Virgin Group has signed an order with Alstom for 12 Avelia Stream high-speed trains as it prepares to launch cross-Channel services in 2030.
The agreement includes 30 years of maintenance. Virgin Trains is planning to compete with Eurostar on routes from London to continental Europe, subject to securing the remaining access rights in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Services planned from 2030
The UK rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), has published the signed agreement allowing Virgin’s trains to be maintained at Eurostar’s Temple Mills International depot in east London.
Virgin received ORR “pre-approval” in August to use High Speed 1 for six daily London–Paris services in each direction from October 2030 to March 2031. The proposed frequency would rise to 10 daily paths from April to September 2031, and then to 13 daily paths from October 2031 through to December 2040.
The plans also include four daily London–Brussels trains from February 2031 and three return services each day between London and Amsterdam from September 2031. Formal confirmation of Virgin’s access rights on the continental networks is still outstanding.
Trains to be built in Italy
The single-deck, non-tilting Avelia Stream trainsets will use distributed traction and have a maximum speed of 300 km/h. Images released by Virgin show a red-and-black livery.
Alstom will assemble the trains at its Savigliano plant in northern Italy, which previously built the Class 390 Pendolino fleet ordered by Virgin during its time as a UK rail franchise holder.
The trains are expected to use production lines currently assembling 12 Avelia Stream electric multiple units for Italian private operator NTV-Italo. Alstom and Italo confirmed that order at InnoTrans in Berlin on 23 September, with the first units expected to enter service in Italy from 2027.
Air and rail integration
Virgin said businesses across its wider group would help shape the passenger experience. Virgin Voyages will influence the food and drink offer, while Virgin Hotels will inform the design of seating and onboard areas. Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouses are intended to inspire social spaces at stations and on trains.
The group also plans to examine closer integration between Virgin Atlantic’s airline network and its rail services. This could enable passengers arriving in London by air to continue by train to France and other European destinations, while travellers from France could connect with Virgin Atlantic’s international flights.
“We’re confident that more journeys between the UK and Europe will be made by train,” said Josh Bayliss, chief executive of Virgin Group. “We’re adding capacity for millions more international rail journeys each year, growing the market as a whole.”
Andrew DeLeone, Alstom’s Europe region president, said the Avelia Stream platform combined high-speed performance with energy efficiency, passenger comfort and operational flexibility. Alstom will act as both train supplier and fleet maintainer.