Newsletter_Summer 2026_FINAL

The Airport reopened the first lanes of the modernized Airside A and Airside C shuttle systems for passenger service March 13, 2026. The second lanes are currently scheduled to reopen in Summer 2026. The Airport is currently commissioning the first lane of the Airside E Shuttle system, which is scheduled to open to the public this summer, followed by the second lane in the fall. Future modernization efforts are also planned for the Airside F shuttle system, including replacement vehicles and train control system upgrades. Overall, these improvements will help ensure Tampa International Airport’s APM systems continue to provide safe, reliable, and efficient passenger transportation while supporting the Airport’s long-term growth and modernization initiatives.

Gate Link APM Replacement Program In Full Motion at Orlando International Airport

With the design phase complete, the ATC replacement has advanced into implementation. Lea+Elliott is providing technical oversight as installation, vehicle retrofit, checkout, and testing activities continue. Recent milestones include continued vehicle retrofit progress and the start of dynamic testing activities. Lea+Elliott’s ongoing work includes technical interface coordination, testing oversight, and support for implementation activities on an active airport APM. Through this effort, Lea+Elliott continues to apply its automated transit and train control experience to help advance a complex modernization project in an operating airport environment. Tampa International Airport Modernizes Legacy APM Shuttle Systems Tampa International Airport was the first airport in the United States to operate an APM system (opened in 1971). Today, the Airport operates eight airside shuttles that connect the Main Terminal with Airsides A, C, E, and F (two at each Airside), along with a separate landside APM, SkyConnect, which connects the Main Terminal to the Rental Car Center and the Economy Parking Garage. In addition, a new 16-gate Airside D is currently under construction that will include an APM connecting the Main Terminal to the new airside terminal. Airside D and its new APM shuttle are scheduled to open in 2029. The existing airside shuttle systems are decades old and have reliably served passengers for years. To maintain a high level of service and reliability, the Airport has implemented a modernization program that includes replacement of the aging vehicles and running surfaces, as well as upgrades to the train control system. To minimize disruption to passenger service, the vehicles replacements and system upgrades are being implemented one lane at a time for each airside shuttle system.

The newly installed APM train on Airside 2 (4800 Lane) Image credit: Lea+Elliott

SEA STS ATC Renewal Reaches Major Implementation Milestones SEATTLE - Lea+Elliott continues to support the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) Satellite Transit System (STS) Controls Renewal and Replacement project, a modernization effort focused on replacing the automated train control system serving SEA’s airport APM. The project is intended to support the Satellite Transit System through its remaining service life while meeting the demands of a growing airport. Lea+Elliott’s involvement began with project validation, technical support, and procurement assistance for the ATC replacement. The team also provided oversight, coordination, and technical review for the subconsultant-led design of the fixed-facility improvements needed for the upgrade, including the fiber optic and electrical conduit network that supports the new control system. That workstream has now reached a key closeout milestone, with construction complete and the design team’s as-built documentation submitted to the Port.

ORLANDO – Orlando International Airport is replacing its Gate Link APM systems at Gates 70 – 129 with newer, modern APMs to improve the passenger experience at Florida’s busiest airport. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) approved a $253 million project that will replace the “must-ride” Gate Link systems that serve as the primary means of transporting passengers between the landside at Terminals A and B and their gates located on Airside 2 and Airside 4. The Gate Link systems consist of two lanes, each connecting Terminals A and B to the respective Airside 2 and Airside 4 satellite buildings/gates. Two trains, each containing a three-vehicle consist, operate in synchronized dual lane shuttle mode. The existing Airside 2 APM system started passenger service in 2000, and the Airside 4 APM System was first placed into service in 1990, with cars being replaced in 2008. Lea+Elliott was selected by GOAA to be the Design Criteria Consultant for this project. Lea+Elliott’s initial task included supporting GOAA with programming and procurement strategy activities and developing the Design Criteria Package that ultimately resulted in a highly competitive and successful procurement process. Upon completion of this phase, Lea+Elliott supported project management activities and provided oversight of the design, manufacturing, installation, and testing of the APM system components. The Gate Link replacement project commenced in January 2024 and will be completed on a lane-by-lane basis, starting with Airside 2 (4800 Lane). The project is currently finalizing construction and installation activities to facilitate the start of site testing and commissioning activities for the Airside 2 (4800 Lane) APM System.

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TPA Airside Shuttle D Image credit: Lea+Elliott

SEA STS APM Image credit: Lea+Elliott

In Motion

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Vol. 33 No 1