FlixTrain will install more than 40,000 Vela Pax seats from Polish manufacturer Recaro Rail across its existing fleet and new trains, with first series deliveries underway this year and the programme running until the end of 2028.

The order covers two workstreams. A retrofit programme, already underway, fits the seats to FlixTrain's existing fleet in a light grey trim and finish. Seats for new-build stock follow a different colour palette of light green and anthracite, with a scheduled service date of 2028.

The deal marks one of the largest single seating commitments in the European open-access passenger market, and pairs Flix Mobility — the parent of FlixBus and FlixTrain — with a supplier better known in the aviation seating sector before its rail expansion.

What does the Vela Pax seat change for passengers?

Recaro Rail developed an ergonomically designed backrest to meet the operator's specific needs while continuing the supplier's traditional design language. The company says the result is a curved back shell design that reduces weight and provides additional space for passengers.

The seat incorporates a fixed back shell, which means reclining does not push into the space of the passenger seated behind. The five-stage recline system operates within that fixed envelope.

Passenger-facing features include:

• a leather headrest with an integrated reading light;
• a large tray table with three built-in size options, aimed at passengers bringing their own devices.

Weight reduction matters at fleet scale: lighter seating lowers energy consumption per train and frees payload margin, though Recaro has not published quantified weight savings for the Vela Pax.

What have the two companies said?

'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 framed the deal in terms of both product and partnership. '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,' he said.

Both statements are supplier and operator claims. The service date of 2028 for new-build stock will be checked against FlixTrain's wider fleet plans, which include a substantial train order placed with Talgo in May 2025 to support its European expansion ambitions — the Talgo 230 order that underpins much of the operator's growth outlook.

Why the seating deal fits FlixTrain's expansion

FlixTrain has positioned itself to attract new riders to rail across Germany and wider Europe, competing on price and onboard experience against incumbent operators. Standardised, weight-optimised seating across both retrofitted and new vehicles supports that model by controlling per-seat cost while raising comfort levels — a combination the operator needs if it is to convert coach passengers and new entrants to rail travel.

For Recaro Rail, the FlixTrain contract extends its footprint in the rail market and anchors its production through 2028, with series deliveries already running this year under the retrofit programme.

Deliveries continue through the end of 2028, with the light green and anthracite new-build seats entering scheduled service in that year.