A-Train AB, the operator of the Arlanda Express in Sweden, is relying on proven Swiss quality for the renewal of its vehicle fleet: Stadler is supplying seven ultra-modern FLIRT multiple-unit trains with an option for an eighth train.

The new vehicles will be deployed on the busy route between Arlanda Airport and Stockholm Central Station (SWE) from the end of 2029. The production at the Stadler site in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley (CH) will start end of 2026. In addition to the vehicle delivery, the agreement also includes a comprehensive maintenance contract for 15 years. The contract was signed at Stadler's headquarters in Bussnang TG. The order has a total volume of around 350 million Swiss francs.

The FLIRT trains are customised to the requirements and specific wishes of A-Train AB. E.g. the interior design of the trains takes up the Nordic style of the A-Train Lounge at Stockholm Central Station, which is characterised by bright and open spaces as well as comfortable seating and modern furnishings. These design elements are continued in the trains to enhance the travel experience. There are also different seating areas, such as lounge sofa seats for group travellers or signature seating areas for a quiet and relaxing journey.

The 165 metre long FLIRT trains are specially developed for the Nordic weather and environmental conditions. They are almost twice as long as the current trains and offer  323 seats. This increases the seating capacity by more than 50 per cent. In addition, the vehicles are barrier-free, have wheelchair spaces, large luggage stacks with maximum capacity to storage big travel suitcases and hand luggage as well as a clearly visible customer service counter. With a maximum speed of 200 km/h and a high  tractive effort, the FLIRTs ensure fast and reliable connections. The trains have two different entrance heights (1150 mm and 760 mm) to cater for special platform conditions.

"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," says Peter Spuhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stadler.

"With this investment, we continue to deliver top-class customer service to our travelers, with modern, quiet, and punctual trains. We see a clear increase in leisure travelers 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," says Magnus Zetterberg, CEO of A-Train AB.

With the new vehicle fleet, A-Train AB is replacing the previous trains from another provider from 1999. The existing fleet will reach the end of its service life at the end of 2029 - in time for the full commissioning of the new FLIRT trains from Stadler.

The images of the train are illustrations.
Captions of Group photo signing the contract (from left to right):
Lucius Gerig, Head of Division Switzerland Stadler; Peter Spuhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors Stadler; Jimmy Ahl, Chief Technology Officer A-Train; Bahar Cilek, Marketing & Sales Director Nordic Countries Stadler; Magnus Zetterberg, CEO A-Train; Ansgar Brockmeyer,  Executive Vice President Marketing & Sales and Deputy Group CEO Stadler; Daniel Baer, Executive Vice President Division Service Stadler; Walter Neureiter, CEO Full Service Stadler Sweden

Technical data of the vehicle

• Weight: 342 tonnes

• Vehicle length over coupling: 165 metres

• Vehicle width: 3200 mm

• Vehicle height: 4380 mm

• Door width: 1100 mm

• Seats: 323

• Standing room: Maximum 650

• Top speed: 200 km/h

• Max. Acceleration: 0.77 m/s² with all seats occupied

• Access height: 1150 mm and 760 mm

• Drive wheel diameter: 920 mm

• Impeller diameter: 920 mm

• Max. Starting tractive force: 320 kN

• Continuous power at the wheel: 4000 kW

• Maximum power at the wheel: 6400 kW

• Supply / rated voltage: 15 kV, 16.7 Hz AC