Alstom Launches £60 Million Refurbishment for Voyager Fleet, Boosting Jobs and Travel Experience

Alstom has secured a significant boost in its operations with the announcement of a new £60 million refurbishment contract aimed at enhancing its Voyager fleet. The company has confirmed that design work is already underway, with physical refurbishment operations set to begin in Derby next year and continuing until 2027. This development comes at a crucial time for Alstom, which recently faced the prospect of job cuts due to a shortage of work, putting more than 1,300 positions at risk at its Litchurch Lane facility, alongside potential impacts on the supply chain. Despite the challenges, Alstom's long-term outlook remains optimistic. Last November, the company signed an eight-year extension to its Train Services Agreement (TSA) with CrossCountry, valued at approximately £825 million. This agreement will see Alstom responsible for the maintenance, overhaul, servicing, and cleaning of CrossCountry’s Voyager and Super Voyager trains until 2031. The extension highlights Alstom's commitment to maintaining a high standard of service for its fleet, ensuring reliability and satisfaction for passengers. Peter Broadley, managing director of services UK and Ireland at Alstom, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming refurbishment, indicating that the work will not only rejuvenate the trains but also introduce modern amenities. "We now look forward to giving these iconic Alstom-built trains some well-deserved TLC with a comprehensive overhaul that will include new seats, on-board technology enhancements, and an exterior repaint," he stated. The Voyager trains, owned by Beacon Rail and operated on the CrossCountry network that stretches from Aberdeen to Penzance, are set to receive significant upgrades that promise to enhance the travelling experience for thousands of passengers. Adrian Hugill, fleet and engineering director at CrossCountry, echoed Broadley’s sentiments, emphasizing the transformative potential of the refurbishment. "We're delighted to be moving forward on the refurbishment of our Voyager fleet which will transform the passenger experience for customers on our long-distance routes," he said. He further noted the importance of collaboration with Alstom and Beacon Trains in ensuring the fleet receives the attention and upgrades it deserves. As Alstom embarks on this refurbishment project, the railway industry will be watching closely to see how the enhancements to the Voyager fleet will bolster the overall travel experience while also stabilizing employment at the Derby facility and surrounding supply chains amid ongoing workforce uncertainties.