Munich airport and Lufthansa advance automation with remote-controlled bridges and baggage handling innovations
Posted: 4 December 2024 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
Munich Airport and Lufthansa are testing remote-controlled passenger bridges and automated baggage handling systems to enhance efficiency, reduce physical strain on employees, and improve the overall passenger experience.
Munich Airport (MUC) is advancing technological innovations to enhance operational efficiency in partnership with the Lufthansa Group and their joint Terminal 2 company.
Since mid-October, a remote-controlled passenger boarding bridge has been undergoing trials. During the six-month pilot phase, the modified bridge will be tested under various real-world conditions, including the impact of weather and obstacles in its path.
In the long term, the airport aims to equip all passenger boarding bridges with advanced control systems. Alongside the remote-controlled option, a fully automated, AI-driven system is also being explored for use in Terminal 2.
Join our free webinar: Beyond Hype: Deploying Facial Recognition at National Scale
Revolutionising India’s travel experience through the Digi Yatra biometric programme
Air travel is booming, and physical infrastructure can’t keep up. India solved this capacity crisis with biometric identity management.
Join the architects behind the Digi Yatra Foundation and IDEMIA to deconstruct one of the world’s largest national biometric deployments. Move beyond marketing hype and learn the engineering reality of a fully contactless “Single Token” journey.
This briefing reveals the strategic framework, SSI (Self-Sovereign Identity) integration, and bottleneck analysis that enabled over 60 million seamless domestic journeys.
Date: 16 Dec | Time: 09:00 GMT
rEGISTER NOW TO SECURE YOUR SPOT
Can’t attend live? No worries – register to receive the recording post-event.
“We are very pleased to advance innovative projects like this together with the Lufthansa Group and the Terminal 2 company. The close and collaborative partnership allows us to develop forward-thinking solutions and sustainably strengthen Munich Airport,” said Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport.
Details of the projects
During the test phase, the passenger bridge will be operated from a container set up as a temporary control centre. The initial test runs will be conducted using a plane mock-up. The successful launch of a test run with the Spanish specialist DIMAIM demonstrates the progress in this area.
Another joint project is the introduction of an unloading aid in the baggage handling system at Terminal 2. This optimised system enables more efficient handling of luggage and freight by easing the transport between baggage carts and the baggage claim belt. The unloading aid significantly reduces the physical effort for employees in operational areas, as suitcases and bags no longer need to be manually lifted from the baggage carts.
“It is a significant step to take a leading role at our Munich hub. Our goal is to offer our guests a premium travel experience – automation and the focus on future technologies are key pieces of the puzzle on our way there,” said Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines.
Stay Connected with International Airport Review — Subscribe for Free!
Get exclusive access to the latest airport and aviation industry insights from International Airport Review — tailored to your interests.
✅ Expert-Led Webinars – Gain insights from global aviation leaders
✅ Weekly News & Reports – Airport innovation, thought leadership, and industry trends
✅ Exclusive Industry Insights – Discover cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of air travel
✅ International Airport Summit – Join our flagship event to network with industry leaders and explore the latest advancements
Choose the updates that matter most to you.
Sign up now to stay informed, inspired, and connected — all for free!
Thank you for being part of our aviation community. Let’s keep shaping the future of airports together!
Related topics
Accessibility, Airport development, Airside operations, Baggage handling, Innovation, Maintenance, Operational efficiency, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Safety, Security, Sustainability, Terminal operations
Chief Executive Officer
CEO
Airport General Manager
Head of Operations
Chief Strategy Development Officer
Head of Operations, Safety and Emergency
Chief Operating Officer
CEO
Chief Executive Officer