Introducing the Eurostar Celestia: A New Era in Sustainable Train Travel
Eurostar announces a significant investment in innovative double-decker trains, enhancing capacity and sustainability for future rail travel.
Eurostar Celestia: A New Age of Sustainable Travel
Eurostar has unveiled its groundbreaking investment of €2 billion in up to 50 new double-decker trains. This new fleet marks the first of its kind to run through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK rail network.
The newly named Eurostar Celestia trains will be designed based on Alstom’s Avelia Horizon platform. Conversion of these 200-meter trains will allow interoperability across all the current routes, plus new destinations like Geneva and Frankfurt.
Key Features:
- 20% increase in seating capacity, with around 540 seats per train.
- Initial six trains expected by January 2031, with commercial operations starting in May 2031.
- Current fleet will grow from 17 to 67 trains.
- Sustainability focus: 97% recyclable parts, and designed to withstand climate change.
Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar, remarks on the significance of this investment for their goal of reaching 30 million passengers annually, stating that bringing double-decker trains to the UK represents a pivotal achievement.
With focused design contributions from passenger accessibility groups, the Eurostar Celestia emphasizes both sustainability and comfort, marking a progressive step in rail transport.
