A ride reimagined as Viennese salon culture

At the heart of the design philosophy lies the reinterpretation of the Viennese Salon: inseparably tied to the city's tradition, yet equally a symbol of progress, openness, and new ideas – an exclusivity that excludes no one. We translated this idea consistently into the interior. Distinct zones with a first-class feel create space for relaxing, working, or engaging in conversation – on seemingly floating cantilever premium seats, distributed lounge furniture, or in standing and leaning areas. Warm colours, refined wood, elegant textiles, and a dynamic lighting concept that adapts to time of day and weather come together into an atmosphere that turns the short journey into an experience.

Comfort that works for everyone. The step-free lower deck of the double-decker carriages and a flexible fit-out concept make the new CAT "designed for all." Open welcome areas in the spirit of the classic vestibule, along with a dedicated zone for families and people with special needs, define the centrally located carriage. Across five double-decker carriages, around 300 passengers commute comfortably between the airport and the city.

This approach continues in the exterior as well: clear lines and colour design define the livery of the KISS4 trains built by Swiss manufacturer Stadler, making the fast, comfortable connection between airport and city recognisable at first glance. The ticket terminals in the airport's arrival area carry this same design language – clearly structured, they announce the third generation's interior before passengers even reach the train.

The idea of the salon also continues in the passenger information system. What was once a purely functional information offering becomes a travel service that feels seamless, intuitive, and effortless – reducing stress and improving orientation throughout the journey. A clear separation between advertising and passenger information, combined with dynamic content modules that respond contextually to each situation, closes the gap between touchpoints and turns conventional advertising screens into brand surfaces that make CAT itself the sender – for a passenger experience as considered as the space it moves through.