Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports, has taken a significant step toward modernizing its domestic passenger transportation service. The first Alstom Innovia APM 87R automated (driverless) train car ordered as part of an $300 million deal signed last year has been delivered to the airport.
The agreement, signed in 2023, included 29 rubber-tired train cars for passenger transport between the airport’s terminals. Alstom is manufacturing these cars at its Pennsylvania facility, in line with the specified delivery schedule. These new-generation train cars offer reliability, energy efficiency and advanced technology to meet the needs of large and busy transportation hubs.
Fleet Delivery On Track
According to a statement by Alstom, the remaining 28 vehicles on order are planned to be delivered to Atlanta Airport by the end of 2025. The full integration of the new fleet into the airport’s existing infrastructure is targeted to be completed in 2026. The company predicts that with the commissioning of the Innovia APM 300R system, passenger flow within the airport will improve significantly and operational costs will also decrease.
Atlanta Airport Focuses on Automation
The automatic control system and advanced digital architecture of the new train carriages will significantly simplify maintenance processes. Thanks to the driverless operation capability, the new trains will provide seamless, safe and punctual connections between airport terminals. Alstom emphasizes that the Innovia APM 300R system has been designed in line with long-term modernization goals. This project is already considered a benchmark for innovation in US airport logistics.
Alstom's Market Power Grows
This important partnership further strengthens Alstom’s strong position in the transportation technology market and highlights the increasing demand for autonomous systems in the aviation sector. This strategic move by Atlanta Airport could set an example for other major airports and pave the way for similar automation projects to become widespread in the future.
