6-K 1 tor43813-1.txt REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER FORM 6-K Securities and Exchange Commission washington, D.C. 20549 Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the month of April 2004 ----------------------------------------- ----------- Commission File Number 000-27096 ----------------------------------------- ----------- Air Canada -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Translation of registrant's name into English) 7373 Cote Vertu West, P.O. Box 14000, Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Canada H4Y 1H4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40F. Form 20-F Form 40-F X ---------------- ---------------- Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes No X ------------------ ------------------ If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b) : 82-_______________ DOCUMENT INDEX Document Page No. -------- -------- 1. News Release dated April 2, 2004 ("Air Canada Reports 2003 Results; Current cash balance at $910 million") 4 2. News Release dated April 2, 2004 ("Air Canada tu pursue alternatives to Trinity Investment; Business as usual for Air Canada's customers") 7 3. 2003 Financial Statements and Notes 10 4. Management's Discussion and Analysis 83 Document 1 AIR CANADA [GRAPHIC OMITTED] NEWS RELEASE AIR CANADA REPORTS 2003 RESULTS; Current cash balance at $910 million MONTREAL, April 2, 2004 - Air Canada reported today an operating loss before reorganization and restructuring items of $684 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to an operating loss before non-recurring labour expenses of $192 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. On April 1, 2003, Air Canada obtained an order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice providing creditor protection under CCAA. Air Canada also made a concurrent petition under Section 304 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. As a result of restructuring under CCAA, the Corporation has and will continue to record a number of significant reorganization and restructuring items directly associated with the restructuring. These "reorganization and restructuring items" represent revenues, expenses, gains and losses, and provisions for losses that can be directly associated with the reorganization and restructuring of the business under CCAA, and do not relate to the normal operating expenses of the airline. For the year 2003, these mainly non-cash reorganization and restructuring items amounted to $1,050 million. Including these reorganization and restructuring items, the net loss was $1,867 million compared to a net loss of $828 million in 2002. In 2002, an income tax valuation allowance was recorded to reduce the value of the Mainline carrier's future income tax asset by its full carrying value of $400 million. This allowance had no impact on Air Canada's cash position or operating results. As at December 31, 2003, the Corporation's cash and cash equivalents amounted to $670 million. At December 31, 2003, CDN$840 million was available from the US$700 million debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing facility from GE Canada Finance Holding Company. In January 2004, CDN$300 million of funds were drawn from this facility. As at April 1, 2004, the Corporation's combined cash balance, measured on the basis of cash in its Canadian and United States bank accounts, amounted to an estimated $910 million remaining before taking into account the amounts available under the DIP facility. "Our restructuring has become more challenging as a result of record high fuel prices, increased domestic capacity by our low cost competitors and the geopolitical issues faced by the airline industry as a whole", said Robert Milton, President and Chief Executive Officer. "However, our 2004 revenues are tracking in line with what we projected in our business plan last October. Furthermore, we are seeing year over year unit cost declines in the range of 14%. Our cash balances are healthy. We have made major progress on most key aspects of our restructuring, including a significant fleet, debt and lease restructuring, major reductions in supplier arrangements and changes to our fare structures and distribution channels. We are well positioned to carry on business effectively while seeking alternative equity arrangements in light of today's announcement by Trinity Time Investment Limited that it is not seeking extension of its Investment Agreement beyond April 30, 2004. We trust that our unions and other stakeholders will recognize the urgency of resolving the remaining obstacles to our exit from CCAA, particularly since the arrangements with GECAS and Deutsche Bank also expire at the end of April, unless extended by agreement. "The past year has been particularly difficult for Air Canada's employees. I thank them for their hard work and dedication in taking care of our customers whose continued support has been heartening. It remains business as usual for our customers as it has throughout our restructuring," concluded Mr. Milton. Air Canada's 2003 Management's Discussion & Analysis and Audited Consolidated Financial Statements & Notes will be available on Air Canada's website www.aircanada.com and will also be available at SEDAR.com. A copy may also be obtained on request by contacting Air Canada Shareholder Relations at (514) 422-5787 or 1-800-282-7427. Caution Concerning Forward-looking Information: Certain statements made in this press release are of a forward-looking nature and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results indicated in these statements may differ materially from actual results for a number of reasons, including without limitation, restructuring, war, terrorist attacks, energy prices, general industry, market and economic conditions, the ability to reduce operating costs and employee counts, employment relations, labour negotiations or disputes, pension issues, currency exchange and interest rates, changes in laws, adverse regulatory developments or proceedings, pending litigation and actions by third parties. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent Air Canada's expectations as of April 2, 2004, and are subject to change after such date. However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. - 30 - Contacts: Isabelle Arthur (Montreal) (514) 422-5788 Laura Cooke (Toronto) (416) 263-5576 Angela Mah (Vancouver) (604) 270-5741 Internet: aircanada.com Document 2 AIR CANADA [GRAPHIC OMITTED] NEWS RELEASE AIR CANADA TO PURSUE ALTERNATIVES TO TRINITY INVESTMENT; BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR AIR CANADA'S CUSTOMERS MONTREAL, April 2, 2004 - Air Canada said today that while it regrets today's decision by Trinity Time Investments Limited to not seek extension of its Investment Agreement beyond April 30, 2004, it remains focused on completing its restructuring and emerging successfully from CCAA protection as soon as possible. As a result of Trinity's announcement, Air Canada is free to pursue alternative equity financing arrangements and is doing so. In that regard, Air Canada has contacted General Electric Capital Corporation and Deutsche Bank Securities, both of whom have substantial financing commitments to the Corporation to discuss alternatives resulting from Trinity's announcement. "Our restructuring has become more challenging as a result of record high fuel prices, increased domestic capacity by our low cost competitors and the geopolitical issues faced by the airline industry as a whole," said Robert Milton, President and Chief Executive Officer. "However, our 2004 revenues are tracking in line with what we projected in our business plan last October during the equity solicitation process. We are seeing year over year unit cost declines in the range of 14 per cent. Our cash balances are healthy with over $900 million in cash on hand and close to another $500 million of additional credit available. We have made major progress on important aspects of our restructuring, including a significant fleet, debt and lease restructuring, major reductions in supplier arrangements and changes to our fare structures and distribution channels. "Trinity's announcement expressly states that investment in Air Canada remains a possibility if circumstances change sufficiently to meet the concerns identified by Trinity, especially relating to arrangements with Air Canada's labour unions. We are well positioned to carry on business effectively while considering the concerns raised by Trinity as well as alternative equity arrangements. We trust that our unions and other stakeholders will recognize the urgency of resolving the remaining obstacles to our exit from CCAA, particularly since the arrangements with GE and Deutsche Bank also expire at the end of April, unless extended by agreement. "I want to reassure our customers and employees that it's business as usual at Air Canada as it has been throughout our restructuring, especially as we go into our strongest travel period of the year, with very strong liquidity levels. "The stakeholders in Air Canada's restructuring, including our largest creditors have reconfirmed their support in ensuring the airline's survival. The progress achieved in Air Canada's restructuring to date clearly justifies our continued resolve to overcome this latest challenge." The Air Canada Ad Hoc Unsecured Creditors Committee has indicated that it is disappointed with the adverse developments in the Trinity equity initiative. At the same time, the UCC confirmed its desire to continue to work with Air Canada management and the Monitor to establish an appropriate new equity solicitation process as a component of a successful restructuring and emergence from CCAA, subject to the satisfactory resolution of the fundamental issues that adversely affected the Trinity Time initiative. In addition, GE, the corporation's largest aircraft lessor and exit financing lendor, has indicated that given the dynamic competitive environment in the airline industry, its priority remains the successful completion of the CCAA process as soon as possible. GE has indicated that it is supportive of management's efforts to find constructive solutions and is committed to working with Air Canada and to maintain an open dialogue with all stakeholders to find an urgent resolution. "When we announced our restructuring one year ago, we predicted that the task before us would be painful and the challenges daunting. We have clearly reached the point where our unions and the employees they represent need to voice loudly and clearly that there is a will and a way to ensure our cost competitiveness and convince Victor Li or any other investor that Air Canada's people accept that the world has changed. "The year has been particularly difficult for our employees and I thank them for their hard work and dedication in taking care of our customers whose continued support has been heartening. "The remaining hurdles are surmountable and with goodwill and cooperation on the part of all parties, I remain convinced Air Canada will emerge from CCAA protection a much stronger airline," concluded Mr. Milton. - 30 - Contacts: Isabelle Arthur (Montreal) (514) 422-5788 Laura Cooke (Toronto) (416) 263-5576 Angela Mah (Vancouver) (604) 270-5741 Internet: aircanada.com Document 3 April 2, 2004 2003 Financial Statements & Notes Air Canada Management's Report The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the integrity and objectivity of the data in these financial statements are management's responsibility. Management is also responsible for all other financial information and for ensuring that this information is consistent, where appropriate, with the information and data contained in the financial statements. In support of its responsibility, management maintains a system of internal control to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of financial information and the safeguarding of assets. The Corporation has an internal audit department whose functions include reviewing internal controls and their application, on an ongoing basis. The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting and internal control and exercises this responsibility through the Audit Committee of the Board, which is composed of directors who are not employees of the Corporation. The Audit Committee meets with management, the internal auditors and the external auditors at least four times each year. The external auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers conduct an independent audit, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and express their opinion on the financial statements. Their audit includes a review and evaluation of the Corporation's system of internal control and appropriate tests and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that, in all material respects, the financial statements are presented fairly. The external auditors have full and free access to the Audit Committee of the Board and meet with it on a regular basis. /s/ M. Robert Peterson /s/ Robert A. Milton M. Robert Peterson Robert A. Milton Executive Vice President President and and Chief Financial Officer Chief Executive Officer PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Chartered Accountants 1250 Rene-Levesque Boulevard West Suite 2800 Montreal, Quebec Canada H3B 2G4 Telephone +1 (514) 205 5000 Facsimile +1 (514) 205-5675 April 2, 2004 Auditors' Report To the Shareholders of Air Canada We have audited the consolidated statements of financial position of Air Canada as at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 and the consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings (deficit) and cash flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2003, December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Corporation as at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 and the results of its operations and the changes in its cash flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2003, December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Chartered Accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers refers to the Canadian firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and the other member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.
AIR CANADA Consolidated Statement of Operations and Retained Earnings (Deficit) =========================================================================================================================== (Under Creditor Protection as of April 1, 2003 - note 1) (in millions except per share figures - Canadian dollars) Year Ended December 31 2003 2002 2001 -------------- -------------- -------------- Operating Revenues Passenger $ 6,858 $ 8,190 $ 8,123 Cargo 519 585 578 Other 991 1,051 910 -------------- -------------- -------------- 8,368 9,826 9,611 -------------- -------------- -------------- Operating Expenses Salaries, wages and benefits 2,828 3,099 3,022 Aircraft 1,253 1,288 1,593 Aircraft rent 1,009 1,109 959 Airport and navigation fees 743 772 738 Aircraft maintenance, materials and supplies 383 508 569 Communications and information technology 388 459 479 Food, beverages and supplies 334 395 435 Depreciation, amortization and obsolescence 366 372 441 Commissions 272 369 476 Other 1,476 1,647 1,630 -------------- -------------- -------------- 9,052 10,018 10,342 -------------- -------------- -------------- Operating loss before the undernoted items (684) (192) (731) Non-recurring labour expenses (note 2) - (26) - Reorganization and restructuring items (note 7) (1,050) - - Non-operating income (expense) (note 6) Net interest expense (86) (221) (275) Loss on sale of and provisions on assets (168) (42) (85) Other (28) 97 126 -------------- -------------- -------------- (282) (166) (234) -------------- -------------- -------------- Loss before foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items and income taxes (2,016) (384) (965) FOreign Exchange On Non-compromised Long-term Monetary Items 137 (60) (20) -------------- -------------- -------------- Loss before income taxes (1,879) (444) (985) Recovery of (provision for) income taxes (note 17) 12 (384) (330) -------------- -------------- -------------- Loss for the year $ (1,867) $ (828) $ (1,315) Deficit, beginning of year (3,280) (2,452) (1,137) -------------- -------------- -------------- Deficit, end of year $ (5,147) $ (3,280) $ (2,452) ============== ============== ============== Loss per share (note 16) - basic and diluted $ (15.53) $ (6.89) $ (10.95) ============== ============== ============== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
AIR CANADA Consolidated Statement of Financial Position =========================================================================================================================== (Under Creditor Protection as of April 1, 2003 - note 1) (in millions - Canadian dollars) December 31 2003 2002 -------------- -------------- ASSETS Current Cash and cash equivalents $ 670 $ 558 Restricted cash (note 2) 157 63 Accounts receivable 502 697 Spare parts, materials and supplies 211 358 Prepaid expenses 171 86 -------------- -------------- 1,711 1,762 Property and equipment (note 3) 1,771 2,288 Deferred charges (note 4) 2,332 1,781 Goodwill 510 510 Other assets (note 5) 586 1,071 -------------- -------------- $ 6,910 $ 7,412 ============== ============== LIABILITIES Liabilities not subject to compromise Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 1,700 $ 1,713 Advance ticket sales 529 506 Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations (note 9) 173 373 -------------- -------------- 2,402 2,592 Long-term and subordinated perpetual debt and capital lease obligations (note 9) 332 4,314 Future income taxes (note 17) 11 28 Other long-term liabilities (note 13) 1,643 1,405 Deferred credits (note 14) 1,364 1,361 -------------- -------------- 5,752 9,700 Liabilities subject to compromise (note 10) 5,313 - -------------- -------------- 11,065 9,700 -------------- -------------- Commitments (note 18) and Contingencies, Guarantees and Indemnities (note 21) and Going Concern (note 1) SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Share capital and other equity (note 15) 967 977 Contributed durplus 25 15 Deficit (5,147) (3,280) -------------- -------------- (4,155) (2,288) -------------- -------------- $ 6,910 $ 7,412 ============== ============== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
AIR CANADA Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow ================================================================================================================================ (Under Creditor Protection as of April 1, 2003 - note 1) (in millions - Canadian dollars) Year Ended December 31 2003 2002 2001 -------------- -------------- -------------- Cash flows from (used for) Operating Loss for the year $ (1,867) $ (828) $ (1,315) Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operations Reorganization and restructuring items (note 7) 986 - - Depreciation, amortization and obsolescence 366 372 441 Loss on sale of and provisions on assets (note 6) 168 42 85 Foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items (137) 60 20 Future income taxes (note 17) (19) 372 319 Employee future benefit funding less than expense 179 188 156 Decrease in accounts receivable 89 87 142 Decrease (increase) in spare parts, materials and supplies 55 (21) 24 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 50 (145) (490) Increase (decrease) in advance ticket sales 23 25 (17) Aircraft lease payments less than (in excess of) rent expense (note 1) 363 (253) (423) Recovery of lease rebates - 145 - Other (117) (139) (14) -------------- -------------- -------------- 139 (95) (1,072) -------------- -------------- -------------- Financing Short-term loans - - (178) Long-term borrowings - 78 996 Reduction of long-term debt and capital lease obligations (81) (672) (566) CIBC credit facility borrowings (note 1) 315 - - CIBC credit facility repayments (note 1) (159) - - DIP financing fees (note 1) (62) - - Proceeds from sale and leaseback of assets - 284 1,468 Other 9 - (2) -------------- -------------- -------------- 22 (310) 1,718 -------------- -------------- -------------- Investing Proceeds from sale of assets 45 17 164 Additions to property and equipment, net of recovered progress payments (96) (109) (179) Investments and advances 2 (12) (1) -------------- -------------- -------------- (49) (104) (16) -------------- -------------- -------------- Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 112 (509) 630 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 558 1,067 437 -------------- -------------- -------------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 670 $ 558 $ 1,067 ============== ============== ============== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (currencies in millions - Canadian dollars) 1. CREDITOR PROTECTION AND RESTRUCTURING (See note 23 - Subsequent Events) On April 1, 2003, Air Canada obtained an order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (the "Court") providing creditor protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act ("CCAA"). On April 1, 2003, Air Canada, through its Court-appointed Monitor, also made a concurrent petition for recognition and ancillary relief under Section 304 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The CCAA and U.S. proceedings cover Air Canada and the following of its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Jazz Air Inc., ZIP Air Inc., 3838722 Canada Inc., Air Canada Capital Ltd., Manoir International Finance Inc., Simco Leasing Ltd., and Wingco Leasing Inc. (collectively, the "Applicants"). Aeroplan Limited Partnership ("Aeroplan"), Touram Inc. ("Air Canada Vacations"), Maple Leaf Holdings USA Inc., and Destina.ca Inc. ("Destina") are not included in the filings. The Court orders provide for a general stay period, including certain payment moratoriums, that expires on April 15, 2004, subject to further extension as the Courts may deem appropriate. This stay generally precludes parties from taking any action against the Applicants for breach of contractual or other obligations. The purpose of the stay period order is to provide the Applicants with relief designed to stabilize operations and business relationships with customers, employees, suppliers, lessors and service providers. During the stay period, Air Canada is developing its revised business plan and negotiating new arrangements with creditors, including aircraft lessors, and labour unions with a view to having those arrangements renegotiated prior to proposing a final plan of reorganization, compromise and arrangement (the "Plan"), including new financing for its overall exit financing needs as well as an investment agreement with an equity sponsor, a rights offering and financing from certain commercial partners. . The Applicants continue operations under the provisions of the Court orders. The Applicants are undertaking an operational, commercial, financial and corporate restructuring and expect to propose a Plan, which would be presented to the Court for confirmation after submission to the Applicants' creditors for their approval. A Plan would propose, among other things, the settlement of the Applicants' compromised liabilities and the Corporation's capital structure upon emergence. The CCAA filings triggered defaults on substantially all of the Applicants' debt and lease obligations. The Court orders stay most actions against the Applicants, including actions to collect pre-filing indebtedness or to exercise control over the Applicants' property. As a result of the stay, the Applicants have ceased making payments of interest and principal on substantially all debt. The orders also grant the Applicants with the authority, among other things, a) to pay outstanding and future employee wages, salaries and employee benefits and other employee obligations; b) to honour obligations related to airline tickets and Aeroplan redemptions; and c) to honour obligations related to the Applicants' interline, clearing house, code sharing and other similar agreements. Basis of Presentation and Going Concern Issues The consolidated financial statements include the results of Air Canada and its subsidiaries; Jazz Air Inc., ZIP Air Inc., 3838722 Canada Inc., Air Canada Capital Ltd., Manoir International Finance Inc., Maple Leaf Holdings USA Inc., Simco Leasing Ltd., Wingco Leasing Inc., Aeroplan Limited Partnership, Touram Inc. and Destina.ca Inc. (collectively, the "Corporation"). While the Corporation has filed for and been granted creditor protection, these financial statements continue to be prepared using Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. The creditor 1 protection proceedings provide for a period of time for the Corporation to stabilize its operations and develop a Plan. As described below, debtor-in-possession financing has been approved by the Court. This financing is intended to provide the Applicants with sufficient funds to allow for operations to continue during the stay period. Management expects that the Plan to restructure the operations under creditor protection will allow the operations to continue as a going concern. During this period, Management will continue to operate the businesses within the constraints of the Court orders. Management believes that these actions make the going concern basis appropriate, however, it is not possible to predict the outcome of these matters and there is substantial doubt about the Corporation's ability to continue as a going concern. There can be no assurance that the results of these actions will improve the financial condition of the Corporation. If the going concern basis is not appropriate, adjustments may be necessary in the carrying amounts and/or classification of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in these consolidated financial statements. If the Corporation emerges from CCAA proceedings and there is a substantial realignment of equity and non-equity interests, the identifiable assets and liabilities of the Corporation, or a successor, will be based on the fair values of such assets and liabilities. Under Canadian GAAP, goodwill is not permitted to be recognized on a financial reorganization and there will be material adjustments to other assets and liabilities of the Corporation on the basis of fair valuing assets and liabilities in accordance with fresh start reporting. Financing During CCAA Proceedings General Electric Debtor-in Possession ("DIP") Financing On May 1, 2003, the Court approved a credit agreement between the Corporation and GE Canada Finance Holding Company ("GE Capital"). Parties to the credit agreement include the Applicants, as well as Aeroplan, Air Canada Vacations and Destina. The DIP facility is secured by all of the unencumbered present and future assets of Air Canada and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, with the exception of the security provided under the CIBC and Amex facilities, as described below, until the facility is repaid in full. Each of Air Canada's subsidiaries that are parties to the agreement has guaranteed payment of the Corporation's obligations. In consideration of, and in order to obtain the DIP financing, Air Canada agreed that the Corporation's existing aircraft lease obligations to GE Capital, or its affiliated companies, in respect of 22 specific aircraft leases would be cross-collateralized by the security described above. The DIP financing is made up of both a credit advance facility and a letter of credit facility with a maximum combined borrowing under the two facilities of US$700. The DIP financing can be drawn in either US or Canadian funds. Under the credit agreement, the availability of funds is determined by a formula based on a percentage of eligible assets available as security. Funds available under the combined facilities are subject to certain conditions including the maintenance of a loan collateral ratio. As at December 31, 2003, the maximum amount available under the combined facilities was $840, of which letters of credit totalling $19 were issued against the letter of credit facility. As at March 26, 2004, the maximum amount available under the combined facilities was $932 of which $300 was drawn against the credit advance facility and letters of credit totalling $20 were issued against the letter of credit facility. The combined unused and accessible amount under the DIP financing was $612 at March 26, 2004. The DIP facility has a maximum term that extends to the effective date of the Plan under the CCAA proceedings. Required payments of amounts owed under the credit advance facility or termination of 2 the letter of credit facility may be earlier than the term indicated upon the occurrence of an event of default under the credit agreement. Mandatory prepayments in the following amounts will be required: o All net proceeds, after satisfying prior-ranking liens and court ordered charges, of any sale or other disposition of any assets of the Applicants; and o Subject to exceptions for repairs and replacements and satisfaction of prior-ranking liens and court ordered charges, all net insurance proceeds or other awards payable in connection with the loss, destruction or condemnation of any assets of the Applicants. US dollar borrowings under the credit advance bear interest at rates per annum equal to either the US index rate plus 5%, or the London interbank offered rate ("LIBOR") rate plus 6.5%, at the Corporation's option. Canadian dollar borrowings under the credit advance bear interest at rates per annum equal to either the Canadian Index rate plus 5% or the bankers acceptance ("BA") rate plus 6.5% at the Corporation's option. Closing and commitment fees under this credit agreement were $62. As at December 31, 2003, they have been fully amortized to reorganization and restructuring items. An unused credit advance facility fee is payable, at rates per annum, of 0.5% on unused facility less than US$100, of 0.75% for unused facility between US$100 and US$200 and of 1.0% for unused facility greater than US$200. Outstanding letters of credit incur a fee of 4% per annum. An annual collateral monitoring fee of US$0.5 is payable up to the effective date of a Plan or the expiration of the DIP financing. These fees, amounting to $5 in 2003, are being charged to reorganization and restructuring items as incurred. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce ("CIBC") Credit Card and Credit Agreements On May 14, 2003, the Court approved an agreement the Corporation had reached with CIBC on a new contract with respect to the CIBC Aerogold Visa card program. The new co-branding credit card agreement, effective since June 11, 2003, modifies the terms of the original agreement including an increase of approximately 24% in the amount to be paid by CIBC for loyalty points through 2013, the relaxation of the exclusivity provisions and contemplates the transfer and assignment of Air Canada's rights in such new agreement to Aeroplan. As a consequence of the Corporation's repudiation of the agreement in place prior to the filings, CIBC is seeking damages which include a contractual termination payment in the amount of $209. As this represents an unsecured claim in the CCAA proceedings, the claim amount is reported in liabilities subject to compromise (note 10). In addition, the new CIBC contract also provided the Corporation with a secured non-revolving term borrowing facility. The Corporation received financing of $315 ($319 net of transaction fees of $4). Monthly principal and interest payments are required for the term of the loan which extends to October 1, 2004. The facility bears interest at CIBC's prime lending rate (4.5% at December 31, 2003) and is secured by all accounts receivable due by CIBC under the agreement and all of the present and future licenses, trademarks and design marks owned by Air Canada and Aeroplan and used by CIBC in connection with the Aerogold program. During the year, at CIBC's option, principal 3 of $55 was reduced through the offset of amounts owing from CIBC for Aeroplan miles purchased. In addition, cash payments of principal in the amount of $159 were repaid during the year. Amex Bank of Canada Inc. ("Amex") Charge Card and Financing Agreement On December 10, 2003, the Court approved an agreement the Corporation had reached with Amex with respect to a new co-branded consumer and corporate charge card program and Aeroplan's participation in Amex's Canadian and International Membership Rewards Programs. The Amex agreement provides Amex with the right to issue co-branded Aeroplan charge cards and to purchase loyalty points to be allocated to users of the Amex charge cards. Amex will pay a price per loyalty point which is comparable to the price paid to Aeroplan under similar contracts. Amex shall be the exclusive card provider issuing co-branded Aeroplan charge cards in Canada, subject to certain exceptions, including arrangements between Air Canada, Aeroplan and CIBC and between Air Canada, Aeroplan and Diners International. The initial term of the Amex agreement is 10 years. This agreement also provided the Corporation with a secured non-revolving term borrowing facility of $80 that was not drawn until January 2004. There were no transaction fees in connection with this borrowing. Monthly principal and interest payments are required for the term of the loan which extends to January 5, 2006 which may be extended in six month intervals at the request of either party and subject to consent by the non-requesting party. Under the terms of the Amex agreements, the facility may be repaid, at Amex's option, as loyalty points are purchased and as amounts are due to Air Canada and Aeroplan under the Amex agreement. The facility bears interest at the Bank of Montreal's prime lending rate and is secured by all accounts receivable due by Amex under the agreement and all of the present and future licenses, trademarks and design marks owned by Air Canada and Aeroplan and used by Amex in connection with the agreement. Lease Restructuring Under the CCAA filings, the Court approved a payment moratorium on all aircraft lease payments commencing on April 1, 2003. The moratorium period is intended to provide the Applicants with the necessary time to negotiate revised financial arrangements for the use of the aircraft with the various lessors or, alternatively, to make arrangements for the return of the aircraft to the lessors. This unilateral return is referred to as a lease repudiation. Some lease renegotiations are effective immediately upon agreement by both parties while others are contingent upon such future events as the Corporation's emergence from Court protection under CCAA. Rental payments have generally recommenced upon satisfactory re-negotiation of the lease terms. As a result of the payment moratorium, the Corporation's cash flows from operations for the year are higher by $520 compared with what they would have been had payments continued at the contractual amounts in effect on March 31, 2003. The table below summarizes the status of the Corporation's leased fleet reductions and lease renegotiations as at December 31, 2003 and March 26, 2004: 4 April 1-December 31 January 1-March 26 2003 2004 -------------------------------------- Aircraft leased at beginning of period 278 242 Leases repudiated (28) (1) Consensual returns or lease expirations (11) (8) Additions 3 - ------------------------------------ Aircraft leased at end of period 242 233 ==================================== Status of lease renegotiations General Electric (agreements conditional on emergence from creditor protection) 86 86 Completed 100 145 Agreed in principle, but not completed 39 2 Outstanding 17 - ------------------------------------ 242 233 ==================================== The following summarized information is provided regarding the leases renegotiated or repudiated for the period April 1 - December 31, 2003 as indicated above. General Electric Capital Corporation Leases As at April 1, 2003, General Electric Capital Corporation and certain of its affiliates, including General Electric Capital Aviation Services, Inc. ("GECAS") and GECAS managed entities (collectively, "GECC"), leased, managed the leases of, or otherwise had an interest in 108 aircraft and 15 spare engines. In addition, the Corporation had loans outstanding with GECC related to 7 aircraft simulators. On April 1, 2003, the Applicants' lease obligations with respect to 22 aircraft were cross-collateralized as described under DIP Financing. The Corporation entered into agreements with GECC regarding the restructuring of 106 GECC owned and GECC managed aircraft leases. The Court approved these agreements on January 16, 2004. In addition, the Corporation and GECC agreed to new financing arrangements as described later under "GECC Exit Financing and Share Purchase Warrants". These agreements are conditional on the Applicants successfully emerging from CCAA proceedings prior to April 30, 2004 (or such later date as may be agreed between the parties). Commencing in July, 2003, the Corporation made catch-up payments to GECC with respect to all accrued lease charges for the period April 1, 2003 to the date of payment and continues to make lease payments for post-CCAA filing lease charges as they come due. The agreements resulted in the following: o Two GECC managed and one GECC owned aircraft were returned to the lessor resulting in payments to the lessor of $16. These amounts were paid in February, 2004. Upon the Corporation's emergence from CCAA proceedings, GECC will pay the Corporation an amount of approximately $1 representing maintenance adjustments on returned aircraft. o The lease rates on 35 GECC owned aircraft were reduced for all or a portion of the remaining lease term. In addition, lease extensions were negotiated on two of these aircraft. The Corporation continues to pay rent on these aircraft at the pre-filing contract lease rates until the restructuring agreement becomes effective on emergence from the CCAA proceedings. o The lease rates on 10 GECC managed aircraft were reduced effective April 1, 2003. 5 o Cash flow relief will be provided for 29 GECC owned aircraft whereby the Corporation will defer a portion of the original lease payment due on each payment date with the portion deferred to be included in Tranche B of the GECC Exit Financing (see "GECC Exit Financing and Share Purchase Warrants"). This relief is effective upon emergence and the Corporation continues to make current rent payments at the original lease rates. o Cash flow relief for pre-July 1, 2003 rents, funded through the Exit Financing, and reduced rental rates from July 1, 2003 through to the date of emergence on two B747-400 aircraft. o GECC's right to take title to 20 parked and unused aircraft was terminated resulting in the Corporation effectively retaining these aircraft. o For seven undelivered aircraft, lease agreements covering four aircraft were terminated. The leases on the remaining three aircraft were modified to reflect shorter lease terms and lower lease rates. These aircraft were delivered in 2003. Deposits of approximately US$9 related to the seven aircraft were retained by GECC. o The simulator loans amounting to US$50 as at December 31, 2003, and 15 engine leases were not modified. All amounts due to the date of emergence are to be paid in full at that time and the Corporation is to provide GECC with a certificate of deposit collateralizing approximately US$5 of the remaining amount due on the simulator loans. The Corporation is entitled to a rebate of the difference between the amount of rent actually paid in respect of the GECC owned aircraft for the period from July 1, 2003 to the effective date and the amount which would have been owing had the lease amendments become effective on July 1, 2003. This rebate is contingent on the Corporation paying certain outstanding charges upon emergence from CCAA proceedings. With respect to GECC leases, the difference between the amended rents and amounts due under the original lease contracts will be forgiven at the expiry date of the leases if no material defaults have occurred. If a material default occurs, this difference plus interest will become due and payable and all future rent will be based on the original contracted rates. Also included in the agreements is Air Canada's commitment, conditional on emergence from the protection of CCAA, to purchase, on or before September 30, 2004, two leased B747-400 aircraft for an aggregate amount approximately equal to the sum of US$246; plus imputed interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 4% to the date of purchase; and a breakage amount of approximately US$5.5 per aircraft. As a result of this commitment, the Corporation has recorded a net provision for the residual value guarantees on these aircraft (note 7). The estimated fair market value of these two aircraft is approximately US$89. GECC has agreed to finance this purchase as follows: o Air Canada will issue to GECC a non recourse note in the amount of US$50. This note will have a term of 10 years and will accrue annual interest at the same rate as Tranche B of the Exit Facility (see discussion under "GECC Exit Financing and Share Purchase Warrants"). Prior to the maturity date of this note Air Canada will be required to pay the lesser of the principal amount plus accrued interest or the US$ equivalent of the proceeds from any sale or lease of the two aircraft in full settlement of this portion of the obligation.; o Air Canada will issue to GECC a secured note in the amount of US$102. Interest will be charged at the rate of LIBOR plus 4%. Blended principal and interest payments are to be made over four years from the date of issuance, however mandatory prepayments will be required to be made from any proceeds realized by Air Canada from the sale of its three 6 owned B747-200 aircraft and any B747 spare parts, inventory, tooling and test equipment. o Air Canada will issue a 7.5% secured convertible note in the aggregate amount of US$105 plus the imputed interest on the US$246 base purchase price (the "Convertible Note"). The originally agreed repayment terms and conversion privileges have been superseded by an agreement between GECC, Air Canada and Trinity Time Investments Limited. ("Trinity"). As discussed below under Equity Solicitation, if the Convertible Note is issued, as contemplated, upon the Corporation's emergence from Court protection under CCAA, it is to be immediately repaid and cancelled pursuant to an agreement entered into between GECC and Trinity, subject to certain amounts being paid by Trinity to GECC but without any additional amounts to be paid by the Corporation, excepting the redemption and early redemption premiums of 9% contemplated in the original GECC agreement with the Corporation. For more detailed information regarding the completion conditions present in the GECC agreements see the section below under the heading "GECC Exit Financing and Share Purchase Warrants". Other Aircraft Leases In addition to the GECC leases discussed above, as at December 31, 2003 the Corporation has completed renegotiation of amended lease terms with 21 aircraft lessors covering 100 aircraft. There are no outstanding material conditions in regards to these renegotiated leases and payments to all these lessors have resumed in accordance with the renegotiated terms. As a result of the renegotiated lease terms, five leases previously classified as operating leases have been converted to capital leases. The agreements with other lessors resulted in the following : o Deposits of $23 have been written off involving three lessors and 25 aircraft. o Lease extensions with respect to 39 aircraft leases, involving 14 lessors, with an average extension of approximately 24 months. o All renegotiated aircraft leases in 2003, including those agreed in principle, resulted in reduced rent with the exception of 24 aircraft involving five lessors. o As a result of the renegotiation, 27 aircraft leases with nine lessors contain purchase options. The Corporation continues to defer lease payments for its remaining aircraft leases while negotiations continue concerning amended lease terms or where all the relevant conditions in these renegotiated leases have not been met. Refer to note 10 for a discussion on the Corporation's accruals regarding submitted claims with respect to repudiated and renegotiated aircraft leases. The charge for repudiated aircraft leases is recorded under reorganization and restructuring items. The charge for renegotiated aircraft leases is deferred and amortized to reorganization and restructuring items over the remaining or revised lease terms. Repudiation of Property Leases and the Restructuring of Other Contractual Commitments As at December 31, 2003 and since April 1, 2003, a total of 46 property leases have been repudiated or assigned. 7 Between April 1, 2003 and December 31, 2003 the Corporation has repudiated or renegotiated various supplier contracts, including major contracts in respect of telecommunications, fuel and technology. Refer to note 10 for a discussion on the Corporation's accruals regarding submitted claims with respect to property leases and other contractual commitments. The charge related to repudiated property leases and contracts is recorded in reorganization and restructuring items. The charge related to renegotiated contracts is deferred and amortized as a charge to reorganization and restructuring items over the specific life of major contracts and over five years for all other less significant contracts. Other Financing and Investing Agreements Contingent upon Successful Emergence from CCAA Management is currently developing its Plan to emerge from the CCAA proceedings. The Corporation has entered into a number of arrangements related to exit financing and new equity investments as described below. These arrangements are conditional on successful emergence of the Applicants from the CCAA proceedings and certain other requirements. The successful emergence from the CCAA proceedings is dependent on the approval of the Plan by qualifying creditors and approval by the Court. There can be no assurance that creditors of the Applicants will accept the Plan or that the Applicants will emerge from the CCAA proceedings. 