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Inauguration of Dubai Route 2020 Metro

Alstom-led consortium delivers extension of Dubai Metro Red Line

  • A full turnkey integrated system
  • 15km-long
  • 50 Metropolis trainsets
  • Total value of the project is €2.6 billion

Alstom congratulates Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), on the inauguration of the Dubai Route 2020 Metro. This iconic project was ceremonially inaugurated by H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai on 7 July 2020, and was also attended by Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Alstom’s CEO and Chairman of the Board as well as the top management of the ExpoLink Consortium via video conference technology.  

The new line project, commenced in July 2016 and carried out by the Alstom-led ExpoLink consortium, also composed of ACCIONA and Gülermak, consists of a 15km-long line, of which 11.8km is above ground and 3.2km underground, and an interchange on the Red Line. The extension of the metro has seven stations including Jabel Ali Station and the flagship metro station at the Expo exhibition site. The project is worth a total of €2.6 billion. 

As part of the Consortium, Alstom was responsible for the integration of the entire metro system including 50 Metropolis trainsets produced in Alstom’s site in Katowice, Poland, power supply, communication, signalling, automatic ticket control, track works, platform screen doors and a three-year warranty on the whole system, as well as the enhancement of the existing metro line by upgrading power supply, signalling systems, miscellaneous communication and track works. The trainsets are 85.5 meters long and composed of five cars per trainset, and they will be able to carry up to 696 passengers each.

The train offers an excellent level of passenger experience, thanks to wide gangways, large doors and windows, three specific areas for Silver, Family and Gold Classes. Eco-friendly, the train is equipped with a full electrical braking system, LED lighting and other innovations to reduce energy consumption.

Alstom is a dedicated and long-standing partner of Dubai’s transportation and mobility development. Alstom delivered the Dubai tramway, the first fully integrated tramway system in the Middle East and the world’s first 100% catenary-free line, which was opened in November 2014. Alstom is also in charge of the maintenance of the Dubai Tram for a period of 13 years.

The Gardens Station on Dubai Metro Route 2020

Bombardier Celebrates Introduction of the final New Generation Rollingstock in Queensland, Australia

  • Fleet of 75 six-car commuter trains, designed and engineered locally in Australia, are already increasing transport capacity and ridership in Queensland
  • With 70 per cent of Queensland’s future population growth targeted in the South-East region, the NGR fleet will bring a significant capacity increase to meet the growing demand for rail services
The last of 75 trains enters service in Queensland, Australia

Mobility technology solution provider Bombardier Transportation recently celebrated the introduction into passenger service of the final New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) train for the Queensland Government. In addition to delivering the 75 commuter trains, Bombardier will also maintain the entire fleet at its Wulkuraka maintenance centre near Ipswich, Queensland for a period of 32 years.

“Our highly efficient commuter cars have been performing well, providing passengers in Queensland with a safe and comfortable ride. Bombardier is providing mobility solutions through its NGR and Gold Coast projects, helping the Queensland Government deliver its economic and public transportation development programs,” said Wendy McMillan, President, South East Asia and Australia, Bombardier Transportation.

She added, “This significant milestone of the last NGR train delivery in Queensland was achieved thanks to close collaboration between Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Queensland Rail, Bombardier and our partners. Bombardier has created more than 2,000 local jobs across the industry and supply chain throughout this project.”

The trains have been rigorously tested and commissioned to the highest requirements of TMR and Queensland Rail at the Wulkuraka maintenance facility. In addition, they have travelled more than eight million in-service kilometres and conducted over 150,000 passenger journeys since the first trains started service in December 2017.

Last year, Bombardier Transportation signed a contract for $335.7 million AUD with the Queensland Government to deliver modifications to the NGR trains currently being introduced to the South-East Queensland rail network. Bombardier is leading the Qtectic consortium contracted to deliver the NGR project and will undertake the work to upgrade the trains in line with the government’s revised design specifications with an industry partner. The NGR core project team led by TMR, Queensland Rail and Bombardier Transportation worked closely together with the disability sector to ensure the upgraded trains meet the needs of all Queenslanders. Queensland’s train fleet will be one of the most accessible in the country once the upgrades are complete.

