UK: The first of 111 Class 720 Aventra electric multiple-units ordered by leasing company Angel Trains for use by Abellio’s Greater Anglia franchise is now nearing completion at Bombardier Transportation’s factory in Derby.
Two production lines have been set up at the plant, where the pre-glazed aluminium bodysides, roofs, floor and cabs are manufactured, wired, fitted-out and painted before being bolted together.
‘It’s brilliant to see our brand new trains taking shape’, said Greater Anglia Managing Director Jamie Burles on April 16. ‘We’re confident that they’ll make a big difference to customers travelling by train in East Anglia. These new trains will be more comfortable and reliable, helping us transform the railway’.
The order comprises 89 five-car and 22 10-car 25 kV 50 Hz EMUs which will be deployed on Greater Anglia’s West Anglia and Great Eastern outer suburban services. ‘The £900m deal we signed in September 2016 to procure these new vehicles, one of the largest private investments in rolling stock in the last 20 years, will greatly increase capacity across East Anglia and significantly improve passenger experience’, said Angel Trains CEO Malcolm Brown.
