LNER Azuma Train Gears Up For Launch

As their service entry was initially delayed and reports were unable to confirm a launch date for some time. Hitachi’s state-of-the-art Azuma trainsets has finally been given the green light to enter passenger service in 2019.

Now industry magazine RAIL reports that the Azumas are “expected to enter service in the coming weeks.”

The first sets will be bi-mode (electric/diesel powered) and will be deployed on services linking London Kings Cross with Leeds and Hull.

Spotted here at York Station by one of our Managing Directors, Gary Mcleod in its pristine state can only mean better things to come on the inside too.

What is an Azuma?

Azuma means “east” in Japanese. The new trains use Japanese bullet train technology, built by Hitachi’s UK manufacturing team in County Durham, using parts supplied from the north east.

What we can expect?

They’ll have more trains – increasing our fleet from 45 to 65 trains

That means more than 12,200 more seats will be on our most in-demand routes – and more seats means more of our great-value fares

The trains are a diesel-electric hybrid. This “bi-mode” technology will make them more resilient during disruption

Azuma has technology, quality and reliability built in – so you can look forward to smoother, quieter, more reliable journeys.

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