[11][12] Designers for the new line considered several types of technology for the Airport Express, including: The linear motor option was ultimately decided upon.

[15] At the time, Zhang Jianwei, chief country representative for Bombardier, called the short timetable for a project of this type unprecedented.

Zhang expressed confidence that Bombardier would meet its responsibilities as its Chinese contractors routinely worked 24 hours a day, something not possible in other countries.

[16] Local media reported in January 2005 that the train supplier had been “basically decided”, but was not officially selected and announced until March 2006.

[17] Testing using empty trains commenced in April 2008 and official operations started on July 19 of that year, in time for the opening of the Summer Olympic Games on August 8, 2008.

[24] The vehicles were based on those used on AirTrain JFK in New York City, with Bombardier providing bogies as well as the electrical, propulsion and brake systems, which were assembled by CRV.

[5] Trains are configured in fixed sets of four cars with a total of 230 seats, arranged in a longitudinal layout to maximize their quantity.

[30][31] Reserved space for an infill station at Wangjingnan, where the Capital Airport Express intersects with Line 14, is also part of long-term plans.