By 2028, France is expected to experience a significant transformation in its high-speed rail system with the introduction of Avelia Horizon high-speed trains. French company Proxima, which entered the market in June 2024, has signed a major contract with Alstom to bring 12 of these cutting-edge trains into service. These trains are expected to operate between Paris and key cities such as Bordeaux, Rennes, Nantes, and Angers, and their arrival will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of travel in the region.

With operational speeds reaching up to 320 km/h and a capacity to accommodate 740 passengers, these high-speed trains are poised to become some of the fastest and most efficient trains in Europe. This move signals a major milestone in the liberalization of France’s rail network, which, after years of exclusive state control under SNCF, is now opening up to private operators like Proxima.

For travelers and the broader travel industry, the arrival of Avelia Horizon high-speed trains presents both opportunities and challenges. From improved connectivity to enhanced comfort and increased competition, this development will reshape the way people travel across France and beyond.

A New Player in France’s High-Speed Rail Market

Proxima’s introduction into France’s high-speed rail sector has been both swift and ambitious. With an initial investment of €1 billion backed by Antin Infrastructure Partners, Proxima is leveraging extensive experience in European railways to establish itself as a major competitor in the French market. The Avelia Horizon trains will serve some of the country’s busiest routes, offering a faster and more comfortable alternative for long-distance travel.

The company is the second private operator to gain access to France’s high-speed rail network following the government’s decision in 2023 to liberalize the sector. Previously dominated by SNCF, the market is now witnessing a wave of competition, with companies like Kevin Speed also entering the scene. Kevin Speed received approval earlier in 2024 to run single-deck Alstom trains between Paris and northern cities like Lille and Strasbourg, further intensifying competition.

Proxima’s Avelia Horizon high-speed trains, each featuring eight passenger cars and two motor cars, will complement France’s expanding rail services. The addition of these trains is expected to boost the frequency of trips, improve travel times, and elevate passenger comfort. Travelers between Paris and regional cities like Bordeaux and Rennes will enjoy more travel options, which could drive increased demand for rail travel as an alternative to domestic air travel.

Impact on the Travel Industry and Passenger Experience

The entry of Avelia Horizon trains into the market is not only a win for the travel industry but also for passengers seeking improved services. Each train’s capacity to transport 740 passengers makes them ideal for long-distance journeys, reducing crowding and ensuring more passengers can take advantage of faster, more frequent connections. These trains can reach speeds of up to 350 km/h, although their operational speed will be capped at 320 km/h for regular routes. This speed enhancement will significantly reduce travel times, especially on routes such as Paris to Bordeaux, making rail travel an even more attractive option for tourists and business travelers alike.

The increased competition resulting from the liberalization of France’s rail sector will push operators to offer better services, likely leading to enhanced comfort, lower prices, and more frequent services. Travelers stand to benefit from more choices and competitive pricing as new companies enter the market and challenge SNCF’s longstanding dominance.

For the tourism industry, the improved rail services will likely attract more domestic and international travelers, offering them a reliable and comfortable alternative to flying. As high-speed rail becomes more popular across Europe, France’s investment in cutting-edge rail technology positions it as a leader in the shift toward sustainable, high-speed transportation.

Key Benefits for Travelers:

Faster, more frequent train services on long-distance routes.

Enhanced passenger comfort with modern, high-capacity trains.

Increased competition leading to better service and potentially lower prices.

Filling the Gap Left by SNCF’s Delayed Trains

The introduction of Proxima’s Avelia Horizon trains comes at a crucial time. SNCF had previously ordered 115 Avelia Horizon trains from Alstom, but delivery delays have pushed the rollout from 2023 to 2025. Additionally, SNCF is awaiting the arrival of 28 Oxygene trains from Spain’s CAF, which are not expected to enter service until 2027. This delay created a gap in France’s high-speed rail services, particularly on southern routes, where demand for efficient transportation has been growing.

Proxima’s new fleet will help alleviate these shortages, providing much-needed service improvements and boosting the capacity of France’s high-speed rail network. Passengers traveling from Paris to southern cities like Bordeaux and Rennes will benefit from more reliable and comfortable trains, helping to meet the growing demand for high-speed travel.

This development reflects a broader trend across Europe, where the liberalization of railway markets is enabling private operators to offer competitive alternatives. In France, the liberalization of the high-speed rail sector has opened up new opportunities for companies like Proxima, allowing them to expand their operations and increase competition in key markets.

Global Implications for Rail Travel and Sustainability

The introduction of high-speed Avelia Horizon trains is part of a larger movement toward greener, more efficient transportation across Europe. As countries continue to prioritize sustainable travel solutions, high-speed rail is emerging as a key player in reducing the carbon footprint associated with domestic and short-haul flights. With reduced travel times and the ability to serve more passengers on each trip, high-speed trains present an eco-friendly alternative that can support the travel industry’s shift toward sustainability.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the growth of high-speed rail in France and Europe as a whole is likely to reshape the future of travel. As more passengers opt for trains over planes on short routes, the aviation industry may face pressure to adapt by focusing on long-haul flights and reducing emissions. The success of France’s liberalized rail market could serve as a model for other European countries, encouraging further investment in high-speed rail and strengthening Europe’s interconnected transportation networks.

A New Era for High-Speed Travel in France

The arrival of Avelia Horizon trains marks the beginning of a new chapter for France’s high-speed rail sector. As private operators like Proxima and Kevin Speed enter the market, passengers will enjoy faster, more comfortable, and more competitive travel options. The liberalization of the rail market, coupled with advancements in rail technology, is set to boost both domestic and international travel, contributing to the overall growth of France’s tourism and transportation sectors.

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