Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) has further extended the tender closing date for the contract to supply and maintain an automated people mover (APM) system at Al-Maktoum International airport.

The new closing date is 2 August.

It is the second time the tender closing date has been extended.

Bids for the contract were originally expected to be submitted on 30 May, which was later revised to 2 July.

The tender was released in early February.

Companies that were invited to bid are understood to include:

• Alstom (France)
• Bombardier (Canada)
• Mitsubishi (Japan)
• Siemens (Germany)

DAEP plans to implement a high capacity automated conveyance system that will transport passengers between the landside terminal and the airside concourses, and connect passengers between and within concourses.

When completed, the APM system will consist of two sets of counter rotating loops. The first will have a four-track loop set connecting the terminals with the concourses, while the second will be a twin two-track loop sets connecting the two sets of concourses.

Apart from the APM package, several contracts are expected to be awarded or tendered by the DAEP this year.

Bids for the baggage-handling system (BHS) and a tunnel to be utilised by the BHS are under evaluation while the design package for the air traffic control tower is yet to be awarded.