Fraport has awarded the contract for the construction of the new people-mover system at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany to a bidding consortium comprising Siemens, Max Bögl Group and Keolis.
Along with the people-mover system itself – consisting of vehicles, control systems, and energy supply – the contract also covers construction of part of the track system and the full track equipment. The order volume totals around €300m (US$368m), comprising delivery of the system and its operational management for up to 10 years.
The new system will initially consist of 12 self-driven electric trains, each with two coupled coaches. As with the existing Sky Line people mover, two different passenger groups will be transported separately. Originating and Schengen transfer passengers will be able to use the publicly accessible section, while non-Schengen transfer passengers ride separately in the second coach.
The new shuttles will cover nearly 200,000km (124,274 miles) per month and can transport up to 4,000 passengers per hour in each direction. This includes airline passengers, meeters and greeters, airport staff, airport visitors and shoppers. The maximum speed on the line is around 80km/h (50mph) and at peak times, the system will run between the stations every 120 seconds.
Stefan Schulte, Fraport AG’s executive board chairman, said, “With the consortium consisting of Siemens, Max Bögl and Keolis, we have found a reliable provider for our new people-mover system at Frankfurt Airport.
“The contract is a key strategic milestone in efficiently linking our future Terminal 3 with the existing Terminals 1 and 2 and the airport’s public transportation network, including the long-distance and regional train stations.
“The new people-mover system will enhance the airport experience for our customers and thus strengthen Frankfurt Airport’s role as a transportation hub over the long run.”
The 5,600m (18,372ft) line is being built as a double-track system. Trains will run on elevated tracks in the terminal areas and at ground level in the aircraft approach area for the Center and South Runways. When the system goes into operation, three stations will be served.
The station at Terminal 1 will be a new building located between the terminal and the Sheraton Hotel; the station at Terminal 3 will also be newly built, between the future terminal and its planned parking structure; and for Terminal 2, the existing Sky Line station can be used and will merely require some extension.
Construction work on the new track between Terminals 1 and 2 is scheduled to start in mid-2018. Opening of the complete system including the stations and a repair shop building is slated for 2023.
