The Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is no different from other airports across the country in that its doors are open all day, every day. While there is a stairway and a small elevator, the four escalators between the ticketing and concourse/TSA checkpoint levels of the International Sunport transport the vast majority of people between the two levels. All four needed to be replaced, and closing them down while doing so was simply not an option.

“Concurrent operation of side by side escalators during modernization initially proved to be a challenge,” said Joseph Rodriguez, Aviation Facilities Manager at Albuquerque International Sunport.

KONE was asked to replace the escalators with more durable equipment in a safe, cost effective and environmentally beneficial manner while minimizing interference with passenger traffic during installation.

With the EcoMod system, KONE was able to leave the trusses in place, which allowed for the work to be done in tighter work spaces. It also allowed for two escalators to be updated simultaneously, leaving one up and one down escalator running throughout the replacement process. This vastly improved passenger flow, something competitive alternatives could not offer. From an aesthetic point of view, the reuse of the trusses meant it wasn’t necessary to turn the entire escalator area into a construction zone. Keeping the trusses in place addressed an important safety issue as well. The International Sunport structure, as previously built, was unable to carry the excessive combined weight of a truss and the equipment needed to remove each one in a full replacement situation. “Reutilization of the existing trusses … was a major selling point because it prevented intrusion into the aging infrastructure,” said Rodriguez.

“While the replacement process was extremely critical for this busy, occupied building project, it was also very important to this customer to receive a proven, durable product that would hold up well to their heavy building demands,” explains Kevin Wigley, Regional Escalator Modernization Sales Manager for KONE. “They were able to get feedback from other International Airport customers that had already been through the EcoMod replacement process and were enjoying the higher performance of their new escalators in a facility that has similar demands.”

One of those demands was durability: the client wanted a system that would run smoothly for years. The dual drive motors utilized for this project minimize the impact on each motor to create a more durable escalator with an expanded life span. Additionally, the equipment was installed with the capability to upgrade to a standby mode that will slow the movement of the escalators when not in use, thus saving energy.

The KONE EcoMod system also addressed a number of maintenance issues. With a long daily International Sunport operating schedule, it is important that the downtime required for escalator maintenance is minimized. Typical escalators require lubricated chains to operate and these chains attract dust and debris, requiring frequent shutdowns for cleaning. The EcoMod uses a lube-free chain which significantly extends the maintenance timetable between cleanings.

Because the KONE EcoMod full replacement method is less invasive than a full tear-out of the existing

escalators, KONE reduced the amount of time and money Albuquerque International Sunport Airport needed to replace its aging escalators. International Sunport safety and security was maintained while passengers experienced minimal disruption during construction.

 In fact, the EcoMod installation went so well, KONE won the bid for Phase 2 of the project: replacement of the four escalators between the ticketing and baggage claim levels. These units will also include the standby operation feature to conserve power.