December 7, 2001 High speed car ferry operator Hoverspeed, who bucked the market trend during the 6 month period from April to September 2001, has continued to dramatically increase its vehicle and passenger carryings on the key short sea route to Calais in October and November, compared to the same period in 2000. Hoverspeed's vehicle business in October grew by 47% to 31,188 compared to 21,263 in 2000. Passenger numbers also increased by 29% from 84,162 last year to 108,932 in 2001. Hoverspeed's buoyant business has also continued in November with a 45% increase in vehicle volumes, carrying 21,660 this year compared to 14,966 in 2000. Passenger numbers also reflected the same trend increasing by 37% to 77,565 compared to 56,605 last year. Hoverspeed has introduced major developments to its services in 2001 and more significantly has concentrated its short sea operations onto the Dover - Calais route. Providing an hourly service and extra capacity to meet customer demand, have combined to help Hoverspeed perform well in a fiercely competitive market, as Managing Director, Geoffrey Ede explains. "In what has been a very tough trading year for the cross channel industry with the overall market from Dover down by around -7.5%, these are very positive results for Hoverspeed. Our emphasis has been focused on providing a unique style of product and our fleet transformation in 2001 clearly continues to appeal to customers preferring to cross the channel via our exclusive, high speed services." For 2002 Hoverspeed will be increasing its peak season cross channel frequency from Dover operating up to 16 return sailings daily, compared to 13 in 2001. With departures every hour on the hour from 0600 to 2000, Hoverspeed will provide 14 return sailings daily between Dover and Calais and two return sailings daily from Dover to Ostend. The popular Newhaven - Dieppe high speed service will resume from 22 March to 30 September with up to three return sailings daily.Press Release Media contact: Nick Stevens, Public Relations Manager Telephone: (01304) 865170 |