Following the publication of parent group Deutsche Bahn’s annual results on 31 March, Arriva published a review of 2010 and an update on its operating position and environment.
The review included:
Significant group order book
- Contract wins grew group order book by 2.2 per cent to €11.9 billion.
- Good progress in European bus and rail markets; Arriva Mainland Europe order book up 11 per cent to €5.5 billion.
- Contract wins in Malta, Denmark and the Netherlands; contracts retained in Denmark, Poland, Slovakia and Italy.
Good operational control mitigates impact of the wider economy
- Excellent operational performance across the group.
- Revenue excluding Germany €3,063 million, underlying revenue broadly unchanged.
- Arriva UK Trains passenger revenue growth maintained.
- Commercial mileage reduced by 3 per cent in regional UK bus operations.
Strongly positioned for future growth
- Combination of Arriva and Deutsche Bahn (DB) creates one of Europe’s largest passenger transport operators.
- The transport market in Europe continues to liberalise, creating opportunities for Arriva with its unique footprint in 11 countries.
- Franchise and open access opportunities in Arriva UK Trains.
- Significant investment in bus and rail assets continued.
- Strong local knowledge, significant financial capacity, entry into new countries and good pipeline of opportunities position Arriva well for profitable growth.
Arriva chief executive David Martin said:
“2010 was a significant year of change at Arriva. The acquisition of Arriva by Deutsche Bahn gave us a new shareholder and delivered excellent returns for our investors.
“In a liberalising market which is seeing consolidation involving major players, the combination creates one of the leading passenger transport groups in Europe and puts Arriva in a strong position as DB’s division for growth in regional passenger transport outside Germany.
“Our strategy remains unaltered. Arriva will continue as an agent of change in the market, maintaining its flexibility to adapt rapidly to opportunities and grow profitably, with the additional financial strength that comes with being part of the combined group.
“Within and beyond Europe, there are considerable opportunities for profitable growth as we maintain our focus on customer service, cost control and operational efficiency.”
