European railway company Flixtrain unveils new transportation links across the continent - Purchase of 65 trains confirmed - Expands European Rail Services: Flixtrain Secures 65 Trains for Operations
FlixTrain to Revolutionize European Train Travel with Major Expansion
In a groundbreaking move, FlixTrain, a leading European transport company, has announced its plans to establish high-speed train connections across the continent, following a substantial investment and strategic partnerships centered on cutting-edge train technology.
FlixTrain's CEO, André Schwämmlein, explained that the company's primary focus will be to expand from their home base in Germany, with plans to make the new service available in other European countries subsequently. The trains, manufactured by Spanish company Talgo, are designed to operate smoothly across numerous European countries. The contract, worth up to 2.4 billion euros, includes a firm commitment of over 1 billion euros, FlixTrain confirmed.
The Talgo trains are capable of reaching speeds of up to 230 kilometers per hour. They boast barrier-free access, state-of-the-art WiFi solutions, and numerous other features designed to significantly enhance travel comfort. Siemens Mobility Vectron locomotives will be leased to haul these Talgo carriages.
Schwämmlein revealed that the financing for the train purchase will be a mix of equity and loans, with the company regularly acquiring trains independently. Until now, partners have owned and operated the buses and trains, but FlixTrain aims to establish itself as a technology platform.
According to information from the "Handelsblatt," FlixTrain has secured financial backing from EQT, a major financial investor, and Klaus-Michael Kuhne's logistics holding company, both of whom entered the company with a 35 percent stake last July.
These advanced Talgo 230 trains are equipped with innovative technologies, including natural tilting and automatic gauge-changing systems. The large-scale investment forms a significant part of FlixTrain's plan to expand their services within Germany and across multiple European countries, marking a new era for rail travel in Europe. The trains are intended for deployment in countries such as Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
A comprehensive 15-year maintenance plan for the entire fleet has also been agreed upon, ensuring long-term operational reliability. This bold initiative by FlixTrain is set to revolutionize the comfort, speed, and accessibility of train travel on the continent.
Community policy will be established to ensure smooth integration of the new FlixTrain services in various European countries. Vocational training programs will be implemented for personnel in the automotive and transportation industries to maintain and operate these high-speed Talgo 230 trains effectively, financed by a mix of equity and loans from EQT and Klaus-Michael Kuhne's logistics holding company.
