OREANDA-NEWS. Aeroexpress attended the VIII International Business Forum of the 1520 Strategic Partnership, one of the most important business events in the rail industry. The Forum took place in Sochi from 29 to 31 May 2013.

Participation in the 1520 Strategic Partnership Forum has become a good tradition for Aeroexpress. The company has attended the event for two consecutive years.

This year, Aeroexpress representatives paid special attention to the Design in Machine Engineering section of the Forum programme, which was dedicated to train cars’ exterior and interior design and the creation of innovative interiors. The presentation on the new KISS-based double-deck trains, which Aeroexpress expects to put into operation in 2015, was a major event at the Forum. Matthias Stцhr, Stadler Sales Director for CIS, made this presentation. During the Forum section, Vladimir Shneidmuller, Deputy CEO and Technical Director of Transmashholding, also gave a presentation on AERO trains. Both models became examples of advanced design technologies, successfully implemented by Aeroexpress, in the rail transport industry.

“The development and creation of innovative rolling stock interiors are currently issues of particular interest for our company. In 2015, we are putting double-deck electric trains into service for the first time in Russia. This is a very important stage in the development of both our company and the rail industry as a whole,” stated Alexey Krivoruchko, CEO of Aeroexpress. “Ever since the company was established, it has been focused on applying the most advanced technologies and innovations, as well as constantly improving the quality of services rendered. The 1520 Forum is a vital platform for sharing experience in this industry. Therefore, we were happy to meet our industry colleagues and share ideas with respect to making travel conditions even more comfortable for passengers.”

We recall that Aeroexpress and Stadler signed the contract for delivering double-deck rolling stock on 28 May 2013. As agreed, Stadler shall deliver a total of 172 double-deck trains to Russia. The first trains will be put into service in 2015. By May 2016, 118 cars will be delivered according to the main contract. The 1520 Strategic Partnership Forum is a specialised international forum on key issues relating to the rail industry and is a major platform for rail business leaders to gather. This event entails over 20 different discussion and interactive formats, involving ministers, legislators, executives with industry-oriented state agencies, rolling stock operators, engineering enterprises, and expeditors, as well as executives from RZD and other national rail authorities. In 2013, the main issues of discussion at the Forum include the development of a business model for a national carrier and the creation of an organisational model for the rail transport market.