How International Airports Are Adopting Automated People Movers?

Automated People Mover (APM) systems are specialized transportation systems designed to move large numbers of passengers within airport complexes. These systems are typically automated, driverless, and operate on dedicated tracks or guideways. The primary purpose of APM systems is to enhance the efficiency and convenience of passenger movement between terminals, gates, parking areas, and other facilities within an airport.
Cost Advantages
Operational Efficiency:
- Reduced Need for Buses and Shuttles: Traditional airports rely heavily on buses and shuttles to transport passengers between terminals and gates. APM systems can replace these vehicles, leading to significant reductions in fuel consumption and maintenance expenses.
- Continuous Operation: APM systems are designed to run continuously with minimal downtime, ensuring consistent and reliable service, which enhances overall airport efficiency.
Labor Costs:
- Minimized Need for Drivers: Since APM systems are automated, there is no need for human drivers, which reduces labor costs significantly. This also eliminates the costs associated with driver training, salaries, and benefits.
- Reduced Staffing Requirements: Automation also means fewer staff are needed for operations, further decreasing labor expenses.
Maintenance Costs:
- Lower Long-Term Maintenance Costs: Automated systems are generally designed to be more durable and require less frequent maintenance than traditional vehicles. They also use advanced diagnostics to predict and prevent potential issues before they become significant problems.
- Standardized Components: APM systems often use standardized components, making it easier and cheaper to replace parts when necessary.
Revenue Advantages
Increased Passenger Throughput:
- Enhanced Capacity and Efficiency: APM systems can move large numbers of passengers quickly and efficiently between terminals, reducing congestion and wait times. This can lead to an increase in passenger numbers and, consequently, higher revenue from airport fees.
- Improved Passenger Experience: A smoother and faster transit experience can attract more passengers to the airport, boosting overall traffic and revenue.
Retail Revenue:
- Increased Time in Retail Areas: By reducing the time passengers spend commuting between terminals, APM systems allow more time for shopping and dining. This can lead to higher sales in airport retail and food establishments.
- Enhanced Retail Opportunities: APM stations can be strategically located near retail areas, encouraging passengers to spend more.
Advertising Revenue:
- New Advertising Spaces: APM vehicles and stations provide new opportunities for advertising, which can generate additional revenue for the airport.
- Targeted Advertising: Airports can leverage data from APM systems to offer targeted advertising, increasing the effectiveness and value of ad spaces.
Environmental Advantages
Reduced Emissions:
- Electric Power: Most APM systems are electrically powered, leading to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel-powered buses and shuttles.
- Less Air Pollution: Reduced reliance on fossil fuels means lower emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, improving air quality around the airport.
Energy Efficiency:
- Optimized Operations: APM systems are designed to operate in the most energy-efficient manner, utilizing features like regenerative braking, which captures and reuses energy.
- Sustainable Energy Sources: Many airports are integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to power their APM systems.
Sustainable Design:
- Eco-Friendly Materials: APM systems are often constructed using sustainable materials that have a lower environmental impact over their lifecycle.
- Integration with Green Initiatives: APM systems can be part of broader airport sustainability initiatives, such as green building certifications (e.g., LEED).
Airports with APM Systems
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
- System: Plane Train
- Features: Connects all terminals and concourses, operates 24/7, handles high passenger volumes.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW):
- System: Skylink
- Features: Fully automated, operates above ground, connects all terminals with frequent service intervals.
Denver International Airport (DEN):
- System: Underground Automated Train System
- Features: Serves main terminal and concourses, operates underground, known for its reliability and efficiency.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR):
- System: Heathrow Pod
- Features: Personal rapid transit system, serves specific terminal areas, focuses on sustainability and passenger convenience.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG):
- System: Automated People Mover
- Features: Connects terminals and major airport facilities, designed to handle high passenger loads with minimal wait times.
Airports Planning to Implement APM Systems:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- Planned System: Automated People Mover under construction, expected completion in 2023.
- Features: Will connect terminals with off-site car rental, parking, and transportation facilities.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD):
- Planned Expansions: Includes new APM systems as part of major terminal expansions.
- Features: Aims to improve connectivity between terminals and enhance passenger experience.
