Aircraft from Biman arrives at Dhaka Airport's Terminal 3 via the terminal's boarding bridge for the first time.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Makes History with PBB and VDGS Testing at Terminal 3
On the 4th of August, a significant milestone was reached at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as Flight BG-356, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner commanded by Captain Ishtiaque Hossain and First Officer Tahsin, became the first Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight to test the Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) and Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS). The event was witnessed by top officials of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan, executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The testing of these systems on Flight BG-356 was a significant step forward in the operational readiness and enhanced service capabilities of Terminal 3. The PBB and VDGS have the potential to revolutionise the efficiency, safety, and passenger experience during aircraft boarding and deplaning.
The visual docking guidance system is a technology used in airports to assist pilots in precisely and safely parking their aircraft at the designated gate. This reduces reliance on ground staff and improves turnaround times. The PBB, on the other hand, enables seamless, protected passenger transfer between the terminal and aircraft, reducing turnaround time even further.
The benefits of these systems are numerous. They increase operational efficiency by reducing turnaround time and minimising docking errors and delays. Enhanced safety is another significant advantage, as PBBs eliminate the need for passengers to walk on the apron, reducing exposure to aircraft movements and weather conditions. VDGS uses advanced sensors and AI to ensure safe and accurate aircraft docking, further reducing risks of collisions and ground incidents.
The use of these systems also improves passenger comfort and experience. Passengers board and exit aircraft in a controlled, sheltered environment, boosting convenience, especially in adverse weather. This modernisation promotes smoother and faster boarding processes, enhancing overall satisfaction.
Moreover, these systems facilitate advanced automation and remote operations. Modern PBBs equipped with cameras and sensors enable remote or even autonomous operation, increasing flexibility for ground handling teams and reducing human error. VDGS’s AI-powered systems allow quick, precise docking operations, even in challenging conditions like storms, where manual operation is restricted.
The implementation of these systems aligns with global trends toward smart airports and connected aviation. This modernisation at Terminal 3 enhances Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s reputation and operational standards in the region, as demonstrated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ adoption.
Flight BG-356, which came from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, was the specific flight that was tested with the VDGS, boarding bridge mounted external power supply, boarding bridge mounted external air-conditioning system, and water supply at Terminal 3. The testing took place from 10:30am to 1pm after disembarking the passengers.
This event marks an important step forward in the operational readiness and enhanced service capabilities of Terminal 3. Biman made this statement about the operational milestone, emphasising its significance. The occasion was indeed a historic moment for Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
[1] Smart Airports and Connected Aviation: Trends and Opportunities
[2] The Impact of Passenger Boarding Bridges on Airport Operations
[3] Visual Docking Guidance Systems: A Review of Current Technology and Future Trends
[4] The Role of Automation in Ground Handling Operations
[5] Enhancing Passenger Comfort and Experience through Airport Modernisation
- The adoption of these advanced systems, including Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBB) and Visual Docking Guidance Systems (VDGS), by Biman Bangladesh Airlines at Terminal 3, signifies a significant shift towards smart airports and connected aviation, as outlined in publications such as "Smart Airports and Connected Aviation: Trends and Opportunities."
- The integration of finance and technology in the aviation industry, as demonstrated by the implementation of PBB and VDGS, has the potential to revolutionise transportation infrastructure, improving efficiency, safety, and passenger experience, as elaborated in "The Impact of Passenger Boarding Bridges on Airport Operations," "Visual Docking Guidance Systems: A Review of Current Technology and Future Trends," and "Enhancing Passenger Comfort and Experience through Airport Modernisation."
