Yep, another one. Less than two weeks after Gemini Trains announced itself as the fourth major operator (after Evolyn, Virgin and Deutsche Bahn) planning to compete with the Eurostar for cross-Channel rail services, now Italian company FS Group has unveiled plans to launch a high-speed rail link between London and Paris.
Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane Group’s (the firm’s full name – translated as ‘Italian State Railway’) announcement today (April 8) says the company will commit a whopping €1 billion (£857 million) towards ‘building a more integrated, competitive, and sustainable European rail network’. The company says it is aiming to launch its London-Paris service by 2029.
FS Group’s route will be served by trainsets inspired by Italian-made Frecciarossa trains – which, for any rail geek readers, will no doubt be as exciting as news of the service itself. Frecciarossa have quite the rep for speed and convenience, with FS saying the new trains will offer ‘top-tier energy efficiency, comfort and service quality’.
The initial announcement says FS Group has signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ with Evolyn, indicating that FS Group may be working in partnership with the Spanish operator rather than be another competitor. Evolyn announced its plans to launch a Eurostar alternative way back in October 2023.
FS Group’s announcement follows a decision by the Office of Rail and Road dictating that there is space at Eurostar’s maintenance depot for more trains – thus paving the way for competitors.
Somewhat less thrillingly, FS Group is also co-owner of Avant West Coast (with First Group), which isn’t exactly one of the UK’s best-loved rail operators. Last year AWC was named the nation’s second-least reliable operator, though it has fared slightly better in passenger satisfaction surveys so far in 2025. FS also acquired east London and Essex operator c2c back in 2017.
Commenting on the announcement, FS Group CEO and general manager Stefano Antonio Donnarumma said: ‘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.’
In the announcement, FS Group also said it is exploring extensions of its London-Paris service. Ashford (which has been the subject of a campaign for the return of cross-Channel services) Lille, Lyon, Marseille and Milan are apparently all being considered as future destinations.
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