Orlando International Airport (MCO):
- Planned Expansions: Expanding existing APM systems as part of new terminal development.
- Features: Focus on sustainability and passenger convenience, integrating with other green transportation options.
Companies Providing APM Systems
Bombardier Transportation (now Alstom):
- Systems: Innovia APM
- Features: Used in many airports worldwide, known for reliability and efficiency.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries:
- Systems: Crystal Mover
- Features: Automated, driverless, used in several major airports.
Siemens Mobility:
- Systems: Airval and Cityval
- Features: Advanced automation technology, energy-efficient designs.
Toshiba:
- Systems: APM Systems
- Features: Known for technological innovation and reliability.
Hitachi Rail:
- Systems: Various APM solutions
- Features: Focus on advanced automation and integration with broader transportation networks.
Technical Value Chain of APM Systems
Design and Planning:
- Feasibility Studies:
- Company Example: Arup - Provides consulting services for feasibility studies, assessing the viability and environmental impact of APM systems.
- System Design:
- Company Example: Bombardier Transportation (Alstom) - Offers comprehensive design services for Innovia APM systems, including route planning and vehicle design.
- Environmental Impact Assessments:
- Company Example: Jacobs Engineering - Conducts environmental impact assessments to ensure compliance with regulations and minimize environmental impact.
- Feasibility Studies:
Manufacturing and Assembly:
- Vehicle Production:
- Company Example: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries - Manufactures the Crystal Mover APM vehicles, known for their advanced technology and reliability.
- Track and Guideway Construction:
- Company Example: Siemens Mobility - Provides construction and installation services for Airval and Cityval track and guideway systems.
- Station Construction:
- Company Example: Hitachi Rail - Constructs APM stations, integrating advanced technology and passenger amenities.
- Vehicle Production:
Installation and Integration:
- System Installation:
- Company Example: Toshiba - Handles the installation of APM systems, including vehicles, tracks, and stations.
- Systems Integration:
- Company Example: Thales Group - Specializes in integrating APM systems with existing airport infrastructure and control systems.
- Testing and Commissioning:
- Company Example: Bombardier Transportation (Alstom) - Conducts extensive testing and commissioning of Innovia APM systems to ensure reliability and safety.
- System Installation:
Operations and Maintenance:
- Operational Management:
- Company Example: Siemens Mobility - Provides operational management services for Airval and Cityval APM systems, including scheduling and dispatching.
- Maintenance Programs:
- Company Example: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries - Offers comprehensive maintenance programs for Crystal Mover APM systems to ensure optimal performance.
- Technical Support:
- Company Example: Hitachi Rail - Provides technical support and troubleshooting for their APM solutions, addressing system malfunctions and emergencies.
- Operational Management:
Upgrades and Expansion:
- System Upgrades:
- Company Example: Thales Group - Delivers system upgrades to incorporate new technologies and enhance efficiency.
- Expansion Projects:
- Company Example: Bombardier Transportation (Alstom) - Plans and executes expansion projects for Innovia APM systems to increase capacity and extend routes.
- System Upgrades:

Overview of the Global Airport Automated People Mover System Market
The global market for Airport Automated People Mover (APM) Systems was valued at USD 898.27 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1,362.58 million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.13% from 2024 to 2030.
Regional Market Insights
North America:
- 2023 Market Value: USD 313.88 million
- 2030 Projected Value: USD 458.37 million
- CAGR: 5.59% (2024-2030)
Asia-Pacific:
- 2023 Market Value: USD 181.00 million
- 2030 Projected Value: USD 309.89 million
- CAGR: 7.85% (2024-2030)
Market Segmentation by Airport Type
- International Airports:
- 2023 Market Value: USD 680.76 million
- 2030 Projected Value: USD 1,051.78 million
- CAGR: 6.42% (2024-2030)
Leading Companies in the Global Market
The major global players in the Airport Automated People Mover System market include:
- Alstom
- Siemens
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- Doppelmayr Cable Car
- Hitachi Rail
- POMA
- Intamin Transportation
In 2023, the top three vendors鈥擜lstom, Siemens, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries鈥攁ccounted for approximately 60% of the global market revenue, indicating a strong concentration of market power among the leading companies.
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