Latest news with #AveliaHorizon
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Huge £715m deal could see speedy double-decker trains travel from UK to France
After securing contracts worth more than £700 million, French manufacturer Alstom wants to run double-decker, high-speed trains from London to France - but will it happen anytime soon? Ambitious plans to run double-decker trains that can travel 300km an hour through the Channel Tunnel may soon become a reality. Plagued by constant delays, cancellations, and expensive fares - it's safe to say the UK's railways are in desperate need of a makeover. But, being sardined on crammed carriages may soon be a distant memory, as Alstom, a French manufacturer specialising in locomotives, is in talks to use its new Avelia Horizon trains to ramp up journeys across Europe. Chief executive Henri Poupart-Lafarge says its new fleet could lower fares and increase capacity in the undersea Channel Tunnel, which connects the UK to France. "The double-decker train has a lot of advantages. It's a very high-speed train with the lowest cost per seat and the highest capacity," he told the Financial Times. Alstom has already signed an €850 million (around £715 million) contract to provide and maintain 12 of its double-decker trains for a Proxima, a private operator in France - as well as France's state-owned company The Société nationale des chemins de fer français (SNCF). However, deliveries have reportedly faced numerous delays and are now not expected until 2026. New trains running through Eurostar's services will also need to be approved by the operate - which could take 'some years'. Trains carrying passengers from London to mainland Europe through the Channel Tunnel will also need to seek approval by regulators to make sure they adhere to strict safety rules. "The Avelia Horizon brings the experience of visiting the lounge car to a new level. A specific focus has been put on light management and passengers will enjoy the latest innovations in terms of connectivity," Alstom states on its website. "The train is easily accessible with the widest doors at the European platform level. Its articulated architecture provides a smooth and safe ride with less noise and vibrations." The new announcement comes just months after Virgin Group made a punt to apply for access to the Temple Mills depot in north-east London. In a huge victory for Sir Richard Branson's company, a report conducted by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) found: "There is some available capacity at Temple Mills International (TMI) depot for more trains to be stabled, serviced and maintained." As previously reported, the investigation also found the depot can comfortably handle 15 of Eurostar's 400-metre-long trains. However, the depot could squeeze up to 20 if needed and on average, Eurostar uses six to 10 of its depot slots for trains, and currently some extra space for decommissioned trains. "Finally a green signal for competition," hailed a Virgin Group spokesperson. "The Temple Mills depot is the only facility in the UK which can accommodate European-style trains and claims suggesting it was at capacity have been blocking Virgin from coming to the line. "Virgin is therefore very pleased with the outcome and we thank the ORR for commissioning this report, which will now unlock competition on the cross-Channel route for the benefit of all passengers. There are no more major hurdles to overcome, and Virgin is ready to take up the challenge, given its award-winning experience in the train industry and track-record for building globally successful travel brands." Eurostar 'welcomed' the independent study by the ORR, arguing 'major maintenance work' and 'investment' would be needed to meet the growing demands of international rail. "The options presented in the report could help create some capacity, but this would not be enough to accommodate the stated ambitions of any single operator. This includes the three organisations who have applied to the regulator and the needs of Eurostar itself," they added. "Eurostar has complied fully with the regulatory process and will continue to do so. This is in advance of any train orders being placed – and years ahead of those trains being built and needing to access Temple Mills. We believe the conversation now needs to move beyond the inadequate space within the existing depot to look at the bigger picture. Capacity constraints have always been a challenge – whether in stations, at the borders or on-board trains. For 30 years, Eurostar has successfully found new solutions, working closely with stakeholders, and always with our customers in mind."
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Trains to Paris could soon get cheaper. Here's why
Double-decker trains are being considered for the London-Paris route through the Channel Tunnel. Alstom, the manufacturer of the Avelia Horizon, the world's only high-speed double-decker train, has confirmed discussions with several operators, including Eurostar and potentially Virgin Group. The move could significantly increase passenger capacity on the route. The Avelia Horizon can reach speeds of up to 200mph and would have a lower cost per seat than single-decker models, former Alstom CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge said. While the trains would need regulatory approval, which could take years, they are compatible with the Channel Tunnel's infrastructure.
