Stadler has completed the delivery of a new fleet of six electric FLIRT trains for Italy's Aosta Valley Region, marking a major step forward in the region's transition towards cleaner and more sustainable rail transport.
The fleet was officially unveiled at Turin Porta Nuova station and will operate across one of Northern Italy's most scenic rail corridors. The trains join the region's existing bimodal FLIRT fleet and arrive as electrification works continue along the Ivrea-Aosta railway.
Manufactured at Stadler's facility in Siedlce, Poland, the new four-car trains have been designed to provide a more comfortable and environmentally friendly travel experience for both local residents and the large number of tourists who visit the Italian Alps each year.
The delivery represents the latest milestone in a partnership between Stadler and the Valle d'Aosta Region that began in 2015 when the authority ordered five bimodal FLIRT trains capable of operating on both electrified and non-electrified routes. Those trains have served passengers on the Aosta-Turin route for the past seven years and have become a familiar sight across the region.
"We are delighted to have Stadler by our side as a reliable partner and to be able to unveil these new trains. This project represents a significant investment in the future of the Aosta Valley and will help raise the profile of our region amongst tourists, offering a modern, comfortable and sustainable travel experience", says Laura Obert, Public Transport Director for the Valle d'Aosta Region.
More Than 500,000 Litres of Diesel Saved Every Year
The arrival of the fully electric fleet will deliver significant environmental benefits. Thanks to the electrification of the route and the introduction of the new trains, the region expects to save more than 500,000 litres of diesel annually.
Stadler says this is equivalent to the amount of fuel required to fill approximately 10,000 car fuel tanks, helping to significantly reduce emissions while supporting Italy's wider decarbonisation goals.
Designed for Alpine Travel
The new FLIRT units have been specifically tailored for operation in the mountainous Alpine region.
Each train offers 236 eco-leather seats, fully air-conditioned interiors and dedicated storage areas for bicycles and ski equipment, reflecting the needs of both commuters and visitors heading into the mountains.
The trains are equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS), feature lightweight aluminium bodyshells and can operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h.
"The trains for Valle d’Aosta are also characterized by their lightweight aluminium car bodies as well as reduced axle loads to ensure full compatibility and efficient, safe operation throughout the whole rail network, even on mountain routes," explains Agata Prekurat, Project Manager at Stadler Polska.
Accessibility has also been prioritised, with four wide low-floor doors on each side of the trains enabling rapid passenger boarding and providing step-free access.
Flying the Flag for the Aosta Valley
Built on Stadler's proven modular FLIRT platform, the six vehicles were designed and manufactured in just over two years.
Like the region's existing fleet, the trains carry the distinctive "LOVE VDA" heart branding, celebrating the Aosta Valley's identity, landscape and tourism appeal.
The trains effectively serve as moving ambassadors for the region, promoting one of Italy's most popular Alpine destinations while delivering sustainable transport benefits.
"The successful completion of this project is particularly significant for us. It marks another chapter in a partnership that has lasted for more than a decade. At the same time, it demonstrates how the expertise of our teams in Poland contributes to the development of modern rail transport across Europe. We would like to thank the Region Valle d’Aosta for their trust and excellent cooperation throughout the project," concludes Maurizio Oberti, Sales and Marketing Manager for the Italian market.
Five-Year Maintenance Agreement Included
As part of the contract, Stadler will also provide maintenance services for the fleet for the next five years in collaboration with Trenitalia.
A dedicated support team, together with spare parts provision and technical resources, will ensure high levels of reliability and availability throughout the fleet's operational life.
The trains will enter passenger service in phases, aligned with operational requirements and the ongoing electrification programme on the Ivrea-Aosta route.
Image credits: Stadler
