Global sales of passenger boarding bridge were reported at USD 1,675.2 million in 2020. Demand for passenger boarding bridge is anticipated to reach USD 2,210.2 million in 2025. Over the assessment period (2025 to 2035), the market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.7% and attain value of USD 3,847.6 million by the end of 2035.
A passenger boarding bridge (PBB) is a movable enclosed walkway connecting an airport terminal to an aircraft that safely and efficiently enables the boarding and disembarking of passengers.
The bridges, also known as jet bridges or airbridges, are specifically designed to accommodate various sizes of aircraft and improve the comfort of passengers by providing protection from the weather.
They are known to be of several types, namely telescopic, apron drive, or dual boarding systems; they have greatly improved airport operations by reducing turnaround time and facilitating seamless flow of passengers between the terminal and the aircraft.
Passenger boarding bridges are generally made of steel, sometimes complemented with aluminum and fiberglass components. Steel, due to its strength, toughness, and resistance to weathering, is still the most preferred element in the making of the better types of boarding bridges.
It provides a stable structure for large loads, has resistance to corrosion with special protective paint applications, and allows for such heavy passenger loads to be carried.
The aluminum is used in lightweight sections of increased corrosion resistance. Usually the panels or non-structural parts are made of fiberglass, which is light and weather resistant, thus is well suited to component parts exposed to such elements. These materials provide for safety, longevity, and functionality.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 2,210.2 Million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 3,847.6 Million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.7% |
A telescopic passenger boarding bridge (PBB) is a moving structure designed to connect an aircraft to the terminal, extending and retracting to suit different aircraft sizes. It consists of several sections that can extend and contract giving maximum accessibility to various aircraft doors at whatever height.
Advantages include flexibility, a factor that takes care of different class of planes, and smooth regulation from weather condition impact. It is mostly preferred for compactness and quicker adjustment. Commonly employed in busy airports, it raises both passenger safety and comfort and enables airport operational efficiency.
An Apron Drive Bridge (ADB) is a passenger boarding bridge that uses a drive system to move across the apron and line up with the aircraft. They can operate efficiently, with the ability to align with different parking positions without relocating the terminal structure.
They are flexible, speedy, and accommodate a range of sizes of aircraft, hence preferred. These are common in airports with heavy passenger traffic especially at large and modern terminals where they facilitate passenger flow, safety, and operational effectiveness.
A glass-walled boarding bridge is a terminal boarding bridge featuring transparent glass panels, allowing for unobstructed views between the terminal and an aircraft. The structure is mostly used in airports that promote a modern appearance and passenger experience with light and views.
The advantages, thus, are increased visibility for passengers, a clean modern design, and, as a result, the sense of openness and comfort by reducing claustrophobia. Its aesthetics, transparency, and premium feel have made it a preferred option, especially in high-end or international airports where passenger experience is the foremost criterion.
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The table below presents the annual growth rates of the global passenger boarding bridge (PBB) market from 2025 to 2035. With a base year of 2024 extending to 2025, the report explores how the market's growth trajectory develops from the first half of the year (January to June, H1) to the second half (July to December, H2).
This analysis offers stakeholders a comprehensive view of the industry’s performance, focusing on key developments and shifts that may shape the market moving forward.
The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2035. In H2, the growth rate is anticipated to increase slightly.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 2024 | 5.4% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 2024 | 5.6% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 2025 | 5.7% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 2025 | 5.9% (2025 to 2035) |
From H1 2025 to H2 2025, the CAGR is expected to show a modest increase, moving from 5.7% in the first half to 5.9% in the second half. In H1, the sector is expected to see an increase of 30 BPS, with a further 30 BPS rise in the second half.
This semi-annual update highlights the passenger boarding bridge market's growth potential, driven by advancements in design and technology, as well as the rising demand for efficient and reliable airport infrastructure solutions.
