FRANCE: National passenger train operator SNCF Voyageurs has approved a €600m firm order for Alstom to supply a further 15 Avelia Horizon high speed trainsets, with delivery scheduled for 2029.
The order announced on January 19 is for the quad-voltage version for use on international routes. ’This contract once again confirms the success of high speed rail and the Avelia Horizon platform, while illustrating our strong commitment to sustainable, low-carbon mobility’, said President of Alstom France Frédéric Wiscart.
It is the fourth firm order placed under a framework agreement between Alstom and SNCF Voyageurs, taking the total order to 160 trainsets.
The previous orders covered 100 TGV Inoui (previously known as TGV M) sets for operation in France, a €590m order in 2022 for a further 15 sets for use on international services and 30 trainsets ordered in 2025 at a cost of €1·4bn for use by Eurostar.
Each set will have two short power cars and articulated double-deck coaches. Maintenance costs are expected to be more than 30% lower than SNCF Voyageurs’ current TGV fleet, while the aerodynamic design and more efficient traction means they will consume 20% less energy.
Similar trainsets have been ordered by Morocco’s national railway ONCF and by French open access start-up Proxima, which is to launch under the Velvet brand.
