MHI wins 10-year ATL SkyTrain modernization deal

ATL SkyTrain modernization will be handled by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The contract was secured through its U.S. subsidiary, Crystal Mover Services, Inc. It covers the automated people mover at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Meanwhile, the agreement runs from March 2026 through March 2036, according to MHI. The term is ten years. It comes more than 15 years after the MHI group originally delivered the system.

ATL SkyTrain modernization scope

MHI said the project is intended to update the system’s equipment. The company said the aim is to keep it in safe and stable operation.

In addition, the contract includes:

• renewal of the signaling system;
• upgrades to other equipment and devices;
• the supply of additional vehicles;
• the replacement of part of the current fleet.

ATL SkyTrain route and Mitsubishi Crystal Mover vehicles

ATL SkyTrain links the main passenger terminal with the car rental center. The line also has one intermediate station. The route is about 2.2 km long. It operates as a fully elevated double-track line.

The system uses Mitsubishi Crystal Mover vehicles. The Japanese company developed this technology for automated transport systems in airports and urban settings. MHI describes the system as key infrastructure for Atlanta Airport. It identifies the airport as the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic.

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Operation and maintenance at Atlanta Airport

Separately, CMSI has handled operation and maintenance of the system since December 2009. It entered commercial service that month, according to MHI’s March 2025 announcement. Service has been provided on a continuous 24/7, year-round basis.

The company also noted that it signed a five-year extension in December 2024. The extension covers ATL SkyTrain operation and maintenance. Under the new contract, the scope also includes renewal of equipment and facilities.

Also, the airport has another automated system. Alstom recently announced a five-year extension at Atlanta Airport. It covers operation and maintenance of the Plane Train. That system is separate from ATL SkyTrain. The Plane Train connects terminals with boarding gates. ATL SkyTrain runs between the main terminal and the car rental center.

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