As is the case with most equipment, over time and subject to heavy use, components of boarding bridges will fatigue.
Officials at Estex Manufacturing Co. realized that with boarding bridge manufacturers focused on keeping up with production of new bridges, there was an opportunity for their company to produce replacement canopies for customers in need of making repairs.
“Over time, we have established ourselves as a reputable supplier of durable canopies, at a fair price, and shorter than normal lead times,” explains Kurt Ladd, national sales manager – aviation products at Estex Manufacturing.
For 20 years now, Estex has supplied its Loading Bridge Canopies for nearly all passenger boarding bridges in order to support airlines, airports, bridge refurbishment companies and third-party maintenance teams.
The company manufactures all styles of canopies, utilizing dependable fabrics that meet FAR 25.853(b) and NFPA 415 & 417 specifications.
“Each loading bridge manufacturer produces their respective bridge slightly different than their competitors. Because of this, each canopy we manufacture must be specific to the actual bridge,” Ladd says.
“The most common bridge produced over the last several years requires a bellows or accordion style canopy,” he points out. “This has evolved over the years when many passenger bridges included inflatable style canopies or three-piece canopies referred to as ‘hook and side’ canopies. Even today, we still receive the occasional request for the nearly obsolete style canopies.”
Ladd says Estex continues to explore durable materials in order to increase the lifespan of the canopies while meeting the Fire Rating Standards in place at nearly all domestic and international airports
Estex Manufacturing Company also supplies facia pads, flashing adapter pads, corner pads and installation hardware kits.
“We try to support the entire canopy by supplying not just the core canopy but also components,” Ladd says. “Just recently, Estex began offering installation hardware to help our customers who wish to make the buying and installation process a little easier by completing the process with only one purchase order, instead of sourcing multiple suppliers.”
Because Estex supplies replacement canopies, it’s important to deliver a complete ready-to-install canopy to help reduce the gate’s downtime.
“Because canopies can weight 250 pounds and contain an enormous amount of material, it’s important to consider items such as how we fold and box the canopies, so when the customer receives it, they can layout the canopy on top of the cab and unfold to help with the install,” Ladd notes. “It’s the small items, which can help save time and man-hours when it comes to installation.”
Understandably, many cold weather stations do not want to replace a canopy in the heart of winter, and likewise, tourist destinations do not want to deal with canopy replacements in the middle of their peak travel season. So, Ladd says his company is flexible.
“It’s all about reducing the downtime for the airports and airlines and keeping the maintenance teams safe,” Ladd says.
“Many times, canopy replacements are scheduled well in advance. However, there are times when storms or other elements result in damaged canopies,” he continues. “Our customers really seem to appreciate how quickly we are able to manufacture durable canopies and help get their gate back in operation.”
To ensure the company is supplying the proper canopy, Ladd says Estex asks its customers to complete a measurement form for proper fitting
“It is always possible a bridge has been slightly modified or repaired over the years, and that could impact the dimensions of the needed canopy,” he points out, noting this helps prevent any surprises at installation when the gate has already been taken out of service.
