JFK AirTrain Carries 68,000 People a Day. Alstom Just Got USD 518M to Keep It That Way

New York’s busiest airport is doubling down on reliability. With millions of riders, round-the-clock service, and a fully automated system, the JFK AirTrain is getting a long-term upgrade—and Alstom is staying at the wheel.

Alstom has signed a seven-year contract extension with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to continue operating and maintaining the AirTrain system at JFK International Airport. Valued at approximately USD 518 million, the deal also includes an optional three-year extension, solidifying Alstom’s role as the long-term operator of one of the world’s busiest airport transit systems. In a press release issued on April 1, Alstom confirmed that it will remain responsible for round-the-clock operations and system upkeep, covering everything from the train fleet and station doors to power systems, guideways, and signalling. Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, said: “As JFK’s partner of choice, Alstom is excited to support the modernization and expansion of AirTrain service at one of the world's busiest airports.”

We're thrilled to have renewed our contract with the Port Authority of NY and NJ & JFK Airport to continue providing O&M services for the JFK AirTrain. We're proud to help keep JFK employees and millions of passengers moving safely and reliably. ✈️🚅
More: //t.co/9YB32b6iSx pic.twitter.com/VlJtjflmzy

— Alstom USA (@AlstomUSA) April 1, 2025

AirTrain's 24/7 Service for Nearly 25 Million Annual Riders

JFK’s AirTrain is vital for passenger and employee mobility, linking all airport terminals with parking lots, hotel shuttles, the car rental centre, and major public transport hubs at Jamaica and Howard Beach stations. From there, travellers can access the New York City Subway, the Long Island Railroad, and public bus lines, making the AirTrain a central part of multimodal travel in the NYC area.

According to RailwayPro, nearly 25 million passengers used the AirTrain in 2024, with a daily average ridership exceeding 68,000. Alstom’s team will continue to operate and maintain a fleet of 32 fully automated light metro trains, with configurations ranging from one to four cars depending on demand. The AirTrain runs 24/7, 365 days a year, and is designed for high reliability. In 2024, the system achieved an availability rate of 98.56%, proving its dependability during peak volumes, construction periods, and everyday airport operations.

What Does Alstom's Contract Include?

The scope of Alstom’s responsibilities under the new contract is extensive. The company will manage the operation of the entire transit system, including not just train movements, but maintenance of vehicles, station infrastructure, power distribution, and even car washing systems. The goal is to deliver a seamless, safe, and punctual travel experience for passengers while ensuring long-term sustainability and reduced maintenance costs.

As reported by Yahoo Finance, the contract will retain over 230 employees, including 59 customer service agents who directly assist passengers. Automation is a core feature of the AirTrain system, helping to deliver improved safety, shorter headways, and lower operating costs. The AirTrain’s performance has made it a model for airport rail systems globally. The continued partnership with Alstom aims to keep it ahead of the curve in terms of uptime, reliability, and passenger service.

Local Jobs, Second Chances, and Community Impact

Beyond transportation, the JFK AirTrain contract is designed to serve the community. As part of its long-term service delivery, Alstom supports job seekers through partnerships with the Council for Airport Opportunity’s Office of Second Chance Employment, helping people with past criminal justice involvement find employment. In addition, Alstom has collaborated with Workforce One and Grant Associates to support the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Industry Scholars Program, offering hands-on training for high school students interested in transit careers. Since 2021, forty students have participated in the program.

The company also reported USD 7 million in spending with Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) in the last year, and it continues to host mentorship workshops as part of the JFK Redevelopment Team’s efforts to support local economic inclusion.

Sources: Alstom Press Release; Yahoo Finance; RailwayPRO