8 GECC Exit Financing and Share Purchase Warrants Pursuant to the agreements described above under the heading "General Electric Capital Corporation Leases", GECC has agreed to extend debt financing to Air Canada upon it's emergence from CCAA in the form of an exit facility of US$585. This facility, divided into two tranches, would be secured by a fixed and floating charge over the unencumbered assets of Air Canada and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Tranche A, a non-revolving term loan facility in the amount of US$425, is to be advanced in one draw on emergence from the CCAA proceedings provided the Applicants have a minimum of $750 cash on hand. It would bear interest at Air Canada's option at either a one, two or three month LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin, or a 30, 60 or 90 day BA rate plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is to be initially set at 4.25% subject to a later adjustment based upon Air Canada's credit rating, or, if not available, based on EBITDAR (defined as operating income(loss) before non-recurring labour expenses and reorganization and restructuring items, adding back depreciation, amortization and obsolescence and aircraft rent) performance. The term is to be seven years with no principal payments required for the first three years. Equal quarterly principal payments would be required for the four years thereafter. Interest payments are required at the end of each LIBOR or BA period, depending upon the option selected by Air Canada, from the date of issue. Tranche B, a non-revolving credit facility in the amount of US$160 related to the cash flow relief on certain aircraft as described above in "General Electric Capital Corporation Leases" would mature on March 31, 2013. Draws would commence in the first month following emergence. Principal repayments would commence on April 1, 2009 and continue in equal quarterly installments over four years. Interest would be calculated at Air Canada's option based upon either a one, two or three month LIBOR rate plus a margin of 4.0% and would be payable in arrears at the end of each LIBOR period. Subject to the conditions below, the facility would be used to refinance the Corporation's existing working capital indebtedness on the effective date of the Plan, to otherwise enable the corporation to consummate the Plan on its effective date and for general corporate purposes. Under the terms of the exit facility, prepayments of varying amounts may be required upon the sale of any interest in Aeroplan depending upon the interest sold and the related proceeds. A transaction fee of US$11 is payable on the effective date. Collateral monitoring fees of US$0.5 are payable on the effective date and each anniversary thereof during the term of the exit facility. In addition, optional prepayments on the Tranche A after the first six months and during the first three years are subject to a 3% prepayment fee. The loans are subject to financial covenants requiring certain minimum cash balances ranging from $500 to $750, certain collateral value of spare parts and rotables, a minimum EBITDAR and the loans impose certain limitations on other borrowings and capital lease obligations. The GECC agreement also contemplates additional financing of up to US$950 to fund the purchase of new regional jet aircraft. The financing may be used in connection with up to 25 operating leases provided that the aircraft models and types are acceptable to GECC with the remainder to be provided in the form of debt financing. The GECC agreement also provides for the delivery of share purchase warrants of Air Canada or its successor to GECC for the purchase of 4% of the common stock of the Corporation or its successor at an exercise price equal to the price to be paid for such shares by a new shareholder of the Corporation that is expected to invest significant equity funds in a post-emergence Air Canada (the "Equity Sponsor"). The determination of the price to be paid for emergence equity is not known at this time. As discussed below under "Equity Solicitation", GECC has entered into an agreement with 9 Trinity that requires the warrants to be cancelled upon the Corporation's emergence from CCAA, subject to certain amounts being payable by Trinity to GECC, but without any consideration payable by the Corporation. Completion of all aspects of the GECC agreements, including the lease renegotiations described previously, is subject to various conditions including the following: o Conversion of all of the Applicants' unsecured debt into equity under the Plan; o Substantial restructuring of the Corporation, which is sanctioned and approved by the Courts, in accordance with the Plan presented by the airline, and emergence from CCAA no later than April 30, 2004; to GECC's satisfaction with the amount of the overall exit financing and key terms of the Equity Sponsor's investment; o GECC's satisfaction with the Corporation's business plan, ownership structure, capital structure and governance structure under the Plan; and, o No defaults under any existing GECC-related entity transactions. Equity Solicitation On January 16, 2004, the Court approved the investment proposal received from Trinity. The investment agreement between Air Canada and Trinity calls for a $650 equity investment in exchange for 31.13% of the fully diluted equity of a newly formed holding company ("ACE"). Trinity will hold 49% of the votes that may be cast on any matter upon which shareholders are generally entitled to vote. In conjunction with the investment agreement, Trinity has entered into the GECC agreement with GECC. The GECC agreement requires Trinity or its assignee (which includes Air Canada) to purchase (i) the GECC Convertible Note of US$105 plus an early redemption premium equal to 9% of the principal amount; and (ii) the GECC Warrants for 4% of the fully diluted non-voting equity of the restructured Air Canada as provided for in the GECC agreement. Trinity has further agreed that it will make the transaction contemplated by the GECC agreement effective immediately upon the closing of the investment. Trinity has agreed to support the development of a management equity linked compensation program which will provide a maximum of 5% of the fully diluted equity (with a maximum of 3% upon the closing of the investment) through a combination of options and stock grants to Management. Trinity further requires that each of Robert Milton, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Calin Rovinescu, Executive Vice President and Chief Restructuring Officer, shall hold not less than 0.25% of ACE's fully diluted shares upon closing, rising to not less than 1% of ACE's total equity within the following three years. Such equity shares are to be acquired pursuant to the management equity linked compensation arrangement. Under the terms of the investment agreement, Trinity will elect five of the 11 directors on ACE's board of directors. The remaining six directors will have to be satisfactory to Trinity. The obligation of Trinity to make the investment contemplated by the investment agreement is conditional on the satisfaction of, or compliance with, a number of conditions, including the following: (i)completion of funding arrangements for the pension and benefit plans, and of an agreement with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions ("OSFI") relating to Air Canada's pension plan deficit; (ii) benefit plans, pensions plans and executive compensations plans satisfactory to Trinity; (iii) 10 fulfilment of certain financial conditions with respect to labour productivity, cost savings, capital expenditures, consolidated available cash, consolidated working capital, consolidated funded indebtedness, liabilities, revenue and EBITDAR; (iv) completion of the exit facility and of all other agreements with GECC; (v) no occurrence of any event of default with respect to the exit facility or any related agreement, the Amex facility or the CIBC credit agreement; (vi) receipt of governmental assurances with respect to the government's position on competitive and regulatory environments, airport ground rent, navigation and security charges; (vii) completion of the aircraft fleet restructuring; (viii) agreements pertaining to the purchase and/or lease of up to 105 new narrowbody jet aircraft entered into upon terms and conditions satisfactory to Trinity, and allocation of the new aircraft between mainline, Jazz and ZIP resolved in a manner satisfactory to Trinity; (ix) completion of the restructuring process resulting in ACE becoming the ultimate holding company; (x) all material agreements between Air Canada and Aeroplan, including the co-branding card arrangements with Amex and CIBC entered into upon terms and conditions that are no less favourable than the draft agreements provided to Trinity;(xi) completion of the rights offering with not less than $450 received by ACE pursuant thereto; (xii) the Star Alliance agreements to be acceptable to Trinity acting reasonably; and (xiii) receipt of confirmation of ACE's future tax position, including certain maximum liability thresholds. Should these conditions not be satisfied or waived by Trinity by May 1, 2004 (or such later date as may be agreed between the parties), Trinity would have the option to terminate the investment agreement and Air Canada would be released from its non-solicitation obligations. The investment agreement contemplates a break fee of $19.5 payable to Trinity if Trinity terminates the investment agreement on account of the occurrence of certain events. The investment agreement further provides that Trinity will receive a $6.5 commitment fee payable upon the closing, as well as a monthly fee of $0.5 until termination or closing. In addition, Air Canada has agreed to pay Trinity's expenses to December 19, 2003 amounting to $5. Trinity has also entered into an agreement with Deutsche Bank to amend the Deutsche Bank standby purchase agreement referred to below such that eligible holders who exercise their rights in full are given an opportunity to subscribe for additional shares in excess of their prescribed allocation under the rights offering. Refer to note 23 for subsequent events relating to the Trinity investment agreement. Rights Offering On December 8, 2003 the Court approved a standby purchase agreement that the Corporation entered into with Deutsche Bank, whereby Deutsche Bank will act as exclusive standby purchaser of a proposed rights offering to Air Canada's creditors in an amount of $450. The proposed share purchase rights are expected to be made available to the Applicant's creditors at a per share price equal to that of the equity shares acquired by the Equity Sponsor. The rights offering to creditors will close contemporaneously with the closing of the Equity Sponsor's agreement. Rights not purchased by creditors are to be purchased by Deutsche Bank at a premium determined in accordance with a formula not to exceed 15% of the approved Equity Sponsor's purchase price. Completion of the rights offering is subject to conditions based on the Applicant's emergence from CCAA and the completion of an investment by an approved Equity Sponsor. Air Canada and Deutsche Bank are negotiating an amendment to the agreement to provide that eligible holders that exercise their rights in full will have the opportunity to subscribe for a certain number of additional rights under the rights offering at the same premium as that payable by Deutsche Bank. Under this over allotment arrangement, creditors may subscribe for up to 50% of the unsubscribed 11 rights, while the balance shall be subscribed for by Deutsche Bank. This amendment, when finalized, is subject to approval by the Court. Deutsche Bank is entitled, at its option, to terminate the standby purchase agreement if the Equity Sponsor fails to perform its funding obligations on or before April 30, 2004. Labour Related Restructuring Items Non-Unionized Labour Reductions A workforce reduction plan pertaining to the Corporation's non-unionized employees has been approved by Management. Implementation of the plan began in May 2003 and is expected to continue until the end of 2004. The Corporation has recorded a charge to reorganization and restructuring items of $49 in 2003 pertaining to the involuntary severance costs associated with this non-unionized workforce reduction plan. In March, 2004, the Corporation announced a voluntary separation program of up to 300 non-unionized employees. The costs associated with this program will be recorded as applications are accepted by the Corporation. Unionized Labour Reductions Implementation of the workforce reduction plan pertaining to the Corporation's unionized employees commenced in the second quarter of 2003 as a result of agreed modifications to all collective agreements between employee unions and the Corporation. It is expected to be substantially completed by mid 2004. Certain labour agreements are conditional upon the acceptance of the Plan by all creditors and stakeholders and its sanction by the Court. Failure to satisfy the conditions will result in a snapback to pre-CCAA agreements on a prospective basis. Based on the contractual termination benefits contained in the agreements, an accrual of $31 has been recorded as a charge during the year. Some of the unionized workforce reductions will also be achieved through voluntary separation packages. The total expected cost of this portion of the workforce reduction plan is approximately $44 and has been recorded in reorganization and restructuring items. Accrued but unpaid merger or loyalty bonuses to certain employee groups were cancelled as part of the modified collective agreements. In this regard, a credit to reorganization and restructuring items of $32 was recorded. In addition, a credit to reorganization and restructuring items of $20 was recorded related to an adjustment to accrued vacation liabilities as a result of lower wage rates and reduced vacation entitlements, as well as a credit of $5 related to other employee programs. 12 Nine months ended December 31, 2003 -------------------------------- Involuntary Voluntary Severance Separation Opening balance $ - $ - Charges recorded 80 44 Amounts disbursed (25) (1) -------------------------------- Provision as at December 31, 2003 $ 55 $ 43 ================================ Pension Plans On March 21, 2003, OSFI issued a direction of compliance ordering Air Canada to make contributions in excess of the amounts contemplated in its most recent filed actuarial valuations. Specifically, Air Canada was directed to remit contributions approximately equal to the contribution holidays taken in 2002, amounting to approximately $105, and to cease taking any future contribution holidays. OSFI further directed Air Canada to prepare and file new actuarial valuations as at January 1, 2003 which Management believes would have triggered additional funding obligations. Pursuant to Air Canada's filing for court protection from its creditors under CCAA, the Court ordered Air Canada to suspend its contributions to funded pension plans, pending further order of the Court. In December, 2003, the Court amended its original order to permit certain contributions to be remitted representing 2003 current service costs. As a result, the Corporation made contributions of $101 in December, 2003, and $31 in January, 2004. Benefit payments from the Corporation sponsored pension plans continue to be made in accordance with plan requirements. Air Canada and representatives of the unionized and non-unionized employees and retirees have come to an agreement with respect to the funding of the pension deficit which includes a provision for a funding schedule over a ten year period. The parties have sought the support of OSFI for a recommendation to the Federal Government that it adopt the regulation necessary to give effect to the ten year funding plan. CCAA Status Many of the agreements and arrangements noted above have terms and conditions which require certain future events to occur, some of which must occur within a short period of time after the preparation of these financial statements. Management expects that certain of these conditions cannot be met within the time periods and is in the process of negotiating extensions as appropriate. There can be no assurances that the counterparties will amend the terms and conditions or any dates contained in the agreements. Accordingly, it is possible that some or all of the pending transactions may not be consummated. 13 2. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Operations Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international full service airline, providing scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo. The Air Canada family of brands includes; ZIP, Air Canada's low fare airline that commenced operations in September, 2002; and the regional airline Air Canada Jazz. As at December 31, 2003, the Corporation's route network served 148 destinations including 58 destinations in Canada, 44 destinations in the United States and 46 other international destinations. Through commercial agreements with independent regional carriers, an additional 17 North American communities are served bringing the total network to 165 destinations on five continents. Air Canada operates an extensive global network in conjunction with its international airline partners. With Air Canada's strategic alliance and commercial partnerships, as at December 31, 2003, scheduled and charter air transportation was offered to over 700 destinations in 128 countries. Supporting the airline business, the Corporation also provides airline related services. Air Canada provides aircraft and engine maintenance services to third parties. Aeroplan, Air Canada's loyalty program, rewards members both for flying on Air Canada and its airline partners, and for purchasing services from other program participants. Air Canada Vacations, a Canadian tour operator, provides packaged vacation solutions. In 2002, Air Canada launched Destina.ca, an online travel services website. Air Canada also provides ground handling and other services to airlines and other customers. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies a) Basis of Presentation and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") The consolidated financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars and are prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. As described in note 1, these consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP applicable to a going concern, which assumes that the Corporation will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business in the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that the going concern assumption is appropriate. If the going concern assumption is not appropriate, adjustments may be necessary in the carrying amounts and/or classification of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in these consolidated financial statements. The timing of the recognition of reorganization and restructuring items is consistent with Canadian GAAP and is based on recent guidance issued by the Emerging Issues Committee ("EIC") in EIC 134 - Accounting for Severance and Termination Benefits and EIC 135 - Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit and Disposal Activities (Including Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). In addition to Canadian GAAP, the Corporation is applying the guidance in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 90-7, "Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code" (SOP 90-7). 14 Consistent with Canadian GAAP, SOP 90-7 does not change the manner in which financial statements are prepared. However, SOP 90-7 does require that the financial statements for periods subsequent to the filing distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business. Revenues, expenses, gains and losses, and provisions for losses that can be directly associated with the reorganization and restructuring of the business are reported separately as reorganization and restructuring items (note 7). Interest expense has been reported only to the extent that it will be paid under the Plan or that it is probable that it will be an allowed claim. The consolidated statement of financial position distinguishes pre-filing liabilities subject to compromise (note 10) from both those pre-filing liabilities that are not subject to compromise together with post-filing liabilities. Cash flows related to reorganization items have been disclosed separately in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Consolidated financial statements that include one or more entities in reorganization proceedings and one or more entities not in reorganization proceedings include disclosure of condensed combined financial statements of the entities in reorganization proceedings, including disclosure of the amount of intercompany receivables and payables therein between Applicants and non-Applicants (note 8). b) Principles of Consolidation These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Air Canada as well as all of the Corporation's subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. c) Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. d) Air Transportation Revenues Airline passenger and cargo advance sales are deferred and included in current liabilities. Passenger and cargo revenues are recognized when the transportation is provided. The Corporation has formed alliances with other airlines encompassing loyalty program participation, code sharing and coordination of services including reservations, baggage handling and flight schedules. Revenues are allocated based upon formulas specified in the agreements and are recognized as transportation is provided. The Corporation performs regular evaluations on the liability which may result in adjustments being recognized as revenue. Due to the complex pricing structures; the complex nature of interline and other commercial agreements used throughout the industry; historical experience over a period of many years; and other factors including refunds, exchanges and unused tickets, certain relatively small amounts are recognized as revenue based on estimates. Events and circumstances may result in actual results different from estimates, however these differences have historically not been material. e) Employee Future Benefits The significant policies related to employee future benefits are as follows: o The cost of pensions and other retirement benefits earned by employees is actuarially determined using the projected benefit method prorated on service, market interest rates, and management's best estimate of expected plan investment performance, salary escalation, retirement ages of employees and expected health care costs. 15 o An adjusted market value method is used to value plan assets for the purpose of calculating the expected return on plan assets. Under this method, realized and unrealized gains and losses arising during a given year are spread on a straight-line basis over four years. o Past service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the Expected Average Remaining Service Life (EARSL) of the employees. o Cumulative unrecognized net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or adjusted market value of plan assets at the beginning of the year are amortized over EARSL. Unamortized negative balances may be recognized immediately so that the accrued pension asset does not exceed the expected future benefit. f) Property and Equipment Property and equipment is originally recorded at cost. Property under capital leases and the related obligation for future lease payments are initially recorded at an amount equal to the lesser of fair value and the present value of those lease payments. Property and equipment is carried at the lesser of amortized cost and net recoverable amount. Operating property and equipment, including property under capital lease, are depreciated to estimated residual values based on the straight-line method over their estimated service lives. Mainline aircraft and flight equipment are depreciated over 20 to 25 years, with 10 to 15% estimated residual values. Regional aircraft and flight equipment are depreciated over 20 years, with 20% estimated residual values. Aircraft reconfiguration costs are amortized over 3 years. Aircraft introduction costs are amortized over 4 years. Betterments to owned aircraft are capitalized and amortized over the remaining service life of the aircraft. Betterments to aircraft on operating leases are amortized over the term of the lease. Buildings are depreciated over their useful lives not exceeding 30 years on a straight line basis. An exception to this is where the useful life of the building is greater than the term of the land lease. In these circumstances, the building is depreciated over the life of the lease. Effective for disposal activities initiated on or after May 1, 2003, the Corporation adopted the new standard CICA 3475 - Disposal of Long-Lived Assets and Discontinued Operations. CICA 3475 requires assets to be disposed of by sale be presented as held for sale, subject to certain criteria including that a sale is probable within one year. Long-lived assets held for sale are measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell and are presented separately on the statement of financial position. The adoption of CICA 3475 did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements as no long-lived assets to be sold met the held for sale criteria. g) Loyalty Program The incremental cost of providing travel awards for mileage credits earned through air travel is charged to expense when the mileage credits are issued. The proceeds from the sale of mileage credits to third parties are deferred and recognized as revenue as these credits are redeemed. The Corporation performs regular evaluations on the liability which may result in certain adjustments being recognized as revenue. The current portion of incremental cost and the current portion of deferred revenue liabilities are included in accounts payable. The determination of the current portion is based on Management's estimate as to the portion of the liabilities that will be extinguished in the next twelve months. The remainder of the liabilities is carried in other long-term liabilities. 16 17 h) Income Taxes The Corporation utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes under which future income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Future income tax assets and liabilities are measured using substantively enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on future income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Future income tax assets are recognized to the extent that realization is considered more likely than not. i) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Corporation's policy for property and equipment and intangible assets other than indefinite life intangibles and goodwill is to recognize an impairment charge when an asset's carrying value exceeds its undiscounted future cash flows. The related asset is written down to its net recoverable amount representing undiscounted future cash flows. Effective January 1, 2002, the Corporation prospectively adopted the new Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants standard #3062 - Goodwill and Other Intangibles ("CICA 3062"), which no longer permits the amortization of goodwill and other indefinite life intangibles but subjects these assets to fair value impairment tests on at least an annual basis. As required by CICA 3062, goodwill was tested for impairment and it was determined that no impairment had occurred. Any impairment of goodwill would be recognized as an expense in the period of impairment. Indefinite life route rights and slot purchase costs are also subject to annual impairment tests under CICA 3062. The fair value of indefinite life route rights and slot purchase costs, and any impairment of that value, was assessed by reference to cash flows and it was determined that no impairment had occurred. Any impairment would be recognized as an expense in the period of impairment. j) Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities As a result of the filings as described in note 1, the majority of outstanding derivative contracts were terminated. In addition, certain of the anticipated cash flows or transactions that were being hedged are no longer expected to occur. The effect in 2003 of the termination of these derivative contacts and the discontinuance of hedge accounting is described in note 7. The Corporation may manage its exposure to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and jet fuel prices through the use of various derivative financial instruments. The Corporation formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Corporation assesses the effectiveness, both at the inception of the hedging relationship and throughout its term, of the derivative used at offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. Realized and unrealized gains or losses associated with derivative instruments used in a hedging relationship, which have been terminated or cease to be effective prior to maturity, are deferred and recognized in income in the period in which the hedged transaction is recognized. When an anticipated transaction that is being hedged by a derivative instrument is no longer expected to occur at the time or in the amount as when identified at the inception of the hedging relationship, any deferred amounts related to the derivative instrument are taken into income. The Corporation may also manage its foreign exchange exposure on long-term debt and anticipated transactions, as appropriate, through the use of options, forward contracts and cross currency swaps 18 with unrelated creditworthy third parties. Foreign exchange translation gains and losses are accrued and offset gains and losses resulting from the underlying hedged transaction. Premiums and discounts are amortized over the term of the contracts. The Corporation may enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates on long-term debt, as appropriate. Net receipts or payments under the Corporation's swap agreements are accrued as adjustments to interest expense. The Corporation may enter into fuel hedging arrangements through the use of derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to jet fuel price volatility. Resulting gains and losses are recorded as adjustments to fuel expense, using the settlement method, as fuel is purchased. Premiums and discounts are amortized over the term of the contracts. The Corporation may designate a hedging relationship, using an anticipated transaction as the hedging item, and apply hedge accounting when it is probable that the anticipated transaction will occur at both the time and in the amount expected. In 2002 and up to April 1, 2003, the Corporation designated a portion of future net foreign currency revenue streams as a hedge against a majority of the subordinated perpetual debt. Translation gains and losses on subordinated perpetual debt that was hedged by future net foreign currency revenue streams was deferred to be offset against the exchange gain or loss on the revenue transactions resulting from the revenue transaction being recorded at the exchange rates in effect on the inception of the hedge. k) Segment Reporting The Corporation has one operating segment, air transportation and related services. l) Foreign Currency Translation Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars at rates of exchange in effect at the date of the consolidated statement of financial position. Gains or losses are included in income. Non-monetary assets, non-monetary liabilities, revenues and expenses arising from transactions denominated in foreign currencies, are translated at rates of exchange in effect at the date of the transaction. m) Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash includes short-term investments of $458 (2002 $343). Short-term investments, comprised of bankers acceptances and bankers discount notes, may be liquidated promptly and have maturities of less than ninety days. The weighted average interest rate on short-term investments as at December 31, 2003 is 2.9% (2002 2.8%). n) Restricted Cash As at December 31, 2003, the Corporation has recorded $157 (2002 $63) in restricted cash, under current assets, representing funds held in trust by Air Canada Vacations in accordance with regulatory requirements governing advance ticket sales, recorded under current liabilities, for certain travel related activities. In addition, the Corporation has $32 (2002 $31) placed in a Directors' and Officers' Trust for the use of the Directors and Officers under certain circumstances which have been recorded in other assets (note 5). o) Spare Parts, Materials and Supplies 19 Spare parts, materials and supplies are valued at the lower of average cost and net recoverable amount. A provision for the obsolescence of flight equipment spare parts is accumulated over the estimated service lives of the related flight equipment to a 30% residual value. p) Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the costs of acquired businesses over the net amounts assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. q) Non -Transportation Revenues Non-transportation revenue includes loyalty program revenues, as described in note 2g, as well as revenues from technical services maintenance and other airline related services. Maintenance revenues are recognized in other revenues as services are performed. Certain maintenance contracts are referred to as power by the hour whereby the customer makes payments to Air Canada based on their aircraft utilization. Customer receipts under a power by the hour contract are deferred in current liabilities and recognized as revenues as maintenance services are performed. Other airline related service revenues are recognized as services are provided. r) Maintenance and Repairs Maintenance and repair costs are charged to operating expenses as incurred, with the exception of maintenance and repair costs related to return conditions on short-term aircraft leases, which are accrued over the term of the lease. s) Other Operating Expenses Included in other operating expenses are expenses related to building rent and maintenance, terminal handling, professional fees and services, crew meals and hotels, advertising and promotion, insurance costs, credit card fees, and other expenses. Expenses are recognized as incurred. t) Interest Capitalized Prior to the CCAA filings, interest on funds used to finance the acquisition of new flight equipment and other property and equipment was capitalized for periods preceding the dates the assets are available for service. u) Deferred Credits The Corporation enters into various arrangements under which aircraft and other assets are sold and leased back under operating leases. Any gain up to the amount of any residual value guarantee, is deferred for such leases entered into after September, 1999 until the guarantee is resolved. Any remaining gains and gains related to leases entered into prior to October, 1999 are amortized over the term of the lease as an adjustment to rent expense. Contributions received in exchange for extensions to commercial agreements are deferred and amortized over the life of the contract extension as other revenues. 20 v) Stock-Based Compensation Plans The Corporation has a stock option plan as described in note 15. The fair value of stock options granted is recognized as a charge to salary and wage expense over the applicable vesting period, with an offset to contributed surplus. When stock options are exercised, the consideration paid by employees, together with the amount in contributed surplus, is credited to share capital. Prior to the filings as described in note 1, the Corporation also had share appreciation plans, described in note 15. Compensation costs are accrued up until the first date of redemption at the amount by which the market value of the shares exceeds the value specified under the plan. Any subsequent change in the market value of the shares is recording in income thereafter. w) Route Rights and Slot Purchase Costs Indefinite life route rights and slot purchase costs that will be used on an ongoing basis are carried at cost and not amortized. Route rights and slot purchase costs with a fixed expiry are amortized over the term of the contract. x) Non-Recurring Labour Non-recurring labour expenses, in the year 2002, represent costs for completing the collective agreement between the Corporation and the Canadian Union of Public Employees ("CUPE"), representing Air Canada's 8000 flight attendants. The total expense has been recorded in 2002. y) Deferred Financing Costs Deferred financing costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related obligation. z) Aircraft Lease Payments in Excess of or Less Than Rent Expense Total aircraft operating lease rentals over the lease term are amortized to operating expense on a straight-line basis. Included in deferred charges and deferred credits is the difference between the straight line aircraft rent expense and the payments as stipulated under the lease agreement. For leases entered into prior to October 1999, the Corporation accrues for any expected deficiency under a residual value guarantee if it is probable the Corporation would have to make a payment based on the Corporation's expected use of the aircraft taking into consideration its ability to exercise any purchase or renewal options. When there is an expected deficiency, the Corporation accrues the deficiency over the remaining lease term. When there is a change in the expected use of the aircraft, the Corporation records a charge to income in the period of the change. For leases entered into subsequent to September 1999, the Corporation accrues any expected deficiency the Corporation is responsible for using the straight line method over the remaining term of the lease, regardless of whether the Corporation expects to exercise any purchase or renewal options. Any accruals for residual value guarantees are included in deferred credits. aa) Capacity Purchase Agreements The Corporation has capacity purchase agreements with certain unaffiliated Tier III regional carriers operating aircraft of 18 seats or less. Under these agreements, the Corporation is responsible for the marketing, ticketing and commercial arrangements relating to these flights and records the earned revenues in passenger revenue. In 2003, passenger revenues amounted to $58. Operating expenses 21 are recorded primarily in the aircraft fuel, airport and navigation fees and other operating expense categories. bb) Comparative Figures Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the financial statement presentation adopted in the current year. 22 cc) Future Accounting Standard Changes The following is an overview of accounting standard changes that the Corporation will be required to adopt in future years: Hedging Relationships Accounting Guideline 13 - Hedging Relationships (AcG 13), as issued and amended by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants ("CICA"), is effective for the Corporation beginning January 1, 2004. The new guideline concerns the identification, designation, documentation and effectiveness of hedging relationships, for the purpose of applying hedge accounting; and the discontinuance of hedge accounting. The guideline establishes the conditions that need to be met before hedge accounting can be applied and also establishes the requirement for the testing of hedge effectiveness throughout the term of the hedging relationship. AcG 13 is not intended to specify how hedge accounting is applied and, accordingly, it does not deal with hedge accounting techniques. The Corporation's current accounting policies related to hedging activities are described in note 2, under other accounting policies, and are not expected to change on the adoption of AcG 13. Concurrent with the adoption of AcG 13, the Corporation will adopt the Emerging Issues Committee ("EIC") abstract 128 - Accounting for trading, Speculative, or Non-Hedging Derivative Financial Instruments. For derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting or are entered into for trading or speculative purposes, EIC 128 requires that these derivative financial instruments be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized currently in income. As stated in note 20, the Corporation uses derivative financial instruments only for risk management purposes, not for generating trading profits. Going forward in 2004, to the extent that a derivative financial instrument does not qualify for hedge accounting or to the extent of hedge ineffectiveness, changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments will be recorded in non-operating income (expense). Generally Accepted Accounting Principles CICA 1100 - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles is effective January 1, 2004. CICA 1100 establishes standards for financial reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. It describes what constitutes Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and its sources. This Section also provides guidance on sources to consult when selecting accounting policies and determining appropriate disclosures when a matter is not dealt with explicitly in the primary sources of generally accepted accounting principles. The effect of any change in accounting policy made on adopting this Section is applied prospectively however, the Corporation does not expect any changes in accounting policy as a result of the adoption of CICA 1100. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets CICA 3063 - Impairment of Long-Lived Assets is effective January 1, 2004. CICA 3063 establishes standards for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of the impairment of long-lived assets. Under the new standard, an impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The recoverability test is based on a comparison of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset to the future net cash flows that are directly associated with, and that are expected to arise as a direct result of, its use and eventual disposition. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. The new section provides guidance on when to test for recoverability; a long-lived asset should be tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. CICA 3063 is applied prospectively. The 23 Corporation does not expect any impairment loss to be recorded as a direct result of the adoption of CICA 3063. Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities In June 2003, the Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Guideline 15 - Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (AcG 15). AcG 15 relates to the application of consolidation principles to certain entities that are subject to control on a basis other than ownership of voting interests. The purpose of AcG 15 is to provide guidance for determining when an enterprise includes the assets, liabilities and results of activities of such an entity (a "variable interest entity") in its consolidated financial statements. In January 2004 the Accounting Standards Board issued a notice reaffirming its intention that AcG 15 be harmonized with US GAAP guidance and, given amendments to the US GAAP guidance, the Accounting Standards Board advised that it was planning on issuing amendments to AcG 15 with a view that the amended AcG 15 would be effective for periods beginning on or after November 1, 2004. As the Corporation has entered into financing transactions with arms length special purpose entities with respect to a total of 62 aircraft, it continues to evaluate the potential future impact this guideline will have on its financial position and results of operations. 24 3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 2003 2002 Cost Flight equipment $ 2,021 $ 2,159 Capital leases (a) 349 504 Buildings and leasehold improvements 781 790 Ground equipment 477 475 Systems development costs 414 408 Computer equipment 88 66 ------------------------ 4,130 4,402 ------------------------ Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Flight equipment 1,243 1,207 Capital leases (a) 79 107 Buildings and leasehold improvements 507 474 Ground equipment 297 271 Systems development costs 343 272 Computer equipment 49 34 ------------------------ 2,518 2,365 ------------------------ 1,612 2,037 Progress payments (b) 159 251 ------------------------ Property and equipment at net book value $ 1,771 $ 2,288 ======================== a) As a result of renegotiated lease terms as described in note 1, five leases previously classified as operating leases have been converted to capital leases. Included in capital leases are seven aircraft (2002 - nine) with a cost of $245 (2002 - $400) less accumulated depreciation of $60 (2002 - $97) for a net book value of $185 (2002 - $303), computer equipment with a cost of $50 (2002 $50) less accumulated depreciation of $17 (2002 $10) for a net book value of $33 (2002 $40) and facilities with a cost of $54 (2002 $54) less accumulated depreciation of $2 (2002 nil) for a net book value of $52 (2002 $54). b) In 2003, the Corporation recorded provisions in the amount of $106 against progress payments where the contracts related to aircraft deliveries have been cancelled or renegotiated. Of this amount, approximately $47 is available to be applied against future aircraft orders under certain conditions. Refer to note 18 for a discussion related to AVSA progress payments. 25 Interest capitalized prior to April 1, 2003 amounted to $4 using an average interest rate of 8.0% (2002 $25 at 8.1%). As at December 31, 2003, flight equipment included 18 DC-9's (2002 - 20), three B747-200's (2002 - three), seven B767-200's (2002 - three), three B737 (2002 - four) and 26 F28 aircraft (2002 - 28) which are retired from active service with a net book value of $28 (2002 - $46) which approximates net recoverable value. 26 4. DEFERRED CHARGES 2003 2002 Aircraft lease payments in excess of rent expense (a) $ 1,783 $ 1,489 Financing costs 67 135 Deficiency claims on renegotiated aircraft leases and contracts (b) 448 - Foreign exchange hedges (note 7 (d)) - 105 Aircraft introduction costs 12 21 Other 22 31 ----------------------- Deferred charges $ 2,332 $ 1,781 ======================= a) Aircraft lease payments in excess of rent expense is comprised substantially of non-monetary assets recorded due to the difference in the timing of aircraft lease payments versus straight-line lease expense. These amounts are recoverable solely through the future use of the related aircraft and do not represent the fair value of the asset. Management anticipates that these balances will be written off as part of the fresh start adjustments as described in note 1 under "Basis of Presentation and Going Concern Issues". b) As a result of the filings as described in note 1, the Corporation recorded deferred charges representing deficiency claims on aircraft leases and other contracts in the amount of $474. The claims are amortized to reorganization and restructuring items over the remaining lease or contract term, or the extension period of the lease or contract if applicable. Amortization of $26 has been recorded in 2003 resulting in a remaining balance of $448 as at December 31, 2003. Further material claims relating to deficiency claims on renegotiated aircraft leases are expected to arise as a consequence on the ongoing review, contestation and adjudication of aircraft lease claims in the CCAA process. It is not possible at present to estimate the magnitude of such claims that may ultimately be allowed but they are expected to be significant. Refer to note 10 for further discussion on the Corporation's accruals regarding submitted claims with respect to repudiated and renegotiated aircraft leases and other contracts. 27 5. OTHER ASSETS 2003 2002 Prepaid pension asset (note 19) $ 375 $ 562 Security and other deposits 34 228 Notes and other long-term receivables (a) 23 126 Indefinite life route rights and slot purchase costs 84 84 Directors' and Officers' Trust (b) 32 31 Other 38 40 ----------------------- Other assets $ 586 $ 1,071 ======================= a) Notes receivable bear interest at a weighted average rate of 9.79 % (2002 - 11.2 %) and mature 2005 through 2010. The carrying value of notes receivable approximates fair value. b) The Directors' and Officers' Trust represents restricted funds placed in trust for the use of the Directors and Officers of the Corporation under certain circumstances. 28 6. NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)
2003 2002 2001 Net interest expense Interest income $ 25 $ 44 $ 38 Interest expense (115) (290) (352) Interest capitalized 4 25 39 -------------------------------- Total (86) (221) (275) Gain (loss) on sale of and provision on assets Gain on sale of assets 16 9 84 Provision for loss on aircraft and inventory (165) (32) (176) Other (19) (19) 7 -------------------------------- Total (168) (42) (85) -------------------------------- Other Gain on purchase of debt - 118 52 Financing & other (28) (21) 74 -------------------------------- Total (28) 97 126 -------------------------------- Total $ (282) $(166) $(234) ================================
Provision for Loss on Aircraft and Inventory In 2003, the Corporation recorded provisions of $165 (2002 $32, 2001 $176) related mainly to non-operating aircraft and spare parts. These provisions are based on Management's best estimate of the net recoverable value of aircraft and spare parts. Interest Expense As a result of the filings as described in note 1, beginning on April 1, 2003, the Corporation ceased the capitalization and accrual of interest on unsecured debt that is subject to compromise. Since the date of filing, interest expense on unsecured debt of approximately $179 would have been recorded had the filings not occurred. 29 7. REORGANIZATION AND RESTRUCTURING ITEMS The cash flows used for operating activities related to reorganization and restructuring items since the date of filing amounts to $64 and relates mainly to the payment of professional fees. The table below summarizes the reorganization and restructuring charges recorded since filing for creditor protection on April 1, 2003.
