Airport Passenger Boarding Bridge Market By Type (Hydraulic Passenger Boarding Bridges, Electric Passenger Boarding Bridges, Non-Standard Passenger Boarding Bridges), By Technology (Smart Boarding Bridges, Automation Integration, Green Technology Solutions), By Deployment Mode (On-Premise, Cloud-Based), By End-User (Airports, Airlines, Ground Handling Companies), and By Region; Global Insights & Forecast (2024 – 2030)

As per Intent Market Research, the Airport Passenger Boarding Bridge Market was valued at USD 4.0 billion in 2023 and will surpass USD 7.6 billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 9.5% during 2024 - 2030.

The airport passenger boarding bridge market plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless and efficient passenger boarding and deplaning at airports. Passenger boarding bridges (PBBs) are critical infrastructure that connects an airport terminal to an aircraft, allowing passengers to board and disembark without the need for external transport like buses or stairs. With the increasing volume of air travel globally, airports are focused on upgrading and expanding their facilities to ensure smooth operations and enhance passenger convenience. The growing adoption of advanced boarding bridge systems is a reflection of the industry's emphasis on improving safety, reducing turnaround times, and ensuring the comfort of travelers.

The market is evolving with the integration of modern technologies aimed at enhancing the functionality, sustainability, and automation of passenger boarding bridges. As airports aim to accommodate larger aircraft and ensure faster boarding processes, the demand for innovative and smart boarding bridges has risen. Technological advancements, such as automation and green technology, are transforming the design and efficiency of boarding bridges, positioning them as a crucial element in the broader context of airport infrastructure development.

Hydraulic Passenger Boarding Bridges Are Largest Owing to Reliability and Cost-Effectiveness

Hydraulic passenger boarding bridges are the largest segment in the airport passenger boarding bridge market, primarily due to their reliability, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for a wide range of airport applications. Hydraulic systems use a fluid-based mechanism to adjust the height and position of the boarding bridge, offering precise control and robustness. These bridges are ideal for airports that require reliable and low-maintenance systems, as hydraulic boarding bridges have fewer moving parts compared to electric ones, which leads to lower operational costs.

Hydraulic passenger boarding bridges are widely used in both smaller regional airports and larger international terminals. Their ability to accommodate various aircraft sizes, along with their ease of operation, makes them a popular choice. Despite the growing interest in electric and smart boarding bridges, hydraulic systems remain dominant in the market due to their proven performance and affordability, particularly in cost-sensitive environments.

Smart Boarding Bridges Are Fastest Growing Due to Automation and Efficiency

Smart boarding bridges are the fastest-growing segment in the market, driven by the increasing demand for automation and operational efficiency at airports. These advanced systems are integrated with technologies like sensors, IoT, and automation software to enhance their functionality. Smart boarding bridges can automatically adjust to the aircraft's height and position, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving the speed and accuracy of the boarding process. They also provide real-time data and predictive maintenance capabilities, which help reduce downtime and enhance the overall operational efficiency of airports.

The growing focus on improving passenger experience and reducing turnaround times is fueling the demand for smart boarding bridges. Airports are increasingly adopting automated solutions that can help streamline boarding and deplaning, ensuring that flight schedules are adhered to more precisely. Additionally, smart boarding bridges can be integrated with other airport systems, further improving the coordination between boarding gates, ground handling, and flight operations, making them an attractive choice for modernizing airport infrastructure.

Green Technology Solutions Are Fastest Growing in Technology Segment Due to Sustainability Focus

Green technology solutions are the fastest-growing technology segment in the airport passenger boarding bridge market, driven by the aviation industry's growing emphasis on sustainability. Green technology in passenger boarding bridges involves the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and innovations that reduce environmental impact. This includes features such as solar-powered systems, energy-efficient lighting, and electric drives that minimize the carbon footprint associated with boarding bridge operations.

As airports strive to meet stricter environmental regulations and reduce their energy consumption, the adoption of green technology solutions has become a priority. These sustainable systems not only help airports lower their operational costs but also align with broader global sustainability goals. The demand for environmentally friendly infrastructure is expected to continue to rise, making green technology solutions a significant growth area in the airport passenger boarding bridge market.

Airports End-Use Industry Is Largest Owing to Primary Role in Boarding Operations

The airports segment remains the largest end-user industry in the airport passenger boarding bridge market, as airports are the primary infrastructure providers for boarding and deplaning passengers. Passenger boarding bridges are essential to airport operations, enabling efficient, safe, and comfortable passenger movement between the terminal and the aircraft. With the growing need for higher passenger throughput and more efficient airport operations, airports are investing heavily in upgrading their boarding bridge systems.

The demand for advanced and automated boarding solutions is being driven by the increasing volume of air travel, as well as the need to accommodate larger aircraft with specialized boarding requirements. As airports modernize their infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and the passenger experience, the airports segment is expected to remain the dominant end-user in the market.

Europe Region Is Fastest Growing Due to Airport Modernization and Sustainability Initiatives

The Europe region is the fastest-growing market for airport passenger boarding bridges, driven by the ongoing modernization of airport infrastructure and a strong focus on sustainability. European airports are actively upgrading their facilities to meet rising passenger traffic and environmental standards. Many airports in Europe are incorporating green technology and smart solutions into their boarding bridge systems, making them more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The region’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of airport operations and improving passenger experience has spurred growth in the adoption of advanced boarding bridge technologies.

The European market is also characterized by a high level of innovation, with airports adopting cutting-edge automation and IoT solutions to improve efficiency. With several large airports in Europe already adopting smart and hydraulic systems, the demand for advanced boarding bridge solutions is expected to continue to rise, positioning Europe as a key growth region for this market.

Competitive Landscape and Leading Companies

The airport passenger boarding bridge market is highly competitive, with several key players offering a variety of solutions to meet the needs of airports worldwide. Leading companies in the market include JBT Corporation, thyssenkrupp, MHI (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), and a range of regional manufacturers such as Adelte, Cavotec, and China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC). These companies are focusing on innovation, with many investing heavily in smart and green technology solutions to meet the evolving demands of airports and airlines.

Competition is also driven by the need for customized solutions that meet specific airport requirements, such as accommodating larger aircraft or providing eco-friendly alternatives. Strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions are common in this market as companies look to expand their portfolios and enhance their technological capabilities. With increasing investments in airport infrastructure and growing passenger traffic, the competitive landscape of the airport passenger boarding bridge market is expected to remain dynamic, with a strong focus on automation, sustainability, and technological integration.

Recent Developments:

• In December 2024, JBT Corporation unveiled a new electric passenger boarding bridge with advanced automation features to improve operational efficiency at airports.
• In November 2024, ADELTE Group launched a smart boarding bridge system that integrates AI and IoT for predictive maintenance and enhanced passenger experience.
• In October 2024, Cavotec SA announced the successful installation of hydraulic passenger boarding bridges at a newly expanded international airport terminal.
• In September 2024, MHI introduced a range of eco-friendly boarding bridges designed to reduce carbon footprints at major global airports.
• In August 2024, FMT Aircraft Gate Support Systems introduced a non-standard passenger boarding bridge tailored for small regional airports with limited space.

List of Leading Companies:

• JBT Corporation
• Thyssenkrupp AG
• Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries
• Cavotec SA
• MHI (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries)
• ADELTE Group
• FMT Aircraft Gate Support Systems
• TBS Engineering Inc.
• Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment Co., Ltd.
• China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation
• Bombardier Inc.
• Liugong Group Co., Ltd.
• Thyssenkrupp Airport Systems
• AEROSERVICES S.A.
• Shenzhen Yitongda Airport Support Equipment Co., Ltd.

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