Roberta Aguirre
Jet bridges, also known as 'jetways' or 'passenger loading bridges', are enclosed connectors that extend from an airport terminal gate to an aeroplane. They are used to protect passengers from harsh weather conditions, jet fumes and accidents, and to allow passengers with disabilities to board safely and efficiently. While jet bridges are now used worldwide, the first operational jet bridge was installed at Chicago O'Hare Airport in 1958, with the first fully operational bridge entering service at San Francisco International Airport in 1959. Today, many airports have jet bridges, including Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Melbourne Airport, Hong Kong's former Kai Tak Airport, Incheon Airport in South Korea, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which has been described as the world's largest airport in terms of the number of jet bridges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Enables passengers to board and deplane safely and quickly without exposing them to harsh weather conditions and other dangers |
| First Invented | London's Croydon Airport was the first airport in the world to feature a movable passenger walkway to the aircraft in the 1930s. The first fully operational jet bridge was installed by United Airlines at Chicago O'Hare Airport in 1958. |
| Other Names | Passenger loading bridges, jetways, jetties, aerobridge, air dock, aero-gangplank |
| Design | A jet bridge has two main parts: the loading bridge and the cabin. The loading bridge is the walkway that connects to the passenger terminal and is attached to the terminal via a pivot, which allows it to move left and right. The cabin can move up, down, left, and right and extend and retract to fit differently-sized aircraft. |
| Advantages | Protecting passengers from jet wash and accidents, allowing passengers with disabilities to board aircraft safely, increasing the speed of loading and unloading passengers, and enhancing terminal security |
| Airports with Jet Bridges | Chicago O'Hare, San Francisco International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, LAX, New York's LaGuardia Airport, Melbourne Airport, Hong Kong's former Kai Tak Airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Vienna Airport, San Jose International Airport, Dubai International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, London Heathrow Airport, and many others |
| Airlines that use Jet Bridges | United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Lauda, and others |
| Drawbacks | Takes up space, can damage aircraft if improperly retracted or extended, can collapse and injure passengers, may increase airport fees |
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What You'll Learn
Jet bridges provide weather protection and enhance terminal security
Jet bridges, also known as jetways, jet bridges, or jetties, are enclosed connectors that link an airport terminal to an aircraft, providing passengers with a seamless and comfortable boarding experience. They were invented by Frank Der Yuen and first installed at Chicago's O'Hare Airport in 1958.
One of the primary benefits of jet bridges is the weather protection they offer. By providing a sheltered pathway between the terminal and the aircraft, jet bridges protect passengers from harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures. This is especially advantageous during inclement weather, ensuring a smoother and more pleasant travel experience. Additionally, jet bridges improve terminal security and enhance operational efficiency. They eliminate the need for passengers to navigate outdoor stairs or exposed walkways, reducing potential safety risks.
Jet bridges are designed with telescoping sections and vertical adjustments, allowing them to accommodate various aircraft sizes and door locations. The ability to adjust the height and position of the jet bridge ensures a precise connection between the terminal and the aircraft. This versatility is particularly useful for larger aircraft with multiple entrances, as it enables faster disembarkation. For example, some airports use two or three jet bridges for wide-body aircraft, with one bridge dedicated to first and business-class passengers and the other(s) for economy-class passengers.
Furthermore, jet bridges improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities or mobility impairments. They can board and disembark without climbing stairs or using specialized wheelchair lifts, making air travel more inclusive and convenient. Jet bridges also contribute to the overall efficiency of airport operations by expediting the boarding and disembarkation process, helping airlines adhere to schedules and optimize aircraft utilization.
While jet bridges offer numerous advantages, they are not always used by all airlines. Low-cost carriers, such as Ryanair, tend to avoid using jet bridges due to the additional fees associated with their usage. Additionally, jet bridges may increase the time required for passengers to disembark compared to using stairs, impacting turnaround times. However, jet bridges remain a standard feature at many airports worldwide, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.
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Airports charge higher fees for jet bridges
Jet bridges, also known as jetways, jetwalks, airgates, jetties, gangways, planeplanks, aerobridges, or skybridges, are enclosed connectors that extend from an airport terminal gate to an airplane. They allow passengers to board and disembark without being exposed to harsh weather and enhance the security of terminal operations. Airports frequently charge higher fees for the use of jet bridges, which has led to low-cost airlines avoiding them to keep prices low.
The use of jet bridges can incur additional costs for airlines, which are often passed on to passengers in the form of higher ticket prices. These fees vary by airport and can be charged per use or based on the time spent using the jet bridge. For example, daytime parking charges at some airports are tripled when using a jet bridge stand, increasing from a base rate of £10.68 ($14.62) per five minutes for the largest aircraft. In addition to the direct costs of using the jet bridge, airlines must also consider the operational costs associated with jet bridge usage, such as employing jet bridge operators and staff.
Low-cost airlines often have tight schedules to maximize the number of flights per day, and the speed of aircraft turnaround is a critical factor. Using jet bridges can sometimes slow down the boarding and de-boarding process, especially for budget airlines with quick turnaround times. For example, Ryanair flights have a 25-35 minute turnaround, and the additional time required for jet bridge usage can be a significant disadvantage.
Furthermore, low-cost airlines may already have infrastructure in place that facilitates efficient boarding and de-boarding without relying on jet bridges. For instance, passengers may be pre-loaded into buses, which can then transport them directly to the aircraft. In some cases, the distance between the terminal and the aircraft is relatively short, making the use of jet bridges unnecessary.
