As air travel continues to expand globally, airports are integrating APMs not only as transport links but as strategic assets central to passenger comfort, operational reliability, and future scalability. Egis, a global leader in transportation consulting and engineering, plays a critical role in this evolution. One of its flagship engagements is the APM project at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED), where Egis has been appointed by JEDCO as the Railway Consultant overseeing both Operations & Maintenance (O&M) compliance and a major system-wide upgrade.
APM Systems in Airports Worldwide
Across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, APMs have become integral to modern airport ecosystems. Major hubs such as Singapore Changi, London Heathrow, Dubai International, Tokyo Haneda, Orlando International, and many others deploy APM systems to connect terminals, satellite concourses, parking facilities, and landside/airside operations zones. These systems offer:
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Predictable and efficient transit, reducing walking distances and connection times.
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High-capacity throughput, moving thousands of passengers per hour in a controlled environment.
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Automated, driverless operations, ensuring consistency, safety, and optimized coordination with airport processes.
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Environmentally sustainable mobility, with electric traction and low emissions.
With increasing air travel growth, APMs have transitioned from optional enhancements to mission-critical elements of airport design. Their reliability and operational resilience directly influence passenger satisfaction, airline punctuality, and airport service ratings such as SKYTRAX.
The JED APM System: A Unique Asset in the Kingdom
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah JED is the largest and busiest airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, managed and operated by Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO). Its newly developed Terminal 1 (T1) serves as a modern aviation hub, having exceeded 53.4 million passengers in 2025, with projections indicating growth to 90 million passengers by 2030.
T1 is distinct not only for its architectural ambition—designed around efficient passenger flows under a single expansive roof—but for being the only airport terminal in Saudi Arabia equipped with an integrated Automated People Mover system.
APM System Configuration
What distinguishes the JED APM from other APM systems is that this APM runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ensuring compliance and maintaining assets during a 24-hour operational period are the challenges Egis have overseen and are continuously optimizing.
The JED APM system—originally supplied by Bombardier Transportation and now part of Alstom—forms a critical link between two major operational areas:
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The Central Processor Station, where passengers begin their terminal experience after security.
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The International Hub Station, serving long-haul and international departures and arrivals.
The two stations are 750 meters apart, located fully at the airside, emphasizing the security-critical and operationally sensitive nature of the system.
Operational characteristics include:
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24-hour operation with 18 hours of peak service (two 3-car trains running) and 6 hours of off-peak service (one 3-car train running) Two parallel guideway tracks
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Two three-car automated trainsets, each car holding 67 passengers
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Transport capacity exceeding 3,200 pphpd
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Travel time of approximately 57 seconds between stations
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Driverless, fully automated train control
The system plays a vital role in shaping the JED passenger experience, ensuring that transit between key processing zones is swift, intuitive, and comfortable.
JEDCO’s Comprehensive Upgrade of the JED APM
To elevate its APM system to world-class standards, JEDCO is undertaking an extensive upgrade program. This initiative is driven by emerging global benchmarks in safety, cybersecurity, rolling stock performance, airport operations integration, and passenger experience.
The upgrade focuses on three main pillars: Fleet Expansion, System Modernization, and Standards Compliance.
1. Fleet Expansion and Modernization
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Expansion from 10 existing APM 300 vehicles to 14 vehicles.
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Transition from three-car to four-car train configurations, increasing system capacity by approximately 80%.
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Lifecycle upgrades to the current rolling stock to ensure compatibility with new subsystems and design requirements.
This expansion is essential for JED’s long-term vision of becoming a premier aviation hub capable of handling increasing passenger volumes.
2. System Upgrades
To support the new fleet and operational ambitions, JEDCO is implementing advanced technologies and infrastructure enhancements:
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Cityflo650 Signaling System: A state-of-the-art train control system enhancing operational safety, throughput, and reliability.
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Telecommunication System Upgrade: Ensuring robust data transmission, system monitoring, and fault detection.
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Improved UPS Capacity: Strengthening resilience of low-voltage power systems to reduce downtime risks.
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Platform Screen Doors & Emergency Egress Doors: Aligning station infrastructure with the expanded train configuration and improving safety.
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New Operations Control Center (OCC): Establishing a modern OCC and converting the existing one into a redundant facility for business continuity.
3. Compliance and Integration Activities
The upgrade must seamlessly integrate with existing assets while meeting updated national and international regulations:
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Earthing & Bonding (E&B) compliance, harmonizing new and legacy systems.
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Ensuring conformity with noise, vibration, and ride comfort standards to enhance passenger experience.
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Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) validation across all subsystems.
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Integration of multiple legacy interfaces to maintain system integrity during the upgrade phase.
This comprehensive program positions JED to achieve world-class operational excellence and enhanced SKYTRAX ratings while meeting future aviation demand.
Egis’ Role as JEDCO’s Railway Consultant
Egis brings extensive global experience in complex railway systems, including urban transit, metro, and APM networks. In the Middle East, Egis is widely known for its foundational contributions to the Riyadh Metro, among other major transport projects.
At JED, Egis has been entrusted with a dual-role consultancy assignment:
1. Managing the Operations & Maintenance Consultant
Egis ensures that all O&M activities align with:
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The existing Safety Certificate
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The Operating License issued by the Saudi General Authority for Transport (TGA)
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International best practices
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Performance, safety, and availability requirements essential for airport operations
This oversight ensures continuous, uncompromised APM functionality during both normal operations and upgrade phases.
