'Alstom Pendolino', a jointly branded member of the Pendolino fleet

On 16 September, Alstom Transport and Virgin Trains unveiled a new look for one of the Pendolino trains serving the West Coast Main Line. The train, renamed "Alstom Pendolino", now displays a specially designed Alstom branding alongside that of Virgin in recognition of the successful partnership between our two companies.

The newly branded train has been chosen for a special mission in a further illustration of cross-industry partnership aimed at bringing benefits to passengers. "Alstom Pendolino" will be used to improve system reliability thanks to an initiative between Alstom, Virgin Trains and Network Rail. The train is fitted with pantograph and bogie-monitoring equipment that will provide valuable data gathered daily to support preventative maintenance of the track infrastructure. In addition the set will be used to trial potential train modifications that can be used to improve fleet reliabilty.

Tony Collins, CEO Virgin Trains said: "Virgin Trains' phenomenal growth and the best customer satisfaction is underpinned by what Alstom does day-to-day to give us these remarkable trains. This is a proud moment for us to have the Virgin brand next to the Alstom brand." He continued that Alstom never fails to deliver the best service and thanked all Alstom employees for that achievement, in particular those who work in the maintenance centres.