Modernization of boarding bridges at Paris-CDG: a winning partnership for airport performance

A strategic renovation for Paris-CDG

Facing the aging of critical equipment and the need to make operations more reliable, Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport has undertaken a major modernization project for its passenger boarding bridges (PBB). Over a period of 5 years, this large-scale project covers 40 aircraft stands with 131 boarding bridges, 6 pre-boarding bridges, 14 anti-collision systems, and 50 400 Hz power units with archiving of the collected data. This modernization includes the replacement of more than 181 programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).

Launched in 2024, the project is underway and will be progressively deployed over 5 years until 2028.

ADP has chosen to modernize while guaranteeing increased performance and safety.

Three complementary areas of expertise for a single objective

This complex project is led by a trio of French companies, all members of Proavia: Alpha-Cim, Schneider Electric, and Apave, each bringing its specific skills in an exemplary collaborative approach.

Alpha-Cim : overall project integrator

As the operational leader of the site, Alpha-Cim ensures, in close collaboration with ADP services, the complete integration of the system.

"We carry out the revamping, that is, the modernization of the installations, including the replacement of the controllers, the rewiring, and the adaptation of the software," explains Françoise Boucarut (Chairwoman of Alpha-Cim).

The objective: to ensure a smooth transition between old and new systems while respecting the airport's operational constraints. Each intervention requires meticulous coordination to limit the downtime of the boarding bridges.
Data from the 400 Hz controllers is now easily and securely accessible remotely. This data tracks the electricity consumption of the aircraft parked at the stand.

Schneider Electric : technology and support

Schneider Electric supplied the automation equipment, including the Modicon M580 controllers and HMIs, integrating advanced features in cybersecurity and maintenance. At the same time, its teams supported Alpha-Cim on the solution design and product lifecycle management.

"The replacement of obsolete equipment makes it possible to secure operations while anticipating long-term support issues," emphasizes Pauline Blot Georges (Global Airport Leader at Schneider Electric).

Apave : Airport compliance and safety

As part of the replacement of a passenger boarding bridge's controller by Alpha-Cim, Apave provided technical support aimed at identifying hazards and evaluating protection measures. The objective was to ensure the equipment's compliance with regulatory directives, such as the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, by analysing the technical documentation and the safety solutions envisaged.
The complete analysis of the electrical diagrams and the functional tests of the safety and control devices confirm that the equipment respects all the requirements and guarantees the safety of the operators. As Christel Barel (airport/airline development director) specifies, "this validation attests that the modernized equipment is perfectly compliant with safety standards, guaranteeing maximum protection for operators and increased reliability for the airport".

A finely orchestrated execution

Working in an active airport requires great flexibility: "There are periods when access is impossible (red periods), and you have to constantly adapt to the operational schedule," recalls Françoise Boucarut. A boarding bridge usage schedule is kept by ADP's operations department. Alpha-Cim requests available slots at least 1 month in advance and receives work authorization 15 days before the operation. Modernization operations are therefore carefully scheduled, often at night or during off-peak hours, to minimize the impact on flights. This logistical challenge could only be met with strong cohesion between the Alpha-Cim and ADP teams.

Benefits for the airport and its users

The modernization of the boarding bridges brings multiple advantages:

• Enhanced safety thanks to reliable, compliant, and inspected systems
• Reduction of breakdowns and improvement of boarding fluidity
• Maintenance of the operational condition of the boarding bridges
• Archiving and remote availability of boarding bridge data for centralization and various uses
• An eco-responsible approach, with modernization rather than complete replacement. Circularity loops are also defined for the replaced components: either a return to the spare parts stock if the references are still used elsewhere on the platform, or the resale of unused components by an ADP broker.
• Potential reduction of passenger delays

"To modernize is to avoid scrapping and to reduce the environmental impact,", insists Christel Barel, Airport Development Director for Apave.

A model of collaboration to be promoted

This project illustrates the capacity of three French companies, all members of PROAVIA, to unite their expertise to meet the demands of an international airport. "This type of sectoral collaboration is a real asset. The puzzle quickly falls into place thanks to our common experience," explains Christel Barel.
This success shows that it is possible to modernize intelligently while guaranteeing safety, performance, and durability. An inspiring model for other airports.