RuAviation

Russia has taken a significant step toward airport infrastructure self-sufficiency with the successful trials of its first domestically produced passenger boarding bridge. Designed and manufactured through a collaboration between Rostec’s High-Precision Systems and NPP Project-Tekhnika, the bridge is awaiting certification before being rolled out to commercial airports.

Unlike previous models, which mainly relied on imports from China and Spain, this boarding bridge is fully manufactured from Russian components. The design accommodates all categories of civil aircraft, from regional jets to large widebodies, matching the diversity of modern fleets.

Testing—carried out under various technical and climatic scenarios—demonstrated the bridge’s reliability, precise docking ability, and advanced safety systems, in line with international standards set by ICAO and EASA. Key features include an intelligent control system that oversees all mechanical operations, mitigates operator errors, and greatly reduces the risk of aircraft damage during boarding and disembarkation. Electro-hydraulic and electromechanical actuators enable smooth, adaptable movement to fit differing aircraft doors and fuselage heights.

Rostec highlights that domestic production will help Russian airports cut dependency on foreign suppliers, reduce operational expenses, and streamline procurement. Local manufacturing not only lowers foreign currency and logistics costs, but also stimulates job creation in the nation’s engineering sector and advances domestic expertise in airport support technology.

The boarding bridge project is part of Russia’s broader push for technological independence in civil aviation—a drive that encompasses the development of new aircraft, helicopters, and digital services for airlines and travelers. Alongside the boarding bridge, Russian manufacturers are systematically phasing in domestic alternatives for navigation and flight-support systems, in an effort to modernize and future-proof the country’s aviation ecosystem.

Export prospects are already under consideration, with particular interest from fellow Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) members and Middle Eastern markets seeking robust, climate-resilient solutions. Advanced monitoring and diagnostics built into the bridge promise extended operational life and reduced downtime, strengthening its appeal to both domestic and international operators.

According to Rostec, this fully localized project stands out as a landmark achievement in Russian airport infrastructure modernization. With certification and mass production on the horizon, the new boarding bridges could soon become a fixture at airports across Russia—and perhaps beyond.