Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market Forecasts to 2032 - Global Analysis By Type (Fixed, Towable, Moveable, Retractable and Other Types), Material, Operation Mode, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market is accounted for $2.2 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $3.9 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period. An Airport Passenger Boarding Bridge, commonly known as a jet bridge or jetway, is a movable, enclosed walkway that connects an airport terminal gate to an aircraft. It allows passengers to board and disembark safely and comfortably, protecting them from weather and reducing exposure to aircraft noise. These bridges are adjustable in height and length to accommodate different aircraft sizes. Operated either manually or automatically, boarding bridges enhance airport efficiency and security by streamlining passenger flow while minimizing the need for ground transportation like buses or stairs.

According to IATA, Despite growing fuel costs and economic slowdowns, air passenger travel has expanded at a 5 % over the last two decades and is expected to continue at that rate in the future. The overall number of passengers transported on scheduled Bridge Types climbed by 6.4 % to 4.3 billion in 2018, according to ICAO's annual statistics, while the number of departures increased by 3.5 % to 37.8 million in 2018.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing air passenger traffic

The market is witnessing significant growth due to the steady rise in global air passenger traffic. As more people choose air travel for both business and leisure, airports are expanding and upgrading infrastructure to enhance passenger convenience and safety. This surge in demand is driving investments in advanced boarding bridge systems, including flexible, automated, and weather-resistant designs. The trend is especially prominent in emerging economies, where rapid urbanization and increasing disposable incomes are fueling air travel expansion.

Restraint:

Installation and procurement time

The extended installation and procurement time in the market can negatively impact project timelines, causing delays in airport operations and increased costs. These delays hinder airport expansion plans, disrupt passenger flow efficiency, and may lead to revenue losses. Additionally, prolonged lead times can strain relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, reducing competitiveness in a fast-evolving aviation industry where timely execution is critical for meeting growing passenger demands.

Opportunity:

Demand for efficient airport operations

The growing demand for efficient airport operations is a key driver in the market. Airports worldwide are focusing on minimizing turnaround time and enhancing passenger flow to handle increasing air traffic. Passenger boarding bridges play a vital role by streamlining boarding and disembarkation processes, improving safety, and reducing delays. Advanced technologies, such as automated and smart bridges, are being adopted to boost operational efficiency, making them essential components in modern airport infrastructure upgrades and expansions.

Threat:

Maintenance and operational complexity

Maintenance and operational complexity in the market can lead to increased downtime, higher operational costs, and safety risks. Frequent technical issues and the need for specialized personnel for repairs can disrupt airport schedules and reduce passenger satisfaction. Complex systems also demand continuous training and upgrades, placing additional strain on airport resources and budgets, ultimately affecting overall efficiency and the return on investment for airport infrastructure projects.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the market. Travel restrictions and reduced passenger traffic led to a decline in demand for PBBs, with many airport construction projects being postponed or canceled. This downturn resulted in financial constraints for airport operators, delaying investments in new infrastructure. However, the pandemic also accelerated the adoption of contactless boarding technologies, prompting a shift towards automated and hygienic solutions in the long term.

The aluminum segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The aluminum segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable properties. These characteristics make it ideal for constructing bridge structures that are both strong and easy to maneuver. Aluminum helps reduce the overall weight of PBBs, lowering maintenance and operational costs while improving energy efficiency. Its recyclability and sustainability also align with the aviation industry's push toward greener infrastructure, making aluminum an increasingly preferred material in modern airport bridge designs.

The cargo airports segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the cargo airports segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. Cargo terminals require specialized boarding bridges to handle freight, ensuring faster and safer loading and unloading of goods. Innovations in PBB technology, such as adjustable and automated systems, are enhancing operational efficiency. The expansion of global trade and e-commerce also drives the demand for upgraded infrastructure, benefiting the cargo airport sector's development within the broader PBB market.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to increasing air travel, airport expansions, and modernization initiatives. Rising passenger traffic, coupled with government investments in infrastructure development, is driving the demand for advanced PBB systems. Airports in emerging economies like China and India are particularly expanding their capacities to meet growing passenger needs, further boosting the market. Additionally, technological advancements in bridge automation and safety features are shaping future market trends.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR. The integration of glass-walled boarding bridges is gaining popularity due to their modern aesthetic appeal, offering passengers unobstructed views of aircraft and surroundings, thereby enhancing the overall airport experience. Additionally, stringent environmental standards in regions like California are prompting airports to adopt passenger boarding bridges over mobile stairs, aiming to reduce emissions and improve sustainability in airport operations.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market include ThyssenKrupp AG, John Bean Technologies Corp. (JBT), HUBNER Group, Shanghai Haobo Aviation Equipment Co., Ltd., Anton Air Support, East Island Aviation, Dimaim Systems, Alpha-CIM, TK Elevator Airport Solutions, Oshkosh AeroTech, ACCESSAIR Systems, Aviasafe GmbH, Ameribridge, Inc., Vataple Group Ltd., Avicorp Middle East, Deerns Groep B.V., Oversys LLC. and AviRAMP.

Key Developments:

In July 2024, EMMA Systems helps airports make their operations efficient and predictable by optimizing resource utilization and increasing operational transparency through its AI platform. EMMA System's platform facilitates the implementation of EUROCONTROL's Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) requirements and increases the predictability of operational events by analyzing airports' operational patterns through its AI technology.

In March 2023, Thyssenkrupp Elevator has secured its largest service contract, maintaining 90 passenger boarding bridges, including a VIP bridge, at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, following six years of successful service, worth a triple-digit million euros.

Types Covered:

• Fixed
• Towable
• Moveable
• Retractable
• Other Types

Materials Covered:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Composites
• Glass
• Other Materials

Operation Modes Covered:

• Manual
• Automatic
• Semi-Automatic

Applications Covered:

• Commercial Airports
• Private Airports
• Cargo Airports
• Military Airports
• Regional Airports
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:

• Airport Authorities
• Aircraft Manufacturers
• Ground Service Providers
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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