SINGAPORE – Oct. 27, 2026 – PRLog — Airport punctuality depends on more than flight schedules. Automated passenger boarding bridges must move smoothly and reliably to connect terminals with aircraft. To protect cables from mechanical damage during complex movements, German engineering company REEL GmbH relies on igus energy chains and chainflex cables.
Reliable Cable Protection for Complex Movements
REEL’s automated passenger boarding bridge extends up to 17.35 metres through three telescopic sections while swivelling, raising and lowering to accommodate different aircraft. These movements place considerable demands on the power and data cables supplying sensors and other components.
To ensure controlled cable routing, REEL uses igus E4.42 and E4.21 energy chains, together with a triflex 3D energy chain for height adjustment. This integrated solution protects cables against abrasion, jamming and excessive bending, reducing the risk of cable failures and unplanned downtime.
Built for Harsh Airport Conditions
Passenger boarding bridges operate outdoors year-round, exposed to heat, frost, rain, UV radiation and chemicals such as cleaning agents, de-icing fluids and kerosene. Made from high-performance plastics, igus energy chains are designed for demanding operating conditions, helping support reliable performance and longer maintenance intervals.
Integrated Cable and Energy Chain Solutions
Finding cables that withstand continuous movement, long travel distances and harsh environments is essential. With more than 1,350 cable types in its chainflex range, igus offers cables developed specifically for dynamic applications in energy chains. Matching cables and energy chains helps optimise bending performance, service life and system reliability. igus also offers a product guarantee of up to four years, based on service life calculations.
By combining energy chains with suitable cables, REEL helps protect critical connections and improve the operational reliability of automated passenger boarding bridges—supporting smoother airport operations and more punctual departures.
Learn more about igus energy chains: https://www.igus.sg/
Learn more about igus chainflex cables: https://www.igus.sg/