and recognized in net income under amortization over the term of the corresponding credit agreement [see note 16]. The 
option is reported at fair value at each balance sheet date in assets under derivative financial instruments with any change in fair value of the 
options recorded in net income under loss (gain) in fair value of the investments in ABCP.  

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

The notional value of the new ABCP amounted to $116,414 as at October 31, 2011 and is detailed as follows: 

MAV 2 Eligible 

The Corporation holds $113,310 in ABCP supported by synthetic assets or a combination of synthetic and traditional securitized 
assets, which have been restructured into floating rate notes with maturities through January 2017.  

MAV 3 Traditional 

The  Corporation  holds  $3,104 in  ABCP  supported  solely  by  traditional  securitized  assets  that  were  restructured  on  a  series-by-
series basis, with each series or trust maintaining its own assets, maturing through September 2016. 

VALUATION 

On  October 31,  2011,  the  Corporation  remeasured  its  new  ABCP  at  fair  value.  During  this  valuation,  the  Corporation  reviewed  its 
assumptions to factor in new information available, as well as the changes in credit market conditions. During the year ended October 31, 
2011, a limited number of transactions were entered into in respect of the investments in ABCP. However, the Corporation did not take these 
transactions into account in measuring its ABCP since, in its opinion, there were too few of them to meet the definition of an active market. 
Once ABCP begins trading in an active market again, the Corporation will review its valuation assumptions accordingly. 

The Corporation reviews the information released by BlackRock Canada Ltd. [“BlackRock”], which was appointed to administer the 
assets  on  the  plan  implementation  date.  BlackRock  issues  monthly  valuation  reports  on  the  value  of  ABCP  supported  exclusively  by 
traditional securitized assets [MAV3 Traditional]. The Corporation’s management measured the fair value of its assets from these classes 
using said valuations. For the other securities, given the lack of an active market, the Corporation’s management estimated the fair value of 
these assets by discounting future cash flows determined using a valuation model that incorporates management’s best estimates based as 
much  as  possible  on  observable  market  inputs,  such  as  the  credit  risk  attributable  to  underlying  assets,  relevant  market  interest  rates, 
amounts to be received and maturity dates. The Corporation also considered the information released by DBRS on September 23, 2011, 
confirming the A+ rating of Class A-1 ABCP supported by synthetic assets or a combination of synthetic and traditional securitized assets 
[MAV2 Eligible] and upgrading Class A-2 to a BBB+ rating. 

For the purposes of estimating future cash flows, the Corporation estimated that the long-term financial instruments arising from the 
conversion of its ABCP would generate interest at rates ranging from 0.0% to 1.16% [weighted average rate of 1.0%], depending on the type 
of series. These future cash flows were discounted, according to the type of series, over a 5.2-year period using discount rates ranging from 
6.4% to 30.8% [weighted average rate of 9.9%], which factor in liquidity.  

Subsequent to this new valuation, the Corporation recognized increases, on October 31, 2011, in the fair value of its investments in 
ABCP of $8,113 [$4,648 for the year ended October 31, 2010]. These adjustments do not take into account any additional amount of the 
Corporation’s share of the estimated cash accumulated in the conduits. The ABCP investment portfolio had a fair value of $78,751 and the 
provision for impairment totalled $37,663, representing 32.4% of the notional value of $116,414. 

The Corporation’s estimate of the fair value of its ABCP investments is subject to significant uncertainty. The substitution of one or 
more  inputs  by  one  or  more  assumptions  cannot  reasonably  be  completed  in  these  conditions.  Management  believes  that  its  valuation 
technique  is  appropriate  in  the  circumstances;  however,  changes  in  significant  assumptions  could  significantly  impact  the  value  of  ABCP 
securities over the coming fiscal year. 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. 

A 1% increase (decrease) [100 basis points], in the estimated discount rates would result in a decrease (increase) of approximately 

$3,600 in the estimated fair value of ABCP held by the Corporation. 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

The following table details the change in balances of investments in ABCP in the consolidated balance sheet and the composition of 

loss (gain) on investments in ABCP in the consolidated statement of income (loss): 

Balance as at October 31, 2009 
Disposal of investments in ABCP 
Increase in value of investments in ABCP 
Principal repayments 
Share of estimated cash accumulated in conduits 
Balance as at October 31, 2010 / Impact on results for 

the year ended October 31, 2010 

Increase in value of investments in ABCP 
Principal repayments 
Balance as at October 31, 2011 / Impact on results for 

the year ended October 31, 2011 

Notional v

alue  
$ 
128,835 
(7,630) 
— 
(3,083) 
— 

118,122 

— 
(1,708) 

116,414 

Provisio

impairm

n for 
ent  
$ 
(57,434) 
7,630 
4,648 
— 
(620) 

(45,776) 

8,113 
— 

(37,663) 

es

Inv tments 
$ 
71,401 
— 
4,648
(3,083) 
(620) 

72,346 

8,113
(1,708) 

78,751 

Lo

ss (gain) 
$ 

(4

— 
,648) 
— 
— 

(4,648) 

(8

,113) 
— 

(8,113) 

The balance of investments in ABCP as at October 31, 2011 is detailed as follows:  

Notion

al value 
$ 

Prov

ision for impairment 
$ 

In

vestments 
$ 

34,415 
63,894 
11,598 
3,403 
0 
3,104 
4 

113,31

116,41

(7,98
(19,8
(7,57
(2,68
(38,1

4) 
99) 
8) 
0) 
41) 
478 
63) 

(37,6

26
,431 
,995 
43
020 
4,
72
3 
75
,169 
3,582 
,751 
78

MAV 2 Eligible 
Class A-1 
Class A-2 
Class B 
Class C 

MAV 3 Traditional 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Note 6 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

CLASSIFICATION OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

As at October 31, the classification of financial instruments, other than financial derivative instruments designated as hedges, as well 

as their carrying amounts, are as follows: 

2011 
Financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents in trust or otherwise reserved 

Accounts receivable 
Investments in ABCP 
Deposits 
Derivative financial instruments – Fuel purchasing forward 
contracts and other fuel-related derivative financial 
instruments 

Financial liabilities 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments – Fuel purchasing forward 
contracts and other fuel-related derivative financial 
instruments 

2010 
Financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents in trust or otherwise reserved 

Accounts receivable 
Investments in ABCP 
Deposits 
Derivative financial instruments – Fuel purchasing forward 
contracts and other fuel-related derivative financial 
instruments 

Financial liabilities 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 

Long-term debt 
Derivative financial instruments – Fuel purchasing forward 
contracts and other fuel-related derivative financial 
instruments 

