Bombardier bags £117m maintenance contract

Bombardier has signed a Train Services Agreement with FirstGroup and Trenitalia to maintain a fleet of 20 Class 221 diesel-electric multiple unit trains at its Central Rivers depot near Burton-on-Trent.

The contract, worth £117 million, will see the Derby-headquartered transportation giant provide the Avanti West Coast fleet with a “comprehensive” interior refresh and upgraded Wi-Fi systems.

The trains will be deployed on the West Coast mainline.

Matt Byrne, UK president of Bombardier Transportation, said: “We are delighted that we have reached agreement to maintain the Class 221 Super Voyager fleet for Avanti West Coast’s mainline services. This important contract win is a reflection of our excellent relationships with both FirstGroup and Trenitalia, our leading position in the UK 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, added: “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.”