Metro
15-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
Eurostar in talks over double-decker train service on cross-Channel route
Cross-Channel journeys could soon reach dizzying new heights and become cheaper for passengers, as Eurostar eyes an exciting upgrade to its service. French rolling stock manufacturer Alstom announced plans to begin supplying the company with double-decker trains for routes between London and key Europe destinations including Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels. While no exact details have been confirmed just yet, the proposal promises high-speed trains with the 'lowest cost per seat and the highest capacity'. And if all goes ahead as planned, they could be on the rails in just a few years' time. It's great news for travellers, with Chief Executive Henri Poupart-Lafarge explaining that the trains will have a top speed of 350km/h — 50km/hr faster than the current Eurostar. As for seat prices, these are also likely to come down, making plane-free European trips more accessible than ever for Brits. In an interview with Financial Times, Poupart-Lafarge claimed that although he couldn't comment on specific business discussions, Alstom has been in talks with a number of operators in regards to these routes. And while the firm has already teamed up with SNCF, France's national railway operator and Eurostar's majority owner, to provide new trains, he said: 'Whether it's Eurostar or other competitors, we'll see.' In terms of timescales, Poupart-Lafarge added that it could take 'some years' before they are up and running. This is largely due to the fact all London to mainland Europe trains need to be approved by regulators who ensure the trains comply with the Channel Tunnel's strict safety rules covering dangerous goods, security measures and emergency response. Poupart-Lafarge noted that further delays could be caused by the sheer demand for Alstom's twin-deck model, the Avelia Horizon, which is due to launch next year. With more than 100 orders to fill across Europe, it could come down to a 'first come, first served' basis. As passenger demand for international rail travel continues to grow – and new companies are set to give Eurostar competition – experts predict that travellers could see a significant reduction in fares. Just how much exactly remains unknown but currently experts are anticipating a 30% drop. According to Eurostar's website, a standard one-way ticket from London to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Lille or Rotterdam starts from £39 – a 30% reduction would bring that fare down to around £27 (£11.70 less). For Eurostar Plus, where tickets start from around £70, a 30% discount would reduce the price by £21 for £49 tickets. A Eurostar representative confirmed to The Telegraph that the double-decker design is 'a possibility' for the operator's future, as it looks to purchase 50 new trains by the end of 2025. It could be in for some stiff competition though. With talks of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group joining the mix of Channel Tunnel rail providers, it would mark the end of Eurostar's 30-year reign on the track.. A spokesperson for Virgin Group also said it's considering double-decker trains, but wouldn't comment on whether it has committed to any specific model. Regardless, Eurostar is expecting an increase in passages over the next five years, with a recent report revealing its ambitions of serving 30 million travellers annually by 2030. This is a marked rise even when compared to the record 19.5 million passengers it carried last year. It's an exciting time for rail services, with plans for a cross-channel expansion, driven by London St Pancras High Speed (which recently rebranded from HS1). More Trending The company shared in February that it aims to offer direct rail routes to major cities in Germany, Switzerland, and France. A spokesperson told Metro: 'Market research from Eurotunnel demonstrated that customer demand for new destinations is clear and real: for Germany, specifically Köln and Frankfurt, Switzerland, Geneva and Zurich, and the South of France, for Marseille and Bordeaux.' In April, Italy's national state-owned railway company, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group), also revealed plans to launch a new high-speed rail service between London and Paris by 2029. The group, which is a co-owner of Avanti West Coast, could then extend the route to Marseilles, Lyon and Milan. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: The European airport that takes you to three countries at once MORE: Ryanair beware, a new UK airline is about to take off MORE: Baby Elsa update: Police narrow down search for parents of abandoned baby to 400 homes in east London
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Morocco launches $10bln rail expansion plan
RABAT, Morocco - Morocco's King Mohammed VI gave the go-ahead on Thursday for a rail expansion plan worth 96 billion dirhams ($10.3 billion), including the construction of a high-speed line to Marrakesh, the country's main tourist hub, by 2030, state media reported. Morocco's preparations to co-host the World Cup in 2030, together with Spain and Portugal, has spurred the extension of the high-speed, intercity and urban rail networks. The country also hopes the investments will help develop its nascent rail industry. The new high-speed line, worth 53 billion dirhams, will start from Kenitra on the Atlantic coast and run 430 kilometres south to Marrakesh, serving Rabat and Casablanca along the way. Designed for a speed of 350 kilometres per hour, the line will cut the journey between Marrakesh and Tangier by two hours, to 2 hours and 40 minutes, while travel time between Rabat and Casablanca's main airport will be reduced to 35 minutes. Moroccan state-owned rail operator ONCF announced in February that it had signed deals to purchase 168 trains from France, Spain and South Korea for 29 billion dirhams. France's Alstom will supply ONCF with Avelia Horizon double-decker high-speed trains that can carry 640 passengers and cruise at a speed of 320 kilometres per hour. The other trains are mainly intercity and urban trains, with ONCF planning to double the number of cities it serves to 43, covering 87% of the Moroccan population by 2040. The purchase deals also include investments in the country's rail industry. (Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi; Editing by Leslie Adler)
France 24
24-04-2025
- Business
- France 24
Morocco green lights $10 billion rail expansion plan
Morocco 's King Mohammed VI gave the go-ahead on Thursday for a rail expansion plan worth 96 billion dirhams ($10.3 billion), including the construction of a high-speed line to Marrakesh, the country's main tourist hub, by 2030, state media reported. Morocco's preparations to co-host the World Cup in 2030, together with Spain and Portugal, has spurred the extension of the high-speed, intercity and urban rail networks. The country also hopes the investments will help develop its nascent rail industry. The new high-speed line, worth 53 billion dirhams, will start from Kenitra on the Atlantic coast and run 430 kilometres south to Marrakesh, serving Rabat and Casablanca along the way. Designed for a speed of 350 kilometres per hour, the line will cut the journey between Marrakesh and Tangier by two hours, to 2 hours and 40 minutes, while travel time between Rabat and Casablanca's main airport will be reduced to 35 minutes. Moroccan state-owned rail operator ONCF announced in February that it had signed deals to purchase 168 trains from France, Spain and South Korea for 29 billion dirhams. France's Alstom will supply ONCF with Avelia Horizon double-decker high-speed trains that can carry 640 passengers and cruise at a speed of 320 kilometres per hour. The other trains are mainly intercity and urban trains, with ONCF planning to double the number of cities it serves to 43, covering 87% of the Moroccan population by 2040. The purchase deals also include investments in the country's rail industry.