Carrying amount 

Fair value 

Held-for-
trading 
$ 

Loans and 
receivables 
$ 

Other 
financial 
liabilities 
$ 

Total 
$ 

$ 

181,576 
359,545 

— 
78,751 
— 

— 
— 

124,000 
— 
12,597 

2,048 
621,920 

— 
136,597 

— 

2,772 
2,772 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

181,576 
359,545 

124,000 
78,751 
12,597 

2,048 
758,517 

181,576 
359,545 

124,000 
78,751 
12,597 

2,048 
758,517 

355,246 

355,246 

355,246 

— 
355,246 

2,772 
358,018 

2,772 
358,018 

Carrying amount 

Fair value 

Held-for-
trading 
$ 

Loans and 
receivables 
$ 

Other 
financial 
liabilities 
$ 

180,627 
352,650 

— 
72,346 
— 

— 
— 

146,944 
— 
10,554 

634 
606,257 

— 
157,498 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

Total 
$ 

180,627 
352,650 

146,944 
72,346 
10,554 

$ 

180,627 
352,650 

146,944 
72,346 
10,554 

634 
763,755 

634 
763,755 

— 

— 

— 
— 

300,355 

29,059 

300,355 

29,059 

300,355 

29,059 

— 
329,414 

105 
329,519 

105 
329,519 

— 

— 

105 
105 

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

DETERMINATION OF FAIR VALUE OF DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

The fair value of the financial instruments represents the amount of the consideration that would be agreed upon in an arm’s length 
transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties who are under no compulsion to act. The following methods and assumptions were used 
to measure fair value:  

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, cash and cash equivalents in trust or otherwise reserved, accounts receivable, accounts 

payable and accrued liabilities approximates their carrying amount due to the short-term maturity of these financial instruments. 

A detailed analysis of the methods and assumptions used in measuring the fair value of investments in ABCP is included in note 5. 

The  fair  value  of  deposits  approximates  their  carrying  amount  value  given  that  they  are  subject  to  terms  and  conditions  similar  to 

those available to the Corporation for instruments with comparable terms.  

The fair value of long-term debt approximates their carrying amount value given that it is subject to terms and conditions, including 

variable interest rates, similar to those available to the Corporation for instruments with comparable terms.  

Derivative financial instruments consist primarily of foreign exchange forward contracts, fuel purchasing forward contracts and other 
fuel-related  derivative  financial  instruments.  The  Corporation  determines  the  fair  value  of  its  derivative  financial  instruments  using  the 
purchase or selling price, as appropriate, in the most advantageous active market to which the Corporation has immediate access. When 
there is no active market for a derivative financial instrument, the Corporation determines the fair value by applying valuation techniques, 
using available information on 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 that it is consistent with accepted economic methods for pricing financial 
instruments.  

The carrying amounts of derivative financial instruments as at October 31 were as follows: 

2011 

Derivative financial instruments designated  

as cash flow hedges 

Foreign exchange forward contracts 

Derivative financial instruments classified as held-for-trading 
Fuel purchasing forward contracts and other fuel-related 

derivative financial instruments 

2010 

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 classified as held-for-trading 
Fuel purchasing forward contracts and other fuel-related 

derivative financial instruments 

53 

Assets 
$ 

Liabilities 
$ 

5,887 

2,887 

2,048 
7,935 

2,772 
5,659 

Assets 
$ 

Liabilities 
$ 

250 

4,011 

7 

— 

634 
891 

105 
4,116 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

The following table details the fair value hierarchy of financial instruments by level as at October 31:  

Quoted prices in 
active market 
(Level 1) 

Other observable 
inputs 
(Level 2) 

Unobservable 
inputs 
(Level 3) 

2011 
Financial assets 
Investments in ABCP 
Derivative financial instruments 
–  Fuel purchasing forward contracts 
and other fuel-related derivative 
financial instruments 

– Foreign exchange forward contracts 

Financial liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments 
–  Fuel purchasing forward contracts 
and other fuel-related derivative 
financial instruments 

– Foreign exchange forward contracts 

2010 
Financial assets 
Investments in ABCP 
Derivative financial instruments 
–  Fuel purchasing forward contracts 
and other fuel-related derivative 
financial instruments 

– Foreign exchange forward contracts 

Financial liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments 
–  Fuel purchasing forward contracts 
and other fuel-related derivative 
financial instruments 

– Foreign exchange forward contracts 

$ 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

$ 

— 

2,048 
5,887 
7,935 

2,772 
2,887 
5,659 

$ 

Total 

$ 

78,751 

78,751 

— 
— 
78,751 

2,048 
5,887 
86,686 

— 
— 
— 

2,772 
2,887 
5,659 

Quoted prices in 
active market 
(Level 1) 
$ 

Other observable 
inputs 
(Level 2) 
$ 

Unobservable 
inputs 
(Level 3) 
$ 

Total 
$ 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

72,346 

72,346 

634 
257 
891 

105 
4,011 
4,116 

— 
— 
72,346 

634 
257 
73,237 

— 
— 
— 

105 
4,011 
4,116 

MANAGEMENT OF RISKS ARISING FROM FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

In the normal course of business, the Corporation is exposed to credit and counterparty risk, liquidity risk, and market risk arising from 
changes  in  certain  foreign  exchange  rates,  changes  in  fuel  prices  and  changes  in  interest  rates.  The  Corporation  manages  these  risk 
exposures  on  an  ongoing  basis.  In  order  to  limit  the  effects  of  changes  in  foreign  exchange  rates,  fuel  prices  and  interest  rates  on  its 
revenues,  expenses  and  cash  flows,  the  Corporation  can  avail  itself  of  various  derivative  financial  instruments.  The  Corporation’s 
management is responsible for determining the acceptable level of risk and only uses derivative financial instruments to manage existing or 
anticipated risks, commitments or obligations based on its past experience. 

54 

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

CREDIT AND COUNTERPARTY RISK 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

Credit risk stems primarily from the potential inability of clients, service providers, aircraft and engine lessors and financial institutions, 
including  the  other  counterparties  to  cash  equivalents,  derivative  financial  instruments  and  investments  in  ABCP,  to  discharge  their 
obligations. 

Trade accounts receivable included in accounts receivable in the balance sheet totalled $75,220 as at October 31, 2011 [$78,310 as 
at  October 31,  2010].  Trade  accounts  receivable  consist  of  a  large  number  of  customers,  including  travel  agencies  and  other  service 
providers. Trade accounts receivable generally result from the sale of vacation packages to individuals through travel agencies and the sale 
of seats to tour operators, dispersed over a wide geographic area. No customer represented more than 10% of total accounts receivable. As 
at  October 31,  2011,  approximately  6%  [approximately  7%  as  at  October 31,  2010]  of  accounts  receivable  were  over  90 days  past  due, 
whereas  approximately  82%  [approximately  78%  as  at  October 31,  2010]  were  up  to  date,  that  is,  under  30  days.  Historically,  the 
Corporation has not incurred any significant losses in respect of its trade accounts receivable. 

Pursuant to certain agreements entered into with its service providers consisting primarily of hotel operators, the Corporation pays 
deposits to capitalize on special benefits, including pricing, exclusive access and room allotments. As at October 31, 2011, these deposits 
totalled $36,909 [$31,837 as at October 31, 2010] and were generally offset by purchases of person-nights at these hotels. Risk arises from 
the  fact  that  these  hotels  might  not  be  able  to  honour  their  obligations  to  provide  the  agreed  number  of  person-nights.  The  Corporation 
strives to minimize its exposure by limiting deposits to recognized and reputable hotel operators in its active markets. These deposits are 
spread across a large number of hotels and, historically, the Corporation has not been required to write off a considerable amount for its 
deposits with suppliers. 

