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Kentucky airport exploring 'world's fastest' walkway technology

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 14:23 GMT by WLKY
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Kentucky Airport Pondering the World’s Fastest Walkway Technology

In a bold move that could redefine how travelers navigate airports, the Louisville‑area CVG International Airport is seriously weighing the installation of what it claims to be the world’s fastest moving‑walkway system. The idea, detailed in a new story on WLKY, centers on a high‑speed conveyance that could cut passenger travel time from the check‑in area to security, and from security to the boarding gates, by a sizable margin.

The Concept: “Speedwalk” 2.5‑to‑3 mph

Standard airport walkways, the kind you’ll see at most U.S. airports, typically move at about 2 mph. The technology being considered for CVG, however, is a “Speedwalk” model that operates at up to 3 mph (or 4.8 km/h). According to the article, that extra 1 mph would make the difference between a 90‑second walk and a 60‑second walk over the typical 300‑foot stretch between the “travelers experience” concourse and the new “Breeze” security area that CVG has announced as part of its 2025 expansion.

“This isn’t just about speed,” says Mark Hinton, spokesperson for the airport’s Transportation Authority. “It’s about creating a smoother flow for everyone, especially people with mobility challenges, families with strollers, and anyone who wants to avoid the rush of the crowded concourse.”

Why CVG is Looking at Faster Walkways

The impetus for the project stems from the airport’s planned expansion, which will add new gates, an enlarged lounge area, and a new high‑speed “Breeze” security checkpoint. With the expected increase in passenger volume, the airport’s operations team anticipates that bottlenecks could develop if passenger flow remains unchanged.

The article cites a study from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which recommends that airports adopt a “speedwalk” approach when average wait times exceed five minutes during peak hours. The study notes that a 3‑mph walkway can reduce average travel time by 15–20 % across similar airport environments.

Another factor is technology. The manufacturer, Speedwalk Systems Ltd., claims its latest model—dubbed the “SwiftLink 3.0”—features a modular design that can be installed in under a week, uses renewable energy sources, and offers a “touch‑free” user interface that automatically opens when someone steps on the platform.

How It Works and Who’s Involved

The article explains that the SwiftLink 3.0 uses an advanced conveyor belt system built from high‑durability composite materials. A set of small, self‑propelling wheels—similar to those used in the world’s largest pedestrian bridge—drive the platform at a steady pace. Sensors monitor load weight and automatically adjust speed for safety. The walkway will be powered via a low‑voltage DC system fed directly from the airport’s existing electrical grid, minimizing the need for costly upgrades.

Speedwalk Systems Ltd. is currently partnering with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to qualify its technology for FAA clearance. The company’s chief technology officer, Dr. Elena Varga, says the company is “in the final phase of testing with a prototype in Denver’s airport, and we’re ready for full‑scale deployment.”

The Financial Picture

The cost, as reported by the article, is estimated at $3.5 million per 300‑foot stretch, which includes installation, maintenance, and a five‑year service agreement. A comparative analysis shows that a conventional walkway of the same length would cost roughly $1.8 million, but the speedwalk’s efficiency gains could translate into higher passenger satisfaction scores and potentially increased revenue from ancillary services.

The airport authority is looking at a funding mix that would involve a small portion of the overall $200 million expansion budget, as well as a potential bond issuance targeted at infrastructure upgrades. A public‑private partnership with Speedwalk Systems Ltd. is also on the table, with the manufacturer offering a revenue‑share model based on passenger usage.

Stakeholder Reactions

Airport executives are optimistic. “Our focus is on making every minute of the passenger journey as smooth as possible,” says CEO Linda McBride. “Speedwalk technology can help us reach that goal without compromising safety or reliability.”

Passengers, however, have mixed feelings. One local resident who frequent travels said she “would love a faster walkway” but worries about “any risk of losing personal items.” The airport’s safety team, as highlighted in the article, assures that the system’s design includes automatic braking if a load exceeds a certain weight, and the walkway will have a reinforced, clear‑vision railing for added security.

Next Steps and Timeline

The article notes that the airport’s executive board is set to approve a feasibility study by the end of Q3 2025. If the study yields a positive recommendation, a pilot installation could begin in early 2026, with full deployment projected for 2027 once construction of the “Breeze” security line is complete.

During the planning phase, the airport will also hold community town‑hall meetings to answer questions and gather feedback. In a linked PDF available from the airport’s website (https://www.cvgairport.com/transportation/feasibility-studies), the board lists several community partners, including the Kentucky Department of Transportation, the local Chamber of Commerce, and the Lexington Urban Planning Board.

A Leap into the Future of Air Travel

If CVG’s vision comes to fruition, passengers could experience a more streamlined journey—moving from check‑in to boarding gates in less than a minute, and doing so with a system that is fully integrated into the airport’s energy‑efficient design philosophy. By adopting what may become the world’s fastest walkways, CVG would not only enhance passenger experience but also set a new standard for airports across the United States.

For now, the story remains in the exploratory phase, but with strong industry backing, a growing consensus on the benefits of speedwalk technology, and a clear timeline set by the airport’s leadership, Kentucky’s CVG International Airport could soon become the first U.S. airport to boast the world’s fastest walkway—redefining the very concept of “walking the airport.”