Recaro Rail and FlixTrain develop ‘the next generation of railway seating’

EUROPE: FlixTrain is to install more than 40 000 Vela Pax seats from Polish manufacturer Recaro Rail across its existing fleet and new trains. The first series deliveries began this year, and the programme runs until the end of 2028.

An ergonomically designed backrest was developed to meet the operator’s specific needs while continuing to follow Recaro’s traditional design language.

The supplier says the result is a curved back shell design that reduces weight and provides additional space for passengers. The incorporation of a fixed back shell preserves passenger space while travellers are using the five-stage recline system.

The leather headrest will feature a reading light. Each seat will feature a large tray table with three built-in size options for passengers who bring their own devices.

Seats for the retrofit programme which is underway now will feature a light grey trim and finish. Seats for new-build stock will feature a modern colour palette of light green and anthracite, with a scheduled service date of 2028.

‘Partnering with FlixTrain is a major milestone for the entire Recaro Rail team as we continue to expand our footprint’, said Recaro Rail CEO René Dankwerth. ‘This collaboration sets us on a clear path to meet our growth targets and bring the next generation of comfort to the railway industry.’

Flix Mobility CEO André Schwämmlein said ‘we haven’t just secured a product that meets our standards, we’re also partnering with a great team that shares our vision for train travel in the future’.