Eurostar plans massive train fleet expansion following passenger record

Eurostar, the esteemed rail company that transports travelers through the Channel Tunnel and connects cities such as Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam with high-speed trains, announces an ambitious investment program. Following an impressive increase in passenger numbers and financial results, the company aims to invest in a fleet of up to 50 new high-speed trains. In particular, the lines running from the Rhine-Ruhr region to Paris are set to benefit from a modern train portfolio starting in 2030. In the fiscal year 2023, Eurostar recorded a substantial revenue of over two billion euros and a pre-tax profit of 423 million euros, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year's revenue of 1.6 billion euros and earnings of 391.5 million euros. The marked rise in passenger numbers from 14.8 million to 18.6 million is attributed to the company's expansion of operations. Eurostar impressively solidifies its status as a key player in European rail transport, which is predominantly held by the state railways of France and Belgium, SNCF, and SNCB. The current fleet of 51 trains is set to be expanded to up to 67 to increase capacity and further improve the travel experience. Some of the models to be replaced are still part of the portfolio of the Thalys brand, which was recently integrated into the Eurostar network. The planned investment for the new trains amounts to around two billion euros. The models and the manufacturer to be chosen for their procurement have not yet been determined. Previously, the French industrial group Alstom supplied the trains for Eurostar. However, subsequent competition led to the German rival Siemens stepping in, pushing forward with its model. Meanwhile, the trains that have been operating in the Thalys network are all produced by Alstom.