Client: Melbourne Airport
Challenge
Melbourne Airport required a protection system for a new aerobridge that would safeguard critical infrastructure from airside vehicle impacts while creating a safe, clearly defined pathway for passengers boarding and disembarking aircraft.
The existing concrete and steel barriers had proven vulnerable to repeated impacts from ground support equipment, leading to ongoing maintenance costs and operational disruption. They also presented a harsh, industrial appearance that detracted from the passenger experience in a highly visible part of the airport.
The airport needed a solution that balanced safety, durability and aesthetics without disrupting airside operations during installation.
Assessment
Working closely with the Melbourne Airport team, we followed our 5-step safety design process to understand how passengers, service vehicles and aircraft operations interacted within the space.
By assessing vehicle movements, pedestrian flows and the visual requirements of a customer-facing environment, we identified the need for a barries that could deliver certified impact protection while complementing the airport’s modern facilities and allowing for a fast, low-disruption installation.
Solution
A Boplan polymer barrier system was selected to protect the new aerobridge and guide passengers safely through the boarding area.
Rated to withstand impacts of up to 46.5 kJ, the Boplan TB 400 Double energy-absorbing barriers provide proven protection against airside equipment while reducing damage to both the barrier system and surrounding infrastructure. Their surface-mounted design enabled a fast installation with minimal disruption to airport operations.
The Boplan system was installed alongside a previously supplied custom ForkSafe 950-A steel walkway barrier, which protects the aerobridge structure itself in a lower-risk impact zone. Rated to 11.75 kJ, the ForkSafe barrier provides robust infrastructure protection where higher energy absorption isn’t required, while the Boplan system safeguards passengers in areas exposed to greater impact forces of up to 46.5 kJ.
Together, the two systems demonstrate the value of designing protection around the specific risks of each location. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the solution combines the strengths of two purpose-built barrier systems to deliver the right level of protection where it’s needed most.
Outcome
Melbourne Airport now benefits from a certified protection system that enhances both safety and the passenger experience.
The new barriers provide reliable protection for critical aerobridge infrastructure, create clear pedestrian guidance for boarding passengers, and present a clean, modern appearance that better reflects the quality of the airport environment. With reduced maintenance requirements and minimal operational disruption during installation, the solution delivers lasting value for both the airport and its passengers.
