AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is in the process of replacing several jet bridges that will feature “dedicated climate control to the aircraft and the boarding bridge,” an airport spokesperson confirmed to KXAN Tuesday.
Currently, AUS is working to replace 10 jet bridges throughout the Barbara Jordan Terminal, with future replacements also in the works. The spokesperson confirmed past jet bridges had air conditioning added to operations, but noted those weren’t “solely dedicated to providing climate control for the board bridge.”
“The previous bridge ACs were designed to support both the board bridge and the aircraft,” the spokesperson said in an email. “So cooling during hot summer days was not optimized. The project will incorporate dedicated climate control to the aircraft and the boarding bridge.”
Crews began working on the bridge replacements in July, with work set to continue over the next 10 to 11 months. The spokesperson said crews will take a phased approach during the replacement period to continue operations at all the gates.
Officials said the project has an approximate cost of $1.5 million per gate replacement. Those jet bridges being updated are some of AUS’ oldest, having been installed when AUS originally opened back in 1999.
The upcoming replacement models will include the dedicated and optimized climate control along the bridge to support passengers stay comfortable during the summertime and winter.