Bombardier Transportation was awarded a contract worth US$96 million with Saudi construction firm, Saudi Binladin Group, to design, build, operate and maintain its Innovia APM 300 automated people mover system for the King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) Development Project in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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 transportation of passengers between terminal areas at KAIA. Completion of the system is scheduled for the start of 2014, according to a company statement.
Bombardier's recently set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in Saudi Arabia that 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 1.5km, 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.
Serge Van Themsche, Vice President for Europe, Middle East, Africa & Brazil, Systems division of Bombardier Transportation, said: "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."
Themsche added: "Our second contract in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia confirms our commitment to build local skill to help realize Saudi Arabia's ambitious urban transport aspirations."