Bombardier has been investing in Australia for more than 70 years. As a trusted rail industry partner with over 1,000 local employees, Bombardier designs, engineers, manufactures and maintains rolling stock across Australia, along with providing signalling, rail equipment, asset management and through-life support to customers and operators.

Hyatt Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

Strong Net Rooms Growth Fuels Nearly 11% Increase in Management and Franchise Fees

CHICAGO (October 30, 2019) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (“Hyatt” or the “Company”) (NYSE: H) today reported third-quarter 2019 financial results. Net income attributable to Hyatt was $296 million, or $2.80 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2019, compared to $237 million, or $2.09 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2018. Adjusted net income attributable to Hyatt was $39 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2019, compared to $37 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2018. Refer to the table on page 14 of the schedules for a summary of special items impacting Adjusted net income and Adjusted earnings per share in the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Mark S. Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, said, “The strength of our brands and the consistent approach we have to operating with excellence and efficiency are serving us very well in this period of volatile economic conditions. In particular, our management and franchise fee growth of nearly 11% this quarter is driven by roughly 13% year-over-year net rooms growth. Further, we have successfully increased productivity and operating efficiency for 23 straight quarters which has allowed us to maintain strong hotel operating margins even in the face of flat RevPAR growth this quarter.”

Third quarter of 2019 financial highlights as compared to the third quarter of 2018 are as follows:

  • Net income increased 25.4% to $296 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA decreased 7.3% to $163 million, a decrease of 6.5% in constant currency.
  • Comparable system-wide RevPAR was flat, including a decrease of 0.1% at comparable owned and leased hotels. Comparable system-wide RevPAR growth was favorably impacted by approximately 50 basis points from the timing of the Jewish holidays, but was offset by a similar reduction resulting from political unrest in Hong Kong.
  • Comparable U.S. hotel RevPAR decreased 0.6%; full service hotel RevPAR increased 0.2% and select service hotel RevPAR decreased 2.3%.
  • Net rooms growth was 13.2%, or 7.9% excluding the acquisition of Two Roads Hospitality LLC (“Two Roads”) in the fourth quarter of 2018.
  • Comparable owned and leased hotels operating margin decreased 20 basis points to 21.0%.
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin of 26.9% decreased 280 basis points in constant currency.Mr. Hoplamazian continued, “We continue to execute on our capital strategy and shift our earnings profile while maintaining our focus on global growth. We expect to end the year with approximately 57% of our earnings coming from our hotel management and franchise business, an increase of roughly 400 basis points from 2018. Our pipeline remains robust while continuing to deliver solid organic net rooms growth of almost 8% this quarter, net of the acquisition of Two Roads in the fourth quarter of 2018. While theNote: All RevPAR and ADR percentage changes are in constant dollars. This release includes references to non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the non-GAAP reconciliations included in the schedules and the definitions of the non-GAAP measures presented beginning on page 12.

current global operating environment is challenging, we feel confident in our ability to manage through volatility and identify opportunities to strengthen our brands and performance.”

Third quarter of 2019 financial results as compared to the third quarter of 2018 are as follows:

Management, Franchise and Other Fees

Total management, franchise and other fees increased 11.9% (12.5% increase in constant currency) to $148 million. Base management fees increased 17.8% to $64 million, primarily in the Americas management and franchising segment due to the acquisition of Two Roads. Incentive management fees decreased 1.3% to $33 million. Franchise fees increased 11.8% to $37 million. Other fees increased 22.0% to $14 million. Excluding other fees, management and franchise fees increased 10.9% (11.6% increase in constant currency) to $134 million.

Americas Management and Franchising Segment

Americas management and franchising segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 11.2% (11.4% increase in constant currency), driven by higher management, franchise, and other fees from the Two Roads acquisition and recently opened hotels. RevPAR for comparable Americas full service hotels increased 1.5%, occupancy increased 70 basis points, and ADR increased 0.7%. RevPAR growth was driven by strength in certain resort locations outside of the United States and benefited from the timing of the Jewish holidays which had an approximate 110 basis point favorable impact. RevPAR for comparable Americas select service hotels decreased 2.4%, occupancy decreased 40 basis points, and ADR decreased 1.8%. Total Americas management and franchising adjusted revenues increased 29.6% (29.9% increase in constant currency) including revenue from the residential management operations acquired as part of Two Roads.

