Combined operator plans to carry 30 million passengers by end of 2030, says SNCB CEO Ms Sophie Dutordoir.
IRJ on the Connecting Europe Express: The planned “Green Speed” merger of Eurostar and Thalys has taken a step forward with confirmation that the Eurostar brand will be retained, while the holding company of the new business will be based in Brussels. Cross-channel services will continue to be overseen from a control centre in London, while Thalys services will continue to be controlled from a control centre in Brussels.
The planned merger between the two operators was announced in September 2019 with the aim of it being ratified in April 2020, however the Covid-19 pandemic has delayed this progress.
Speaking to IRJ at Brussels during the visit from the Connecting Europe Express on October 4, the CEO of Belgian National Railways (SNCB), Ms Sophie Dutordoir, said that the next step is for shareholders from all companies to agree to the latest plans, but it is hoped that an announcement can be made early next year. The European Commission must also approve the plans.