Brussels Airport has inaugurated two brand-new passenger boarding bridges at Pier B, where it operates its intercontinental flights.
The new bridges are part of a larger project to replace all the passenger boarding bridges (PBBs) at Pier B, which have reached the end of their useful life. Having reached the end of their useful life (25 years), the 28 boarding bridges will be replaced in six stages between now and the end of 2025, to limit the impact on operational capacity. According to the airport operator, this large-scale project is important in order to respond to technological developments in the aviation industry and to improve operational efficiency by speeding up the boarding and disembarking processes. It is also in line with Brussels Airport's strategy to improve the comfort of its customers, passengers and airlines, and to shore up its role as a major hub.
The new aerobridges are more spacious, while the large windows provide natural light and an unrestricted view over the tarmac. They are also equipped with new technologies, with a modern HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) system, light detectors, and monitors to improve passenger flow and safety. Some gates will be equipped with dual boarding bridges to separate economy and business passengers. The new aerobridges also allow better use of the airport's space and easier handling.
Following the inauguration of the triple boarding bridge in April 2018, the commissioning of these two new bridges paves the way for the replacement of all other bridges at Pier B, with the next double boarding bridge scheduled to be operational in March. The whole replacement operation is expected to last until the end of 2025, with very limited impact on operations. This is a major investment (around €40m) for Brussels Airport.
Image: Brussels Airport
