Bombardier signs three-year services contract for new Avanti West Coast franchise in the UK

• New contract reaffirms long-standing relationships with First Group and Trenitalia
• Bombardier to maintain Super Voyager fleet for new Avanti West Coast mainline services until 2022, and to also refresh the entire fleet

BERLIN, Dec. 12, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

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Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation has announced today that it has signed a new Train Services Agreement (TSA) with FirstGroup and Trenitalia for its new joint venture Avanti West Coast franchise in the United Kingdom which started operations on December 8. Under the new agreement, which lasts from today until December 11, 2022, Bombardier will maintain a fleet of 20 Bombardier class 221 diesel-electric multiple unit (DEMU) trains at its Central Rivers depot for use on Avanti West Coast mainline services. Each of the five-car trainsets will receive a comprehensive interior refresh and be fitted with an upgraded WiFi system at Bombardier’s Ilford depot.

The new agreement follows Bombardier’s previous role in maintaining the 125 mile per hour trains for the former Virgin Trains franchise. The contract is valued at £117 million GBP ($154 million US, €139 million euro).

Matt Byrne, President, UK, Bombardier Transportation said, “We are delighted that we have reached agreement to maintain the Class 221 Super Voyager fleet for Avanti West Coast’s mainline services. This important contract win is a reflection of our excellent relationships with both FirstGroup and Trenitalia, our leading position in the UK services market, and to the hard work and commitment of our Central Rivers team who deliver one of the highest performing and most reliable Intercity fleet day in, day out.”

Phil Whittingham, Managing Director, Avanti West Coast said, “We’ve always had a good working relationship with Bombardier and look forward to continuing that for another three years. The Super Voyagers are a vital part of our fleet and our customers will value the interior refresh and upgrades.”

Under the Train Services Agreement, maintenance of the 20-strong fleet of Class 221 trains will take place at Central Rivers depot, with heavy component maintenance taking place at Bombardier Crewe, and the refresh programme taking place at Bombardier Ilford. 

About Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation is a global mobility solution provider leading the way with the rail industry’s broadest portfolio. It covers the full spectrum of solutions, ranging from trains to sub-systems and signalling to complete turnkey transport systems, e-mobility technology and data-driven maintenance services. Combining technology and performance with empathy, Bombardier Transportation continuously breaks new ground in sustainable mobility by providing integrated solutions that create substantial benefits for operators, passengers and the environment. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, Bombardier Transportation employs around 40,650 people and its products and services operate in over 60 countries.

About Bombardier
With over 68,000 employees, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries as well as a broad portfolio of products and services for the business aviation, commercial aviation and rail transportation markets. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. The company is recognized on the 2019 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World Index. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

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