Eurostar has ordered another seven new trains as the operator plans a major expansion of routes.
The company, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month, already has ten e320 trains on order, which are due to start operating in late 2015, and has now decided to increase the order as part of its expansion plans.
Eurostar will start a new year-round direct service from London to Lyon, Avignon and Marseille in May 2015, which will be followed by start of services to Amsterdam via Antwerp, Rotterdam and Schiphol airport, in December 2016.
The company unveiled its new trains at St Pancras station in London today – around one year before they are due to begin operating.
The e320 trains will be able to carry up to 900 passengers – a 20% increase in capacity compared to its current trains – and reach speeds of 200 miles per hour.
Eurostar chief executive Nicolas Petrovic said: “We are seeing record demand for our services and the addition of new trains to our fleet will be key to achieving our growth ambitions.”
Petrovic promised the new trains would offer a “complete transformation of our service”.
With just one year to go until our new e320 train comes into service, passengers will see a complete transformation of our service. The combination of bold design, chic interiors and wifi connectivity will raise the bar, providing an unprecedented level of style and comfort for our customers.”