Alstom Secures 5-Year, €140M Contract for Atlanta Airport Plane Train

Alstom has secured a five-year contract extension valued at approximately €140 million ($160 million USD) to continue the operation and maintenance of the Plane Train system at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The agreement with the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation ensures the continued functionality of one of the most critical infrastructure components at the world's busiest airport.

The Plane Train is an Automated People Mover (APM) system that serves as the primary artery for passenger movement, connecting the main domestic terminal with all seven concourses. Its reliability is paramount to the airport's efficiency, a fact underscored by its record-breaking performance in 2025. According to an Alstom Press Release, the system transported an all-time high of 95 million passengers last year, highlighting its essential role in managing massive passenger volumes.

Under the terms of the extension, Alstom's responsibilities include 24/7 operations, maintenance, and cleaning of the APM system. The contract directly supports nearly 140 local jobs in Atlanta, providing continued employment for the skilled workforce that manages the system. This workforce is responsible for maintaining the fleet of vehicles and the 2.8-mile-long underground tunnel infrastructure.

A Partnership Over Four Decades

This contract extension reinforces a long-standing relationship between Alstom and the city of Atlanta that dates back to the system's inception. The ATL Plane Train first began operations in September 1980, establishing the underground transit loop that has been in continuous service for over 45 years. This latest agreement marks another chapter in this enduring partnership.

Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, commented on the long history, emphasizing the company's commitment to the airport's mission. "Our 40-plus year partnership with Atlanta is a testament to our shared commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient mobility for millions of passengers," he stated. Kenny Williams, ATL's Airport Transportation Systems Director, echoed this sentiment, noting that the investment benefits both travelers and the local economy. "This investment supports not only seamless passenger mobility but also the skilled local workforce essential to the airport's success," Williams said.

Upgrading for Future Capacity

The renewal is part of a broader industry trend of upgrading legacy airport transit infrastructure to cope with record passenger demand. Beyond maintaining the existing system, Alstom is actively involved in modernizing the Plane Train fleet. The company is contracted to supply 63 new Innovia APM R vehicles, which will augment the current fleet and increase the number of trains operating per hour. This fleet renewal is a crucial step in preparing ATL for future growth and ensuring the APM system can handle projected increases in passenger traffic.

The integration of these new vehicles will occur during the five-year term of the new maintenance contract, representing a significant capital improvement for the airport. This modernization effort is overseen by the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation, the municipal authority responsible for managing the contract and ensuring the APM meets stringent safety and capacity standards.

What Comes Next

Over the next five years, the primary focus will be on maintaining the system's high operational standards while seamlessly integrating the new fleet of 63 Innovia APM R vehicles. Alstom and the City of Atlanta have confirmed this integration as a key milestone within the contract period. This phased rollout will be critical to boosting the system's overall capacity without disrupting daily operations for the millions of passengers who rely on it.

The successful deployment of the new vehicles is expected to enhance service frequency and reduce wait times between concourses, further solidifying the Plane Train's role as a benchmark for airport transit systems worldwide.

Why This Matters

This €140 million contract is more than a routine maintenance agreement; it represents a significant, ongoing investment in the core infrastructure of the world's busiest airport. For passengers, it ensures the reliability of a transit system essential for making connections. For the industry, it highlights the growing importance of modernizing and maintaining ground transportation systems as airports globally struggle to manage post-pandemic traffic surges and plan for future expansion.