LIGHT IN SIGHT
Business Traveller UK|September - October 2020
European rail is starting to recover from the pandemic, and should pick up passengers who may previously have flown for short journeys
ALEX MCWHIRTER
LIGHT IN SIGHT

Never before during peacetime has rail experienced such a steep decline in passenger traffic. Networks both in the UK and mainland Europe have been devastated during the pandemic, with travellers unable to travel either by rail or air.

The good news, at the time of writing in early August, is that mainland rail is recovering, although in the UK, the continuing level of infection is perhaps leading to a slower return. When rail does finally get back on its feet, things will not be quite the same as pre-Covid-19. And, across the Channel, one can expect the changes to be noticeable with the implementation of the European Green Deal, which will aid the rail industry by encouraging more travellers to take the train. It will lead to a transfer from air to rail for shorter journeys.

Some readers might think they have heard it all before. But this time the EU governments are serious. In recent months, we have seen examples from France and Austria. These countries have led Europe, if not the world, by making their national airlines abandon some domestic routes as a condition of receiving state aid.

Take France, for instance. For Air France to receive €7 billion in aid, the French government specified that it must not compete with the high-speed TGV on solely domestic point-to-point trips taking up to two and a half hours (by TGV). Austrian Airlines had to sacrifice its Salzburg-Vienna flights for OEBB’s rail service. The latter now runs direct from Salzburg to Vienna airport, with its trains carrying the carrier’s flight codes. As a result, Austria’s national airline received its €600 million in aid.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUSINESS TRAVELLER UKView all
The rail thing - Why airlines and train companies are partnering to increase options for travellers on short journeys
Business Traveller UK

The rail thing - Why airlines and train companies are partnering to increase options for travellers on short journeys

An intercity flight connection operated by train would have been almost unthinkable in the early 1990s, but in 2024 it will increasingly be the default experience at many European hub airports. European nations have been among the world's leaders in adopting high-speed rail for short-distance trips, along with Asian countries such as Japan and China.

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
Adventures in Albania - From paranoid dictatorship to dream travel destination, why the Balkan nation is ready for its moment in the sun
Business Traveller UK

Adventures in Albania - From paranoid dictatorship to dream travel destination, why the Balkan nation is ready for its moment in the sun

Over the past few years, tourism has shot up stratospherically; recent figures from the European Travel Commission show it's grown 86 per cent since 2019. Its GDP per capita has also been increasing, and last year stood at US$8,800, while the average monthly salary is now around 84,000 lek (£704). Foreign direct investment is also on the rise, with countries including Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands targeting sectors such as energy, mining, information and real estate to a value of around US$1.5 billion in 2022, according to UNCTAD's World Investment Report. Not bad for a country which used to depend on foreign food aid.

time-read
7 mins  |
September 2024
Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane, London
Business Traveller UK

Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane, London

Watching Kanesaka work his magic is performance in itself

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
Scandic Spectrum, Copenhagen
Business Traveller UK

Scandic Spectrum, Copenhagen

An impressive corporate hotel just minutes from Copenhagen's centre

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
Kimpton Clocktower, Manchester
Business Traveller UK

Kimpton Clocktower, Manchester

The perfect mix of gorgeous heritage design with cool, cosmopolitan attitude

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
Business Traveller UK

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

A stunning success another calming experience in the capital

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
Eurostar Business Premier LONDON-PARIS
Business Traveller UK

Eurostar Business Premier LONDON-PARIS

It remains the superior service for those travelling from London to Paris

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER first class DOHA-HONG KONG
Business Traveller UK

Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER first class DOHA-HONG KONG

There is a lot to like, but my experience was far from perfect

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
4 HOURS IN...Vienna
Business Traveller UK

4 HOURS IN...Vienna

You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the Austrian capital's museums, galleries and historic cafes

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
SWITCHING OFF IN...THE LOIRE VALLEY
Business Traveller UK

SWITCHING OFF IN...THE LOIRE VALLEY

Escape to the secluded forests of the Loire Valley for a digital detox

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024