London Stansted Airport (STN) in the UK has announced the opening of its new double airbridge in order to enhance its capability to handle long-haul aircraft.
The £1.5m double airbridge is the first of its kind at the airport and will join the existing 11 single-door airbridges, which are currently operational.
With two main deck entry points, the new airbridge will serve wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 777s and can also be used to access Airbus A380s’ upper deck.
The double airbridge project was completed in three months and featured new fuel hydrants, modifications to the current parking stand facilities for aircraft, and underground cabling.
UAE’s flag carrier Emirates was the first to use the airport’s new double airbridge, which resumed long-haul flights from London Stansted to Dubai on 1 August.
In addition to the new double airbridge, Stansted Airport recently upgraded other facilities at the airport, including the new £70m hold baggage system and £12m renovation of the international departure lounge to enhance the passenger experience.
London Stansted Airport Operations director Nick Millar said: “This investment marks a significant milestone in our recovery and is part of an ongoing programme of upgrades we’re making at the airport to enhance the customer experience.
“The brand-new airbridge will allow passengers travelling on wide-body aircraft like Emirates’ Boeing 777 to board and disembark more quickly and comfortably using two doors instead of one.
“We already have the capacity to handle all types of aircraft, but the new bridge will enhance our long-haul handling capabilities, future-proof our airfield infrastructure and improve performance for our passengers and airlines.”
In August, London Stansted Airport secured planning permission to develop an airport solar farm from the Secretary of State.
