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. 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. 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.