Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Movable Passenger Boarding Bridge, Fixed Passenger Boarding Bridge), By Model (Apron Drive Bridge, Dual Boarding Bridge System, Commuter Bridge, Over-the-wing Bridge, Nose-loader Bridge, T-bridge), By Region, By Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market was valued at USD 2.14 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.87 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.07% during the forecast period. The global airport passenger boarding bridges market is growing rapidly due to increased air travel demand and airport expansion. As airports modernize to accommodate larger aircraft, advanced boarding bridge systems are essential for improving operational efficiency and passenger experience. Technological advancements, including automation and energy-efficient designs, are also shaping the market. In India, projections for private airports indicate a 17% revenue growth between FY25 and FY27, driven by rising passenger traffic, tariff increases, and infrastructure investments. Cumulative capital expenditure for these airports is expected to grow by 12%, reaching Rs 6947.4 million over three years.

Market Drivers

Rising Air Travel Demand and Airport Expansion

The most significant driver of the global airport passenger boarding bridges market is the rising demand for air travel, particularly in emerging economies. With an increasing number of passengers traveling by air worldwide, airports are under constant pressure to upgrade and expand their infrastructure to meet growing capacity requirements.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global passenger traffic is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with more people flying due to higher disposable incomes, improved connectivity, and the increasing popularity of air travel. For instance, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a continued recovery in air travel through December 2023, with total traffic increasing by 36.9% compared to 2022 and nearing pre-pandemic levels. December traffic was 97.5% of December 2019 figures, and the fourth quarter reached 98.2% of 2019 levels. This strong recovery, especially toward the year's end, is a key driver of growth in the airport infrastructure market, including the passenger boarding bridge segment.

Airport authorities are also investing in infrastructure projects such as terminal expansions, new runways, and modernized check-in areas to meet the increasing demand for air travel. This demand for expansion will fuel the growth of the PBB market as more advanced boarding solutions are required to accommodate larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes.

Technological Advancements and Innovations

Technological innovations are reshaping the global airport passenger boarding bridges market. New advancements in automation, smart systems, and energy-efficient designs are enhancing the functionality of passenger boarding bridges, making them safer, more reliable, and cost-effective. One notable trend is the incorporation of automation in PBB systems. Automated boarding bridges can significantly improve operational efficiency by reducing the time needed for aircraft boarding and deplaning. Automation ensures smooth operation by reducing human errors, lowering maintenance costs, and minimizing turnaround times. Furthermore, automated systems are equipped with sensors that detect issues such as misalignment, obstructions, or faults, which improves safety and reduces the risk of accidents.

Energy-efficient boarding bridges are another significant innovation. Airports are increasingly focusing on sustainability, and energy-efficient designs reduce the carbon footprint of airport operations. These bridges are designed to consume less power while maintaining performance, reducing costs, and aligning with environmental goals. As airports strive to meet sustainability targets, the adoption of such energy-saving technologies is likely to accelerate.

Focus on Passenger Experience and Safety

Improving passenger experience and safety is a key driver of the global airport passenger boarding bridges market. Airports are increasingly prioritizing customer experience, and the boarding process is a critical touchpoint in this journey. As a result, there is a growing demand for passenger boarding bridges that provide comfort, safety, and ease of use.

Passenger safety is paramount, and the PBB systems are designed with features that ensure the safe and smooth boarding process. Modern passenger boarding bridges are equipped with advanced safety features, such as secure locking mechanisms, emergency escape routes, and automated systems that minimize the risk of accidents. Enhanced safety protocols are a significant driver of adoption among airports, particularly in developed regions where safety standards are stringent.

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Key Market Challenges

Maintenance and Operational Costs

Another challenge facing the global airport passenger boarding bridges market is the ongoing maintenance and operational costs associated with these systems. Passenger boarding bridges are complex mechanical and electrical systems that require regular upkeep to ensure safe and efficient operations. Over time, wear and tear on the equipment can lead to costly repairs, replacement of components, or even system breakdowns.

Airports must budget for the ongoing maintenance of PBB systems, which can be a significant expense. The costs of maintenance may include routine inspections, parts replacement, system upgrades, and staffing requirements for repairs and operation. Moreover, depending on the location and climate conditions, certain PBB systems may be subject to more frequent maintenance due to exposure to environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, humidity, or saltwater corrosion (in coastal regions). These maintenance costs can place a financial burden on airport operators, particularly in regions where budgets are tight.

Complexity of Integration with Existing Infrastructure

The third major challenge in the PBB market is the complexity of integrating advanced boarding bridge technology with existing airport infrastructure. Many airports, especially older ones, were not initially designed to accommodate modern boarding bridges, which means retrofitting these systems into existing terminals can be a difficult and time-consuming process.

The installation of passenger boarding bridges requires careful planning and coordination to ensure that the system fits with the existing airport layout. It may involve modifying terminal designs, adjusting gate configurations, and ensuring that the new system is compatible with the existing airside and landside infrastructure. This can lead to delays and increased costs for airport operators.

