The railway operator, backed by its shareholders Air Nostrum and Trenitalia, will begin competing with Renfe and Ouigo (SNCF) on the Spanish high‑speed network. The launch is set for 25 November, with the goal of attracting eight million passengers by 2025.
“We aim to be the country’s mobility engine for businesses, entrepreneurs, and all travelers who need to move for work,” stated iryo’s CEO, Víctor Bañares, on Thursday.
“Between direct and indirect business, we anticipate close to 3,000 opportunities,” Bañares added, describing the venture as a new industry. He emphasized the significance of the industrial sector behind the operators as a fundamental consideration.
Described as a “high‑quality” product by Simone Gorini, Efe’s CEO, iryo will not necessarily raise prices. The strategy is to offer the best value for money, with prices set to be highly competitive by design, according to Bañares.
Prices starting from 18 euros one way
This Sunday, 18 September, the company will run promotions on its website and app. Bañares hopes customers will remember the moment iryo accelerates, with one‑way fares starting at 18 euros.
Competitors Renfe’s low‑cost Ave, Avlo, and SNCF’s Quigo currently offer fares as low as 7 to 9 euros on their routes.
“For now, the focus is on Spain,” Bañares told Efe, noting the plan to start well and then expand. The medium‑term aim is to become a rail operator in other European countries.
EFE
The outlook acknowledges a challenging economic environment, yet the company remains confident that the high‑speed operator will carry around eight million passengers in 2025.
In December 2020, rail liberalization took effect in Spain, and since then the iryo team has worked hard to develop a unique rail offer, Gorini explained.
Four different rates
Each ETR 1000 model iryo operates will feature four class options: Infinita, Singular Café, Singular, and Initial—designed to suit every kind of traveler, according to Bañares.
The director also announced an alliance with Only You Hotels, with more details to be announced in October. The third car, Singular, will serve as a dedicated space for entrepreneurs and business travelers.
Flexible booking options allow unlimited changes across all rates via the app and website, and tickets will not be forfeited if plans change.
Iryo has signed its first codeshare agreement with Air Europa as part of a broader mobility commitment to offer train and air combinations. The company is negotiating additional deals with other firms and airline alliances to position itself as the preferred mobility operator for travel to and from the Iberian Peninsula.
A second major move involves two global agreements: Amadeus for worldwide distribution and IATA, of which iryo is a full member.
EFE
The company plans to roll out “first and last mile” services through the iryo by Imbric platform and offer free Cercanías tickets to facilitate movement once a passenger reaches the destination.
Upcoming operation dates
From 25 November this year, iryo will launch the Madrid‑Barcelona‑Zaragoza route, featuring a 32‑day train connection between Madrid and Barcelona.
In December 2022, iryo will start the Madrid‑Valencia link, passing through Cuenca with a 16‑day schedule. A Madrid‑Andalusia deployment is planned for March 2023, followed by Madrid‑Alicante in June next year.
Special pre‑sales for these routes will begin this Thursday at travel agencies and will be available on the company’s website and mobile app from Sunday.