Passenger boarding bridge market seen hitting $1.03 billion by 2031

The passenger boarding bridge market is projected to more than triple from $310.5 million in 2021 to $1.03 billion by 2031 as airports add capacity, modernize terminals, and handle larger aircraft. Asia-Pacific led the market in 2021, while Europe is forecast to post the fastest growth over the next decade. Why it matters: - Passenger boarding bridges are core airport infrastructure that improve passenger safety, weather protection, access, and boarding efficiency. - Growth in airport construction and modernization is set to boost demand across both new and expanding terminals. - The market opportunity extends to operators, manufacturers, and airport planners as airside infrastructure spending rises. What happened: - The global passenger boarding bridge market was valued at $310.5 million in 2021. - The market is expected to reach $1.03 billion by 2031. - The market is projected to grow at a 12.7% CAGR from 2022 to 2031. - The report covers the market by product type, structure, elevation system, tunnel type, foundation and region. The details: - Demand is rising with the need for larger aircraft and the expansion of greenfield and brownfield airport projects. - Higher spending on airside infrastructure and tighter airport security concerns are also supporting market growth. - Increase in aviation passenger traffic is driving more installations. - Launches of upgraded products are helping support infrastructure growth. - The over-the-wing bridges segment led global revenue in 2021 by product type. - The steel-walled segment led global revenue in 2021 by structure. - The hydraulic segment led global revenue in 2021 by elevation system. - The air-conditioned segment led global revenue in 2021 by tunnel type. - The fixed segment led global revenue in 2021 by foundation. - The market benefits from reduced manpower needs, along with better safety, security, access, and passenger comfort. - ADELTE relaunched Apronaut in 2019 as a software-based passenger boarding bridge docking simulator for operator training in a risk-free environment. - The simulator lets staff practice docking and activation across aircraft types repeatedly. - The report cites airport expansion projects in India, including planned terminal expansion at Tiruchirappalli and Pune airports by March 2022. - AAI began commercial operations at Rupsi airport on May 8, 2021. Between the lines: - Market growth is being shaped by two forces at once: more traffic and a deeper push to upgrade airport infrastructure. - The long replacement cycle for boarding bridges may slow repeat demand, even as new airport projects create fresh sales opportunities. - A lack of skilled workers is another constraint that could limit deployment and maintenance. - Company partnerships, investments, and product launches point to a market where differentiation depends on technology and global reach. - Asia-Pacific held more than one-third of the global market in 2021, helped by tourism and investment in new airports. - Europe is projected to post the fastest CAGR at 14.4%, supported by major players including Thyssenkrupp AG, ADELTE Group and FMT Aircraft. What’s next: - Continued airport modernization and new airport development are expected to open additional opportunities through 2031. - Manufacturers are likely to keep focusing on product upgrades, automation and training tools to win contracts. - As airport traffic expands, demand should remain strongest in regions investing heavily in new capacity. The bottom line: - Passenger boarding bridges are moving from a mature airport utility to a growth market tied to global air travel expansion and airport infrastructure spending.