b'GROUND SUPPORTCVG55Aligning with the airports operational goals, the project aimedand protect staff and equipment in and around the bridge. to update the aging equipment, enhance efficiency, reduceNewer technology and equipment improve efficiency and reduce maintenance costs and improve the overall passenger experiencedowntime.through cleaner finishes and better temperature control. Work toEnsuring that the product they have is up-to-date helps their replace the 28 bridges began in June 2023 and lasted 11 monthsoverall operational efficiency to service their airlines, says John at a cost of $1.5 million to $2 million per bridge.Thompson, vice president of sales for Oshkosh AeroTech. However, taking the opportunity toSeemingly small details received careful consideration. The complete other upgrades at the sameairport worked with Twist Aero to improve hose management time made overall logistics inherently moreon the ramp. The companys Boom Air system is controlled complex. After the design matured, weby a handheld remote and stores up to 135 feet of hose for were a little off on some of the budgetedpreconditioned air, enabling personnel to deliver only the amount components, so we had to realign, sharesof hose needed for each aircraft. Damian Weller, senior construction project manager at CVG.DAMIAN WELLER It makes operations a lot smoother and easier on the groundhandling folks, Weller says. You hook it up to the aircraft The construction schedule was complicated by productionand then it retracts back into position, whereas in the past, they times for several project componentsespecially the bridges andhad to drag the hose around. ancillary equipment. After learning that the bridges could take several months to fabricate, CVG ordered the first nine and movedThe new system helps the airport meet its goals of reducing ahead with design for the glycol and ground power unit systems.auxiliary power usage, improving energy efficiency and ensuring consistent gate operation and a positive passenger experience, You cant do enough preplanning up front, Weller says,he adds. referring to long-lead items of specialty equipment.Danielle Katterhenry, marketing and project manager Getting On Board at Twist Aero, notes that the Boom Air hose management Design for the boarding bridge replacement project began in 2022system integrates with installed boarding bridges and can and pulled in participation from airline ground handling teamssupport aircraft of all sizes. It is also designed to withstand and various CVG departments, including Facilities, Passengerdemanding ramp conditions and enable faster turnarounds, with Experience and Concessions. Our Facilities folks really helpedcompatibility across a variety of configurationsincluding single- hammer out the features and the components they would like toand dual-hose pre-conditioned air connections, which were both have, along with input from the airlines to make the equipmentimplemented at CVG.more efficient, Weller says. We were looking for the mostThe hose system supports the airports sustainability goals efficient, improved technology. by helping reduce fuel burn, emissions and noise. As CVG Input from personnel who would operate and repair thecontinues to expand, this infrastructure helps future-proof the equipment was especially helpful, he adds. The project teamairport, keeping it competitive, green and ready for higher traffic also consulted other airports that had recently undertaken similarvolumes, Katterhenry says.projects, including McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville, TN.Phasing the Installation As prime contractor, AERO BridgeWorks was responsible forTo maintain operations and the expected passenger experience, the overall program scope, coordination and project delivery.airport leaders linked associated boarding bridge projects.AERO Systems Engineering provided design services as its subconsultant. CVG had a great vision at the start of this project to use industry-leading technology, innovativeBOOM AIR HOSE MANAGEMENT|PRE CONDITIONED AIR UNITS|GROUND POWER UNITSproducts and an efficient design/ MAINTAININGbuild approach, says Jeff Bailey, general superintendent at AEROJEFF BAILEY AIRCRAFT COMFORTBridgeWorks. The airport installed JetwayGATE BY GATEpassenger boarding bridges, air units and ground power units from Oshkosh AeroTech. The new equipment features improved technology and safety features that will allow CVG and its airline partners to better serve passengers and help meet the airports sustainability and efficiency goals, notes Weller. A bag lift, various sensors and protection devices assist bridge operatorsTWISTAERO.COMAirportImprovement.comSeptember 2025'