Eurostar has announced plans to invest in up to 50 new trains, increasing its fleet by around 30 per cent by the early 2030s.
No details have been given about where the group could acquire the trains; Eurostar would simply say that “while detailed design elements are to be confirmed, the new trains will set the standards for customer experience and comfort.”
After the merger with Thalys last yearEurostar now operates a fleet of 51 trains: 17 e320, eight e300, 17 PBKA and 9 PBA.
Following the investment, the group expects to operate up to 67 trains: the 17 e320s plus the new fleet of 50 trains that will replace the rest of the rolling stock currently in operation.
Eurostar aims to reach 30 million passengers a year by the end of this decade, and recently announced its commitment to power trains across its five-country network with 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.
Eurostar will power trains with 100% renewable energy by 2030
The news comes as the group announced that its revenues exceeded €2 billion for the first time in 2023, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of €423 million.
The routes with the highest year-on-year growth in 2023 were London-Amsterdam (up 38 percent), London-Brussels (up 33 percent) and London-Paris (up 25 percent).
The company said: “This strong performance in 2023 means Eurostar can now invest with confidence in its future fleet.”
Commenting on the news, Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar, said:
“On our 30th birthday, Eurostar has set ambitious plans to carry 30 million passengers by 2030 and become the backbone of sustainable travel in Europe. Just seven months after the launch of the new Eurostar, we are on track and will break records in 2023 in terms of passenger numbers and revenue.
“There is huge demand for our services and we have big European ambitions. Investing in up to 50 new trains will increase capacity and offer customers something truly special, offering a cutting-edge experience in terms of comfort, accessibility and sustainability.
“Customer service will be a priority in the design, ensuring the unique experience that Eurostar will continue to be known for long into the future.”
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