Overview
- FS chief Stefano Donnarumma said the company is considering expanding into Germany’s long‑distance market and has reached out to infrastructure operators and regulators.
- Reporting indicates a potential deployment of about 50 trains, with BILD citing The Pioneer that Netinera is exploring procurement of up to 14 long‑distance sets with an option to reach 50 and first deliveries by December 11, 2027.
- Germany’s long‑distance market is dominated by Deutsche Bahn with roughly a 95% share, while FlixTrain remains the most visible private competitor on major corridors.
- Rail expert Christian Böttger warns that profitable routes and key hubs are already heavily utilized, suggesting entrants may need to use alternative stations such as Hamburg‑Harburg and München‑Pasing.
- FS already operates in German regional rail via its Netinera group, and the company points to Italy’s post‑2012 high‑speed competition as evidence that rivalry can improve service quality.