Virgin Group has taken a significant step toward launching a new international rail service through the Channel Tunnel, following a green light from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to access the Temple Mills International depot in East London.
The regulatory approval marks a pivotal moment in Virgin’s bid to introduce long-awaited competition on the cross-Channel route, challenging a monopoly that has stood for three decades.
Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group, welcomed the decision:
“The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route. Virgin is no stranger to delivering award-winning rail services, and just as we have successfully challenged incumbents in air, cruise and rail, we’re ready to do it again. We’re going to shake-up the cross-Channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve.”
Virgin’s plans include operating services from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam Centraal by 2030, with future ambitions to expand into Germany and Switzerland. The company has also committed to stopping at Ebbsfleet or Ashford International in Kent, should either station reopen, and is actively engaging with Kent County Council and local stakeholders to explore options.
The project is being led by Phil Whittingham, former Managing Director of Virgin Trains, who brings over 25 years of rail industry experience.
“Temple Mills has been a critical bottle neck in the process to launching a new cross-Channel service, so today’s news is a significant milestone for Virgin and a pivotal turning point for international rail,” Whittingham said.
“Building on the great success of Virgin Trains, Virgin will deliver a first-class cross-Channel service that will create hundreds of jobs and support the modal shift of short-haul journeys from air to rail.”
Virgin has confirmed an exclusive agreement with Alstom to procure 12 Avelia Stream trains, a modern fleet based on the proven Pendolino design. The trains promise enhanced speed, comfort, and energy efficiency.
Andrew DeLeone, Alstom Europe Region President, commented:
“Virgin and Alstom have a history of driving innovation and change in the rail industry, and delivering for passengers. We are thrilled to partner with Virgin once again for this exciting new venture. This collaboration not only strengthens our longstanding relationship but also reinforces our shared commitment to sustainability, customer experience and technological excellence.”
Backing the rolling stock investment is Equitix, a leading European infrastructure investor with a strong track record in rail finance. Virgin Group will lead the operating company’s funding alongside Equitix and Azzurra Capital, a private equity firm known for supporting sector-leading ventures.
Josh Bayliss, CEO of Virgin Group, said:
“The cross-Channel market is underserved and represents a fantastic opportunity for Virgin to bring greater value and service to customers, not just in the UK and France, but across the wider European network too. We are pleased to be working with two exceptional and experienced investment partners in Equitix and Azzurra Capital. Together, this consortium will build a new business that does what Virgin does best – disrupt and challenge the status quo.”
With depot access secured and its funding consortium in place, Virgin will now move to finalise its depot access agreement and complete the final stages of rolling stock procurement and financing.
Further details are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Image credits: Virgin
Video credit: Virgin
