Greater Anglia signs £800m deal for train maintenance
A 15-year agreement will ensure the upkeep of 133 Aventra trains and support 100 jobs.
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Greater Anglia has entered into a 15-year maintenance support contract valued at £800 million with Alstom. This agreement ensures the continued operation of the operator's 133 Class 720 Aventra trains through to the early 2040s.
Jobs and Reliability
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The long-term agreement will sustain around 100 Alstom jobs located at Greater Anglia’s Seven Kings depot in east London. Alstom reports that the Class 720 trains are currently achieving more than 40,000 miles between technical incidents, exceeding their required reliability standards.
For Greater Anglia, the contract provides comprehensive maintenance coverage, encompassing both planned and unplanned work, fault repairs, parts supply, and major overhauls. This fleet forms a significant component of the operator's services.
Martin Beable, Chief Operating Officer at GBR Anglia, stated that the company anticipates working with Alstom and Angel Trains to build upon the service and reliability improvements already delivered by the new trains to customers and communities. The agreement also establishes a framework for collaboration on train performance and passenger experience as the railway system transitions towards the new Great British Railways national structure.
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The Class 720 trains, which were ordered in 2016 and manufactured at Derby’s Litchurch Lane factory, are now all in operational service. The fleet is owned and financed by Angel Trains.
Steve Harvey, Services Director UK and Ireland at Alstom, commented on the extended partnership. He noted that the contract reflects Greater Anglia's confidence in Alstom and demonstrates how long-term collaboration between owners, operators, and manufacturers can secure the best overall outcomes for passengers and taxpayers. He added that Alstom looks forward to continuing its cooperative efforts to provide excellent service across the region.
Questions this report answers
+What is the value of the maintenance contract signed by Greater Anglia?
Greater Anglia has signed an £800 million maintenance support contract with Alstom. This 15-year agreement will ensure the upkeep of its 133 Class 720 Aventra trains until the early 2040s.
+How many jobs will the new contract support?
The 15-year maintenance agreement will support approximately 100 Alstom jobs. These roles are based at Greater Anglia’s Seven Kings depot located in east London.
+How reliable are the Class 720 Aventra trains?
According to Alstom, the Class 720 trains have been travelling more than 40,000 miles between technical incidents. This performance exceeds the contractual reliability requirements set for the fleet.
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