- FlixTrain, a subsidiary of the international travel and technology company Flix SE, has announced an order for 65 new European high-speed trains, marking its largest investment to date. The total investment amounts to 2.4 billion euros, with more than 1 billion euros already committed.
Collaboration with Talgo and Siemens
The new trains will be based on the Talgo 230 technology platform. Spanish Talgo will manufacture the trains and provide selected maintenance services, while Siemens will supply the Vectron locomotives, known for their reliability on European routes. The partnership with two leading European manufacturers guarantees high operational efficiency and technical innovation.
Goal: Expanding into the high-speed market
The investment comes in response to the rapidly growing demand for affordable and fast rail travel. In 2024 alone, FlixTrain increased its offering by 40%, while recording a significant increase in passengers, continuing the upward trend of 2023. The company aims to tap into the huge untapped potential of the European market, estimated at €27 billion in 2023, with an expected annual growth of 4%–5%. In Germany, the high-speed rail market is forecast to grow by 45% by 2030 compared to 2021.
Plan for European expansion
“FlixTrain is entering a new era,” said Andr? Schw?mmlein, CEO and co-founder of Flix. “The major expansion of our fleet will allow us to increase our share, but also contribute to the overall growth of the market.” The new trains, with a maximum speed of 230 km/h, will offer innovations such as barrier-free accessibility, modern passenger information, high-performance Wi-Fi and advanced comfort solutions.
Their European footprint makes them suitable for international traffic, with a flexible platform for rapid growth in many countries. FlixTrain plans to expand into new markets beyond Germany, strengthening the transnational rail map.
Political support and investment interest
The new German government has prioritized investments in rail infrastructure and the reform of access to the rail network, encouraging private investment. Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder said: “We warmly welcome FlixTrain’s investment. It sends a strong signal to the rail market.”
FlixTrain also works with the European Commission, promoting a European rail policy that is more passenger-friendly and environmentally friendly.
An interconnected transport network
Today, through partnerships with regional operators, FlixTrain offers bookings for 650 destinations, with 50 cities directly connected to its network. At the same time, the 300 FlixBus stops in Germany enhance the inter-company intermodal experience, combining intercity routes with high-speed trains.
The overall investment is part of Flix’s long-term strategy for environmentally friendly travel and looks forward to a more competitive, sustainable, and accessible rail sector in Europe.
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