Customers travelling on c2c’s network will benefit from additional capacity as well as modern rolling stock benefits with a new fleet of Cl720 Aventra trains now accepted and on lease.

Working with c2c and Alstom, the 12 5-car units feature power and USB sockets at every seat, improved Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The units also benefit from open gangways, which are designed to make it easier for customers to walk between carriages.

c2c’s Managing Director Rob Mullen said, “Everyone has played a part in making sure these trains are in service, and of course we give our thanks to Porterbrook and Alstom, our partners, the DfT and Network Rail for making this happen.”

Porterbrook COO Ben Ackroyd added, “We’re pleased to have worked with c2c and Alstom to deliver the new Aventra units that will serve c2c’s passengers well for many years to come. Attending the launch event, it was good to see so many great reactions from c2c’s customers and staff. Congratulations to everyone involved in reaching this important milestone”

As c2c progresses with driver training over the coming months, customers can expect to see more of the new 720 units added into service.

Operations & Engineering Director, Laura McEwen said: “What an achievement. The teams across the whole of c2c have worked tirelessly to make this happen.

As part of the introduction of the new fleet of trains, those involved in the project came together on Wednesday 27 September to see one of the new 720s pull in at London Fenchurch Street station. The occasion was also attended by c2c’s former Managing Director Julian Drury, who retired in 2020 after 12 years of service and was overwhelmed to see the 720 unit had been named after him.

Julian Drury said: “I was very surprised to arrive this morning to find my name on the first of the 720s. I do feel tremendously honoured.

“This is a very important day for c2c and its customers. The trains look absolutely stunning and are the best fleet that I’ve seen in the UK. It’s absolutely wonderful that we’ve got them here in South Essex.”

c2c’s Managing Director Rob Mullen also said: “It was a fantastic day for c2c and we're so pleased to have brought in our new class 720’s, which our customers will see the real benefit of.