Proxima Archives - International Railway Journal

Proxima

April 24, 2026 | High-speed

Velvet unveils first completed high-speed train

French new entrant due to launch in 2028 with 12 Alstom Avelia Horizon trains.

March 30, 2026 | Analysis

The elephant in the room for SNCF

David Haydock examines the financial implications of growing competition on the French high-speed network for French National Railways (SNCF).

February 23, 2026 | Fleet

SNCF unveils first refurbished TGV

First high-speed train refurbished under O2D programme to extend service life to up to 50 years.

July 2, 2025 | High-speed

Proxima becomes Velvet

French high-speed new entrant unveils rebranding as first trains are under construction at Alstom.

April 7, 2025 | Fleet

Alstom invests in high-speed train production

Production capacity increased in France to meet demand for Avelia Horizon platform.

October 3, 2024 | Fleet

Proxima orders high-speed train fleet

Deal for 12 high-speed trains and maintenance over 15 years for French new entrant is worth nearly €850m.

July 8, 2024 | Analysis

Proxima reveals €1bn plan to shake up French high-speed

Proxima co-founder, Tim Jackson, outlines the new operator’s plans exclusively to Kevin Smith.

June 12, 2024 | Analysis

Sweet dreams vs rail nightmares

A new report from SCI Verkehr confirms increasing demand for night trains in Europe. But new entrants are finding that the barriers to entry are higher than expected, potentially stymying growth and reducing passenger choice, as Mark Simmons explains.

June 6, 2024 | High-speed

Proxima reveals €1bn plan to shake up high-speed market in western France

Co-founder Mr Tim Jackson outlines the new operator’s plans exclusively to IRJ.

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