First of 27 new trains starts running on Gatwick Express route

Image source, Gatwick Express

Image caption, The new Gatwick Express trains will be introduced gradually during the first half of the year

The first of a fleet of new trains has been introduced on the Gatwick Express service between London Victoria and the West Sussex airport.

The 拢145m fleet of 27 Electrostar trains, built by Bombardier in Derby, will replace the 30-year-old rolling stock currently operating on the route.

New trains are being introduced gradually, with all existing stock expected to be replaced by mid-June.

"We are pleased to be taking the old ones out," said manager Chris Lund.

He added: "There is a lot more space inside to move suitcases up and down the train and into luggage racks and getting in and out of the trains is a lot easier now that we've got two sets of double doors per carriage."

The non-stop Gatwick Express service is run by Govia Thameslink Railway, which also operates Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern services.

Image source, Govia Thameslink Railway

Image caption, The new trains replace 30-year-old stock