Future competitors ofEurostar continue to position themselves at the starting line of cross-Channel links in order to break the monopoly held for 30 years by the subsidiary of the SNCF. After the project by the Spanish-Italian duo Evolyn/Trenitalia it is now the turn of Virgin Trains to announce the signing of an agreement with the group Alstom for the construction of 12 Avelia high-speed trains.
This announcement follows its application to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to operate this fleet on the HS1 line, which links the Channel Tunnel to London's St Pancras International. Richard Branson's group is planning a total investment of £700 million for its project. However, the order with Alstom will only be confirmed if the ORR gives a positive response to this project, which aims to initially operate services from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. In other words, on exactly the same routes as Eurostar, although the number of daily rotations operated by Virgin Trains will be lower given the size of its fleet.
Richard Branson has welcomed the project, saying " that having successfully challenged the incumbents in the air, in cruises and on the rails [Virgin Trains has operated regional lines in England, editor's note], we are ready to do it again. We will revitalising the cross-Channel travel market with our own signature, delivering an innovative, bold and incredibly Virgin service ".
