Bombardier, a global leader in transportation solutions, has won a $96 million contract to design, build, operate and maintain its Innovia APM 300 automated people mover system in Jeddah.

The people mover system is for the King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) Development Project in Jeddah, a statement said.

Saudi Binladin Group is the contractor responsible for the design and construction of the KAIA Development Project and was awarded its contract by the Saudi Arabian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in 2011. KAIA is expanding its existing passenger facilities with an additional passenger terminal building to meet the requirements of rising passenger volumes.

The new Innovia APM 300 system will serve as the backbone for the smooth transportation of passengers between terminal areas at KAIA. Completion of the system is scheduled for the start of 2014.

Bombardier's recently established wholly-owned subsidiary in Saudi Arabia will act as subcontractor to Saudi Binladin Group, leading the project to design and supply all of the system-wide Electrical and Mechanical (E&M) elements for the 1.5 kilometre, dual guideway automated people mover (APM) system, including 10 Innovia APM 300 cars with Bombardier Cityflo 650 automatic train control technology for driverless operation as well as providing project management, systems engineering and integration, testing and commissioning.

In addition, Bombardier will provide operation and maintenance services for four years followed by a two-year discretionary option to extend to 2020. Much of the technology will be supplied from Bombardier’s facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

“Our new generation Innovia APM 300 system will delight airport passengers with its sleek design and exceptional ride quality, and support the airport operator with its highly reliable service,” stated Serge Van Themsche, VP for Europe, Middle East, Africa & Brazil, Systems division of Bombardier Transportation.

This new generation APM offers increased passenger capacity in a state-of-the-art lightweight and recyclable aluminum carbody, higher top speed up to 80 km/h while meeting ever increasing industry standards for safety and sustainability. The sleek, aerodynamic vehicle can operate in coupled trains of up to six cars and with many options for interior and exterior finishes including several modular end caps.

The APM’s advanced suspension and guidance system reduce noise and vibration to achieve exceptional ride quality. The propulsion system allows the vehicles to operate at speeds up to 80 km/h. When paired with the Cityflo 650 automatic train control (ATC) system – an innovative communications-based ATC technology – the Innovia APM 300 system can achieve shorter headways and highly efficient operations.-TradeArabia News Service