Repudiated leases, net (a) $300 Repudiated contracts (b) 250 Labour related items (c) 195 Write off of deferred financing costs on compromised debt and hedging adjustments (d) 124 Residual value guarantees and aircraft rent expense (e) 254 Foreign exchange adjustments on compromised debt (183) Professional fees 57 Amortization of DIP financing fees 67 Interest income on accumulated cash (f) (14) ------------------ Reorganization and restructuring items, net $1,050 ==================
a) The cost of repudiated leases represents the estimated allowable claim resulting from aircraft leases that have been repudiated. The amount is shown net of the write off of all balance sheet accounts related to the repudiated leases. Further material claims relating to deficiency claims on repudiated aircraft leases are expected to arise as a consequence of the ongoing review, contestation and adjudication of aircraft lease claims in the CCAA process. It is not possible at present to estimate the magnitude of such claims that may ultimately be allowed but they are expected to be significant. Refer to note 10 for further discussion on the Corporation's accruals regarding submitted claims with respect to repudiated aircraft leases. b) The cost of repudiated contracts represents the estimated allowable claim resulting from contracts that have been terminated and provisions against progress payments where the contracts for aircraft deliveries have been cancelled or renegotiated. . Further material claims relating to deficiency claims on repudiated contracts are expected to arise as a consequence of the ongoing review, contestation and adjudication of claims in the CCAA process. It is not possible at present to estimate the magnitude of such claims that may ultimately be allowed but they are expected to be significant. Refer to note 10 for further discussion on the Corporation's accruals regarding submitted claims with respect to repudiated contracts. 30 c) Labour related items of $195 are summarized as follows: o A pension curtailment charge of $128 as a result of the Corporation's review of the impact of the reduction in the level of employees on the EARSL of the employees as part of the CCAA restructuring program on its pension liability and expense; o An accrual related to accepted voluntary separation program offers of $44; o An accrual of $80 for contractual termination benefits and the cost of involuntary separation payments; o The reversal of previously accrued bonus payments of $32 that are no longer payable as a result of the ratified labour agreements; and o A reduction of $20 to accrued vacation liabilities as a result of lower wage rates and reduced vacation entitlements, as well as a reduction of $5 related to other labour-related programs. d) As a result of the CCAA filing, the majority of outstanding derivative contracts were terminated. In addition, certain of the anticipated cash flows or transactions that were being hedged are no longer expected to occur. Accordingly, any deferred hedging gains and losses related to cash flows or transactions not expected to occur as anticipated, principally interest payments, have been taken into income. In addition, as a result of certain long-term debt being classified as subject to compromise, all related deferred financing costs have been written off. e) As described in note 1, as a result of amended lease terms, the Corporation has recorded a compromised liability and a deferred charge related to lease deficiency claims. The estimated deficiency claim is with reference to the difference between the present value of the obligations under the remaining term of the original contract and the renegotiated contract. Refer to note 10 for a discussion on the Corporation's accruals regarding submitted claims with respect to renegotiated aircraft leases. The deferred charge is amortized to reorganization and restructuring items as a component of aircraft rent over the remaining lease term. This amounts to an expense of $23 since the date of filing. As part of the restructuring, the Corporation changed its previously planned use of certain B747-400 aircraft that are currently accounted for as operating leases entered into prior to October, 1999. They are not expected to remain in active service beyond the end of 2004 and, as described in note 1 under "General Electric Capital Corporation Leases", two of these aircraft will be acquired, conditional on the Corporation emerging from creditor protection. As a result, Management has determined that there is a residual value guarantee deficiency of $223. This deficiency has been recorded as a charge to reorganization and restructuring items reflective of the diminished future utility of the aircraft to the Corporation. f) Interest income earned by an entity under creditor protection, that it would not have earned but for the proceedings, should be reported as a reorganization and restructuring item. The interest income recorded in reorganization items is due mainly to the cash balances retained by the Corporation as a result of the moratorium on aircraft lease payments and the stay on actions to collect pre-filing indebtedness, including trade payables. 31 8. CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As described in note 2, consolidated financial statements that include one or more entities in reorganization proceedings and one or more entities not in reorganization proceedings should include disclosure of condensed combined financial statements of the entities in reorganization proceedings, including disclosure of the amount of intercompany receivables and payables therein. The following are the condensed combined financial statements of the Applicants as at and for the period ended December 31, 2003. Included in current assets are intercompany receivables with non-Applicants of $150. Included in current liabilities are intercompany payables with non-Applicants of $298. Included in Other Assets are long-term receivables of $936 from non-Applicants. Condensed Combined Statement of Operations For the Period Ended December 31, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nine Months --------------- ($ millions) Operating revenues $ 5,929 Operating expenses 6,455 --------------- Operating loss before reorganization and restructuring items (526) Reorganization and restructuring items (note 7) (1,050) Net interest expense (38) Loss on sale of assets (145) Other non-operating income, including equity income of non-applicants 158 --------------- Loss before foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items and income taxes (1,601) Foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items 5 --------------- Loss before income taxes (1,596) Provision for income taxes (1) --------------- Loss for the period $ (1,597) =============== 32 Condensed Combined Statement of Financial Position As at December 31, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ($ millions) ASSETS Current assets $ 1,489 Property and equipment 1,686 Deferred charges 2,332 Goodwill 510 Other assets 1,362 --------------- $ 7,379 =============== LIABILITIES Current liabilities $ 2,744 Long-term and subordinated perpetual debt and capital lease obligations 332 Future income taxes 11 Other long-term liabilities 1,262 Deferred credits 1,364 Liabilities subject to compromise (note 10) 5,313 SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY (3,647) --------------- $ 7,379 =============== Condensed Combined Statement of Cash Flow For the Period Ended December 31, 2003 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nine Months --------------- ($ millions) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 208 Financing Reduction of long-term debt (12) CIBC Credit facility borrowings 315 CIBC Credit facility repayments (159) DIP financing fees (62) Other (6) --------------- 76 =============== Investing Additions to property and equipment (36) Proceeds from sale of assets 35 Investments and advances (15) --------------- (16) --------------- Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 268 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 429 --------------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 697 =============== 33 9. LONG-TERM AND SUBORDINATED PERPETUAL DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS As at April 1, 2003, a significant portion of the Corporation's 2002 long-term and subordinated perpetual debt and capital lease obligations remained outstanding. As a result of the filings described in note 1, the majority of this debt has been classified as liabilities subject to compromise (note 10). Non-compromised balances as at December 31, 2003 are as follows:
Final Maturity Interest Rate 2003 2002 (%) --------------------------------------------------------------- US dollar debt (a) 2009-2015 6.495 - 7.17 $ 163 $ 1,339 Canadian dollar debt (b) 2004 4.5 105 980 Euro debt - 486 Japanese yen notes - 94 ----------------------------- 268 2,899 Convertible subordinated debentures - 131 Subordinated perpetual debt - 1,193 Capital lease obligations (c) 2004-2027 3.0 - 11.8 237 464 ----------------------------- 505 4,687 Current portion of long-term debt (173) (373) ----------------------------- Long-term and subordinated perpetual debt and capital lease obligations $ 332 $ 4,314 =============================
Interest paid on long-term and subordinated debt and capital lease obligations in 2003 was $86 (2002 $283, 2001 $303) at a weighted average interest rate of 8.3% (2002 8.2%, 2001 8.4%). By currency, the Canadian dollar equivalent weighted average interest rate for 2003 is broken down as follows: Canadian dollar debt - 8.2%; US dollar debt - 6.44%; Euro debt - 10.63%; Swiss franc debt - 8.55% and Japanese yen debt - 5.61%. 34 Principal repayment requirements on non-compromised debt and capital lease obligations for the next five years are as follows:
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term debt $ 128 $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 $ 23 Capital lease principal obligations $ 45 $ 16 $ 38 $ 60 $ 9
a) As at December 31, 2003, US dollar debt totalled US$126 and is comprised of the following: o US$76 borrowing maturing in 2009 at a fixed interest rate of 4.495% plus an additional 2.0% guarantee fee (refer below - Air Canada - Lufthansa Cooperation Agreement). o US$50 borrowing maturing in 2015 at a floating interest rate equal to the six month LIBOR rate plus 5.75% redeemable on any interest payment date secured by assets with a carrying value of $78 (2002 $160) (refer note 1 "General Electric Capital Corporation Leases"). b) As at December 31, 2003, Canadian dollar debt is comprised of a $105 borrowing maturing in 2004 at a floating interest rate based on prime (4.5% as at December 31, 2003) (refer note 1 - Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce ("CIBC") Financing) secured by all accounts receivable due by CIBC under the agreement and all of the present and future licenses, trademarks and design marks owned by Air Canada and Aeroplan and used by CIBC in connection with the Aerogold program. c) Capital lease obligations related to computer equipment, facilities and a total of seven aircraft total $237 ($139, US$54, and 2,404 Japanese yen). Future minimum lease payments are $411, which includes $174 of interest. Air Canada - Lufthansa Cooperation Agreement In 1999, in the context of a hostile take-over bid, Air Canada bought back approximately $1.1 billion of its common and Class A shares. In support of the buyback, funding arrangements of over $700 were concluded through agreements / facilities which included a CIBC / Aeroplan commercial agreement extension; issuance of convertible non-voting preferred shares; issuance of convertible subordinated debentures, and; lease financing of two Airbus A330 aircraft. In addition, a further portion of the funding was provided through a guarantee facility by Star Alliance partners Deutsche Lufthansa AG ("Lufthansa") and UAL Corporation ("UAL") on December 22, 2000 in the amount of US$195 funded by Kreditanstalt Fur Wiederaufbau ("KfW"). Air Canada agreed to pay each guarantor a fee and to reimburse them for any payments made under their guarantees. Interest on the KfW funding was payable at a rate equal to the six month LIBOR for deposits in US dollars plus a) the sum of i) 0.525% times the Lufthansa guaranteed portion of the loan and ii) 0.850% times the UAL guaranteed portion of the loan divided by b) the principal amount of the loan. Immediately prior to the CCAA filing, there was US$176 outstanding on this term loan of which the Lufthansa guaranteed portion represented US$84. A semi-annual principal payment of US$7 was due in June 2003, which the Corporation did not make as payments on all compromised obligations were stayed under the Court orders. Pursuant to the guarantee, Lufthansa made its portion of this required payment to KfW and, with the Court's concurrence, the Corporation reimbursed Lufthansa for this payment as agreed. In December 2003, the Corporation finalized a comprehensive commercial agreement with Lufthansa related to the operation of certain air routes of significant 35 importance to Air Canada. Included in this agreement, in addition to other flight sharing arrangements, are minimum payments to Lufthansa. The aggregate amount of these minimum payments is US$82, being the balance then owing under the Lufthansa guaranteed portion of the KfW obligation. The principal amount of this Lufthansa obligation is repayable in semi-annual amounts of US$6 until the obligation matures in December 2009. Interest, also payable semi-annually, is at a fixed rate of 4.495%. Included in the payment is an additional 2.0% guarantee fee. This agreement was approved by the Court on December 17, 2003. Lufthansa, in honoring its responsibilities under the guarantee, has assumed KfW's rights to file a claim in respect of this component of the compromised liability. As a condition of the above described agreement between Air Canada and Lufthansa, Lufthansa has waived their right to a claim in respect of this obligation. The portion of the original KfW advance guaranteed by UAL has been classified as liabilities subject to compromise. 36 10. LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO COMPROMISE Liabilities subject to compromise refers to liabilities incurred prior to the filing date that will be dealt with as claims under the CCAA, as well as claims arising out of renegotiated and repudiated leases and contracts. The amounts described in this note are the Corporation's estimate of expected compromised claims only as of December 31, 2003. The final amount related to accepted compromised claims may reflect material adjustments. Claims Procedure By order of the Court on September 18, 2003, the Applicants established procedures for creditors and other prescribed parties to file claims against the Applicants arising from obligations incurred prior to April 1, 2003 and any claim arising on or after April 1, 2003 as a result of the restructuring, repudiation or termination of any contract, lease, employment agreement, collective agreement or other agreement. The initial deadline for the filing of claims was set at November 17, 2003. A second deadline was granted to February 23, 2004. The total amount of such claims filed exceeds the Corporation's estimate of the allowed compromised liability. Differences in the total dollar value of the claims filed by creditors and the liabilities recorded are being investigated and resolved in connection with the claims resolution process. While the Corporation has made significant progress to date, it is expected that this process will continue for some time and further reviews of the claims filed will enable a more precise estimate of the likely range of creditor claims allowed under the Plan. It is not possible to estimate the quantum of the claims that will ultimately be allowed but they are expected to be materially in excess of the accruals taken to date given the magnitude of the claims asserted as set out below under the heading "Claims Summary". 37 Claims Summary A summary of the Corporation's accruals and claims submitted as at March 30, 2004 is as follows:
Claims Review Status ------------------------------------------------------------------ Revisions Accepted / Revisions / Disputes Resolved (i) Disallowances Outstanding (ii) ------------------------- ---------------------- Recorded Filed Accepted as Original Revision Original Revision Filed Claim Claim ------------------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------------- Long-term and $3,674 $4,928 $ - $ 48 $ 33 $1,488 $1,390 subordinated perpetual debt (a) Aircraft leases, 871 7,728 - - - 136 48 including capital lease obligations Accounts payable, 768 3,657 111 397 75 28 13 accrued liabilities, supplier repudiation and other Employee related - 6,546 - - - - - Litigation - 83,459 - 10,379 9 - - ------------------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------------- Liabilities subject to $5,313 $106,319 $111 $10,824 $117 $1,653 $1,451 compromise ==================================== ========================= ======================
Continued- ----------------------------------------- Dispute Notices Filed (iii) ----------------------- Original Revision Under Review Claim (iv) ----------------------- ---------------- Long-term and subordinated perpetual debt (a) $1,440 $527 $1,952 Aircraft leases, - - 7,592 including capital lease obligations Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, supplier repudiation and other 178 36 2,943 Employee related 34 - 6,512 Litigation 73,080 - - ----------------------- ---------------- Liabilities subject to $74,731 $562 $18,999 compromise ======================= ================ i) The Claims Procedure Order provides that creditors have ten days from the date of a Notice of Revision or Disallowance to file a Dispute Notice or the Notice of Revision or Disallowance is deemed to be binding on the creditor. This category represents claims for which a Notice of Revision or Disallowance was sent, and the ten day period has expired. ii) Claims in respect of which Notices of Revision or Disallowance were sent out less than ten days prior and therefore are still open to dispute. iii) Claims in respect of which the creditor filed a Dispute Notice within ten days of receiving a Notice of Revision or Disallowance and the Applicants have not been able to consensually resolve the disputed claim with the creditor. These claims, primarily litigation claims, will be referred to the Claims Officer for resolution. iv) Claims under review primarily comprised of aircraft lessor, debt holder, employee and supplier related claims. The quantum of the claims that will ultimately be allowed are expected to be materially in excess of accruals recorded to date. 38 a) Details of long-term and subordinated perpetual debt and capital lease obligations subject to compromise are as follows:
Final Interest Maturity Rate (%) ------------- -------------- US dollar debt (i) 2005-2011 2.1 - 10.25 $ 890 Canadian dollar debt (ii) 2004-2009 5.0 - 10.0 951 Euro debt (iii) 2005-2011 6.63 - 10.25 498 Japanese yen notes (iv) 2007 1.9 86 Convertible subordinated debentures (note 11) 150 Subordinated perpetual debt (note 12) 1,099 --------------- Long-term and subordinated perpetual debt 3,674 Capital lease obligation 2010 8.29 51 --------------- $ 3,725 ===============
The CCAA filings as described in note 1 triggered defaults on substantially all of the Applicants' debt and lease obligations. The Court orders stay most actions against the Applicants, including actions to collect pre-filing indebtedness or to exercise control over the Applicants' property. As a result of the stay, the Applicants have ceased making payments of interest and principal on substantially all debt. As interest ceases to accrue on unsecured debt that is subject to compromise subsequent to the CCAA filings, interest expense is not reported on unsecured debt subject to compromise of the Applicants subsequent to April 1, 2003. Since the date of filing, interest expense on unsecured debt of approximately $179 would have been recorded had the CCAA filings not occurred. i) As at December 31, 2003, compromised US dollar debt totalled US$689 and is comprised of the following: o US$115 borrowing maturing in 2005 redeemable on any interest payment date. o US$154 borrowing maturing in 2007 redeemable on any interest payment date. o US$51 borrowing maturing in 2008 redeemable in whole or in part any time, with an indemnity. o US$89 borrowing maturing in 2009 redeemable in whole or in part at any time. o US$280 borrowing maturing in 2011 redeemable in whole or in part at any time, with an indemnity. 39 ii) As at December 31, 2003, compromised Canadian dollar debt totalled $951 and is comprised of o $175 borrowing maturing in 2004 o $250 borrowing maturing in 2006 o $204 borrowing maturing in 2007 redeemable in whole or in part any time, with an indemnity. These borrowings have fixed rates of interest. o A committed and unsecured revolving credit facility at a floating interest rate with a group of financial institutions in Canada. As at December 31, 2003, the facility is fully drawn at $288. o Various other Canadian dollar denominated subsidiary debt totalling $34 at floating interest rates. iii) As at December 31, 2003, compromised fixed rate Euro debt totalled 310 EUR and is comprised of the following: o 85 EUR borrowing maturing in 2011 redeemable in whole or in part any time, with an indemnity. o 130 EUR borrowing maturing in 2006. o 95 EUR borrowing maturing in 2005 iv) As at December 31, 2003, compromised Japanese yen debt was comprised of 7,143 JPY notes to be repaid in equal semi-annual instalments ending October 2007. The interest rate on the notes was reset in 2002 based on interest rate indices. These notes are redeemable in whole on any interest payment date. 40 11. CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES In December 1999, the Corporation issued $150 convertible subordinated debentures which have an annual interest rate of 7.25%, payable quarterly, and are convertible at $16.00, at the holder's option, into Air Canada common shares and Class A non-voting common shares ("Class A shares") at any time up to and including maturity in December 2009. This equals a rate of 6.25 shares per $100.00 principal amount of convertible subordinated debentures. There are no principal payments until maturity in 2009. The Corporation can force conversion into common shares and Class A shares at any time following the seventh anniversary of the issue if the weighted average closing price of the shares of the Corporation for the 20 trading days prior to the date of the redemption provides the holder an internal rate of return of at least 12% for the period commencing from the date of issuance of the convertible subordinated debentures and ending on the redemption date. The internal rate of return calculation includes interest payments made by the Corporation under the convertible subordinated debentures and the excess of the weighted average closing price above $16.00. As a result of the filings described in note 1, the convertible subordinated debentures have been classified as liabilities subject to compromise. As a further result of the filings, the Corporation recorded a reorganization and restructuring charge of $19 in order to reflect the debenture balance at the anticipated claim amount. The principal outstanding amount of $150 of convertible subordinated debentures is classified as liabilities subject to compromise. An amount of $25, representing the value of the conversion option, is classified as share capital. These debentures rank subordinate to all obligations and debt, excluding subordinated perpetual debt. 41
2003 2002 34,000 Japanese yen at 2.60% until 2004 Callable in 2004 and every fifth year thereafter at par (a) $ 411 $ 452 300 Swiss francs at 6.25% Callable in 2006 and every fifth year thereafter at 102% of par 313 343 200 Swiss francs at 5.75% Callable at 102% of par in 2004 and every fifth year thereafter at 102% of par 209 228 102 Euro at 3.25% Callable in 2006 and every third year thereafter at par (b) 166 170 ----------------------- Subordinated perpetual debt $1,099 $1,193 =======================
The maturity of this subordinated perpetual debt is only upon the liquidation, if ever, of the Corporation. Principal and interest payments on the debt are unsecured and are subordinated to the prior payment in full of all indebtedness for borrowed money. As a result of the filings as described in note 1, the subordinated perpetual debt is classified as liabilities subject to compromise. a) The interest rate on the yen subordinated perpetual debt is 2.60% until 2004 and will be reset for each subsequent five-year reset period based upon a capped spread over the Japanese long-term prime lending rate. In previous years, through a subscription arrangement with a major financial institution, the Corporation purchased from certain syndicate loan members their rights to 22,500 JPY in this borrowing. In addition, the Corporation repurchased and cancelled 3,500 JPY in this borrowing. A gain of $92 was recorded in 2002 on these repurchases of yen subordinated perpetual debt. b) The interest rate on the Euro subordinated perpetual bonds is 3.25% until 2006 and will be reset for each subsequent three-year reset period based upon an index of German unsecured domestic debt. 42 13. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 2003 2002 Employee future benefits $ 964 $ 837 Loyalty program 541 384 Long-term employee liabilities 104 108 Other 34 76 -------------------- Other long-term liabilities $ 1,643 $ 1,405 ==================== 43 14. DEFERRED CREDITS
2003 2002 Gain on sale and leaseback of assets $ 761 $ 786 Aircraft rent expense in excess of lease payments (a) 537 327 Contributions received in exchange for extensions of commercial 64 241 agreements (b) Other 2 7 ------------------------ Deferred credits $ 1,364 $ 1,361 ========================
a) Aircraft rent expense in excess of lease payments includes accrual of rent payments for those leases where rent payments increase over the term of the lease and rent expense is recognized on a straight line basis based on the aggregate rental payments required. In addition, the caption includes the accrual of the expected deficiencies that may be required under residual value guarantees of $226. b) Contributions received in exchange for extensions of commercial agreements relate to the Star Alliance contract as described in note 15 and a 1999 contract extension with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce ("CIBC"), an Aeroplan program partner. The 1999 CIBC contract extension provided for events of termination related to a material breach of the terms of the agreement. Under the 1999 CIBC contract extension, should a termination occur for any reason other than as a result of a failure by CIBC to fulfil its obligations, a termination payment for the remaining future value of the contribution received in exchange for the contract extension, including interest at 6 %, is specified. As described in note 1, the Corporation reached an agreement with CIBC on a new contract with respect to the CIBC Aerogold Visa card program. As a consequence of the Corporation's repudiation of the agreement in place prior to the filings, CIBC is seeking damages which include a contractual termination payment in the amount of $209. In 2003, a reorganization and restructuring charge of $49 was recorded in order to adjust the unamortized portion of the deferred revenues related to the contribution received in exchange for the contract extension in 1999 to the contractual termination payment amount of $209. 44 15. SHARE CAPITAL AND OTHER EQUITY The authorized capital of the Corporation consists of an unlimited number of common shares, Class A non-voting common shares ("Class A shares"), Class A preferred shares issuable in series and Class B preferred shares issuable in series. The Corporation's Articles of Incorporation under provisions of the Canada Business Corporations Act include a limit on aggregate non-resident ownership of common shares or other voting shares of 25%. On February 2, 2002, Bill C-38 was proclaimed in force removing the previously existing limit on individual ownership of voting shares in Air Canada. In 1999, the Corporation issued 10 million Class A Convertible Participating Non-Voting Preferred Shares, Series 1 ("Series 1 preferred shares") to Expo Investment Partnership, L.P. ("Expo"), a partnership formed by UAL Corporation ("UAL") and Deutsche Lufthansa AG ("Lufthansa"), two of Air Canada's Star Alliance partners. These shares are entitled to receive dividends equal to the amount paid to holders of the Corporation's common shares. The shares are not redeemable by the Corporation prior to December 31, 2009, unless either of the partners ceases to be a participant in the Star Alliance and as a result the Corporation terminates its Alliance Agreement or either partner is in breach of any Alliance Agreement which leads to the Corporation terminating its Alliance Agreement. On or after December 31, 2009, the Corporation may redeem the shares for $25.00 per share plus declared and unpaid dividends and a gross-up for dividends and deemed dividends. The holder of the Preferred Shares has the option to require the Corporation to redeem the Preferred Shares at $25.00 per share (plus a premium of 1% in the event there is a change of control of the Corporation and a gross-up for dividends and deemed dividends) if: the Corporation breaches an Alliance Agreement in a manner which does or could reasonably be expected to have a material impact; a breach of certain covenants occurs; a change of control of the Corporation occurs that does or is reasonably expected to have a material impact; or the Corporation refuses to extend the Alliance Agreements after they expire at any time on or after December 31, 2009. The holder may convert each preferred share at any time into a) 1.0417 Class A shares for $24.00 or b) an equal number of Class A Convertible Participating Non-Voting Preferred Shares, Series 2, which are transferable to third parties but do not contain certain of the covenants described above. The holder is entitled to receive, in priority to common and Class A shares, $25.00 per share plus any declared and unpaid dividends in the event of liquidation of the Corporation. In the event the Corporation breaches its obligations under the Alliance Agreements in a manner material and adverse to the revenues of UAL or Lufthansa and the Alliance Agreements are terminated, the Corporation has agreed to pay liquidated damages in amounts declining over a ten year period from $250 to $37, which claims are subject to compromise. As a result of the filings described in note 1, Expo filed a claim in the amount of $250. A Notice of Disallowance was sent and the ten day period for the filing of a dispute expired without a Notice of Dispute being filed and consequently the Notice of Disallowance is deemed binding. The preferred shares will be cancelled for nominal consideration and the Class A and common shares will be converted into a nominal amount of the post-restructuring equity of ACE. 45 The issued capital consists of common shares, Class A shares and Series 1 preferred shares. The changes during 2003 and 2002 in the outstanding number of common and Class A shares and their aggregate stated value during those years are as follows:
Common Shares Class A Shares Number (000) Amount Number (000) Amount -------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31, 2001 79,064 $ 521 41,115 $ 296 Share purchase options exercised 6 0 - - --------------------------------- -------------------------------- December 31, 2002 79,070 521 41,115 296 Share purchase options exercised 6 0 - - -------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31, 2003 79,076 $ 521 41,115 $ 296 ====================================================================
Share Capital and Other Equity Summary (net of issue costs): 2003 2002 2001 Common shares $521 $521 $521 Class A shares 296 296 296 Series 1 preferred shares 125 125 125 Warrants (1) - 10 10 Convertible subordinated debenture conversion option 25 25 25 ------------------------------------- Total $967 $977 $977 =====================================
(1) In 1999 4.7 million warrants with an ascribed value of $10 were issued to CIBC. Each warrant was convertible into one Class A share at $24.00. As a result of the renegotiation of the CIBC Aerogold agreement as described in note 1, the warrants issued to CIBC were cancelled. The value of $10 was removed from share capital and transferred to contributed surplus. 46 Stock Option Plan The details of the Corporation's share option plan, under which eligible employees are granted options to purchase common shares and Class A shares, at a price not less than the market value of the shares at the date of granting, are as follows:
Stock Option Plan ------------------------------------------ Weighted Average Remaining Outstanding Exercisable Total Contractual Life Range of Weighted Average Total Weighted Average Outstanding (Years) Exercise Price Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price Expiry Dates ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common 1,849 5 $4.73 - $6.99 $6.21 1,773 $6.21 2004 - 2012 2,782 7 $7.00 - $9.99 $8.73 1,579 $8.62 2005 - 2011 2,294 6 $10.00 - $12.99 $10.57 1,824 $10.70 2008 - 2010 375 6 $13.00 - $19.67 $16.05 282 $16.05 2010 ------------------- ------------------------------------------------ 7,300 $9.05 5,458 $8.91 =================== ================================================ Class A Non-Voting 714 6 $1.54 - $4.99 $4.14 427 $4.52 2006 - 2013 430 5 $5.00 - $6.99 $5.62 393 $5.67 2004 - 2011 841 6 $7.00 - $7.99 $7.25 525 $7.28 2005 - 2011 331 5 $8.00 -$12.49 $11.10 302 $11.27 2008 - 2010 ------------------- ------------------------------------------------ 2,316 $6.54 1,647 $6.91 =================== ================================================
A summary of recent opinion activities is as follows:
2003 2002 2001 ------------------ --------------------- --------------------- Shares Weighted Shares Weighted Shares Weighted (000) average (000) average (000) average share share price share price price ---------------------------------------------------------------- Common Shares ------------------ Beginning of year 7,451 $ 9.07 7,500 $ 9.14 4,931 $ 9.24 Granted - - 100 6.38 2,640 8.93 Exercised (6) 2.79 (6) 3.38 (13) 6.60 Forfeited (145) 10.27 (143) 11.03 (58) 9.03 ------------------ --------------------- --------------------- End of year 7,300 $ 9.05 7,451 $ 9.07 7,500 $ 9.14 ================== ===================== ===================== Class A Shares ------------------ Beginning of year 2,334 $ 6.57 1,959 $ 7.06 1,258 $ 7.10 Granted 50 1.54 375 3.99 707 6.97 Exercised - - - - (6) 5.51 Forfeited (68) 3.74 - - - - ------------------ --------------------- --------------------- End of year 2,316 $ 6.54 2,334 $ 6.57 1,959 $ 7.06 ================== ===================== =====================
All options are exercisable on the basis of 25% of the options granted per year on a cumulative basis, beginning after one year and expiring after ten years. 47 As disclosed in note 2, the Corporation has elected the fair value method of accounting for the Corporation's stock option plan. The fair value of options issued in 2003 was nominal (2002 $1). The charge to compensation expense in 2003 for stock options issued since January 1, 2002 is less than $1. None of the options issued since January 1, 2002 have been exercised. Share Appreciation Plans Prior to the CCAA filing on April 1, 2003, the Corporation had four share appreciation plans covering Pilots, Management, Administrative and Technical Support groups. The net earnings impact of these programs in 2003 was nominal (nominal in 2002). The Pilots plan expired in 2003, and all remaining plans were cancelled as a result of the CCAA filing. 48 16. EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table outlines the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share (in millions, except per share amounts):
