17 October 2017

Eurostar reports a strong performance in Q3 2017 and a positive outlook to the end of the year

• Uplift in passenger numbers and sales revenues versus 2016
• Marked increase in overseas travellers and a growing business market
• Christmas bookings up on this time last year as passengers plan ahead

 
Eurostar, the high speed passenger rail service between the UK and mainland Europe, today reported positive momentum in quarter 3 2017 with passenger numbers up by 4% (2.69m 2017: 2.58m 2016) and sales revenues up by 15% (£211m 2017: £184m 2016) compared with last year.
 
These results reflect a busy summer holiday period building on the strong performance recorded in the first six months of 2017. Over the last three quarters of the year, passenger volume has increased by 2% (7.73m 2017: 7.55m 2016) and sales revenues by 12% (£666m 2017: £593m 2016) year-on-year.
 
Increase in overseas traffic and business travellers
Eurostar’s growth in 2017 has been propelled by a significant increase in the number of passengers from markets outside Europe, the US in particular. 
 
The volume of traffic from the US and overseas markets has grown by 24% and 18% year-on-year respectively as travellers are taking advantage of the favourable exchange rates and flocking to Europe to enjoy the cultural attractions and shopping opportunities.
 
The company’s positive performance has also been boosted by solid growth in the business travel market where the number of business passengers in the first nine months increased by 6% and by 10% in quarter 3 as business customers increasingly value the comfort, ease and productivity of high speed rail over plane.
 
Early surge in Christmas bookings
In the last few weeks, Eurostar has seen a shift in the Christmas booking horizon with bookings for the festive holiday period up 29% on this time last year. Whereas in 2016, customers booked their travel later in the year, bookings for the holiday season are now well underway with continental travellers planning shopping trips to London and UK passengers heading for the Christmas markets in Europe.
 
Nicolas Petrovic, CEO, Eurostar, said:
“The growth we reported in the first half of the year has gathered pace over the summer and we are seeing a big influx of US and overseas traffic. With the favourable exchange rates and the many attractions of our destinations, this trend looks set to continue so the outlook for the rest of the year is strong.”
-ends-
 
Definitions:

• Sales revenue is the value of ticket bookings made during the period. This revenue is only recognised in the income statement at the date on which the passenger actually travels.
• Passenger volumes reflect the number of travellers carried by Eurostar in the period.

 
Notes to editors:

Customers travelling by Eurostar can enjoy a range of benefits including:

• Seamless city centre to city centre travel, with stations located in the heart of our destinations
• Fast and convenient check-in - passengers are asked to arrive only 30 minutes before departure (or 10 minutes when travelling in Business Premier)
• Generous, free-of-charge baggage allowance with each passengers allowed 2 bags/suitcases and 1 piece of hand luggage
• No queues or baggage reclaim upon arrival - simply take your bag with you on board
• Comfort and space on board to work or relax

 
About Eurostar

• Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps.
• Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR. LCR’s holding was transferred to the Treasury in 2014 and sold by the UK government to a consortium comprising Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec (CDPQ) and Hermes Infrastructure in 2015.
• Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network.
• Eurostar and Eurotunnel are entirely separate companies.  Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates vehicle shuttle services and the Channel Tunnel itself. Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s biggest customer.

 
 
For more information about Eurostar please contact:
Eurostar Press Office
t: 020 7843 5500
e: press.office@eurostar.com