Derby Bombardier wins £145m Gatwick train order

The Electrostar trains will be designed and made in Derby for use on the Gatwick Express line

A Derby trainmaker has won a £145m contract to build more than 100 rail cars for the Gatwick Express line.

The contract with Govia Thameslink Railway would safeguard jobs at the Bombardier plant in Derby, a Bombardier spokesman said.

The new trains will replace 1980s-built rolling stock that has been operating on the line since 2008.

Rail Minister Claire Perry said the trains would be a boost for both passengers and the economy.

"They will transform journeys on the Gatwick Express and Thameslink routes and safeguard jobs at Bombardier's Derby factory," Mrs Perry said.

The Electrostar trains will have "easier access for passengers with luggage, improved storage space, two by two seating and WiFi," a Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) spokesman said.

A Bombardier spokesman said the order would "safeguard" jobs at the plant but no additional posts would be created as a result of the contract.

Bombardier won a £1bn contract in February to provide 65 trains for the London Crossrail project, which is set to open in 2018.

The Canadian firm Bombardier lost out to German firm Siemens to build new train carriages for the London-based Thameslink route in 2011.