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 might acquire the trains from – Eurostar said simply that “While the detailed design elements are to be confirmed, the new trains will set the standards for customer experience and comfort”.
Following the merger with Thalys last year, Eurostar now operates a fleet of 51 trains – 17 e320s, eight e300s, 17 PBKAs, and 9 PBAs.
Following the investment the group expects to operate up to 67 trains – the 17 e320s plus the new fleet of 50 trains which will replace the other rolling stock currently in operation.
Eurostar is targeting 30 million passengers per year by the end of this decade, and recently announced a pledge to power trains across its five-country network by 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
Eurostar to power trains with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030
The news comes as the group announced revenues exceeded €2 billion for the first time in 2023, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of €423 million.
Routes with the strongest growth year-on-year in 2023 were London-Amsterdam (up 38 per cent), London-Brussels (up 33 per cent), and London-Paris (up 25 per cent).
The firm said that “this strong performance in 2023 means Eurostar can now confidently invest in its future fleet”.
Commenting on the news 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. Just seven months after the launch of the new Eurostar, we are well on our way, breaking 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 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.”
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