International rail operator Eurostar has joined SkyTeam as the first non-airline partner of the alliance.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to provide more intermodal travel options across Europe and plan to work together “in the coming months” to create “a more integrated experience” for air-to-rail travel. The partnership is expected to launch in the first half of 2025.

The move follows a similar multimodal partnership between German train operator Deutsche Bahn and the Star Alliance group of carriers that was announced in July 2022.

Eurostar already works with Dutch carrier KLM, a member of SkyTeam, to provide air-to-rail products and said it will continue to develop these offers as part of the alliance.

Commenting on the SkyTeam partnership, Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave, said: “We are creating a future where travellers can connect between Eurostar trains, domestic railways and long-haul flying, opening up our services to new markets across the globe.

“Today is a major step forward towards this mission and we look forward to working with SkyTeam to develop the customer proposition so more travellers can experience Eurostar’s unique service.”

According to the companies, around 13 per cent of Eurostar passengers flying long-haul into one of SkyTeam’s main European hubs connect to another Eurostar destination by rail.

SkyTeam currently counts Air France, KLM, ITA Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air Europa and most recently SAS among its Europe-based airline members.

SkyTeam CEO Patrick Roux added: “Working with Eurostar as our first non-airline partner underscores SkyTeam’s commitment to delivering a more integrated and responsible travel experience by incorporating intermodal travel.

“I look forward to developing our partnership and offering customers greater choice in how they travel across SkyTeam’s global network.”