More than 15,000 candidates have applied to drive Virgin Trains’ revolutionary new Azuma following the biggest recruitment drive on the east coast route since the 1980s.

The overwhelming response, equivalent to nearly 200 applications per post, comes as Virgin Trains gears up for the launch of the new fleet in 2018.

The first of 78 new drivers will work from depots between London and Edinburgh and are due to start a year-long development programme in January.

The Virgin Trains talent team has now started sifting through the thousands of applications after the closing date last Friday.

A spokesperson for Virgin Trains said: “We have received a huge amount of interest in this fantastic opportunity at Virgin Trains on its east coast route. We’re really excited that so many people want to come and join our fabulous company! The Talent team are working hard to process and update all of the applications we received. Those who have been successful in getting through the first stages of the process will be invited to attend a selection day which will include a variety of assessments and exercises that will bring the best talent into our business.”

When it launches in 2018, the 65 Azumas, built in the UK by Hitachi, will be one of the most advanced trains on the UK’s rail network.

Virgin Trains has sought to broaden the pool of applicants, challenging those who have never considered driving a train to think about what the career would offer.