Italy’s FS railways group is to launch Paris-London high-speed by 2029.
“A more integrated, competitive and sustainable European rail network”
This €1 billion investment is part of the 2025-2029 strategic plan, which includes the extension of high-speed connections in Europe among the FS Group’s priorities. “This investment is a decisive step in the FS Group's vision of building a more integrated, competitive and sustainable European rail network, in line with the objectives of the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, which places an increasing focus on passenger transport abroad to accelerate the international development of the FS Group,” said Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO and General Manager of the FS Group.
“High-speed rail is the backbone of environmentally friendly mobility”
“High-speed rail is the backbone of efficient and environmentally friendly mobility. By expanding our presence on key corridors, we are not only investing in infrastructure and innovation, but also in the future of European transport. Increased competition will help create a more efficient and customer-oriented sector, offering a real alternative to air travel.”
Increasing railway competitiveness between London and Paris
A memorandum of understanding was signed recently between the FS Group and the Spanish consortium Evolyn to further strengthen the leadership project in European High Speed. The aim being to increase railway competitiveness between London and Paris. The new route will be served by trains inspired by the Frecciarossa, an example of Italian excellence in terms of energy efficiency, comfort and quality of service. The announcement comes after the UK Office of Rail and Road confirmed possible access to the Temple Mills maintenance depot, thus allowing a new operator between London and Paris.
FS is already operating in Spain and in the UK
The consolidated presence of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane both in France, with Trenitalia France, and in the United Kingdom, with Trenitalia UK, offers an important competitive advantage for entering this strategic corridor. The group will be able to offer travellers a wider range of services, an increasingly high-quality service and a simplified ticketing system, taking advantage of an already well-known brand. The official launch of the service will be determined by the completion of the infrastructure and technical authorizations.
