Stadler has presented the new trains for Vienna’s City Airport Train (CAT), with three five-car KISS double-decker units scheduled to enter passenger service in autumn 2027.
The trains will operate between Wien Mitte in central Vienna and Vienna Airport, replacing the existing CAT fleet following the completion of works on Vienna’s core railway line.
Built at Stadler’s production facility in St. Margrethen, eastern Switzerland, the trains have been configured specifically for airport transfer services. Each approximately 133-metre-long train will have around 300 seats and a maximum operating speed of 200 km/h.
The interior has been designed around the requirements of passengers travelling with luggage. The trains will include dedicated luggage storage areas, wide gangways and low-floor boarding areas. Seating will be equipped with power sockets and USB ports, while free Wi-Fi will be available throughout the passenger areas.
A passenger information system will provide real-time travel information, complemented by an onboard lighting system designed for the CAT service.
Accessibility is also incorporated into the train design. Each unit will include wheelchair spaces, an accessible toilet and dedicated areas for prams. Passenger guidance and wayfinding features are intended to help passengers navigate the train.
Michael Forstner, Managing Director of City Airport Train said:The three new premium-class trains will offer a first-class travel experience and set new standards in the passenger experience. From the very beginning, we focused on the needs of Airport Express train passengers. We also placed great emphasis on a design that promotes a sense of well-being and the use of natural materials. This way, your vacation begins right on the CAT.
The three KISS trains are expected to begin passenger service in autumn 2027. The service will provide a direct rail connection between Vienna city centre and the airport, with the new fleet adding capacity and replacing the current CAT trains.
The trains are being delivered under a full-service arrangement between Stadler and City Airport Train.
Christian Diewald, CEO of Stadler in Austria said:What makes this project special is the combination of highest quality, exceptional comfort and a design that has been customised to the CAT brand down to the smallest detail. Even with a small fleet of just three vehicles, our ambition was to create a train with a distinctive character. Passengers benefit from modern technology, high performance and proven reliability.