Under  the  terms  of  its  aircraft  and  engine  leases,  the  Corporation  pays  deposits  when  aircraft  and  engines  are  commissioned, 
particularly as collateral for remaining lease payments. These deposits totalled $12,597 as at October 31, 2011 [$10,554 as at October 31, 
2010] and are returned as leases expire. The Corporation is also required to pay cash security deposits to lessors over the lease term to 
guarantee the serviceable condition of aircraft. Cash security deposits with lessors are expensed when the funds are disbursed. However, 
these  cash  security  deposits  with  lessors  are  generally  returned  to  the  Corporation  upon  receipt  of  documented  proof  that  the  related 
maintenance  has  been  performed  by  the  Corporation.  As  at  October 31,  2011,  the  cash  security  deposits  with  lessors  that  have  been 
claimed  totalled  $19,309  [$13,879  as  at  October 31,  2010]  and  are  included  in  accounts  receivable.  Historically,  the  Corporation  has  not 
written off any significant amount of deposits and claims for cash security deposits with aircraft and engine lessors.  

For financial institutions including the various counterparties, the maximum credit risk as at October 31, 2011 relates to cash and cash 
equivalents, including cash and cash equivalents in trust and otherwise reserved, investments in ABCP and derivative financial instruments 
accounted  for  in  assets.    These  assets  are  held  or  traded  with  a  limited  number  of  financial  institutions  and  other  counterparties.  The 
Corporation  is  exposed  to  the  risk  that  the  financial  institutions  and  other  counterparties  with  which  it  holds  securities  or  enters  into 
agreements  could  be  unable  to  honour  their  obligations.  The  Corporation  minimizes  risk  by  entering  into  agreements  with  large  financial 
institutions and other large counterparties with appropriate credit ratings. The Corporation’s policy is to invest solely in products that are rated 
R1-Mid or better [by Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS)], A1 [by Standard & Poor’s] or P1 [by Moody’s] and rated by at least two rating 
firms.  Exposure  to  these  risks  is  closely  monitored  and  maintained  within  the  limits  set  out  in  the  Corporation’s  various  policies.  The 
Corporation revises these policies on a regular basis.  

Except for the investments in ABCP [see note 5], the Corporation does not believe it is exposed to a significant concentration of credit 

risk as at October 31, 2011. 

LIQUIDITY RISK 

The Corporation is exposed to the risk of being unable to honour its financial commitments by the deadlines set out under the terms of 
such commitments and at a reasonable price. The Corporation has a Treasury Department in charge, among other things, of ensuring sound 
management  of  available  cash  resources,  financing  and  compliance  with  deadlines  within  the  Corporation’s  scope  of  consolidation.  With 
senior  management  oversight,  the  Treasury  Department  manages  the  Corporation’s  cash  resources  based  on  financial  forecasts  and 
anticipated cash flows. 

55 

 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

The maturities of the Corporation’s financial liabilities as at October 31 are summarized in the following table: 

Maturing in 
under 1 year 
$ 

Maturing in 1 
to 2 years 
$ 

Maturing in 
2 to 5 years 
$ 

Contractual 
cash flows  
Total 
$ 

Carrying Value 
Total 
$ 

355,246 
5,734 
360,980 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

355,246 
5,734 
360,980 

355,246 
5,569 
360,815 

Maturing in 
under 1 year 
$ 

Maturing in 1 
to 2 years 
$ 

Maturing in 
2 to 5 years 
$ 

Contractual 
cash flows  
Total 
$ 

Carrying Value 
Total 
$ 

300,355 
4,205 
14,089 
318,649 

— 
— 
15,291 
15,291 

— 
— 
— 
— 

300,355 
4,205 
29,380 
333,940 

300,355 
4,116 
29,059 
333,530 

2011 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  
Derivative financial instruments 
Total 

2010 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  
Derivative financial instruments 
Long term-debt 
Total 

MARKET RISK 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK 

The Corporation is exposed, primarily as a result of its many arrangements with foreign-based suppliers, aircraft and engine leases, 
fuel purchases, long-term debt and revenues in foreign currencies, and fluctuations in exchange rates mainly with respect to the U.S. dollar, 
the euro and the pound sterling against the Canadian dollar and the euro, as the case may be. Approximately 30% of the Corporation’s costs 
are incurred in a currency other than the measurement currency of the reporting unit incurring the costs, whereas less than 10% of revenues 
is incurred in a currency other than the measurement currency of the reporting unit making the sale. In accordance with its foreign currency 
risk  management  policy  and  to  safeguard  the  value  of  anticipated  commitments  and  transactions,  the  Corporation  enters  into  foreign 
exchange  forward  contracts,  expiring  in  generally  less  than  15 months,  for  the  purchase  and/or  sale  of  foreign  currencies  based  on 
anticipated foreign exchange rate trends.  

Expressed  in  Canadian  dollar  terms,  the  net  financial  assets  and  net  financial  liabilities  of  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries 
denominated  in  currencies  other  than  the  measurement  currency  of  the  financial  statements  as  at  October 31,  based  on  their  financial 
statement measurement currency, are summarized in the following table: 

Net assets (liabilities) 

2011 
Financial statement measurement currency of the 

group’s companies 

Euro 
Pound sterling 
Canadian dollar 
Other currencies 
Total 

U.S. Dollar 
$ 

Euro 
$ 

Pound 
sterling 
$ 

Canadian 
dollar 
$ 

Other 
currencies 
$ 

Total 
$ 

(6,666) 
406 
(19,627) 
92 
(25,795) 

— 
2,721 
(13,489) 
50 
(10,718) 

175 
— 
(2,027) 
— 
(1,852) 

4,754 
6,412 
— 
— 
11,166 

(1,964) 
— 
(1,333) 
613 
(2,684) 

(3,701) 
9,539 
(36,476) 
755 
(29,883) 

56 

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

Net assets (liabilities) 

2010 
Financial statement measurement currency of the 

group’s companies 

Euro 
Pound sterling 
Canadian dollar 
Other currencies 
Total 

U.S. Dollar 
$ 

Euro 
$ 

Pound 
sterling 
$ 

Canadian 
dollar 
$ 

Other 
currencies 
$ 

Total 
$ 

(9,185) 
2,172 
(28,624) 
(276) 
(35,913) 

— 
3,003 
(8,518) 
91 
(5,424) 

203 
— 
50 
— 
253 

(457) 
5,629 
— 
1 
5,173 

(2,061) 
— 
(313) 
(13) 
(2,387) 

(11,500) 
10,804 
(37,405) 
(197) 
(38,298) 

On  October 31,  2011,  a  1% rise  or  fall  in  the  Canadian  dollar  against  the  other  currencies,  assuming  that  all  other  variables  had 
remained the same, would have resulted in a $1,270 increase or decrease [$7,400 as at October 31, 2010], respectively, in the Corporation’s 
net loss for the year ended October 31, 2011, whereas other comprehensive income would have increased or decreased by $8,800 [$13,000 
as at October 31, 2010], respectively. 

RISK OF FLUCTUATIONS IN FUEL PRICES 

The Corporation is particularly exposed to fluctuations in fuel prices. Due to competitive pressures in the industry, there can be no 
assurance that the Corporation would be able to pass along any increase in fuel prices to its customers by increasing prices, or that any 
eventual price increase would fully offset higher fuel costs, which could in turn adversely impact its business, financial position or operating 
results.  To  mitigate  fuel  price  fluctuations,  the  Corporation  has  implemented  a  fuel  price  risk  management  policy  that  authorizes  foreign 
exchange forward contracts, and other types of derivative financial instruments, expiring in generally less than 15 months. 

