b'32 MIA GROUND SUPPORTNew passenger boarding bridges are considered to be criticalCoordinating with multiple stakeholders for maintaining smooth operations as some projections suggestbefore and throughout each installation is a MIA could reach 77 million annual travelers by 2040. Smithkey aspect. We had full-time supervision, explains that new bridges are more dependable, and its easier totechnicians and mechanics on site throughout obtain spare parts and manufacturer support for them comparedthe project who completed our work safely to older units. Boarding bridges at MIA typically have a 20-yeararound active airport operations without service life, including a full refurbishment after 10 years of use. negatively impacting the airport or airlines, Time is money, says Smith, who oversees the Aviation Supportsays AERO Project Manager Miguel Diaz.MIGUEL DIAZand Contracts Department that maintains MIAs bridges. Once an aircraft comes, the bridge has to work at the right level, the right anglesSpecd to Lastand right location so passengers can deplane and new passengersThe operational practices and local weather at MIA require its and crew can get onboard so that aircraft can fly on to anotherboarding bridges to be especially durable and strong. Because destination. All of that is possible when you have a reliable bridge.hurricanes present an annual threat, the bridges must have high impact resistance and be capable of withstanding wind loads in Given the critical role boarding bridges play in maintaining flightexcess of 180 miles per hour.schedules, the Aviation Support and Contracts Department has a team of about three-dozen workers and provides onsite coverageThe structural designs for Miami were 24 hours a day. more complex, notes Eduardo Moran, head of Engineering for TK Elevator. These are AERO BridgeWorks Inc., a Georgia-based firm that specializesmore reinforced than any other bridges in in airside construction, is installing the new bridges as athe U.S. because Miami doesnt want to use subcontractor to TK Elevator. Its work scope also includes high- tie-downs. All the strength was placed in the mast lighting, plumbing, mechanical and electrical, as well as sitestructure of the bridges. Theyre very special.civil and foundation work. EDUARDO MORANSeptember 2024AirportImprovement.com'