ISO 7718-2:2025

Overview

ISO 7718-2:2025 is the international standard that defines the minimum requirements for dimensions and unobstructed space around upper deck passenger doors on the outer skin of civil transport aircraft. Its primary focus is ensuring compatibility between aircraft upper deck doors and existing passenger boarding bridges or passenger transfer vehicles. This standard, issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), does not apply to aircraft models or their derivatives introduced before the year 2000, which are expected to comply with the legacy specification, ISO 16004.

By establishing clear guidelines for unobstructed space and door interface requirements, ISO 7718-2:2025 streamlines the design and operational compatibility of aircraft with ground support equipment, contributing to enhanced safety, efficiency, and interoperability at airports.

Key Topics

• Dimensional Requirements
  Specifies the minimum unobstructed area around upper deck doors to enable safe and efficient connection of passenger boarding bridges or transfer vehicles.
• Fuselage Clearance
  Details exclusions and required free-of-obstruction zones where no exterior features (such as sensors, drains, or access panels) are permitted within the service area.
• Fuselage Radius
  Recommends a minimum cross-section radius for the fuselage in the interface area, supporting smooth bridge alignment.
• Door Sill Height Limits
  Addresses the maximum allowable height for passenger door sills to ensure compatibility with standard boarding equipment.
• Compatibility with Main Deck Bridges
  Notes that boarding bridges serving both upper and main decks must comply with both ISO 7718-1 and ISO 7718-2 requirements.
• Non-Applicability to Existing Aircraft
  Clarifies that aircraft models or derivatives with entry into service up to 2000 follow the specifications laid out in ISO 16004.

Applications

Adoption of ISO 7718-2:2025 benefits multiple stakeholders across the aviation industry:

• Aircraft Manufacturers
  Ensures new aircraft designs have well-defined boarding bridge access points on the upper deck, minimizing complicated or custom airport infrastructure modifications.
• Airport Planning and Ground Support Equipment Providers
  Facilitates investment decisions and maintenance planning by harmonizing passenger boarding bridge specifications for new-generation aircraft.
• Aircraft Operators and Airlines
  Reduces risk of operational delays or incompatibilities when introducing new aircraft to the fleet, ensuring seamless boarding and passenger transfer processes.
• Airport Authorities
  Guides long-term infrastructure planning for boarding bridges and passenger transfer vehicles, supporting efficient passenger flow and improved ground handling safety.
• Standards Conformance and Safety
  Promotes a standardized approach for unobstructed access, helping prevent ground damage and optimizing passenger service workflows.

Related Standards

• ISO 7718-1: Aircraft - Passenger doors interface requirements for connection of passenger boarding bridge - Part 1: Main deck doors
  Specifies interface requirements for main deck passenger doors.
• ISO 16004: Aircraft ground equipment - Passenger boarding bridge or transfer vehicle - Interface requirements with aircraft doors
  Pertains to interface requirements for passenger boarding bridges compatible with older aircraft models.
• SAE AS 6896: Aircraft Markings for Ground Support Equipment Alignment
  Provides guidelines on aircraft markings to support precise docking of ground support equipment.

By adhering to ISO 7718-2:2025, organizations in the aviation industry ensure that evolving aircraft and ground infrastructure remain functionally compatible, operationally efficient, and safe for passengers and personnel.