Online ticket distributor Trainline returned an operating profit last year on the back of a recovery in rail travel from the pandemic.
The company reported earnings [ebitda] of £39 million for the 12 months to February 28 against a loss of £25 million the previous year.
Group net ticket sales rose by 222% year-on-year to £2.5 billion, with revenue up 181% to £189 million.
The company projected strong growth in the current financial year with net sales of between £3.8 billion and £4.2 billion with revenue in the range of £280 million-£310 million and adjusted earnings of up to £75 million “assuming no significant disruption to rail travel”.
The firm has ambitions of becoming the “marketplace of choice” in Europe as high speed routes liberalise, such as Paris-Lyon.
Trainline Partner Solutions is being positioned for growth by adding Travelport to its global API.
Chief executive Jody Ford said: “Our strong performance and positive outlook for next year reflects our relentless focus on supporting the rail industry’s recovery, making greener rail travel easier and better value for customers.
“In the UK, we are constantly innovating our app experience for commuters, including personalised journeys and easy rebooking, while also scaling digital railcards.
“In Europe we are investing to become the rail app of choice. Customers are increasingly looking to Trainline to find value as choice spreads across markets with the entry of new rail operators.”