[UK] Richard Branson reveals the name of Virgin’s IEP trains: Azuma

Written by Simon Wijnakker on 19.03.2016 in Hitachi Rail, Hitachi Rail IEP, Hitachi Rail IEP ECML LNER, Hitachi Rail IEP ECML Virgin

As of 2018, rail operator Virgin Trains will operate Hitachi IEP trains on the East Coast Main Line. And now they have a name: Say hello to ‘Azuma’. Literally translated, Azuma means “east” in Japanese.

The presentation took place on March 18 at Kings Cross Station in London. A class 800 IEP train was presented sporting the new name and Virgin Trains branding. 65 new sets will enter service for Virgin, connecting Edinburgh and Leeds.

18th March 2016, King’s Cross, London: Sir Richard Branson unveils the Virgin Azuma. Photo: Hitachi Rail

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister David Cameron at the recently refurbished North Pole train maintenance centre in West London. In the back: the Virgin branded IEP train. Photo: Hitachi Rail