Wellington Airport has a new fully-automated aerobridge docking system to be operational on one of its domestic gates. It is the first airport in the world to use this docking technology.
The Intellidock system was created by Wellington-based company Airport Equipment. The system was successfully trialled with Air New Zealand and is now part of their standard daily operations.
Once the aircraft has parked at its allocated gate, the sensor works by scanning the aircraft door and then automatically drives the bridge into position, locking into place.
Ayolt Wiertsema, general manager of aeronautical operations at Wellington Airport, said: “This new technology eliminates possible operator error and will speed up the arrivals process. It is fantastic that Wellington Airport is the first airport in the world using the technology—developed by a local supplier.
“It requires a lot of work behind the scenes, as you’re essentially setting up the working model for others. This type of automated technology will become the new standard in airport operations around the world in the next ten years. It will improve turnaround times and ultimately result in a better and faster experience for passengers.”
Wellington Airport plans to roll out the automated docking system into other gates later this year.
Photo credit: Airport Equipment & Wellington Airport