Year Ended December 31 2003 2002 2001 --------------------------------------------- Numerator: Numerator for basic earnings per share: Loss from continuing operations $ (1,867) $ (828) $ (1,315) Effect of potential dilutive securities: After tax income from convertible subordinated debentures 3 11 11 Add back anti-dilutive impact (3) (11) (11) --------------------------------------------- Adjusted loss for diluted earnings per share $ (1,867) $ (828) $ (1,315) ============================================= Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted-average shares 120 120 120 --------------------------------------------- Effect of potential dilutive securities: Class A non-voting preferred shares 10 10 10 Convertible subordinated debentures 9 9 9 Stock options - 1 2 --------------------------------------------- 19 20 21 Add back anti-dilutive impact (19) (20) (21) --------------------------------------------- Denominator for diluted earnings per share: Adjusted weighted-average shares 120 120 120 ============================================= Basic and diluted loss per share: $ (15.53) $ (6.89) $ (10.95) =============================================
The effect of potential dilutive securities was not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the result would be anti-dilutive. The dilutive effect of outstanding warrants and stock options on earnings per share is based on the application of the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the proceeds from the exercise of such securities are assumed to be used to purchase common shares and Class A shares. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the following securities were not included in the calculation of dilutive potential common shares as the exercise price exceeded the average trading value of the shares: 7,300,394 options for common shares with an exercise price between $4.73 - $19.67; 2,316,094 options for Class A shares with an exercise price between $1.54 - $12.49; and 4,700,000 warrants with an exercise price of $24.00. 49 For the year ended December 31, 2002, the following securities were not included in the calculation of dilutive potential common shares as the exercise price exceeded the average trading value of the shares: 7,216,357 options for common shares with an exercise price between $5.99 - $19.67; 2,240,569 options for Class A shares with an exercise price between $3.33 - $12.49; and 4,700,000 warrants with an exercise price of $24.00. For the year ended December 31, 2001, the following securities were not included in the calculation of dilutive potential common shares as the exercise price exceeded the average trading value of the shares: 7,486,409 options for common shares with an exercise price between $4.72 - $19.67; 1,958,969 options for Class A shares with an exercise price between $2.79 - $12.49; and 4,700,000 warrants with an exercise price of $24.00. 50 17. FUTURE INCOME TAXES Significant components of the Corporation's future tax assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2003 are as follows:
2003 2002 Future tax assets Non-capital loss carry forwards $ 83 $ 443 Deferred gains on sale and leaseback of assets 255 253 Post-employment obligations 203 68 Accounting provisions not currently deductible for tax 423 254 Book depreciation in excess of tax depreciation 414 - Eligible capital expenditures 196 97 Unearned revenues 130 (97) Unrealized foreign exchange losses 61 78 -------------------------- Total future tax assets 1,765 1,096 -------------------------- Future tax liabilities Tax depreciation in excess of book depreciation 55 50 Net other 66 30 -------------------------- Total future tax liabilities 121 80 -------------------------- Net future tax assets 1,644 1,016 -------------------------- Less valuation allowance 1,655 1,044 -------------------------- Net recorded future income tax liability $ (11) $ (28) ==========================
Since the third quarter 2001, the net future tax assets have been offset by a valuation allowance. Certain of Air Canada's subsidiaries continue to provide for future taxes for temporary differences and current taxes based on taxable income. Future income tax assets are recognized to the extent that realization is considered more likely than not. The Corporation has determined that it is more likely than not that the future income tax assets are not recoverable. Accordingly, the Corporation has provided a valuation allowance against the future tax assets. The future tax deductions underlying the future tax assets remain available for use in the future to reduce taxable income. Upon emergence from the CCAA proceedings, it is reasonably possible that these future tax deductions may change. The allocation of the net future tax asset amongst the various temporary differences is based upon Management's best estimate as at December 31, 2003. Actual allocations may be materially different, however, the net future tax asset is not expected to change. The previous balance of non-capital loss carryforwards was converted into undepreciated capital cost and other tax attributes. 51 The reconciliation of income tax attributable to continuing operations, computed at the statutory tax rates, to income tax expense (recovery) is as follows:
2003 2002 2001 Provision (recovery) based on combined federal and provincial tax rates $ (675) $ (167) $ (403) Non-taxable portion of capital gains (40) 16 (63) Large corporations tax 5 12 7 Non-deductible expenses 69 10 23 Effect of tax rate changes on future income taxes (57) 9 33 Effect of declining tax rates in future years 61 40 132 Other 14 11 31 ------------------------------------------ (623) (69) (240) Valuation allowance - recovery offset 611 53 117 Valuation allowance - asset write-off - 400 453 ------------------------------------------ 611 453 570 Provision for (recovery of) income taxes $ (12) $ 384 $ 330 ==========================================
Significant components of the provision for (recovery of) income taxes attributable to continuing operations are as follows:
2003 2002 2001 Current tax expense $ 5 $ 12 $ 7 Future income tax benefit relating to temporary differences (571) (90) (280) Future income tax expense (recovery) from tax rate (57) 9 33 changes Valuation allowance 611 453 570 --------------------------------------- Provision for (recovery of) income taxes $ (12) $ 384 $ 330 ======================================= Income taxes paid in 2003 were $1 (2002 $7).
52 The following are the tax loss expiry dates: Year of expiry Tax losses ----------------------------------------- 2004 $ 18 2005 6 2006 0 2007 4 2008 3 2009 110 2010 94 --------------------- $ 235 ===================== 53 18. COMMITMENTS As at December 31, 2003, the Corporation had commitments to purchase two narrowbody and five widebody Airbus aircraft. On March 19, 2004, the Court approved an amended agreement between AVSA and Air Canada with respect to these aircraft deliveries. The agreement provides for the purchase of two Airbus A340-500 aircraft, and their financing. Payments under the commitments total US$174, net of all credits and other amounts on deposit allocated by Airbus to the purchase. The settlement also includes the cancellation of two Airbus A321 deliveries and the deferred delivery to 2010 of three A340-600 aircraft with unilateral cancellation rights in favour of Air Canada. As part of the settlement, AVSA has retained $44 of progress payments representing contractual termination and residual value guarantee fees. A further amount of approximately $47 remains available to be applied against future aircraft orders under certain conditions. AVSA has agreed to waive any claim against Air Canada during the CCAA process. In December 2003, the Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with Bombardier and Embraer, respectively, for the purchase of regional jet aircraft. The Bombardier order is comprised of 15 CRJ 200 aircraft and 30 CRJ 705 aircraft. The Embraer order is for 45 ERJ 190 aircraft. The Bombardier CRJ 200 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2004 and 2005, the Bombardier CRJ 705 aircraft in 2005 and 2006 and the Embraer ERJ 190 aircraft in 2005 through 2008. These aircraft orders are subject to finalizing the purchase agreements. Confirmation of financing on satisfactory terms to the Corporation has been received from the manufacturers. On February 19, 2004, the Court approved the payment of non-refundable deposits up to an aggregate amount of US$55 pursuant to the Bombardier and Embraer aircraft purchase agreements. The expected aggregate cost of these aircraft approximates US$2 billion. The final purchase agreements are subject to approval by the Court. As described in note 1 under "General Electric Capital Corporation Leases" as a component of the GECC financing, the Corporation has also committed, conditional on emergence from the protection of CCAA, to purchase, on or before September 30, 2004, two leased B747-400 aircraft for an aggregate amount equal to the sum of US$246; plus imputed interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 4% to the date of purchase; and a breakage amount of approximately US$5.5 per aircraft. Other purchase commitments in 2004 for property, ground equipment and spare parts, amount to approximately $42. Beginning January 1, 2004, future minimum lease payments under existing operating leases of aircraft and other property amount to $5,417 (2002 $7,697) using year-end exchange rates.
Operating Leases -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aircraft - Aircraft - Other Other Property Renegotiated and In Effect -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2004 $ 707 $ 185 $ 72 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 650 136 58 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2006 571 127 51 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2007 570 127 48 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2008 435 123 47 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thereafter 1,023 378 109 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 3,956 $ 1,076 $ 385 ------------------====================================================================
54 Renegotiated and in effect balances include amended lease payments on renegotiated leases where all terms and conditions have been met as at March 26, 2004. Other aircraft balances include those leases still under renegotiation and those renegotiated leases, including GECC, where all terms and conditions have not been met, and reflect payments as specified in the original leases. Once all terms and conditions have been met, these rates will be reduced. Operating lease commitments include currency swaps to convert a significant portion of US dollar lease rentals into Canadian dollar lease rentals for five Canadair Regional Jet operating leases until lease terminations in 2007 and to convert a significant portion of Canadian dollar lease rentals into US dollar lease rentals for three Airbus A330 operating leases until January, 2010. These currency swaps, with unrelated creditworthy third parties, were put in place on the inception of the leases and have a fair value at December 31, 2003 of $27 in favour of the Corporation (2002 $14 in favour of the third parties) taking into account foreign exchange rates in effect at that time. The Corporation had entered into certain interest rate swaps with an unrelated creditworthy third party in order to manage the interest rate exposure on the leasing of two Boeing 767-300 aircraft. These interest rate swaps were not in effect on December 31, 2003. The fair value of these interest rate swaps at December 31, 2002 was $24 in favour of the Corporation. 55 19. PENSION AND OTHER BENEFIT PLANS The Corporation and its subsidiaries maintain several defined benefit and defined contribution plans providing pension, other retirement and post-employment benefits to its employees. The Corporation is the administrator and sponsoring employer of a number of pension plans registered under the Pension Benefits Standard Act, 1985 (Canada). In addition, the Corporation maintains a number of supplementary pension plans, which are not registered. For disclosure purposes, the Corporation is distinguishing the registered plans from the supplemental, non-registered, plans. Information about the Corporation's defined benefit plans, in aggregate, is as follows:
Pension Benefits - Pension Benefits - Other Benefits Registered Plans Supplemental Plans ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 9,162 $ 8,698 $ 688 $ 563 $ 673 $ 565 Service cost 151 160 16 18 71 56 Interest cost 579 559 45 42 46 39 Plan participants' contributions 97 109 4 6 - - Amendments - 59 (9) 71 20 1 Benefits paid (444) (418) (19) (17) (57) (49) Actuarial (gain) loss 524 (31) 75 5 103 61 Impact of curtailment 67 - - - (14) - Foreign exchange (63) 26 - - (23) - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Benefit obligation at end of year 10,073 9,162 800 688 819 673 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 8,009 8,859 68 49 14 27 Actual return on plan assets 1,228 (572) 5 (5) 1 (1) Employer contribution 98 12 35 35 52 37 Plan participants' contributions 97 109 4 6 - - Benefits paid (444) (418) (19) (17) (57) (49) Foreign exchange (59) 19 - - - - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Fair value of plan assets at end of year 8,929 8,009 93 68 10 14 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Funded status (1,144) (1,153) (707) (620) (809) (659) Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss 977 1,063 190 123 193 131 Unrecognized prior service cost 538 673 134 165 35 23 Unrecognized net transition obligation (7) (28) - - - - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost $ 364 $ 555 $ (383) $ (332) $ (581) $ (505) ================================================================= Weighted average assumptions as of December 31 Discount rate 6.00% 6.50% 6.00% 6.50% 6.00% 6.50% Expected return on plan assets 7.50% 8.00% 7.50% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% Rate of compensation increase 4.00% 4.25% 4.00% 4.25%
56 In 2002, the Board of Directors approved a letter of credit facility which was put in place to partially secure the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") in the approximate amount of $10. A trustee was established for the purpose of administering this security on behalf of the beneficiaries. In 2003, the letter of credit was to expire and therefore a drawdown was initiated as the Corporation determined that it would not be renewed and the funds were then placed in trust, separate from all other assets, in order to maintain the amount of security as originally approved by the Corporation's Board of Directors. None of the Corporation's plans are fully funded. The Corporation's net defined benefit pension plan expense is as follows:
Pension Benefits - Registered Pension Benefits - Supplemental Plans Plans 2003 2002 2001 2003 2002 2001 Net benefit plan expense Current service cost $ 151 $ 160 $ 152 $ 16 $ 18 $ 11 Interest cost 579 559 539 45 42 33 Expected return on plan assets (638) (684) (660) (2) (2) (1) Amortization of prior service cost 82 86 82 14 16 12 Amortization of net transition obligation (21) (21) (21) - - - Amortization of experience (gains) losses 5 1 (4) 6 5 3 Negative balances due to limit 10 10 24 - - - Special termination benefits - - 8 - - - Impact of curtailment/settlement (a) 120 - 1 8 - - Decrease in valuation allowance - - (23) - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 288 $ 111 $ 98 $ 87 $ 79 $ 58 ======================================================================
57 The expense for the Corporation's defined contribution plan is $5 (2002 $7, 2001 $6). a) A non-cash pension curtailment charge of $128 has been recorded in 2003, as a reorganization and restructuring item, as a result of the Corporation's review of the impact of the reduction in the level of employees on the EARSL of the employees as part of the CCAA restructuring program on its pension liability and expense. Sensitivity analysis on the Corporation's 2003 pension expense based on different actuarial assumptions with respect to discount rate and expected return on plan assets is as follows:
Impact on 2003 Pension Expense .25 Percentage .25 Percentage Point Increase Point Decrease ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Discount rate on obligation assumption ($13) $16 Long term rate of return on plan assets assumption ($19) $20
The Corporation's other benefit plan expense is as follows:
Other Benefits 2003 2002 2001 Net benefit plan expense Current service cost $ 71 $ 56 $ 50 Interest cost 46 40 35 Expected return on plan assets - (2) (2) Amortization of prior service cost 6 6 5 Amortization of experience (gains) losses 8 3 - ---------------------------------------------- $ 131 $ 103 $ 88 ==============================================
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A 10% annual rate of increase in the per capital cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2003 (2002 10.75%). The rate is assumed to decrease gradually to 5% by 2013. A one percentage point increase in assumed health care trend rates would have increased the service and interest costs by $2 and the obligation by $26. A one percentage point decrease in assumed health care trend rates would have decreased the service and interest costs by $2 and the obligation by $31. 58 20. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS and RISK MANAGEMENT Under its risk management policy, the Corporation may manage its exposure to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and jet fuel prices through the use of various derivative financial instruments. Senior management is responsible for setting acceptable levels of risk and reviewing risk management activities as necessary. The Corporation uses derivative financial instruments only for risk management purposes, not for generating trading profit. As a result of the filings as described in note 1, the majority of the outstanding derivative contracts were terminated. In addition, certain of the anticipated cash flows or transactions that were being hedged are no longer expected to occur. The effect in 2003 of the termination of these derivative contacts and the discontinuance of hedge accounting is described in note 7. Interest Rate Risk Management The Corporation had previously entered into interest rate swap agreements in order to manage the interest rate exposure associated with certain long-term debt obligations. The aggregate fair value of these agreements as at December 31, 2002 was $9 in favour of unrelated creditworthy third parties, taking into account interest rates in effect at the time of the valuation. In 2003, as a result of the filings described in note 1, these agreements were terminated by the third parties. The Corporation had also previously entered into various forward interest rate agreements, with maturities of less than one year, to manage the risks associated with interest rate movement on US and Canadian floating rate debt. The aggregate fair value of these agreements as at December 31, 2002 was less than $1 in favour of unrelated creditworthy third parties. In 2003, as a result of the filings described in note 1, these agreements were terminated by the third parties. The Corporation had entered into certain interest rate swaps with an unrelated creditworthy third party in order to manage the interest rate exposure on the leasing of two Boeing 767-300 aircraft. These interest rate swaps were not in effect on December 31, 2003. The fair value of these interest rate swaps at December 31, 2002 was $24 in favour of the Corporation. Foreign Exchange Risk Management The Corporation had previously entered into certain foreign exchange contracts, with maturities of less than one year, to manage the risks associated with foreign currency exchange rates. As at December 31, 2002 the aggregate face amount of such contracts was approximately $315. The related fair market value of these contracts at December 31, 2002 was $23 in favour of the Corporation. In 2003, as a result of the filings described in note 1, these agreements were terminated by the third parties. In 2002 the Corporation designated future foreign currency surplus cash flows in Euro, Swiss francs and Japanese yen as an accounting hedge against foreign exchange fluctuations of subordinated perpetual debt. As described in note 7, these hedging relationships were terminated during 2003. The Corporation had also entered into cross currency swap agreements. The fair value of these agreements at December 31, 2002 was $101 in favour of the Corporation and nil in favour of unrelated creditworthy third parties. In 2003, as a result of the filings described in note 1, these agreements were terminated by the third parties with the exception of operating lease commitments which include currency swaps for five Canadair Regional Jet operating leases until lease terminations in 2007 and for three Airbus A330 operating leases until January, 2010. These currency swaps, with unrelated creditworthy third parties, were put in place on the inception of the leases and have a fair 59 value at December 31, 2003 of $27 in favour of the Corporation (2002 $14 in favour of unrelated creditworthy third parties ), taking into account foreign exchange rates in effect at that time. 60 Fuel Price Risk Management The Corporation previously entered into contracts with certain financial intermediaries, not exceeding two years, to manage its exposure to jet fuel price volatility. Gains and losses resulting from fuel hedging transactions were recognized as a component of fuel expense. As at December 31, 2002 the fair value of fuel contracts was $23 in favour of the Corporation. In 2003 these agreements were terminated by the third parties. Concentration of Credit Risk The Corporation does not believe it is subject to any significant concentration of credit risk. Cash and short-term investments are in place with major financial institutions, Canadian governments and major corporations. Accounts receivable are generally the result of sales of tickets to individuals through geographically dispersed travel agents, corporate outlets, or other airlines, often through the use of major credit cards. Statement of Financial Position Financial Instruments - Fair Values The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated statement of financial position for cash and short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair values due to the immediate or short-term maturities of these financial instruments. The fair value of long-term debt, including the current portion, and subordinated perpetual debt is not reasonably determinable given the current status of the Corporation while under creditor protection. 61 21. CONTINGENCIES, GUARANTEES AND INDEMNITIES Contingencies Various lawsuits and claims, other than matters arising out of the filings as described in note 1 and the claims process as described in note 10, are pending by and against the Corporation and provisions have been recorded where appropriate under liabilities subject to compromise. It is the opinion of management supported by counsel that final determination of these claims will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position or the results of the Corporation. In addition, as a result of the filings as described in note 1, proceedings related to matters arising prior to April 1, 2003 are stayed and suspended and are subject to compromise under the CCAA process. Guarantees and Indemnities Effective January 1, 2003, the Corporation adopted AcG 14 which requires a guarantor to disclose information about certain types of guarantees it has provided. A guarantee is an agreement or contract that contingently requires the Corporation to make payments to a third party based on (i) changes in an underlying variable such as interest rates or foreign exchange that is related to an asset, a liability or equity security of the guaranteed party, (ii) failure of another entity to perform under an obligating agreement, (iii) failure of another entity to pay its indebtedness when due. Residual Value Guarantees in Aircraft Leasing Agreements Under certain aircraft lease agreements, the Corporation may be required to provide residual value support not exceeding $856. This amount is based on lease agreements, including those lease agreements entered into subsequent to December 31, 2003, that are not conditional on emergence from CCAA and where relevant conditions precedent in the memoranda of understanding have been met. Any potential payment under the guarantee would be payable on lease expiry, and the amount of the loss is dependent on the net proceeds received on the sale of the aircraft, or the fair value of the aircraft in the event that the Corporation exercises its purchase option, where applicable. Provisions for residual value support in the amount of $226 (2002 $56) are based upon independent appraisals as at December 31, 2003 taking into account expected values on lease expiry. The increase in the residual value support provision from December 31, 2002 is due mainly to certain B747-400 aircraft leased from GECC (note 7e). Indemnification Agreements The Corporation enters into real estate leases or operating agreements, which grant a license to the Corporation to use certain premises, in substantially all cities that it serves. It is common in such commercial lease transactions for the Corporation as the lessee to agree to indemnify the lessor and other related third parties for tort liabilities that arise out of or relate to the Corporation's use or occupancy of the leased or licensed premises. In some cases, this indemnity extends to related liabilities arising from the negligence of the indemnified parties, but usually excludes any liabilities caused by their gross negligence or wilful misconduct. Additionally, the Corporation typically indemnifies such parties for any environmental liability that arises out of or relates to its use or occupancy of the leased or licensed premises. In aircraft financing agreements, the Corporation typically indemnifies the financing parties, trustees acting on their behalf and other related parties against liabilities that arise from the manufacture, design, ownership, financing, use, operation and maintenance of the aircraft and for tort liability, whether or not these liabilities arise out of or relate to the negligence of these indemnified parties, 62 except for their gross negligence or wilful misconduct. In addition, in aircraft financing transactions, including those structured as leveraged leases, the Corporation typically indemnifies the lessor with respect to adverse changes in the applicable tax laws. The Corporation has indemnification agreements with its directors and officers. These agreements indemnify these individuals, to the extent permitted by law, against any and all claims or losses (including amounts paid in settlement of claims) incurred as a result of their service to the Corporation. The maximum amount payable under the foregoing indemnities cannot be reasonably estimated. The Corporation expects that it would be covered by insurance (subject to deductibles) for most tort liabilities and related indemnities described above. 63 22. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Year Ended December 31 2003 2002 2001 ------------------------------------------ Transportation revenue Passenger Canada Mainline $ 2,325 $ 2,845 $ 2,737 Regional 594 690 845 ------------------------------------------ 2,919 3,535 3,582 US Transborder Mainline 1,396 1,775 1,931 Regional 182 170 187 ------------------------------------------ 1,578 1,945 2,118 Atlantic - Mainline 1,472 1,556 1,398 Pacific - Mainline 502 802 723 Other International - Mainline 387 352 302 ------------------------------------------ Pacific revenue 6,858 8,190 8,123 Cargo revenue 519 585 578 ------------------------------------------ Total transportation revenue 7,377 8,775 8,701 ------------------------------------------ Non-transportation revenue Aeroplan 307 309 230 Technical Services 169 239 224 Other 515 503 456 ------------------------------------------ 991 1,051 910 ------------------------------------------ Total operating revenue $ 8,368 $ 9,826 $ 9,611 ==========================================
For passenger, the allocation to service is determined based on flight destination. Cargo revenues are not allocated by service as the amounts are not significant. Non-transportation revenues are almost exclusively attributable to Canada. Property and equipment Air Canada is a Canadian based domestic and international carrier and while the Corporation's flight equipment is used on various routes internationally, for purposes of segment reporting, the Corporation attributes the location of flight equipment to Canada. As a consequence, substantially all of the Corporation's property and equipment and goodwill are related to operations in Canada. 64 23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On April 2, 2004, Trinity announced that it will not seek an extension after April 30 of its investment agreement with Air Canada. Further, and effective immediately, it has released Air Canada from its exclusivity obligations to Trinity, enabling Air Canada to open discussions with other prospective investors. Trinity's announcement does not detract from Air Canada's ability to continue its current operations while identifying alternative equity arrangements. Trinity's announcement states that the decisions it has taken do not preclude its participation in Air Canada if circumstances change sufficiently to meet the concerns identified by Trinity in its announcement. These concerns include important aspects of the arrangements with Air Canada's labour unions. 65 Document 4 April 2, 2004 2003 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS AIR CANADA TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction 2 Explanatory Notes 3 Overview & General Business Summary 5 Creditor Protection and Restructuring 8 Current Status of the CCAA Process 10 Results of Operations 19 Comparison of Results - 2003 versus 2002 19 Comparison of Results - 2002 versus 2001 25 Balance Sheet Analysis 30 Liquidity and Capital Resources 31 Adjusting 2001-2003 Results for Significant Items 39 Fleet Status 42 Employees 44 Quarterly Results - 2003 and 2002 46 Critical Accounting Estimates 53 Adoption of Accounting Policies 62 Risk Management 63 Risk Factors 65 Outlook 75 Subsequent Events 75 Welcome to Air Canada's discussion of financial results for 2003 and 2002. This Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) covers Air Canada's operations and financial results for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. This discussion is as of April 2, 2004. Financial statements are prepared using the accounting principles as described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. All amounts are expressed in Canadian currency unless indicated otherwise. For further information on Air Canada's public disclosure file, please consult www.sedar.com. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Air Canada's communications often contain written or oral forward-looking statements which are included in the MD&A and may be included in filings with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "will", "would", and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. All such statements are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of the governing US 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, are based on assumptions and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Any forecasts or forward-looking predictions or statements cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. Results indicated in forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results for a number of reasons, including without limitation, restructuring, war, terrorist attacks, energy prices, general industry, market and economic conditions, the ability to reduce operating costs and employee counts, employee relations, labour negotiations or disputes, pension issues, currency exchange and interest rates, changes in laws, adverse regulatory developments or proceedings, pending litigation and actions by third parties. The forward-looking statements contained in this discussion represent Air Canada's expectations as of April 2, 2004, and are subject to change after such date. However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 2 AIR CANADA 2003 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS EXPLANATORY NOTES ------------------ Glossary of Terms Revenue Passenger Miles (RPMs) ------------------------------ Total number of revenue passengers carried multiplied by the miles they are carried. Available Seat Miles (ASMs) --------------------------- A measure of passenger capacity calculated by multiplying the total number of seats available for revenue traffic by the miles flown. Passenger Load Factor --------------------- A measure of passenger capacity utilization derived by expressing revenue passenger miles as a percentage of available seat miles. Yield per RPM (Yield) --------------------- Average passenger revenue per revenue passenger mile. Passenger Revenue per Available Seat Mile (RASM) ------------------------------------------------ Average passenger revenue per available seat mile. Comparative Figures Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the financial statement presentation adopted in the current year. Mainline or Mainline-related Operations The charts, discussion and analysis of results contain references to "Mainline" or "Mainline-related" operations. These terms refer to the unconsolidated operations of Air Canada but include, as the context may require, the operations of Aeroplan Limited Partnership (Aeroplan); ZIP Air Inc. (ZIP), a wholly-owned subsidiary airline; Destina.ca Inc. (Destina), a wholly-owned web-based travel company; Air Canada Capital Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary whose main business is the leasing of aircraft to Air Canada and ZIP; and other smaller related subsidiaries. Mainline or Mainline-related operations exclude the operations of Jazz Air Inc. (Air Canada Jazz or Jazz), Air Canada's regional airline; third party airlines operating under capacity 3 purchase agreements; Wingco Leasing Inc. (Wingco), a wholly-owned subsidiary whose main business is the leasing of regional aircraft to Air Canada Jazz and to third party airlines operating under capacity purchase agreements; Touram Inc. (Air Canada Vacations); and other non-airline subsidiaries. The Corporation has one operating segment, air transportation and related services. The Corporation manages the business, allocates resources and assesses its performance based on the financial information of this one segment. However, Air Canada announced, in 2003, its intention to undertake a corporate reorganization as part of its restructuring under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). As a result, it expects to create a new holding parent corporation with separate business units for each of the major activities in which the Corporation is involved. Non-GAAP Earnings (Losses) or Adjusted Earnings (Losses) Due to the significant events facing Air Canada in 2003 and in prior years, it is relevant to view airline financial results on a more normalized basis. Air Canada supplements reported Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) results with an analysis of earnings (losses) adjusted for significant items (referred to herein as adjusted earnings (losses) or non-GAAP earnings (losses)) as described on page 39. Significant items, which are not reflective of the underlying financial performance of the Corporation from ongoing operations, have been removed from reported earnings (losses) for the purposes of adjusted or non-GAAP earnings (losses). Adjusted earnings (losses) are not a recognized measure for financial statement presentation under GAAP. Non-GAAP earnings measures do not have any standardized meaning and are therefore not likely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other public companies. Readers should consider the adjusted earnings (losses) measures in the context of Air Canada's GAAP results. Refer to pages 39 to 41 - "Adjusting 2001-2003 Results for Significant Items" for a reconciliation between GAAP results and the adjusted earnings (losses). EBITDAR EBITDAR is a non-GAAP financial measure commonly used in the airline industry to assess earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and aircraft rent. This measure is used to 4 view operating results before aircraft rent and ownership costs as these costs can vary significantly among airlines due to differences in the way airlines finance their aircraft and asset acquisitions. EBITDAR is not a recognized measure for financial statement presentation under GAAP and does not have any standardized meaning and is therefore not likely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other public companies. EBITDAR, before non-recurring labour expenses and reorganization and restructuring items, is calculated by taking operating income (loss) before non-recurring labour expenses and reorganization and restructuring items and adding back the line items: Depreciation, amortization and obsolescence and Aircraft rent as described below:
