Atlanta Airport Gets New “Plane Train”: Alstom Delivers

United States – May 8, 2025

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), a titan among global aviation hubs, is set to further enhance its renowned “Plane Train” system with the arrival of state-of-the-art rolling stock. French mobility giant Alstom has commenced delivery of the first of 29 new Innovia APM R (Automated People Mover – Rubber-tired) trains, a significant milestone in an $87 million project. This initiative, Alstom’s largest APM replacement contract to date and its second-largest APM undertaking in the Americas, underscores a commitment to modernizing passenger transit within one of the world’s busiest airports. The introduction of these advanced vehicles is not merely a fleet renewal; it represents a strategic investment aimed at bolstering operational reliability, increasing system capacity to accommodate projected passenger growth, and ensuring a seamless transit experience for the millions of travelers navigating the sprawling airport complex annually. This development signals a continued evolution in airport infrastructure, prioritizing efficiency and passenger satisfaction through cutting-edge automated transit solutions.

Elevating Transit at the World’s Busiest Crossroads

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) consistently ranks as one of the most heavily trafficked airports globally, having processed over 108 million passengers in 2024 alone. Central to its operational efficiency is the “Plane Train,” an indispensable Automated People Mover (APM) system that connects the airport’s concourses and terminals. With ever-increasing passenger volumes and ongoing airport expansion projects, the demand on this critical infrastructure is immense. The introduction of Alstom’s new Innovia APM R fleet is a direct response to this challenge, designed not only to replace aging rolling stock but also to significantly enhance the system’s capacity. This upgrade is pivotal for the “Plane Train” extension project, which aims to improve throughput and streamline multimodal connections, ensuring ATL can maintain its status as a leading international gateway while providing a fluid and efficient passenger journey.

Innovia APM R: Engineering for Enhanced Passenger Experience and Operational Excellence

The latest generation Innovia APM R trains delivered to Atlanta represent a significant advancement in automated transit technology. Constructed with lightweight aluminum frames, these vehicles meet rigorous industry safety and sustainability standards. A core design imperative for these new APMs is the enhancement of system reliability and a marked reduction in the likelihood of operational failures, critical attributes for maintaining passenger flow in an environment as dynamic as Hartsfield-Jackson. The fleet is engineered for high passenger throughput, with train formations designed to be capable of transporting up to 900 passengers. This capacity is essential for alleviating congestion and efficiently moving large volumes of travelers between the airport’s sprawling concourses. Beyond sheer capacity, the Innovia APM R vehicles incorporate modern passenger comfort features and advanced information systems, contributing to a superior and less stressful journey for airport users. The emphasis on sustainability is also evident, with considerations for energy-efficient operation and the use of durable, long-life materials.

A Strategic Partnership: Alstom and Atlanta’s Enduring Connection

The delivery of these new Innovia APM R trains marks another chapter in the long-standing relationship between Alstom and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This current $87 million project is not only Alstom’s largest APM replacement contract but also its second-largest APM project in the Americas, highlighting the strategic importance of this collaboration. This is the third order for Innovia APM vehicles from the airport, bringing the total number of Alstom APM cars supplied to ATL to 63. This enduring partnership, spanning over four decades, reflects the airport’s continued trust in Alstom’s technology and expertise to deliver reliable and efficient transit solutions. As Alstom Americas President Michael Keroulle stated, “Alstom’s new Innovia APM vehicles will help the airport enhance capacity, support its expansion, and ensure travellers can smoothly embark on their next adventure or return home to their families.” This investment is integral to ATL’s broader strategy of modernization and expansion to meet future demands.

Powering American Mobility: Domestic Manufacturing and Global APM Leadership

A noteworthy aspect of this project is Alstom’s commitment to local manufacturing. The Innovia APM R vehicles for Atlanta are being constructed at Alstom’s primary manufacturing facility in North America, located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. This domestic production underscores Alstom’s investment in the U.S. (United States) industrial base and its capacity to deliver complex transit systems leveraging American expertise and labor. Beyond Atlanta, Alstom’s APM systems are a familiar sight, currently operational at 15 airports across the U.S. and deployed in over 30 systems worldwide. This global footprint includes 13 of the world’s busiest airports, demonstrating Alstom’s leadership and extensive experience in the specialized field of automated airport transit. The successful deployment and ongoing development of the Innovia platform solidify Alstom’s position as a key provider of advanced mobility solutions for critical infrastructure worldwide.

Conclusions

In summary, Alstom’s delivery of the first new Innovia APM R trains to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport represents a significant upgrade to a critical piece of airport infrastructure. This development is far more than a simple fleet renewal; it is a strategic move designed to bolster the “Plane Train’s” operational resilience, significantly increase its passenger-carrying capacity, and elevate the overall transit experience for the millions who pass through the world’s busiest air hub. The technological advancements embedded in the Innovia APM R, from its lightweight, sustainable design to its focus on minimizing service disruptions, are tailored to meet the rigorous demands of ATL. This project not only reinforces the four-decade-long partnership between Alstom and the airport but also highlights Alstom’s prominent role in the North American APM market, supported by its manufacturing presence in Pennsylvania.

Ultimately, this initiative underscores a broader trend in the aviation industry: the continuous pursuit of enhanced efficiency and passenger satisfaction through investment in advanced, automated transit solutions. For Hartsfield-Jackson, these new trains are crucial for supporting its ongoing expansion and maintaining its status as a leading global gateway. For passengers, it promises a more reliable, comfortable, and seamless journey through the airport. As airports worldwide grapple with growing passenger numbers, the successful implementation of projects like the Innovia APM R deployment in Atlanta serves as a benchmark for future infrastructure development, ensuring that ground transit capabilities evolve in lockstep with aviation demands. This ensures that the journey on the ground is as smooth and advanced as the journey in the air.

Company Summaries:

Alstom:
Alstom is a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, developing and marketing systems, equipment, and services for the transport sector. The company offers a comprehensive range of solutions, from high-speed trains, metros, and monorails to integrated systems, customized services, infrastructure, signaling, and digital mobility. With a strong presence worldwide, Alstom is committed to innovation and providing efficient, environmentally friendly transportation solutions.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a major international airport located in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. (United States). It is consistently ranked among the busiest airports in the world by passenger traffic and number of landings and take-offs. ATL serves as a primary hub for Delta Air Lines and is a focus city for several other airlines, connecting passengers to a vast network of domestic and international destinations. The airport is a significant economic engine for the region and is known for its extensive facilities and efficient passenger transit systems, including the “Plane Train.”