On October 31, 2011, a 10% increase or decrease in fuel prices,  assuming that all other variables had remained the same, would 
have  resulted  in  a  $13,200 increase  or  decrease  [$2,000  as  at  October 31,  2010],  respectively,  in  the  Corporation’s  net  loss  for  the  year 
ended October 31, 2011. 

As  at  October 31,  2011,  25%  of  estimated  fuel  requirements  for  fiscal 2012  were  covered  by  fuel-related  derivative  financial 

instruments [18% of estimated requirements for fiscal 2011 were covered as at October 31, 2010]. 

INTEREST RATE RISK 

The Corporation is exposed to interest rate fluctuations, primarily due to its variable-rate long-term debt. The Corporation manages its 

interest rate exposure and could potentially enter into swap agreements consisting in exchanging variable rates for fixed rates. 

Furthermore,  interest  rate  fluctuations  could  have  an  effect  on  the  Corporation’s  interest  income  derived  from  its  cash  and  cash 
equivalents. The Corporation has implemented an investment policy designed to safeguard its capital and instrument liquidity and generate a 
reasonable  return.  The  policy  sets  out  the  types  of  allowed  investment  instruments,  their  concentration,  acceptable  credit  rating  and 
maximum maturity.  

On  October 31,  2011,  a  25 basis  point  increase  or  decrease  in  interest  rates,  assuming  that  all  other  variables  had  remained  the 
same, would have resulted in a $1,400 increase or decrease [$1,000 as at October 31, 2010], respectively, in the Corporation’s net loss for 
the year ended October 31, 2011. 

CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT 

The Corporation’s capital management objectives are first to ensure the longevity of its capital so as to support continued operations, 
provide its shareholders with a return, generate benefits for its other stakeholders and maintain the most optimal capitalization possible with 
a view to keeping capital costs to a minimum. 

57 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

The  Corporation  manages  its  capitalization  in  accordance  with  changes  in  economic  conditions.  In  order  to  maintain  or  adjust  its 
capitalization, the Corporation may elect to declare dividends to shareholders, return capital to its shareholders and repurchase its shares in 
the marketplace or issue new shares. 

The  Corporation  monitors  its  capitalization  using  the  adjusted  debt/equity  ratio.  This  ratio  is  calculated  as  follows:  net 
debt/shareholders’ equity. Net debt is equal to the aggregate of long-term debt, the debenture and obligations under operating leases, less 
cash and cash equivalents [not held in trust or otherwise reserved] and investments in ABCP.  

The  Corporation’s  strategy  is  to  maintain  its  debt/equity  ratio  below 1.  The  calculation  of  the  debt/equity  ratio  as  at  October 31  is 

summarized as follows: 

Net debt 
Long-term debt 
Obligations under operating leases [note 21] 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Investments in ABCP 

Shareholders’ equity 

Debt / equity ratio 

2011 
$ 

2010 
$ 

— 
636,618 
(181,576) 
(78,751) 
376,291 

423,985 

88.8 % 

29,059 
637,520 
(180,627) 
(72,346) 
413,606 

439,072 

94.2 % 

The  Corporation’s  credit  facilities  are  subject  to  certain  covenants  including  a  debt/equity  ratio  and  a  fixed-charge  coverage  ratio. 
These ratios are monitored by management and submitted to the Corporation’s Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. As at October 31, 
2011, the Corporation was in compliance with these ratios. Except for the credit facility covenants, the Corporation is not subject to any third-
party capital requirements. 

Note 7 

DEPOSITS 

Deposits on leased aircraft and engines 
Deposits with suppliers 

Less current portion 

2011 
$ 

12,597 
36,909 
49,506 
15,599 
33,907 

2010 
$ 

10,554 
31,837 
42,391 
12,554 
29,837 

58 

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

Note 8 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Aircraft 
Improvements to aircraft under operating leases 
Aircraft equipment 
Computer equipment  
Aircraft engines 
Office furniture and equipment 
Leasehold improvements 
Rotable aircraft spare parts 
Administrative buildings 

Less: accumulated amortization 
Net book value 

Note 9 

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

GOODWILL 

The change in goodwill is as follows: 

Balance, beginning of year 
Acquisition 
Translation adjustment 

2011 

Accumulated 
depreciation 
$ 

134,171 
42,900 
39,128 
31,375 
14,837 
25,156 
25,714 
23,429 
1,613 
338,323 

Cost 
$ 

154,286 
60,667 
44,500 
38,412 
20,172 
29,936 
37,457 
30,902 
8,511 
424,843 
338,323 
86,520 

2010 

Accumulated 
depreciation 
$ 

118,402 
38,913 
37,185 
39,500 
13,364 
23,615 
22,846 
22,618 
1,230 
317,673 

Cost 
$ 

145,499 
48,682 
43,137 
47,617 
20,172 
29,646 
32,937 
29,841 
8,518 
406,049 
317,673 
88,376 

2011 
$ 

112,454 
— 
(2,959) 
109,495 

2010 
$ 

113,993 
335 
(1,874) 
112,454 

On October 28, 2010, the Corporation acquired a number of assets for a cash consideration of $770 [£471]. These assets consisted, 
in particular, of a trademark amounting to $220 [£135] and customer lists amounting to $220 [£135] and other net liabilities totalling $5 [£4]. 
Goodwill in the amount of $335 [£205] was recognized subsequent to this transaction.  

On  October 31,  2011,  the  Corporation  performed  its  annual  test  for  impairment  of  goodwill,  and  no  impairment  was  detected  [no 
impairment in 2010]. The Corporation’s management is of the opinion that no significant change in the key assumptions used to calculate the 
fair value of each of its reporting units could produce carrying amounts higher than those fair values, with the exception of one reporting unit 
in France. This reporting unit, which includes outgoing tour operators and a travel agency network, generates a significant percentage of its 
revenues  from  the  sale  of  products  to  North  Africa,  including  Tunisia,  Morocco  and  Egypt.  In  establishing  its  assumptions  for  the 
measurement of this reporting unit, management considered, among other factors, the potential impact on its future results of the prevailing 
political climate in certain North African countries and current economic conditions in Europe. The fair value calculated for this reporting unit 
was higher than its carrying amount, which includes a goodwill of $30,639. However, a change in the assumptions used could result in an 
impairment in goodwill for this reporting unit. Furthermore, outcomes could be different if political instability in certain North African countries 
does not subside in the medium term. 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Software, net of $68,206 in accumulated 

amortization [$60,126 in 2010] 

Trademarks not subject to amortization 
Customer lists, net of $6,870 in accumulated 

amortization [$5,400 in 2010] 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

2011 
$ 

32,378 
14,694 

5,275 
52,347 

2010 
$ 

29,306 
14,687 

6,471 
50,464 

During  the  quarter  ended  October 31,  2011,  the  Corporation  performed  its  annual  impairment  test  on  its  trademarks,  and  no 

impairment was detected [no impairment in 2010].   

