JEDDAH: Bombardier Transportation has signed a $96 million (68 million euro) contract with Saudi Binladin Group to design, build, operate and maintain a Bombardier Innovia APM 300 automated people mover system for the King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) Development Project in Jeddah. 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 smooth transportation of passengers between terminal areas at KAIA. Completion of the system is scheduled for early 2014. Bombardier's recently established wholly-owned subsidiary in Saudi Arabia 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 1.5 kilometer, 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. Much of the technology will be supplied from Bombardier's facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US. Serge Van Themsche, vice president for Europe, Middle East, Africa & Brazil, Systems division of Bombardier Transportation, said: "We are honored to add the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to our list of prestigious airports served by a Bombardier Innovia transit system. 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." He 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."