2003 2002 2001 ------------------------------------ ($ millions) GAAP operating income (loss) before non-recurring labour expenses and reorganization and restructuring items (684) (192) (731) Add back: Depreciation, amortization and obsolescence 366 372 441 Aircraft rent 1,009 1,109 959 ----------- ------------ ----------- EBITDAR, before non-recurring labour expenses and reorganization and restructuring items 691 1,289 669 =========== ============ ===========
OVERVIEW AND GENERAL BUSINESS SUMMARY Summary Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international full-service airline, providing scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo. The Air Canada family of brands includes: ZIP, Air Canada's low-fare airline that commenced operations in September 2002; and the regional airline, Air Canada Jazz. At December 31, 2003, the Corporation's route network served 148 destinations including 58 destinations in Canada, 44 destinations in the United States and 46 other international destinations. Through commercial agreements with third party airlines operating under capacity purchase agreements, an additional 17 North American communities are served bringing the total network to 165 destinations on five continents. 5 Air Canada operates an extensive global network in conjunction with its international airline partners. With Air Canada's strategic alliance and commercial partnerships, as at December 31, 2003, scheduled and charter air transportation was offered to over 700 destinations in 128 countries. Supporting the airline business, the Corporation also provides several airline-related services. Air Canada provides aircraft and engine maintenance services to third parties. Aeroplan, Air Canada's loyalty program, rewards members both for flying on Air Canada and its airline partners and for purchasing services from other program participants. Air Canada Vacations, a Canadian tour operator, provides packaged vacation solutions. In 2002, Air Canada launched Destina.ca as an on-line travel services website. Air Canada also provides ground handling and other services to airlines and other customers. Air Canada was established by the Parliament of Canada in April 1937 as the national airline and has been a publicly-owned corporation since 1989. Throughout most of the 1990s, Canadian Airlines International Ltd. (CAIL) was Air Canada's principal domestic competitor. By the end of the 1990s, given the imminent failure of CAIL, the Canadian Ministers of Transport and of Industry allowed Air Canada to proceed, subject to several conditions, with the acquisition of CAIL which was completed on July 5, 2000. In connection with said acquisition, numerous undertakings regarding the combination of the operations, the treatment of employees and the fostering of competition in the Canadian airline industry were required of Air Canada. Further to the acquisition, Air Canada incurred significant integration costs and the integration of labour forces led, in certain situations, to the granting of job protection which for a time became a significant impediment to Air Canada's cost reduction efforts. In the fall of 2001, job protection guarantees within Air Canada's collective agreements were eliminated and replaced with various job reduction mitigation programs which, at the same time, permitted lay-offs. Commencing in the summer of 2000, Air Canada was faced with increasing competition from domestic low-cost airlines. The domestic low-cost airlines, together with growing consumer expectations for lower fares, have driven down the yields. In addition, the bursting of the technology bubble in 2000 caused a substantial decline in premium business travel. Air Canada was not fully able to respond to this new competitive environment given the undertakings provided in connection with the acquisition of CAIL which notably prevented Air 6 Canada from starting up a planned low-cost air carrier in eastern Canada before September 2001 and also prevented Air Canada from significantly reducing labour costs. Air Canada also experienced, in the past few years, a succession of negative events, each of which has had a dramatically greater impact on Air Canada than upon its domestic competitors given Air Canada's large transborder and international travel components. Recent years have been characterized by an overall recessionary economic environment which led to a general weakened demand for Air Canada's services and a substantial drop in demand in the premium corporate and business travel markets. Compounding the declining economy, two major events, in particular, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the 2003 SARS outbreak caused a significant reduction in consumer demand and in passenger revenues. Given its limited ability to reduce labour costs and having fixed aircraft fleet costs in the short term, Air Canada was unable to bring down its cost structure to a level necessary to respond to the decline in traffic or to the new landscape of the airline industry. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks also triggered substantial increases in insurance and airport security costs. Following September 11, 2001, Air Canada grounded many of its aircraft due to excess capacity. As most airlines were generally experiencing similar overcapacity problems, Air Canada's ability to dispose of such aircraft was greatly restricted. The geopolitical instability that has characterized the recent years, including the Iraq crisis, brought uncertainty to the global economy and contributed to increased volatility in fuel prices. Fuel prices, an important factor for Air Canada, were at a near record level in the first quarter of 2003. In this context, Air Canada experienced a worsening financial position exemplified by a net loss of $1.3 billion for 2001 and a net loss of $828 million for 2002 as well as the downgrading by the Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS) of its senior debt rating from BB with a stable trend to BB (low) in February 2001. In 2003, Air Canada's passenger revenues were severely impacted by (i) the advent of the Iraq war; (ii) the SARS outbreak; and (iii) the rapid expansion of WestJet and other low-cost carriers. In combination, these factors caused Air Canada's 2003 passenger revenues to decline by over $1.3 billion versus 2002. The 7 continuing operating losses significantly diminished the liquidity of Air Canada and, in the first quarter of 2003, alternative sources of funding were not available. On March 21, 2003, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), a federal government regulatory authority, issued a direction requiring Air Canada to file new valuations of its main pension plan and to retroactively make current service contributions in respect of 2002. The impact of this direction would have placed a great burden on Air Canada's liquidity over the ensuing five years in order to fund the solvency deficit in the time required by existing regulations. Consequently, on the advice of its financial and legal advisors, Air Canada elected to restructure its operations, debt and capitalization under CCAA protection. On April 1, 2003, Air Canada filed for and received protection under CCAA in the form of a general stay of proceedings. The Court appointed Ernst & Young as the Monitor (the Monitor). Air Canada, through the Monitor, also made a concurrent petition for recognition and ancillary relief under Section 304 of the US Bankruptcy Code. CREDITOR PROTECTION AND RESTRUCTURING On April 1, 2003, Air Canada obtained an order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (the Court) providing creditor protection under CCAA. On April 1, 2003, Air Canada, through its Court-appointed Monitor, also made a concurrent petition for recognition and ancillary relief under Section 304 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The CCAA and U.S. proceedings cover Air Canada and the following of its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Jazz Air Inc., ZIP Air Inc., 3838722 Canada Inc., Air Canada Capital Ltd., Manoir International Finance Inc., Simco Leasing Ltd., and Wingco Leasing Inc. (collectively, the Applicants). Aeroplan, Air Canada Vacations and Destina are not included in the filings. These three subsidiaries continue dealings with their creditors on a normal basis, unaffected by the CCAA and US proceedings. The Court orders provide for a general stay period, including certain payment moratoriums, that expires on April 15, 2004, subject to further extension as the courts may deem appropriate. This stay generally precludes parties from taking any action against the 8 Applicants for breach of contractual or other obligations. The purpose of the stay period order is to provide the Applicants with relief designed to stabilize operations and business relationships with customers, employees, suppliers, lessors and service providers. During the stay period, Air Canada is developing a revised business plan and has negotiated new arrangements with creditors (including aircraft lessors) and labour unions with a view to having these arrangements completed prior to proposing a final plan of arrangement including new financing for its overall exit financing needs as well as an investment agreement with an equity sponsor, a rights offering and financing from certain commercial partners. Significant progress has been made to-date. The Applicants continue operations under the provisions of the Court orders. The Applicants are undertaking an operational, commercial, financial and corporate restructuring and will propose a final plan of arrangement (Plan), which will be submitted to the Court for confirmation after submission to the Applicants' creditors for their approval. The Plan will propose, amongst other things, the settlement of the Applicants' compromised liabilities and the Corporation's capital structure upon emergence. The CCAA filings triggered defaults on substantially all of the Applicants' debt and lease obligations. The Court orders stay most actions against the Applicants, including actions to collect pre-filing indebtedness or to exercise control over the Applicants' property. As a result of the stay in April 2003, the Applicants ceased making payments of interest and principal on substantially all debt and implemented a temporary payment moratorium on aircraft lease payments pending renegotiation of the lease arrangements. The orders also grant the Applicants the authority to, among other things, a) pay outstanding and future employee wages, salaries and employee benefits and other employee obligations; b) honour obligations related to airline tickets and Aeroplan redemptions; and c) honour obligations related to the Applicants' interline, clearing house, code sharing and other similar agreements. Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. 9 CURRENT STATUS OF THE CCAA PROCESS The Applicants have been working diligently on the preparation of the Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to restructure the capitalization, operations and cost structure of the Applicants and provide for the compromise and settlement of proven claims of affected unsecured creditors. The Plan has been designed to: (i) redefine Air Canada's core product offerings to meet the current and anticipated future airline industry competitive environment; (ii) implement a fleet renewal program resulting in the appropriate number and mix of aircraft for Air Canada's route network; (iii) complete a restructuring of all of Air Canada's debt and lease obligations; (iv) reorganize Air Canada's corporate structure to enable certain key businesses, including cargo, ground handling and technical services, to compete with their competitors and generate value for their stakeholders; and (v) reduce Air Canada's operating costs to a competitive level through cost reduction and productivity initiatives, including the renegotiation of collective bargaining agreements, aircraft leases, real property leases and various commercial agreements. Based on the restructuring plan and subject to implementation of the Plan, holders of existing Air Canada Class A shares and holders of existing Air Canada common shares are expected to receive shares of a newly created holding company (ACE). Such ACE shares are expected to be consolidated resulting in existing Air Canada shareholders of Air Canada Class A shares and common shares holding a nominal amount of the equity of ACE. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that there will be any meaningful recovery for these shareholders under the restructuring plan. The successful emergence from CCAA and full implementation of the Plan are subject to numerous conditions and approvals, including approval by key stakeholders and the Court. There can be no assurance that all required conditions will be met and approvals received nor that the Applicants will ultimately emerge from CCAA. 10 Since April 1, 2003, Air Canada has made substantial progress in its restructuring process as detailed below: General Electric Debtor-in-Possession Financing (DIP) As of April 1, 2003, Air Canada obtained a secured revolving credit facility from GE Canada Finance Holding Company (GE Capital) in an aggregate amount up to US$700 million available in two separate tranches. The facility has a term that expires on the earlier of (i) the business day on which all conditions to the implementation of the Plan have been satisfied or (to the extent legally permissible) waived and the Monitor has filed a certificate with the Court confirming the foregoing, and (ii) the prepayment in full by Air Canada of all amounts outstanding under the facility and the termination of the lender's commitments under the facility. The terms of the credit facility were approved by the Court on April 1, 2003. In keeping with Air Canada's objective of maintaining a minimum cash balance during the restructuring, on January 12, 2004, $300 million was drawn under the credit advance facility. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) Credit Card and Credit Agreements Air Canada, for and on behalf of Aeroplan, and CIBC entered into a new co-branding credit card agreement which was approved by the Court on May 14, 2003, and is effective since June 11, 2003. Pursuant to such new co-branding credit card agreement, Aeroplan sells loyalty points to CIBC to be redeemed by customers for flights on Air Canada. The new agreement modifies the terms of the original co-branding credit card agreement between the parties by, among other things, increasing the amount paid to Aeroplan by CIBC for loyalty points and relaxing the exclusivity provisions. CIBC also provided a commitment to Air Canada of up to $350 million, pursuant to the terms and conditions of a credit agreement dated as of June 6, 2003 (the CIBC Credit Agreement), of which $315 million ($319 million net of transaction fees of $4 million) was drawn in 2003. The outstanding amount of $105 million at December 31, 2003 under the CIBC Credit Agreement is expected to be repaid in full in 2004. Amex Bank of Canada Inc. (Amex) Charge Card and Financing Agreement On December 22, 2003, Air Canada, Aeroplan and Amex entered into a co-branding charge card agreement and a membership rewards agreement (collectively the Amex Agreements). The Amex Agreements provide Amex with the right to issue co-branded 11 Aeroplan charge cards and to purchase from Aeroplan loyalty points to be allocated to users of the Amex charge cards and to be redeemed for flights on Air Canada. Amex will pay a price per loyalty point which is comparable to the price charged by Aeroplan under similar contracts. Under the terms of the Amex Agreements, Amex has also provided Air Canada with an $80 million non-revolving credit facility to be repaid, at Amex's option, as loyalty points are purchased or as amounts are due to Air Canada and Aeroplan under the Amex Agreements. Any balance outstanding under the Amex facility is due on January 5, 2006. Real Estate Facilities and Contracts Renegotiation and/or Repudiation During the restructuring period, the Corporation has reviewed all of its real estate facilities with a view to eliminate unused or under-utilized facilities and to consolidate its operations to further reduce operating costs. As a result of this review, a total of 46 real property leases have been repudiated or assigned since April 1, 2003, and are expected to represent significant savings for 2004. In addition, the Corporation has also evaluated all of its contracts for goods and services to identify opportunities to consolidate its supply base, to better leverage its buying power and to take advantage of the opportunity to repudiate unfavourable contracts. For 2004, significant savings are expected to be achieved by the Corporation from this renegotiation and/or the repudiation of various contractual commitments. Equity Solicitation Process On July 16, 2003, Air Canada commenced an equity investment solicitation process, in consultation with the Monitor, to raise approximately $700 million of its overall exit financing needs. On September 26, 2003, Air Canada announced the selection by the Air Canada Board of Directors of two potential investors, Cerberus Capital Management L.P. (Cerberus) and Trinity Time Investments Inc. (Trinity), as candidates to advance to the final phase of the equity solicitation process and to negotiate a binding investment agreement with Air Canada. Final investment agreements were received from Cerberus and Trinity on November 7, 2003 and, after a thorough analysis, on November 8, 2003, the Board of Directors selected Trinity. 12 On November 20, 2003, an unsolicited offer was received by the Monitor whereby Cerberus supplemented its final investment proposal submitted on November 7, 2003. On November 22, 2003, a further unsolicited supplement to the unsolicited offer from Cerberus was received by the Monitor. On December 4, 1002, Air Canada, Cerberus and Trinity agreed that in order to bring closure to the equity solicitation process, Cerberus would be permitted to submit a final investment proposal to Air Canada on or before December 12, 2003. On December 8, 2003, the Court approved the investment proposal received from Trinity. Cerberus provided another unsolicited offer to Air Canada on December 10, 2003. On December 17, 2003, further to an application to the Court by Air Canada, the Court declared that Cerberus' latest unsolicited offer of December 10, 2003 was final and not subject to further amendment. The Court also ordered that the equity solicitation process be completed by December 22, 2003. Trinity was allowed to supplement its investment proposal of November 7, 2003 and, on December 19, 2003, Trinity provided its supplemented investment proposal to the Monitor. On December 21, 2003, Air Canada's Board of Directors, after receiving a comparative analysis from its financial advisors and advice from its independent legal counsel, voted unanimously to reconfirm the selection of Trinity as equity investor in connection with the Plan. On January 16, 2004, the Court approved the supplemented investment proposal received from Trinity on December 19, 2003. The obligation of Trinity to make the investment contemplated in the investment agreement is conditional on the satisfaction of or compliance with a number of conditions. Refer to "Equity Solicitation" in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. On April 2, 2004, Trinity announced that it will not seek an extension after April 30, 2004 of its Investment Agreement with Air Canada. Further, and effective immediately, it has released Air Canada from its exclusivity obligations to Trinity, enabling Air Canada to open discussions with other prospective investors. Refer to "Subsequent Events" on page 75 of this MD&A for additional information. 13 Negotiations with Aircraft Lessors During the CCAA proceedings, Air Canada conducted extensive negotiations with its aircraft financiers to restructure its aircraft ownership costs. Through these efforts, the Corporation achieved: (i) reduced ownership costs consistent with current market conditions, (ii) modified lease expiry dates based on planned new aircraft acquisitions and scheduled heavy maintenance requirements, and (iii) satisfactory aircraft return conditions consistent with modified lease expiry dates. From April 1, 2003 through to March 26, 2004, the Corporation eliminated 48 leased aircraft from its fleet and significantly reduced its future aircraft ownership costs. Additional fleet reductions are anticipated as the Corporation has early lease termination rights with respect to certain aircraft prior to December 31, 2005. In addition, Air Canada entered into a global restructuring agreement (the Global Restructuring Agreement) with GECC which covers approximately one third of its fleet. Global Restructuring Agreement As of April 1, 2003, GE Capital Corporation (GECC) leased, managed the leases of, or otherwise had an interest in, approximately one third of Air Canada's fleet. After extensive negotiations and based on a tentative agreement reached on July 3, 2003, GECC and Air Canada entered into the Global Restructuring Agreement on September 11, 2003 which was approved by the Court on January 16, 2004. The Global Restructuring Agreement provides for, among other things: (i) the restructuring of leases for all GECC-owned and GECC-managed aircraft, (ii) exit financing in an amount of approximately US$585 million for use upon emergence from the CCAA proceedings, and (iii) financing in an amount of up to US$950 million to fund the acquisition of new regional jet aircraft. Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. New Fleet A key component of the Corporation's new product strategy is based on a shift to more point to point flying and increasing frequencies on key domestic and transborder routes while reducing the average number of seats per departure. As part of its new strategy and further to a thorough evaluation of candidate aircraft, Air Canada reached, on December 19, 2003, agreements in principle with Bombardier and Embraer SA to purchase new aircraft. All aircraft purchases from Bombardier and Embraer are subject to a number of conditions, including financing on satisfactory commercial terms, negotiation of final documentation and receipt of all 14 requisite approvals. Delivery of aircraft is scheduled to commence in September of 2004. The aggregate cost for these aircraft approximates US$2 billion. On March 12, 2004, Air Canada received confirmation from Embraer that the aircraft manufacturer had secured financing on commercial terms satisfactory to Air Canada for the order of 45 firm 93-seat Embraer 190 aircraft. On March 24, 2004, Air Canada announced it had received confirmation from Bombardier that the aircraft manufacturer had secured financing on satisfactory commercial terms to Air Canada for the carrier's entire firm order of Bombardier aircraft. On March 19, 2004, the Court approved an agreement between Air Canada and Airbus (AVSA S.A.R.L.) dated March 12, 2004, with respect to certain aircraft that had been ordered by Air Canada from Airbus prior to April 1, 2003. Prior to such date, Air Canada was committed to purchase from Airbus, two Airbus A321 narrowbody aircraft and two Airbus A340-500 widebody aircraft in 2003 and three Airbus A340-600 widebody aircraft in 2004. Following April 1, 2003, Air Canada failed to take delivery of the Airbus A321 and Airbus A340-500 aircraft. On January 30, 2004, Air Canada repudiated its commitment to Airbus to purchase two Airbus A321 and two A340-500 aircraft. On March 12, 2004, Air Canada and Airbus reached an agreement which provided for the purchase by Air Canada of two Airbus A340-500 aircraft and their financing which aircraft are now scheduled for delivery in June and July of 2004. The agreement also provided among others for the cancellation of the two aircraft orders, the deferral of deliveries of three widebody aircraft to 2010 and the waiver of any related claim by Airbus against Air Canada during the CCAA process. Settlement of Pilots' Arbitration Proceedings In connection with the labour dispute settlement of May 2003, it was agreed by Air Canada and the two pilots' unions, Air Canada's Pilot's Association (ACPA) and Airline Pilot's Association (ALPA), that certain issues concerning the allocation of regional jet aircraft between ACPA and ALPA would be resolved in arbitration proceedings to be held on February 28 and 29, 2004. At the time of the arbitration hearing, the parties agreed to voluntary mediation proceedings instead of arbitration, at which ACPA, ALPA and Air Canada agreed that the Bombardier regional jets would be purchased by Air Canada and flown by the ALPA pilots, and the Embraer regional jets would be purchased by Air Canada and flown by the ACPA pilots. The mediated agreement was ratified by the members of ALPA and ACPA on March 19, 2004. 15 Arrangements with Unions Since April 1, 2003, the Corporation has achieved a major restructuring of its labour force with the conclusion of new long-term collective agreements with all of its union groups. Pursuant to the new collective agreements, unconditional employment security provisions have been eliminated, permanent pay rate reductions have been accepted by seven of the ten union groups and modifications to work rules have been implemented and are expected to result in productivity increases and accrued flexibility for all union groups. As part of its restructuring efforts, as of the end of February 2004, the Corporation has reduced employment levels since April 1, 2003 by over 6,100 employees measured on a full-time equivalent (FTE) basis. Pension Plans The deterioration of the solvency position of Air Canada's registered pension plans during 2002 triggered in March 2003 a direction by OSFI for Air Canada to file formal January 1, 2003 actuarial valuations of each defined benefit registered pension plan. As at January 1, 2004, Air Canada estimated that the overall Canadian defined benefit registered pension plan solvency deficit was approximately $1.2 billion. As part of the restructuring process, Air Canada has had extensive discussions with OSFI, its Canadian labour unions, its non-unionized employees and court-appointed representatives of retirees, in order to address the funding of the solvency deficit in its registered pension plans. Following such discussions, Air Canada presented, on October 27, 2003, a detailed proposal for the funding over ten years of the solvency deficit in its registered pension plans. On February 18, 2004, Air Canada and representatives of the pension beneficiaries agreed on a proposal for the funding of the solvency deficit over ten years commencing as at January 1, 2004, which has been presented to OSFI and the Government of Canada. The parties have sought the support of OSFI for a recommendation to the federal government that it adopt the regulations necessary to give effect to the 10-year funding plan. Jazz has resumed, since December 2003, remittance of all contributions to all of its defined contribution pension plans. Air Canada and Jazz remitted, in December 2003 and January 2004, an aggregate amount of approximately $132 million representing the 16 2003 current service costs relating to Air Canada's unionized and non-unionized employees and retirees in Canada and in the United Kingdom as well as a group of Jazz pilots. On March 31, 2004, Air Canada and its largest union, District Lodge 140 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) announced that they had reached a tentative agreement to facilitate the Corporation's transition to a new defined contribution pension arrangement. District Lodge 140 of IAMAW represents 11,500 technical operations, airport ground service, clerical and finance branch personnel. The tentative agreement would give all active and inactive (current) employees represented by District Lodge 140 of the IAMAW, the freedom to choose between a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. Any new employees hired after the ratification of the agreement would automatically be enrolled in a defined contribution plan. The agreement is subject to various conditions including membership ratification and approval by Trinity. Standby Purchase Agreement In the context of the equity solicitation process, informal expressions of interest were received from certain of Air Canada's financial creditors in connection with a possible rights offering to provide new capital to ACE incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations ACT (CBCA). Extensive negotiations between Air Canada, its advisors and certain of the interested financial creditors resulted in the announcement, on October 24, 2003, that Air Canada had entered into an agreement with Deutsche Bank (the Standby Purchase Agreement) in connection with a rights offering (the Rights Offering). It is expected that affected unsecured creditors will have the right to subscribe for up to $450 million of equity of ACE at the same price that Trinity (the Equity Investor) will be paying for its equity investment in ACE. Pursuant to the Standby Purchase Agreement, Deutsche Bank will act as the exclusive standby purchaser and, in that capacity, will purchase all unsubscribed ACE rights shares at a price equal to the price paid by the Equity Investor for its equity investment plus a premium calculated in accordance with a formula, not to exceed 15 per cent of the price paid by the Equity Investor. By an amendment to the Standby Purchase Agreement which is currently being negotiated, the parties have provided for an overallotment mechanism which allows affected unsecured creditors to subscribe, in the aggregate, for an additional number of ACE rights shares equal to 50 per cent of the unsubscribed ACE rights shares at a price equal to the price paid by the Equity Investor for its equity investment plus a premium calculated in accordance with a formula, not to exceed 15 per cent of the price paid by the Equity Investor. 17 The amendment to the Standby Purchase Agreement, when finalized, is subject to approval by the Court. Greater Toronto Airports Authority On February 19, 2004, Air Canada applied to the Court seeking to have the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) honor its agreement with Air Canada regarding the relocation of Air Canada's domestic operations to Terminal 1 New, Toronto Pearson International Airport's new terminal. Pursuant to the agreement in place between Air Canada and the GTAA, Air Canada was granted fixed preferential use of all 14 covered gates that will be available at the initial phase of Terminal 1 New, when such terminal opens, which is expected to be on April 6, 2004. The dispute arose when the GTAA declared that it would give Air Canada the fixed preferential use of only eight of the 14 gates, thus forcing Air Canada to share the remaining six gates with WestJet, a domestic airline competitor. On February 23, 2004, the Court ordered the GTAA to honor its agreements with Air Canada and to provide Air Canada with the fixed preferential use of all 14 covered gates. On March 19, 2004, the GTAA and WestJet were denied the right to appeal the Court's decision. 18
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS --------------------- 2003 2002 2001 ---------------------------------------------------- ($ millions, except per share figures) Operating Revenues Passenger 6,858 8,190 8,123 Cargo 519 585 578 Other 991 1,051 910 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- 8,368 9,826 9,611 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Operating Expenses Salaries, wages and benefits 2,828 3,099 3,022 Aircraft fuel 1,253 1,288 1,593 Aircraft rent 1,009 1,109 959 Other 3,962 4,522 4,768 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- 9,052 10,018 10,342 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Operating loss before the undernoted items (684) (192) (731) Non-recurring labour expenses - (26) - Reorganization and restructuring items (1,050) - - Non-operating expense (282) (166) (234) Foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items 137 (60) (20) Recovery of (provision for) income taxes 12 (384) (330) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Loss for the year (1,867) (828) (1,315) ================= ================ ================= Loss per share - Basic and diluted (15.53) (6.89) (10.95) Weighted average common shares outstanding (millions) - basic and diluted 120 120 120
COMPARISON OF RESULTS - 2003 VERSUS 2002 ---------------------------------------- In 2003 with the restructuring of operations, the Corporation achieved a significant improvement in costs. Despite this, revenue declines from the adverse impact of SARS, the war in Iraq, reduced business travel and increased low-cost competition, led to greater operating losses in 2003. For 2003, Air Canada reported an operating loss before reorganization and restructuring items of $684 million compared to an operating loss before non-recurring labour expenses of 19 $192 million in 2002. The net loss, which included $1,050 million of reorganization and restructuring items, was $1,867 million compared to a net loss of $828 million in 2002. 2003 versus 2002 Revenues For the year 2003, passenger revenues declined $1,332 million or 16 per cent reflecting mainly the material adverse effect of SARS, the war in Iraq and increased competition from domestic low-cost airlines and airlines operating on the US transborder market. The effect of SARS and the war in Iraq caused a major decline in travel demand. Increased competition in both Canada and the U.S. resulted in lower yields per RPM. Beginning in May 2003, the Corporation introduced lower fares and a simplified fare structure in Canada to compete more effectively. The table below describes year-over-year percentage changes in passenger revenues, capacity as measured in ASMs, traffic as measured by RPMs, yield per RPM and RASM by major market.
