Eurostar passenger numbers hit after Paris terror attacks
Eurostar has seen a sharp drop in passenger numbers in the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks back in November.
The train operator's chief executive Nicolas Petrovic said the end of the year had been "challenging" as it announced its full year results.
Underlying operating profit for the year was £34m, down from £55m in 2014, with reduction blamed on "costs relating to disruptions in 2015" as well as adverse currency movements.
A strong pound impacted sales revenue throughout 2015. At constant exchange rates, sales revenues for 2015 were flat year-on-year whereas at actual rates sales revenues fell by five per cent to £821m.
However, year-on-year passenger numbers were stable with 10.4m travelling in 2015.
Petrovic said: "After a challenging end to 2015, trading is picking up and the outlook for the summer is positive. With our new state-of-the-art trains and highly competitive fares to a range of destinations, we expect this trend to gather momentum over the coming months."
The company also announced new e320 trains were now in service on the London to Paris route.
"The successful introduction of our new fleet marks an important milestone for the business as it transforms the travel experience for our customers. Our e320 trains bring the ultimate in style and comfort alongside the latest in on-board digital connectivity for both business and leisure travellers," Petrovic said.