Trading update
Stable Q3 operating revenue during a period of reorganisation marked by:
- Truck Shuttle sales & marketing activity brought back in-house
- Better alignment of capacity to demand in the passenger shuttle service
Operating revenue in the third quarter of 2005 was £140.8 million, an increase of 1% compared with the third quarter in 2004.
Shuttle services
Shuttle service revenue (£77.9 million) remains stable (+1%). This reflects the contrasting evolution of the freight and passenger shuttle services.
- Revenue from the freight shuttle business increased significantly in spite of a slight reduction in the volume of trucks carried. The fall in volumes is more than compensated by a rise in average yield. The increased average yield is a direct result of the new freight commercial policy and of Eurotunnel’s decision to take back full control of sales and marketing activity for small and medium-sized hauliers. Prior to 16 August 2005, this was contracted to an external party.
- Revenue declined from the passenger shuttle business (cars and coaches), although volumes increased notably in the coach market. Revenue from the passenger business continued to be affected by strong price competition. The reduction in the capacity of the Passenger Shuttle Service took effect from 3 September 2005. By more closely matching capacity with demand, Eurotunnel has chosen to improve operating margin, reducing costs and increasing load factors whilst maintaining the speed ease and frequency of services.
Railways
Railways revenue (£58.7 million), which includes payments of £ 16.9m under the Minimum Usage Contract (MUC) in the Railway Usage Contract, was stable in the third quarter of 2005. The volume of rail freight tonnage during the quarter was once again down (-23%).
Non-transport activities
Increase in non-transport activities revenue (£4.2 million) relates primarily to the sale of land in Ashford, Kent.
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