Munich Airport officially opens automated personal transport system

Munich Airport has successfully carried out the first run on the airports new personal transport system linking Terminal 2 to the new infield satellite facility via underground train.

Munich Airport’s driverless personal transport system (PTS) made its inaugural journey from Terminal 2 to the airport’s new satellite facility. Present at the ceremony were Dr. Markus Söder (the Bavarian minister of finance, who also serves as the chairman of the airport’s supervisory board), Dr. Michael Kerkloh and Thomas Weyer (the CEO and CFO of Munich Airport, respectively), and Thomas Winkelmann, the CEO of Lufthansa’s hub operations in Munich.

Following the driverless rail demonstration, Dr. Markus Söder said, “A smoothly functioning airport with excellent global connections is of enormous value to the entire state of Bavaria, the people who live here, and the whole economy. The satellite alone matches the capacity of a mid-sized German airport. When it opens our airport will be even more attractive. As soon as they arrive, guests from all over the world will get the right impression of Bavarian efficiency – while experiencing a warm welcome.”

Airport CEO Kerkloh noted the impact of the new airport subway system: “That makes the PTS a perfect match for our five-star airport. I’m confident that it will be a big hit with our passengers.”

Thomas Winkelmann added: “Our passengers will travel between Terminal 2 and the new satellite facility in less than a minute. That is outstanding performance in terms of comfort and quality. The satellite has five new Lufthansa lounges for our passengers as well as 27 additional pierside boarding gates for maximum convenience.”

The new personal transport system has capacity to move 9,000 passengers per hour in each direction

With the automated, self-controlled train, passengers arriving at or departing from the satellite with Lufthansa and its partner airlines can travel quickly and conveniently between the new facility and the main Terminal 2 building. Thanks to the additional pierside aircraft positions, there will also be no need for buses at the satellite.

The tunnel for the airport subway was built at the same time as Terminal 2, which opened in 2003. It is 382 metres long and has two tracks, allowing trains to travel in both directions if required. Depending on traffic volume, up to three trains with a total of 12 cars will operate. They will cover the distance between the buildings at a speed of about 25 km/h. Each car has room for more than 90 passengers. The PTS has capacity to move 9,000 passengers per hour in each direction. The contract to develop, manufacture, maintain and operate the system was awarded to the Canadian rail transportation system manufacturer Bombardier Transportation GmbH in November 2011.