Eurostar has announced its results for the third quarter of 2011, having delivered a solid performance during the period with sales revenues up seven per cent.

The high-speed rail service recorded revenues of £197 million for the period in 2011, compared to £183 million in last year.

Looking back across the year to date, total sales revenue figures have grown by five per cent compared to the same period in 2010.

The total number of passengers travelling on Eurostar services between January and September 2011, rose by one per cent compared to the same period last year – up to 7.3 million in total.

Excluding the estimated impact of the ash cloud disruption in 2010, the underlying increase in passenger numbers for the year to date was three per cent.

Nicolas Petrovic, chief executive, Eurostar, said: “We have delivered a solid performance during both the third quarter and the year as a whole although the tough trading environment across Europe demands a cautious watching brief.

“Since the beginning of the year we have seen growth in both our sales revenues and passenger numbers reinforcing our popularity with regular and new travellers alike.”

Eurostar digital experience

Eurostar has recently cemented its commitment to enhance the digital experience for travellers both before and during their trips.

The recent launch of a free mobile application, which allows passengers to book journeys on-the-go and receive tickets direct to their mobile devices, is already proving popular with customers.

Eurostar is also introducing onboard wi-fi connectivity and state-of-the-art infotainment for its fleet of high speed trains as part of its £700 million investment programme.

Petrovic added: “With our new mobile App it’s easier than ever before for customers to access our services on the move.

“This is the first in a series of digital initiatives and is evidence of our continued commitment to upgrading the online experience for our customers.”