Jet bridges, also known as airbridges or cargo bridges, allow passengers to board and disembark directly through an airport terminal without stairs. They are becoming standard at airports worldwide and can accommodate passengers in wheelchairs or with strollers. Jet bridges consist of a long arm that attaches to the gate in the airline terminal and a folding accordion canopy that can be brought snugly against the body of the aircraft. They are operated with a control panel and can be updated periodically at great expense.
A jet bridge, cargo bridge, or airbridge is equipment designed to allow passengers to board and disembark directly through an airport terminal, without having to exit or climb stairs. Jet bridges are becoming the standard at airports around the world, as they are more comfortable for passengers and crew to use. At smaller airports, you can still see so-called “airstairs”, escalators that are carried up to aircraft, allowing people to disembark directly onto the airport tarmac.
A popular brand name of jet bridges is the Jetway®, and this brand name is in fact so ubiquitous that the term “jetway” is sometimes used generically, especially in the United States, to refer to any type of jet bridge. Like other technologies, jet bridges are updated periodically, and airlines and airports can spend a great deal of money to keep their jet bridges up to standard.
A jet bridge consists of a long arm that attaches to the gate in the airline terminal. The boom can often be rotated to provide different options, and the boom end is attached to a folding accordion canopy that can be brought snugly against the body of the aircraft. Passengers use the jet bridge by traveling along a corridor inside the arm before passing under the canopy and into the aircraft. A platform under the canopy is designed to rest snugly against the body of the aircraft so that there are no gaps between the jet bridge and the aircraft.
Operation of the jet bridge is done with a control panel which is used to position the equipment and lock it in place. Putting an air bridge in place is a relatively quick process at most airports, although passengers eager to disembark may feel it takes forever. Some jet bridges also have an additional extendable arm that can be used to allow boarding and disembarking through two doors into the aircraft for increased speed.
One convenience of the jet bridge is that it can accommodate passengers in wheelchairs or passengers using strollers very easily. Typically, a flight attendant will accept wheelchairs and strollers for gate control upon opening the aircraft. Items that have been checked at the gate will be taken out first when the plane lands so passengers can access them immediately. Gate checking is also available when flights are crowded and flight crew want to encourage people to check their bags rather than carry them onto the plane.
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