# Virgin Group and Alstom high-speed rail agreement

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/virgin-group-and-alstom-high-speed-rail-agreement
> Updated: 2026-10-15T03:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Virgin Group has entered into agreements with Alstom for the supply and long-term maintenance of 12 Avelia Stream high-speed trains. The fleet is intended to facilitate new trans-Channel rail services, with operations expected to commence in 2030.

The project aims to challenge Eurostar’s dominance on international routes through the Channel Tunnel by connecting London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The expansion is projected to provide nearly 7.5 million additional seats annually and support over 1,000 jobs across the United Kingdom and Europe.

While the trains will be manufactured at Alstom’s facility in Savigliano, Italy, maintenance services will be conducted in the United Kingdom. The initiative follows regulatory progress regarding access to the HS1 high-speed line.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-15: Alstom and Virgin sign deal for 12 high-speed trains

Alstom and Virgin have agreed to supply 12 Avelia Stream high-speed trains, to be built in Savigliano, Italy, for trans-Channel services starting in 2030.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alstom-and-virgin-sign-deal-for-12-high-speed-trains

### 2026-10-11: Virgin Group orders 12 Alstom trains to challenge Eurostar

Virgin Group plans to challenge Eurostar by launching high-speed rail services between London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam in 2030 using 12 new Alstom Avelia Stream trains.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virgin-group-orders-12-alstom-trains-to-challenge-eurostar

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Cite as: Virgin Group and Alstom high-speed rail agreement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/virgin-group-and-alstom-high-speed-rail-agreement