(FILES) The Avelia Horizon high-speed train built for French private rail operator Velvet is pictured at the Alstom manufacturing plant in Aytré, near La Rochelle, south-western France, on April 16, 2026. Private rail operator Velvet has been granted its operating licence for the French rail network, the company announced on September 1, 2026. Velvet aims to compete with French state rail operator SNCF starting 2028 on four high-speed routes in the west of the country (ParisBordeaux, ParisNantes, ParisAngers and ParisRennes). (Photo by Philippe LOPEZ / AFP via Getty Images)