Latest news with #HenriPoupart-Lafarge
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."
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
07-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's President, Alstom chief discuss localization of railway industry, public transport expansion
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met on Sunday with Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairperson of French transport giant Alstom, to discuss the company's ongoing transportation projects in Egypt and explore avenues for deeper industrial cooperation. The meeting was held in the presence of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Vice Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir. According to Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shenawy, the talks focused on Egypt's efforts to localize the railway industry, with an emphasis on enhancing local manufacturing capabilities and supporting regional exports. A key highlight of the discussion was the development of Alstom's new industrial complex in Borg El Arab City. The facility will house two factories—one dedicated to producing electrical systems and railway components, and the other focused on manufacturing various types of rolling stock. The complex is designed to serve Egypt's domestic needs while establishing the country as a regional production hub for the Middle East and Africa. The meeting also reviewed progress on major mass transit projects, including Cairo Metro Line 6, which is a core part of Egypt's sustainable urban transport strategy. Updates were shared on ongoing coordination for the operation and maintenance of the East and West Nile monorail lines, another vital component of the country's push toward green and efficient mobility. President Al-Sisi reaffirmed the state's commitment to completing all transportation projects on schedule, stressing the importance of aligning implementation with Egypt's broader vision for modernizing infrastructure, enhancing public transport services, and localizing key industries.
Daily News Egypt
06-04-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Al-Sisi, Alstom chief discuss localization of railway industry, public transport expansion
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met on Sunday with Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairperson of French transport giant Alstom, to discuss the company's ongoing transportation projects in Egypt and explore avenues for deeper industrial cooperation. The meeting was held in the presence of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Vice Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir. According to Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shenawy, the talks focused on Egypt's efforts to localize the railway industry, with an emphasis on enhancing local manufacturing capabilities and supporting regional exports. A key highlight of the discussion was the development of Alstom's new industrial complex in Borg El Arab City. The facility will house two factories—one dedicated to producing electrical systems and railway components, and the other focused on manufacturing various types of rolling stock. The complex is designed to serve Egypt's domestic needs while establishing the country as a regional production hub for the Middle East and Africa. The meeting also reviewed progress on major mass transit projects, including Cairo Metro Line 6, which is a core part of Egypt's sustainable urban transport strategy. Updates were shared on ongoing coordination for the operation and maintenance of the East and West Nile monorail lines, another vital component of the country's push toward green and efficient mobility. President Al-Sisi reaffirmed the state's commitment to completing all transportation projects on schedule, stressing the importance of aligning implementation with Egypt's broader vision for modernizing infrastructure, enhancing public transport services, and localizing key industries.
Al-Ahram Weekly
06-04-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
El-Sisi reviews progress on French Alstom projects in Egypt with CEO
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi reviewed on Sunday with Mr. Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and CEO of French Alstom Group, the progress of several transportation projects the company is undertaking in Egypt and efforts to localise railway manufacturing. The Egyptian presidency stated that Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry Kamel El-Wazir attended the meeting in Cairo to discuss, among other things, the latest developments regarding the construction of the Alstom industrial complex in Borg El Arab City. The first of the complex's two factories will produce electrical systems and railway components. In contrast, the second will manufacture various mobile units to meet the local market's needs and export to the Middle East and Africa. Furthermore, the agenda included updates on the progress of the Sixth Line of the Cairo Metro and the negotiations currently underway for managing, operating, and maintaining the monorail project east and west of the Nile. President El-Sisi emphasised the importance of completing all these projects within the specified timelines to support Egypt's vision of enhancing its transportation infrastructure and fostering local industry growth. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
