However Pepy remains realistic about the industry's future where there will be increased competition, but also more collaboration.

CNN: Can Europe get its high-speed rail network together?

But last autumn Mr Pepy, with the backing of the government, got the unions to do a deal after an eight-day strike.

ECONOMIST: Face value

Mr Pepy is an unlikely man to be standing on the footplate.

ECONOMIST: Face value

"You can fly from Shanghai to Frankfurt or from New York to Charles de Gaulle and then connect to the high-speed train, " says Pepy.

CNN: Can Europe get its high-speed rail network together?

France was the second country after Japan to introduce high-speed rail and Pepy believes it is crucial that the company still leads the way in innovation.

CNN: Can Europe get its high-speed rail network together?

Guillaume Pepy, the chairman of French rail operator SNCF, told the conference that since the French began building high speed lines since the 80s, a "three hour rule" had been observed.

BBC: New rail lines 'may be cheaper'

This suggested that if UK's new line can bring Scottish cities within three hours of London, two-thirds of those travelling between them would go by train, rather than fly, Mr Pepy added.

BBC: New rail lines 'may be cheaper'