Airport Boarding Bridge Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Components (Rotunda, Telescopic Tunnel, Elevation System, Traction System, Service Stairs, and Cabin), By Type (Telescopic, Apron Drives, Nose Loaders, T-Bridges, Commuter, and Stationary), By Lift Column (Electro-Mechanical and Hydraulic), By Structure (Steel-walled and Glass-Walled), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The airport boarding bridge, also known as a jet bridge, aerobridge, or passenger boarding bridge, is a movable connector that extends from an airport terminal gate to an aircraft parked on the tarmac. It provides a covered, climate-controlled pathway for passengers to board without walking across the open tarmac or using stairs. The boarding bridge is typically equipped with doors that align with the aircraft doors, allowing a seamless transition for passengers. It ensures convenience, safety, and accessibility for passengers, especially during adverse weather conditions or when boarding larger aircraft. Boarding bridges are designed to accommodate different types and sizes of aircraft and are an essential part of airport infrastructure to facilitate the smooth flow of passengers during the boarding and disembarking process.

Key Market Insights:

The continuous growth in air travel and rising passenger numbers globally is a significant drivers for the airport boarding bridge market. As airports handle larger volumes of passengers, the need for efficient and convenient boarding and disembarking processes becomes crucial, which can be facilitated by the use of boarding bridges. Moreover, passengers, today expect a higher level of comfort and convenience when traveling by air. For example, boarding bridges from Thales provide a covered and climate-controlled pathway with air conditioning and advanced lighting technique. This enhances the passenger experience and contributes to the demand for boarding bridges.

Advancements in boarding bridge technology have improved their functionality, efficiency, and safety features. Manufacturers are developing innovative solutions with automated systems, advanced sensors, energy-saving features, and improved connectivity. These technological advancements drive the demand for modern boarding bridges. For example, in September 2022, Delta tested ways to combine facial recognition technology with its boarding bridge procedures.

But, the cost of installing and maintaining boarding bridges can be significant. Airports, especially smaller or less developed ones, may face financial constraints in implementing new boarding bridge systems or upgrading existing ones. Also, the installation process can be complex and time-consuming, involving considerations such as airport operations, runway/taxiway configuration, and aircraft compatibility. The high initial investment cost and complex installation process are the restraints on market growth. For example, a passenger boarding bridge costs from USD 450,000 to USD 475,000 per bridge, and refurb costs approximately USD 236,000 per bridge.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Airport Boarding Bridge Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the Global Airport Boarding Bridge Market. The pandemic led to widespread travel restrictions, border closures, and decreased consumer confidence in air travel. The reduced passenger numbers directly impacted the demand for boarding bridges as airports operated with significantly fewer flights and lower passenger volumes. Many airports postponed or scaled back their infrastructure expansion plans and projects, including installing or upgrading boarding bridges. Airports faced severe financial challenges during the pandemic due to reduced revenues from passenger fees, retail, and other commercial activities. The financial strain made it difficult for airports to allocate funds for capital expenditures, including the boarding bridge market.

The global airport boarding bridge market is segmented into four types. By components, it is segmented into rotunda, telescopic tunnel, elevation system, traction system, service stairs, and cabin. Based on type, this market is categorized into telescopic, apron drives, nose loaders, t-bridges, commuter, and stationary. By lift column, the market is divided into electro-mechanical and hydraulic. Based on structure, this market is divided into steel-walled and glass-walled. From a geographical view, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

Key Insights:

The report will describe the following key insights:

• The report analyzes a detailed industry overview, including qualitative and quantitative information.


• The report analyzes an overview and forecast of the global airport boarding bridge market based on various segments.


• The report also analyzes comprehensive PEST analysis for all four regions, i.e., North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America, after evaluating economic, social, political, and technological factors affecting the global airport boarding bridge market in these regions.

Regional Analysis:

North American region has captured the most significant market share in the global airport boarding bridge market mainly due to advanced airport market in U.S. Also, the number of passengers are accelerating very fast in U.S. For example, As per BTS, U.S. airlines accepted 194 million added passengers in 2022 than in 2021, up 30% year-to-year. Also, most countries in Asia Pacific, such as India and China, are now significantly growing up in this sector. Several contracts and partnerships by the Govt. in recent years proved that the Asia Pacific region is speeding up in airport boarding bridge market. 

Key Players Covered:

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Thyssenkrupp AG, John Bean Technologies (JBT), CIMC Limited, FMT Aircraft AB, Adelte Group, Accessair Systems, ShinMaywa Industries, UBS Airport System, A-Bridge and Vataple Group, and others.

Segmentation:

Key Industry Developments:

• In November 2022, Dabico Corporation, a Fernweh Group portfolio company signed an agreement to acquire A-Bridge LLC., Canada based one of the largest manufacturers, who offers refurbishment, repair, installation and services for passenger boarding bridges also.


• In August 2022, CIMC Limited from China got a project to install passenger Airport boarding bridge from Princess Juliana International Airport. The boarding bridges were reconstructed due to be damaged by hurricane in 2017. The new boarding system includes an upgrade with added escalators at every gate, elevators, and stairs, for smooth boarding and enhanced operational flow.