Trenitalia operator announces plan for high-speed London-Paris service to rival Eurostar

A fourth operator has announced its plan to launch a high-speed service linking London and Paris by 2029.

FS Italiane Group, which operates Trenitalia and already runs high-speed services in Italy and France, joins Evolyn, Gemini Trains and Virgin in wanting to rival Eurostar.

The group also part owns Avanti West Coast and c2c.

Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, FS Group Chief Executive Officer and General Manager stated: "This investment is a decisive step forward in 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 FS Group's international development.

“High-speed rail networks are the backbone of efficient and environmentally friendly mobility, and by expanding our presence on key corridors, we are not just investing in infrastructure and innovation, but also in the future of European transport. More competition will help to create a more efficient and customer-oriented industry, offering a real alternative to air travel".

FS Group has sad it’s committed €1 billion to build a European rail network.

Last week the operator reinstated its Paris-Milan service which had been suspended since August 2023 due to a landslip in southern France.

FS Group has said the service will use Frecciarosse, Made In Italy-inspired trainsets. Similar units, built by Hitachi, run on its Paris-Lyon and Paris-Milan routes, so are already cleared to operate on the French side of the Channel Tunnel.

The group is buoyed by the report by Ipex that said some capacity is available for more trains to be stabled and maintained at Eurostar’s Temple Mills depot in east London.

So far, the firm has submitted operational integrity to the Office of Rail and Road, which shows it is a credible business.

FS Group has said it’s signed a memorandum of understanding with Evolyn to support the initiative, which also has plans to run cross-channel services and is one of three operators to have Section 17 depot access applications in with the rail regulator.

Neither FS Group nor Evolyn has so far confirmed if the memorandum will result in a full partnership.