Stadler Presents New KISS Double-Decker Trains for Vienna’s City Airport Train

Picture of train presentation: (from left to right): Christian Diewald (CEO Stadler Austria), Michael Forstner und Christoph Korherr (CEO CAT), Paul Blaguss (CEO Blaguss), (c) CAT / Hammerschmid

(IN BRIEF) Stadler has presented three new KISS double-decker trains for the City Airport Train (CAT) service between Wien Mitte and Vienna Airport, with passenger operations scheduled to begin in autumn 2027 after completion of works linked to the Vienna core line closure. The five-car trains, built at Stadler’s production facility in St. Margrethen, Switzerland, have been specifically configured for airport transfer services and will offer around 300 seats, a length of approximately 133 metres, a maximum speed of 200 km/h, spacious luggage areas, wide gangways, low-floor boarding, extra-wide seats, free Wi-Fi, power sockets and USB ports at every seat, real-time passenger information and ambient lighting. Accessibility features include wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets and dedicated pram areas, supported by an intuitive wayfinding and passenger guidance system. Stadler Austria CEO Christian Diewald said the small fleet has been customised in detail to the CAT brand, while CAT Managing Director Michael Forstner said the trains are designed to deliver a premium airport express experience and allow passengers’ holidays to begin on board.

(PRESS RELEASE) VIENNA, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Stadler has presented three new KISS double-decker trains that will enter service on the City Airport Train, known as CAT, from autumn 2027.

The new vehicles have been developed specifically for airport transfer services between Wien Mitte and Vienna Airport.

The five-car trains will offer around 300 seats, extensive accessibility features and a premium interior designed for passengers travelling to and from the airport.

Stadler said the project demonstrates how a small fleet can still be tailored in detail to meet the requirements of a specific service and brand.

Speaking at a press conference in Vienna, Christian Diewald, CEO of Stadler in Austria, said the project combines high quality, strong comfort standards and a design customised to the CAT brand down to the smallest details.

He said Stadler’s goal, even with a fleet of just three vehicles, was to create trains with a distinctive character.

Passengers will benefit from modern technology, strong performance and proven reliability, he added.

Designed for airport passengers

The new five-car KISS double-decker trains have been configured to meet the needs of airport express passengers.

Michael Forstner, Managing Director of CAT, said the three new premium-class trains will provide a first-class travel experience and set new standards for passengers.

He said the development process focused from the beginning on the needs of airport train users, with particular attention given to comfort, natural materials and a design that creates a sense of well-being.

According to Forstner, the aim is for passengers’ holidays to begin as soon as they board the CAT.

Each train is approximately 133 metres long and will provide around 300 seats, helping create additional capacity as passenger volumes at Vienna Airport continue to grow.

The trains have been designed with special attention to travellers carrying luggage.

Generous luggage storage areas, wide gangways and comfortable low-floor boarding and alighting areas are intended to provide a smooth journey from Vienna city centre to the airport.

The premium interior includes extra-wide seats, free onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets and USB ports at every seat.

A modern passenger information system will provide real-time updates, while a dedicated lighting concept is designed to enhance the onboard atmosphere.

Accessibility was also a key part of the development process.

The trains will include wheelchair spaces, accessible toilet facilities and dedicated areas for prams.

Together with an intuitive wayfinding and passenger guidance system, the vehicles are designed to meet high standards for accessible and comfortable travel.

Passenger service planned from autumn 2027

The three trains were manufactured at Stadler’s production site in St. Margrethen, in eastern Switzerland.

Following completion of works connected to the closure of Vienna’s core rail line, the new CAT trains are scheduled to begin passenger service in autumn 2027.

They will provide a direct, comfortable and fully accessible rail connection between Vienna city centre and Vienna Airport.

Facts about the new CAT trains

The new CAT fleet consists of three five-car KISS double-decker trains.

Each train is approximately 133 metres long and has a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

The trains will offer around 300 seats, spacious luggage storage areas, premium interior design, accessible toilet facilities, wheelchair spaces and pram areas.

They will also feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets and USB ports at every seat, and ambient lighting throughout the passenger area.

With the new KISS trains, Stadler and CAT are preparing to upgrade the airport rail transfer experience in Vienna through increased capacity, improved accessibility and a passenger environment designed specifically for air travellers.

About Stadler

Stadler has been building trains for more than 80 years. The provider of mobility solutions in rolling stock manufacturing, service and signalling technology is headquartered in Bussnang, eastern Switzerland. Around 18,000 employees work at 8 production sites, 6 engineering locations and more than 95 service centres worldwide, including nearly 6,000 in Switzerland. Stadler is the world’s leading manufacturer of vehicles powered by alternative propulsion systems, such as hydrogen and battery technology, as well as rack railway vehicles. The company recognises its responsibility to support sustainable mobility and therefore stands for innovative, sustainable and durable quality products.

Stadler Austria GmbH, headquartered in Vienna, is the central point of contact for the Austrian market within the international Stadler Group. With around 100 employees, Stadler Austria supports engineering, services, sales and customer support activities while strengthening the company’s long-term presence in the Austrian market

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Media contact
Lisa Wissenwasser
Head of Communications
Stadler Austria GmbH
Phone: +43 664 88434156
E-Mail: lisa.wissenwasser@stadlerrail.com
www.stadlerrail.com

SOURCE: Stadler