Virgin to launch cross-Channel train service from London in 2030

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 12:19 · Archive

Virgin plans to introduce cross-Channel train services from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam starting in 2030, competing with Eurostar for the first time.

Virgin has unveiled a mock-up of its planned cross-Channel train service, set to launch in 2030 as the first competition Eurostar has faced since the Channel tunnel opened. The group has ordered 12 high-speed Avelia Stream trains from French manufacturer Alstom, capable of speeds up to 190mph (300km/h). Virgin plans to introduce 20 daily return services between London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam from 2030, adding nearly 7.5 million seats annually to the cross-Channel route and creating up to 1,000 new jobs.

The trains will feature design inspiration drawn from Virgin's other travel and hospitality businesses. Pre-departure and onboard social spaces will be influenced by Virgin Atlantic's airport lounges, onboard dining by Virgin Voyages' cruise line menus, and interior design by Virgin Hotels. Josh Bayliss, chief executive of Virgin Group, said the venture would draw on 'more than four decades of experience across travel and hospitality to create something genuinely new'.

Virgin still faces regulatory hurdles before operating services on the route, but has secured track access in the UK until at least 2040. The company has also signed an agreement with Eurostar to maintain its trains at the Temple Mills International depot in east London.

How it is being reported

• First look at new Virgin trains set to 'rival Eurostar' from UK to Europe in 2030Virgin has offered a first glimpse into its new cross-Channel rail service that will provide services between London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam in one of its striking, high-speed trainsThe Mirror · 9 Oct, 12:31
• Virgin reveals first glimpse of new cross-Channel service planned from 2030The train operator previously secured an agreement with French rail group Alstom for a fleet of 12 Avelia Stream trains with customised interiors designed for cross-Channel travel.Daily Express · 9 Oct, 11:54
• Virgin unveils its future cross-Channel train as it gears up to take on EurostarGroup plans to launch services from London in 2030 and hopes to outshine competitor with design inspiration from its airline, cruise and hotel arms Flash interiors, fancy food and maybe even a bar: Virgin has unveiled a mock-up of its future cross-Channel train, with a pledge to create “something genuinely new”. The group is planning to launch rail services from London to the continent in 2030, with Eurostar facing competition for the first time since the opening of the Channel tunnel. Continue reading...The Guardian · 9 Oct, 07:00

In this story: Virgin · Eurostar · Alstom · London · Paris · Brussels · Amsterdam

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