CP refutes unfounded accusations from Lohad company and reaffirms integrity of Presidential Train project

CP—Comboios de Portugal has learned through the media that the company Lohad, through Gonçalo Castel-Branco, sent a press release in which, among insinuations, accusations, and falsehoods, it announced that it had sued CP over the Presidential Train project. It is crucial to clarify that CP has never had any partnership or commercial relationship with Lohad. CP's only commercial relationship with Gonçalo Castel-Branco was through a company called Trajetórias & Melodias, Lda.

CP has not been notified of any legal action and, therefore, cannot comment on what it does not know. However, if it is notified, it will act accordingly. The only existing legal action is a claim brought by CP against Trajetórias & Melodias, Lda. to collect an amount owed since October 2022. We believe that this attempt by CP to collect the amount owed gave rise to yesterday's statement, intending to divert attention, create media noise, and confuse public opinion.

However, CP cannot remain indifferent to the insults and lies it was subjected to in that statement. The Presidential Train is a valuable museum artefact made up of century-old carriages originally owned by CP. This historical heritage, dating back to 1890, was carefully restored in CP's workshops and currently belongs to the National Railway Museum Foundation. This train is a living witness to CP's 167 years of innovation and history and can be visited most of the year at the National Railway Museum.

Throughout its long history, CP has always been characterised by innovation in its products and services. It prides itself on never having compromised or usurped the intellectual heritage of others. The creation and reformulation of our historical and tourist products, including the recent introduction of new products, reflect this commitment to originality and integrity.

The Presidential Train editions result from a CP protocol with the National Railway Museum Foundation and Chef Chakall, aimed at creating a tourist product rooted in Portuguese culture. This project includes collaboration with 10 Douro vineyards and dozens of regional restaurants, offering a unique gastronomic experience that simultaneously promotes the region and our rich railway heritage.

It's important to emphasise that the idea of trains offering gastronomic experiences is neither new nor exclusive. Such products exist in several countries worldwide and are an established part of the tourist offer of various railway operators, including around a dozen examples in Spain. The decision by CP and the National Railway Museum to explore this market is an independent initiative founded on our railway history and the ability to create a product that honours both our identity and our commitments to all those involved.

CP reiterates its commitment to innovation, integrity and our national heritage, always respecting the rules of business conduct and intellectual property rights. The Presidential Train is a valuable and original addition to our tourist offer, further consolidating our position in the market.

CP categorically refutes all the accusations made by Lohad and Gonçalo Castel-Branco. The high quality of the service on the Presidential Train can be seen by anyone who buys a ticket for one of the journeys in the coming seasons. The second season of 2024 and the two seasons of 2025 are on sale at www.comboiopresidencial.pt and the first journeys begin in September.