As a result of a responsive commercial policy, a constant focus on quality of service and a robust business model, demand from Passenger customers remains strong throughout the year.

Since February 2009, when the Tunnel resumed full capacity, Passenger Shuttle customers have returned in force, demonstrating their commitment to Eurotunnel, which offers the fastest and most environmentally-friendly service.

The choice for British holidaymakers

The peaks of traffic recorded during the British holiday period show that, faced with uncertainties surrounding changes in their purchasing power, many of our UK customers, who account for 80% of Passenger Shuttle car traffic, preferred to drive to the Continent for their holidays rather than flying to far-off destinations.

Quality of service and economic efficiency

The commercial yield management policy, which aims to optimise both the load factor and the average ticket value, has once again demonstrated its flexibility and economic importance, with a positive impact on the average price per crossing.

Eurotunnel has also continued with investments to further improve its quality of service. For instance, in 2009, rolling out IRIS, the high-tech automatic registration plate recognition system, made it possible to reduce the transaction time for entering the Eurotunnel Terminal by 40% for customers who provided their details in advance.

A fast, reliable and easy transport system

Eurotunnel offers the fastest, most reliable and easiest cross-Channel service. With the Passenger Shuttles, it takes barely
35 minutes to cross the Straits, without even having to get out of your car. The Shuttles travel through the Tunnel at a speed of 140 km/h (nearly 90mph) and are capable of transporting 120 cars and 12 coaches each. There are two types of wagons carrying vehicles on a Passenger Shuttle: One carries cars and motorcycles on two decks. The vehicles are loaded and unloaded by means of special 28m long wagons. The other type of wagons is for vehicles over 1.85m high (coaches, camper vans, caravans,…).

Looking ahead to the London Olympics

The development of business is benefiting from a good medium-term outlook, with the prospect of the London Olympics and Paralympics in summer 2012. The action plan will gradually be ramped up in order to capitalise on the opportunities opened up by these Games, which aim to be the “Green Olympics”. A Eurotunnel team, already in charge of preparing for the event, is designing promotional campaigns that will position Eurotunnel as the best means of crossing the Channel for spectators, sportsmen and women, as well as equipment. They are also developing new services, such as the transport of horses in Passenger Shuttles, under the new granted licence which will make it possible to create partnerships with the equestrian teams taking part in the Games.

To find out more details on the Passenger Shuttle business, please read the 2009 Annual review of Groupe Eurotunnel , and in particular pages 40 & 41.