Virgin hopes to lure passengers away from Eurostar with luxury and comfortable train
Virgin has ordered twelve high-speed trains from Alstom to challenge Eurostar on international routes between cities including London and Amsterdam starting in 2030. The company aims to differentiate its service through a focus on luxury, comfort, and passenger amenities inspired by its other business ventures.
The British company Virgin has placed an order for twelve high-speed trains from French manufacturer Alstom, aiming to compete directly with Eurostar. These trains, capable of reaching speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour, are set to enter service by 2030. Virgin plans to leverage its brand experience from the airline, cruise, and hotel sectors by incorporating luxury lounges, specific catering options, and dedicated work spaces to enhance the passenger experience.
The service intends to operate twenty daily return trips connecting London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Virgin expects this expansion to add 7.5 million seats annually on routes through the Channel Tunnel, while creating approximately one thousand new jobs. Chief Executive Josh Bayliss noted that the initiative seeks to utilize the significant untapped capacity within the Channel Tunnel. Several other rail companies are also exploring similar cross-border connections, potentially increasing competition for international passengers traveling between the United Kingdom and the European mainland.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
