© Alpha Trains
- Locomotives News
- 08. July 2025
- Alpha Trains
Get on board with Paolo Vanz
On every track our local people make the difference!
What do you do at Alpha Trains Group and how long have you been working there?
I am a Senior Fleet Manager, responsible for overseeing the fleet in Italy. My day-to-day involves everything from supporting customers and suppliers to keeping an eye on the fleet, managing contracts with suppliers overseeing deliveries of locomotives to customers, coordinating heavy maintenance projects, implementing fleet modifications and upgrades and, last but not least, even helping out with commercial deals. It is a busy, fast-paced role, and I love it. The proof? I have been part of the Alpha Trains family for 17 years and counting!
Why did you choose to join Alpha Trains?
I first encountered Alpha Trains as a customer – it was already the leading lessor in Europe – and the opportunity to join felt like an exciting challenge. After six years in the railway industry working for a locomotive manufacturer, I was ready to explore a new side of the business. Transitioning from a purely technical role to one focused on fleet management was a big and exciting step.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love building strong relationships with customers and suppliers, helping them in finding solutions. With 20 years in the Italian railway sector, I know the industry and its people well, which helps me finding solutions quickly and effectively. Beyond the work itself, I really enjoy the atmosphere at Alpha Trains: the team spirit, the human culture, and very supportive colleagues. It truly feels like a family, not just a workplace.
What are the specific characteristics of the Italian market? Are there specific needs?
The Italian railway market has a long history, with most of the network being electrified for many years. Today, the competition is intense, and customers increasingly demand a full-service package, so they do not have to deal with multiple suppliers. We are up to speed with these demands, and while we do not perform the maintenance ourselves, we manage contracts directly on behalf of our customers, with trusted and reliable partners, to offer them the convenience they are looking for.
What is your favorite locomotive and why?
That would be the Bombardier E483. It is an electric locomotive homologated for Italy, and I worked with it closely for many years. It feels like part of my life!
How do you define customer satisfaction?
Customer satisfaction is about finding the right solutions through open communication and collaboration. At Alpha Trains, our strong relationships, solution-oriented mindset and consistent support set us apart. That is why so many customers choose to work with us: they know they can count on Alpha Trains.