Virgin has provided a first glimpse of its new cross-Channel trains, which are scheduled to begin transporting passengers between London and mainland Europe by 2030. The Virgin Group intends to re-enter the railway travel industry by the end of the decade, following approval to operate services in the Channel Tunnel.
The company plans to offer 20 daily return services from 2030, connecting London with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The fleet will comprise 12 black-and-red Avelia Stream trains, designed to travel at up to 300km/h.
Virgin Group CEO Josh Bayliss stated that the company is drawing on over four decades of experience across travel and hospitality to create a new offering. Virgin will integrate elements from its other travel businesses, including Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse airport lounges and Virgin Voyages' onboard dining, to shape the customer experience.
Virgin Trains will also be part of the Virgin Red loyalty platform, enabling passengers to earn and spend Virgin Points on future travel. The company has indicated it will explore closer collaboration between rail and airline networks, though further details on this have not been disclosed.