Train lessor Angel Trains has signed contracts with train manufacturer Alstom for the supply of new Pendolino rolling stock and a 10-year maintenance regime worth a total of $2.6 billion.

The new rolling stock contract includes four new 11-car Pendolino trains and the lengthening by two cars each of 31 of the existing trains. The additional rolling stock (106 vehicles) will create a total of 7,420 extra seats on the fleet. There is an option to extend the remaining 21 existing trains at a future date.

The maintenance contract includes a full service provision for the Pendolino fleet and will extend Alstom’s current contract by 10 years.

The new trains and lengthened train sets will have entered service by December 2012. The introduction of the new vehicles will be overseen by Angel Trains with support from Virgin Rail Projects Limited.