Airport Authority Hong Kong Introduces New Safety Measures for Automated People Mover Operations

Published on December 23, 2024

The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has implemented a series of new safety and reporting measures to enhance the handling of incidents involving the Automated People Mover (APM). This move aims to bolster passenger safety and ensure thorough investigations of any reported incidents.

Investigation into November 2023 APM Incident

An investigation was launched by AAHK following an incident on November 21, 2023, at the SkyPier Terminal Line’s Air-to-Sea Platform in Terminal 1. During the incident, a young passenger accidentally stepped into the gap between the APM train and the platform. Quick actions by fellow passengers ensured she was pulled to safety within seconds, and no injuries were reported. The APM train service remained unaffected, and no complaints were filed.

The investigation highlighted gaps in incident reporting and communication among staff. AAHK identified a lack of alertness and clarity in its operational procedures as contributing factors. However, the report found no evidence of intentional negligence or a cover-up by staff members.

Safety Features and System Integrity

The Automated People Mover system at Hong Kong International Airport is equipped with advanced sensors and infrared devices on platform screen doors and train doors. These systems are designed to detect obstructions and prevent train departures if necessary. The investigation confirmed that there were no systemic safety issues with the APM system.

Measures to Improve Passenger Safety

As part of its commitment to passenger safety, AAHK had already initiated an enhancement project in July 2023 to reduce the platform gap at curved sections of the SkyPier Terminal Line. Completed in June 2024, the project successfully narrowed the gap from 13.5–14.5 cm to 7–10.1 cm, minimizing the risk of similar incidents.

Additionally, AAHK has introduced several measures to address safety and improve incident management:

1. Mandatory Incident Logging
   Frontline staff have been instructed to log all safety-related incidents, even those unverified at the time, ensuring comprehensive reporting to the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Department (EMSD).
2. Enhanced Guidelines and Training
   AAHK is revising its safety guidelines and providing training sessions to frontline staff to improve their response and reporting procedures.
3. Centralized Investigation Coordination
   The AAHK safety department will now oversee all incident investigations, ensuring a unified approach across departments for better follow-up and resolution.
4. Improved CCTV Coverage
   To enhance monitoring capabilities, AAHK is upgrading its CCTV system to provide wider viewing angles at the affected platform. This project is expected to be completed by March 2025.

Ongoing Commitment to Safety

AAHK remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards at Hong Kong International Airport. By addressing gaps in communication, updating operational protocols, and leveraging technology, AAHK aims to prevent future incidents and ensure a safe environment for all passengers.