Transient rooms revenue at comparable U.S. full service hotels increased 1.0%, room nights increased 2.3%, and ADR decreased 1.3%. Group rooms revenue at comparable U.S. full service hotels decreased 0.2%, room nights decreased 2.3%, and ADR increased 2.2%.

Americas net rooms increased 11.5% compared to the third quarter of 2018, or 5.2% excluding Two Roads.

Southeast Asia, Greater China, Australia, South Korea, Japan and Micronesia (ASPAC) Management and Franchising Segment

ASPAC management and franchising segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 0.9% (2.5% increase in constant currency). RevPAR for comparable ASPAC full service hotels decreased 2.0%, reflecting weakness in Hong Kong. Excluding Hong Kong, RevPAR for comparable ASPAC full service hotels would have increased 0.8%. Occupancy decreased 50 basis points and ADR decreased 1.3% for ASPAC full service hotels. Revenue from management, franchise, and other fees increased 4.2% (5.4% increase in constant currency).

ASPAC net rooms increased 17.7% compared to the third quarter of 2018, or 13.7% excluding Two Roads.

Note: All RevPAR and ADR percentage changes are in constant dollars. This release includes references to non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the non-GAAP reconciliations included in the schedules and the definitions of the non-GAAP measures presented beginning on page 12.

Europe, Africa, Middle East and Southwest Asia (EAME/SW Asia) Management and Franchising Segment

EAME/SW Asia management and franchising segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 4.8% (7.8% increase in constant currency). RevPAR for comparable EAME/SW Asia full service hotels increased 1.6%, driven by strong growth in certain European markets, including France and the United Kingdom, and Southwest Asia, offset partially by weaker performance in Russia which lapped the FIFA World Cup in 2018.

Occupancy increased 290 basis points and ADR decreased 2.6% for EAME/SWA full service hotels. Revenue from management, franchise, and other fees increased 2.2% (4.3% increase in constant currency).

EAME/SW Asia net rooms increased 15.6% compared to the third quarter of 2018, or 14.4% excluding Two Roads.

Owned and Leased Hotels Segment

Total owned and leased hotels segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased 17.6% (16.9% decrease in constant currency), including a decrease of 12.0% (11.4% decrease in constant currency) in pro rata share of unconsolidated hospitality ventures Adjusted EBITDA. Refer to the table on page 11 of the schedules for a detailed list of portfolio changes and the year-over-year net impact to total owned and leased hotels segment Adjusted EBITDA.

Owned and leased hotels segment revenues decreased 3.9% (3.0% decrease in constant currency), and was negatively impacted by non-comparable hotels. RevPAR for comparable owned and leased hotels decreased 0.1%. Occupancy and ADR were both flat.

Corporate and Other

Corporate and other Adjusted EBITDA decreased 22.4% (22.5% decrease in constant currency), inclusive of $6 million of expenses from the Two Roads acquisition.

Corporate and other adjusted revenues increased 19.1% (consistent in constant currency).

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 1.0%, inclusive of rabbi trust impact and stock- based compensation. Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 13.8%, or $10 million, including $8 million of integration costs related to the acquisition of Two Roads. Refer to the table on page 17 of the schedules for a reconciliation of selling, general, and administrative expenses to Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses.

OPENINGS AND FUTURE EXPANSION

Twenty hotels (or 4,422 rooms) opened in the third quarter of 2019, contributing to a 13.2% increase in net rooms compared to the third quarter of 2018. Excluding the impact of the Two Roads acquisition, net rooms increased 7.9% compared to the third quarter of 2018.

As of September 30, 2019, the Company had executed management or franchise contracts for approximately 460 hotels, or approximately 92,000 rooms. The Company is expected to open approximately 85 hotels in the 2019 fiscal year.

Note: All RevPAR and ADR percentage changes are in constant dollars. This release includes references to non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the non-GAAP reconciliations included in the schedules and the definitions of the non-GAAP measures presented beginning on page 12.

SHARE REPURCHASE/DIVIDEND

During the third quarter of 2019, the Company repurchased a total of 1,776,891 (1,099,507 Class A shares and 677,384 Class B shares) for approximately $133 million. The Company ended the third quarter with 36,811,374 Class A and 66,438,444 Class B shares issued and outstanding. From October 1 through October 25, 2019, the Company repurchased 523,499 shares of Class A common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $37 million. As of October 25, 2019, the Company had approximately $351 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization.

