It is economical for airlines to use stairs than jet bridges to board passengers

Ever wondered why some airlines almost never bridge while boarding passengers? Wonder no more as although jet bridges are the more convenient option, some airlines will refrain from this comfort for their passengers, simply because it’s cheaper to use stairs instead.

This is because airports charge usage fees for many of the facilities that aren’t included in your bog-standard airport landing fees — and this often includes the use of bridges. 

According to Digg, cheaper airlines will also opt for landing and boarding spots that are further away from the airport as, again, these will be a little bit less expensive and a pretty easy way to cut costs.

In the example Digg uses, London Gatwick charges airlines a departing fee of £14.95 (AED74) per passenger but airlines can slash £3.48 (AED17) off this cost if they use a ‘remote stand’ without a bridge. 

Meanwhile, airlines can save even more by choosing a further away stand, as parking charges are three times higher if you use one with a jet bridge stand.

Alongside the cost of the actual bridge, airlines will have to ensure they have extra staff to cover the bridge and have some waiting at entrance. 

The video from Digg goes on to explain that cheaper airlines can also speed up boarding and alighting by using two sets of stairs to get people on and off quicker. 

And to speed things up even more, some aircraft come equipped with their own stairs built in – meaning they don’t need to hire a bridge or a set of stairs. 

Source: Agencies