Tampa International Airport Crystal Mover APM
Additional cars will help to serve increasing passenger numbers at the airport. Credit: Business Wire.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) has ordered an additional four rail cars for the SkyConnect Automated People Mover (APM) system serving the airport.

The deployment of additional cars will help to serve increasing passenger numbers at the airport.

Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America (MHIA), SkyConnect APM was opened for service in February last year.

The 1.4mile-long system connects the TPA’s main terminal to the Economy Garage and the rental car centre.

Currently, SkyConnect is capable of transferring up to 2,850 people per hour in each direction, which will increase to 3,990 following the delivery of the additional rail cars.

“SkyConnect is capable of transferring up to 2,850 people per hour in each direction, which will increase to 3,990 following the delivery of the additional rail cars.”

TPA Facilities executive vice-president Al Illustrato said: “We are looking forward to receiving the additional cars and to continuing to provide world-class customer service to our passengers for many years to come.”

In November 2014, MHIA received the order from the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority to deliver the APM.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering (MHIENG) developed the core design, supplied 12 APM cars, a maintenance vehicle and signalling system, while MHIA carried out the integration and installation works.

Additionally, MHIA is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the APM system. The works are carried out in conjunction with Crystal Mover Services, a subsidiary of MHIA and Sumitomo.

MHIA Transportation Systems Division vice-president Darin Friedmann said: “We are looking forward to providing additional cars and to advancing our close partnership with the Airport.”

Besides TPA, MHIA has delivered APM systems at major US airports such as Miami, Washington and Atlanta.