Note 10 

INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS 

Investment in Caribbean Investments B.V. [“CIBV”] 
Deferred costs, unamortized balance 
Other investments 
Sundry 

The change in the investment in CIBV is detailed as follows: 

Balance, beginning of year 
Capital contribution  
Share of net income (loss) 
Translation adjustment 

2011 
$ 

60,612 
1,301 
80 
1,813 
63,806 

2011 
$ 

61,239 
— 
827 
(1,454) 
60,612 

2010 
$ 

61,239 
1,868 
115 
1,646 
64,868 

2010 
$ 

66,347 
1,110 
(490) 
(5,728) 
61,239 

Transat has a 35% interest in CIBV, which owns and operates five hotels in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. On October 6, 2010, 

the Corporation made a $1,110 capital contribution [US$1,090].  

CIBV’s majority shareholder may demand that the Corporation provide the necessary funds to repay one of CIBV’s long-term debts 
should  CIBV  be  unable  to  cover  the  scheduled  repayments.  However,  the  maximum  amount  that  the  Corporation  could  be  required  to 
provide  may  not  exceed  its  35% share  of  said  long-term  debt.  As  at  October 31,  2011,  the  Corporation’s  share  of  the  long-term  debt 
amounted to $6,192 [US$6,233]. 

Note 11 

BANK LOANS 

Operating lines of credit totalling €11,500 [$15,934] [€10,000 [$14,155] in 2010] have been authorized for certain French subsidiaries. 

These operating lines of credit are renewable annually and were undrawn as at October 31, 2011 and 2010. 

For its European operations, the Corporation has guarantee facilities renewable annually amounting to €12,729 [$17,637] [€13,462 

[$19,055] in 2010]. As at October 31, 2011, letters of guarantee had been issued totalling €3,049 [$4,224] [€3,394 [$4,806] in 2010]. 

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Note 12 

LONG TERM DEBT 

Loans secured by aircraft repaid during the year 
[US$13,333 as at October 31, 2010] 

Drawdowns under the revolving term credit facilities 

maturing from 2010 to 2012 

Other 

Less current portion 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

2011 
$ 

— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

2010 
$ 

13,584 

15,000 

475 
29,059 
13,768 
15,291 

On July 29, 2011, the Corporation renewed the agreements for its revolving credit facilities for operations and issuance of letters of 
credit. Under the new agreements, the Corporation has access to a $100,000 revolving credit facility maturing in 2015, which is renewable or 
immediately payable in the event of a change in control. The Corporation also has a $60,000 annually renewable revolving credit facility for 
issuing letters of credit in respect of which the Corporation must pledge cash as collateral security against 105% of letters of credit. Under 
the  terms  and  conditions  of  the  agreement  for  the  revolving  credit  facility  for  operations,  funds  may  be  drawn  down  by  way  of  bankers’ 
acceptances  or  bank  loans,  denominated  in  Canadian  dollars,  U.S. dollars,  euros  or  pounds  sterling.  Under  this  agreement,  interest  is 
charged at bankers’ acceptance rates, at the financial institution’s prime rate or at the LIBOR, plus a premium based on certain financial 
ratios calculated on a consolidated basis.  

As at October 31, 2011, the Corporation had an $84,096 revolving credit facility which matures in 2013 or is immediately payable in 
the  event  of  a  change  in  control.  Under  the  terms  and  conditions  of  this  agreement,  funds  may  be  drawn  down  by  way  of  bankers’ 
acceptances  or  bank  loans,  denominated  in  Canadian  dollars,  U.S. dollars,  euros  or  pounds  sterling.  Under  this  agreement,  interest  is 
charged at bankers’ acceptance rates, at the financial institution’s prime rate or at the LIBOR, plus a premium specific to the type of financing 
vehicle. The revolving term credit facilities bore interest at an average rate of 2.00% for the year ended October 31, 2011. This credit facility 
also includes options, now in effect following  implementation of  the ABCP restructuring plan [see note 5], allowing the Corporation, at its 
discretion, to repay amounts drawn down as they fall due under certain conditions up to a maximum of $45,317 using the restructured notes. 
The fair value of this option, as at the grant date and since then at each balance sheet date, is not material. 

Note 13  OTHER LIABILITIES 

Accrued benefit liability [note 20] 
Deferred lease inducements 
Non-controlling interests 

2011 
$ 

20,790 
20,831 
8,639 
50,260 

2010 
$ 

18,630 
18,500 
8,238 
45,368 

On February 26, 2010, the Corporation made a cash payment of $504 [€350] to acquire the non-controlling interest of Tourgreece 

Tourist Enterprises S.A. consisting of the remainder of the shares [10%] that it did not already own. 

Note 14 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

AUTHORIZED SHARE CAPITAL 

CLASS A VARIABLE VOTING SHARES 

An unlimited number of participating Class A Variable Voting Shares [“Class A Shares”] 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 

61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

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 automatically, without 
further action. Under the circumstance 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  shareholders’  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 said meeting. 

Each issued and outstanding Class A Share shall be automatically converted into one Class B Voting Share without further action 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 controlled by Canadians as 
defined by the CTA only and shall confer the right to one vote per Class B Share at all meetings of shareholders of the Corporation. Each 
issued  and  outstanding  Class B  Share  shall  be  converted  into  one  Class A  Share  automatically  without  further  action  on  the  part  of  the 
Corporation or the holder if the Class B Share is or becomes owned or controlled by a non-Canadian as defined by the CTA. 

PREFERRED SHARES 

An  unlimited  number  of  preferred  shares,  non-voting,  issuable  in  series,  each  series  bearing  the  number  of  shares,  designation, 

rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions as determined by the Board of Directors. 

ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING SHARE CAPITAL 

The changes affecting the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares were as follows: 

Balance as at October 31, 2009 
Issued from treasury 
Exercise of options 
Balance as at October 31, 2010 
Issued from treasury 
Exercise of options 
Balance as at October 31, 2011 

Number of 
shares 

37,728,799 
97,302 
23,733 
37,849,834 
129,067 
42,819 
38,021,720 

$ 

216,236 
1,226 
142 
217,604 
1,361 
497 
219,462 

As at October 31, 2011, the number of Class A Shares and Class B Shares stood at 933,731 and 37,087,989, respectively [997,796 

and 36,852,038 as at October 31, 2010]. 

SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS PLAN 

At the Annual General Meeting [AGM] held on March 10, 2011, the shareholders ratified the shareholders’ subscription rights plan 
amended  and  updated  on  January 12,  2011  [the  “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 consider offers, thus allowing shareholders to receive full and fair value for their 
shares. The rights plan will terminate at the 2014 shareholders’ AGM, unless terminated prior to said AGM. 

STOCK OPTION PLAN  

Under the stock option plan, the Corporation may grant up to a maximum of 1,945,000 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 option grant 

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

date.  Options  granted  are  exercisable  over  a  ten-year  period,  provided  the  performance  criteria  determined  on  each  grant  are  met.  The 
remaining options available for grant under the former plan totalled 1,342,693. The options granted are exercisable over a ten-year period in 
three tranches of 33(cid:31)% as of mid-December of each year provided the performance criteria determined on each grant are met. Provided that 
the performance criteria set on grant are met, the exercise of any non-vested tranche of options during the first three years following the 
grant date due to the performance criteria not being met may be extended three years. 

