First new Aventra entered passenger service on Elizabeth line
posted on 4th Sep 2026 06:35
On 28 August 2026, the first of 10 new Class 345 Aventra Elizabeth line trains has begun passenger service in London, following an extensive period of testing on the mainline railway by Alstom, Transport for London and the operator GTS. The new trains, delivered with Government funding, will support increased passenger demand, including at High Speed Two’s (HS2’s) Old Oak Common railway station when it opens.
The EMUs are being built at Alstom Derby Litchurch Lane works, with the train manufacturer’s supply chain supporting almost 40 companies across the UK – totalling more than 1,000 employees. “Seeing the first of the additional ten Elizabeth line units enter passenger service is a special moment for everyone involved at our Derby site – as well as all those across the country involved in their creation,” said Nimesh Tailor, Project Director Elizabeth line + at Alstom.
Aventra 345 071 was accepted by the customer on Tuesday 25 August and began passenger service on Friday 28 August.
