Eurostar, a high-speed rail company, has partnered with SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that includes carriers such as Air France, Delta Air Lines, and SAS, to offer passengers the ability to book both long- and medium-haul flights as well as rail journeys with a single reservation. This partnership aims to provide travelers with a more sustainable and convenient way to explore Europe by combining train and plane travel. The agreement builds on a similar arrangement between Eurostar and KLM, which has already resulted in a decrease in short-haul flights between Amsterdam and Brussels.
The collaboration between Eurostar and SkyTeam will allow passengers to connect between Eurostar trains, domestic railways, and long-haul flights, opening up new markets across the globe for both companies. With Eurostar offering the largest international high-speed network in Europe, serving 28 destinations in Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the UK, the partnership is poised to offer more sustainable onward travel options for international tourists. Currently, approximately 13% of Eurostar travelers are long-haul fliers arriving at SkyTeam’s hubs in Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris-CDG, and London Heathrow and connecting to a Eurostar destination.
The partnership between Eurostar and SkyTeam represents a shift towards a more integrated and responsible travel experience by incorporating intermodal travel. By offering passengers the option to seamlessly book train and plane journeys together, the two companies are aiming to make travel more efficient and environmentally friendly. SkyTeam CEO Patrick Roux described Eurostar as a natural fit for the alliance, citing the train operator’s reputation for customer service.
The new air-to-rail travel option is expected to launch in the first half of 2025, after both companies finalize the details of the partnership over the next few months. This initiative marks a significant step towards providing travelers with a more seamless and sustainable way to explore Europe, promoting the use of both train and plane travel in a coordinated manner. By bringing together high-speed rail and global airline services, Eurostar and SkyTeam are working towards offering passengers increased flexibility and convenience in their travel arrangements.
Overall, the partnership between Eurostar and SkyTeam represents a strategic move to combine the strengths of both rail and air travel, providing passengers with a more integrated and sustainable way to explore Europe. By offering the ability to book train and plane journeys together with a single reservation, the collaboration aims to streamline travel logistics and promote a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation. With Eurostar’s extensive high-speed network and SkyTeam’s global airline services, the partnership has the potential to revolutionize the way travelers move across Europe in the years to come.
