Cathay Pacific 2011 Annual Report Download - page 53

Principal Accounting Policies
The retirement benefit obligation in respect of
defined benefit retirement plans refers to the
obligation less the fair value of plan assets where the
obligation is calculated by estimating the present
value of the expected future payments required to
settle the benefit that employees have earned using
the projected unit credit method. Actuarial gains and
losses are not recognised unless their cumulative
amounts exceed either 10% of the present value of
the defined benefit obligation or 10% of the fair value
of plan assets whichever is greater. The amount
exceeding this corridor is recognised in profit and loss
on a straight line basis over the expected average
remaining working lives of the employees
participating in the plans.
13. Deferred taxation
Provision for deferred tax is made on all temporary
differences.
Deferred tax assets relating to unused tax losses and
deductible temporary differences are recognised to
the extent that it is probable that future taxable
profits will be available against which these unused
tax losses and deductible temporary differences can
be utilised.
In addition, where initial cash benefits have been
received in respect of certain lease arrangements,
provision is made for the future obligation to make
tax payments.
14. Stock
Stock held for consumption is valued either at cost or
weighted average cost less any applicable allowance
for obsolescence. Stock held for disposal is stated at
the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net
realisable value represents estimated resale price.
15. Revenue recognition
Passenger and cargo sales are recognised as revenue
when the transportation service is provided. The
value of unflown passenger and cargo sales is
recorded as unearned transportation revenue. Income
from catering and other services is recognised when
the services are rendered.
16. Maintenance and overhaul costs
Replacement spares and labour costs for
maintenance and overhaul of aircraft are charged to
profit and loss on consumption and as incurred
respectively.
17. Frequent-flyer programme
The Company operates a frequent-flyer programme
called Asia Miles (the “programme”). As members
accumulate miles by travelling on Cathay Pacific or
Dragonair flights, part of the revenue from the initial
sales transaction equal to the programme awards at
their fair value is deferred. The Company sells miles
to participating partners in the programme. The
revenue earned from miles sold is also deferred. The
deferred revenue and breakage revenue are
recognised when the awards are redeemed by
members. For redemption on the Group’s flights, this
is deemed to occur when the transportation service
is provided which represents the miles. The breakage
expectation is determined by a variety of
assumptions including historical experience, future
redemption pattern and programme design.
18. Related parties
Related parties are considered to be related to the
Group if the party has the ability, directly or indirectly,
to control the Group or exercise significant influence
over the Group in making financial and operating
decisions or where the Group and the party are
subject to common control. The Group’s associates,
joint ventures and key management personnel
(including close members of their families) are also
considered to be related parties of the Group.
19. Provisions and contingent liabilities
Provisions are recognised when the Group or the
Company has a legal or constructive obligation arising
as a result of a past event, it is probable that an
outflow of economic benefits will be required to
settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be
made. Where it is not probable that an outflow of
economic benefits is required, or the amount cannot
be estimated reliably, the obligation is disclosed as a
contingent liability, unless the probability of outflow
of economic benefits is remote.
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited Annual Report 2011 51