During aircraft turnaround and parking, the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) traditionally provides oxygen, monitoring, and maintenance. However, APUs are being gradually replaced by Bridge-Mounted Equipment (BME), which uses electricity rather than fuel. This transition reduces pollutant emissions and minimizes noise pollution.
BME is Underneath the Jet Bridge
As aviation continues to grow and airports expand, traditional manual management systems are no longer sufficient. They fail to meet the increasing demand for efficient and precise BME management, which hinders both equipment utilization and energy conservation efforts.
Shenling leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technology to provide an integrated solution for civil airports, which includes aircraft air conditioning, BME management and metering systems, and metering boxes. This centralized system optimizes energy use and supports the sustainable development of civil airports.
Challenges in BME Management
While most airports are in the process of digitalizing, challenges such as data silos remain. The primary issues include:
- Unstable Service Quality: Difficulty in real-time monitoring of equipment status, leading to challenges in fault detection and resolution.
- Low Service Efficiency: Slow response times in manual scheduling, causing delays in equipment adjustments.
- Non-Standardized Service Metering: Delays in manual metering, lack of data transparency, and increased chances of errors.
These challenges result in delays and errors in scheduling, metering, and communication with airlines.
The Core Function of Shenling’s BME Management and Metering System
The system automatically measures costs incurred by airlines using BME and other airport services (e.g., shuttle buses). It enhances airport operational intelligence while complying with industry regulations such as the Regulations on Administration of China’s Civil Airports, ensuring both reliability and accuracy.
Advantages of Intelligent Management
BME metering box, typically located beneath the boarding bridge, collect operational parameters and electricity consumption data from equipment. This data is uploaded to the management backend, where integrated algorithms allow for digital management of flight tasks, service dispatch, and settlement.
Example of Floor-mounted Metering Box
Once flight information is entered, the supervisor assigns tasks to staff, who record the start and stop times of BME for each flight. The system automatically calculates costs based on hours or usage counts and generates a settlement invoice for airline confirmation.
In case of equipment failure, staff receive immediate alerts and can troubleshoot remotely, while real-time monitoring ensures proactive management and preventive maintenance.
Advantages of BME Management & Metering System Application
Main Functions of the BME Management and Metering System
- Airport View: Real-time, 3D visualization of the airport’s layout, BME distribution, and equipment status (online, offline, failure).
- Flight Info.: The system provides real-time updates on flight schedules, takeoff/landing status, delays, and changes for accurate BME scheduling.
- Service Metering: Automation tools enhance task assignment, service reporting, settlement, and financial reporting.
- Equipment Operations and Maintenance: Continuous monitoring ensures stable BME performance and enhances operational efficiency.
- System Management: Comprehensive user and role management, system parameter configuration, and access to logs.
- Basic Configuration: Settings include rates, contracts, airlines, and regions, ensuring efficient operations and accurate billing.
Value Realization
The BME Management and Metering System bridges gaps across process execution, supervision, dynamic management, and financial accounting. By enabling accurate data collection and intelligent application, it improves the management of equipment, personnel, and services.
In the future, Shenling IoT will continue to innovate and expand customizable features. The BME Management and Metering System will evolve to meet the unique operational needs of different civil airports, supporting the continued smart development of civil aviation.