Powering growth at Felipe Angeles International Airport
Web Story
3min
2025-01-07
Ensuring 24/7 operation in order to maximise passenger capacity was a key performance target for Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) – Mexico’s second largest – when it opened in 2022.
Mexico’s Felipe Angeles international Airport. Credit: AIFA
The former military aviation site, located 35km north of Mexico City, was inaugurated for civilian use after a three-year redevelopment project designed to boost flight-handling capacity in the country’s capital.
Previously known as the Santa Lucia Air Force Base, AIFA was constructed to handle up to 20 million passengers per year – a number that demanded high-quality power supply and ultra-long service life.
Switchgear installed at Mexico’s Felipe Angeles international Airport
Collaborating to secure 24/7 power supply
Together with partners Fabricante Eléctrico Nacional (FEN), we provided a solution featuring 42 state-of-the-art solid insulating switchgears, each of which rely on ABB vacuum interrupter technology.
The switchgears, designed and commissioned by FEN, feature multiple configurations and are integral to ensuring uninterrupted power supply at AIFA. ABB’s VG10 vacuum interrupters proved essential for delivering the KPIs of reliability, longevity and efficiency.
ABB vacuum interrupters being assembled
Compact, robust and with more than 8 million units installed, the VG10 is designed to withstand extreme demands over a lifespan of at least 30 years without the need for maintenance.
“ABB’s role extended way beyond supplying the VG10 interrupters; they provided invaluable technical support, shared expert insights, and ensured a seamless integration process. Our partnership with ABB was a cornerstone of this success, providing us with the tools and support to realize our vision.”
- Bernardo Zevada, Director of Engineering at FEN
Since its three runways started operation in March 2022, AIFA, which covers an area of 1,531 hectares (3,780 acres), has experienced zero downtime.
In addition, ABB KNX Smart Buildings technology maximizes energy efficiency and passenger comfort in the passenger terminal building, while 58 ABB E-mobility Terra AC chargers cater for EV charging.
Meantime, reliable power supply for the airport's critical infrastructure is secured thanks to uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems from ABB Smart Power. These ensure that the air traffic control tower always has a back-up.
Under-capacity at Mexico City International Airport prompted development of Mexico-AIFA
“We’re incredibly proud that all of the power at Mexico’s second largest airport has been running reliably and efficiently through ABB components, resulting in unparalleled electrical stability. As passenger numbers continue to go up, we’re excited to demonstrate the robustness of the solution, which we are confident will come into its own as the airport’s electrical demands increase.”
- Andreas Brandt, ABB Global Portfolio Manager
Factfile
- AIFA is situated at an elevation of 2,246 meters above sea level.
- It was built to accommodate wide-bodied jets such as the Boeing 787 and 747.
- Its three runways (two at 4500m and one at 3500m) are the longest in Mexico.
- AIFA’s taxiways have a total length of 17 miles.
- Uniquely, AIFA is home to a mammoth museum, where the remains of approximately 200 mammoths, discovered during construction, are preserved, exhibited and studied.
Mammoth remains found during AIFA’s construction have been preserved in an on-site museum