Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has received the last four train cars for its Automated People Mover (APM) system, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s modernisation project.
The arrival of these final cars brings the total number on site to 44, completing the fleet for the new transportation system scheduled to begin operations in January 2026.
John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, highlighted the importance of this development.
“Receiving the final train cars for the APM signifies a major milestone for this project and our airport’s transformation,” Mr Ackerman said.
LAX will be the first U.S. airport to use the INNOVIA 300 APM cars, which feature several sustainable elements including recyclable aluminium shells and a regenerative braking system.
The APM project has already earned an Envision Gold Award for Sustainable Infrastructure from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. Additionally, the system’s Maintenance and Storage Facility is designed to meet LEED Gold Standard, with nearly half of its power coming from a photovoltaic generation system.
Shawn West, LINXS Constructors Board Member, noted that the focus will now shift to testing.
“Our focus now shifts from the construction of the APM’s physical structures to an extensive testing process with each and every vehicle,” Mr West said.
The Los Angeles City Council recently approved an agreement setting the construction completion date to December 8, 2025, and providing an additional $550 million to the project’s design-build team, LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS).
When operational, the APM is expected to run 24/7, with trains arriving at stations every two minutes during peak hours from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
This new transportation system is part of LAX’s broader transformation efforts, aiming to enhance the travel experience and set new standards for sustainable airport infrastructure.