Sky Bridge, Hong Kong International Airport

Chek Lap Kok Island, Western Hong Kong

Moving Walks

submitted by TK Elevator — Hong Kong

In late 2022, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) opened the Sky Bridge, a groundbreaking project designed to enhance the passenger experience and elevate HKIA’s status as a global aviation hub. The Sky Bridge, which stands as the world’s longest airside bridge, spans a taxiway at the airport and soars 28 m above ground. This architectural marvel allows even the largest passenger aircraft, an Airbus A380, to pass beneath it.

Spanning 200 m, the Sky Bridge connects Terminal 1 (T1) with the T1 Satellite Concourse, significantly reducing travel time within the airport by 50%, eliminating the need for shuttle buses and enhancing the overall passenger journey. The bridge offers panoramic views of the bustling airport, and its unique design features a glass floor, providing passengers with an extraordinary experience.

The Sky Bridge also serves as the highest vantage point within the airport, offering unrivaled views of the daily operations that keep one of the world’s busiest airports functioning smoothly. As part of HKIA’s HKD9-billion (US$1.15-billion) upgrade, the Sky Bridge is a key component in the airport’s ongoing efforts to establish Hong Kong as a leading smart city. In 2022 alone, HKIA handled a total of 5.7 million passengers, highlighting the importance of such innovative infrastructure in meeting the demands of modern air travel.

TK Elevator (TKE) played a pivotal role in the Sky Bridge project, providing a comprehensive vertical-transportation (VT) system that ensures seamless and efficient passenger movement across the bridge (“Simply Spectacular,” ELEVATOR WORLD, March 2024). The VT system installed at the Sky Bridge includes two state-of-the-art iwalk moving walks, 20 heavy-duty escalators and 13 machine-room-less elevators.

The two iwalks, each 45 m in length, consist of 10 sections: six standard sections, one starting section, one ending section and two special sections. These moving walks, designed with a sleek and modern aesthetic, integrate seamlessly into the bridge’s architecture, enhancing both the functionality and visual appeal of the structure.

The construction and installation process for the iwalks, escalators and elevators was complex due to the Sky Bridge’s unique architectural design and height. TKE’s engineering team, utilizing custom solutions and advanced technology, managed the integration of the VT system within the intricate framework of the bridge. All fabrication for the iwalks was conducted at TKE’s facility in Zhongshan, China, ensuring high standards of quality and precision.

To avoid disrupting airport operations, the entire project was meticulously planned and executed. Delivery and installation of the iwalks were carried out exclusively during the nighttime closure of the runway, minimizing disruption and maintaining seamless operation of the airport. This strategic approach reflects TKE’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions while ensuring the ongoing functionality of one of the world’s busiest airports. Challenges were plentiful, and included COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, inclement weather and working around busy airport operations. Installation happened in early 2022.

Sustainability and safety were at the forefront of the design of this VT system. The iwalks feature a lightweight, energy-efficient design that reduces environmental impact by up to 20% during operation. Additionally, VT components, including the escalators and elevators, were designed with a focus on durability and low energy consumption, aligning with HKIA’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Passenger safety was another critical consideration. The iwalks are equipped with more than 50 safety features, including full handrail guidance and flatter combs that minimize the risk of tripping or stumbling. These features ensure that passengers can navigate the Sky Bridge safely while enjoying the spectacular views the structure provides.

The Sky Bridge at HKIA is more than just a piece of infrastructure: It is a symbol of Hong Kong’s ambition to lead in smart city development and innovative transportation solutions. TKE’s contribution to this landmark project, through the provision of advanced VT systems, highlights the company’s commitment to excellence in engineering, safety and sustainability. By enhancing the efficiency and the passenger movement experience at HKIA, the Sky Bridge sets a new standard for airport infrastructure worldwide.