Trenitalia launches next-generation Frecciarossa fleet
Trenitalia has placed its upgraded Frecciarossa 1000 fleet into commercial service. The EUR 1.3 billion program delivers 36 high-speed trains certified for eight European countries.
The new ETR (Elettro Treno Rapido) 1000 trains introduce a 10-fold increase in onboard Wi-Fi capacity, a full 100 Mbps Ethernet command-and-control backbone, and Energy Measurement Systems for certified traction-power billing. Interior changes by Giugiaro Design expand Executive class from 10 to 14 seats and add luggage capacity in Standard, reflecting post-pandemic travel patterns.
Cross-Border Ambitions
Beyond Italy, the fleet is authorized for France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The approvals provide the technical basis for Trenitalia’s planned international growth, including Milan–Munich services from 2026 and potential Channel Tunnel operations via the Evolyn partnership.
Trenitalia positions Frecciarossa 1000 as the first high-speed fleet with a full Environmental Product Declaration, reporting 97.1% recyclability and 98.2% material recovery. New HVAC systems cut global-warming potential by 56%. “These trains embody our vision for sustainable, interconnected European rail,” said FS CEO Stefano Donnarumma.
Rollout and next steps
The first upgraded unit entered service on September 28 after a preview run between Rome and Naples on September 26. Deliveries continue through 2029 at roughly 10 trains per year, with options for 10 more—potentially expanding the fleet to 46 units. The deployment aligns with Ferrovie dello Stato’s 2025–2029 plan, which includes a dedicated high-speed infrastructure company to manage 1,000–2,000 km of specialized track.