The high-speed company iryo surpasses 24 million passengers in three and a half years and announces the addition of three new trains, with which it plans to strengthen connections in the Southern Corridor, especially towards Andalucía.
The high-speed operator iryo has announced the addition of three new trains to its fleet, a measure that, according to its CEO, Fabrizio Favara, will enhance rail connections in the Southern Corridor, with special attention to Andalucía. The company, which has accumulated more than 24 million passengers since its launch three and a half years ago, is now looking to consolidate its business model based on service quality and travel experience, beyond competing on price.
In an interview, Favara explained that the company has completed its first phase of implementation and is at a maturity stage, focused on operational optimization, improving customer experience, and sustainable growth. The new trains will allow for increased frequencies and open new connection possibilities, especially on routes linking Madrid with the south of the peninsula.
One of iryo's most recent strategic moves has been the addition of stops in intermediate cities such as Ciudad Real and Puertollano, a decision that, according to Favara, responds to the evolution of the high-speed model in Spain. The aim is to move from a radial scheme centred on major capitals to a more extensive network that also connects population centres with high mobility potential. This expansion, he noted, strengthens iryo's position in the Southern Corridor and brings high-speed trains closer to new traveller profiles.
For the Andalusian user, this commitment translates into a greater offer of seats and schedules, as well as the possibility of accessing direct connections to destinations that previously required transfers. The company has not yet detailed the specific dates for the new trains to enter service or the exact routes they will cover, but it has indicated that the priority is to improve connectivity with the south, where demand has grown steadily.
Favara highlighted that, in a liberalised market like Spain's, differentiation is key. Therefore, iryo is committed to personalising the service, connecting with other means of transport – such as planes or buses – and providing an onboard experience that goes beyond mere transportation. The company is confident that this approach will allow it to maintain sustainable growth without resorting to price wars that erode margins.
The announcement comes at a time when Spanish high-speed rail is experiencing increasing competition among Renfe, Ouigo, and iryo. The entry of new operators has surged the number of travellers and forced companies to innovate to retain customers. In iryo's case, the challenge is twofold: to consolidate its market share in the main corridors while simultaneously extending its network to intermediate cities that have had limited service until now.
For travellers from Seville, this news provides relief in a context of high demand, especially during long weekends and the summer season, when trains often sell out weeks in advance. The addition of three new trains could alleviate this saturation and offer more scheduling options. Although the company has not specified whether any of these trains will be based in Seville, it is true that the Andalusian capital is one of the key nodes in its network.
Favara insisted that the company is not looking to grow at any cost but to do so sustainably and profitably. Therefore, the investment in new trains has been planned based on actual demand and the capacity of the infrastructure. In this regard, he positively assessed the collaboration with Adif to optimise time slots and improve punctuality.
The news has been well received by Andalusian consumer associations, which have long been calling for more frequencies and better connections with Madrid and other capitals. However, they warn that the increase in supply must be accompanied by affordable prices so that the benefits reach the entire population.
For now, travellers can check the updated schedules and fares on the iryo website, as well as news about the new routes that will be gradually incorporated. The company expects the three new trains to be operational before the end of the year, although specific dates will be announced soon.
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