Orlando International Airport, Automated People Movers

Burns is designing traction power system upgrades for the airport’s automated people movers (APMs).

APMs shuttle travelers between landside terminals and airside facilities across Orlando International Airport. New APM systems are anticipated to enhance the passenger experience through improvements in APM reliability and vehicle quality.

In 2018, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority completed the replacement of technology systems connecting the Airside 1 and Airside 3 APM routes. In addition to replacing the 35-year-old infrastructure, the upgrades involved expanding terminal links to reach new Terminal C. During those upgrades, Burns supported Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with power distribution designs for the Airside 1, Airside 3, and Terminal C APM systems. Burns also led power system designs for an on-line maintenance and storage facility.

Across the airport campus, other APM routes include the Airside 2 shuttle, built in 1990, as well as the Airside 4 route, installed in 2000. The airport recently faced challenges sourcing replacement parts for the routes’ obsolete APM equipment, resulting in maintenance delays. In response, new APM systems are planned for the three-quarter mile of tracks connecting the terminal with Airside 2 and Airside 4.

Burns is again consulting Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the contractor selected to design, build, operate and maintain the new system. Tasks involve the design, integration, testing and commissioning of:

• APM substations, including generators and switchgear, ensuring resilience in the event of power outages
• Propulsion power and auxiliary power distribution systems
• Power SCADA system integration
• Mechanical, electrical, plumbing (M/E/P) and fire protection systems for APM facilities

Upon the project’s completion, Burns will have designed power distribution systems for Orlando International Airport’s entire APM network. Construction is scheduled to finish in 2027.

“Providing more than 55 million passengers with reliable access between our terminals and gates is a key operational priority. We are looking forward to having this scope of work completed to greatly enhance the passenger experience.”

– Greater Orlando Aviation Authority CEO Kevin J. Thibault