While jet bridges offer enhanced access for passengers with disabilities or mobility impairments, low-cost airlines often prioritize cost savings over providing this amenity. The avoidance of jet bridge usage by budget airlines can be frustrating for passengers, particularly in inclement weather conditions. However, it is important to note that the use of jet bridges is not mandatory, and some airlines choose to avoid them to maintain their low-cost business model.
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Jet bridges improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities
Jet bridges, also known as jetways, jetwalks, airgates, jetties, gangways, planeplanks, aerobridges/airbridges, skybridges, and airtubes, are enclosed connectors that extend from an airport terminal to an aircraft, allowing passengers to board and disembark without exposure to harsh weather. They are usually attached at one end to the terminal building, with the other end free to move, swing, extend, or retract to accommodate different aircraft sizes.
Before jet bridges, passengers boarded aircraft by walking up a ground-level ramp and climbing a set of movable stairs. This method is still used at smaller airports and terminals supporting low-cost carriers.
Some airports have multiple jet bridges for larger aircraft with multiple entrances, allowing for faster disembarking. For example, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has jet bridges that extend over the aircraft wings, suspended from an overhead structure.
The first operational jet bridge, the "Aero-Gangplank", was installed by United Airlines at Chicago's O'Hare Airport in 1958. Jet bridges provide all-weather dry access to aircraft and enhance the security and efficiency of terminal operations. They are now a standard feature at airports worldwide, although their usage may incur additional fees for airlines.
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Jet bridges can collapse and cause injuries
Jet bridges, also known as passenger loading bridges, jetways, jetties, or gangways, are enclosed connectors that allow passengers to board and disembark aircraft without being exposed to harsh weather conditions. They are designed to enhance accessibility, particularly for individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments, and to provide a quick and efficient means of loading and unloading aircraft.
However, jet bridges can also present safety risks if not properly maintained and operated. There have been several reported incidents of jet bridge collapses, resulting in injuries and disruptions to airline operations. For instance, in 2024, a jet bridge at San Francisco International Airport collapsed onto a Hawaiian Airlines plane during disembarkation, causing a sudden "structural failure" and impacting both passengers and crew. Similarly, a Kuwait Airways plane at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka experienced a jet bridge collapse, tearing the door off its hinges. Incidents like these have raised concerns about the potential dangers of jet bridge failures.
Jet bridge collapses can have significant consequences, including injuries to passengers and crew, damage to aircraft, and delays or cancellations of flights. In the case of the Hawaiian Airlines incident, the remaining passengers and crew had to use an alternative exit and stairs to disembark, causing delays and inconvenience. These types of accidents highlight the importance of routine maintenance checks and proper jet bridge operation to ensure the safety of all individuals using them.
While jet bridges are designed to enhance safety and convenience for passengers, their collapse can lead to various injuries. These injuries can range from minor trips and falls to more serious incidents resulting in significant harm. In the Baltimore, Maryland, jet bridge accident in 2018, six Southwest Airlines passengers were seriously injured, demonstrating the potential severity of such incidents. Unfortunately, injuries on jet bridges are often underreported, and airlines may prioritize speed and cost-efficiency over adequately addressing safety concerns, leaving passengers without the necessary assistance or first aid.
To mitigate the risks associated with jet bridge collapses, airports and airlines must prioritize routine maintenance and safety inspections. Proper training and supervision of gate agents responsible for operating jet bridges are also crucial. By taking proactive measures and treating passenger safety as a paramount concern, the likelihood of injuries and accidents can be significantly reduced.
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The first jet bridges were introduced in the 1950s
The jet bridge, also known as the jetway, is an enclosed connector that extends from an airport terminal gate to an aeroplane. It allows passengers to board and disembark without going outside and being exposed to harsh weather. Jet bridges also provide enhanced access to aircraft for passengers with disabilities and mobility impairments, eliminating the need for climbing stairs or using a specialised wheelchair lift. Additionally, they offer all-weather dry access to the aircraft and enhance the security of terminal operations.
In 1958, United Airlines installed the first operational "Aero-Gangplank" at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. This early jet bridge provided dry access to the aircraft and could accommodate different aircraft sizes. However, it was not until 1959 that American Airlines put into use the first fully operational jet bridge system at San Francisco International Airport. This system consisted of two bridges, one for first-class "Mercury" passengers and the other for "Royal Coachman" passengers.
Since their introduction in the 1950s, jet bridges have become standard features at airports worldwide, with only minor design changes. They provide a convenient and efficient way for passengers to board and disembark aircraft, protecting them from inclement weather, aircraft fumes, and noise. Today, jet bridges can be found at most major airports, with some early adopter airports being O'Hare International Airport, LAX, LaGuardia, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Jet bridges, also known as jetways, jet bridges, or jetties, are enclosed connectors that extend from an airport terminal gate to an airplane. They allow passengers to board and disembark safely and efficiently without being exposed to harsh weather conditions and other dangers such as jet wash and accidents.
The first jet bridges were introduced in the mid-1950s. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is often credited with introducing the first Aero-Gangplank in 1958, developed by Lockheed Martin based on the concept of aeronautical engineer Frank Der Yuen. However, some sources also credit Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), New York's LaGuardia Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) as early adopters of jet bridges.
While it is challenging to determine the exact number of jet bridges at each airport due to various counting methods, some airports with a high number of jet bridges include:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris (CDG)
