Enhancing airport operations and ensuring total safety and comfort
for both passengers and operators

Building on more than three decades of experience in the design, manufacture and installation of advanced Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs), ADELTE enables airlines and airports to increase operational efficiency and reduce operational costs.

ADELTE delivers innovative, made-to-measure and high quality Passenger Boarding Bridges with two or three bodies, a hydraulic or electromechanical elevation system, glass or steel tunnels and an increasing or decreasing telescope extension. Our complete line ranges from Apron Drives and Nose Loaders to T-Bridges and Commuter Bridges. It can service all commercial aircrafts, from the largest A380 to smaller jets, and covers every terminal and all apron-specific configuration needs.

ADELTE’s unique designs and technologies guarantee optimal performance on the apron.

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Superior Quality
Superior Quality

PBBs are designed by ADELTE’s experienced & highly skilled engineers, and are manufactured using the latest technologies

Turn-key Projects
Turn-key Projects

ADELTE takes control of the whole project, from initial design to delivery

360º Life Cycle
360º Life Cycle

ADELTE takes care of every phase in the life cycle of its products

Extensive Experience
Extensive Experience

Three decades of knowledge and experience in delivering PBBs to airports worldwide

Most common Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges

Apron Drive Bridges
Apron Drive Bridges

The most flexible and popular telescopic Passenger Boarding Bridges worldwide, allowing a variety of docking heights and ample movements thanks to adjustable handling and lifting mechanisms.

A380 Apron Drive Bridges
A380 Apron Drive Bridges

A telescopic Passenger Boarding Bridge with the same characteristics as the Apron Drive but able to reach a height of 8m. Specially designed for the Airbus A380.

Nose Loader Bridges
Nose Loader Bridges

The Nose Loader facilitates docking operations in restricted parking areas. The bridge is anchored to the terminal building and a telescopic tunnel with cabin extends towards the aircraft. The fixed tunnel can be smoothly elevated or lowered to the required operational level.
ADELTE can also design and manufacture T-Bridges and Commuter Bridges.

THE FUTURE IS HERE

DISCOVER HOW ANY AIRPORT CAN IMPLEMENT ARCOS, THE NEW
AUTONOMOUS REMOTE CONTROL OPERATING SYSTEM FOR PASSENGER BOARDING BRIDGES

 

Passenger Boarding Bridge System Components

ADELTE’s custom-built PBBs are able to cover all required airport apron configurations.
The PBBs allow safe, secure and easy docking operations and deliver easy and comfortable access for all passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about
Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges

A Passenger Boarding Bridge is an enclosed, elevated mobile walkway which extends from an airport terminal gate to an aircraft door.

Yes, in fact there are many terms used around the world, like: Passenger Loading Bridge, Aerobridge, Airbridge, Jetbridge and Jetway, The abbreviation of Passenger Boarding Bridge is PBB.

An apron-drive Passenger Boarding Bridge starts with a Rotunda, fixed over a Rotunda Column, which is anchored into the ground. The Rotunda is the interface between the airport building (a fixed structure) and the mechanical bridge (a movable structure). Two or three Telescopic Tunnels are the next part of bridge. They are supported by the Rotunda on one side and the Elevation System on the other. The Elevation System comprises two parallel steel pillars or columns, assembled over a Traction System (also known as bogie) which contains motors and wheels. This system makes it possible for the Passenger Boarding Bridge to manoeuvre to and from the aircraft. Finally, at the end of the telescopic tunnels is the Cabin, which is the part of the Passenger Boarding Bridge that connects with the aircraft.

The first Passenger Boarding Bridges, as we know them today, were found in the USA. A single prototype, the “Aero-Gangplank”, was installed in 1958 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. One year later, Pacific Iron and Steel Corporation installed the first fully operational “Jetways” at both San Francisco International Airport and Atlanta Airport. The first Passenger Boarding Bridge outside the USA was installed in 1961 at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

ADELTE received its first contract to design, manufacture and install a Passenger Boarding Bridge in 1984. The PBB was installed at Tenerife airport, on the Canary Islands.

Yes, there are various types of PBBs. The Apron Drive-type is the most commonly used worldwide. Additionally, there are also Nose Loader, T-loader, Commuter Bridge and the A-380 Apron Drive.

An Apron Drive-type Passenger Boarding Bridge usually reaches a height of five meters. However, the Apron Drive A380 Passenger Boarding Bridge can be elevated to reach a height of up to eight meters.

The weight of a Passenger Boarding Bridge is on average around 25 tons, although this weight varies depending on the number of tunnels, their length and the components installed.

The purchase price of a Passenger Boarding Bridge can vary depending on the type, functions and finishes that a client requires. PBBs can have two or three tunnels with glass or steel side panels, can be fixed or use a traction system, and finally can include a hydraulic or electro-mechanical elevation system. Furthermore, the airport location where the PBB will be installed also has an impact on its price.

In general Passenger Boarding Bridges are acquired by airport authorities to integrate them into their terminals as part of their infrastructure. However, airport operators and airlines also acquire and own Passenger Boarding Bridges.

Passenger Boarding Bridge Specifications

Tailor-made to clients’ needs

Our engineers will design and deliver a Boarding Bridge manufactured to your specific needs, choosing the right size configuration, the drive system, the elevation type (hydraulic or electro-mechanical), a two or three body configuration, the most efficient air conditioning system and other design features, such as glass or steel tunnels, increasing or decreasing telescope extension or GSE integration. The result is a highly durable Passenger Boarding Bridge capable of providing a long-lasting service at your airport.

Low operating costs

Elevation and travel systems are designed and engineered to offer maximum energy efficiency. The Passenger Boarding Bridge structure is prepared to receive Ground Support Equipment such as PCA and GPU which deliver preconditioned air and electricity to the stationed aircraft, dramatically reducing its energy consumption.

Fast, precise and secure docking maneuvers

ADELTE’s Passenger Boarding Bridges are equipped with the latest Cabin and PLC technologies and offer a complete and reliable safety system. Multiple sensors, point-and-go technology and our fully automated docking system make docking operations simple and successful, preventing any risk for the aircraft or operator on the apron.

Direct access maintenance design

Maintenance is a key factor for keeping boarding bridges in optimum operating condition. Thanks to our unique direct access design, all major components can be reached easily to allow maintenance tasks to be carried out quickly.

Superior product quality and reliability

Our Passenger Boarding Bridges offer a stronger and more lightweight structure made of high quality steel which ensures the best protection against corrosion. All materials are tested and the manufacturing process is certified in order to guarantee excellent durability.

Outstanding safety and comfort for passengers

We strongly believe that the moment a passenger enters one of our advanced boarding bridges they begin their journey. Therefore, design and a successful technical conception are vital, incorporating aspects such as innovative use of natural lighting, significant thermal and acoustic insulation, non-slip flooring, efficient air-conditioning solutions and comfortable gradient, all of which make a qualitative difference to a passenger’s perception of the service provided by an airport or airline.

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ADELTE has extensive experience in
Airport Services, using the latest technologies
and employing highly qualified personnel.

ADELTE keeps your PBBs up to date

Our customers place a high value on the fact that we can design, manufacture, install, train, operate,
maintain, refurbish and provide spare-parts. ADELTE takes care of every phase in the life cycle of its products.

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at Airports around the world

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ADELTE has extensive experience in the design, manufacture, installation and
maintenance of PBBs at airport, cruise and ferry terminals around the world