Avanti West Coast has revealed the newly liveried Class 805 trains set to enter service on its network connecting London and the North-west in the coming months.
The trains have been revealed at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe facility in the North East on 22nd September, with the first three units transferred to the rail company’s West Midlands depot for main line testing and staff training.
The trains’ livery takes inspiration for Avanti’s existing Pendolino trains and use colours that reflect the landscape of the regions served by the West Coast operator. Ellie Woolmore, Head of Brand at Avanti West Coast commented:
“The excitement around our new fleet is really starting to build. The new livery helps to give the train its identity, taking its lead from our iconic Pendolino fleet, whilst accentuating its sleek design.”
The reveal of the new trains follows news that Avanti has reached a major milestone in the ongoing programme of upgrades to its existing Pendolino fleet. Refurbishment of all 35 11-carriage trains has now completed, with work now underway on the remaining 21 nine-carriage trains. The £117 million investment is the UK’s largest ever train upgrade project, and is on course to complete in summer 2024, with one train being refurbished every two weeks.
Philippa Cresswell, Executive Director On Board at Avanti West Coast said:
“The refurbished Pendolinos are proving a big hit with our customers. They really do look and feel like a new train.
“We will continue to work with our partners Alstom and Angel Trains to complete the transformation of one the UK’s most iconic trains as we look forward to welcoming more people back to rail.”
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