SNCF Voyageurs Orders an Additional 15 Avelia Horizon High-Speed Trains from Alstom
The board of SNCF Voyageurs has approved an order for 15 Avelia Horizon high-speed trains from Alstom, amounting to approximately 600 million euros, according to the company's statement. The deliveries are expected in 2029.
Expansion of the Avelia Horizon Fleet
This order corresponds to the exercise of an optional tranche of the Framework Agreement for Innovation Partnership between SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom, the company states. This marks the fourth option exercise for this new generation of high-speed trains. The order includes the quadri-voltage version, suitable for European operations. It adds to the 115 trains already ordered by SNCF Voyageurs, of which 100 are intended for operation in France and 15 for Europe, as well as the 30 trains ordered by Eurostar last October. The total number of Avelia Horizon trains ordered thus reaches 160 units.
Enhanced Maintenance and Energy Efficiency
According to the group, the maintenance costs of the Avelia Horizon will be over 30% lower than those currently recorded by SNCF Voyageurs in France. The train incorporates a remote diagnostic system for predictive maintenance, aimed at improving reliability and availability. Many components have been designed to simplify maintenance and extend the intervals between interventions, as per the statement. In terms of energy, the next-generation TGV is expected to consume 20% less energy than existing TGVs, thanks to its aerodynamic design and more efficient traction.
Involvement of Multiple Alstom Sites in France
Ten of Alstom's fourteen French sites will be involved in this project, the company indicates. Belfort will handle the manufacturing of the power cars, while La Rochelle will produce the passenger cars. Villeurbanne will produce the control-command computer system, the passenger information system, and the onboard equipment. Ornans will take care of the motors, Le Creusot the bogies, Tarbes the traction and electrical cabinets. Other involved sites include EDC Toulouse for electrical circuits, Petit-Quevilly for transformers, Saint-Ouen for design and signaling, and Valenciennes for interiors. This order was recorded in the third quarter of the fiscal year 2025/2026 of Alstom and is part of three contracts totaling approximately 2.5 billion euros mentioned in the investor note of January 5, 2026.
