Alstom Avelia Horizon order adds 15 trains for SNCF

Alstom Avelia Horizon order has expanded after SNCF Voyageurs approved the purchase of 15 additional Avelia Horizon very high-speed trainsets on 19 January 2026, as outlined in an Alstom press release. The optional tranche is valued at around €600 million, with deliveries expected in 2029.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The new batch covers the quad-voltage version intended to meet European traffic requirements. SNCF Voyageurs said the new Avelia Horizon trains will be operated in Europe, and the same contract details were also circulated via GlobeNewswire.

Frédéric Wiscart, President of Alstom France, said the agreement confirms the success of high-speed rail and the Avelia Horizon platform. He tied the deal to sustainable, low-carbon mobility, adding that the solution is designed to meet technological and economic challenges and to support the ecological transition as passengers increasingly favour environmentally friendly transport.

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Alstom SNCF Voyageurs Avelia Horizon order and contract scope

Alstom said this is the fourth optional tranche under the Avelia Horizon Innovation Partnership contract with SNCF Voyageurs. It adds to 115 trains already ordered by SNCF Voyageurs—100 for commercial operation in France and 15 for commercial operation in Europe. Eurostar’s order for 30 trains last October takes the total for this contract to 160 trains.

The Avelia Horizon train combines two innovative short locomotives—high-performing and compact—with double-decker articulated passenger cars. For additional context on the programme, Railway Supply has related coverage.

Avelia Horizon high-speed trains: performance, maintenance and energy use

Alstom expects maintenance costs to be more than 30% lower than those currently recorded by SNCF Voyageurs in France. Maintainability was built in from the design stage, including a remote diagnostic system for predictive maintenance aimed at improving reliability and availability. The company also said components have been optimised to simplify maintenance and extend the intervals between maintenance operations.

Energy efficiency is another focus. Alstom said that, thanks to aerodynamic design and more efficient traction, the new-generation TGV will consume 20% less energy than existing TGVs. With over 40 years of experience in high-speed commercial service, the manufacturer added that Avelia Horizon is the only double-decker train in the world capable of travelling at speeds above 300 km/h, while offering operational flexibility, safety and passenger experience.

Where the Avelia Horizon trains will be built in France?

Ten of Alstom’s 14 French sites will contribute to the project. Belfort will produce power cars, and La Rochelle will build passenger cars. Villeurbanne will supply the control-command computer system, the passenger information system and on-board equipment. Ornans will deliver motors, Le Creusot will make bogies, and Tarbes will handle traction and electrical cabinets.

EDC Toulouse will provide electrical circuits, Petit-Quevilly will produce transformers, Saint-Ouen will cover design and signalling, and Valenciennes will be responsible for interiors.

ALSTOM™, Avelia™ and Avelia Horizon™ are registered trademarks of the Alstom Group. TGV is a registered trademark of SNCF.

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