During 2008, HQ & Other Businesses reported a loss2 of £101m (2007 loss2 £203m) on sales1 of £235m (2007 £243m) and had an operating cash outflow3 of £66m (2007 inflow3 £181m). Of this, the reported loss2 for Regional Aircraft was £17m (2007 £105m) with operating cash outflow3 of £3m (2007 inflow3 £175m).
The commercial aircraft market has become increasingly challenging with the tightened availability of funding to aircraft operators due to the global credit issues and economic slowdown. Oil prices have been high over the year impacting operator profitability and their operational cash flows. Discussions are ongoing with operators as to their future fleet requirements and marketing activity is focused on both uncontracted idle and returning aircraft. During 2008, the Regional Aircraft business placed 75 aircraft through new leases, extensions with existing customers and sales. Support revenues have fallen on lower demand for aircraft components and services. Power-by-the-hour contracts worth £43m in 2008 were secured.
Historically, much of the leasing business has been underpinned by the Group’s Financial Risk Insurance Programme (FRIP) which made good shortfalls in actual lease income against originally estimated future income for a 15-year period from 1998 to 2013. Since 2006, the Group and certain reinsurers have been in dispute over several areas of the policy. During 2007 and 2008, agreements were reached with all major reinsurers and settlements paid by them.
The balance sheet carrying value of aircraft (£240m) is based on the net present value of forecast future net leasing or disposal income and reflects the current adverse economic climate.