New High-Speed Rail Service Set to Transform Travel to Arlanda Airport
In Sweden, Stadler is gearing up to deliver a fleet of tailored flirt electric multiple units (EMUs) for the Arlanda Express, which connects Stockholm central station to the airport. This exciting development comes as operator A-Train has committed to a firm order worth SFr350 million for seven EMUs, along with a 15-year maintenance agreement.
These new trains will be manufactured in Switzerland and are set to hit the tracks by late 2029. They will replace the aging Alstom X3 units from the UK that have been in service since 1999. There’s even an option for an additional eighth unit if needed!
A-Train has secured SKr5.6 billion in loans from nine banks to fund this fleet upgrade and enhance station facilities, including SKr728 million specifically earmarked for these new trains through IPEX bank earlier this year.
The upcoming emus are designed with speed and comfort in mind, capable of reaching speeds up to 200 km/h. Their interiors draw inspiration from the sleek nordic aesthetic found in A-Train’s lounge at Stockholm Central station—think luminous spaces that feel welcoming and modern.
Each six-car unit will stretch about 164 meters long—nearly double the length of current four-car models—and boast seating for up to 323 passengers, marking a meaningful increase in capacity by over fifty percent.
“We’re dedicated to providing remarkable service with our modern, quiet trains,” stated Magnus Zetterberg, CEO of A-Train when announcing this order on May 19. “With more leisure travelers choosing Arlanda Express, these enhancements allow us to accommodate even more guests.”
| Technical Specifications of Arlanda Express Trains | |
|---|---|
| Weight (tonnes) | 342 tonnes |
| Length over coupling (m) | 165 |
| Width (mm) | 3,200 |
| Height (mm) | 4,380 |
| Door width (mm) | |
| 323 tr > | |
| 650 tr > | |
The new EMUs will feature dual entrance heights at both 1 ,150 mm and 760 mm catering to various platform designs while ensuring accessibility with dedicated wheelchair spaces and ample luggage storage suitable for larger bags. p >
“This order highlights how adaptable our Flirt model is,” remarked Peter Spuhler,
Chairman of Stadler.
“We can customize it extensively based on client needs—be it technical specifications or design elements.”
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