Virgin has unveiled a mock-up of its future cross-Channel train, pledging to create “something genuinely new” as it gears up to launch rail services from London to continental Europe in 2030, offering the first direct competition to Eurostar since the Channel tunnel opened.
The group has ordered 12 trains from manufacturer Alstom and will aim to outshine Eurostar on design and customer experience as it fits them out. Although detailed specifications remain under wraps, Virgin said the trains would draw inspiration from its airline, cruise and hotel operations. Onboard social spaces will be modelled on Virgin Atlantic’s airport lounges, the food menu influenced by its cruise line, and the interior design guided by its Virgin Hotels brand.
Josh Bayliss, chief executive of Virgin Group, said: “Virgin has a proud history in UK rail. With our latest venture we are drawing on more than four decades of experience across travel and hospitality to create something genuinely new. We’re confident that more journeys between the UK and Europe will be made by train. We’re adding capacity for millions more international rail journeys each year, growing the market as a whole. We’re looking forward to seeing our distinctive red and black trains travelling across Europe.”
Virgin also plans to connect its rail and airline networks, potentially bringing passengers from France to Virgin Atlantic flights. The Office of Rail and Road this week published an agreement with Eurostar for Virgin to maintain its trains at the Temple Mills international depot in east London, with track access in the UK confirmed until at least 2040.
Italy’s state-owned Trenitalia is also expected to launch cross-Channel high-speed services. It already runs international trains as far as Paris and recently announced its own €2bn order for 19 new trains from Hitachi, some of which are expected to be based in France and run through the tunnel to London.