First "Barrier-free type (Gutter-less)" aircraft passenger boarding bridge delivered to Takamatsu Airport
October 15, 2025
ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. (Head Office: Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture; President and CEO: Isogawa Tatsuyuki) has delivered the first aircraft passenger boarding bridge (hereinafter referred to as "boarding bridge") to Takamatsu Airport. This is a "Barrier-free type" developed in 2024 with an added "Gutter-less function (optional)."
(Installed at spot 7 at Takamatsu Airport, it is scheduled to be used primarily for international flights from October 16, 2025.)
Boarding bridge delivered this time was selected by Takamatsu Airport as a Barrier-free type, the first of its kind in the world *, and was installed as part of the expansion and renovation work on the passenger terminal building at Takamatsu Airport. Installation and delivery to the newly added No. 7 boarding spot was completed on September 26th, and operation will begin on October 16th.
- *"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.
1. Order Overview
| Business name | Takamatsu Airport #7 boarding bridge (PBB) New Installation Construction |
|---|---|
| Client / Airport Name | Takamatsu Airport Co., Ltd. / Takamatsu Airport |
| Construction period | Start: September 2, 2025, Completion: September 26, 2025 |
| Specifications | Type: Barrier-free type Model: Steel plate tunnel model Options: Garterless function, air conditioning equipment installation |
| Radix | 1 unit |
2. Features of the "Barrier-free type with garterless function"
The gutter and rail surfaces are always covered, creating a sophisticated and hygienic environment for safe and comfortable aircraft and disembarking.
- 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.
We have been strengthening our product lineup by successively launching the "Full Flat Type" with "zero" slope specification of the crossing plate of the tunnel expansion/contraction section in 2018 and the "Barrier-Free Type" boarding bridge in 2024. Customers can now choose from the "Standard type," "Barrier-free type," and "Full flat type" to match the concept of the airport where they operate, and with the recent addition of the "Gutter-less" function option to the "Barrier-free type," the choice has been further expanded. The "Barrier-Free Type" now has the option of a "Gutter-less" function.
In order to contribute to the worldwide trend toward universal design for airport facilities, we will continue to strive to develop boarding bridge are safe, comfortable, and smooth for everyone who uses airport facilities.
Contact Information
About products
ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. Parking Systems Division
Airport Facilities Division, Sales Department
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.