TK Elevator showcases unified smart apron ecosystem for airport operations at Passenger Terminal Expo London 2026

Visit TK Elevator at Stand D175, March 17–19

• TKE connects airport apron systems in one intelligent, data-driven platform to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability for airport operations managers.
• Apron Vision uses LiDAR and sensors to deliver all‑weather apron visibility and control, enabling safer docking, more predictable turnarounds and fewer disruptions.
• The solution can be coupled with Max Automate remote Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) for a complete airport apron overview- a proven solution used over 500,000 times.

TK Elevator (TKE), a global leader in vertical transportation and urban mobility, will present its vision for intelligent airport operations at Passenger Terminal Expo in London from March 17–19, 2026, at stand D175. Building on proven large-scale deployments, TKE will showcase how its integrated digital solutions are transforming apron operations into one connected ecosystem.

Smart apron ecosystem for safer, more efficient operations

At the core of TKE’s offering in London is its smart apron portfolio, including Apron Vision – one of the world’s most advanced visual docking guidance systems – and MAX Automate, its remote and automated passenger boarding bridge (PBB) operations platform. Together, these technologies show how digitalization, connectivity and automation can deliver safer, more efficient and more sustainable airport operations.

Airports worldwide are facing pressure from congestion, turnaround constraints, operational complexity and ambitious sustainability goals. TKE’s smart apron solutions address these challenges by unifying critical apron functions into one seamless digital layer, providing airports holistic operational visibility, faster aircraft turnarounds while reduced infrastructure costs. Through strategic, data-driven technology deployment, the solution enables airlines to improve on-time performance and run more predictable, data-led turnaround operations. Passengers benefit from a smoother, more seamless travel experience through reliable, efficient ground operations, while optimized processes, fewer vehicle movements and energy-efficient systems support emission reductions and environmental goals.

“By combining remote operations, advanced sensing and integrated data platforms, we are already enabling smarter, safer and more sustainable turnarounds,” said Ignacio Medina, CEO of Airport Solutions at TK Elevator. “These are not concepts or pilots, but solutions in daily use at major hubs under real-world conditions – proving how a truly connected apron can raise safety, efficiency and sustainability for airports and airlines worldwide.”

MAX Automate: Remote PBB control proven at scale

TKE’s MAX Automate platform has proven its reliability at scale, with more than 500,000 remote PBB operations successfully conducted at a major European hub. By integrating hardware and software across multiple levels of automation, MAX Automate allows operators to manage multiple PBBs from a single control station: eliminating unnecessary transfers and reducing incident risk. Assisted and automated docking functions use advanced camera and vision technologies for precise, safe aircraft contact, supporting faster turnarounds, lower apron emissions and more inclusive operational roles.

Complete operational intelligence with Apron Vision

Apron Vision, TKE’s advanced visual docking guidance system, delivers complete situational awareness in all weather conditions through LiDAR and sensor technologies. Strategically positioned sensor units provide comprehensive apron coverage across multiple stands within a single intelligent platform, replacing traditional stand-by-stand guidance with a flexible, networked architecture. This enables high-precision monitoring, earlier conflict detection and coordinated apron management: all feeding into TKE’s connected, data-driven operational layer alongside MAX Automate.

Presence at Passenger Terminal Expo London
Passenger Terminal Expo in London is one of the world’s leading airport exhibitions and conferences, bringing together more than 11,000 senior airport and airline decision-makers and over 400 exhibitors and speakers. At stand D175, TKE experts will demonstrate how its smart apron ecosystem is already operating at major hubs and discuss tailored roadmaps for airports seeking to accelerate their digital transformation.