The is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) 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 Keisei Narita Airport Line.Keisei press release: "ルート愛称名を「成田スカイアクセス」に決定しました" (December 2009) . Retrieved 18 December 2009. 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 nine 8-car sets formed as shown below with car 1 at the Narita end.
Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Designation M2c M1 M2N M1' T2 T1 M2s M1c Numbering x-1 x-2 x-3 x-4 x-5 x-6 x-7 x-8 Cars 2, 4, 6, and 8 are each fitted with a single-arm pantograph. The "x" in the individual car numbering corresponds to the set number (1 to 9).
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. Manufacturer Date delivered 1 Nippon Sharyo 27 August 2009 2 Tokyu Car 19 March 2010 3 Nippon Sharyo 26 March 2010 4 Tokyu Car 5 Nippon Sharyo 1 July 2010 6 Tokyu Car 14 May 2010 7 Nippon Sharyo 6 July 2010 8 Tokyu Car 8 July 2010 9 Nippon Sharyo 5 September 2019
See also E259 series, trains used on competing JR East Narita Express services
References
External links
Official site Keisei AE series (Japan Railfan Magazine Online) New Skyliner information on Nippon Sharyo website