Orlando International Airport People Movers
| Company type | Automated people mover system |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Orlando , United States |
| Products | Automated people mover services at Orlando International Airport |
The Orlando International Airport People Movers comprise five automated people mover (APM) networks functioning within Orlando International Airport. Four of these, known as Gate Links, facilitate transit between the main terminal and the satellite airside concourses. The fifth system, called the Terminal Link, provides a connection between the main terminal and the Intermodal Terminal.
Gate Links
Serving as connectors between terminals A and B and four satellite airsides, the Gate Links feature two guideways each, operating three-car trains that shuttle passengers between terminals and airsides. The stations implement the Spanish solution, allowing passengers to board from island platforms while exiting onto side platforms.
Airside 4, which functions as the principal international concourse, has a specialized configuration enabling arriving international travelers to avoid additional security checks. The system ensures only one set of doors opens at any moment, with trains undergoing security screening before boarding passengers cleared for departure.
Airsides 1 and 3 utilize Mitsubishi Crystal Mover Urbanismo-22 vehicles, whereas Airsides 2 and 4 operate with Bombardier CX-100 models. Recorded greetings by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer are featured on all airside shuttle services.
History
The construction of Orlando International Airport’s current terminal commenced in 1978 and opened in 1981, initially including the western portion of the landside terminal along with two western airsides (Gates 1-59, presently Airsides 1 and 3). The Landside/Airside shuttle system was developed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation, inspired by the design implemented at Tampa International Airport. At first, eight Westinghouse second-generation C-100 vehicles served Airsides 1 and 3, later expanded into three-car train formations.
Originally, shuttle announcements were voiced by Jack Wagner, recognized for his work with the Walt Disney Company and the Walt Disney World Monorail System (1971–1988). Over time, his voice has been largely phased out from the Gate Links.
In 1990, an eastward expansion added Gates 60-99 (now Airside 4) along with a new shuttle line employing three-car CX-100 trains. Additionally, a guideway for another airside was constructed but remained unfinished until Airside 2 (Gates 100-129) opened in 2000, also serviced by CX-100 shuttles.
By 2017, Airsides 1 and 3 had replaced their original Westinghouse C-100 vehicles with Mitsubishi Crystal Mover Urbanismo-22 models. Although Airsides 2 and 4 still operate CX-100 vehicles, plans are in place to transition these to Crystal Movers by 2027, which will result in an exclusively Mitsubishi fleet throughout the airport.
Terminal Link
The Terminal Link provides a connection from the landside areas of Terminals A and B to Terminal C and the airport’s Intermodal Terminal. This system employs Mitsubishi Crystal Mover vehicles that differ in design from those used on Airsides 1 and 3. Unlike the Gate Links’ shuttle operation, the Terminal Link runs on a pinched-loop track layout.
Launched in 2017 alongside the Intermodal Terminal, this facility houses the station for Brightline, which began operations in 2023. It is also intended to integrate with a future expansion of SunRail. Presently, Terminal C and the Intermodal Terminal are connected via a parking structure; however, construction of a pedestrian bridge is underway with an anticipated completion date in 2025.
See also