The memorandum of understanding is an extension of the longstanding relationship between Eurostar and KLM, which led to a reduction in flights between Amsterdam and Brussels, benefiting the environment. Emissions from train travel are up to 95% less than those of flying.
SkyTeam’s first non-airline partner will enable passengers to travel on itineraries combining long and medium-haul flights with sustainable rail journeys in a single reservation. These will include travel within the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
Currently, around 13% of Eurostar passengers flying long-haul into one of SkyTeam’s main European hubs connect to another Eurostar destination by rail.
Gwendoline Cazenave, Eurostar chief executive, said: “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.
The partnership is expected to launch in the first half of 2025.
Patrick Roux, SkyTeam chief executive, added: “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.”
The partnership will help Eurostar’s ambition to grow from 19 to 30 million passengers a year. It currently has 51 trains serving 28 destinations in Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and the UK and earlier this year announced intention to buy up to 50 new trainsets.