2. Managing the Upgrade Works and Coordination with the Independent Competent Person (ICP)
Egis acts as a key integrator among multiple stakeholders, ensuring:
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All upgrade activities follow approved design, safety, and regulatory processes
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Smooth coordination with the ICP for system acceptance
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Compliance with international benchmarks for automated transit systems
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Rigorous testing, verification, and validation at each stage
This role is critical in safeguarding system integrity and maintaining operational continuity during the multi-stage upgrade.
The Egis Team at JED
The successful delivery of the consultancy scope at King Abdulaziz International Airport is supported by a highly experienced Egis leadership and engineering team. Each member brings extensive international rail expertise, strong familiarity with Middle Eastern transport projects, and a deep understanding of the operational and regulatory landscape in Saudi Arabia. Together, they form a multidisciplinary group equipped to oversee complex APM operations, safety compliance, and upgrade management.
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Chuks Umeh – Project Director
Chuks provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the JED APM consultancy assignment. With significant experience managing large-scale rail and transit programmes, he ensures alignment between JEDCO’s objectives, regulatory obligations, and international best practices. His role includes stakeholder management, high-level coordination with the Independent Competent Person (ICP), and oversight of both the O&M compliance assurance and upgrade delivery activities.
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Danial Ansari – RAM Expert
Danial leads all activities related to Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM). Leveraging a strong background in systems engineering and performance analysis, he ensures that the APM continues to meet required operational benchmarks throughout the upgrade process. His work includes developing RAM models, monitoring performance trends, identifying risk areas, and supporting safety certification processes in accordance with TGA and global standards.
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Hafeez Rahman – HSE Expert
Hafeez oversees all Health, Safety, and Environmental aspects of the project. His responsibilities include ensuring that the APM operations and upgrade works comply with safety regulations, risk mitigation requirements, and JED’s airport-wide HSE frameworks. He coordinates safety audits, manages hazard identification processes, and works closely with contractors to maintain a safe working environment during both day-to-day operations and system modification phases.
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Sohail Qureshi – Maintenance Expert
Sohail provides expert oversight of maintenance strategies and practices for the APM system. His experience in rolling stock, guideway systems, and electrical/mechanical maintenance enables him to evaluate contractor performance, ensure proper asset upkeep, and verify readiness of the system for upgrade integration. He plays a crucial role in ensuring that the existing APM infrastructure remains reliable and fully compliant while the enhancement works are underway.
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Mohammed Abubaker – Operations Expert
Mohammed is responsible for monitoring the operational performance of the APM system and ensuring smooth coordination between operators, maintenance teams, and airport stakeholders. His role includes reviewing operating procedures, validating operational readiness for upgrade transitions, and ensuring continuous compliance with the TGA Operating Licence. He supports passenger flow efficiency, service availability, and alignment of APM operations with airport processes.
Collectively, this Egis team brings comprehensive knowledge across operations, maintenance, safety, RAM engineering, and major project delivery. Their combined experience—spanning global rail projects, Middle Eastern mega-developments, and specialized automated transport systems—ensures that JEDCO receives robust, informed, and coordinated consultancy support. Their leadership is central to ensuring the JED APM remains safe, efficient, compliant, and fully aligned with the ambitious upgrade vision set by JEDCO.
Benefits of Engaging Egis for APM Projects in the GCC
The GCC region's rapid infrastructure development demands specialized expertise in transportation systems. Engaging firms like Egis delivers benefits such as:
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Deep technical expertise across the entire lifecycle of railway and APM systems.
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Independent assurance of compliance with national regulators and global standards.
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Proficiency in managing upgrades while maintaining operational continuity, a critical requirement in busy airports.
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Holistic, multidisciplinary project management integrating safety, RAM, operations, cybersecurity, and maintenance.
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Experience with regional challenges, including climatic conditions, regulatory frameworks, and construction logistics.
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Accelerated timelines, facilitated by Egis’ established methodologies and global knowledge base.
Egis’ involvement reduces project risk, enhances system performance, and ensures long-term operational sustainability.
The Future of APMs in Airports Worldwide
As airports evolve into multi-modal, digitally integrated, passenger-centric hubs, APM systems will play an even larger role. Key trends shaping their future include:
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Increased automation and AI-driven operations improving efficiency and predictive maintenance.
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Scalable modular designs supporting airport expansion without major service disruptions.
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Enhanced cybersecurity measures as APMs become more interconnected.
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Passenger experience innovations, including real-time guidance, comfort features, and accessibility improvements.
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Sustainability targets, driving the adoption of energy-efficient propulsion and regenerative braking.
APMs in next-generation airports will not only facilitate movement—they will shape the architecture, functionality, and competitiveness of global aviation hubs.
Automated People Mover systems are indispensable to world-class airports, enabling efficient passenger transit, operational resilience, and superior service quality. At King Abdulaziz International Airport, JEDCO’s ambitious APM upgrade is a transformative step toward achieving global excellence. Egis, as the trusted Railway Consultant, plays a central role in ensuring compliance, safety, and successful realization of this vision.
With deep regional experience, unparalleled technical expertise, and a dedicated multidisciplinary team, Egis continues to support the development of advanced mobility systems across the GCC and beyond—positioning airports for a future defined by innovation, seamless travel, and operational excellence.