Keisei AE series (2009)


The Keisei AE series is a DC electric multiple unit train type operated by the private railway operator Keisei Electric Railway on Skyliner limited express services to and from Narita International Airport in Japan via the Narita Sky Access Line. The first set was delivered in May 2009, and entered service in July 2010, replacing the Keisei AE100 series EMUs previously used on these services.

Design

Each 8-car set consists of six motored cars and two trailers. The trains are the first Keisei trains to use bolsterless bogies, and the end cars are equipped with active suspension. The train design and styling was overseen by Japanese fashion designer Kansai Yamamoto. The musical horn and in-train announcement melody are provided by Casiopea keyboardist and Ongakukan CEO Minoru Mukaiya.
The AE series design won the "Good Design Award" in 2010, and in May 2011 was awarded the 2011 Blue Ribbon Award, presented annually by the Japan Railfan Club.

Formation

, the fleet consists of eight 8-car sets formed as shown below with car 1 at the Narita end.
Car No.12345678
DesignationM2cM1M2NM1'T2T1M2sM1c
Numberingx-1x-2x-3x-4x-5x-6x-7x-8

Interior

All cars are monoclass, with 2+2 abreast rotating/reclining seating. Car 4 has a drink vending machine. Car 5 is equipped with a universal access toilet and also a wheelchair space.

History

The AE series entered revenue service on Skyliner services from 17 July 2010.

Build details

The manufacturers and delivery dates for the fleet are as shown below.
Set No.ManufacturerDate delivered
1Nippon Sharyo27 August 2009
2Tokyu Car19 March 2010
3Nippon Sharyo26 March 2010
4Tokyu Car26 March 2010
5Nippon Sharyo1 July 2010
6Tokyu Car14 May 2010
7Nippon Sharyo6 July 2010
8Tokyu Car8 July 2010
9Nippon SharyoAugust 2019