Alstom bags APM system contact for KA International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Metro Rail Today): Alstom has secured a significant contract for the enhancement and expansion of the Innovia automated people mover (APM) system at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This project marks a crucial step in accommodating the airport's projected passenger growth, expected to exceed 100 million by 2030.

Under the contract, Alstom will undertake a full system upgrade of Jeddah's International Airport Terminal 1 People Mover. This includes the addition of four new state-of-the-art Innovia APM cars to the existing fleet of ten. Additionally, the project encompasses upgrades to signalling and communication systems, implementation of platform screen doors, cybersecurity enhancements, and the establishment of a new Operation Control Room. The APM cars will be equipped with the Cityflo 650 CBTC solution, designed to meet stringent safety and reliability standards.

This expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, focusing on sustainable transportation. By enhancing the Innovia APM system, the airport aims to reduce transport emissions, enhance capacity, and support the nation's transformation into a global logistics hub. The upgraded system is expected to increase capacity by approximately 90% from the current system.

Mohamed Khalil, Managing Director of Alstom in Saudi Arabia, emphasized the significance of this upgrade in enriching the transit experience at King Abdulaziz International Airport. He highlighted the role of Alstom in supporting the nation's promotion of tourism and modernization efforts. Alstom's commitment to bolstering operational efficiency at Jeddah Airport Company (JEDCO) underscores its long-term partnership in the region's development.

Since 2020, King Abdulaziz International Airport has benefited from Alstom's Innovia APM system under a full operation and maintenance contract. Alstom's expertise in automated people mover design, construction, operations, and maintenance has been instrumental in enhancing airport mobility.

With over 70 years of commitment to Saudi Arabia, Alstom continues to be a key mobility partner in the region. The collaboration between global teams from Bangkok, Pittsburgh, and Saudi Arabia reflects Alstom's leadership in airport mobility solutions and its strong partnership with Jeddah Airport Company.

Alstom's Innovia APM system, known for its fully automated, driverless operation, has been crucial in meeting the needs of the world's busiest cities and airports. The system at Jeddah airport has consistently demonstrated high availability rates, transporting over 13 million passengers in the last year with an availability rate exceeding 99%.