Under the former stock option plan, the Corporation may grant  up to a maximum of 105,051 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 option 
grant date. Under the plan, cancelled options will be available for grant in future. Options granted in the past 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 for grants subsequent to November 1, 
2006, and a maximum of one-third of options in the second year subsequent to the grant, for grants subsequent to November 1, 2006, a 
maximum of two-thirds of options in the third year with all options exercisable at the outset of the fourth year.  

The following tables summarize all outstanding options: 

Beginning of year 
Granted 
Exercised 
Cancelled 
End of year 
Options exercisable, end of year 

2011 

Number  
 of options 

Weighted 
average price 
$ 

Number  
 of options 

2010 

Weighted 
average price 
$ 

1,722,302 
237,239 
(42,819) 
(172,245) 
1,744,477 
907,328 

16.04 
19.24 
8.63 
13.85 
16.88 
19.65 

1,101,140 
682,570 
(23,733) 
(37,675) 
1,722,302 
668,680 

18.31 
12.25 
5.99 
19.82 
16.04 
21.45 

2011 

Outstanding options 

Options exercisable 

Range of 
exercise price 
$ 

  3.80 -  6.99 
10.52 -  15.68 
19.24 - 21.36 
22.34 - 28.41 
37.03 - 37.25 

Number of options 
outstanding as at 
October 31, 2011 

Weighted average 
remaining life  

Number of options 
exercisable as at 
October 31, 2011 

Weighted 
average price 
$ 

Weighted 
average price 
$ 

12,618 
989,873 
436,967 
184,397 
120,622 
1,744,477 

0.5 
7.9 
7.8 
4.1 
5.6 
7.3 

6.66 
11.93 
20.33 
22.62 
37.24 
16.88 

12,618 
365,962 
223,729 
184,397 
120,622 
907,328 

6.66 
11.75 
21.36 
22.62 
37.24 
19.65 

COMPENSATION EXPENSE FOR STOCK OPTION PLAN 

During the year ended October 31, 2011, the Corporation granted 237,239 stock options [682,570 in 2010] to certain key executives 
and 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 fair value at date of grant 

2011 
3.26% 
6 years 
52,9 % 
— 
$9.93 

2010 
3.54% 
6 years 
49.0 % 
— 
$5.02 

During the year ended October 31, 2011, the Corporation recorded a compensation expense of $2,100 [$2,448 in 2010] for its stock 

option plan. In addition, $127 of contributed surplus was recognized in share capital for the exercise of options during the year [nil in 2010]. 

63 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

SHARE PURCHASE PLAN 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

A share purchase plan is available to eligible employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. Under the plan, as at October 31, 
2011, the Corporation was authorized to issue up to 134,125 Class B Shares. The plan allows each eligible employee to purchase shares up 
to an overall limit of 10% of his or her annual salary in effect at the time of plan enrolment. 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%. 

During  the  year,  the  Corporation  issued  129,067 Class B  Shares  [97,302 Class B  Shares  in  2010]  for  a  total  of  $1,361  [$1,226  in 

2010] 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 purchase price of which is equal to an amount ranging from 20% 
to  60%  of  the  maximum  percentage  of  salary  contributed,  which  may  not  exceed  5%.  Shares  so  awarded  by  the  Corporation  will  vest 
gradually  to  the  eligible  officer,  subject  to  the  eligible  officer’s  retaining,  during  the  first  six  months  of  the  vesting  period,  all  the  shares 
purchased 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 participants’ accounts as and 

when they purchase shares under the share purchase plan.  

During the year ended October 31, 2011, the Corporation accounted for a compensation expense of $141 [$153 in 2010] for its stock 

ownership incentive and capital accumulation plan. 

PERMANENT STOCK OWNERSHIP INCENTIVE PLAN 

Subject  to  participation  in  the  share  purchase  plan  offered  to  all  eligible  employees  of  the  Corporation,  the  Corporation  awards 
annually  to  each  eligible  senior  executive  a  number  of  Class B  Shares,  the  aggregate  purchase  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  senior  executive’s  retaining,  during  the  vesting  period,  all  the  shares  purchased  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 participants’ account 
as and when they purchase shares under the share purchase plan.  

During  the  year  ended  October 31,  2011,  the  Corporation  accounted  for  a  compensation  expense  of  $260  [$234  in  2010]  for  its 

permanent stock ownership incentive plan. 

DEFERRED SHARE UNIT PLAN 

Deferred  share  units  [“DSUs”]  are  awarded  in  connection  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 determined 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,  2011,  the  number  of  DSUs  awarded  amounted  to  62,266  [55,387  as  at  October 31,  2010].  Subsequent  to  the 
decline in its share prices, the Corporation reduced compensation expense by $405 [increased compensation expense by $99 in 2010] for its 
deferred share unit plan during the year ended October 31, 2011. 

RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT PLAN 

Restricted share units [“RSUs”] are awarded annually 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  repurchased  by  the  Corporation,  subject  to  certain 
conditions and certain provisions relating to the Corporation’s financial performance. For the purpose of repurchasing RSUs, the value of an 

64 

 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

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, 2011, the number of RSUs awarded amounted to 461,371 [418,841 as at October 31, 2010]. During the year ended 
October 31, 2011, subsequent to the decline in its share price and the revaluation of its financial performance covenants, the Corporation 
reduced compensation expense by $1,860 [increased compensation expense by $1,121 in 2010] for its restricted share unit plan. 

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE 

Basic earnings (loss) per share and diluted earnings per share were computed as follows: 

[In thousands, except per share amounts] 

NUMERATOR 
Income (loss) used to calculate diluted earnings (loss) per share 

DENOMINATOR 
Weighted average number of outstanding shares 
Effect of dilutive securities 
Stock options 
Adjusted weighted average number of outstanding shares used in 

computing diluted earnings (loss) per share 

Basic earnings (loss) per share 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share 

2011 
$ 

2010 
$ 

(12,213) 

65,607 

37,930 

— 

37,930 
(0.32) 
(0.32) 

37,796 

197 

37,993 
1.74 
1.73 

In light of the loss recognized for the year ended October 31, 2011, the 1,744,477 outstanding stock options were not included in the 

calculation of diluted loss per share because of their anti-dilutive effect.  

In  calculating  diluted  earnings  per  share  for  the  year  ended  October 31,  2010,  570,292 stock  options  were  not  included  since  the 

exercise price of these options was higher than the average price of the Corporation’s shares. 

Note 15 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
Balance as at October 31, 2009 
Change during the year 

Balance as at October 31, 2010 
Change during the year 
Balance as at October 31, 2011 

Deferred 
translation 
adjustments 
$ 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
loss 
$ 

(3,570) 
(13,233) 

(16,803) 
(10,175) 
(26,978) 

(20,613) 
2,288 

(18,325) 
(6,705) 
(25,030) 

Cash flow 
hedges 
$ 

(17,043) 
15,521 

(1,522) 
3,470 
1,948 

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Note 16 

AMORTIZATION 

Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets subject to amortization 
Other assets 
Deferred lease inducements 
Options related to repayment of revolving credit facilities  

Note 17 

RESTRUCTURING CHARGE (GAIN) 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

2011 
$ 

34,240 
8,292 
2,151 
(869) 
— 
43,814 

2010 
$ 

41,582 
12,047 
433 
(1,200) 
(4,200) 
48,662 

During the last quarter of the year ended October 31, 2011, the Corporation developed a restructuring plan mainly aimed at reducing 
direct  costs  and  operating  expenses  and  adjusting  its  information  systems  approach.  Under  this  plan,  Transat  recognized  a  restructuring 
charge totalling $16,543. The charge consists of $6,513 in severance benefits payable in cash of which an amount of $4,324 was unpaid as 
at  October  31,  2011  and  included  under  accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities.  The  plan  also  provides  for  changes  in  IT  solutions  to 
facilitate a faster deployment of proven solutions at lower cost. As a result, the Corporation recorded an impairment charge of $10,030 on 
software under development.  

