The Italian operator Trenitalia has unveiled plans to launch services between London and Paris in 2029.

Trenitalia said it has ordered 19 high speed trains from Hitachi, with an investment of €2 billion which will also cover long-term maintenance.

Trenitalia will also operate between Paris and Lyon, Marseille and Milan.

Work is already under way on a new depot at Maisons-Alfort Pompadour, which is just outside Paris, where the new fleet will be maintained.

FS Italiane Group CEO and general manager Gianpiero Strisciuglio said: ‘This order represents a strategic milestone for FS Group. It strengthens our presence in France, a key market for our international growth, and supports the development of increasingly efficient, sustainable and competitive high-speed services. 

‘The new trains and the new Maisons-Alfort Pompadour maintenance hub are also fundamental elements for the launch of the Paris–London connection, a project that is central to our vision of the “Metro of Europe”, the integrated high-speed network that will increasingly connect Europe’s major cities.’

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