Munich Airport's Self-Driving Train Service Completes First Trip

Munich Airport's self-driving train service has successfully completed its first trip.

The personal transport system (PTS) linking Munich Airport's Terminal 2 to the new infield satellite facility whisked invited guests through the tunnel in less than a minute.

With the automated, self-controlled train, passengers arriving at or departing from the satellite with Lufthansa and its partner airlines can travel quickly 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 meters 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.

Dr. Markus Söder, the Bavarian minister of finance, who also serves as the chairman of the airport's supervisory board, 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."

The train service will become fully operational with the satellite terminal's opening on 26 April 2016.

Thomas Winkelmann, who heads Lufthansa's operations in Munich, said the rail system's biggest benefit will be enhanced passenger comfort. "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," he said.

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.

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