French company Alstom has confirmed its commitment to supplying Morocco with 18 high-speed trains of the Avelia Horizon model as part of efforts to expand the country’s railway network.
In a statement issued on Friday, Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable transport, announced the signing of a supply contract with Morocco’s National Railway Office (ONCF) worth 781 million euros.
The order has been recorded for the fourth quarter of the company’s 2024/2025 fiscal year.
Extending the high-speed rail line to Marrakech is expected to significantly enhance connectivity for travelers. The new double-deck Avelia Horizon trains will considerably reduce travel time between Tangier and Marrakech while also lowering the carbon footprint.
With over 40 years of expertise in high-speed train operations, Alstom highlighted that Avelia Horizon represents the latest generation of double-deck trains worldwide, capable of exceeding speeds of 300 kilometers per hour.
The company emphasized the train’s high operational flexibility and its ability to offer a unique travel experience.
The model features two innovative, compact locomotives that combine high performance with an integrated design, along with interlinked double-deck carriages. One of its key advantages is reduced operational costs, as it requires fewer bogies—components that account for 30 percent of maintenance expenses.
Alstom also noted that the Avelia Horizon trains provide an exceptional level of comfort and service, boasting the highest seating capacity in the market, which significantly lowers the overall cost of ownership per seat.
The company’s announcement follows a recent statement from the French Embassy in Rabat, which confirmed that France will provide a 781-million-euro loan to Morocco for the purchase of these high-speed trains.
The financial agreement was signed on October 28, 2024, during a meeting between the heads of state, as part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Morocco.
French Ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, emphasized that this substantial funding underscores the strong Franco-Moroccan partnership in railway development. He highlighted the success of the high-speed rail line between Tangier and Kenitra, which transported nearly five million passengers in 2024.
Lecourtier further stated that France and its companies will once again support Morocco in implementing the ambitious extension of the high-speed rail network to Marrakech.
He also pointed out that beyond its impact on railway infrastructure, the project is a key driver of Morocco’s economic development, aligning with the country’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
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