The French firm Alstom has affirmed its dedication to providing Morocco with 18 high-speed trains from the Avelia Horizon series as part of initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s rail infrastructure.

On Friday, Alstom, a world leader in intelligent and eco-friendly transportation solutions, released a statement announcing the signing of a supply agreement with Morocco’s National Rail Agency (ONCF). The deal has a value of €781 million.

The recording of the order has been made for the fourth quarter of the company’s fiscal year 2024/2025.

Expanding the high-speed railway network to include Marrakesh is anticipated to greatly improve transportation links for visitors. The introduction of the new double-decker Avelia Horizon trains will substantially decrease journey times from Tangier to Marrakesh, all while reducing environmental impact.

Boasting more than four decades of experience in high-speed rail services, Alstom emphasized that the Avelia Horizon marks the most recent advancement in double-deck trains globally, designed to achieve velocities surpassing 300 kilometers an hour.

The firm highlighted the train’s great adaptability for operations and its capacity to provide an exceptional travel journey.

This model showcases two cutting-edge, small-sized locomotives that merge superior performance with cohesive design, paired with interconnected double-decker coaches. A major benefit lies in lower operating costs due to the decreased number of bogies—which make up about 30 percent of maintenance costs.

Alstom highlighted that the Avelia Horizon trains offer outstanding levels of comfort and service, featuring the greatest number of seats within their class, thereby considerably reducing the total cost associated with each seat over time.

Following a recent declaration made by the French Embassy in Rabat, the firm has announced that France will be providing Morocco with a €781 million loan aimed at financing the acquisition of these high-speed trains.

The financial accord was signed on October 28, 2024, during talks between the heads of state when French President Emmanuel Macron visited Morocco.

The French Ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, stressed that this significant financial support highlights the robust collaboration between France and Morocco in advancing railway projects. He pointed out the achievements of the high-speed train service connecting Tangier and Kenitra, which has served almost five million travelers in 2024.

Lecourtier also mentioned that France along with its enterprises will reinstate their backing for Morocco as they proceed with the significant expansion of the high-speed railway system extending to Marrakesh.

He highlighted that apart from affecting railway infrastructure, the initiative is a major catalyst for Morocco’s economic growth, which coincides with the nation’s efforts leading up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.