Eurostar will become the first to run double-decker trains through the Channel Tunnel after announcing a €2 billion investment on Wednesday, 22 October.
The international rail operator has confirmed an order for 30 two-storey trains, with an option for a further 20, as part of its target to handle 30 million passengers annually.
Built by Alstom Group, the Eurostar Celestia fleet will run across all five countries served today, plus new destinations such as Geneva and Frankfurt.
Eurostar’s double-decker trains
Each new train will increase seat capacity by 20 per cent, subject to final design specifications.
If running in 400m formation, as through the Channel Tunnel today, that would mean around 1,080 total seats per service.
Once delivered, the new fleet will operate alongside Eurostar’s existing trains, bringing its total fleet to 67 trains.
The first trains are not due to join the fleet until January 2031, with commercial services launching in May that year.
Eurostar says six new trains will be operational at that time, but did not specify when more double-decker sets will begin running.
It plans to maintain the new double-decker trains at the Temple Mills depot in London, which the company says will help create around 350 more highly skilled jobs.
‘Competitive’ European mobility
Eurostar’s CEO Gwendoline Cazenave says the move supports the company’s “ambitious growth strategy” - arguing that Eurostar is leading the race for international sustainable travel.
“Customers can expect a very special new train with Eurostar Celestia, which will offer exceptional comfort, a unique Eurostar experience and new surprises to be revealed,” she adds.
Henry Poupart-Lafarge of Alstom also welcomed the news, stating that the new-generation trains have been designed to meet increased demand and “embody our vision of sustainable and competitive European mobility”.
Eurostar’s monopoly on the Channel Tunnel
Eurostar’s announcement comes as several rail operators aim to dismantle the company’s monopoly on the Temple Mills depot.
Earlier this year, Italian state railway groupFerrovie dello Stato (FS) revealed plans to launch a high-speed rail service between Paris and London by 2029.
FS says that the project, with an earmarked budget of €1 billion, will be carried out in partnership with Spanish firm Evolyn, led by the Cosmen family.
"High-speed rail networks are the backbone of efficient and environmentally friendly mobility, and by expanding our presence on key corridors, we are not just investing in infrastructure and innovation, but also in the future of European transport,” says Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, FS Group CEO.
Virgin Group is also honing in on its plan to launch cross-channel train services in the coming years, after seeking access to Temple Mills.
“While Virgin is not committing to launching a service just yet, we are seeking investment from like-minded partners to invest alongside Virgin, and we are delighted with the progress made so far,” a spokesperson for the company said back in March.