Jet Bridge
An extendable, enclosed walkway connecting an airport terminal gate to the aircraft door, allowing passengers to board and disembark without exposure to the elements.
Full Definition
A jet bridge (also known as a passenger boarding bridge, aerobridge, or jetway) is a moveable, weatherproof corridor that links the terminal building at gate level directly to the aircraft fuselage door. It eliminates the need for ground-level stairs and bus transfers on contact stands. Editors should be aware of regional and proprietary naming conventions: 'jetway' is a trademarked term and should not be used generically in formal texts; 'aerobridge' is common in Australian and Asian documentation; 'passenger boarding bridge' (PBB) is the ICAO-preferred technical term. 'Jet bridge' is the widely accepted generic form in North American and international editorial practice.
Usage
Usage note: 'Jetway' is a registered trademark and must not be used as a generic term in formal publications. Prefer 'jet bridge', 'aerobridge', or 'passenger boarding bridge' (PBB) depending on the house style and regional context.
In Context
- "Gate 12 was out of service due to a jet bridge mechanical fault, requiring a remote stand assignment." — Operations Disruption Report
- "The airline's accessibility policy requires jet bridge boarding for all passengers with reduced mobility." — Passenger Services Procedure Manual