World's First "Gutter-less" Function for the "Barrier-Free Type" Aircraft Passenger Boarding Bridge
October 21, 2024
ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. (Head Office: Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, President: Tatsuyuki Isogawa) has developed the world's first* "Gutter-less" function (optional) for the "Barrier-Free Type" aircraft passenger boarding bridge (hereinafter PBB) launched in August 2024 and began sales on October 1, 2024.
- *"World's first":
Invisibility of the gutter and rail surface area on the barrier-free PBB was realized for the first time in the world, except for PBB with the full-flat structure. Based on the information reported in airports around the world and on our understanding of the trends of our competitors.
[Video] "Garter-less" cover in action
The newly developed "Gutter-less" feature successfully covers the gutter for tunnel rainwater drainage and the expansion mechanism of the tunnel rail surface with a movable cover that adjusts to the expansion of the tunnel.This not only maintains the aesthetic appeal of the tunnel but also prevents the adhesion of grease (lubricant) applied to the tunnel rail surface to the passageway, thereby creating a hygienic and comfortable environment. Additionally, it enhances safety measures by reducing the risk of pedestrians tripping or wheelchairs and carry cases tipping over.
In developing the "Gutter-less" function, we installed testing equipment at our Harima Plant (Ono City, Hyogo Prefecture) and rainwater drainage testing equipment at our Takarazuka Plant (Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture) to repeatedly verify the reliability and safety of the system as well as rainwater flow under various conditions.
ShinMaywa introduced the "Full-flat type"with a ramp of "zero" specifications for the tunnel expansion joint in 2018, and in August 2024, we developed a"Barrier-free type."Currently, in line with airport concepts, customers can choose from three types: "Standard type," "Barrier-free type," and "Full-flat type." With the recent addition of a "Gutter-less" function option for the "barrier-free type," the choices have been further expanded.
To contribute to the promotion of universal design of airport facilities worldwide, we will continue to develop boarding bridges to ensure safe, comfortable, and smooth use by all users of airport facilities.
Features of the newly developed "Gutter-less" function (option for "Barrier-free type")
Right side (green arrow): The newly developed "Gutter-less" feature (movable cover)
Left side (blue arrow): Gutter for rainwater and tunnel rail are visible
(Taken with the testing machine installed at the Harima Factory, Ono City, Hyogo Prefecture)
Gutter and rail surfaces are always covered by a movable cover, maintaining the aesthetics of the tunnel and ensuring safe and comfortable boarding and exiting of aircraft
- 1The design matches the interior walls of the Steel Plate Tunnel Model (photo), Glass Tunnel Model, or Steel Plate Tunnel Model with window, creating a stylish interior space inside the tunnel.
- 2A hygienic structure is achieved by avoiding the risk of pedestrians encountering the gutter, which allows water to run off during rainfall, and the tunnel rail surface, which is coated with grease (lubricant), thereby preventing the carpet and other objects to get greasy.
- 3In addition, the grooves and steps on both sides of the tunnel have been eliminated to avoid the risk of pedestrians losing their footing and wheelchairs derailing.
Sales start date
October 1, 2024
Sales target
300 units (cumulative total through fiscal 2030)
Contact Information Regarding this Matter
About products
Sales Group, Airport Facilities Department, Product Division, Parking Systems Division, ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.
5-16-5 Higashiueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8620, Japan
For news organizations
Public Relations Department, Corporate Planning Division ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.
1-1 Shinmeiwa-cho, Takarazuka, Hyogo, 665-8550, Japan
The information published in this content is current as of the date of publication.
Please note that this information may differ from the latest information due to changes in our group's business strategies and organization.