APM Line Extension and FBTC Replacement with CBTC at Hong Kong International Airport

IHI/Niigata have successfully completed APM line-extension project at Hong Kong International Airport. In this project, in addition to 1,400 meter APM line extension and new-vehicle supply, existing FBTC system was entirely replaced with CBTC system. The one of the challenging requirements on this project was to minimize the impact to the current APM service operation and maintenance work. Another feature of this project is that trains consist of four types which have been supplied by different manufactures. Through this project, we had chances to learn a lot of experiences, particularly about the best practical methods for APM line extension with providing the latest technology to the existing facilities. This paper describes the project and challenges we have done together with the customer and subcontractors.