Eurostar Boosts Fleet with Double-Decker Trains for New Routes

Eurostar is making a strategic move to counter emerging competition in cross-channel rail services by committing €2 billion to an order for 30 new Alstom Avelio Horizon ‘Eurostar Celestia' double-decker trains, with an option to increase the fleet to 50. This significant investment follows a British-French declaration promoting competitive international rail and coincides with new operators like Virgin Group, Evolyn, Gemini Trains (with Uber branding), and Trenitalia announcing their own cross-channel ventures. These rivals have also specified trains and sought access to Eurostar's crucial Temple Mills Depot for stabling.

A primary benefit of the ‘Eurostar Celestia' fleet, expected to commence passenger services from May 2031, is the expansion of Eurostar's network to include Frankfurt and Geneva, complementing its established routes to Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels. These trains are described as the only high-speed double-deckers capable of speeds exceeding 300km/h, marking the first time such trains will operate on UK rails since 1971. Despite being only 16cm taller than existing stock, their innovative lower floor design enables two decks, delivering a 20% capacity boost. This means a 200m configuration will offer 540 seats, while the more typical 400m configuration (two trains joined) will accommodate 1,080 passengers.

Strategically, Eurostar's intention to maintain these new trains at its Temple Mills Depot presents a significant hurdle for potential rivals, potentially ruling out shared facility access and compelling them to secure alternative maintenance and storage solutions. This expansion also enables Eurostar to increase capacity without requiring new train paths or additional depot space, as some units will replace older fleet members, and others will service ex-Thalys routes in continental Europe. Concurrently, St Pancras International is undergoing preparations to significantly increase passenger processing capacity from 2,000 to over 5,000 per hour beyond 2028, involving a major reconfiguration of its international area to manage the anticipated surge in travellers, highlighting a logistical challenge in optimizing post-security flow.

(Source: https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/10/23/eurostar-orders-fleet-of-double-decker-trains/)