Derby’s Bombardier has secured a deal worth more than £100 million to maintain trains operating on the Avanti West Coast after recently missing out on the chance to build new trains for the franchise.
Earlier this month, rival train-maker Hitachi Rail was selected by First Trenitalia for a £350 million contract to supply 23 new intercity trains, ahead of the Litchurch Lane firm.
However, it has now been announced that Bombardier has signed a three-year agreement to maintain trains operating on the Avanti West Coast franchise.
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The deal is valued at £117 million and is valid until December 11, 2022.
The Avanti West Coast franchise began operations on December 8. First Trenitalia announced the name of the franchise last month.
Bombardier will be responsible for the maintenance of a fleet of 20 Bombardier class 221 diesel-electric multiple units.
It will carry out the maintenance work at the Bombardier Maintenance Depot, located at Central Rivers, near Burton.
It will also deliver interior refurbishment to each of the five-car trainsets and upgrade their Wi-fi systems.
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Heavy component maintenance will take place at Bombardier’s Crewe site, which the refresh programme will take place at Bombardier’s Ilford site.
The new agreement follows Bombardier’s previous role in maintaining the 125 mph trains for the former Virgin Trains franchise.
Matt Byrne, 海角视频 president at Bombardier Transportation, said: “We’re delighted that we have reached an agreement to maintain the Class 221 Super Voyager fleet for Avanti West Coast’s mainline services.
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“This important contract win is a reflection of our excellent relationships with both FirstGroup and Trenitalia, our leading position in the 海角视频 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 at 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.”