Alstom’s APM Carries First Passengers Across New Phoenix Airport Extension 

Alstom successfully delivered the extension to the PHX Sky Train® automated people mover (APM) system at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, providing airport connections to the light rail train system and the rental car center.

The extension to the PHX Sky Train® provides not only increased capacity, but also more multimodal and accessible connections between the city of Phoenix and the airport, as well as an enhanced overall airport experience for domestic and international travelers.

Under the scope of its contract for the 2.5-mile extension, Alstom delivered a full turnkey solution comprised of electro-mechanical and guideway equipment, expansion of the current maintenance and storage facility, a maintenance recovery vehicle, retrofitted the wayside signaling system, and upgraded vehicles already in operation today.

In addition, 24 new Innovia APM 200 vehicles allow for three-car trains, up from two-car trains, which means being able to move more passengers more comfortably and more quickly in and around the airport facilities. Alstom delivered the extension, while maintaining current operations of the PHX Sky Train® throughout construction and testing, with no impact to availability or reliability of the system.

“Our partnership with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is grounded in a shared vision and commitment to improve passenger connectivity” says Michael Keroullé, president of Alstom Americas. “The complexity of this extension project was tied to the need to maintain airport connectivity services aligned with passenger expectations during construction and especially at the time of integrating the extension to the existing system. What we have achieved today demonstrates the power of a great and collaborative partnership with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, an important asset as we continue to operate and maintain the expanded Sky Train system for the years to come.”

Alstom’s relationship with the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport dates to 2009 and the construction of the first phase of the PHX Sky Train. For phase 1 construction, Alstom designed and supplied all electrical and mechanical equipment, a maintenance facility, and 18 Innovia APM 200 vehicles.

Additionally, since 2013, Alstom has operated and maintained the PHX Sky Train® since it first started carrying passengers — 24 hours per day and 365 days a year — and will continue to operate and maintain the entire 4.2-mile system for the next 10 years. The PHX Sky Train® has a proven track record, achieving near flawless performance — consistently over 99.5% availability — since the system opened. This is the third installation of Innovia APM 200, following Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Heathrow Terminal 5 Transit.