HEx previews ‘387s’

5th March 2020

News

Heathrow Express has released images of the Class 387s which it will introduce this summer to replace its current Class 332s. Twelve four-car sets are being refurbished and fitted with European Train Control System (ETCS) to work the airport shuttle. The trains will run in pairs, offering a total of 374 seats including 44 in Business First. Other features touted by the operator include luggage space, at-seat USB power, faster Wi-Fi and on-board HD TVs. The ‘387s’ will replace the 14 Class 332s which have operated the airport shuttle since it was introduced in 1998. The change of rolling stock avoids the need for a new depot to be built for the ‘332s’, with the current site being repurposed as part of plans for HS2 to serve Old Oak Common. The 12 ‘387s’ come from GWR’s fleet of 45, and the operator has a management contract running until 2028 to operate the service, maintaining the airport fleet alongside its other ‘387s’ at Reading depot.