Virgin and Alstom join forces to support the growth of cross-Channel high-speed rail

• Signed agreements cover 12 Avelia Stream high-speed trains and associated maintenance services
• Marks a new chapter in the enduring partnership between Alstom and Virgin, first established through the Class 390 Pendolino trains that transformed travel on the UK’s West Coast Main Line
• The project further reinforces Alstom’s strong track record in enabling new market entrants across the rail industry

Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, and Virgin have signed agreements 1 supporting the development of future cross-Channel rail services planned to commence from 2030.

The agreements cover the supply of 12 Avelia Stream high-speed trains together with long-term maintenance services, combining Virgin’s ambition to expand international rail travel with Alstom’s expertise in high-speed mobility.

• 1 Booking expected upon regulatory approval and financial close.
  
  

“Virgin has changed the way people travel for decades. We are incredibly excited to be working with Virgin once again, a brand we greatly admire for its commitment to innovation, customer experience and growing sustainable rail travel. Across Europe, passengers are increasingly looking for more seamless cross-border high-speed rail connections, and this project will help deliver exactly that,” said Andrew DeLeone, Europe Region President at Alstom.

He added: “Our Avelia Stream platform combines proven high-speed performance with outstanding energy efficiency, passenger comfort and operational flexibility. As both the train supplier and fleet maintainer, Alstom will support Virgin throughout the full lifecycle of the project – from delivery into service through to long-term operations – helping to ensure a reliable, high-quality service for decades to come.”

Under the agreements, the trains will be designed and manufactured by Alstom’s teams in Savigliano, Italy. As a Global Centre for Excellence for High-Speed Rail, Alstom’s Savigliano site is dedicated to manufacturing international rolling stock required for Virgin’s new European routes. Despite being one of Alstom’s most modern facilities, the site of Savigliano has been producing trains continuously for almost 150 years.

Meanwhile, maintenance activities will be delivered by Alstom in the UK, supporting long-term fleet performance and reliability.

The announcement follows Virgin’s unveiling of the distinctive livery for its future Avelia Stream fleet, offering a first glimpse of the Alstom trains intended to operate the new services.

The decision to partner with Alstom extends Virgin’s longstanding relationship with the rail firm, which previously built the Class 390 Pendolino trains that were operated by Virgin Trains on the UK’s West Coast Main Line.

“We are delighted to be back working with Alstom. We share a long and proud history with the company, most memorably with the manufacture and maintenance of our iconic UK Pendolino fleet,” said Josh Bayliss, Chief Executive Officer at Virgin Group.

He added: “Securing this agreement is significant step in our plans to start cross-Channel services and Alstom is a fantastic partner to work with as we turn our ambition into reality. Our plans will unlock significant growth and investment in European rail, support more than 1,000 jobs across the UK and Europe and add millions of seats to the cross-Channel network, encouraging more people to travel by train and supporting tourism and local economies. Alstom’s expertise in high-speed rail and long track record of innovation make it the ideal partner for this exciting next chapter. We’re looking forward to seeing our distinctive red and black trains travelling across Europe.”

The project reflects growing demand for sustainable international mobility solutions and reinforces Alstom’s commitment to supporting the development of rail services that connect people, cities and economies across Europe.

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