On Sep. 7, the first train, which comprises 4 ART (Advanced Rapid Transit) MK II vehicles, that is to be used for Beijing Capital International Airport Link connecting Dongzhimen Station to the Beijing Capital International Airport using Bombardier's ART technology made its debut in Changchun.

In March 2006, Bombardier received an order from Changchun Railway Vehicles (CRC) as part of a contract awarded to CRC by the Beijing Dongzhimen Airport Express Rail Co. Ltd. for the supply of 40 ART MK II vehicles for the Beijing Capital International Airport Link.

It is known that Bombardier participates in project management and is responsible for vehicle systems engineering and integration, design and manufacture of the bogies as well as the propulsion and braking systems while Changchun Railway Vehicles (CRC) manufactures the 40 ART MK II vehicles.

Once fully operational, the airport link will serve four different stations: Dongzhimen, Sanyuanqiao, Beijing Capital International Airport's Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Passengers will be able to interchange trains conveniently at the Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao Stations, where connections to the 2008 Olympic village will be available.

In addition, a special lounge at the Dongzhimen Station will allow passengers to initiate flight-boarding procedures before arriving at the airport as well.

Photograph 1: First train for Beijing Capital International Airport Link debuts in Changchun. Photographer: Chi Haifeng.

Photograph 2: Modern interiors of Beijing Capital International Airport Link's first train. Photographer: Chi Haifeng.