Swiss train manufacturer has won an order from the Swedish railway company A-Train AB to supply seven FLIRT (Fast Light Innovative Regional Train) trains, with an option for one further train, to run between Arlanda Airport and Stockholm Central station from the end of 2029.
The trains will be built at Stadler’s factory in the Rhine Valley, St Gallen, Switzerland, with production commencing in 2026. A 15-years maintenance contract is included as part of the order.
The 165-metre-long FLIRT trains are almost twice as long as the operator’s existing stock, which dates from 1999 and is due to reach its end of life in 2029. They will seat 323 people, increasing the seating capacity by more than 50 per cent. In addition, the vehicles are barrier free, have wheelchair spaces and large luggage stacks to store plenty of large suitcases as well as hand luggage.
With a maximum speed of 200km/h (124mph), the new trains will speed travellers on theuir way to and from the airport. They will also have two different entrance heights (1150 mm and 760 mm) to cater for varying platform conditions.
Announcing the order, Peter Spuhler, Chairman of the Stadler board, said: “The order shows once again how flexibly and individually our FLIRT can be adapted to specific customer requirements – whether in terms of technology or design.
“We are delighted that A-Train AB has placed its trust in us and look forward to supplying vehicles for the prestigious Arlanda Express line for the first time.
“The fact that we can also maintain the trains for 15 years shows that we also stand for top quality in this area.”
Magnus Zetterberg, CEO of A-Train AB, commented: “With this investment, we continue to deliver top-class customer service to our travellers, with modern, quiet, and punctual trains. We see a clear increase in leisure travellers choosing to travel with Arlanda express, and the increased capacity makes it possible to welcome even more.
“Furthermore, I would like to thank Stadler for supporting our vision of redefining travel to and from the airport and enabling us to make the unexpected happen.”
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