Eurostar and SkyTeam have joined forces to facilitate integrated air-to-rail journeys, aligning the benefits of both transport modes. Olivia Palamountain reports
Eurostar and SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that paves the way for integrated intermodal journeys via air and rail.
Expected to launch in the first half of 2025, with Eurostar on board as SkyTeam’s first non-airline partner, customers will be able to travel on itineraries that combine long- and medium-haul flights with sustainable rail journeys in a single reservation – all while enjoying SkyTeam benefits.
To bring this to life, look at what the relationship between Eurostar and SkyTeam member, KLM, has achieved – their collaboration on air-rail product has already led to a strategic reduction in flights between Amsterdam and Brussels.
Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar, says: “Offering travellers the choice to see Europe in the most sustainable and convenient way by rail is a key component of Eurostar’s vision for growth.
“We are creating a future where travellers can connect between Eurostar trains, domestic railways and long haul flying, opening up our services to new markets across the globe.
“Today is a major step forward towards this mission and we look forward to working with SkyTeam to develop the customer proposition so more travellers can experience Eurostar’s unique service.”
Eurostar’s increased network offers possibilities to enjoy multi-city journeys between the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany that can easily be accommodated by rail.
Customers will be able to fly into SkyTeam’s main hubs in France, the Netherlands and the UK and other major European airports across Eurostar’s network and enjoy multi-city travel in a more sustainable way.
Currently, around 13% percent of Eurostar passengers flying long-haul into one of SkyTeam’s main European hubs connect to another Eurostar destination by rail.
Patrick Roux, SkyTeam CEO, says: “Working with Eurostar as our first non-airline partner underscores SkyTeam’s commitment to delivering a more integrated and responsible travel experience by incorporating intermodal travel.
“One of the world’s most-loved train operators, with a reputation for customer service, Eurostar is a natural fit for SkyTeam. I look forward to developing our partnership and offering customers greater choice in how they travel across SkyTeam’s global network.”