The ability of many airports to handle future air passenger demands is constrained by the capacity of terminals or ground access facilities. Various transportation systems to reduce walking distances and provide for efficient movement of passengers in the airport should be studied. Though the impetus for the development of automated people mover (APM) systems was the desire to develop less labour-intensive solutions to urban transit problems, one of the major applications has been at airports. Unique development opportunities have evolved. APM systems currently operating at airports and the characteristics of five airport projects under development are described, and lessons in the application of APMs are identified.
Abstract