Trenitalia France has placed an order for 19 high-speed trains from Hitachi Rail, part of a wider €2bn investment package that will support the operator’s planned London–Paris service through the Channel Tunnel, which it hopes to launch in 2029.
Deal covers trains, maintenance and a new depot
The agreement, announced on 7 August, covers the supply of the trainsets together with long-term maintenance and technical support. A new maintenance facility is already under development at Maisons-Alfort Pompadour, on the outskirts of Paris, to service the expanding fleet.
Trenitalia said the new trains will not be restricted to the international route; they will also be deployed on existing domestic and cross‑border corridors, including Paris–Lyon, Paris–Milano and Paris–Marseille.
"This order represents a strategic milestone for FS Group: it strengthens our presence in France, a key market for our international growth," said Gianpiero Strisciuglio, CEO of FS, the parent company of Trenitalia.
The trainsets are expected to be a follow‑on build of Hitachi’s established ETR1000 design. Trenitalia said the newest batch would include enhanced passenger amenities, sustainability improvements and next-generation connectivity.
What passengers can expect
According to the announcement, the trains will offer:
- Wi‑Fi connectivity rated up to 10 GB/sec;
- a new bistro concept and an enhanced catering offer;
- completely redesigned interiors aimed at improving comfort across all classes of accommodation.
Trenitalia currently operates premium Frecciarossa Mille services in Italy that feature four classes of accommodation, and the company indicated that the new fleet will deliver similarly high standards.
Investment and strategic context
The procurement forms part of a broader financing and support package underwritten by the French subsidiary of Italy’s state‑owned railway group. Trenitalia characterised the move as central to its vision of a "Metro of Europe", an integrated high-speed network connecting major cities across the continent.
In a separate comment included in the statement, Trenitalia noted strong investor interest in the European high-speed rail market. The company said the partnership has attracted participation from a variety of investors keen to gain exposure to the sector.
Technical snapshot
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of trains | 19 |
| Manufacturer | Hitachi Rail |
| Design base | ETR1000 follow‑on |
| Investment package | €2bn |
| Target start for London–Paris service | 2029 |
What this means for London and passengers
For Londoners, the move marks a concrete step towards a new competitor on the London–Paris axis. Eurostar has dominated cross‑Channel high‑speed rail for decades; Trenitalia’s planned service would add capacity and choice if it launches as scheduled. The new trains’ emphasis on onboard connectivity and refreshed catering may be aimed at business and leisure travellers looking for alternatives to air travel.
Operational details such as timetabling, ticketing, fares and border-control arrangements through the Channel Tunnel were not disclosed in the announcement. Long-term maintenance provision and the Maisons‑Alfort depot, however, signal Trenitalia’s intent to establish a sustained presence in the French market and to underpin reliable service delivery.
Gianpiero Strisciuglio framed the order as a strategic expansion: "The new trains and the new Maisons‑Alfort Pompadour maintenance hub are also fundamental elements for the launch of the Paris–London connection, a project that is central to our vision of the 'Metro of Europe'."
The procurement also underscores the continued interest of manufacturers and investors in high‑speed rail across Europe, as operators look to decarbonise transport and offer faster intercity alternatives to domestic flights.
Further announcements from Trenitalia or Hitachi Rail are likely to follow as the project develops, with particular attention expected on rolling stock delivery schedules, certification for Channel Tunnel operation and the commercial model for the proposed London–Paris service.
