Airport Passenger Boarding Bridge Market Size – By Boarding Bridge Type, By Model Type, By Tunnel Type, By Docking Type, By Foundation, By Technology, By Material, By Structure, By Point of Sale and Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Airport Passenger Boarding Bridge Market Size

The global airport passenger boarding bridge market was valued at USD 2.12 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2025 to 2034.
 

The global rise in air passenger traffic is driving airports to adopt fully automated passenger boarding bridges (PBBs). These systems integrate sensors, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things technology to enhance aircraft docking and boarding processes without manual intervention. Automated PBBs reduce turnaround times and enhance passenger experience, particularly in high-traffic airports. The systems improve safety by minimizing human error and integrating with existing airport management systems. As passenger volumes increase, airports are implementing automation to maintain operational standards.
 

This automation helps airports optimize their workflows and improve passenger handling efficiency to accommodate growing air traffic demands. For instance, Munich Airport, its Terminal 2 subsidiary, and Dabico Airport Solutions Germany GmbH signed a letter of intent at inter airport Europe 2023 to develop a pilot system for automated passenger boarding bridges. The project aims to improve operational efficiency by reducing docking and undocking times and enhancing the reliability of handling processes.
 

Airport modernization projects worldwide are driving infrastructure development through technology integration. Airports are upgrading their facilities to accommodate increasing passenger volumes, improve operational efficiency, and comply with safety and environmental regulations. These upgrades include new passenger boarding bridges (PBBs) that reduce delays and improve boarding processes. The modernization initiatives focus on terminal design improvements, space optimization, and sustainable infrastructure, including energy-efficient systems. Government and private sector investments in airport upgrades and new construction support the growth in regional and international air traffic. This development increases the demand for PBB solutions as part of creating efficient airport infrastructure.
 

Airport Passenger Boarding Bridge Market Trends

Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in airport passenger boarding bridge systems improves operational efficiency and safety. AI systems automate tasks including bridge alignment, attachment, and monitoring. The systems use image recognition and machine learning algorithms to optimize docking procedures, increasing accuracy and reducing errors. AI also enables predictive maintenance through analysis of operational data and sensor inputs to detect potential equipment issues early, reducing maintenance downtime.
 

For instance, Kansai Airports implemented an AI-powered automated system at Osaka International Airport (ITAMI) for connecting boarding bridges to aircraft. The system uses image recognition technology to attach bridges through a single-touch operation, reducing human error and improving operational safety. This automation enhances the passenger boarding process and overall travel experience.
 

The airport passenger boarding bridge market shows increased adoption of customized and modular passenger boarding bridge (PBB) designs that accommodate different aircraft types and terminal configurations. Airports require flexible systems that can serve wide-body, narrow-body, and regional aircraft with minimal adjustments. The modular designs reduce installation time and minimize operational disruptions during upgrades. Large terminals are implementing multi-bridge configurations to improve boarding and deplaning efficiency. Enhanced passenger comfort and safety requirements drive the integration of automated alignment systems, weather-resistant structures, and ergonomic designs.
 

Airport Passenger Boarding Bridge Market Analysis

The market faces constraints from technical integration challenges when implementing automated systems into existing airport infrastructure, often causing operational disruptions during installation periods. The market presents opportunities through increasing demand for automated airport facilities, as automation improves operational efficiency, minimizes errors, and enhances the passenger experience. Safety and environmental regulations drive technological advancement, with requirements promoting energy-efficient and sustainable boarding bridge systems.
 

Based on boarding bridge type, the airport passenger boarding bridge market is segmented into moving passenger boarding bridge, fixed passenger boarding bridge. In 2024, the moving passenger boarding bridge segment accounted for the largest market share with 67.3% share.
 

Moving passenger boarding bridges (PBBs) accommodate various aircraft types through their flexibility and mobility within airport terminals. These bridges feature adjustment systems for different aircraft heights and positions, facilitating efficient passenger boarding and disembarkation. The increased passenger traffic and requirement for streamlined handling processes at high-traffic airports drive the demand for these systems. Moving PBBs minimize boarding time and operational delays, enhancing overall airport efficiency.
 

Technological advancements in automation support the implementation of moving PBBs. Current models incorporate AI and sensor-based systems to improve docking accuracy and maintain safety during boarding operations. These features reduce human error, lower maintenance requirements, and boost operational efficiency. Large international airports increasingly implement these advanced bridges to optimize passenger movement, as the flexibility and reliability of moving PBBs are essential for managing high air traffic volumes.
 

Based on technology, the market is divided into hydraulic bridges, electrical bridges, fixed tunnel bridges. The electrical bridges segment is the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period.
 

Electrical passenger boarding bridges (PBBs) operate using electric-powered systems, providing an environmentally sustainable alternative to hydraulic systems. These bridges reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, aligning with global sustainability initiatives in airport infrastructure. Electrical PBBs operate more quietly and need less maintenance, resulting in long-term cost savings for airports while complying with environmental regulations. The demand for electrical PBBs is projected to increase, especially in regions with strict environmental standards.
 