Passenger Revenues - 2003 versus 2002 ------------------------------------- Passenger Revenue Capacity Traffic Yield % Change (ASMs) (RPMs) per RPM RASM % Change % Change % Change % Change --------------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------- ----------------- Canada (17) (7) (8) (10) (11) US (19) (12) (13) (7) (8) Atlantic (5) (1) (2) (4) (5) Pacific (37) (32) (36) (2) (7) Other 10 5 6 3 4 System (16) (10) (12) (5) (7)
Cargo revenues decreased $66 million or 11 per cent from 2002. International cargo revenues declined $52 million primarily due to reduced cargo capacity on Pacific routes as a result of the SARS crisis. Cargo revenues from domestic routes declined $14 million from 2002. Other revenues decreased $60 million or 6 per cent from 2002 mainly due to reduced third party maintenance revenues. Higher Air Canada Vacations revenues were partially offset by lower revenues from ground handling and other services. 20 For the year, total operating revenues decreased $1,458 million or 15 per cent from 2002 levels. 2003 versus 2002 Operating Costs Operating expenses declined $966 million or 10 per cent from 2002. With a 10 per cent reduction to Mainline-related ASM capacity, full year 2003 Mainline-related unit cost, as measured by operating expense per ASM, was 1 per cent below the 2002 level. In the second half of 2003, operating expenses were down $817 million or 16 per cent from 2002 levels and Mainline-related unit cost was 7 per cent below 2002 with a Mainline-related ASM capacity reduction of 10 per cent. For the year 2003, salaries and wage expense was reduced $307 million or 12 per cent. During 2003, full-time equivalent (FTE) employees were reduced by an average of approximately 3,865 employees or 10 per cent compared to 2002. Commencing in the second quarter of 2003, the reduction in employee levels was accelerated. With the revised labour arrangements in effect, the last six months of 2003 showed a decrease of $274 million or 21 per cent compared to the same period in 2002. This decrease in salary and wage expense was mainly the result of a reduction of an average of approximately 6,598 FTE employees or 16 per cent as compared to the last six months of the prior year, and included the impact of changes to work rules as well as salary reductions for unionized and non-unionized labour groups. The Corporation recorded severance provisions of $124 million as a charge to reorganization and restructuring items relating to employee voluntary separation and involuntary severance programs. Employee benefits expense increased $36 million or 6 per cent. This increase was largely attributable to higher pension and employee future benefits expenses of approximately $81 million over 2002 due mainly to higher pension and increased health care costs. This was partially offset by a $45 million decrease in other benefits primarily due to a $23 million unfavourable adjustment in 2002 and a $10 million favourable adjustment in 2003 both relating to actuarial valuations of workers' compensation liability. The Corporation also recorded a non-cash $128 million pension curtailment charge, in reorganization and restructuring items, as a result of the impact of the reduction in the level of employees on Expected Average Remaining Service Life (EARSL). 21 Aircraft fuel expense declined $35 million or 3 per cent on a 6 per cent reduction in flying hours and improved fuel consumption rates. Aircraft fuel expense declined in spite of an 11 per cent increase in the average base fuel price, totalling $124 million, which included the favourable impact of foreign exchange. Aircraft rent expense was down $100 million or 9 per cent reflecting the impact of aircraft repudiations/returns, renegotiated lease rates and the reclassification of five operating leases to capital leases. The stronger Canadian dollar was also a favourable factor for aircraft leases denominated in US dollars. This was partially offset by the year-over-year increase due to new deliveries in 2002 and 2003. Certain aircraft lease amendments for rent reductions are conditional upon successful emergence from CCAA and, therefore, the cost of the original agreement continues to be recorded in operating expense for these leases. Included in restructuring and reorganization items is $23 million of amortization of deferred charges representing deficiency claims on aircraft leases. Airport and navigation fees decreased $29 million or 4 per cent on a 4 per cent reduction to consolidated aircraft frequencies. This decrease reflected reduced departures partially offset by increases in landing and general terminal charges year-over-year. Airport user fees increased overall but primarily at Toronto's Pearson International Airport, Air Canada's main hub. Fees for air navigation services also increased in 2003. Aircraft maintenance, materials and supplies expense declined $125 million or 25 per cent. Most of this reduction was due to the removal of aircraft from the Mainline and Jazz operating fleets through aircraft repudiations/returns as well as to reduced flying activity. Communications and Information Technology expense was down $71 million or 15 per cent largely due to a decrease in passenger volumes and, to a lesser extent, the impact of increased direct passenger sales via the internet. Food, beverages and supplies expense declined $61 million or 15 per cent on a 12 per cent decline in passenger traffic as measured by RPMs. 22 Commission expense was reduced by $97 million or 26 per cent on a passenger and cargo revenue reduction of 16 per cent. Reduced passenger revenues as well as the impact of increased direct passenger sales via the internet contributed to the decrease. Commission as a per cent of passenger and cargo revenues declined from 4.2 per cent in 2002 to 3.7 per cent in 2003. The "other" operating expense category decreased $171 million or 10 per cent. Air Canada Mainline recorded expense reductions of $206 million. Numerous expense areas declined as a result of reduced activity and cost saving initiatives. Expense reductions were recorded in customer maintenance materials, insurance, terminal handling, building rent, inconvenienced customer expenses, crew expenses, ground equipment maintenance, credit card fees and other expense categories. Jazz expenses were down $40 million including decreases in insurance, crew expenses, terminal handling and advertising. Beginning in January 2003, Air Canada commenced recording revenues and expenses relating to third party airlines operating under capacity purchase agreements. For the year 2003, $51 million of these expenses is recorded in the "other" operating expense category. Correspondingly, $58 million of the related revenues is included in passenger revenues for 2003. Other expenses for Air Canada Vacations and other subsidiaries increased $24 million, primarily due to a major expansion in tour operations by Air Canada Vacations. Reorganization and Restructuring Items Since the Corporation's filing under CCAA, it has recorded significant reorganization and restructuring items directly associated with the rearranging of its business affairs while under the Court's protection. These "reorganization and restructuring items" represent revenues, expenses, gains and losses and provisions for losses since the date of filing that can be directly associated with the reorganization and restructuring of the business under CCAA. A number of significant reorganization items recorded in 2003 relate to the anticipated allowable claims resulting from repudiated contracts, including aircraft leases. Reported as compromised liabilities, the claims will be dealt with under CCAA. Also included in reorganization and restructuring items are residual value guarantee and aircraft rent expense amortization, foreign exchange adjustments on compromised debt, labour-related and other items. For 2003, reorganization and restructuring items amounted to $1,050 million. Refer to Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. 23 The timing of recognition of reorganization and restructuring items is consistent with Canadian GAAP. Additional amounts are expected to be recorded prior to the Corporation's emergence from creditor protection. 2003 versus 2002 Non-Operating Expense As described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, while the Corporation is under creditor protection, interest expense has been reported only to the extent that it will be paid under the plan of arrangement or that it is probable that it will be an allowed claim. Non-operating expense was $282 million, a $116 million increase from 2002. Net interest expense decreased $135 million primarily due to the Corporation not recording interest expense on unsecured debt subject to compromise. As a result of the filings, the Corporation ceased to accrue interest on unsecured debt that is subject to compromise. Since April 1, 2003, approximately $179 million of interest expense on unsecured debt would have been recorded had the filings not occurred. Provisions for losses on aircraft and inventory amounted to $165 million compared to provisions for losses of $32 million in 2002. These provisions relate mainly to non-operating aircraft and spare parts. "Other" non-operating expense amounted to $28 million in 2003 compared to "other" non-operating income of $97 million in 2002. The 2002 "other" non-operating income related mainly to $118 million of gains resulting from the purchase of the Corporation's debt, partially offset by a $37 million charge due to the disallowance by the Government of Canada of a portion of Air Canada's September 11th assistance claim previously recorded in 2001. Since the third quarter of 2001, the net future tax assets have been offset by a valuation allowance. In 2002, an income tax valuation allowance was recorded to reduce the value of the Mainline airline's future income tax asset by its full carrying value of $400 million. Refer to Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. 24 COMPARISON OF RESULTS - 2002 VERSUS 2001 Despite continuing weakness in business travel markets, increased domestic competition and the continuing adverse effect on air travel resulting from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Air Canada demonstrated a significant improvement in operating results in 2002 but this improvement was not sufficient to deal with the structural problems inherent in the network airline industry in North America. For the second and third quarters of the year, the Corporation reported operating and net profits, the only full-service North American air carrier to do so. The fourth quarter of the year was disappointing with revenue declines in the domestic market, increased competition, continuing threat of terrorism, uncertainty in the minds of the travelling public about a potential war in Iraq, rising fuel prices and other expense pressures all leading to a large operating loss. For 2002, Air Canada reported an operating loss before non-recurring labour expenses of $192 million, an improvement of $539 million from 2001. Loss before foreign exchange on long-term monetary items and income taxes amounted to $384 million, $581 million better than the prior year. A $400 million allowance was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2002 against the value of the non-cash future income tax asset (2001 - $453 million). This contributed to a net loss of $828 million or $6.89 per share, representing a $487 million improvement from the net loss of $1,315 million or $10.95 per share in 2001. 2002 versus 2001 Revenues For the year 2002, passenger revenues increased $67 million or 1 per cent compared to 2001. International markets performed well, however, this was largely offset by domestic revenue reductions at Air Canada Jazz and by a weak US transborder market. With continuing weakness in the business travel market and significantly more consumers looking for low fare air travel, Air Canada expanded its Tango operations and, later in the year, introduced ZIP, its low fare airline subsidiary. The table below describes year-over-year percentage changes in passenger revenues, ASM capacity, traffic, yield per RPM and passenger revenue per ASM by major market. 25
Passenger Revenues - 2002 versus 2001 ------------------------------------- Passenger Revenue Capacity Traffic Yield % Change (ASMs) (RPMs) per RPM RASM % Change % Change % Change % Change ------------------ --------------------- -------------------- ----------------- -------------------- Canada (1) (2) (3) 1 0 US (8) (3) (2) (6) (6) Atlantic 11 (1) 4 7 12 Pacific 11 (3) 10 1 15 Other 17 21 20 (3) (3) System 1 (1) 2 (1) 2
Due to the improved revenue performance of Aeroplan, Air Canada Vacations and Technical Services, other revenues increased $141 million or 15 per cent from 2001. Total operating revenues increased $215 million or 2 per cent. 2002 versus 2001 Operating Costs Operating expense declined $324 million from 2001. Mainline-related unit cost, as measured by operating expense per ASM, was 3 per cent below the 2001 level. Salaries and wage expense was down $3 million on an ASM capacity reduction of 1 per cent. For the year 2002, FTE employees were reduced by approximately 3,000 employees or 7 per cent compared to 2001. Mainline-related FTE employees were also down 7 per cent with average salaries up 5 per cent. The growth in average salaries included negotiated wage increases, progression through scale, the impact of laying off more junior employees and certain wage parity increases for employees who were previously employed by Canadian Airlines. Employee benefits expense increased $80 million or 15 per cent. Pension and employee future benefits rose $44 million over 2001 due mainly to higher pension and increased health care costs. Other benefits increased $36 million mainly due to a $23 million adjustment in 2002 relating to an updated actuarial valuation of workers' compensation liability. Aircraft fuel expense declined $305 million or 19 per cent on an ASM capacity reduction of 1 per cent and a 7 per cent reduction in flying hours. Declines in the average base fuel price 26 per litre contributed to a $126 million or 8 per cent reduction in fuel expense from 2001. Fuel hedging results had a $77 million favourable year-over-year impact on 2002 fuel expense. Fuel cost per available seat mile declined 19 per cent. Increasing seating on many aircraft types and the use of larger aircraft contributed to the unit cost decline as this allowed Air Canada to reduce aircraft frequencies and flying hours by an amount much greater than the ASM capacity reduction. Aircraft rent rose $150 million or 16 per cent. New aircraft deliveries of Airbus and Boeing aircraft as well as Canadair Regional Jet aircraft accounted for $98 million of the increase, net of retirements. In 2002, aircraft rent rose by $67 million due to sale and leaseback transactions completed on existing fleet in 2001 and 2002 to increase liquidity. These increases were partly offset by a $15 million decline in aircraft rent largely as a result of aircraft retirement provisions taken in 2001. Airport and navigation fees increased $34 million or 5 per cent on a 9 per cent reduction to consolidated aircraft frequencies. The average Mainline landing fee and general airport terminal fee per aircraft landing rose 8 per cent. Airport user fees reflected increases at most airports but primarily at Toronto's Pearson International Airport, Air Canada's main hub. Fees for air navigation services also increased in 2002. Aircraft maintenance, materials and supplies expense declined $61 million or 11 per cent. Approximately one half of the reduction was due to the removal of older aircraft from the Mainline and Jazz operating fleets. In 2001, Air Canada recorded a $21 million charge relating to return provisions for short-term leased aircraft compared to $14 million in 2002. Communications and Information Technology expense was down $20 million or 4 per cent largely due to a decrease in passenger volumes. Food, beverages and supplies expense declined by $40 million or 9 per cent on a 2 per cent increase to passenger traffic as measured by RPMs. Revised meal specifications starting early in 2002, cost reduction initiatives and increased "no frills" Tango and ZIP operations were the main factors contributing to the decrease. 27 Depreciation, amortization and obsolescence expense decreased $69 million or 16 per cent in 2002 due largely to the sale and leaseback of previously-owned aircraft as well as the retirement of DC-9, Boeing 737 and Fokker F28 aircraft. Reductions in depreciation due to sale and leaseback transactions were offset by increases to aircraft rent. Commission expense was reduced by $107 million or 22 per cent on passenger and cargo revenue growth of 1 per cent. Commission as a per cent of passenger and cargo revenues declined from 5.5 per cent in 2001 to 4.2 per cent in 2002. This reflected initiatives to reduce distribution costs including the elimination of base commissions for travel in North America in the spring of 2002 (with the exception of Tango and ZIP flights) and increased direct passenger sales via the internet. The "other" operating expense category increased $17 million. Air Canada Mainline recorded expense increases in several categories including a $63 million increase to insurance costs and other increases recorded in airline settlements, credit card fees, advertising and other expense categories. These increases were mostly offset by expense reductions to building rent, crew expenses and to a number of other areas. Other expenses for Air Canada Vacations and other subsidiaries increased $21 million due primarily to a major expansion in tour operations by Air Canada Vacations. Jazz expenses were down $28 million, as a result of reduced activity and cost reduction initiatives. 2002 versus 2001 Non-Operating Expense Non-operating expense was $166 million, $68 million below 2001. Net interest expense decreased $54 million, mainly as a result of lower interest rates and the favourable effect of a swap transaction completed in early 2002. Losses on sale of and provisions on assets amounted to $42 million in 2002 compared to losses of $85 million in 2001. In 2002, the Corporation recorded $32 million of expense provisions on non-operating aircraft and inventory values and losses on sale of assets of $10 million. In 2001, $176 million of aircraft and inventory write-downs for retired aircraft were recorded as well as gains on sale of assets of $91 million. "Other" non-operating income amounted to $97 million compared to $126 million in 2001. The 2002 "other" non-operating income related mainly to $118 million of gains from the purchase of debt, partially offset by a $37 million charge due to the disallowance by the Government of Canada of a portion of Air Canada's September 11 assistance claim. The 2001 "other" non-operating income included $105 million related to expected proceeds from the 28 Government of Canada program to compensate Canadian air carriers for the losses incurred in the September 11 to 16 period due to the closure of Canada's airspace following the terrorist attacks on the United States. Gains of $52 million were also recorded in 2001 "other" non-operating income from the purchase of Air Canada's perpetual and other debt. Tax The Corporation recorded non-cash valuation allowances of $400 million in 2002 and $453 million in 2001. Certain Air Canada subsidiaries continue to provide for future taxes for temporary differences and current taxes based on taxable income. Refer to Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. The table below describes pre-tax losses, tax recoveries, tax valuation allowances and net losses for the past three years.
$ millions ------------------------------------- 2003 2002 2001 ------------------------------------- Pre-tax loss (1,879) (444) (985) Tax recovery 12 69 240 Valuation allowance - recovery offset 0 (53) (117) Valuation allowance - asset write-off 0 (400) (453) --------- -------------- ------------- Net loss (1,867) (828) (1,315) ========= ============== =============
29
BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS Balance Sheet Table (Under Creditor Protection as of April 1, 2003) As at December 31 2003 2002 2001 ----------------------------------------- ASSETS ($ millions) Current Cash and cash equivalents 670 558 1,067 Other current assets 1,041 1,204 1,168 ----------------------------------------- 1,711 1,762 2,235 Property and equipment 1,771 2,288 2,830 Deferred charges 2,332 1,781 1,619 Goodwill 510 510 510 Other assets 586 1,071 1,550 ----------------------------------------- 6,910 7,412 8,744 ========================================= LIABILITIES Liabilities not subject to compromise Current liabilities 2,402 2,592 2,869 Long-term and subordinated perpetual debt and capital lease obligations 332 4,314 4,580 Future income taxes 11 28 60 Other long-term liabilities 1,643 1,405 1,279 Deferred credits 1,364 1,361 1,416 ----------------------------------------- 5,752 9,700 10,204 Liabilities subject to compromise 5,313 - - ----------------------------------------- 11,065 9,700 10,204 ----------------------------------------- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (4,155) (2,288) (1,460) ----------------------------------------- 6,910 7,412 8,744 =========================================
2003 versus 2002 The property and equipment (P&E) category has declined in 2003 mainly due to the impact of continued depreciation and to the recording of impairment provisions. As a result of the filing under CCAA, the majority of the Corporation's long-term and subordinated perpetual debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion) has been reclassified under "liabilities subject to compromise". "Liabilities subject to compromise" refer to 30 liabilities incurred prior to April 1, 2003 that will be dealt with as claims under CCAA, as well as claims arising out of renegotiated leases/contracts and repudiated leases/contracts. "Liabilities subject to compromise" are estimated at $5.3 billion. The quantum of the claims that will ultimately be allowed as a result of the claims review process is expected to be materially in excess of accruals recorded to date. Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Cash Flows from (used for) Operations As described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Court stay order of April 1, 2003, enabled a moratorium on all aircraft lease payments pending renegotiation of revised financial arrangements for the use of the aircraft. Rental payments have generally recommenced upon satisfactory renegotiation of the lease terms. In addition, on the basis of the order, the Corporation ceased making payments of principal and interest on substantially all debt as well as on pre-petition accounts payable subject to compromise. As a result, cash from operations is higher than it would have been had the CCAA filing not occurred. Consequently, cash flows from operations are not directly comparable to the prior year. 2003 cash flows from operations amounted to $139 million compared to cash flows used for operations of $95 million in 2002, an improvement of $234 million. Despite a deterioration in operating results, cash from operations improved mainly due to payment deferrals under the CCAA filing and other factors as further described below: o aggregate aircraft lease payments less than rent expense were $363 million, an improvement of $471 million in relation to 2002 which included a $145 million cash inflow from net recoveries of rebates on certain leased aircraft. In 2003 subsequent to the CCAA filing, due to the moratorium on aircraft lease payments allowed under the Court order, net scheduled cash payments of $520 million were not made. Aircraft lease payments less than rent expense primarily represent the difference between actual cash lease payments, either at the inception or during the term of a lease, and amounts recorded for aircraft rent expense which are expensed on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. 31 o accounts payable increased $50 million in 2003. This compared to a decrease of $145 million in 2002, an improvement of $195 million mainly due to the stay on certain pre-petition contractual payments as allowed under the Court Order, partially offset by accelerated payment terms and prepayments for certain goods and services after the filing. o the change in accounts receivable, advance ticket sales and spare parts, materials and supplies improved $76 million from the prior year mainly due to reduced spending on spare parts, materials and supplies. o "Other" cash used for operations was $117 million due in large part to payments made to financial institutions, passenger settlement systems and other trade vendors following the CCAA filing.
2003 Changes in Cash Position ($ Millions) (tabular version of graphic display) Cash Inflows Cash Outflows ------------ ------------- Cash flows from operations 139 Reduction of long-term debt and capital lease obligations (81) CIBC credit facility borrowings 315 CIBC credit facility repayments (159) DIP financing fees (62) Proceeds from sale of assets 45 Additions to P&E, net of recovered progress payments (96) Other 11 Net increase in cash 112
32 Financing Activities Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations amounted to $81 million for the year. Of this amount, mandatory scheduled repayments of $68 million were made prior to the CCAA filing and $13 million were made post-CCAA pertaining to a guarantee agreement with Lufthansa which was completed in December 2003 and is discussed in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In mid-2003, the Corporation reached an agreement with CIBC for a secured non-revolving term borrowing facility and received net financing proceeds of $315 million. The principal on this secured credit facility may be repaid through the purchase of Aeroplan miles by CIBC and shall be repaid in full no later than October 1, 2004. The facility bears interest at CIBC's prime lending rate. During the year, at CIBC's option, principal of $55 million was reduced through the offset of amounts owing from CIBC for Aeroplan miles purchased. In addition, cash payments of principal in the amount of $159 million were repaid during the year. In 2003, Air Canada completed a credit agreement with GE Capital for up to US$700 million DIP secured financing. The credit agreement is made up of a credit advance facility and a letter of credit facility. DIP financing fees amounting to $62 million were paid in 2003. As at December 31, 2003, this amount has been fully amortized to reorganization and restructuring items. As at March 26, 2004, $300 million has been drawn against the credit advance facility and letters of credit totalling $20 million have been issued against the letter of credit facility. Investing Activities In 2003, proceeds from the sale of assets amounted to $45 million of which $29 million was received in the third quarter relating to proceeds from the satisfaction of the purchaser's earn-out provision on the sale of Galileo Canada that occurred in 1998. In 2003, additions to property and equipment, net of recovered progress payments, amounted to $96 million, a reduction of $13 million from 2002. Aircraft, net of recovered progress payments, and aircraft-related expenditures totalled $46 million and included inventory and aircraft betterments of $35 million, progress payments on Embraer aircraft of $6 million and capitalized interest of $4 million. Facilities expenditures were $15 million and included expenditures relating to the development of new facilities at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. Ground equipment and computer systems development expenditures totalled $14 33 million. Subsidiary capital expenditures amounted to $21 million and included computer systems development expenditures of $13 million. Liquidity As a result of the CCAA filing on April 1, 2003, defaults were triggered on all the Applicants' then existing debt and lease obligations. The Court orders stayed most actions against the Applicants, including actions to collect pre-filing indebtedness. In addition, the Court stay order enabled a moratorium on all aircraft lease payments and the Corporation ceased making payments of interest and principal on substantially all debt. Rental payments have generally recommenced upon satisfactory renegotiation of the lease terms. As a result of these actions and non-payment of certain accounts payable subject to compromise, the Corporation's cash from operations for the year is higher than what it would have been had the CCAA filing not occurred . Therefore, the Corporation's cash position is not directly comparable to the prior year. As at December 31, 2003, the Corporation had cash and cash equivalents of $670 million as compared to $558 million as at December 31, 2002. With the CCAA filing, the liquidity of Air Canada will be determined by the outcome of the restructuring process and a number of other factors, including without limitation, energy prices, general industry, market and economic conditions, the ability to reduce operating costs, labour negotiations or disputes, pension issues, war or terrorist attacks, changes in laws, regulatory developments or proceedings and actions by third parties. As of December 31, 2003, the Corporation had the following financing facilities. Funding under these facilities is subject to various conditions precedent: o US$700 million GE Capital DIP secured financing of which CDN$840 million was available as at December 31, 2003. In January 2004, $300 million was drawn against the credit advance facility. o $80 million secured non-revolving term borrowing facility with Amex which may be repaid, at Amex's option, through the purchase of Aeroplan miles. These funds were drawn in January 2004. o General Electric Capital Aviations Services (GECAS) global restructuring agreement which provides the Corporation with exit financing under a non-revolving term credit facility of US$585 million and additional financing of up to US$950 million to finance approximately 43 new aircraft in the size range of 70 to 110 seats, through a series of transactions. 34 o Standby Purchase Agreement with Deutsche Bank whereby it will act as exclusive standby purchaser of a contemplated rights offering to Air Canada's creditors in an amount of $450 million. An amendment to this agreement is currently being negotiated with Deutsche Bank. o Investment agreement with Trinity as the equity sponsor. The investment agreement contemplates a $650 million equity investment which will represent approximately 31 per cent of the fully diluted equity of a newly formed holding company. Trinity will hold 49 per cent of the votes that may be cast on any matter upon which shareholders are generally entitled to vote. The above financing facilities are subject to a number of conditions, requirements and approvals relating to the Corporation's restructuring and its financial condition. There can be no assurance that the Corporation will meet all of the conditions, requirements and approvals which will allow it to realize the proceeds from the financing facilities. From January 1, 2004 through to March 26, 2004, the Corporation made payments of approximately US$100 million to lessors pertaining to 2003 aircraft lease obligations following the successful renegotiation of these lease agreements. As per the Monitor's twenty-second report dated March 24, 2004, the Corporation's estimated obligations arising subsequent to April 1, 2003 (post-filing liabilities) and estimated obligations to customers for advance ticket sales, were approximately $2 billion as at February 29, 2004. The post-filing liabilities included trade credit, accrued and unpaid aircraft lease charges, trust amounts which are not yet due and, accordingly, have not been remitted, indebtedness relating to post-filing credit facilities and accrued and unpaid payroll and other employee-related charges. As at April 1, 2004, the Corporation's combined cash balance, measured on the basis of cash in its Canadian and United States bank accounts, amounted to an estimated $910 million. Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Pension Plans On March 21, 2003, OSFI issued a direction of compliance ordering Air Canada to make contributions in excess of the amounts contemplated in its most recent filed actuarial valuations. 35 Specifically, Air Canada was directed to remit contributions approximately equal to the contribution holidays taken in 2002, amounting to approximately $105 million, and to cease taking any future contribution holidays. OSFI further directed Air Canada to prepare and file new actuarial valuations as at January 1, 2003 which management believes would have triggered additional funding obligations. Pursuant to Air Canada's filing for court protection from its creditors under CCAA, the Court ordered Air Canada to suspend contributions to funded pension plans, pending further order of the Court. In December 2003, the Court amended its original order to permit certain contributions to be remitted representing 2003 current service costs. As a result, the Corporation made contributions of $101 million in December, 2003, and $31 million in January, 2004. Benefit payments from the Corporation sponsored plans continue to be made in accordance with plan requirements. Air Canada and representatives of the unionized employees, non-unionized employees and retirees have come to an agreement with respect to the funding of the pension deficit which includes a provision for a funding schedule over a 10-year period whereas current regulations require it to be funded by equal payments over a maximum period of five years from the date of valuation. The parties have sought the support of OSFI for a recommendation to the federal government that it adopt the regulations necessary to give effect to the 10-year funding plan. Trinity has advised that this agreement is satisfactory only in the context of a restructuring of Air Canada's pension and benefit plans that is acceptable to it. Debt and Capital Lease Obligations As at December 31, 2003, Air Canada had debt and capital lease obligations of $505 million, including current portion, and a cash and cash equivalents balance of $670 million. A significant portion of the Corporation's 2002 long-term and subordinated perpetual debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion) has been reclassified under "liabilities subject to compromise". This compared to long-term and subordinated perpetual debt and capital lease obligations of $4.7 billion as at December 31, 2002, including current portion, and a cash and cash equivalents balance of $558 million. At December 31, 2003, "liabilities subject to compromise" amounted to an estimated $5.3 billion. These represent liabilities incurred prior to April 1, 2003 that will be dealt with as claims under CCAA as well as claims arising out of 36 renegotiated and repudiated leases and contracts. Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Operating Lease Obligations In addition to the debt obligations described above, as at December 31, 2003, Air Canada had obligations to make payments under operating leases relating to aircraft and other property. As disclosed in Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the future minimum lease payments under these operating leases amounted to $5.4 billion using year- end exchange rates and include amended lease payments on renegotiated leases where all terms and conditions have been met as at March 26, 2004. For those leases still under renegotiation and those renegotiated leases, including GECC, where all terms and conditions have not been met, payments as specified in the original leases have been reflected. Once all terms and conditions have been met, these rates will be reduced. As at December 31, 2003, these aircraft lease agreements are accounted for as operating leases in accordance with GAAP in Canada. Aircraft Commitments As at December 31, 2003, the Corporation had commitments to purchase two narrowbody and five widebody Airbus aircraft. On March 19, 2004, the Court approved an amended agreement between Airbus and Air Canada with respect to these aircraft deliveries. The agreement provides for the purchase of two Airbus A340-500 aircraft and their financing. Payments under the commitments total US$174 million, net of all credits and other amounts on deposit allocated by Airbus to the purchase. The settlement also includes the cancellation of two Airbus A321 deliveries and the deferred delivery to 2010 of three Airbus A340-600 aircraft with unilateral cancellation rights in favour of Air Canada. As part of the settlement, Airbus has retained $44 million of progress payments representing contractual termination and residual value guarantee fees. A further amount of approximately $47 million remains available to be applied against future aircraft orders under certain conditions. Airbus has agreed to waive any claim against Air Canada during the CCAA process. In December 2003, the Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with Bombardier and Embraer, respectively, for the purchase of regional jet aircraft. The Bombardier order is comprised of 15 CRJ 200 aircraft and 30 CRJ 705 aircraft. The Embraer order is for 45 ERJ 190 aircraft. The Bombardier CRJ 200 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2004 and 2005, the Bombardier CRJ 705 aircraft in 2005 and 2006 and the Embraer ERJ 190 37 aircraft in 2005 through 2008. These aircraft orders are subject to finalizing the purchase agreements. Embraer and Bombardier have each agreed to provide secured financing on commercial terms satisfactory to Air Canada. On February 19, 2004, the Court approved the payment of non-refundable deposits up to an aggregate amount of US$55 million pursuant to the Bombardier and Embraer aircraft purchase agreements. The expected aggregate cost of these aircraft approximates US$2 billion. The final purchase agreements are subject to approval by the Court. In addition, pursuant to the Global Restructuring Agreement with GECC, which is conditional on emergence from the protection of CCAA, Air Canada has committed to purchase, on or before September 30, 2004, two leased Boeing 747-400 aircraft from GECC for an aggregate amount approximately equal to the sum of US$246 million plus imputed interest to the date of purchase and a breakage amount. GECC has agreed to provide financing relating to this purchase. The estimated fair market value of these two aircraft is approximately US$89 million. Refer to Note 1 and Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details. Committed Payment Obligations The following is a table of committed payment obligations as at December 31, 2003 relating to debt and capital leases and aircraft and other commitments as described in Note 9 and Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 ---------------------------------------------------- ($ millions) Debt repayments (1) 128 20 20 20 23 Capital lease principal repayments (1) 45 16 38 60 9 Lufthansa Cooperation Agreement 16 16 16 16 16 Operating leases of aircraft - Renegotiated and in effect (2) 707 650 571 570 435 Operating leases of aircraft - Other (3) 185 136 127 127 123 Property operating leases 72 58 51 48 47 Other property & equipment (4) 42 - - - - --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Total 1,195 896 823 841 653 ========= ========== ========== ========== =========
(1) Principal repayment requirements on non-compromised debt only. (2) Rental payments reflect renegotiated lease rates. (3) Rental payments reflect original contract lease rates as renegotiated leases are conditional on the Corporation's successful emergence from Court protection under CCAA. (4) Includes property, ground equipment and spare parts. US dollars denominated obligations are converted at year-end exchange rates. 38 The above table does not include aircraft commitments discussed in the preceding section, nor does it include normal ongoing contracts for the provision of goods and services to the Corporation. The Corporation has or is in the process of revising contracts with numerous suppliers and contractors relating to the provision of these goods and services. ADJUSTING 2001-2003 RESULTS FOR SIGNIFICANT ITEMS (a) ------------------------------------------------- The following tables adjust 2001 through 2003 reported results for significant items described herein. The 2003 adjusted loss before foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items and income taxes was $798 million and the adjusted net loss was $649 million. The 2002 adjusted loss before foreign exchange on long-term monetary items and income taxes was $397 million and adjusted net loss was $438 million, compared to adjusted losses of $1,037 million and $914 million respectively in 2001. (a) Due to the significant events facing Air Canada in 2003 and in the prior years, it is particularly relevant to view the financial results on a more normalized basis. Air Canada supplements reported GAAP results with an analysis of earnings (losses) adjusted for significant items (referred to herein as adjusted earnings (losses) or non-GAAP earnings (losses)) as described on pages 40 and 41. These significant items, which are not reflective of the underlying financial performance of the Corporation from ongoing operations, have been removed from reported earnings (losses). Adjusted earnings (losses) are not a recognized measure for financial statement presentation under GAAP. Non-GAAP earnings measures do not have any standardized meaning and are therefore not likely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other public companies. Readers should consider the adjusted earnings (losses) measures in the context of Air Canada's GAAP results, as described in the following reconciliation. 39
ADJUSTING 2001-2003 RESULTS FOR SIGNIFICANT ITEMS (cont'd) Provisions on Aircraft and Inventory Values, Restructuring Adjusted Non-recurring Labour Items, Gains/ Non-GAAP Actual Expenses and Tax Losses and Other Results ($ millions) GAAP Valuation Allowance Significant Items unaudited, except for actual results Results ------------------------------------------------ ------------ ---------------------- -------------------- ------------ 2003 Operating revenues 8,368 - - 8,368 Operating expenses 9,052 - - 9,052 ------------ ---------------------- -------------------- ------------ Operating loss before the undernoted item (684) - - (684) Reorganization and restructuring items (1,050) - 1,050 - Non-operating income (expense) (282) 165 3 (1) (114) ------------ ---------------------- -------------------- ------------ Income (loss) before foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items and income taxes (2,016) 165 1,053 (798) Foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items 137 - - 137 Recovery of income taxes 12 - - 12 ------------ ---------------------- -------------------- ------------ Income (loss) for the year (1,867) 165 1,053 (649) ============ ====================== ==================== ============ 2002 Operating revenues 9,826 - - 9,826 Operating expenses 10,018 - - 10,018 ------------ ---------------------- -------------------- ------------ Operating loss before the undernoted item (192) - - (192) Non-recurring labour expenses 26 (26) - - Non-operating income (expense) (166) 32 (71) (2) (205) ------------ ---------------------- -------------------- ------------ Income (loss) before foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items and income taxes (384) 58 (71) (397) Foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items (60) - - (60) Recovery of income taxes 16 3 - 19 Tax valuation allowance (400) 400 - - ------------ ---------------------- -------------------- ------------ Income (loss) for the year (828) 461 (71) (438) ============ ====================== ==================== ============
40
ADJUSTING 2001-2003 RESULTS FOR SIGNIFICANT ITEMS (cont'd) Provisions on Aircraft and Inventory Values, Restructuring Adjusted Non-recurring Labour Items, Gains/ Non-GAAP Actual Expenses and Tax Losses and Other Results ($ millions) GAAP Valuation Allowance Significant Items unaudited, except for actual results Results ------------------------------------------------ ------------ ---------------------- -------------------- ------------ 2001 (3) Operating revenues 9,611 - - 9,611 Operating expenses 10,342 - - 10,342 ------------ ---------------------- -------------------- ------------ Operating loss (731) - - (731) Non-operating income (expense) (234) 176 (248) (4) (306) ------------ ---------------------- -------------------- ------------ Income (loss) before foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items and income taxes (965) 176 (248) (1,037) Foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items (20) - - (20) Recovery of (provision for) income taxes 123 (13) 33 143 Tax valuation allowance (453) 453 - - ------------ ---------------------- -------------------- ------------ Income (loss) for the year (1,315) 616 (215) (914) ============ ====================== ==================== ============ (1) 2003 net loss on sale of and provisions on other assets $3 million ($3 million after tax). (2) 2002 loss on asset sales $10 million ($10 million after tax); charge for September 11 government assistance claim $37 million; and 2002 gains on purchase of debt $118 million, for a total net gain of $71 million ($71 million after tax). (3) In 2001, Air Canada estimated and previously presented that $163 million of operating income was lost in the September 11 to 30, 2001 period as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks and subsequent events. This estimate has not been included in the tables above as it is not possible to accurately estimate the continuing impact of the September 2001 events on 2002 results and therefore it is not possible to provide a proper year-over-year comparison. (4) 2001 gains on asset sales $91 million ($64 million after tax); gains on purchase of debt $52 million ($49 million after tax); and expected government assistance claim re September 11 airspace closure $105 million ($102 million after tax); for a total net gain of $248 million ($215 million after tax).