The Company’s board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.19 per share for the fourth quarter of 2019. The dividend is payable on December 9, 2019 to Class A and Class B stockholders of record as of November 26, 2019.

CAPITAL STRATEGY UPDATE

In a Form 8-K filed on September 16, 2019, the Company announced the sale of the 1,260-room Hyatt Regency Atlanta for approximately $355 million to an unrelated third party and the entry into a long-term management agreement for the property upon sale.

The Company is in the process of pursuing the sale of one of its wholly-owned hotels and will provide further details as appropriate.

BALANCE SHEET / OTHER ITEMS
As of September 30, 2019, the Company reported the following:

  • Total debt of $1,623 million.
  • Pro rata share of unconsolidated hospitality venture debt of approximately $564 million, substantially all of which is non-recourse to Hyatt and a portion of which Hyatt guarantees pursuant to separate agreements.
  • Cash and cash equivalents, including investments in highly-rated money market funds and similar investments, of $660 million, restricted cash of $140 million, and short-term investments of $63 million.
  • Undrawn borrowing availability of $1.5 billion under Hyatt’s revolving credit facility.2019 OUTLOOK
    The Company is revising the following expectations for the 2019 fiscal year:
  • Comparable system-wide RevPAR is expected to increase approximately 0.5%, as compared to fiscal year 2018.
  • Net income is expected to be approximately $431 million to $470 million. Please refer to the table on page 13 of the schedules for revised ranges impacting net income.
  • Other income (loss), net is expected to be approximately $98 million to $103 million, reflecting increased interest income and unrealized gains on marketable securities. The estimated $40 million negative impact related to performance guarantee expense for the four managed hotels in France is unchanged.
  • Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately $730 million to $745 million, primarily reflecting a one point reduction in expected comparable system-wide RevPAR and the sale ofNote: All RevPAR and ADR percentage changes are in constant dollars. This release includes references to non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the non-GAAP reconciliations included in the schedules and the definitions of the non-GAAP measures presented beginning on page 12.

Hyatt Regency Atlanta (as previously reported in a Form 8-K filed on September 16, 2019). Refer to the table on page 13 of the schedules for a reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA.

  • Depreciation and amortization expense is expected to be approximately $329 million to $334 million.
  • Interest expense is expected to be approximately $77 million.
  • Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses are expected to be approximately $335 million. This is inclusive of approximately $25 million of expenses related to non-recurring integration costs for Two Roads. Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses exclude approximately $33 million of stock-based compensation expense and any potential impact related to benefit programs funded through rabbi trusts.The Company is reaffirming the following information for the 2019 fiscal year:
  • The Company expects to grow units, on a net rooms basis, by approximately 7.25% to 7.75%, reflecting approximately 85 new hotel openings.
  • Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $375 million.
  • As previously reported in an 8-K filed on September 16, 2019, the Company expects to return approximately $500 million to shareholders through a combination of cash dividends on its common stock and share repurchases.
  • The effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 25% to 27%.

No additional disposition or acquisition activity beyond what has been completed as of the date of this release has been included in the outlook. The Company’s outlook is based on a number of assumptions that are subject to change and many of which are outside the control of the Company. If actual results vary from these assumptions, the Company’s expectations may change. There can be no assurance that Hyatt will achieve these results.

World of Hyatt Adds Alila Hotels And Resorts

Alilas Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

Addition of Alila Hotels provides World of Hyatt loyalty members even more places to earn and redeem points and connect to exclusive experiences across distinct hotels and resorts

CHICAGO (June 25, 2019) Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) today announced the introduction of Alila Hotels into the World of Hyatt loyalty program beginning June 25, 2019. This program expansion allows World of Hyatt members to enjoy more unique stay options, the ability to earn and redeem points and enjoy in-hotel benefits at 16 participating Alila properties located throughout Asia, Southwest Asia and the U.S. This program addition quickly follows Hyatt’s November 2018 acquisition of Two Roads Hospitality and its recent integration of the Thompson Hotels and Joie de Vivre brands, with the Destination Hotels brand set to follow later this year.

