Manchester Airport T2 Passenger Boarding Bridge Project
John Sutch Cranes recently completed one of the most technically demanding and logistically complex lifting operations in our 37-year history – the installation of 11 new passenger boarding bridges (PBBs) at Manchester Airport's Terminal 2.
Each passenger boarding bridge represented a significant engineering challenge, weighing in at an impressive 49,000kg. The installation required absolute precision in one of the UK's busiest aviation environments, with live aircraft operations continuing throughout the project duration.
Operating within the active taxi areas of Manchester Airport demanded exceptional coordination with air traffic control, ground operations teams, and airport security – all while maintaining the millimetre-perfect accuracy essential for passenger boarding bridge alignment.
The project utilised our Grove GMK5200 and Grove GMK5150 cranes working in tandem to execute these complex lifts. The dual-crane configuration was essential given the substantial weight and precise positioning requirements of each boarding bridge.
Mick Turner, Technical Sales Representative at John Sutch Cranes, explained: "This project exemplified everything we do best – complex technical planning, seamless execution, and absolute safety compliance.
"Working in a live airport environment with 49-tonne loads requires a level of precision and professionalism that few companies can deliver. Our Grove cranes were perfectly suited for this application, providing the capacity and control needed for such critical infrastructure."
Hayley Sutch, Designate MD, added: "Projects like Manchester Airport T2 demonstrate why major infrastructure clients choose John Sutch Cranes for their most critical installations. This wasn't just about lifting capacity – it was about understanding the operational complexity, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and delivering flawless execution in a highly regulated environment. It's exactly the type of challenging project that showcases our team's expertise and professionalism."
The successful installation of all 11 passenger boarding bridges represents a significant contribution to Manchester Airport's infrastructure development and passenger experience enhancement. Each bridge will serve thousands of passengers annually, making this project a vital component of the airport's operational capacity.
