After a great deal of secret development, Heathrow Express has formed a partnership with the Henry vacuum cleaner brand to launch the world’s first Spring Cleaning Train.

With railway tracks often subject to large amounts of litter, Heathrow Express and the iconic British-made Henry vacuum cleaner will join forces to suck up leaves on the line at 100 mph.

As the concept is still being developed, it will be in service for just one day, on 1st April 2025.

Onlookers will see Henry leading the charge against nature during the train’s journey between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport.

At the front of the train will be on oversized face of Henry and his legendary powerful suction hose for what Heathrow Express claims will be the cleanest – and cheekiest – way to travel this April.

Every April, millions of fresh buds, pink and white blossoms and early-shedding leaves fall onto Britain’s railway tracks.

With lateral thinking, Heathrow Express teamed up with Numatic International Ltd, the makers of Henry, to develop a state-of-the-art suction system that will clear debris from the tracks.

Using a giant suction funnel mounted at the front of the train, the renamed Henry Express service will tackle head-on. With a speedy, smooth, and suction-powered, 15-minute ride, Heathrow Express will continue to be the fastest and most reliable way to travel from London Paddington to Heathrow Airport.

Special leaf-busting features include:

• High-Speed Henry, as a powerful vacuum system mounted on the front of the train sucks up leaves at express speeds.
• The Great British Spring Sweep, where the tracks will be cleared faster than ever to make spring the cleanest season yet
• Blossom Be Gone, and with trees in full bloom, Henry will make sure that no stray petals or twigs disrupt a sparkling smooth ride.

There will be the chance to see Henry Express in action for just one day – 1st April. Heathrow Express travels from London Paddington to Heathrow Airport terminals every 15 minutes, and Advance Discounted Tickets start from just £10 one-way.

Network rail recognises the problems caused by litter on the railway, and is currently running a ‘trashspotting’ campaign to make the public aware of problems caused by litter on the railway.

Vacuum cleaners have had a presence on Britain’s railways for many years, as the Class 50 diesel locomotives are colloquially known among enthusiasts as ‘Hoovers’.

“At Heathrow Express, we are committed to providing a fast, seamless, and premium travel experience. Partnering with Henry, an iconic British brand known for efficiency, allows us to take that commitment one step further demonstrating how innovation can help keep our railway running at its best. By combining reliability with smart solutions, we re ensuring our passengers continue to enjoy a smooth journey every time they travel with us.”

Mark Eastwood, Commercial Strategy Lead at Heathrow Express