16 Alila hotels are joining World of Hyatt beginning June 25, 2019 through July 16, 2019, including:

  • Ventana Big Sur – an Alila Resort – Big Sur, California (June 25)
  • Alila Solo – Solo (Surakarta), Central Java, Indonesia (June 25)
  • Alila Seminyak – Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia (June 25)
  • Studios at Alila Seminyak – Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia (June 25)
  • Alila Ubud – Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia (June 25)
  • Alila Villas Uluwatu – Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia (June 25)
  • Alila Villas Koh Russey – Koh Russey, Sihanoukville Province, Cambodia (June 26)
  • Alila Bangsar – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (June 26)
  • Alila Manggis – Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia (June 26)
  • Alila SCBD – Jakarta, Java, Indonesia (June 26)
  • Alila Diwa Goa – Salcette, Goa, India (July 15)
  • The Diwa Club by Alila – Salcette, Goa, India (July 15)
  • Alila Jabal Akhdar – Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman (July 15)
  • Alila Fort Bishangarh – Jaipur, Rajasthan, India (July 16)
  • Alila Anji – Anji, Zhejiang, China (July 16)
  • Alila Wuzhen – Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China (July 16)

“Following the additions of the Thompson Hotels and Joie de Vivre brands into World of Hyatt, we are thrilled to introduce Alila as the next former Two Roads brand to join the loyalty program,” said Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, World of Hyatt. “Alila is an award-winning brand known for its combination of innovative design and eco-luxury in unique locations, set apart by an unprecedented level of private space, crafted artisanship, personalized hospitality, and bespoke journeys. We are looking forward to offering our World of Hyatt members the opportunity to discover even more unique destinations and exclusive experiences at these remarkable properties while enjoying the rewards they’ve come to expect from World of Hyatt.”

Following the completion of the Alila Hotels integration on July 16, 2019, more than 40 hotels across the Thompson Hotels, Joie de Vivre and Alila brands will have joined World of Hyatt in many new destinations including Zihuatanejo, Mexico, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, and more.

Exclusive Alila FIND Experiences

Additionally, as part of the Alila brand integration, World of Hyatt members will be able to participate in uniquely crafted, authentic experiences at participating Alila hotels and resorts through the FIND experience platform, all of which will align with Hyatt’s three landmarks of wellbeing: Feel, Fuel and Function. Available for members to redeem using points, these specially curated experiences will be focused on enhancing mind and body, through offerings like the Balinese Beauty Ritual at Alila Seminyak, Seminyak, Indonesia; Journey to Gastronomy at Alila Villas Uluwatu, Uluwatu, Indonesia; Payangan “Private Bali” Trekking to explore rice terraces and riverside views at Alila Ubud, Gianyar, Indonesia; and Snorkeling the Blue Lagoon in Bali at Alila Manggis, Karangasem, Indonesia.

Exclusive World of Hyatt Member Offer

To celebrate, members can earn 2,000 Bonus Points for their first qualifying stay exploring each of the new brands for a total of up to 8,000 Bonus Points, plus a free night when they experience all four brands this year. Eligible stays at participating hotels begin once each property participates in World of Hyatt and are valid through December 31, 2019. No registration is required. Full terms for these offers are below. These offers are combinable with other program offers, and are part of World of Hyatt’s continued commitment to increasing rewarding offerings for its global members.

To learn more visit worldofhyatt.com/newbrands.

Guests can join World of Hyatt for free online at worldofhyatt.com, via a Global Contact Center or at any Hyatt hotel or resort worldwide.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and /or one or more of its affiliates.

The C-27J Spartan Lives Up To Expectations In Peru


A C-27J of the Fuerza Aérea del Peru (FAP) flying over the AndesA C-27J of the Fuerza Aérea del Peru (FAP) flying over the Andes

February 2019, the Peruvian Government officially declares a state of emergency for the northern coastal regions of Peru. An unusual amount of seasonal rainfall has triggered severe flooding and mudslides throughout the northern regions destroying roads, collapsing bridges, and forcing school closures. Entire towns are being evacuated.

