Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport has become the first major airport in the world to implement a remote driving system for all its passenger boarding bridges, also known as jet bridges or fingers, according to Aena during the opening of the Passenger Terminal Expo & Conference, held in the Spanish capital from April 8 to 10.
The system, developed by TK Airport Solutions, allows for the remote operation of the airport’s 129 boarding bridges from three control centers located in terminals T123, T4, and T4S. The operation has been validated by the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA) and, according to Aena, includes contingency procedures and control mechanisms to ensure service efficiency.
The implementation, carried out between June 2024 and February 2025, was executed progressively with the collaboration of airlines and ground handling agents. From the control centers, any jet bridge can be operated thanks to 17 strategically distributed workstations, which, as Aena notes, allows operations to continue even in the event of an incident.
Aena claims that remote operation enhances operational efficiency, reduces aircraft connection and disconnection times, and optimizes resource allocation. The system also increases operational safety by incorporating cameras that provide full visibility of the surroundings, making the technical staff’s work easier.
“Aena is set to undertake the most significant airport investment program in Europe and the world in the coming years,” said Javier Marín, Executive Vice President of the company, during the event's opening. He also emphasized that “no airport expansion, traffic growth, or even the implementation of new commercial ideas will be possible without a clear commitment to sustainability.”
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Passenger Terminal Expo & Conference, one of the world’s leading airport industry events, brings together more than 10,000 attendees from 120 countries in Madrid, featuring some 450 speakers, including about 20 professionals from Aena. The expo, covering more than 25,000 square meters, focuses on topics such as technological innovation, digitalization, sustainability, and passenger experience, among others.
According to Aena, since the system’s launch, around 15 airports and international airlines have visited Barajas to learn about its operation and explore its potential application in other airport environments.
AUTOR
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline.
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