ADY signed a $US 133m contract with Stadler in June 2014 for 30 coaches, which will be formed into three sets of 10 cars, with an option for 70 additional vehicles.

The order comprises three dining cars, three first class cars with 16 berths and a toilet/shower cubicle in each compartment; 18 second class cars with 34 berths and a toilet/shower compartment; 18 composite first/second class cars sleeping 20 passengers; and a special car with guard’s compartment, 16 second class berths and a compartment for passengers with reduced mobility.

The vehicles are equipped with RAFIL/DBAG type V adjustable wheelsets to enable operation on the 1520mm-gauge networks of Azerbaijan and Georgia and the 1435mm-gauge system in Turkey. The trains will switch between broad and standard-gauge at Akhalkalaki on the Georgian-Turkish border.

A first-class car is on display in the outdoor area at InnoTrans. All 30 coaches are due to be delivered to ADY by the middle of next year.