Increased Air Travel Demand Drives Need for Efficient Boarding Solutions
The growth of air traffic is making pressure, which result in offering boarding bridge which is secured and reliable by all age passenger. As the air travel market expands, there has been a consequent rise in the volume of passengers that airports must serve quickly and safely.
The traditional practices and methods are increasingly becoming inadequate for the more extensive airports, given the number of people needing to board and disembark from aircraft.
Therefore, new-age boarding solutions are needed, which will ensure fast turnaround, greater operational efficiency, and passenger comfort and safety. The development of the service is furthered by the introduction of passenger boarding bridges, which offer a direct, enclosed connection between the aircraft and terminal, minimizing weather factors and reducing congestion.
Furthermore, as airlines increase their fleets with a wider variety of aircraft, their boarding systems need to be adaptable for different aircraft types and sizes, so the need for advanced and customizable passenger boarding bridge solutions persists.
Airport Modernization Projects Fuel Demand for Boarding Bridges
Modernization projects by airport stakeholders for meeting increasing demands in air travel by use of technological advancements among others, is providing the needed support for propelling the rise in demand for advanced Passenger Boarding Bridges over the years.
Airports all over the world are expanding and upgrading their facilities to enable them accommodate a larger volume of aircraft and passenger traffic and enhance operational efficiency, which often entails putting down an obsolete passenger boarding bridge system in place of more sophisticated and adaptable solutions with modern passenger boarding bridge, compatible with different aircraft sizes and types. This is very necessary; for reducing time for turn-around, ensuring safety, and enhancing the entire passenger experience.
In addition, modernizing projects are aimed at upgrading other infrastructures, boosting connectivity, and meeting changing safety standards which also further propels the need for advanced passenger boarding bridges. It plays an important strategic role in helping airports be competitive and meet future travel demand.
Airline Fleet Expansion Drives Need for Adaptable Boarding Bridge Solutions
The need for passenger boarding bridge solutions is on the rise as the airlines expand their fleets and introduce a wider variety of types and sizes of aircraft. They range from wide-body jets to smaller regional planes.
On these aircraft, the variations in the height and width call for boarding bridges with the capability to adjust to various heights and widths to allow smooth passenger flow and minimal boarding delays. Traditional fixed boarding bridges may not be able to manage properly.
These adaptable solutions are capable of extending or retracting, depending on the configuration of the aircrafts they cater to. Being able to cater for a multiple of aircraft without requiring manual adjustments or multiple boarding systems is a unique selling point for any airport and provides highest operation efficiency while enhancing overall passenger experience.
Improved Passenger Flow Management Drives Demand for Boarding Bridges
International and National airports are investing significantly in infrastructure to improve the management of passenger flow to enhance efficiency and reduce delays. Modern passenger boarding bridges play a major role in making the passenger boarding and disembarking experience smoother, faster, and safer.
These are the modern bridges designed to completely cure congestion at the gates, relieving bottlenecks and facilitating terminal operations. They are designed to connect the aircraft to the terminal in the shortest possible time, thus expediting transitions from boarding to disembarking, which is particularly important during periods of heavy traffic.
Furthermore, the integration of smart technologies in these bridges enables real-time monitoring and adjustments, maximizing their passenger flow management capabilities.
Adopting the state-of-the-art boarding bridge solutions, airports can better manage crowds, run operations at a faster rate, and more, obviously, delight the passengers, and, in a real sense, enhance the flow of airport facilities and the ability to absorb many passengers.
From 2020 to 2024, the global passenger boarding bridge market experienced steady growth, driven by increasing air travel, airport expansions, and modernization projects. Airports worldwide focused on upgrading infrastructure with advanced boarding bridges to improve passenger flow, enhance safety, and accommodate a diverse range of aircraft sizes.
The demand for smart, automated bridges integrated with airport management systems also rose, improving operational efficiency and reducing turnaround times. Innovations in materials, such as lightweight aluminum and corrosion-resistant composites, further contributed to the market’s growth by enhancing durability and reducing maintenance costs.
