Passenger stairs : everything you need to know

Towed vs. self-propelled staircases: what are the differences ?

The two main categories of airport boarding stairs are towed and self-propelled. Towed staircases have to be moved by a specific vehicle, or by personnel.

Self-propelled staircases, on the other hand, are self-propelled, as their name suggests. This means they can be moved autonomously, i.e. without the need to be towed by a third party.

Both types of staircase have their own properties, advantages and disadvantages, and address different issues.

Motorization : electric or thermal

In the past, motorized boarding stairs were powered solely by diesel engines. But more and more airports are introducing electric motors. Electric operation has the advantage of being quieter and, above all, less polluting.

In the context of the energy transition, some boarding escalators are even starting to use solar panels to power their electric motors, in order to be totally autonomous, particularly on towable staircases.

Options / innovations

Passenger staircases are also seeing constant additions in terms of options and ease of use. Indeed, this ground-supporting equipment is constantly undergoing innovations to enhance airport performance, passenger comfort and safety.

For example, canopy staircases welcome passengers in a kind of tunnel, protecting them from bad weather, particularly in rainy or windy conditions. Boarding staircases also feature electric assistance options, designed to help operators set up equipment at aircraft level. In addition, the aircraft approach option is a technology designed to ensure aircraft safety and prevent damage.

At SOVAM, we provide you with the most modern boarding stairs, equipped with the latest and most interesting features. What’s more, our equipment is of impeccable quality and robustness.