Eurostar & Alstom: High-Speed Rail Boost, Channel Tunnel to UK

Introduction

Eurostar has finalized a €2 billion ($2.32 billion) investment for up to 50 new Avelia Horizon double-decker very high-speed trains from Alstom Group, with the initial delivery of six Celestia units scheduled for January 2031. These new trains are part of Eurostar’s growth strategy, aiming to increase passenger capacity and enhance cross-border rail services.

Investment and Fleet Expansion

The contract between Eurostar and Alstom includes an initial order for 30 trains, with an option for an additional 20. The SNCF Voyageurs’ board has approved this order as the third tranche under the agreement, adding to 115 Avelia Horizons that have been already ordered. The new rolling stock, named Eurostar Celestia, is engineered on Alstom’s Avelia Horizon platform. Eurostar intends to maintain the expanded fleet at its existing Temple Mills depot in London.

Operational and Infrastructure Details

Delivery of the first six Celestia units is scheduled for January 2031 with commercial operation beginning in May of that year. Facility upgrades at Temple Mills depot, estimated at €80 million, will accommodate the new units and generate around 350 specialized jobs, augmenting current UK-based staff numbers. The expanded fleet will operate alongside Eurostar’s existing 17 e320s, raising the total to 67 trains.

Technical Specifications

The new Avelia Horizon units will become the first double-decker trains to operate through the Channel Tunnel and onto the UK rail network. Each train is 200 meters in length and designed for interoperability across the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, with planned routes to Geneva and Frankfurt. The trains feature a modular architecture with two power cars and nine articulated double-deck passenger cars. These four-voltage models are configured for cross-border operation under various European electrification standards. Each of the units will accommodate about 540 passengers, with double-unit formations providing up to 1,080 seats per service.

Manufacturing and Sustainability

Alstom will support the production of the Avelia Horizon series by investing €150 million to expand output at ten manufacturing sites across France. Avelia Horizon trains can reach top speeds of 320 km/h. They are expected to consume 20–50% less energy than previous models and utilize a structure that is 97% recyclable, with 25% made from recycled materials. Additionally, they can reduce maintenance costs by up to 30% through component redesign and integrated remote diagnostics for predictive maintenance.

Conclusion

Eurostar is investing €2 billion in up to 50 Avelia Horizon double-decker trains from Alstom, with the first units scheduled for delivery in January 2031. The new fleet will operate through the Channel Tunnel, increasing passenger capacity and expanding routes. Alstom will invest €150 million in its manufacturing sites across France. These trains will be the first double-decker trains to operate on these routes and are designed to enhance energy efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

Company Summary

Alstom Group: Is a manufacturer of rolling stock, signaling, and rail infrastructure solutions.

Eurostar: Operates international high-speed passenger train services.

SNCF Voyageurs: Is the passenger transport branch of the French national railway company, SNCF.

Technology

Avelia Horizon: Is a high-speed train platform developed by Alstom.

e320s: Is a model of train operated by Eurostar.