During  the  year  ended  October  31,  2010,  a  $1,157  gain  was  realized  on  the  disposal  of  travel  agencies  in  France  under  a 

restructuring plan implemented in 2009. 

Note 18 

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 factors explaining this difference and the effect on income taxes are detailed as follows: 

Income taxes (recovery) at the statutory rate 

(3,896) 

28.7 

28,003 

30.1 

2011 

2010 

$ 

% 

$ 

% 

Change in income taxes arising from the undernoted items: 
Effect of differences in Canadian and foreign tax rates 
Non-deductible (non-taxable) items 
Recognition of previously unrecorded tax benefits 
Unrecognized tax benefits  
Adjustment for prior years 
Effect of tax rate changes 
Effect of differences in tax rates on temporary items 
Valuation allowance 
Other 

(3,083) 
1,621 
— 
— 
(176) 
— 
144 
238 
350 
(4,802) 

22.7 
(11.9) 
— 
— 
1.3 
— 
(1.1) 
(1.7) 
(2.7) 
35.3 

(3,163) 
(556) 
(1,919) 
264 
1,394 
(121) 
209 
(30) 
(275) 
23,806 

(3.4) 
(0.6) 
(2.1) 
0.3 
1.5 
(0.1) 
0.2 
      0.0 
(0.3) 
25.6 

66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

Significant components of the Corporation’s future income tax assets and liabilities are as follows: 

Future income taxes 
Loss carryforwards and other tax deductions 
Carrying value of capital assets in excess of tax basis  
Non-deductible reserves and provisions 
Taxes related to accumulated other comprehensive loss and derivative financial instruments 
Other 
Total future income taxes 
Valuation allowance 
Net future income tax assets 

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

2011 
$ 

2010 
$ 

13,435 
(11,415) 
16,281 
(596) 
(1,971) 
15,734 
(5,565) 
10,169 

6,065 
18,378 
(513) 
(13,761) 
10,169 

3,482 
(15,183) 
17,549 
465 
(917) 
5,396 
(5,327) 
69 

2,895 
9,650 
(106) 
(12,370) 
69 

As at October 31, 2011, non-capital losses carried forward and other tax deductions for which a writedown was recorded, available to 
reduce  future  taxable  income  of  certain  subsidiaries  in  Canada  and  the  Caribbean,  totalled  $779  in  Canada  [$519  in  Canada  as  at 
October 2010] and MXP 27,340 [$2,238] [MXP 8,566 [$669] in Mexico as at October 31, 2010].  

Of  these  loss  carryforwards  and  deductions,  $779  expires  in  2026  and  thereafter,  MXP 27,340 ($2,238)  expires  in 2020  and 

thereafter.  

Retained earnings of the Corporation’s foreign subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly, no provision for 
income taxes has been provided thereon. Upon distribution of this income in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Corporation may be 
subject to withholding taxes. 

Note 19 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES 

The Corporation enters into transactions in the normal course of business 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.  Significant  transactions 
between related parties are as follows: 

2011 
$ 

2010 
$ 

Operating expenses incurred with company subject to significant influence 

12,213 

13,283 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Note 20 

EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

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 highest. These arrangements are not funded; however, to secure its obligations, the Corporation has 
issued a $31,973 letter of credit to the trustee [see note 12]. 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 changes in the accrued benefit obligation: 

Accrued benefit obligation, beginning of year 
Current service cost 
Cost of changes 
Interest cost 
Benefits paid 
Actuarial loss (gain) on obligation 
Accrued benefit obligation, end of year 

2011 
$ 

25,325 
961 
— 
1,231 
(715) 
(220) 
26,582 

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 actuarial loss   
Accrued benefit liability 

Pension plan expense is allocated as follows: 

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

2011 
$ 

— 
26,582 
26,582 
778 
5,014 
20,790 

2011 
$ 

961 
1,231 
281 
403 
2,876 

2010 
$ 

20,674 
774 
293 
1,222 
(715) 
3,077 
25,325 

2010 
$ 

— 
25,325 
25,325 
1,058 
5,637 
18,630 

2010 
$ 

774 
1,222 
214 
84 
2,294 

The significant actuarial assumptions adopted to determine the Corporation’s accrued benefit obligation and pension 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 

68 

2011 
% 

4.50 
3.00 

4.75 
3.00 

2010 
% 

4.75 
3.00 

5.75 
3.00 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

Note 21 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

a) 

The  Corporation’s  commitments  under  agreements  with  suppliers  amounted  to  $143,324,  whereas  its  obligations  under  operating 
leases  for  aircraft,  buildings,  automotive  equipment,  telephone  systems,  maintenance  contracts  and  office  premises  amounted  to 
$636,618.  These  commitments  total  $779,942  are  allocated  as  follows:  $207,953,  $464,350  [US$467,388],  $105,152  [€75,889], 
$2,471 [£1,541] and $16 [MXP 215]. 

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

2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 

$ 

191,440 
145,190 
114,645 
72,387 
62,115 

b) 

In 2012, the minority shareholder in the subsidiary Jonview Canada Inc., which is also a shareholder of the Corporation, may require the 
Corporation  to  buy  his  Jonview  Canada  Inc.  shares  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)  Between 2014 and 2018, the minority shareholders of the subsidiary Travel Superstore Inc. could require that the Corporation purchase 

their Travel Superstore Inc. shares at a price equal to their fair market value, payable in cash. 

d) 

In the normal course of business, the Corporation is exposed to various claims and legal proceedings. 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. 

e)  The  minority  shareholder  of  the  subsidiary  Trafictours  Canada  Inc.  could  require,  in  certain  circumstances,  that  the  Corporation 
purchase  his  Trafictours  Canada  Inc.  shares  at  a  price  equal  to  a  pre-determined  formula,  subject  to  adjustment  according  to  the 
circumstances, payable in cash.  

69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Note 22  GUARANTEES 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

The  Corporation  has  entered  into  agreements  in  the  normal  course  of  business  containing  clauses  meeting  the  definition  of  a 
guarantee. These agreements provide compensation and guarantees to counterparties in transactions such as operating leases, irrevocable 
letters of credit and collateral 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 and 21 to the financial statements provide information about some of these agreements. The following constitutes 

additional disclosure. 

OPERATING LEASES 

The Corporation’s subsidiaries have general indemnity 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 dates through 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 services rendered that it undertook to pay. These agreements typically cover a one-year period and are 
renewable.  

