FlixBus has announced growth with its UK launch partner Turners Coachways of Bristol, as well as with Cambridge-based Whippet, amid the announcement that 2022 has been its “most successful year ever”.
Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the first FlixBus ride in 2013, the company has reported global revenue of over £1.3bn, an increase of 185% compared to 2021, and profitability on an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization level.
More than 60 million passengers in 40 countries were carried on FlixBus, FlixTrain, Greyhound in North America, and Kamil Koc in Türkiye. That figure comes after the UK market, which launched in April 2021, celebrated its one millionth customer last year. FlixBus has projected 20% profitable revenue growth for 2023, with further plans for expansion.
“2022 was our most successful year so far,” says André Schwämmlein, co-founder and CEO of Flix SE. “This shows more than ever that Flix is positioned in a highly attractive growth market– we stand for modern mobility, sustainability and digitalisation. And we are just getting started.”
UK FlixBus partnership expansion
In the UK, peak vehicle requirement will increase from three to five coaches for Bristol operator Turners, while Ascendal Group subsidiary Whippet will invest into the replacement of its entire FlixBus fleet, adding 12 vehicles to its FlixBus network, bringing the total number of coaches to 14.
Turners’ FlixBus fleet will now include an additional Van Hool EX tri-axle that joins three of its type already in service with the operator. It will also add an Irizar i6S. Whippet’s new fleet will consist of MAN Neoplan P20s.
The coaches are jointly funded by FlixBus and will be built according to its specification, which includes special seat pitch, USB charging ports, on-board wi-fi, and the brand’s distinctive green livery.
Long-term commitment
Managing Director of FlixBus UK Andreas Schorling reveals that the expansion shows how the FlixBus partnerships in the country are not just strong, but growing and set out for the long term.
“Turners is a core part of our offering across the west of the country,” he says. “This is a sign from our side that we remain committed to Turners – we see it as a longstanding operator on the network. When we build our partnerships, we consider them in terms of decades.
“I’d also like to personally thank Managing Director of Turners Coachways, Kevyn Jones, for the partnership that we have established. He has built successful businesses before taking over Turners. He’s able to comprehend the long-term strategic vision that we have for FlixBus, and support us throughout that journey.”
Mr Schorling goes on to say that Whippet has also been a key cornerstone of the FlixBus network since day one. “We are delighted to be expanding the network together with the historic and reputable operator,” he adds. “With over a hundred years of experience, we have found its innovative ideas, dynamic, agile approach, and high quality of service to be a perfect fit. The values and aspirations of the team at Whippet and Ascendal are totally aligned with ours, and we share a joint vision for transforming the coach industry.”
Comments Mr Jones: “The last three years have tested the limits of the relationship with a number of our customers, including FlixBus, because of all the various crises that have happened. “We’re now looking for a few years of plain sailing, being able to do the things that we set out to do back in 2019 and 2020. It’s a matter of getting a couple of years of good operating conditions to grow the business, to grow the passenger numbers and grow the product.”
Tony Williamson, CEO Asia, Europe, Latin America at Ascendal Group, says there is “no doubt” that FlixBus is to become “the leading express operator in the UK coach market. “We are delighted to make such a substantial, long-term commitment to FlixBus, based on convincing commercial results and our strong, collaborative working relationship,” he adds.
FlixBus has further revealed that the next milestone in its global expansion will be a launch in Chile in 2023. After Brazil, Chile will be the second FlixBus market in South America.