Looking ahead to 2025 to 2035, the passenger boarding bridge market is expected to grow rapidly, driven by continued airport expansion, rising passenger volumes, and technological advancements in bridge automation and flexibility.
As airports prioritize efficiency and passenger convenience, the demand for adaptable, high-performance boarding bridges will continue to rise, particularly in emerging markets experiencing rapid aviation growth.
Tier-1 companies account for around 20-30% of the overall market with a product revenue from the passenger boarding bridge market of more than USD 50 million. JBT Corporation, ShinMaywa Industries Ltd., ThyssenKrupp AG, and other players.
Tier-2 and other companies such as Adelte S.L., China International Marine Containers Co. Ltd., PT Bukaka Teknik Utama Tbkand other players are projected to account for 70-80% of the overall market with the estimated revenue under the range of USD 50 million through the sales of passenger boarding bridge.
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The section below covers the industry analysis for passenger boarding bridge in different countries. The demand analysis on key countries in several regions of the globe, including North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa is provided. This data helps investors to keenly observe and go through the recent trends and examine them in an ordered manner.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 5.3% |
| UK | 4.9% |
| ASEAN | 6.8% |
| Japan | 4.5% |
| Germany | 5.1% |
The growing differentiation in fleets, from larger wide-body to smaller regional jets, is propelling requirements for more flexible and versatile passenger boarding bridges for: diverse types and sizes of aircraft. Airports must accommodate different sizes and designs of aircraft by installing boarding bridges that may be adaptable in height, length, and movement, so that passengers can board and alight seamlessly.
A modern telescopic and apron-drive boarding bridge tends to be more flexible to the different forms of aircraft configurations, allowing airports to manage aircraft changes with minimum disruptions. Flexibility is, however, necessary in the optimization of gate utilization, shortening of turnaround times, and enhancing of the passenger experience.
Consequently, as airlines expand their fleets by adopting next-generation aircraft with unique door heights and fuselage design, airports are bound to upgrade their boarding infrastructure to accommodate their needs. While the versatility of the boarding bridge will enhance operational depth, such investments
Several ASEAN nations are heavily investing in the expansion and development of airports to meet the growing need for air travel in the region. Rapid urbanization, economic growth, and increasing passenger traffic mean new international and regional airports must be constructed and many existing airports upgraded. These projects require modern passenger boarding bridges to enhance operational efficiency, accommodate diverse aircraft types, and improve passenger convenience.
Many airports are having automated advanced boarding bridges installed in place of manual boarding bridges, which would shorten the boarding time whereas others are implementing them for a smoother boarding process. Besides, the governments and private investors are focusing on smart airport solutions, including using flexible and energy-efficient boarding bridges that will meet the needs of future aviation.
With greater infrastructure development, increased demand for high-tech passenger boarding bridges, durable and flexible in ASEAN would be expected to grow, which would also facilitate the growth of aviation in the region and improve further operational efficiencies at airports.
Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester are major airports located in the UK They have ramped up expansion work in order to accommodate the rising number of passengers going through their respective airports. The upgrading will entail the construction of new terminals, more gates, and infrastructural developments to better provide for the demand for modern passenger boarding bridges.
As the demand for air travel increases, airport authorities are focusing on facilitating passenger movement. In doing so, it is required that bridge types be at a very high operational flexibility leading to better turnaround times.
Newer bridges provide greater adaptability for various sizes of aircraft thus optimizing air travel with regard to boarding and deplaning procedures. The advent of automated and smart bridge systems is progressively helping airports to improve safety, reduce delays and streamline processes.
With investments continuing in terminal expansions and infrastructure upgrades, the demand for high-performance durable and technologically advanced boarding bridges continues to arise to the support of UK based aviation sectors, enabling efficient handling of future air traffic growth.
The section explains the growth of the leading segments in the industry. In terms of model type, telescopic bridges will likely dominate and generate a share of around 38% in 2025.
Based on the structure, glass-walled boarding bridge is projected to hold a major share of 49% in 2025. The analysis would enable potential clients to make effective business decisions for investment purposes.
| Segment | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Telescopic Bridges ( Material) | 38% |
Telescopic passenger boarding bridges are gaining popularity due to their space-saving capabilities, making them an ideal choice for airports with limited gate areas. These bridges are designed to retract when not in use, freeing up valuable space for other airport operations.
This feature is especially important in busy terminals where maximizing available space is crucial. The retractability of telescopic bridges allows airports to efficiently manage gate utilization, ensuring they can accommodate multiple flights and optimize ground operations. Additionally, their adaptability makes them suitable for various aircraft types, reducing the need for multiple specialized boarding solutions.
As airports continue to modernize and increase their capacity, telescopic bridges are becoming an essential part of airport design, offering flexibility, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting overall space optimization. This ensures that airport infrastructure remains scalable and capable of handling growing passenger traffic with minimal disruptions.
| Segment | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Glass-walled Boarding Bridge (Structure) | 49% |
Glass-walled passenger boarding bridges are increasingly popular for their sleek, modern design that enhances the visual appeal of airports. These bridges complement contemporary airport architecture, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to the overall terminal environment. With their transparent, minimalist design, glass-walled bridges contribute to a spacious, open feel, offering passengers an unobstructed view of the aircraft and surroundings.
This design choice aligns with the trend of creating modern, high-end airport spaces that cater to the growing expectations of travelers for comfort and style. Airlines and airports often leverage glass-walled bridges as part of their branding efforts, signaling a premium and customer-focused experience.
Additionally, the aesthetic qualities of these bridges contribute to an airport's reputation, making them a visually appealing feature that attracts travelers and improves their overall impression of the facility. This modern appeal, combined with practical functionality, makes glass-walled boarding bridges a preferred choice in airport design.
Technological advancements in the passenger boarding bridge market are enhancing efficiency, safety, and flexibility. The development of lightweight materials, such as aluminum alloys, is gaining traction to support the construction of durable yet less heavy boarding bridges.
Innovations like automated telescopic systems allow for greater adaptability, ensuring that bridges can connect to various aircraft sizes and door heights, enhancing operational efficiency. Smart features like real-time monitoring systems and automated adjustments are improving safety and reducing turnaround times.
Coatings such as anti-corrosion and UV-resistant layers are being used to increase the lifespan of boarding bridges, making them ideal for airports in harsh climates. The integration of energy-efficient LED lighting and environmentally friendly designs is also a growing trend.
Additionally, the push for streamlined airport operations has led to the adoption of modular designs, simplifying maintenance and installation. These advancements are transforming passenger boarding bridges into essential, high-performance components of modern airport infrastructure.
Recent Industry Developments
The model type is further categorized into telescopic bridges, apron drive bridge, dual boarding bridge system, commuter bridge, over-the-wing bridge, nose-loader bridge, T-bridges.
The structure is classified into steel-walled boarding bridge, glass-walled boarding bridge and glass-steel-walled boarding bridge.
The foundation is classified into fixed boarding bridge and movable boarding bridge.
The tunnel type is classified into air-conditioned tunnel and non air-conditioned tunnel.
The docking Type is classified into manual docking system and intelligent docking system.
Regions considered in the study include North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.
The passenger boarding bridge was valued at USD 2,091.1 million in 2024.
The demand for passenger boarding bridge is set to reach USD 2,210.2 million in 2025.
The passenger boarding bridge is driven by increasing air travel demand, airport modernization projects, airline fleet expansion, technological advancements, improved passenger flow management, and the need for enhanced safety and efficiency.
The passenger boarding bridge demand is projected to reach USD 3,847.6 million in 2035.
The telescopic bridges are expected to lead during the forecasted period due to demand for Space efficiency, adaptability to various aircraft sizes, and enhanced operational flexibility.
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