FlixTrain Has Chosen Recaro Rail for Seat Upgrade
The operator will install 40,000 new seats across its European fleet by the end of 2028.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Business Travel
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FlixTrain has partnered with manufacturer Recaro Rail to refresh its passenger seating. More than 40,000 Vela Pax seats will be installed across the company's existing fleet and new-build trains.
Why it matters
The operator initiated this fleet-wide seating replacement to prioritize specific ergonomic requirements and modernized interior design standards for its rail passengers.
The installation includes seats featuring a 5-stage recline system and integrated tray tables with three distinct size options. The design incorporates a fixed back shell to maintain passenger space while the seat is reclined.
The players
FlixTrain
This private rail operator provides long-distance passenger train services across several European countries.
Recaro Rail
This specialized manufacturer produces high-performance seating systems specifically engineered for the global rail industry.
The details
The seating retrofit program utilizes two distinct color schemes, with light grey trim applied to existing train stock and a light green and anthracite palette reserved for new-build units. The seat backrest design features materials engineered to reduce overall weight across the train carriages.
Timeline
First series deliveries of the new seats began in 2026.
The full installation program is scheduled for completion in 2028.
New-build trains equipped with the seats will enter service in 2028.
Travel Outlook
The adoption of the Recaro Rail Vela Pax seating line represents a shift toward standardized, lightweight interior components in the competitive European rail market. This move mirrors broader industry efforts to balance passenger comfort with fuel-saving weight reduction targets.
Passengers can expect more consistent comfort and ergonomics across the FlixTrain network as the retrofit program progresses through 2028. Travelers will also benefit from updated device-friendly tray tables tailored to accommodate three different size options for personal electronics.
The takeaway
Weight-efficient seating designs help operators manage energy consumption while simultaneously offering travelers improved personal space and functionality. Upgrading to modular seat designs allows rail companies to maintain long-term comfort standards across diverse train age profiles.
Further reading
For more on the evolving standards of passenger comfort, visit Business Travel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Railway Gazette International.
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