Electrical PBBs feature electric motors and controllers that enable smooth movement, precise positioning, and efficient aircraft docking. This technology improves docking accuracy, minimizing accident risks and operational delays. The electrical systems integrate with airport management systems, providing real-time data for maintenance planning and monitoring. Airports selecting electrical PBBs prioritize sustainability goals, reduced environmental impact, and operational efficiency.
 

North America airport passenger boarding bridge market is expected to reach over USD 1.4 billion by 2034. North America, led by the United States, is upgrading its airport infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for modern passenger boarding bridges. U.S. airports are implementing automated systems and energy-efficient solutions to enhance passenger experience. The integration of artificial intelligence and electric-powered boarding bridges is improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance expenses. Airports across North America are investing in infrastructure upgrades to accommodate rising air traffic volumes while advancing sustainability initiatives.
 

China's airport passenger boarding bridge industry expansion is driving the demand for advanced passenger boarding bridges due to increased air travel and urbanization. The country's infrastructure modernization investments support the implementation of automated and energy-efficient solutions. Major international airports, experiencing higher passenger volumes, require systems that enhance operational efficiency, reduce boarding delays, and improve safety. Automation and AI technologies are transforming airport operations to achieve streamlined and sustainable processes.
 

Airport passenger boarding bridge market in Germany's airport modernization focuses on automation and smart technologies to enhance passenger experience. The market integrates advanced passenger boarding bridges with AI capabilities to reduce turnaround times and operational disruptions. Environmental regulations and sustainability goals drive the adoption of energy-efficient systems. High-traffic airports are implementing automated boarding bridges to ensure efficient and safe passenger boarding and disembarkation.
 

Market in Japanese airports are implementing automation to improve operational efficiency while prioritizing passenger comfort and safety. The integration of fully automated passenger boarding bridges reduces manual intervention and increases precision. To manage high international tourist volumes, airports focus on solutions that minimize boarding delays and optimize passenger flow. Infrastructure upgrades align with national objectives for smart airport systems and sustainability.
 

South Korea market is implementing advanced airport technologies to handle increasing passenger traffic, focusing on automated boarding bridge systems. Airports integrate smart solutions, including AI-driven systems for precise bridge alignment and attachment, to improve operational efficiency and passenger safety. The country's modernization strategy includes investments in energy-efficient infrastructure to promote sustainability and cost-efficiency. These developments support national initiatives for technologically advanced and environmentally responsible airport operations.
 

Airport Passenger Boarding Bridge Market Share

TK Elevator (thyssenkrupp Elevator) provides vertical transportation solutions and passenger boarding bridges to enhance airport operations. John Bean Technologies Corp. (JBT) develops passenger boarding bridge systems that focus on automation and efficiency. CIMC-TianDa manufactures passenger boarding bridges for airports worldwide, emphasizing technological integration for aircraft docking. These companies contribute to airport infrastructure development through their focus on automation, safety, and operational efficiency.
 

Airport Passenger Boarding Bridge Market Companies

Major players operating in the airport passenger boarding bridge industry are:

• AccessAir Systems, Inc.
• AERO Bridgeworks LLC
• Airport Equipment (a division of J&D McLennan)
• HÜBNER GmbH & Co. KG
• ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.
• TK Elevator (thyssenkrupp Elevator)
• CIMC-TianDa
• FMT Aircraft AB
• ADELTE Group S.L.
• John Bean Technologies Corp. (JBT)
• Jiangsu Tianyi Aviation Industry Co., Ltd.
• UBS Airport Systems (UBS)
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
• Oshkosh AeroTech, LLC
   

Airport Passenger Boarding Bridge Industry News

• In February 2023, ADELTE Airport Technologies received a grant from Red.es to develop an autonomous docking system for passenger boarding bridges. The project combines artificial vision and deep learning technologies with an IoT platform to automate aircraft docking through intelligent passenger boarding bridges (PBBs).
   
• In August 2024, CIMC-TianDa delivered 184 passenger boarding bridges (PBBs) to Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports for the Summer Olympics. The PBBs facilitate efficient passenger movement for athletes and delegations. CIMC-TianDa has installed more than 10,000 boarding bridges at 419 airports in 89 countries, demonstrating its market presence.
   

This airport passenger boarding bridge market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD million) & volume (units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Boarding Bridge Type

• Moving passenger boarding bridge
• Fixed passenger boarding bridge

Market, By Model Type

• Dual boarding system
• Commuter bridge
• Apron drive bridge
• Nose loader bridge
• T-bridge
• Over-the-wing bridge

Market, By Tunnel Type

• Air-conditioned tunnel
• Non Air-conditioned tunnel

Market, By Docking Type

• Manual docking system
• Intelligent docking system

Market, By Foundation

• Fixed  
• Movable        
  • Hydraulic 
  • Electro-mechanical

Market, By Technology

• Hydraulic bridges
• Electrical bridges
• Fixed tunnel bridges

Market, By Material

• Steel bridges
• Glass and composite bridges

Market, By Structure

• Glass walled bridges
• Enclosed bridges
• Telescopic bridges

Market, By Point of Sale

• OEM
• Aftermarket

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa