Paris, August 17, 2026 – Trenitalia France, a subsidiary of the Italian railway group Trenitalia, has officially announced its plans to inaugurate a new high-speed rail service connecting Paris and London by 2029. The announcement, made on Friday, August 7, 2026, marks a significant development in European rail transport, setting the stage for direct competition with Eurostar, which has long held a monopoly on this route.
Significant Investment in High-Speed Fleet
To support this ambitious expansion, Trenitalia France has placed an order for 19 new high-speed trains from the Japanese manufacturer Hitachi, with an estimated investment of approximately two billion euros. While some of these trains will be allocated to existing routes, such as Paris-Lyon, Paris-Marseille, and Paris-Milan, ten of the newly acquired trains are specifically earmarked for the upcoming Paris-London service. The precise delivery date for these trains is not yet public, but it is expected to align with the planned service launch in late 2029.
These new trains are designed to operate across major European high-speed networks and will feature a single-deck configuration, distinguishing them from SNCF’s double-deck trains. The financing for this substantial fleet acquisition is being provided by Certares, a New York-based American investment fund founded in 2012. As a result of this investment, Certares will acquire a stake in Trenitalia France.
Challenging Eurostar’s Monopoly
Trenitalia’s entry into the Paris-London route signifies a bold move to challenge Eurostar’s established dominance. Trenitalia, the primary public railway company in Italy and a subsidiary of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS), has been actively pursuing European expansion. The company already operates services in Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Spain, and Slovenia, often employing competitive pricing strategies to attract passengers.
Trenitalia France commenced its operations in 2011, succeeding its former subsidiary, Thello. Its flagship high-speed train, the “Frecciarossa,” made its debut in 2021 on the Paris-Lyon-Turin-Milan route, demonstrating the company’s commitment to high-speed international travel.
Impact on European Rail Travel
The introduction of a new competitor on the Paris-London route is anticipated to bring several benefits to consumers, including potentially more competitive fares and increased service options. This development aligns with broader European initiatives to enhance cross-border rail connectivity and promote sustainable travel alternatives.
The move by Trenitalia France underscores a growing trend in the European railway sector, where liberalization and increased competition are encouraging new players to enter previously monopolized markets. This could lead to a more dynamic and passenger-focused rail landscape across the continent.
Further details regarding the exact schedule, pricing structure, and onboard services for the new Paris-London route are expected to be released closer to the 2029 launch date. The railway industry and travelers alike will be closely watching how this new competition unfolds and its long-term effects on the Eurostar service.
Source: lepetitjournal.com