The  Corporation  has  also  issued  letters  of  credit  to  regulatory  bodies  guaranteeing,  among  other  things,  certain  amounts  to  its 
customers for the performance of its obligations. As at October 31, 2011, the total guarantees provided by the Corporation under the letters 
of credit amounted to $563. Historically, the Corporation has not made any significant payments under such letters of credit. 

COLLATERAL SECURITY CONTRACTS 

The Corporation has entered into collateral security contracts whereby it has guaranteed a prescribed amount to its customers at the 
request of regulatory agencies for the performance of the obligations included in mandates by its customers during the term of the licenses 
granted to the Corporation for its travel agent and wholesaler activities in the province of Québec. These agreements typically cover a one-
year period and are renewable annually. As at October 31, 2011, these guarantees totalled $686. Historically, the Corporation has not made 
any  significant  payments  under  such  agreements.  As  at  October 31,  2011,  no  amounts  have  been  accrued  with  respect  to  the  above-
mentioned agreements. 

GUARANTEE FACILITY 

The  Corporation  has  a  $50,000 guarantee  facility  renewable  annually.  Under  this  agreement,  the  Corporation  may  issue  collateral 

security contracts with a maximum three-year term. As at October 31, 2011, $13,562 had been drawn down under the facility. 

70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. Inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

Note 23 

SEGMENTED DISCLOSURE 

Notes to consolidated financial statements 

The  Corporation  has  determined  that  it  conducts  its  activities  in  a  single  industry  segment,  namely  holiday  travel.  Therefore,  the 
statements of income (loss) include all the required information. With respect to geographic areas, the Corporation operates mainly in the 
Americas  and  in  Europe.  Geographic  intersegment  sales  are  accounted  for  at  prices  that  take  into  account  market  conditions  and  other 
considerations. 

2011 
Revenues from third parties 
Operating expenses 

2010 
Revenues from third parties 
Operating expenses 

Canada 
France 
United Kingdom 
Other 

Americas 
$ 

Europe 
$ 

Total 
$ 

2,762,351 
2,772,480 
(10,129) 

2,567,983 
2,480,817 
87,166 

895,813 
855,700 
40,113 

930,894 
890,478 
40,416 

3,658,164 
3,628,180 
29,984 

3,498,877 
3,371,295 
127,582 

Revenues (1) 

2011 
$ 

2010 
$ 

2,714,169 
677,188 
200,574 
66,233 
3,658,164 

2,532,147 
666,004 
248,245 
52,481 
3,498,877 

Property, plant and equipment, 
goodwill and other intangible assets 

2011 
$ 

149,848 
49,697 
33,711 
15,106 
248,362 

2010 
$ 

147,247 
57,587 
34,517 
11,943 
251,294 

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

71 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transat A.T. inc. 
Annual Report 2011 

[in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] 

Consolidated statements of income 
Revenues 
Operating expenses 

Expenses and other revenues 
Amortization 
Interest on long-tem debt and debenture 
Other interest and financial expense 
Interest income 
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments used for aircraft 

fuel purchases 

Foreign exchange (gain) loss on long-term monetary items 
Restructuring charge (gain) and write-off of goodwill 
Loss (gain) on investments in ABCP 
Gain on repurchase of preferred shares of a subsidiary 
Share of net (income) loss of companies subject to significant influence 

Income (loss) before the undernoted items 
Income taxes (recovery) 
Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries’ results 
Net income (loss) for the year 
Basic earnings (loss) per share 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share 
Cash flows related to : 
Operating activities  
Investing activities  
Financing activities  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 
Cash provided by operations 1 
Total assets 
Long term debt (including current portion)  
Debenture 
Shareholders’ equity 
Debt/equity ration 2 
Book value per share 3 
Return on average shareholders’ equity 4 
Shareholding statistics (in thousands) 
Outstanding shares, end of year 
Weighted average number of outstanding shares (undiluted) 
Weighted average number of outstanding shares (diluted) 

Supplementary financial data  

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007 

3,658,164 
3,628,180 
29,984 

3,498,877 
3,371,295 
127,582 

3,545,341 
3,451,946 
93,395 

3,512,851 
3,385,083 
127,768 

3,045,917 
2,909,570 
136,347 

43,814 
1,250 
2,249 
(7,395) 

1,278 
1,654 
10,030 
(8,113) 
— 
(827) 
43,940 
(13,956) 
(4,802) 
(3,059) 
(12,213) 
(0.32) 
(0.32) 

90,673 
(56,683) 
(29,470) 
(3,571) 
949 
181,576 
31,856 
1,221,965 
— 
— 
423,985 
0.65 
11.15 
(2.8%) 

48,662 
2,225 
2,359 
(3,036) 

(9,341) 
(1,109) 
(1,157) 
(4,648) 
— 
490 
34,445 
93,137 
23,806 
(3,724) 
65,607 
1.74 
1.73 

119,131 
(27,819) 
(81,034) 
(10,203) 
75 
180,627 
105,173 
1,189,458 
29,059 
— 
439,072 
0.63 
11.60 
16.3% 

51,155 
4,866 
2,679 
(4,588) 

(68,267) 
(135) 
11,967 
(68) 
— 
(24) 
(2,415) 
95,810 
30,916 
(3,047) 
61,847 
1.86 
1.85 

45,234 
(26,662) 
18,303 
(2,090) 
34,785 
180,552 
108,380 
1,129,503 
107,684 
3,156 
367,361 
0.67 
9.74 
17.3% 

56,147 
7,538 
1,758 
(16,172) 

106,435 
2,295 
— 
45,927 
(1,605) 
427 
202,750 
(74,982) 
(28,875) 
(3,287) 
(49,394) 
(1.49) 
(1.49) 

95,069 
(142,027) 
15,091 
10,866 
(21,001) 
145,767 
121,166 
1,267,214 
150,085 
3,156 
345,930 
0.73 
10.59 
(15.9%) 

50,176 
6,229 
1,929 
(19,745) 

(26,577) 
(3,023) 
3,900 
11,200 
— 
(651) 
23,438 
112,909 
34,625 
(737) 
77,822 
2.30 
2.27 

156,728 
(195,657) 
(14,830) 
5,640 
(48,119) 
166,768 
125,868 
1,072,377 
88,681 
3,156 
283,452 
0.74 
8.43 
27.0% 

33,628 
33,763 
34,212 
1 Represent cash flows from operating activities excluding the net change in non-cash working capital balances related to operations, the net change in the 

37,729 
33,168 
33,485 

37,850 
37,796 
37,993 

32,678 
33,108 
33,108 

38,022 
37,930 
37,930 

provision for aircraft overhaul and the change in other assets and liabilities related to operations. 

2 Total liabilities divided by total assets. 
3 Total shareholders’ equity divided by the number of outstanding shares. 
4  Net income (loss) divided by the average shareholders’ equity. 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
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a
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r
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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
info@transat.com

Information
www.transat.com
For additional information, 
contact in writing the Vice-President,
Finance and Administration
and Chief Financial Officer.

Ce rapport annuel 
est disponible en français.

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

Transfer Agent and Registrar 
Canadian Stock Transfer Company Inc.,
as Administrative agent for 
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  

March 15, 2012, 10:00 a.m.

McGill New Residence Hall

Ballroom (Level C)

3625 Avenue du Parc

Montreal QC  H2X 3P8

Graphic Design: 
Claude Angers