41 FLEET STATUS Operating Fleet Air Canada's Mainline total fleet and operating fleet, excluding Jazz aircraft, at December 31, 2003, was as described below:
Average Total Number Age of Operating Operating Number of Operating Operating Aircraft- Aircraft- of Operating Aircraft Aircraft- Capital Operating Aircraft Aircraft (1) (Years) Owned Lease Lease (2) -------------- ---------------- --------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ Widebody Aircraft Airbus A340-300 9 9 6.5 - - 9 Airbus A330-300 8 8 3.2 - - 8 Boeing 747-400 3 3 12.5 - - 3 Boeing 747-200 3 - - - - - Boeing 767-300 30 30 10.4 - 4 26 Boeing 767-200 20 13 17.8 9 - 4 Narrowbody Aircraft Airbus A321 13 13 2.9 - - 13 Airbus A320 52 52 10.8 - - 52 Airbus A319 48 48 5.0 - - 48 Boeing 737-200 (2) 16 13 22.6 - 3 10 DC-9 18 - - - - - Canadair Regional Jet 25 25 8.2 - - 25 -------------- ---------------- --------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ Total Aircraft 245 214 9.3 9 7 198 ============== ================ =============== ============ ============== ============ (1) Excludes three owned Boeing 747-200, seven owned Boeing 767-200, 18 owned DC-9 and three owned Boeing 737-200 aircraft which were permanently removed from service. Certain owned permanently parked aircraft were available for sale as at December 31, 2003. (2) ZIP operated with 13 Boeing 737-200 aircraft which are included in the Mainline fleet.
In 2003, Air Canada took delivery of five aircraft under long-term operating leases. During 2003, 32 aircraft were repudiated or returned to lessors. Since December 31, 2003, an additional Boeing 737-200 aircraft has been repudiated. The average age of the Mainline operating fleet was 9.3 years as at December 31, 2003. 42 Jazz's total fleet and operating fleet at December 31, 2003 was as described below:
Total Number Average Total Number of Age of Total Aircraft- of Operating Operating Aircraft- Operating Aircraft (1) Aircraft (2) Fleet Owned (1) Lease (1) (Years) ---------------- ---------------- -------------- ------------- --------------- Jazz Canadair Regional Jet 10 10 5.1 - 10 British Aerospace BAe 146 10 10 14.8 - 10 de Havilland DHC-8-300 26 26 13.8 17 9 de Havilland DHC-8-100 55 48 15.5 47 8 ---------------- ---------------- -------------- ------------- --------------- Total Aircraft 101 94 13.9 64 37 ================ ================ ============== ============= ===============
(1) Includes aircraft owned by the Corporation and its subsidiaries except for five owned Beech 1900D aircraft which have been leased by Wingco to third party airlines operating under capacity purchase agreements and five Jetstream aircraft which have been repudiated in 2003. Also excludes 27 Fokker F28 aircraft of which 26 have been permanently retired and are available for sale, and one of which is subleased to a third party. (2) Excludes four leased Dash 8-100 aircraft pending return to lessor and three owned Dash 8-100 which have been leased to a third party. During 2003, three Dash 8-100 aircraft were returned to lessors. Since December 31, 2003, eight additional Dash 8-100 aircraft have been returned to lessors. The average age of Jazz's operating fleet was 13.9 years as at December 31, 2003. 43 EMPLOYEES During 2003, the Corporation had an average of 35,730 employees, measured on a full-time equivalent (FTE) basis, representing a reduction of an average of 3,865 FTE employees or 10 per cent from 2002. In the fourth quarter of 2003, the Corporation had an average of 33,124 FTE employees, down 6,872 FTE employees or 17 per cent from the prior year, as described below:
Average Average FTE FTE Employees Employees % Employee Group Union (1) 4th Qtr 2003 4th Qtr 2002 (2) Change Change ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mainline-related Management & administrative n/a 3,614 4,723 (1,109) (23) support employees Pilots ACPA 2,830 3,100 (270) (9) Flight attendants CUPE 5,898 6,789 (891) (13) Customer sales & service CAW / IBT 4,899 6,303 (1,404) (22) agents Ramp & cargo employees IAMAW 4,769 5,428 (659) (12) Technical Services IAMAW / other 5,459 6,830 (1,371) (20) maintenance employees U.K. unionized employees AMICUS/TGWU 743 850 (107) (13) Other unionized employees various 681 820 (139) (17) Other n/a 305 362 (57) (16) ---------------------------------------------- Total Mainline-related 29,198 35,205 (6,007) (17) Air Canada Jazz and other various 3,926 4,791 (865) (18) subsidiaries ---------------------------------------------- Total Consolidated 33,124 39,996 (6,872) (17) ==============================================
(1) ACPA: Air Canada Pilots' Association; CUPE: Canadian Union of Public Employees; CAW: National Automobile, Aerospace, Transportation and General Workers Union of Canada; IBT: International Brotherhood of Teamsters; IAMAW: International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; TGWU: Transport and General Workers' Union. (2) Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year. 44 During 2001-2003, the Corporation reduced employee counts as shown below: Average Number of FTE Employees (tabular version of graphic display) 2001 - Quarter 1 44,841 Quarter 2 43,425 Quarter 3 42,614 Quarter 4 39,480 2002 - Quarter 1 38,440 Quarter 2 39,941 Quarter 3 40,006 Quarter 4 39,996 2003 - Quarter 1 39,319 Quarter 2 36,798 Quarter 3 33,680 Quarter 4 33,124 Following the acquisition of Canadian Airlines in 2000, Air Canada embarked upon the most complex corporate integration program in Canadian aviation history. As a result of the events of September 11, 2001, Air Canada reduced flying capacity and employee levels in the fourth quarter of 2001 and in the first quarter of 2002. As part of its restructuring activities, in June 30, 2003, the Corporation announced the ratification of all Air Canada's Canadian-based amended labour agreements, including those of Air Canada Jazz. In addition, by the end of July 2003, all non-Canadian based labour groups had agreed to new labour agreements. The implementation of the unionized workforce reduction plan emanating from the ratified agreements is expected to be substantially completed by mid-2004. The implementation of the workforce reduction plan pertaining to the Corporation's non-unionized workforce began in May 2003 and is expected to continue in 2004. A significant reduction in FTE employees has been achieved through the implementation of these plans. 45 QUARTERLY RESULTS FOR 2003 AND 2002 The table below describes quarterly operating and net results for the years 2003 and 2002, together with major operating statistics:
Quarterly Financial Data - Condensed Consolidated $ millions (except per share figures) 2003 2002 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Passenger revenues 1,745 1,597 1,901 1,615 6,858 1,857 2,164 2,336 1,833 8,190 Cargo revenues 144 122 122 131 519 130 141 154 160 585 Other revenues 322 233 205 231 991 299 247 255 250 1,051 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating revenues 2,211 1,952 2,228 1,977 8,368 2,286 2,552 2,745 2,243 9,826 Operating expenses 2,565 2,222 2,211 2,054 9,052 2,446 2,490 2,577 2,505 10,018 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income (loss) before the undernoted items (354) (270) 17 (77) (684) (160) 62 168 (262) (192) Non-recurring labour expenses - - - - - 0 0 0 (26) (26) Reorganization and restructuring items - (217) (273) (560) (1,050) - - - - - Non-operating income (expense) (61) (69) (20) (132) (282) (86) (46) 37 (71) (166) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income (loss) before foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items and income taxes (415) (556) (276) (769) (2,016) (246) 16 205 (359) (384) Foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items 132 (4) 16 (7) 137 21 19 (86) (14) (60) -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- --------- --------- Income (loss) before income taxes (283) (560) (260) (776) (1,879) (225) 35 119 (373) (444) Recovery of (provision for) income taxes 13 (6) (3) 8 12 6 (5) 6 (391) (384) -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- --------- --------- Net income (loss) (270) (566) (263) (768) (1,867) (219) 30 125 (764) (828) ======== ======== ========= ========= ======== ========= ========= ======== ========= ========= Earnings (loss) Per share - basic (2.25) (4.70) (2.18) (6.39) (15.53) (1.83) 0.25 1.04 (6.35) (6.89) - (2.25) (4.70) (2.18) (6.39) (15.53) (1.83) 0.23 0.91 (6.35) (6.89) diluted
46
2003 2002 ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Year Quarterly Operating Statistics - Consolidated Operations Revenue passenger miles (millions) 9,586 9,073 11,617 9,289 39,565 10,213 11,511 13,282 9,701 44,707 Available seat miles (millions) 13,310 12,579 15,156 13,115 54,160 13,636 15,358 17,311 13,864 60,169 Passenger load factor (%) 72.0 72.1 76.6 70.8 73.1 74.9 75.0 76.7 70.0 74.3 Quarterly Operating Statistics - Mainline-related Operations Revenue passenger miles (millions) 9,186 8,653 11,171 8,878 37,888 9,853 11,086 12,877 9,319 43,135 Domestic 2,599 2,886 3,801 2,847 12,133 2,952 3,480 3,979 2,902 13,313 International 6,587 5,767 7,370 6,031 25,755 6,901 7,606 8,898 6,417 29,822 Available seat miles (millions) 12,626 11,889 14,416 12,409 51,340 12,970 14,587 16,587 13,181 57,325 Domestic 3,648 4,108 5,124 4,066 16,946 3,883 4,683 5,378 4,220 18,164 International 8,978 7,781 9,292 8,343 34,394 9,087 9,904 11,209 8,961 39,161 Passenger load factor (%) 72.8 72.8 77.5 71.5 73.8 76.0 76.0 77.6 70.7 75.2 Domestic 71.2 70.3 74.2 70.0 71.6 76.0 74.3 74.0 68.8 73.3 International 73.4 74.1 79.3 72.3 74.9 75.9 76.8 79.4 71.6 76.2
Quarterly Analysis of Results Revenues for 2003 were significantly impacted by a number of external events and factors, notably the SARS crisis, the war in Iraq and increased competition. First quarter 2003 consolidated passenger revenues declined $112 million or 6 per cent from the same period in 2002 due to increased competition, the build-up of the war in Iraq and the first stage of the SARS crisis. This revenue decline escalated significantly in the second quarter with the outbreak of SARS in the spring and a second outbreak in May. Passenger revenues in the second quarter decreased $567 million or 26 per cent from the prior year. During this quarter, the Corporation reduced ASM capacity by 18 per cent versus the prior year. In addition to the SARS crisis, increased low-cost competition, the lingering adverse effect on passenger volumes from the war in Iraq and a weak economy were contributing factors. The third quarter passenger revenue decline of $435 million or 19 per cent from the prior year represented a modest improvement from the 26 per cent revenue decline recorded in the second quarter. However, because the SARS crisis peaked when travelers were firming up summer travel plans, passenger revenues for the third quarter of 2003 were still significantly impacted. In anticipation of the weak traffic environment, the Corporation reduced ASM capacity by 12 per 47 cent in the third quarter and passenger traffic declined 13 per cent compared to the prior year. Compared to prior quarters, consumer demand improved in the fourth quarter. Passenger traffic declined only 4 per cent versus the fourth quarter of 2002. However, in the fourth quarter, North American passenger revenues still continued to show a large decline year-over-year. As a result of the current low-fare environment in Canada and the Corporation taking initiatives to stimulate traffic, domestic yield declined 11 per cent. US transborder showed a yield decline of 7 per cent and a traffic decline of 14 per cent reflecting a very competitive market with increased US carrier capacity over last year. Significant progress was made during the year in reducing costs and making permanent structural changes. In the second half of 2003, operating expenses were down $817 million or 16 per cent from 2002 levels. For the last six months of 2003, Mainline-related unit cost was 7 per cent below 2002 with a 10 per cent reduction to Mainline-related ASM capacity. First quarter 2003 consolidated operating expenses were up $119 million or 5 per cent on a 2 per cent reduction to ASM capacity. This increase was mainly as a result of higher fuel prices, increased salaries, wages and benefits expense and higher aircraft maintenance materials expense. Beginning in the second quarter of 2003, expense reductions were recorded in numerous areas due to reduced flying activity, expense savings through cost cutting and operational efficiencies and the impact of having successfully restructured, on a permanent basis, a significant portion of operating costs, including salaries and wages across all employee groups in Canada and renegotiation of many aircraft leases. For the second quarter, operating expenses were down $268 million or 11 per cent on an 18 per cent reduction to ASM capacity. In the third and fourth quarters of 2003, significant progress was made in further reducing operating costs in line with Air Canada's restructuring plan. In the third quarter of 2003, consolidated operating expenses were reduced by $366 million or 14 per cent on a 12 per cent reduction to ASM capacity and reflected decreases in most major expense categories. Fourth quarter operating expenses were down $451 million or 18 per cent compared to the fourth quarter of 2002 on an ASM capacity reduction of 5 per cent. 48 Fourth Quarter Analysis of Results For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2003, Air Canada reported an operating loss before reorganization and restructuring items of $77 million. This compared to an operating loss before non-recurring labour expenses of $262 million in the same quarter of 2002. Operating revenues were down $266 million or 12 per cent. North American passenger revenues accounted for $197 million of the year-over-year decline. Operating expenses were reduced by $451 million or 18 per cent in the quarter on an ASM capacity reduction of 5 per cent. This significant progress in reducing operating expenses is due to reduced flying and to the Corporation's restructuring activities which have resulted in permanent structural changes. As a result of restructuring under CCAA, the Corporation has and will continue to record a number of significant reorganization and restructuring items directly associated with the restructuring. In the quarter, reorganization and restructuring items amounted to $560 million. Including these reorganization and restructuring items of $560 million, the net loss was $768 million compared to a net loss of $764 million in the fourth quarter of 2002. In the fourth quarter of 2002, an income tax valuation allowance was recorded to reduce the value of the Mainline carrier's future income tax asset by its full carrying value of $400 million. This allowance had no impact on Air Canada's cash position or operating results. Operating Revenues For the quarter, consolidated passenger revenues declined $218 million or 12 per cent from the prior year. Increased competition in both Canada and the U.S. contributed to the decline of 8 per cent in yield per RPM. Passenger traffic, as measured by RPMs, was down 4 per cent on a 5 per cent reduction to capacity. RASM was down 7 per cent from the fourth quarter of 2002. Fourth quarter domestic passenger revenues were down $106 million or 13 per cent. Domestic passenger traffic was down 3 per cent and capacity was reduced by 5 percent. As a result of the current low-fare environment in Canada and the Corporation taking initiatives to stimulate traffic, domestic yield declined 11 per cent and domestic RASM decreased 8 per cent. US transborder passenger revenues were down $91 million or 20 per cent. Reflecting increased capacity and competitive pricing from US carriers, US transborder showed a traffic 49 decline of 14 per cent on an 11 per cent reduction to capacity and a yield decline of 7 per cent. As a result, US transborder RASM was down by 9 per cent. Other international passenger revenues were $21 million or 4 per cent below the fourth quarter of 2002. Atlantic revenues declined 5 per cent reflecting a 5 per cent decrease in yield. Pacific revenues were down 13 per cent on a 13 per cent reduction to ASM capacity. South Pacific, Caribbean, Mexico and South America revenues were up 21 per cent reflecting a traffic increase of 25 per cent on an ASM capacity increase of 26 per cent. The growth is mainly from increased capacity to traditional leisure destinations as well as the addition of new routes to South America and other destinations. Cargo revenues decreased $29 million or 18 per cent due to decreased cargo demand, reduced flying and, to a lesser extent, lower yields. Other revenues were $19 million or 8 per cent lower largely as a result of reduced third party aircraft maintenance revenues in the Technical Services division. For the quarter, total operating revenues declined $266 million or 12 per cent compared to the fourth quarter of 2002. Operating Expenses During the quarter, Air Canada paid all suppliers and creditors in accordance with established arrangements, with the exception of aircraft lease payments to certain aircraft lessors with whom renegotiated leases had not been completed and substantially all unsecured debt principal repayments and interest. While under CCAA, the Corporation is revising its cost structure, including labour costs, supplier contracts and leasing arrangements. As new agreements are reached, the Corporation reflects the revised cost in its operating expenses with the exception of certain aircraft lease amendments which are conditional upon successful emergence from CCAA. In the case of these aircraft lease amendments, the cost of the original agreement continues to be recorded in operating expenses even though the payments to the lessors reflect renegotiated rates. 50 Significant progress was made in the quarter on further reducing operating costs in line with Air Canada's restructuring plan. Operating expenses were reduced $451 million or 18 per cent from the fourth quarter of 2002 on a 5 per cent reduction to consolidated capacity. Salaries and wage expense declined $138 million or 21 per cent reflecting a reduction of an average of 6,872 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees including changes to work rules as well as salary reductions for unionized and non-unionized labour groups. Employee benefits expense decreased $2 million or 2 per cent largely due to favourable adjustments recorded in the 2003 quarter, including a $10 million adjustment relating to an updated actuarial evaluation of workers' compensation liability, partly offset by higher pension and employee future benefits expenses. Fuel expense decreased $26 million or 8 per cent mainly due to reduced flying. Aircraft rent expense decreased $74 million or 26 per cent and included the impact of aircraft repudiations/returns, the reclassification of five operating leases to capital leases and renegotiated lease rates. The stronger Canadian dollar was also a favourable factor for aircraft leases denominated in US dollars. Aircraft maintenance materials and supplies expense was down $73 million or 48 per cent due to the removal of aircraft from the Mainline and Jazz operating fleets through aircraft repudiations/returns. Reduced flying activity also contributed to the decrease. Commission expense was down $23 million or 28 per cent reflecting reduced passenger revenues as well as the impact of increased direct passenger sales via the internet. Year-over-year cost reductions were recorded in other categories including communications and information technology, airport and navigation fees, food, beverages and supplies expenses and many other expense areas. Unit cost, as measured by operating expense per ASM, was 14 per cent below the fourth quarter of 2002 for the Mainline-related operations on a Mainline-related capacity decrease of 6 per cent. Reorganization and Restructuring Items As a result of CCAA filing, the Corporation is following accounting policies applicable to an entity under creditor protection. As per Note 2 to the 2003 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, revenues, expenses, gains and losses, and provisions for losses that can be directly associated with the reorganization and restructuring of the business have been reported separately as "reorganization and restructuring items". 51 Reorganization and restructuring items totalling $560 million were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2003 and were comprised of: claims resulting from repudiated leases and contracts, residual value guarantees and aircraft rent expense amortization, labour-related and other items. Please refer to Note 7 to the 2003 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Non-Operating Expense As described in Note 2 to the 2003 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, while the Corporation is under creditor protection, interest expense has been reported only to the extent that it will be paid under the plan of arrangement or that it is probable that it will be an allowed claim. Consequently, net interest expense decreased $40 million primarily due to the Corporation not recording interest expense on unsecured debt subject to compromise. A loss on sale of assets of $118 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2003 mainly related to provisions recorded on non-operating aircraft, inventory and other investments. In the 2002 quarter, the Corporation recorded net non-operating losses from aircraft provisions and asset sales of $34 million. Losses from foreign exchange on non-compromised long-term monetary items amounted to $7 million in the fourth quarter of 2003. This compared to a loss of $14 million in the same quarter of 2002. In 2003, foreign exchange adjustments on compromised debt are recorded as "reorganization and restructuring items" and amounted to a gain of $18 million in the quarter. Cash Flow As described in Note 1 to the 2003 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, the Court stay order of April 1, 2003 enabled a moratorium on all aircraft lease payments pending renegotiation of revised financial arrangements for the use of the aircraft. Rental payments have generally recommenced upon satisfactory renegotiation of the lease terms. In addition, on the basis of the order, the Corporation ceased making payments of principal and interest on substantially all debt as well as on pre-petition accounts payable subject to compromise. As a result, cash used for operations is less than that it would have been had the CCAA filing not occurred. Consequently, cash used for operations is not directly comparable to the prior year. 52 Cash flows used for operations amounted to $20 million in the quarter, a $216 million improvement from the 2002 quarter. This was mainly due to aircraft lease payments less than rent expense of $78 million, an improvement of $196 million in relation to the 2002 quarter, largely due to the moratorium on aircraft lease payments allowed under the Court order. The change in accounts receivable, advance ticket sales and spare parts, materials and supplies was an improvement of $12 million in relation to the 2002 quarter. In 2002, the Corporation had a cash inflow of $145 million from net recoveries of rebates on certain leased aircraft. In the fourth quarter of 2003, repayments of debt and capital lease obligations amounted to $108 million which included cash payments of principal in the amount of $95 million relating to a secured non-revolving term borrowing facility with CIBC. As at December 31, 2003, cash and cash equivalents amounted to $670 million. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES Critical accounting estimates are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Corporation's financial condition and results of operations. They require management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The Corporation has identified the following critical accounting policies utilized in the preparation of these financial statements: Air Transportation Revenues Airline passenger and cargo advance sales are deferred and included in current liabilities. Passenger and cargo revenues are recognized when the transportation is provided. The Corporation has formed alliances with other airlines encompassing loyalty program participation, code sharing and coordination of services including reservations, baggage handling and flight schedules. Revenues are allocated based upon formulas specified in the agreements and are recognized as transportation is provided. 53 The Corporation performs regular evaluations on the liability which may result in adjustments being recognized as revenue. Due to the complex pricing structures; the complex nature of interline and other commercial agreements used throughout the industry; historical experience over a period of many years; and other factors including refunds, exchanges and unused tickets, certain relatively small amounts are recognized as revenue based on estimates. Events and circumstances may result in actual results which are different from estimates, however, these differences have historically not been material. Customer behaviour, pricing policies and other factors may result in changes impacting these estimates. Employee Future Benefits The significant policies related to employee future benefits, consistent with Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants #3461 - "Employee Future Benefits" (CICA 3461), are as follows: o The cost of pensions and other retirement benefits earned by employees is actuarially determined using the projected benefit method prorated on service, market interest rates, and management's best estimate of expected plan investment performance, salary escalation, retirement ages of employees and expected health care costs. o An adjusted market value method is used to value plan assets for the purpose of calculating the expected return on plan assets. Under this method, realized and unrealized gains and losses arising during a given year are spread on a straight-line basis over four years. o Past service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the Expected Average Remaining Service Life (EARSL) of the employees. Unamortized past service costs as at December 31, 2003 amounted to $707 million. o Cumulative unrecognized net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10 per cent of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or adjusted market value of plan assets at the beginning of the year are amortized over EARSL. Unamortized negative balances may be recognized immediately so that the accrued pension asset does not exceed the expected future benefit. Unrecognized net actuarial losses as at December 31, 2003 totalled $1,360 million. 54 Management makes a number of assumptions in the calculation of both the accrued benefit obligation as well as the current period benefit expense: 2003 2002 2001 --------- --------- --------- Weighted Average Assumptions Discount rate as at December 31 6.00% 6.50% 6.50% Expected return on plan assets 7.50% 8.00% 8.00% Rate of compensation increase as at December 31 4.00% 4.25% 4.25% Discount rate The discount rate used to determine the pension obligation was determined by reference to market interest rates on corporate bonds rated AA or better with cash flows that approximately match the timing and amount of expected benefit payments. Expected Return on Assets Assumption The Corporation's expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption is selected based on the facts and circumstances that exist as of the measurement date and the specific portfolio mix of plan assets. Management, in conjunction with its actuaries, reviews anticipated future long-term performance of individual asset categories and considers the asset allocation strategy adopted by the Corporation, including the longer duration in its bond portfolio in comparison to other pension plans. These factors are used to determine the average rate of expected return on the funds invested to provide for the pension plan benefits. While the review considers recent fund performance and historical returns, the assumption is primarily a long-term, prospective rate. Asset Allocation The actual and target allocations of the pension assets are as follows:
Target January 1, 2003 December 31, 2003 Allocation ------------------------ ---------------------------- ------------------- Equity 60.4% 64.8% 65.0% Real Estate 0.7% 0.3% 0.0% Bonds and Mortgages 35.9% 32.9% 35.0% Short-term and Other 3.0% 2.0% 0.0% ------------------------ ---------------------------- ------------------- Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% ======================== ============================ ===================
55 Investment Policy For the Canadian Registered Pension Plans, the investments conform to the Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives of the Air Canada Pension Master Trust Fund (Fund). The Investment Policy Committee of the Board of Directors reviews and confirms the policy annually. The investment return objective of the Fund is to achieve a total annualized rate of return that exceeds inflation by at least 3.75 per cent over the long term. In addition to the target asset allocation, as summarized in the asset allocation section above, the following policies apply to individual asset classes: o Equity investments can include convertible securities, and are required to be diversified among industries and economic sectors. Foreign equities can comprise 27 to 33 per cent of the total market value of the trust. Limitations are placed on the overall allocation to any individual security at both cost and market value. Derivatives are permitted to the extent they are not used for speculative purposes or to create leverage. o Fixed income investments are oriented toward risk averse, long term, investment grade securities rated "A" or higher. With the exception of Government of Canada securities, or a province thereof, in which the plan may invest the entire fixed income allocation, fixed income investments are required to be diversified among individual securities and sectors. The target return is comprised of 50 per cent of the total return of the Scotia Capital Universe Bond Index and 50 per cent of the total return of the Scotia Capital Long Term Bond Index. Similar investment policies are established for the other pension plans sponsored by Air Canada. 56 Best Estimate of Employer Contributions Based upon an agreement, subject to approval of OSFI, between Air Canada and representatives of the unionized and non-unionized employees and retirees with respect to the funding of the Canadian registered plans, the estimated 2004 contributions are as follows:
2004 Contributions -------------------------- ($ millions) Current service cost for registered pension plans 112 Past service cost for registered pension plans 83 Other pension arrangements 49 -------------------------- Total 244 ==========================
Sensitivity Analysis Sensitivity analysis on the Corporation's 2003 pension expense based on different actuarial assumptions with respect to discount rate and expected return on plan assets is as follows:
0.25 percentage point Impact on 2003 Pension Expense Increase Decrease ------------------------------ ----------------------------------------- ($ millions) Discount rate on obligation assumption (13) 16 Long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption (19) 20
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A 10 per cent annual rate of increase in the per capital cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2003 (2002 10.75 per cent). The rate is assumed to decrease gradually to 5 per cent by 2013. A one percentage point increase in assumed health care trend rates would have increased the service and interest costs by $2 million and the obligation by $26 million. A one percentage point decrease in assumed health care trend rates would have decreased the service and interest costs by $2 million and the obligation by $31 million. In 2003, as a result of the Corporation's review of the impact of the reduction in the level of employees as part of the CCAA restructuring program on its pension liability and expense, the Corporation recorded a pension curtailment charge of $128 million. The charge is calculated based upon the impact the reduction in the level of employees had on the expected average remaining service life of the active employees. 57 Upon emergence from CCAA, under fresh start reporting, all unamortized past service costs, net actuarial losses and net transition obligations, will be written off and the Corporation will record only the funded status of the plans as at the date of emergence. At that time, all assumptions used in the calculations will be revalidated. Property and Equipment Property and equipment is originally recorded at cost. Property under capital leases and the related obligation for future lease payments are initially recorded at an amount equal to the lesser of fair value and the present value of those lease payments. Property and equipment is carried at the lesser of amortized cost and the net recoverable amount. As at December 31, 2003, the net book value of the Corporation's property and equipment totalled $1,771 million. Operating property and equipment, including property under capital lease, are depreciated to estimated residual values based on the straight-line method over their estimated service lives. Mainline aircraft and flight equipment are depreciated over 20 to 25 years, with 10 to 15 per cent estimated residual values. Regional aircraft and flight equipment are depreciated over 20 years, with 20 per cent estimated residual values. Aircraft reconfiguration costs are amortized over three years. Aircraft introduction costs are amortized over four years. Betterments to owned aircraft are capitalized and amortized over the remaining service life of the aircraft. Betterments to aircraft on operating leases are amortized over the term of the lease. Buildings are depreciated over their useful lives not exceeding 30 years on a straight line basis. An exception to this is where the useful life of the building is greater than the term of the land lease. In these circumstances, the building is depreciated over the life of the lease. Aircraft depreciable life is determined through economic analysis, a review of existing fleet plans and comparisons to other airlines operating similar fleet types. Residual values are estimated based on the Corporation's historical experience with regards to the sale of both aircraft and spare parts, as well as future based valuations prepared by independent third parties. The Corporation's policy is to recognize an impairment charge when an asset's carrying value exceeds its undiscounted future cash flows. In 2003, the Corporation recorded provisions of $165 million (2002 $32 million, 2001 $176 million) related mainly to non-operating aircraft 58 and spare parts. These provisions are based on management's best estimate of the net recoverable value of aircraft and spare parts. Under certain aircraft lease agreements, the Corporation may be required to provide residual value support not exceeding $856 million. This amount is based on lease agreements, including lease agreements entered into subsequent to December 31, 2003, that are not conditional on emergence from CCAA and where relevant conditions precedent in the memoranda of understanding have been met. Any potential payment under the guarantee would be payable on lease expiry, and the amount of the loss is dependent on the net proceeds received on the sale of the aircraft, or the fair value of the aircraft in the event that the Corporation exercises its purchase option, where applicable. Loyalty Program The Corporation's loyalty program, Aeroplan, awards mileage credits to passengers who fly on Air Canada, ZIP, Jazz, Star Alliance carriers and certain other airlines that participate in the program. Additionally, Aeroplan awards mileage credits to members for the purchase of goods and services from participating non-airline partners. In all cases, the outstanding mileage credits may be redeemed for travel on, or goods and services from, any participant in the program. The incremental cost, including items such as fuel, insurance, food and other on-board costs, of providing travel awards for mileage credits earned through air travel is charged to expense when the mileage credits are issued. The incremental costs do not include any contribution to overhead or profit. A change to these cost estimates could have a significant impact on the liability in the period of change as well as in future periods. The proceeds from the sale of mileage credits to third parties are deferred and recognized as revenue as these credits are redeemed. The Corporation performs regular evaluations on the liability which may result in certain adjustments being recognized as revenue. The current portion of incremental cost and the current portion of deferred revenue liabilities are included in accounts payable. The determination of the current portion is based on management's estimate as to the portion of the liabilities that will be extinguished in the next twelve months. The remainder of the liabilities is carried in other long-term liabilities. 