aerobridges
Aerobridges, also known as jet bridges or passenger boarding bridges, are enclosed, movable walkways used at airports to connect an aircraft to the terminal gate. They provide passengers with a comfortable and sheltered way to board and disembark from an airplane, protecting them from weather conditions. Aerobridges are designed to accommodate various aircraft types and sizes, with telescopic or multi-section designs allowing for adjustment in length and height. They typically consist of a steel frame covered with flexible bellows or panels, offering a degree of flexibility to compensate for aircraft movement. The interior of an aerobridge is usually illuminated and may include a ramp for passengers with reduced mobility. The movement and positioning of an aerobridge are controlled by ground personnel from within the terminal or by pilots from the aircraft cockpit. Their introduction significantly improved airport efficiency and passenger experience compared to the older method of walking across the tarmac.