Madrid Airport Pioneers Remote Bridge Operation with TKE

Düsseldorf: TK Elevator (TKE), a global force in urban mobility and vertical transportation, has implemented its state-of-the-art MAX Automate system at Spain’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, making it the first major international airport to remotely operate its entire fleet of 129 Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs).

Deployed across all five terminals of the airport, the MAX Automate system enables centralized remote control of boarding bridges, enhancing safety through intelligent sensor and camera systems while streamlining operations. The innovation also supports environmental sustainability by significantly reducing apron vehicle movements and the emissions they produce.

As Spain’s largest and one of Europe’s busiest hubs, handling over 66 million passengers in 2024, Madrid-Barajas now leads the way in digital transformation within the aviation sector. TKE’s breakthrough is expected to greatly improve turnaround efficiency and elevate the passenger experience through smoother, more coordinated boarding operations.

“This is a major step in redefining how airports operate,” said Ignacio Medina, CEO of Airport Solutions at TK Elevator. “Madrid has become a showcase for how large-scale PBB automation can work in practice. MAX Automate represents more than just a product—it’s a platform that evolves alongside the industry, advancing digital operations and enabling smarter airport management.”

MAX Automate integrates advanced software and hardware through three scalable modules. The Remote Control System lets operators manage multiple bridges from centralized stations, eliminating the need for staff to move between gates. Automatic Docking Assistance, powered by stereo cameras and artificial intelligence, ensures precision docking. The Remote Automatic Docking Assistance feature combines both technologies to optimize speed and safety.

At Madrid-Barajas, three control rooms now oversee the airport’s entire bridge infrastructure. This centralized setup dramatically cuts aircraft turnaround times—one of the most significant cost variables in aviation—while minimizing downtime. It also enhances safety by reducing the need for direct human interaction during sensitive docking procedures, which lowers the risk of accidents or damage.

In addition to improving efficiency and safety, the system supports inclusivity and sustainability. With fewer personnel needing to travel between gates, vehicle usage drops, cutting down CO₂ emissions. Moreover, automation allows for the creation of specialized roles that may be better suited for employees with physical limitations, further diversifying the workforce.

This implementation sets the stage for the future of fully autonomous boarding operations, highlighting TK Elevator’s continued leadership in digital airport solutions. The MAX Automate system was also presented at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2025, hosted in Madrid, underscoring its growing relevance across the global aviation industry.