A new commercial alliance between Eurostar and Thalys will make it possible to connect several cities in Europe in a easier way.
Both companies announced the creation of a new holding company, Eurostar Group. The two companies, however, will continue to operate as independent railway businesses in London and Brussels, respectively.
“Initiated in September 2019, the Green Speed alliance project had been temporarily postponed due to the pandemic. Following a relaunch in autumn 2021, the project received approval from the European Commission at the end of March 2022,” the two companies shared in a joint statement.
“The shareholders of Eurostar and Thalys are more convinced than ever that the combination of Eurostar and Thalys will help to meet the growing demand for sustainable mobility by promoting the development of rail transport in Europe.”
According to ITB Berlin, the agreement provides a number of significant benefits, including more direct connections and improved scheduling for passengers, as well as loyalty points.
New routes are expected to open to places such as Duesseldorf, Essen, Aachen and Dortmund.
The main aim of the new Eurostar Group is “to carry 30 million passengers per year within 10 years (compared to 18 million customers in 2019) under a single brand: Eurostar.”
Travelers are expected to reduce their carbon footprint by having the option to travel by train instead of taking a flight.
“By joining forces with Thalys, we will be able to expand our reach and at the same time provide a powerful response to the increasingly serious climate change challenge and the growing demand for sustainable travel,” Chairman of Eurostar Guillaume Pepy said in a statement.
About the loyalty program
Think twice if you are not already a member. Those who frequently cross the Channel will receive a point for every pound they spend with the new company.
Those who book through Eurostar Club need 1,000 points for Standard Class, 2,000 points for Standard Premier and 3,000 points for Business Premier.
“This is an exciting development for our customers as it will enable us to offer you a more extensive network, increased connectivity and frequency of service and a fleet operating on renewable energy,” Eurostar CEO Guillaume Pepy noted in a published letter to customers.