Trenitalia has officially introduced the next-generation Frecciarossa 1000 high-speed train, showcasing it with a preview run between Rome and Naples on September 26, 2025. The fleet will enter scheduled service on September 28, marking the start of what FS Group calls a major leap in speed, sustainability, and passenger experience.

Part of Gruppo FS Italiane’s €1.3 billion fleet investment, the program will deliver 36 new trainsets by 2029, with an option for 10 more. It’s a cornerstone of the company’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, which focuses on modernization, international expansion, and greener mobility. The unveiling was attended by FS CEO Stefano Antonio Donnarumma and Trenitalia CEO Gianpiero Strisciuglio, underscoring the significance of the project at the board level.

International Reach Meets Green Technology

Built by Hitachi Rail in Pistoia and Naples, the new Frecciarossa 1000 is certified for service not only in Italy but also in France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. That certification strengthens Trenitalia’s cross-border ambitions, placing it in direct competition with Europe’s other high-speed champions, from SNCF’s TGV to Deutsche Bahn’s ICE.

The fleet also brings a sharper sustainability profile. Trenitalia highlights a recyclability rate of 97.1% and a materials recovery rate of 98.2%, both improvements over the current generation. Energy efficiency has been enhanced with upgraded traction systems designed to reduce consumption, making the train as much about cutting carbon as cutting journey times.

Inside the New Flagship

On the outside, the train retains the sleek Frecciarossa look that’s become synonymous with Italian high-speed travel. Inside, though, it gets a refresh: higher-quality finishes, ergonomic seating, and a more welcoming atmosphere across all classes. Digital upgrades improve journey management and onboard information, while connectivity and comfort take center stage for business and leisure travelers alike.

Strategic Role in Fleet Renewal

For FS, these trains are more than just rolling stock — they are the centerpiece of its fleet renewal strategy, designed to future-proof services while responding to the rising demand for sustainable transport. Donnarumma framed the move as a decisive step forward in sustainability and international integration:

“This fleet renewal is essential to deliver modern and efficient service while reducing environmental impact.”

Strisciuglio, for his part, emphasized the customer-facing side of the project:

“A more comfortable and sustainable journey, reflecting the best of Italian design and technological innovation.”

Looking Ahead

With a design speed of up to 360 km/h, the Frecciarossa 1000 remains Italy’s fastest train and one of the most advanced in Europe. In reality, commercial operations are capped at 300 km/h until infrastructure and certification open the door for higher speeds. But the ambition is clear: Trenitalia wants to expand its international footprint and position the Frecciarossa brand as a premium alternative to short-haul flights.

The launch cements Trenitalia’s place in Europe’s high-speed race. Where France’s TGV-M is chasing efficiency, Germany’s ICE 3neo focuses on reliability, and Spain’s Talgo Avril wrestles with teething problems, Italy is doubling down on speed and sustainability. For travelers, that could mean not just faster journeys at home, but also more seamless cross-border connections across Europe in the years ahead.