AUC vs. DUC
In 2023, the terminal AUC was +2.9% (or +9.83 €2017) higher than the planned DUC. This results from the combination of significantly lower than planned TNSUs (-7.6%) and lower than planned terminal costs in real terms (-4.9%, or -8.8 M€2017). It should be noted that actual inflation index in 2023 was +11.1 p.p. higher than planned.
Terminal service units
The difference between actual and planned TNSUs (-7.6%) falls outside the ±2% dead band, but does not exceed the ±10% threshold foreseen in the traffic risk sharing mechanism. The resulting loss of terminal revenues is therefore shared between the ANSP and the airspace users.
Terminal costs by entity
Actual real terminal costs are -4.9% (-8.8 M€2017) lower than planned. This is the result of lower costs for the main ANSP, DSNA (-4.2%, or -6.8 M€2017), the MET service provider (-12.8%, or -1.9 M€2017) and the NSA (-3.0%, or 0.03 M€2017).
Terminal costs for the main ANSP at charging zone level
Lower than planned terminal costs in real terms for DSNA in 2023 (-4.2%, or -6.8 M€2017) result from:
- Significantly lower staff costs (-5.8%), mainly due to the inflation index impact (+11.1 p.p.) since in nominal terms the costs are higher than planned by +3.9%, “due to the payment of measures implemented after covid crisis in 2022”;
- Slightly lower other operating costs (-1.1%), due to the inflation index impact (+11.1 p.p.) since in nominal terms the costs are higher than planned by +9.1%, due to the increase of energy prices and an increase of project-related OPEX costs (see below);
- Significantly lower depreciation (-5.1%),“mainly in relation with the delay of new Towers projects and the transfer of part of the investment costs to project-related OPEX costs”;
- Significantly higher cost of capital (+14.1%), mainly due to higher asset base and higher interest on debt; and,
- Lower deduction for VFR exempted flights (-4.8%).
Note: It is understood that DSNA operating costs include costs of investments that are not capitalised (T3 TECH).