AUC vs. DUC
In 2023, the terminal AUC was -16.1% (or -27.05 €2017) lower than the planned DUC. This results from the combination of significantly higher than planned TNSUs (+10.0%) and significantly lower than planned terminal costs in real terms (-7.7%, or -2.3 M€2017). It should be noted that actual inflation index in 2023 was +11.0 p.p. higher than planned.
Terminal service units
The difference between actual and planned TNSUs (+10.0%) falls outside the ±2% dead band, but does not exceed the ±10% threshold foreseen in the traffic risk sharing mechanism. The resulting gain of additional terminal revenues is therefore shared between the ANSP and the airspace users.
Terminal costs by entity
Actual real terminal costs are -7.7% (-2.3 M€2017) lower than planned. This is the result of lower costs for the main ANSP, AirNav Ireland (-8.2%, or -2.2 M€2017) and the MET service provider (-16.3%, or -0.3 M€2017), while the NSA costs are higher (+13.1%, or +0.2 M€2017) than planned.
Terminal costs for the main ANSP at charging zone level
Significantly lower than planned terminal costs in real terms for AirNav Ireland in 2023 (-8.2%, or -2.2 M€2017) resulting mainly from inflation index impact (+11.0 p.p.) since in nominal terms terminal costs are lower than planned by -1.1%. Other drivers are:
- Slightly higher staff costs (+1.2%) or +11.6% in nominal terms, due to the same drivers described in the en route staff cots;
- Lower other operating costs (-4.0%) or +5.9% in nominal terms, due to higher costs than planned costs of training, systems and equipment maintenances;
- Significantly lower depreciation (-26.7%), reflecting delays in the implementation of the investment programme due to staff shortages as well as knock on impacts from COVID-19 and challenges with sourcing contractors; and
- Significantly lower cost of capital (-14.4%) mainly due to delays in project completions as outlined above.