Karmactive Team
Virgin and Alstom have signed agreements covering 12 Avelia Stream high-speed trains and long-term maintenance for planned cross-Channel services from 2030. The deal would create a new challenger to Eurostar on routes through the Channel Tunnel.
What has been agreed
Virgin and Alstom announced the agreements on October 9, 2026. They cover 12 Avelia Stream trainsets and long-term maintenance support.
The booking is expected to proceed only after regulatory approval and financial close. It is therefore not yet a completed train order.
The trains are planned to have a maximum speed of 300 km/h. Virgin has said it plans up to 20 daily return services linking London with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam from 2030.
What it means for travellers
Prospective cross-Channel travellers and regional UK flyers face a potential shift in long-distance options from 2030. If the planned services launch, Virgin’s entry could introduce competing departure slots on routes currently served by Eurostar, the existing passenger operator through the Channel Tunnel. Travellers should treat lower fares, more frequent services and integrated air-rail ticketing as possible outcomes of future competition, not confirmed benefits.
Virgin has discussed closer integration with its airline network. However, a confirmed Heathrow through-ticketing or baggage-transfer service has not been announced.
What happens next
Eurostar has operated cross-Channel passenger services since 1994. It has announced 30 Alstom Avelia Horizon trains, with first delivery planned for 2031.
Virgin’s planned services remain subject to regulatory approval and financial close. The launch date, timetable and fares have not been confirmed.
