Madrid Airport First Fully Remote-Operated Hub With TKE System

TK Elevator (TKE) has successfully implemented its MAX Automate system at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport in Spain. This advanced technology establishes Madrid as the world’s first major airport to remotely operate a total of 129 Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs) across its five terminals. By enabling centralized PBB control, MAX Automate significantly streamlines processes, bolsters safety through advanced sensor and camera technology and promotes sustainability by minimizing vehicle movements and associated emissions on the apron. Ignacio Medina, CEO of Airport Solutions at TKE, said: 

“MAX Automate represents a paradigm shift in airport operations. By pioneering this system in Madrid, we’ve demonstrated how PBB automation can be implemented at scale and our commitment to driving digital transformation in the aviation industry. This solidifies TKE’s position as a leader in the PBB automation path. MAX Automate is an innovation that keeps evolving, pushing airports to move beyond traditional operations and adopt digital technologies that will shape the future of seamless, efficient airport management.”

MAX Automate integrates hardware and software to enhance airport operations with three customizable levels. The Remote Control System allows operators to remotely control multiple PBBs from a single control station, eliminating the need for operator transfers. Automatic Docking Assistance uses stereo cameras and artificial vision algorithms to ensure precise and safe docking. Remote Automatic Docking Assistance combines remote operation with automatic docking for added convenience and reliability.

At Madrid Airport, the Remote Control System is operated from three dedicated control rooms, allowing staff to connect to and control all 129 PBBs. This approach optimizes docking procedures, significantly reduces turnaround times – a major cost factor in the industry – and eliminates the need for operators to move between stands. The system further enhances operational efficiency by minimizing downtime and enabling seamless docking upon receiving the “OK handling” signal. Beyond operational improvements, MAX Automate enhances safety by reducing human intervention during docking, lowering the risk of incidents and damage to PBBs and aircraft. With MAX Automate, staff can become more specialized, opening new career paths for employees with disabilities.

Sustainability is another key advantage, as fewer operator transfers lead to reduced vehicle usage on the apron, cutting CO₂ emissions and supporting airports in meeting their environmental goals.

As Spain’s largest airport, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport ranks among the top five European airports and is one of the top 20 busiest airports globally. With 66.2 million passengers in 2024, the introduction of MAX Automate is set to transform both operational efficiency and the passenger experience.