Virgin Group orders 12 Alstom trains to challenge Eurostar

Virgin Group has signed agreements with Alstom for the delivery and long-term maintenance of 12 Avelia Stream high-speed trains. The company aims to challenge Eurostar’s long-standing dominance on international rail routes through the Channel Tunnel.

Starting in 2030, Virgin plans to operate up to 20 pairs of daily services connecting London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The new fleet is expected to provide nearly 7.5 million additional seats annually. The trains are capable of reaching speeds of 300 km/h and will be manufactured by Alstom in Savigliano, Italy, with maintenance handled in the United Kingdom.

The expansion follows regulatory progress, including approval from the Office of Rail and Road for access to the HS1 high-speed line. Finalizing the contract remains subject to necessary regulatory permissions and financial closures.