Paris–London high-speed train routes, European rail investment and cross-border transport are entering a new phase as Italy’s state railway Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) teams up with US private-equity group Certares to build a powerful new rail operator across Europe. The partnership is transforming Trenitalia France from a national challenger into a continental player, with one clear goal: make high-speed rail the fastest, most comfortable and most competitive way to travel between Europe’s biggest cities. As The WP Times reports, this alliance is not symbolic – it is backed by real capital, rolling stock and infrastructure planning.
At the centre of the strategy is one of Europe’s most valuable travel corridors: Paris–London. The FS–Certares group aims to begin operations on the Channel Tunnel route by 2029, directly challenging Eurostar and reshaping how millions of passengers move between Britain and mainland Europe.
From France to Britain: why Paris–London is the key route
Paris–London is the busiest international high-speed rail market in Europe. It carries business travellers, tourists, government officials and financial professionals every day between two global capitals. Until now, Eurostar has had an effective monopoly.Trenitalia’s entry would change pricing, frequency and service standards. With a second operator, the market becomes competitive – which historically means lower fares, more departure times and improved onboard quality.For the UK, this also means stronger integration into continental rail networks at a time when aviation faces increasing environmental pressure.
What Trenitalia France has already achieved
This expansion is built on a proven base. Trenitalia France already runs high-speed services on:
- Paris–Lyon
- Paris–Milan
So far it has carried more than 4.7 million passengers, making it the second-largest rail operator in France behind the national railway SNCF. That commercial success is what attracted Certares and unlocked international expansion.
How much is being invested and where the money goes
The partnership starts with an initial €1 million capital injection, but the real scale lies in the infrastructure programme that follows.
Fleet expansion
The number of high-speed trainsets will rise to at least 19, allowing higher frequency, more destinations and better timetable flexibility.
Paris maintenance centre
A new technology-driven maintenance hub will be built in the Paris region. This improves reliability, reduces service disruption and allows the operator to scale across borders.
Paris–Lyon frequency boost
The busiest route in the network will increase to 28 trains per day, creating one of Europe’s densest high-speed corridors.
These investments are designed to support both domestic growth and international routes like Paris–London.
Why Certares changes the game
Certares is not just a financial backer. It controls global travel platforms, including American Express Global Business Travel, which handles corporate bookings for multinational companies.
This gives Trenitalia direct access to:
- Corporate travel flows
- International booking systems
- Airline replacement strategies
For business travellers, this means Paris–London rail tickets will appear alongside flights in corporate booking tools, accelerating the shift from air to rail.
Digital rail: how passengers will travel
The new trains will offer:
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Large luggage spaces
- Business-class-style seating
- App-based booking and changes
- Integrated corporate travel support
The objective is to make rail faster, simpler and more productive than flying on journeys under 1,000 km – especially between London, Paris, Lyon and Milan.
Sustainability and EU transport policy
High-speed rail emits up to 90% less CO₂ than aviation. France has already banned some domestic flights where rail exists, and the EU is pushing for greener mobility.
This gives the FS–Certares alliance strong political and regulatory support across Europe, including the UK’s push for sustainable travel links with the continent.
Expansion timeline
| Phase | What happens |
|---|---|
| 2025–2027 | Fleet expansion, Paris maintenance centre construction, Paris–Lyon frequency upgrades |
| 2027–2029 | Technical approvals, Channel Tunnel access, Paris–London launch preparation |
| From 2029 | Paris–London services begin, pan-European expansion continues |
Why this creates a new European rail power
Europe’s rail market has long been fragmented by national monopolies. This partnership creates something different: a cross-border, privately backed, digitally integrated rail group capable of competing with airlines and state railways alike.
With French operations, Italian expertise and US investment capital, Trenitalia is positioned to become the first truly international high-speed rail operator in Europe.
What this means for British travellers
For passengers in London, this deal promises:
- More competition on Paris routes
- Lower fares over time
- Better onboard quality
- Stronger connections to Europe
Instead of one Channel Tunnel operator, Britain will soon have a market where high-speed rail behaves like air travel – competitive, dynamic and customer-driven. By the end of the decade, Paris–London may no longer be dominated by one brand, but by a new European rail superpower.
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