The Value of a Systems of Systems Approach with Digital Twins: A Case Study of Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges

This white paper presents a System of Systems (SoS) approach integrated with Digital Twin technology to improve airport operations, using Passenger Boarding Bridges as a practical case study. It addresses the complex, interconnected nature of airport ecosystems—encompassing gate equipment, terminals, ground support, and IT infrastructure—through a structured 7-step development process grounded in the Object Management Group’s (OMG) Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) and the Digital Twin Consortium’s Capabilities Periodic Table (CPT).

The framework bridges the critical gap between business objectives and technical capabilities, offering airports a scalable blueprint for digital transformation. By aligning strategic goals with stakeholder needs and technical implementation, the methodology enables airports to simultaneously improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, enhance passenger experience, and optimize turnaround times while providing a foundation for modernization.

 

Download the paper below.