Italy's state-owned railway, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group), has placed a €2 billion (£1.7 billion) order with Hitachi Rail for 19 high-speed trains, moving closer to launching its own London to Paris service by 2029. This move positions FS Group to become the first competitor to Eurostar on the cross-Channel route, ahead of Virgin Trains which plans to start by 2030.
Details of the order
The order, announced on August 7, also includes construction of an €80 million (£68 million) maintenance facility at Maisons-Alfort Pompadour near Paris. The new trains promise 'next-generation' travel with an on-board bistro, enhanced catering, WiFi connectivity, and interiors designed for comfort across all classes.
Statements from leaders
Gianpiero Strisciuglio, CEO of FS Italiane Group, said the trains and maintenance hub are 'fundamental elements' of the London-Paris service. He added: 'This order represents a strategic milestone for FS Group: it strengthens our presence in France, a key market for our international growth, and supports the development of increasingly efficient, sustainable and competitive high-speed services.'
Strisciuglio also described the project as 'central' to the group's vision of the 'Metro of Europe,' an integrated high-speed network connecting Europe's major cities. Hitachi Rail's CEO Giuseppe Marino said the deal will 'deliver high standards of sustainability, operational efficiency and cross-border interoperability.'
Impact on services
The new trains will also be used on Trenitalia France's existing Paris-Lyon, Paris-Milano, and Paris-Marseille services. This development comes amid a rail renaissance in 2026, with new routes like London to Antwerp and budget options for Scotland.
