Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Dutch airport KLM have commissioned the world’s first fully automatic passenger bridge.
This innovation enables a dual passenger bridge to connect automatically in under a minute, thereby reducing the waiting time for passengers and helping speed up aircraft turnaround times. The new system also means less likelihood of malfunctions or damage due to operating mistakes, according to Schiphol.
The fully automatic passenger bridge will be used by KLM and its SkyTeam partners for intercontinental flights departing from Pier F, where it will be tested until the end of 2019. A decision will then be made on its further roll-out at the airport.
The airport developed the automated passenger bridge in collaboration with bridge supplier CIMC-TianDa, Dutch high-tech firm Sioux-CCM, and KLM. The bridge is equipped with a smart technology system in which cameras on the bridge recognize the door of the aircraft. The bridge can then connect itself to the aircraft door using sensors. A KLM staff member activates the automatic passenger bridge and monitors the process.
“I am proud that we are commissioning the world’s first fully automatic dual passenger bridge at Schiphol,” said Dick Benschop, CEO of Royal Schiphol Group. “We are committed to improving quality through innovation, with the aim of making the airport as comfortable and efficient as possible for passengers and airlines.”