KfW IPEX-Bank and Nordic Investment Bank ( NIB ) are among the lenders financing the acquisition of new high-speed trains for A-Train AB's Arlanda Express, a non-stop railway connection between Stockholm Central Station and Arlanda Airport.

The 728 million kronor ( US$75.35 million ) loan, with a tenor of six to eight years, will be used to acquire seven new electric high-speed multiple-unit trains. The trains will replace the existing fleet by 2030, with the original trains to be kept as backups. 

The new trains will boost seating capacity by 50% while increasing departure frequency from four departures per hour to six. The upgrade is expected to support growing passenger volumes, which are projected to rise from 22 million to 40 million by 2050 due to regional population growth and increased travel.

“We are pleased to support A-Train AB in their ambitious project to enhance the Arlanda Express service. By increasing access to fast and reliable rail services, we are supporting Sweden’s national transport strategy and contributing to the overall economic growth and social well-being of the region,” says André Küüsvek, president and chief executive officer of NIB.

A-Train AB was formed as part of a public-private partnership to build and operate the Arlanda Line. Since 1999, A-Train has held the exclusive right to operate the train service, initially under a concession agreement set to expire in 2040, which was extended to 2050. A-Train is owned by two Australian pension funds, STC Pooled Fund and Australian Retirement Funds, and Chinese investment company Gingko Tree Investment Fund.