b'GROUND SUPPORTMIA 31So far, 32 passenger boarding bridges have been replacedNFPA 415. Its restrictions were gradually loosened beginning about under the M.I.A. Plan, all but two with steel units. Atlanta-based15 years ago.TK Elevator replaced 27 bridges under two separate contracts ofThyssenKrupp Airport Systemsa German conglomerate that $16.4 million and $24.3 million. The first phase included 12 bridgesin 2020 sold a division that is now the independent company TK and was initially meant to include all steel units until representativesElevatorbroke Americas proverbial glass barrier in 2008. First from TK Elevator suggested the airport consider a glass alternative. up was a pair of clear bridges at Killeen Regional Airport (GRK) In essence, the company encouraged MIAin Texas, followed by six more at nearby Rick Husband Amarillo to pursue this new vision for its terminals.International Airport (AMA) in 2014. At first, there wasnt a vast interest, recallsAfter that, several other U.S. airports also installed glass bridges Carla McCage, head of Project Managementby TK Elevator or JBT AeroTech, a competing firm now owned by with TK Elevator. But as we progressed,the Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Corporation (see sidebar on Page we kept bringing up the idea of a glass PBB34). No domestic location embraced the option as wholeheartedly [passenger boarding bridge]. as Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Its $1.5 billon terminal The bridge manufacturer saw the idea asCARLA McCAGE that opened in February 2023 features 39 glass boarding bridgesmutually beneficial. For MIA, it was a chance to give its customersmore than any other airport in the United States. Each JBT something splashy and different; for TK Elevator, it was anotherAeroTech unit at MCI is equipped with heating and air conditioning opportunity to highlight its products at a large, high-visibility airport.to temper the citys notorious Midwestern temperature swings. MIA soon saw the light and agreed to equip Gate D14 withA bridge style that was banned in the U.S. not so long ago is a glass boarding bridge. It then asked TK Elevator to swap onenow being adopted by airports of all sizes, all across the nation. of the 15 steel bridges planned for Phase II to a glass model, culminating in what is now Gate H17. The glass bridge at D14Ongoing Needcost $1.25 million, while the longer unit at H17 was $1.78 million.At MIA, traffic is driving bridge replacements and other infrastructure Generally, the price for a glass bridge is about 10% higher than forimprovements. Its 52.3 million passengers in 2023 set a new annual a similar steel version. At MIA, the two clear bridges were such arecord, and represented a 3.3% increase from the prior year. Last hit that all 126 of its gates are now slated to receive glass bridgesDec. 23, MIA welcomed 194,866 passengersthe highest single-when their current equipment comes due for replacement.day count in its 92-year history.We started conservatively, says Smith, who credits Miami- To prepare for continued growth, Miami-Dade County Mayor Dade Aviation Department Director and Chief Executive OfficerDaniella Levine Cava and the Board of County Commissioners Ralph Cuti for making the commitment to long-term wholesalehave adopted a capital improvement program to fund up to $7 conversion. These bridges give us the opportunity to give ourbillion in airport modernization projects over the next five to 15 travelers a more pleasant boarding and deplaning experience. years. Thats in addition to $1.7 billion committed to maintenance upgrades via the M.I.A. Plan. Breaking the Glass BarrierUntil a few years ago, clear jet bridges werent an option for U.S. airports due to a longstanding safety directiveNational Fire ProtectionChecked Baggage Inspection and Baggage Handling SystemsAssociation 415. This American fireCheckpoint Passenger and Property Screening Systemscode for terminal buildings and loading walkways mandated that passenger Master Planning Installation and Integration Servicesboarding bridges for aircraft could not System Design Testing and Commissioning Supportinclude windows aside from those on Construction Administration Third-Party Testingramp access service doors or in cab areas where controllers operate the bridges.The NFPA cited risks from radiant heat and concerns that an outside fuel spill could ignite and blow out nearby glass, potentially spreading fires more easily into terminals. But glass jet bridges were already common in Asia, Europe and the Middle East; inVTCs Arlington, Tx Airport Integration Test Labthe early 2000s, some U.S. airports campaigned for a reconsideration of3751 New York Avenue, Suite 140Arlington, Texas 76014USAT. 817-557-5600 www.vtc.us.comAirportImprovement.comSeptember 2024'