Eurostar is planning to invest in up to 50 new trains as it looks to modernise and meet its targets for future growth.
As demand for sustainable travel continues to grow, the investment will create enough capacity to ensure that Eurostar can reach its target of carrying 30 million passengers annually by 2030.
The new fleet will eventually operate alongside Eurostar’s existing fleet of 17 e320s, providing a total fleet of 67 trains. Eurostar currently has a fleet of 51 trains, comprising 8 e300s, 17 PBKAs and 9 PBAs, which look set to be replaced in the fleet overhaul.
Gwendoline Cazenave, Eurostar CEO, said: “In our 30th birthday year, Eurostar has set out ambitious plans to carry 30 million passengers by 2030 and become the backbone of sustainable travel in Europe.
“There is huge demand for our services and we have big European ambitions.”
“Investing in up to 50 new trains will provide more capacity and give customers something really special, offering a cutting-edge experience in terms of comfort, accessibility and sustainability.”
“Customer service will be top of mind in the design, ensuring the unique experience Eurostar is known for long into the future.”
Eurostar customers and staff will be consulted in the design process for the fleet and all trains will be created in an eco-friendly way. The new fleet will be required to have more efficient energy consumption than the current fleet.
The announcement from Eurostar came as the company announced it exceeded €2 billion revenue for the first time in 2023 and achieved EBITDA of €423 million.
Image credit: iStock
