Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami International Airport (MIA) officials recently celebrated the unveiling of a new glass passenger boarding bridge at gate H17, marking a major milestone in the airport’s ongoing modernization efforts.
Mayor Levine Cava expressed her pride in the new bridge and announced plans to introduce 60 more, making MIA the largest user of these energy-efficient innovations in the country. These bridges not only enhance the traveler experience but also demonstrate MIA’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The glass bridge at gate H17 follows the successful debut of a similar structure at gate D14 in winter 2022. MIA aims to lead in adopting energy-efficient innovations among U.S. airports by introducing 62 bridges by 2028. These glass bridges boast a contemporary look and improve passenger comfort by alleviating the sense of confinement often felt with steel bridges. Additionally, their smooth surface and excellent insulation enhance energy efficiency, leading to substantial savings in maintenance and climate control expenses.
MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutié emphasized the importance of the boarding bridge as the first step visitors take into MIA and Miami-Dade County. He believes that the magnificent Miami skyline visible through the glass bridge will create a positive first impression.
The Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan has updated 30 gates with advanced steel bridges since 2019, and the remaining 126 bridges at MIA will be replaced with glass going forward. This plan includes a $1.7 billion initiative for maintenance upgrades, encompassing the replacement or renovation of all 616 elevators, escalators, and moving walkways needing improvement at MIA. Over the next five to seven years, the plan aims to upgrade or replace at least 30 conveyance units annually.
MIA is also investing over $7 billion in its Future-Ready Capital Improvement Program to modernize the entire airport experience from the cabin to the curb. Additionally, MIA’s 207 public restrooms are undergoing renovation, with 33 already modernized in concourses D, H, and J, and 32 more set for renovation in other concourses by 2024.
