EUROSTAR WILL INTRODUCE a new mid-range premium economy equivalent, Standard Premier class, in September.
The new "mid-class" will broadly offer the same benefits as Leisure Select, such as premium seating, free magazines and a light meal, but will have "more semi-flexible price points than Leisure Select", and will appeal to business travellers whose company policies preclude them from travelling in a class with the word "leisure" in the title.
Eurostar's commercial director, Nick Mercer, said: "Extensive research and feedback from our corporate clients and business travel agents showed there was a strong appetite for a mid-range product pitched between our fully- flexible Business Premier and Standard classes."
Benefits such as lounge access and 10-minute express check-in will be reserved for Business Premier ticket holders, or those with sufficient status in the Eurostar Frequent Traveller programme.
The cross-Channel train operator is also trialling a link with French rail company SNCF's high-speed TGV services from Lille to Lyon and Marseille, with Eurostar passengers directed to dedicated coaches on the southbound TGVs.