This week, leaders of the Association of European Rail Rolling stock Lessors (AERRL) and the International Union of Railways (UIC) have met at Innotrans, with the aim of identifying potential common areas of interest and exploring the possibility of AERRL joining UIC as an affiliate member.
Founded in 2021 to represent railway rolling stock lessors at European level, AERRL is already involved in various European working groups. Nevertheless, the association may be looking to take the next step in contributing to the continued strengthening of the sector and the improvement of its competitiveness through enhanced cooperation with other stakeholders. The AERRL Chair and Vice-Chair, along with the UIC Director General and Director of the Railway System Department, met at Innotrans to discuss potential areas of collaboration, paving the way for AERRL’s possible affiliate membership.
UIC and AERRL have identified several key areas on which they could potentially work together and contribute to the development of European railway transport, with UIC providing a framework, including:
- Applying the Entity in Charge of Maintenance Regulation (ECM)
- Promoting innovation to replace diesel traction
- Facilitating electric energy recording and invoicing across Europe
- Exchanging information on FRMCS
AERRL Chair Fabien Rochefort: “Now more than ever before, the railway sector has a need to develop and share common knowledge and expertise. AERRL’s intention is to contribute to improving the efficiency and reliability of railways to accelerate the modal shift to rail. AERRL looks forward to starting this partnership with UIC.”
UIC Director General François Davenne: “The constructive discussion we had today with AERRL opens the door to key stakeholders, such as rolling stock lessors, being more deeply involved in UIC’s technical cooperation process. I eagerly await their application for membership!”.
