Alstom's TGV, ordered by Morocco, enters service in France
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Bladi
The SNCF's new TGV, the fifth generation of French high-speed train based on Alstom's Avelia Horizon platform, carried its first passengers on 6 November 2026 between Paris and Marseille. The model offers up to 20% more seats, with a maximum capacity of 740 passengers, and consumes 20% less energy than the previous generation, according to Alstom. Morocco has ordered 18 trainsets to extend its high-speed line to Marrakech.
The SNCF's new TGV carried its first passengers on Friday 6 November between Paris and Marseille, inaugurating commercial operation of Alstom's Avelia Horizon platform, reports Bladi. Known as TGV M during development, the train is the fifth generation of French high-speed trains. Alstom is to supply Morocco with 18 trainsets of this generation for the extension of the high-speed line to Marrakech.
The train's architecture allows a ninth passenger carriage to be added, compared with eight previously, without increasing its length. The carriages have two levels and capacity can reach 740 passengers, or up to 20% more seats depending on the configuration, Alstom said in a statement published on 6 November. The manufacturer also announced a 20% reduction in energy consumption compared with the previous generation, a saving of up to 32% per passenger-kilometre at full capacity and a reduction of more than 30% in maintenance costs.
The National Railways Office (ONCF), Morocco's rail operator, signed the contract for the 18 Avelia Horizon trainsets with Alstom on 28 March 2025. The order benefits from €781 million in financing from the French Treasury and concerns double-decker trains capable of exceeding 300 km/h, for a project to extend the line by around 430 kilometres towards Marrakech, reports Bladi.
