Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) in Modern Airports: Enhancing Efficiency, HVAC Systems, and Electric Motor Usage

The passenger boarding bridge (PBB) market is on a growth trajectory, projected to expand at an 8% CAGR between 2023 and 2033 Valued at USD 2.05 billion in 2023, the market is expected to surpass USD 4.43 billion by 2033, driven by rapid automation, rising passenger travel in emerging economies, and increasing focus on safety and infrastructure development in the aviation industry.

Each year, approximately 4.5 billion passengers  worldwide rely on PBBs to seamlessly transition from terminal gates to aircraft. These essential airport structures not only enhance passenger safety and comfort but also streamline airport operations for greater efficiency. Advanced HVAC systems and industrial electric motors, like Marathon Motors® VFDs, play a vital role in ensuring their performance and energy efficiency.

This article delves into the critical role of PBBs in modern airport operations, exploring their impact on passenger experience, their integration with advanced systems, and the technologies that make them indispensable.

Why Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) Matter

Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) are more than just elevated walkways. They are precision-engineered systems that streamline passenger movement, improve safety, and enhance the efficiency of boarding and deplaning.

A jetway is a type of jet bridge, which is an enclosed passageway that connects an airport terminal to an aircraft. The official term for a jet bridge is a passenger boarding bridge (PBB)

What is the purpose of a jet bridge?

Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) (also referred to as gangways, skybridges, and passenger boarding bridges) allow passengers to board a plane without needing to be exposed to the elements, as well as improve terminal security.

The average cost of a passenger boarding bridge, or jet bridge, is roughly between  USD 450,000 to USD 475,000 per bridge.

Streamlined Passenger Movement

By providing a direct, enclosed pathway from the terminal to the aircraft, Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) eliminates the need for passengers to traverse the tarmac. This improves passenger flow and reduces potential delays caused by outdoor boarding logistics, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

Safety First

Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs) offer crucial protection for travelers, shielding them from environmental hazards such as extreme temperatures, rain, and snow. They also enhance safety by reducing the risk of accidents caused by uneven surfaces or moving vehicles on the tarmac. Furthermore, PBBs provide a controlled pathway to the aircraft, minimizing the potential for safety breaches that could occur if passengers were allowed unrestricted movement around the aircraft.

Enhanced Passenger Experience

By integrating comfort-focused amenities like climate control and seamless vehicle-to-aircraft access, Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) help airports deliver a more enjoyable experience for passengers, particularly during peak travel seasons.

A Case in Point

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport recently embarked on a $1.5 million-per-gate jet bridge upgrade to improve climate control in 10 gates at its Barbara Jordan Terminal. The key improvement? Dedicated HVAC capabilities for each bridge, ensuring passengers remain comfortable regardless of weather conditions.

The Role of HVAC in Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB)

The demand for functional Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) has extended to include more sophisticated HVAC systems. Effective climate control plays an integral role in maintaining passenger comfort during critical boarding and deplaning processes.

Key HVAC Challenges

While Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) are designed to create a comfortable transit space, issues like external heat, the greenhouse effect, and air leakage through terminal connectors present significant challenges. A prime example comes from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, where its glass Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) struggles to maintain cool temperatures during scorching summers due to the greenhouse effect.

Solutions for Modern Airports

Advanced HVAC systems integrated into Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) mitigate these challenges by providing localized temperature control. The Marathon Motors® VFDs ( Variable Frequency Drives) and electric motors play a vital role in powering these HVAC systems efficiently, ensuring smooth operation throughout changing seasonal conditions. For example:

• Automatic Temperature Adjustments use energy-efficient HVAC sensors to maintain a consistent cooling or heating output, minimizing waste.

• Customized Ventilation Levels optimize airflow for each bridge, providing fresh air while reducing energy consumption.

• Dedicated Aircraft Cooling Systems enable Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) to supplement the aircraft’s onboard cooling systems, offering a seamless experience for both passengers and crew.

Industrial Electric Motors Powering Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB)

What keeps these modern marvels functional, especially as airports scale? Industrial electric motors are the unsung heroes behind the scenes.

Why Industrial Electric Motors Matter

Powering the movement of Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) requires robust, reliable, and energy-efficient electric motors. These components drive the telescoping motion of the bridge, enable its vertical lifting mechanism, and support advanced features like integrated lighting and HVAC systems.

Advantages of Marathon Motors® Electric Motors

1. Energy Efficiency:

Marathon Motors® VFDs and electric motors drastically reduce energy consumption without sacrificing performance. This is especially important for airports, where cost control and sustainability are pivotal.

2. Unmatched Durability:

Designed for high-demand applications, these motors withstand constant use and environmental stressors, ensuring the reliability needed in busy terminals.

3. Smooth Operation:

With precision-driven calibrations, Marathon electric motors minimize vibrations and operational noise, contributing to a quieter, more comfortable airport environment.

4. Adaptability to Modernization:

Given the dynamic nature of airport operations, Marathon’s motors are compatible with both legacy jet bridge systems and modernized upgrades.

Real-Life Application

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport project provides an excellent example of how modernization efforts rely on advanced motor solutions. By phasing their jet bridge upgrades to minimize disruptions, the airport is building long-term reliability into operations while maintaining climate control for passengers.

Sustainability and Future Innovations

Sustainability is rapidly emerging as a critical factor in airport operations. Integrating energy-efficient solutions, such as Marathon Motors® electric motors, aligns directly with the industry’s goals for reducing carbon footprints.

Green Building Standards

Many modern airports are designing their infrastructure to align with green certification standards like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). High-efficiency motors and VFDs contribute significantly to these efforts by reducing CO2 emissions.

Advancements in Smart Systems

The next generation of Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) is already taking shape, with features like AI-powered predictive maintenance and IoT-enabled HVAC controls. Electric motors with integrated IoT capabilities will only expand the scope of automation in Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB), driving higher efficiencies and reducing downtime.

Actionable Takeaways for Engineers and HVAC Professionals

1. Applications - Evaluate Current Systems:

Airports looking to upgrade should assess the condition of their jet bridge motors, HVAC systems, and climate controls to identify opportunities for optimization.

2. Choose Reliable and Efficient Motor Solutions:

Products like Marathon Motors® VFDs and electric motors provide the durability and efficiency needed for sustained operation.

3. Prioritize Climate Control:

Ensure your HVAC systems can operate independently in each jet bridge to address seasonal variations and passenger comfort effectively.

4. Consider Modular Upgrades:

Breaking upgrades into manageable phases, like Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, can minimize disruptions while modernizing operations.

Enabling the Future of Air Travel

Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) have transformed air travel, merging innovation and comfort to create seamless transit spaces. From advanced HVAC solutions to high-performance industrial electric motors, every component plays a critical role in ensuring airports meet modern operational demands.

Investing in reliable technologies like Marathon Motors® VFDs and electric motors not only powers efficiency but also sets the foundation for long-term sustainability and scalability. By rethinking the way we engineer these connectors, airports can better serve passengers while achieving operational excellence.

If our products can handle the hustle and bustle of an airport, they can handle any project you have in mind. Contact Marathon Motors® today to discuss how our electric motors and VFDs can power your next project, no matter the scale or industry!