59 At December 31, 2003, Air Canada's estimated outstanding number of mileage credits was approximately 185 billion, as compared to substantially the same number at the end of the prior year. Management has recorded a liability of $748 million for the estimated number of mileage credits expected to be redeemed. A change to the estimate of mileage credits expected to be redeemed could have a significant impact on the liability in the period of change and in future periods. In 2003, 29 billion mileage credits (2002 30 billion) were redeemed on Air Canada. These numbers represent the number of mileage credits redeemed for which travel was actually provided and not the number of seats that were allocated to award travel. These redemptions represented 10 per cent of Air Canada's total revenue passenger miles in 2003 (2002 9 per cent). Inventory controls over seat allocations keeps displacement of revenue passengers to a minimum. Total mileage credits redeemed for travel on Air Canada in 2003, including awards and upgrades, represented 67 per cent of the total mileage credits redeemed, of which 64 per cent were used for travel within the U.S. and Canada. In addition to the awards issued for travel on Air Canada, approximately 30 per cent of the total mileage credits redeemed in 2003 were used for travel on partner airlines and 3 per cent were used for goods and services from non-airline partners. A change to either the redemption patterns of the mileage credits or the award options provided could have a significant impact on the Corporation's revenues in the year of change as well as in future years. Future Income Taxes The Corporation utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes under which future income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Future income tax assets and liabilities are measured using substantively enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on future income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. 60 Future income tax assets are recognized to the extent that realization is considered more likely than not. The Corporation has determined that it is more likely than not that the future income tax assets are not recoverable. Accordingly, the Corporation has provided a valuation allowance against the future tax assets. The future tax deductions underlying the future tax assets remain available for use in the future to reduce taxable income. Upon emergence from the CCAA proceedings, it is reasonably possible that these future tax deductions may change. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Corporation's policy for property equipment and intangible assets other than indefinite life intangibles and goodwill is to recognize an impairment charge when an asset's carrying value exceeds its undiscounted future cash flows. The related asset is written down to its net recoverable amount representing under discounted future cash flows. Effective January 1, 2002, the Corporation prospectively adopted the new Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants standard #3062 - Goodwill and Other Intangibles (CICA 3062), which no longer permits the amortization of goodwill and other indefinite life intangibles but subjects these assets to fair value impairment tests on at least an annual basis. As required by CICA 3062, goodwill, with a recorded value of $510 as at December 31, 2003, was tested for impairment and it was determined that no impairment had occurred. Any impairment of goodwill would be recognized as an expense in the period of impairment. Indefinite life route rights and slot purchase costs, with a recorded value of $84 million as at December 31, 2003, are also subject to annual impairment tests under CICA 3062. The fair value of indefinite life route rights and slot purchase costs, and any impairment of that value, was assessed by reference to cash flows and it was determined that no impairment had occurred. Any impairment would be recognized as an expense in the period of impairment. 61 ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES If the Corporation emerges from CCAA proceedings and there is a substantial realignment of equity and non-equity interests, the identifiable assets and liabilities of the Corporation, or a successor, will be based on the fair values of such assets and liabilities. Under Canadian GAAP, goodwill is not permitted to be recognized on a financial reorganization and there will be material adjustments to other assets and liabilities of the Corporation on the basis of fair valuing assets and liabilities in accordance with fresh start reporting. In 2004, the Corporation will adopt the following accounting policy changes: o Accounting Guideline 13 - Hedging Relationships (AcG 13), as issued and amended by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) effective January 1, 2004. The new guideline concerns the identification, designation, documentation and effectiveness of hedging relationships, for the purpose of applying hedge accounting and the discontinuance of hedge accounting. The Corporation's current accounting policies related to hedging activities are not expected to change on the adoption of AcG 13. Concurrent with the adoption of AcG 13, the Corporation will adopt the Emerging Issues Committee ("EIC") abstract 128 - Accounting for trading, Speculative, or Non-Hedging Derivative Financial Instruments. EIC 128 requires that these derivative financial instruments be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized currently in income. o CICA 1100 - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles effective January 1, 2004. CICA 1100 establishes standards for financial reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. It describes what constitutes Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and its sources. The effect of any change in accounting policy made on adopting this section is applied, however, the Corporation does not expect any changes in accounting policy as a result of the adoption of CICA 1100. o CICA 3063 - Impairment of Long-Lived Assets effective January 1, 2004. CICA 3063 establishes standards for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of the impairment of long-lived assets. The Corporation does not expect any impairment loss to be recorded as a direct result of the adoption of CICA 3063. o In June 2003, the Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Guideline 15 - Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (AcG 15). AcG 15 relates to the application of consolidation principles to certain entities that are subject to control on a basis other than ownership of voting interests. In January 2004, the Accounting Standards Board issued a 62 notice reaffirming its intention that AcG 15 be harmonized with US GAAP guidance and, given amendments to the US GAAP guidance, the Accounting Standards Board advised that it was planning on issuing amendments to AcG 15 with a view that the amended AcG 15 would be effective for periods beginning on or after November 1, 2004. As the Corporation has entered into financing transactions with arms length special purpose entities with respect to a total of 62 aircraft, it continues to evaluate the potential future impact this guideline will have on its financial position and results of operations under both Canadian and US GAAP. Effective January 1, 2002, the Corporation retroactively adopted, with restatement of prior periods, accounting standard amendments related to foreign exchange on long-term monetary items as prescribed by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants standard #1650 - Foreign Currency Translation (CICA 1650). For 2001, the impact of CICA 1650 was a charge to deficit of $522 million to write off December 31, 2001 deferred foreign exchange losses on long-term and perpetual debt. This accounting standard has increased the volatility of earnings in periods of significant fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the Canadian dollar. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. RISK MANAGEMENT Prior to CCAA filing on April 1, 2003, the Corporation managed its exposure to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and jet fuel prices through the use of various derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging existing commitments or obligations, not for generating trading profits. Most hedging took place within a one-year time horizon and was principally in support of cash management activities. Longer term hedging was done infrequently and essentially supported financing activities. Foreign exchange hedging activities were conducted in accordance with Air Canada's approved Foreign Exchange Risk Management Policy. As a result of the CCAA filing and defaults under the related agreements, the majority of the outstanding derivative contracts were terminated by the third parties. In addition, certain of the anticipated cash flows or transactions that were being hedged are no longer expected to occur. 63 Air Canada has an ongoing operational requirement for US dollars to cover various expenses such as fuel, aircraft materials, interest and aircraft lease payments as well as debt repayments. The Corporation generally obtains US dollars from operations as well as by buying dollars on the spot and on forward exchange markets and through the conversion of other foreign currency surpluses into US dollars. At December 31, 2003, none of the net projected operational requirement for US dollars in 2004 was covered by forward exchange contracts. In 2003, aircraft fuel represented 14 per cent of the total operating expenses of the Corporation. Prior to April 1, 2003, the Corporation entered into contracts, not exceeding two years, with unrelated creditworthy financial intermediaries and oil companies to manage its exposure to crude oil and fuel price volatility. In 2003, all contracts were terminated by the third parties and, as at December 31, 2003, none of the Corporation's 2004 fuel consumption was hedged. Based on 2003 volumes, a US$1 per barrel movement in the average price of crude oil (for example, a deterioration from an average of US$35.00 to US$36.00 per barrel of WTI) would have resulted in an approximate CDN$28 million change in 2003 fuel expense for Air Canada assuming that flying capacity remained unchanged and that refining spreads between WTI and jet fuel as well as foreign exchange rates remained constant. Post-September 11, 2001, the level of third party war risk liability insurance was limited to US$50 million by aviation insurers. The Government of Canada is continuing to provide an indemnity for essential aviation service operators which, in Canada, includes air carriers, airports and NAV CANADA, amongst others, which restored the war risk liability coverage to what existed previously. The government indemnity is considered a temporary measure, until such time as a longer term commercially accepted alternative solution is found. In accordance with our established risk management practice, Air Canada continues to maintain adequate levels of insurance to protect the Corporation's assets and operational exposures. Such insurance is comparable to insurance coverage carried by other major international airlines. 64 Sensitivity of Consolidated Airline Results Financial results of the Corporation are subject to many different internal and external factors which can have a significant impact on operating results. In order to provide a general guideline, the following table describes, on an indicative basis, the financial impact that changes in operating assumptions would generally have had on the Corporation's consolidated 2003 operating results. These guidelines were derived from 2003 levels of activity and make use of management estimates. The impacts are not additive, do not reflect the interdependent relationship of the elements and may vary significantly from actual results due to factors beyond the control of the Corporation. Conversely, an opposite change in the sensitivity factor would have had the opposite effect on operating income.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSOLIDATED Estimated Operating 2003 Sensitivity Income Key Variable Routes Measure Factor Impact ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue Measures ($ millions) ---------------- Passenger yield per RPM System 17.3 1% change in 58 (cents) Canada 21.7 yield per RPM 25 Traffic (RPMs) (millions) System 39,565 1% change in traffic 51 Canada 13,393 22 Passenger load factor (%) System 73.1 1 percentage point 70 change RASM (cents) System 12.63 1% change in RASM 55 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost Measures Labour & benefit expenses $2,828 1% change 28 ($ millions) Fuel - WTI price US$30.87 US$1/barrel change 28 (US$/barrel) to WTI Fuel - Jet fuel price 37.0 1% change 12 (CDN cents/litre) Cost per ASM (cents) 16.71 1% change 91 Currency Exchange Canada to US (CDN$) $1.40 CDN1(cent)change (e.g. $1.32 7 to $1.31 CDN dollar) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RISK FACTORS Terrorist Attacks In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and continuing terrorist activity, notably in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe, there is ongoing uncertainty in the 65 minds of the traveling public as to possible terrorist attacks. The occurrence of a major terrorist attack (whether domestic or international and whether involving Air Canada or another carrier) would have a significantly unfavorable impact on passenger demand for air travel and on the number of passengers travelling on Air Canada's flights. Any resulting reduction in passenger revenues would have a material adverse impact on Air Canada's business, results from operations and financial condition. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) or Other Epidemic Diseases Further to the international outbreaks of SARS in 2003, the World Health Organization (the "WHO") issued, on April 23, 2003, a travel advisory, which was subsequently lifted on April 30, 2003, against non-essential travel to Toronto, Canada. The WHO travel advisory relating to Toronto and the international SARS outbreak had a significant unfavourable impact on passenger demand for air travel destinations served by Air Canada and on the number of passengers traveling on Air Canada's flights and resulted in a major negative impact on traffic on the entire network. A further outbreak of SARS or of another epidemic disease (whether domestic or international) or a further WHO travel advisory (whether relating to Canadian cities or regions or other cities, regions or countries) would have a further significantly unfavorable impact on passenger demand for air travel and on the number of passengers travelling on Air Canada's flights. The resulting reduction in traffic on Air Canada's network would have a material adverse impact on Air Canada's business, results from operations and financial condition. Economic and Geopolitical Conditions Economic and geopolitical conditions have a significant impact on the demand for air transportation. Airline operating results are sensitive to the cyclical nature of the economy and political events. Airline fares and passenger demand have fluctuated significantly in the past and may fluctuate significantly in the future. Air Canada is not able to predict with certainty market conditions and the fares it will charge. Customer expectations are changing rapidly and the demand for lower fares may limit revenue opportunities. An unsustained recovery in economic growth in North America would have the effect of reducing demand for air travel in Canada and, together with the other factors discussed herein, could materially adversely impact Air Canada's profitability. Any prolonged or severe weakness of the economy would have a 66 material adverse effect on Air Canada's business, results from operations and financial condition, especially given Air Canada's substantial fixed cost structure. Employee Relations Most of Air Canada's employees are unionized and new collective bargaining agreements covering Air Canada's unionized employees were recently concluded. The collective bargaining agreements are subject to expiry in the future and, if Air Canada is unable to renew these agreements as they become subject to renegotiation from time to time, it could result in work stoppages and other labour disturbances which could have a material adverse effect on Air Canada's business, results from operations and financial condition. In addition, labour problems at Air Canada's Star Alliance partners, including Lufthansa and United Airlines, could result in lower demand for connecting traffic with Air Canada and, ultimately, could have a material adverse effect on Air Canada's business, results from operations and financial condition. Pension Plans Canadian federal pension legislation requires that the funded status of the registered pension plans be determined periodically on both a going concern basis (i.e., essentially assuming indefinite plan continuation) and a solvency basis (i.e., essentially assuming immediate plan termination). Although there would not ordinarily have been a requirement to file formal actuarial valuations on the majority of Air Canada's registered plans in 2003, the deterioration in their solvency position in 2002 triggered a direction by OSFI, the federal pension regulator, in March 2003 to file such valuations by April 30, 2003. The regulator further directed that Air Canada remit to the plans additional contributions beyond those recommended by the actuary in the last-filed valuations. Air Canada did not comply with either such regulatory demands prior to April 1, 2003. Where an actuarial valuation reveals a solvency deficiency, current regulations require it to be funded by equal payments over a maximum period of five years from the date of valuation. The solvency liability is influenced primarily by long-term interest rates and by the investment return on plan assets. The interest rate used to calculate benefit obligations for solvency purposes is a prescribed rate derived from the interest rates on long-term Government of Canada bonds. In the current low interest rate environment, the calculation results in a higher present value of the pension obligations, leading to a larger unfunded solvency position. 67 If Air Canada were required to make significant additional contributions to amortize the estimated solvency shortfall in accordance with current regulations, this could have a material adverse impact on Air Canada's business, results from operations and financial position. Accordingly, Air Canada proposed in mid-2003 that the federal government amend the regulations to extend the solvency deficiency amortization period from five years to ten years. There can be no assurance that OSFI and the federal government will agree to this extended period. Federal Court of Appeal Judgment The Federal Court of Appeal released a judgment on March 18, 2004 allowing the appeal of the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) from the Trial Division's and Canadian Human Rights Tribunal's (CHRT) concurrent decisions regarding the preliminary issue as to whether Air Canada pilots, flight attendants and technical operations personnel are in the same "establishment" for the purposes of pay equity. CUPE filed complaints in 1991 and 1992 against Air Canada and Canadian Airlines International Ltd. (CAIL) alleging wage discrimination against the predominantly female flight attendants, as compared to two predominantly male employee groups - pilots and technical operations personnel. The CHRT and the Trial Division of the Federal Court found that the three employee groups were not in the same establishment and that therefore the complaints could not proceed. The Federal Court of Appeal overturned this ruling and found that the three employee groups are in the same establishment and that the complaints should proceed on the merits. Should these complaints succeed, the cost would be very significant and Air Canada's results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted. Fuel Costs Fuel costs represent a major portion of Air Canada's operating costs. Fuel prices fluctuate widely depending on international market conditions, political events and the US dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate. During 2003 and the first quarter of 2004, fuel prices remained at historically high levels. Should fuel prices continue to be at near record levels, such prices could have a material adverse impact on Air Canada's costs and profitability. Any prolonged increase in crude oil or fuel prices as a result of war, terrorist attacks, fuel shortage, geopolitical events or otherwise, would have a material adverse effect on Air Canada's 68 business, results from operations and financial condition. In addition, Air Canada may be unable to hedge the risks associated with fluctuations of fuel prices. Competition The Corporation operates within a highly competitive industry. Over the past few years, Canadian low-cost airlines have significantly expanded in many of Air Canada's key domestic markets. In addition, several of these Canadian carriers as well as their US equivalent have entered or announced their interest to enter the transborder US market. Specifically, Jetsgo operates flights to Florida, Las Vegas and New York, and Canjet has flights to Florida, Chicago and New York. WestJet has announced plans to start regular scheduled services in October 2004 to Los Angeles, California and Florida. In the fourth quarter of 2004, WestJet is planning to add seasonal services to Phoenix, Arizona and Palm Springs, California. If these carriers are successful in their expansion or if other carriers enter Air Canada's markets, this could have a material adverse effect on Air Canada's business, results from operations and financial condition. On March 30, 2004, Jetsgo, a domestic competitor, announced that it would launch an hourly shuttle service between Toronto and Montreal effective April 19, 2004 with some 14 flights each way between Montreal and Toronto. During the summer months of July and August, frequency between the two cities would be eight flights a day each way, being the number of flights currently offered by Jetsgo as at the date of the announcement. In addition, US carriers currently operate routes in Air Canada's transborder market and, following the events of September 11, 2001, introduced numerous transborder non-stop services. If additional US carriers were to enter Air Canada's transborder market or if US carriers were to introduce additional transborder services, this could have a material adverse effect on Air Canada's business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, Air Canada's ability to reduce its fares to compete with other carriers may be limited by government initiatives to encourage competition, which may have a material adverse effect on Air Canada's business, results from operations and financial condition. Regulatory Matters The airline industry is subject to extensive Canadian and foreign government regulations relating to security, competition and airline safety, as well as to local, provincial, territorial, 69 federal and international environmental laws. Additional laws and regulations may be proposed from time to time which could impose additional requirements or restrictions on airline operations. The implementation of additional limitations by governments, the Competition Tribunal or other Governmental Entities may have a material adverse effect on Air Canada's business, results from operations or financial condition. Air Canada cannot give any assurances that new regulations or revisions to the existing regulations, that are materially adverse to Air Canada's operations, will not be adopted. In July 2000, the Government of Canada amended the Canada Transportation Act, the Competition Act and the Air Canada Public Participation Act to address the competitive airline environment in Canada and ensure protection for consumers. The legislation increased the powers of the Canadian Transportation Agency with respect to pricing on non-competitive domestic routes, and domestic terms and conditions of carriage. In addition, the legislation granted new powers to the Competition Bureau concerning "abuse of dominance" in the airline industry. In the latter regard, in February 2001, the Competition Bureau released for consultation, draft guidelines outlining the approach it proposed to take in enforcing the "abuse of dominance" provisions of the Competition Act for the airline industry. These guidelines, if implemented, would set out, among other things, how the Competition Bureau would calculate whether Air Canada was operating or increasing capacity at fares that do not cover the avoidable cost of providing the services. They would also describe uses of commissions, incentives, loyalty programs or corporate discounts that would be regarded as anti-competitive. The implementation of any of these limitations may have a material adverse effect on Air Canada's business, results from operations and financial condition. The Competition Bureau has indicated that it will not finalize the guidelines until the Competition Tribunal has reached a decision in a case brought in March 2001 by the Commissioner of Competition under the "abuse of dominance" provisions of the Competition Act, seeking an order prohibiting Air Canada from charging fares on flights on certain routes in Eastern Canada if such fares would not cover its avoidable costs of providing this service. By agreement of Air Canada and the Commissioner of Competition, the application was divided into two phases, Phase I of which was a technical exercise involving a review of all of Air Canada's costs over time periods from April 2000 to March 2001 and a determination of 70 which of those cost items would be considered avoidable costs. The Competition Tribunal released its reasons on findings regarding Phase I on July 22, 2003. Although the decision does not constitute a determination that Air Canada breached the Competition Act by abusing its dominant position, which is an issue to be determined in Phase II of the application, the broadly crafted avoidable cost test adopted by the Competition Tribunal in its July 22, 2003 decision could be materially adverse to Air Canada and could impose unworkable constraints on its operations. If the Commissioner of Competition commences inquiries or brings similar applications with respect to other significant competitive domestic routes and such applications are successful, it could have a material adverse effect on Air Canada's results from operations and financial condition. Third Party War Risk Insurance There is a risk that the Government of Canada may not continue to provide an indemnity for third party war risk liability coverage, which it is currently providing to Air Canada and certain other carriers in Canada. In the event that the Government of Canada does not continue to provide such indemnity, Air Canada and other industry participants would have to turn to the commercial insurance market to seek such coverage. Such coverage could cost Air Canada in excess of $20 million per annum. Alternative solutions such as that envisioned by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) do not appear to be developing as planned, due to actions taken by other countries and the recent availability of commercial insurance. ICAO's plan is to set-up a non-profit making single purpose insurance company which would cover third party war liability in excess of US$50 million. Initial support would be provided by the various governments, with their respective contributions based on their ICAO contribution percentage. Airlines would pay a premium on a per passenger segment basis. The US Federal Government has set up its own facility to provide war risk coverage to U.S. carriers, thus removing themselves as a key component of the ICAO plan. Casualty Losses Due to the nature of its business, Air Canada may be subject to liability claims arising out of accidents or disasters involving aircraft on which Air Canada's customers are traveling or involving aircraft of other carriers maintained or repaired by Air Canada, including claims for serious personal injury or death. Although Air Canada believes that it maintains adequate 71 insurance in respect of such risks, there can be no assurance that the insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover one or more large claims. Additionally, any accident or disaster involving one of Air Canada's aircraft or an aircraft of another carrier maintained or repaired by Air Canada could significantly harm Air Canada's reputation for safety, which would have a material adverse effect on Air Canada's business, results from operations and financial condition. Foreign Exchange The financial results of airlines with international operations are highly sensitive to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and Air Canada's financial results are sensitive to the changing value of the Canadian dollar. In particular, Air Canada has a significant annual net outflow of US dollars and is affected by fluctuations in the Canada/US dollar exchange rate. For a CDN$0.01 change in the Canadian/US dollar exchange rate, there is an estimated $7 million impact on operating income. Air Canada incurs significant expenses in US dollars for such items as fuel, aircraft rental charges, interest payments, debt servicing and computerized reservations system fees. A significant deterioration of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar would increase the costs of Air Canada relative to its US competitors and could have a material adverse effect on Air Canada's business, results from operations and financial condition. In addition, Air Canada may be unable to hedge the risks associated with fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Seasonal Nature of the Business Air Canada has historically experienced considerably greater demand for its services in the second and third quarters of the calendar year and significantly lower demand in the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year. This demand pattern is principally a result of the high number of leisure travelers and their preference for travel during the spring and summer months. Air Canada has substantial fixed costs in its cost structure that do not meaningfully fluctuate with passenger demand in the short-term. Seasonably low passenger demand results in significantly lower operating cash flow and margins in the first and fourth quarters for each calendar year compared to the second and third quarters. GTAA Risk Factors A dispute exists between Air Canada and the GTAA regarding Air Canada's right to fixed preferential use of the 14 covered gates available at Terminal 1 New at Toronto's Pearson 72 International Airport upon the opening of such new terminal scheduled for April 6, 2004. While Air Canada was granted access to such gates by an order of the Court dated February 23, 2004, there is a risk that the GTAA may seek to withdraw such access after Air Canada emerges from CCAA protection. Should Air Canada fail to obtain injunctive relief to prevent this from occurring, there is a risk that Air Canada could be required to gate domestic passengers at Pearson, its principal hub, in more than one terminal. Air Canada has estimated that the inefficiencies and revenue losses flowing from split domestic operations at Pearson could have a material adverse impact on financial results. Airport User Fees With the privatization of airports over the last several years, the new airport authorities have imposed significant increases in airport user fees. If airport authorities continue to increase their fees at the rate at which they have increased them in the past, it could negatively impact Air Canada's business, results from operations and financial condition. Similarly, if airport navigation fees continue to increase at the rate at which they have increased in the past, it would negatively impact Air Canada's business, results from operations and financial conditions. Need for Additional Capital Air Canada is facing a number of challenges in its current business operations, including uncertain economic conditions, high fuel prices and increased competition from transborder and low-fare domestic carriers. Air Canada is endeavouring to address these issues, improve cash flows and rebuild cash reserves through many initiatives including implementation of its new product strategy, strict cost control measures and the raising of additional funds from financing transactions. There can be no assurance that, following the implementation of the Plan, Air Canada and ACE will be able to obtain, on a timely basis, sufficient funds on terms acceptable to them to provide adequate liquidity and to finance the operating and capital expenditures necessary to implement their business strategy if cash flow from operations and cash on hand are insufficient. Furthermore, the Global Restructuring Agreement and the investment agreement between Air Canada and Trinity (the Investment Agreement) contain a number of conditions precedent that may not be met. 73 Failure to generate additional funds, whether from operations or additional debt or equity financings, may require Air Canada and ACE to delay or abandon some or all of their anticipated expenditures or to modify their business strategy, which could have a material adverse effect on Air Canada's business. Furthermore, the ability of competitors to raise money more easily and on more acceptable terms could create a competitive disadvantage for Air Canada and ACE. Adverse Consequences of Financial Leverage The new financing arrangements entered into by Air Canada contain restrictive covenants which affect and, in some cases, significantly limit or prohibit, among other things, Air Canada's and, after emergence from CCAA proceedings, ACE's ability to incur indebtedness, make prepayments of certain indebtedness, create liens, sell assets, make capital expenditures and engage in acquisitions, mergers, amalgamations and consolidations. In addition, the new financing arrangements require Air Canada and, after emergence from CCAA proceedings, ACE to maintain certain financial ratios. Any future borrowings are also likely to be subject to covenants which limit Air Canada's and, after emergence from CCAA proceedings, ACE's operating and financial flexibility. If Air Canada or ACE fails to comply with the various covenants of its indebtedness, it will be in default under the terms thereof, which would permit holders of such indebtedness to accelerate the maturity of such indebtedness and could cause defaults under other indebtedness or agreements. In such circumstances, the lenders under the new financing arrangements could foreclose upon all or substantially all of the assets of ACE, Air Canada and its subsidiaries, which secure the obligations of ACE and Air Canada. The ability of Air Canada and, after emergence from CCAA proceedings, ACE to make scheduled payments under their indebtedness will depend on, among other things, the future operating performance of Air Canada and its ability to refinance its indebtedness when necessary. Each of these factors is to a large extent subject to economic, financial, competitive, regulatory, operational and other factors many of which are beyond Air Canada's or ACE's control. 74 OUTLOOK Air Canada's outlook is dependent upon the outcome of the restructuring process and the implementation of its restructuring plan amongst other factors . Based on recent statistics and trends, Air Canada anticipates improved operating results, measured on a year-over-year basis, resulting from cost reductions, the operational and financial restructuring initiatives implemented during CCAA and a recovery from the adverse impact of the SARS outbreak in 2003. However, future results will be significantly impacted by record high crude oil and jet fuel prices, should these prices continue to be in effect for the remainder of 2004. Subject to a number of conditions, approvals and agreements, Air Canada expects to emerge from CCAA in 2004. Total capacity for the year 2004 (as measured in ASMs) is planned to increase modestly from 2003 levels and passenger revenues are projected to improve from 2003. Air Canada's future operational and financial performance is also dependent on resolution of a number of issues such as those relating to pension, the Court process, stakeholder interests, amongst others. Please refer to Risk Factors for potential risks and uncertainties. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On April 2, 2004, Trinity Time Investments Limited announced that it will not seek an extension after April 30 of its Investment Agreement with Air Canada. Further, and effective immediately, it has released Air Canada from its exclusivity obligations to Trinity Time, enabling Air Canada to open discussions with other prospective investors. As indicated on page 35, Air Canada has approximately $910 million of available cash. Trinity's announcement does not detract from Air Canada's ability to continue its current operations while identifying alternative equity arrangements. Trinity's announcement states that the decisions it has taken do not preclude its participation in Air Canada if circumstances change sufficiently to meet the concerns identified by Trinity in its announcement. These concerns include important aspects of the arrangements with Air Canada's labour unions. It continues to be Air Canada's intention to complete its restructuring and emerge successfully from CCAA protection as soon as reasonably possible. Substantial progress has been made already. Air Canada will consider both alternative equity investment arrangements as well as consider solutions to the concerns raised by Trinity. 75 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Air Canada -------------------------------------- (Registrant) Date: April 2, 2004 By: /s/ John Baker ------------------------- --------------------------------- (Signature) John Baker Senior Vice-President and General Counsel