Key Market Trends

Modular and Customizable Boarding Bridges

As airports continue to modernize and expand, there is a growing trend towards modular and customizable passenger boarding bridges. Modular systems allow airports to add or remove components as needed, depending on the airport’s size, layout, and the type of aircraft being serviced. This flexibility enables airports to easily scale their PBB systems to accommodate changes in passenger volumes or aircraft specifications.

Customizable boarding bridges are designed to meet the specific needs of different airport terminals and gates. These systems can be tailored to accommodate various aircraft sizes, such as larger wide-body jets or smaller regional aircraft, ensuring that the boarding bridge can be aligned with the aircraft door for smooth and efficient boarding and deplaning. Customization also allows airports to implement design features that align with the overall aesthetic and functional requirements of the terminal, improving the passenger experience.

Automation and Smart Technologies

One of the most prominent trends in the airport passenger boarding bridges market is the adoption of automation and smart technologies. Automated passenger boarding bridges are increasingly being deployed to improve operational efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and enhance safety. These systems incorporate sensors, robotic technology, and machine learning to perform tasks that were previously managed manually by airport staff.

Automated systems can align the boarding bridge with aircraft more precisely, reducing the risk of human error and minimizing potential damage to both the aircraft and the bridge. This enhances safety for passengers and ground crew while improving overall operational reliability. Moreover, automation allows airports to streamline boarding operations, reduce labor costs, and optimize gate management by improving the allocation of boarding bridges based on real-time flight schedules and passenger volumes.

Sustainability and Energy-Efficient Designs

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important trend in the airport passenger boarding bridges market. With rising environmental concerns and pressure to reduce carbon footprints, airports are focusing on adopting more energy-efficient and eco-friendly boarding bridge solutions. Energy-efficient PBB systems help reduce the overall energy consumption of airports, which is a critical consideration in large-scale airport operations that require vast amounts of power.

Designs that focus on energy efficiency are incorporating features such as LED lighting, energy-saving motors, and systems that reduce the need for constant operation by automatically shutting down when not in use. Additionally, sustainable materials, such as recycled steel and environmentally friendly coatings, are being utilized in the manufacturing of passenger boarding bridges, contributing to the overall sustainability of the system.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

The movable passenger boarding bridge (PBB) segment dominates the global airport passenger boarding bridges market due to its flexibility and ability to accommodate various aircraft sizes and gate configurations. These bridges offer enhanced operational efficiency by easily adjusting to different aircraft door heights and aligning accurately with the aircraft, ensuring smoother boarding and deplaning processes. Their adaptability to changing airport infrastructure and passenger traffic demands makes them the preferred choice for airports worldwide. Movable PBBs are also equipped with automation features, improving turnaround times and reducing human error. This versatility and efficiency have solidified their position as the leading segment in the market.

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Regional Insights

North America dominates the global airport passenger boarding bridges market due to the presence of major airports, high levels of air traffic, and continuous investments in infrastructure upgrades. Airports in the United States and Canada are adopting advanced technologies and automation systems to improve operational efficiency and enhance the passenger experience. The region's focus on sustainability, energy-efficient solutions, and the need for scalable, customizable systems contribute to its leading market position. Additionally, North American airports prioritize safety, comfort, and passenger convenience, driving demand for innovative boarding bridge solutions that meet evolving industry standards and regulations.

Recent Developments

• In April 2024, Hübner-KTB Oberflächentechnik GmbH has acquired shares in TECLAC Werner GmbH, enhancing its position in high-quality surface finishing. This strategic move expands Hübner-KTB's offerings, especially in plastic surface painting, providing integrated "one-stop-shop" solutions for automotive industry customers.

• In April 2024, Thyssenkrupp and EP Corporate Group have entered a strategic partnership to enhance their technological and industrial offerings. The collaboration focuses on leveraging synergies to drive growth and innovation across multiple sectors.

• In July 2023, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has announced a partnership with EP Corporate Group, aimed at boosting their presence in the global market. The strategic collaboration will enhance their capabilities in power management solutions and expand operations, especially in energy, utilities, and data centers. The acquisition underscores MHI’s commitment to strengthening its role in infrastructure and electrification sectors.

• In Oct 2023, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has completed its acquisition of Concentric, LLC, forming a new North American structure aimed at handling data center expansion and the electrification of social infrastructure. The acquisition is expected to strengthen MHI's presence in the growing data center and infrastructure sectors.

Key Market Players

• Adelte Group S.L.
• CIMC-TianDa Holdings Company Limited
• Thyssenkrupp AG
• HÜBNER GmbH & Co. KG
• John Bean Technologies Corporation
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
• ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.
• Aviramp Ltd
• PT Bukaka Teknik Utama Tbk
• UBS Airport Systems

Report Scope:

In this report, the global Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

·         Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market, By Type:

o   Movable Passenger Boarding Bridge

o   Fixed Passenger Boarding Bridge

·         Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market, By Model:

o   Apron Drive Bridge

o   Dual Boarding Bridge System

o   Commuter Bridge

o   Over-the-wing Bridge

o   Nose-loader Bridge

o   T-bridge

·         Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe & CIS

§  France

§  Germany

§  Spain

§  Italy

§  United Kingdom

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  Japan

§  India

§  Vietnam

§  South Korea

§  Australia

§  Thailand

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Turkey

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the global Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market.

Available Customizations:

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Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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