Alstom Strengthens U.S. Airport Mobility Presence with Skyway Modernization Project at Houston Intercontinental Airport

Alstom has been operating and maintaining the Skyway APM at George Bush Intercontinental Airport for two decades, using the original Innovia APM 100 vehicles (Copyright ALSTOM SA 2025 | Innovia™)

(IN BRIEF) Alstom has secured a €380 million contract to upgrade the Skyway automated people mover system at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport and to continue operations and maintenance services for 15 years. The project includes the deployment of 16 new Innovia APM R vehicles, construction of a new Operations Control Center, installation of advanced signaling and communication systems, and modernization of station infrastructure to improve safety, reliability, and passenger flow. Supported by a dedicated on-site team, the upgraded system is designed to handle increasing passenger volumes as the airport undergoes major expansion. Building on a partnership of more than 25 years, the project highlights Alstom’s expertise in automated mobility solutions and its continued role in enhancing airport transportation infrastructure in the United States.

(PRESS RELEASE) SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, 24-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Alstom has been awarded a contract valued at approximately €380 million to modernize and upgrade the Skyway automated people mover (APM) system at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, while also extending its operations and maintenance responsibilities for an additional 15 years. The agreement represents a significant step in enhancing mobility infrastructure at one of the busiest and fastest-growing airports in the United States.

The project includes the introduction of a new fleet of 16 Innovia APM R vehicles, along with extensive upgrades to station infrastructure and system technology. These improvements are designed to increase capacity, improve reliability, and deliver a smoother passenger experience as the airport continues to expand to accommodate rising travel demand.

As part of the modernization program, Alstom will construct a new Operations Control Center to strengthen system monitoring and responsiveness. The upgrade will also incorporate the Urbalis automatic train control system, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency. In addition, advanced communication systems will be deployed to support more reliable performance, while station doors across all terminals will be replaced to enable faster and safer boarding.

The contract also covers the continuation of operations and maintenance services, supported by a dedicated on-site team of 48 specialists. This team will play a key role in ensuring consistent system availability and performance throughout the airport’s ongoing expansion program. To minimize disruption during the upgrade process, interim transport solutions, including bus services, will be introduced when necessary.

Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport has been experiencing sustained growth, with passenger numbers exceeding 48 million in the past year. The modernization of the Skyway system is intended to support this growth by improving passenger flow between terminals, reducing service interruptions, and ensuring efficient movement across the airport.

Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, emphasized the importance of the project in meeting the evolving demands of the airport. He noted that the upgraded system will provide more seamless and reliable transportation for millions of travelers while strengthening Alstom’s long-standing collaboration with IAH.

Alstom’s relationship with the airport spans more than two decades, during which the company has operated and maintained the existing Skyway system using Innovia APM 100 vehicles. The new agreement builds on over 25 years of partnership, reinforcing Alstom’s role as a key mobility provider supporting the airport’s development.

The company brings extensive experience in delivering and maintaining automated transit systems, with its Urbalis signaling technology deployed on more than 190 metro lines globally, including numerous fully automated systems. Its Innovia APM solutions are currently in operation at 15 airports across the United States, offering efficient, driverless transport for passengers.

Through this latest contract, Alstom continues to expand its footprint in the U.S. transportation sector, where it has delivered over 12,000 rail vehicles and supports a wide range of transit systems nationwide. The Skyway modernization project further underscores its commitment to providing advanced, sustainable mobility solutions tailored to high-demand environments such as major international airports.

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SOURCE: ALSTOM