Virgin Unveils New Channel Tunnel Trains to Compete with Eurostar

Virgin has released a first look at its new trains designed for cross-Channel routes, featuring a black-and-red livery. The company plans to introduce 20 daily return services connecting London with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, starting in 2030.

These new services aim to add nearly 7.5 million seats annually to the cross-Channel route and are projected to create up to 1,000 new jobs. The trains will compete directly with existing operator Eurostar and are designed to travel at speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph).

The interiors are customized for cross-Channel travel, with passenger amenities drawing on expertise from other Virgin brands. Virgin Atlantic's 'Clubhouses' will be available for pre-departure use and onboard, offering passengers spaces to work or relax. Dining services will be coordinated by Virgin Voyages, and Virgin Hotels will contribute to the design of seating and onboard spaces.

Virgin's loyalty program, Virgin Red, will allow passengers to earn and redeem Virgin Points for journeys, flights, hotel stays, and other experiences. The company intends to leverage its 20 years of experience operating Virgin Trains in the UK.

"Virgin has a proud history in UK rail. With our latest venture we are drawing on more than four decades of experience across travel and hospitality to create something genuinely new," said Josh Bayliss, CEO of Virgin Group. "This time, we'll be connecting London with some of Europe's greatest cities and giving passengers a distinctive new choice in cross-Channel travel."

Bayliss expressed confidence in increasing train travel between the UK and Europe, stating, "We're adding capacity for millions more international rail journeys each year, growing the market as a whole." He added, "We're looking forward to seeing our distinctive red and black trains travelling across Europe."

Virgin is also exploring potential synergies between its rail and airline networks. This could facilitate easier onward travel for international customers arriving in London via Virgin Atlantic to other European destinations, and vice versa for passengers traveling from France into Virgin Atlantic's global network.

Virgin has secured agreements for train maintenance at Eurostar's Temple Mills International depot in East London. The company is the only prospective new operator through the Channel Tunnel to have obtained track access in the UK, with this access confirmed until at least 2040. A contract with French rail group Alstom will supply 12 Avelia Stream trains, including a 30-year maintenance agreement.

Further details regarding Virgin's proposed services, trains, and customer experience are expected to be announced soon.