LNER and Agility’s partnership began in 2014 when the DfT contracted Agility Trains to build the new high-speed Azuma trains for the east coast main line. Credit: LNER.

LNER, Agility Trains and Hitachi Rail have unveiled a relationship charter that will guide how the three companies interact for over 20 years. 

The industry collaborators have signed the agreement to signal a commitment to shared values with the aim of creating an open culture to benefit customers. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Linda Wain, LNER’s engineering director, described working with industry partners as a key part of providing the best service. 

Wain said: “By outlining common values and high standards for collaboration and interaction, the Charter is a commitment to working together to reach our shared competitive goals and to achieve operational benefits through a spirit of mutual trust and openness.” 

Alongside shared values, the charter also outlines a number of opportunities for collaboration to achieve business goals including: 

  • Strategic and Tactical opportunities, such as ensuring contact between owners and project leads 
  • Operational opportunities including the sharing of resources, data and skills 
  • Interpersonal and Cultural opportunities to promote respect, appreciation and awareness 

LNER and Agility’s partnership began in 2014 after the Department for Transport (DfT) contracted the latter to provide 65 new high-speed Azuma trains for the second phase of the Intercity Express Programme on the East Coat Main Line. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The long-term relationship between the three companies was then solidified by an operational agreement established by the DfT between LNER and Agility, which is partly owned by Hitachi Rail for the provision of passenger rolling stock services. 

The relationship charter has been signed between the companies for the remainder of that contract, until 2046 and possibly beyond. 

Sara Holland, Hitachi’s east coast fleet director, said: “Our collaboration has resulted in the British-built Azuma achieving award-winning performance. 

“The relationship charter will build on this success, ensuring shared values and high standards are engrained in everything we do from boardroom to depot.” 

Hitachi has affirmed or created a number of relationships with UK rail industry players this year, including extending its maintenance contract with Great Western and forming a partnership with the Global Centre of Rail Excellence to test new technology.