Eurostar has announced record figures for the third quarter of 2007 as the Rugby World Cup helped it to achieve a 13.8% year on year rise in revenue to £148.5. The period between July and September also witnessed a 3.6% rise in passenger numbers to 2.23 million.
Eurostar also claims to have attracted more business class passengers as concerns over the environment persuaded an additional 12.9% to shun the low cost airlines offering cheap flights and take advantage of Eurostar’s unique Business Premier class with its 10-minute check-in and quiet, work-focused onboard environment. Richard Brown, Chief Executive of Eurostar, said: “These are very strong results. Eurostar’s continued growth in traveller numbers - especially in the crucial business sector - shows that growing environmental concern and a desire for a hassle-free travel experience are persuading more people to choose Eurostar rather than the airlines.”
Eurostar, which is to open its London St Pancras terminal on November 14th, has estimated that some 125,000 rugby fans were catered for during the world cup as they operated an additional 19 services for the extra 13,000 passengers. Eurostar also maintained its impressive punctuality record with 91.1% of trains arriving either on time or early. When Eurostar switches its London terminal from Waterloo International and begin services from St Pancras International in November, journey times on High Speed 1 will be significantly shortened, increasing the pupularity of city breaks to Paris, Brussels and Lille.
The journey times will be as follows:
• London – Paris 2h 15min
• London – Brussels 1h 51min
• London - Lille 1h 20min.