The Sistema de Atención Móvil de Urgencia (SAMU) and the Seguro Integral do Salud (SIS) Health Department call in the C-27J Spartan for urgent transportation of patients, including premature babies and badly injured people out of the otherwise unreachable area of Huánuco, 1,900 mt above sea level. A timely action and long hours of activity were key to saving lives and the suite of advanced avionics that equips the Spartan with the increased night vision capability provided by the Night Vision Goggles (NVG), have given pilots the possibility of landing and taking off throughout the night.


The advanced glass-cockpit of a peruvian C-27J Spartan in flight

In 2017 the Peruvian government sent a C-27J in support of disaster relief following the earthquake in Ecuador and again to support evacuations during the raging fires in Chile.


A FAP Spartan during an evacuation of civilians in 2017

The Fuerza Aérea del Peru has successfully flown over 5,000 hours with their Spartans since the first aircraft landed, in March 2015, at the International Jorge Chavez airport in Lima, home of the Grupo Aereo N°8 (transport wing).

In these 5,000 flight hours the C-27J has bravely met the most challenging conditions moving comfortably between coastal areas at 19°C to forests at 38°, to mountains at 5°C, landing smoothly on semi-prepared strips at either 100 feet or 11,500 feet above sea level. The versatility of the aircraft was also challenged by the diversity of missions required: from delivering humanitarian assistance to medical evacuations, monitoring of illegal activities, and support to firefighting duties in areas that would otherwise be reached only by river navigation in over 6 days!


Take-off with high rate of climb from a small airport in Peru

To keep this kind of fleet availability in such demanding operational scenarios, you need to rely on a very high standard of customer support guaranteed by non-stop commitment, highly specialised personnel on-site, dedicated logistics and very efficient remote technical assistance service.

Bombardier Signs Contract to Upgrade Trains for Queensland

  • Bombardier to lead a $361 million AUD design change programme requested by the Queensland Government
  • Bombardier to leverage local supply chain to improve fleet’s accessibility and passenger experience

Mobility technology leader Bombardier Transportation announced today an order from the Queensland Government to deliver modifications to the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains currently being introduced to the South-East Queensland rail network. The order has been signed on March 29th. The total value of the contract is approximately $361 million AUD ($255 million US, 228 million euro) which includes design and delivery, as well as ongoing maintenance, over the remaining term of the public-private partnership.

“Bombardier is proud to partner with Queensland Government to deliver the new generation trains to the passenger rail network. This variation order is an important request from our customer, and we will continue to work closely with them to deliver the NGR project in line with the enhanced specifications set out by the Queensland Government,” said Paul Brown, Bombardier Transportation’s Project Director for the Queensland New Generation Rollingstock project.

Bombardier is leading the Qtectic consortium contracted to deliver the NGR project and will undertake the work to modify the trains in line with the government’s revised design specifications with industry partner Downer EDI. The agreement between Bombardier and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will see the previously approved toilet modules upgraded for improved disability access. The changes will also include an additional module added to each six-car train to provide improved access for passengers with limited mobility.

“The significance of the NGR project in Queensland cannot be understated,” affirmed Wendy McMillan, President, Southeast Asia and Australia at Bombardier Transportation. “With 70 percent of Queensland’s future population growth targeted in the South-East region, the NGR fleet will bring a significant 26 percent capacity increase to the South-East Queensland rail network to meet the growing demand for rail services. It’s a game-changing project for Queensland and Bombardier is proud to be delivering it.”

Features of the new trains include capacity for 964 passengers in each six-car train, onboard WiFi, CCTV throughout the train, LCD infotainment displays, toilet modules, 12 allocated spaces for mobility aids and more enhancements to the passenger experience.

Bombardier has created more than 2,000 local jobs across the industry and supply chain throughout this project. The design and toilet modification activities will support a further 100 local jobs at Downer’s Maryborough facility in addition to the 145 current Bombardier employees at the Wulkuraka Maintenance Facility.

The $4.4 billion AUD NGR project is being delivered under a public-private partnership with the Queensland Government and was awarded to Qtectic, comprising Bombardier Transportation, John Laing, Itochu and Aberdeen Standard Investments. The project includes the design and delivery of 75 new passenger trains, construction of a new maintenance centre at Wulkuraka, Ipswich and 32-years of fleet maintenance.

About Bombardier

With over 68,000 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.