Passenger Boarding Bridge
Also written as: PBB — Passenger Boarding Bridge
An extendable enclosed walkway connecting the airport terminal to an aircraft door, allowing passengers to board without going onto the open apron.
Full Definition
A Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB), also known as an aerobridge, jetway, or jetbridge, is a moveable, enclosed corridor that extends from the terminal gate to the aircraft fuselage door, enabling passenger boarding and disembarkation in a weather-protected environment. PBBs are operated by trained ground staff and must be precisely positioned relative to the aircraft type and door configuration. Editors should note that 'jetway' is a proprietary name (Jetway® by ADELTE/JBT) that has become genericised and is best avoided in formal regulatory or technical documents in favour of 'passenger boarding bridge' or 'aerobridge.'
Usage
Usage note: 'Jetway' is a proprietary/genericised term; prefer 'passenger boarding bridge' or 'aerobridge' in formal documents. 'Airbridge' is common in British English contexts.
In Context
- "The passenger boarding bridge must be retracted fully before pushback commences." — Aircraft turnaround checklist
- "Remote stands without a PBB require the provision of steps and an airside bus." — Airport capacity planning report