The French are stepping up, and showing the airlines that there is another option. The Automotrice Grande Vitesse (AGV) train trumps any previous train in passenger size, speed, and design. The AGV fits 300-700 passengers and can travel and astonishing 224 miles per hour. The innovation behind this train lies in the absence of locomotives at either end of the train.

Instead of relying on large engines to pull the train and build speed as it builds momentum, the AGV operates with a system of smaller engines relayed under each carriage. The new distribution of the engines frees up more space for passengers, allowing AGV to seat up to 700 passengers. This also reduces the costs of repairing the trains.

The French government compares the production of this train to the innovation of the Airbus in its ability to transport passengers quickly and effectively. The use of the AGV will most likely pull business from the already suffering airline industry, as the AGV can transverse 600 miles in approximately three hours.