The train will be exhibited at the 83rd Thessaloniki International Fair on September 8-16 before testing commences between Katerini and Thessaloniki. The train is being moved to Greece by rail and had reached Slovenia by August 20.

Originally designated ETR 480, the fleet of 15 nine-car trains was built by Fiat in 1997-1998. The 250km/h trains were subsequently modified to operate under 25kV ac 50Hz electrification systems and renumbered ETR 485.

Trenitalia’s Greek subsidiary Trainose is evaluating the use of Pendolinos to improve services and reduce journey times on the newly-upgraded Athens - Thessaloniki corridor. Line speeds have been raised to 200km/h on some sections of the route, but currently Trainose lacks suitable rolling stock to exploit these improvements.