OREANDA-NEWS. In January 2014, 20 ecologically friendly boarding bridges were added to the airfield equipment fleet of Moscow Domodedovo Airport. New self propelled passengers stairways TLD Green BBS-580 were purchased as part of the program of the air hub aimed at the switch to electric ground and special equipment. Comfortable and high-duty electric bridges mean not only a new level of servicing passengers, but also the contribution of Moscow Domodedovo Airport to protection of the environment against harmful emissions.

The design of self propelled TLD Green passenger bridges includes a number of innovative solutions, such as increased-capacity electric batteries making it possible to operate them without recharging during a standard work shift and special safety sensors blocking the bridge when there are passengers on it. For air travelers' comfort there are bright LED lights as well as special antislip coating of the steps.

The passenger bridge consisting of two telescopically connected sections is compatible with all types of modern aircraft having the passenger cabin deck at the height of 2.2 to 5.9 meters. Mechanisms of such self-propelled boarding bridges withstand the load of up to 5,920 kg - it can carry about 70 people all at once - which means faster boarding and getting off the plane. The new equipment is fitted with a reliable electric drive and a special hydraulic system guaranteeing smooth adjustment of the bridge height and stability. This special-purpose equipment can operate smoothly in adverse climatic conditions typical for the winter period.

Currently, the airfield equipment fleet of Moscow Domodedovo Airport has 73 passenger bridges of various modifications, more than half of which are equipped with electric motors. Taking care of the environment, the air hub is planning to continue to implement its program aimed at expanding its fleet of 'green' equipment and introducing the most advanced 'clean' technologies.

Moscow Domodedovo Airport is the largest air hub in Russia, and in 2013, its total passenger traffic amounted 30.76 million people. It falls into the category of the largest airports in Europe and is among the top three fastest growing airports in Europe according to the ACI Europe classification. Since 2009, it has been holding the title of the best airport in Eastern Europe as rated by Skytrax. Domodedovo is the base airport in Moscow for member airlines of the largest global airline alliances - Star Alliance and oneworld.