Alstom delivers automated people mover system to MAHB for KLIA

23 June 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Alstom, a global leader in intelligent and sustainable mobility, has today announced the deployment of three state-of-the-art Innovia APM R trainsets at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The system has been handed over to Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and is scheduled to commence revenue service on 1 July 2025, with the aim of enhancing the passenger experience for the millions of travellers using Southeast Asia’s primary transit hub each year.

The advanced transport system can carry up to 270 passengers per trip. It will operate using the newly upgraded signalling solution, Urbalis Flo (formerly known as CityFlo 650).

This Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system enables faster, more efficient driverless journeys, maximising passenger capacity. Additionally, the trains are equipped with an advanced condition monitoring system designed to prevent faults, thereby prioritising passenger safety and comfort.

The new Alstom trains underwent rigorous testing by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) from January to June this year.

Yann Maixandeau, Alstom’s Managing Director for Singapore and Malaysia, stated, “KLIA plays a vital role in ensuring Malaysia remains at the forefront of world-class transportation.

Delivering safe, efficient, and seamless passenger mobility is central to this vision. We are proud to be part of this transformative project.

This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to enhancing Malaysia’s infrastructure and supporting KLIA’s journey to becoming a leading global airport.”

Alstom’s portfolio of fully automated, driverless turnkey transport solutions is ideally suited to the demands of seamless airport journeys, particularly for connecting terminals.

The trains consist of single cars that can be coupled together for flexible operation, optimising capacity during peak periods while moving passengers efficiently and safely.

Innovia APM systems are designed with passenger comfort and accessibility in mind, featuring wider entry and exit points to facilitate smoother passenger flow.

With a focus on eco-design and advanced technology, the Innovia APM R incorporates smart climate control, centralised train control, regenerative braking, and energy-efficient systems.

Alstom has delivered more than 30 turnkey APM systems at airports worldwide, transporting over 3 billion passengers safely and seamlessly.

Building on over 50 years of global experience, Alstom’s Innovia APM systems are renowned for their exceptional reliability and ability to reduce operating costs.

This APM upgrade project is led by Alstom in partnership with a joint venture between IJM Construction Sdn Bhd and Pestech Technology Sdn Bhd (IJMC-Pestech JV).

Alstom served as the project coordination lead, responsible for supplying three brand-new Innovia APM R trainsets and the advanced Urbalis Flo CBTC signalling system.

For over 20 years, Alstom has been delivering smart, sustainable mobility solutions in Malaysia, playing a key role in various rail projects.

The company has supported notable initiatives such as the Kuala Lumpur Sri Petaling and Ampang Lines, KLIA, Kelana Jaya LRT, Kajang Line MRT, and Putrajaya Line MRT. As a committed local partner, Alstom invests in local manufacturing and workforce training to support Malaysia’s rail industry.