Sweden’s prominent railway company A-Train AB has officially placed a significant order with Swiss manufacturer Stadler to supply seven state-of-the-art FLIRT (Fast Light Innovative Regional Train) multiple-unit trains. The contract, valued at approximately 350 million Swiss francs, also includes an option for an additional eighth train, and a comprehensive 15-year maintenance agreement. These new trains are set to transform the highly trafficked route between Arlanda Airport and Stockholm Central Station by enhancing passenger capacity and comfort, with deliveries scheduled to begin by the end of 2029.

Production and Delivery Timeline

The construction of these cutting-edge FLIRT trains will take place at Stadler’s facility located in the picturesque Rhine Valley region of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Production is slated to commence at the end of 2026, giving Stadler ample time to tailor the trains to the exact specifications requested by A-Train AB. This timeline ensures that the current rolling stock, which has been in service since 1999, will be seamlessly replaced without disruption to the crucial airport-rail link service.

“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.

Design Tailored for the Nordic Traveler

The new FLIRT trains have been meticulously customized to meet the unique demands and aesthetic preferences of the Nordic region. Reflecting the bright, airy, and inviting ambiance of the renowned A-Train Lounge at Stockholm Central Station, the interior design embraces a modern Scandinavian style characterized by minimalist décor, generous natural light, and ergonomic comfort.

Passengers will find thoughtfully arranged seating zones that cater to a variety of traveler needs. These include lounge-style sofa seats designed for groups and families traveling together, as well as dedicated “quiet zones” offering serene, signature seating arrangements for passengers seeking a tranquil journey. This deliberate design fosters a welcoming atmosphere and elevates the overall travel experience for daily commuters and tourists alike.

Robust Performance in Challenging Conditions

Given the notoriously harsh Nordic climate, the FLIRT trains have been engineered specifically to endure and operate efficiently in Sweden’s cold winters and variable weather conditions. Stretching an impressive 165 meters in length, these trains are nearly double the size of the current fleet, allowing them to accommodate 323 seated passengers—an increase of over fifty percent in seating capacity. Beyond seating, the trains offer standing room for up to 650 additional travelers, facilitating the efficient movement of large passenger volumes during peak travel times.

Accessibility is a key feature of the design, with fully barrier-free carriages that include wheelchair spaces and easy boarding options. The trains incorporate dual entrance heights—1150 millimeters and 760 millimeters—to suit the diverse platform standards found along the route. Large luggage compartments are thoughtfully integrated to handle oversized travel bags and carry-on suitcases, an essential consideration for airport-bound passengers. Additionally, a prominently placed customer service counter ensures that travelers have access to assistance throughout their journey.

From a technical standpoint, the FLIRT units boast impressive capabilities. They are capable of reaching maximum speeds of 200 kilometers per hour, enabling swift transit between Arlanda Airport and central Stockholm. High tractive effort and rapid acceleration, rated at 0.77 meters per second squared even when fully occupied, ensure reliability and punctuality. These attributes will be vital in maintaining the reputation of the Arlanda Express as one of the fastest and most efficient airport rail links in the region.

Comprehensive Long-Term Support and Service

Alongside the delivery of the trains, A-Train AB and Stadler have entered into a long-term maintenance partnership lasting fifteen years. This ensures that the FLIRT fleet will be maintained to the highest standards of Swiss quality, optimizing uptime, safety, and passenger satisfaction over the lifetime of the vehicles. Such extended service agreements highlight Stadler’s commitment to providing holistic solutions beyond manufacturing, encompassing ongoing operational support.

Replacing an Aging Fleet

This ambitious procurement marks a pivotal upgrade from the previous trains, which have served the Arlanda Express for over three decades since their introduction in 1999. As these older units approach the end of their operational lifespan by late 2029, the arrival of the new Stadler FLIRT trains will signify a new era of modernization, sustainability, and enhanced passenger experience for one of Sweden’s busiest commuter corridors.

Technical Specifications of the New Stadler FLIRT Trains for A-Train AB

• Total Train Length (over couplings): 165 meters
• Vehicle Width: 3200 millimeters
• Vehicle Height: 4380 millimeters
• Door Width: 1100 millimeters
• Total Seats: 323
• Maximum Standing Capacity: Approximately 650
• Maximum Operating Speed: 200 km/h
• Maximum Acceleration (fully occupied): 0.77 m/s²
• Access Platform Heights Supported: 1150 mm and 760 mm
• Drive Wheel Diameter: 920 millimeters
• Maximum Starting Tractive Force: 320 kN
• Continuous Power Output at Wheel: 4000 kW
• Peak Power Output at Wheel: 6400 kW
• Power Supply: 15 kV, 16.7 Hz AC
• Total Weight: 342 tonnes

Future Outlook

The strategic investment by A-Train AB in these advanced FLIRT trains reflects a broader commitment to sustainable, efficient, and passenger-centric public transport in Sweden. The substantial increase in seating capacity combined with an emphasis on comfort, accessibility, and technological sophistication promises to accommodate growing passenger numbers while elevating the quality of service.

The collaborative approach with Stadler, emphasizing Swiss engineering excellence and tailored solutions, positions the Arlanda Express as a flagship project within Nordic public transport networks. Upon their introduction in 2029, these FLIRT trains will not only meet the evolving demands of commuters and travelers but also set new benchmarks for modern regional train operations in challenging climates.

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