The National Fire Protection Association has dropped its ban on glass boarding bridges. Most airports can now use bridges built using glass, opening up a new experience for air travelers.
Glass bridges are expected to be adopted widely by local safety officials throughout the country and provide a fresh alternative to airport designers, said Randy Pope, chairman of the NFPA task force that recommended dropping the ban on glass.
Previously, the only glass endorsed for use in boarding bridges by the NFPA code was limited to the control cab, from which the operator positions the bridge at the aircraft.
“In Europe and Canada, they’ve used glass boarding bridges for years because they offer great views and are much more aesthetically pleasing than the boxes that are prevalent at U.S. airport terminals,” Pope said. “While glass can be more expensive, it has significant environmental advantages, so I think it will receive more consideration right away."
Related Stories
Airports | Sep 30, 2015
Takeoff! 5 ways high-flyin' airports are designing for rapid growth
Nimble designs, and technology that humanizes the passenger experience, are letting airports concentrate on providing service and generating revenue.
Airports | Sep 23, 2015
JFK Airport's dormant TWA terminal will be reborn as a hotel
After 15 years of disuse, the Googie architecture-inspired TWA Flight Center at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport will be transformed into a hotel. Gizmodo reports that the city’s Port Authority chose a renovation proposal from Jet Blue this week.
Giants 400 | Sep 17, 2015
AIRPORT SECTOR GIANTS: KPF, Hensel Phelps, Jacobs top rankings of nation's largest airport terminal sector AEC firms
BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest airport terminal sector design and construction firms, as reported in the 2015 Giants 300 Report.
Airports | Aug 31, 2015
Surveys gauge users’ satisfaction with airports
Several surveys gauge passenger satisfaction with airports, as flyers and airlines weigh in on technology, security, and renovations.
Airports | Aug 31, 2015
Small and regional airports in a dogfight for survival
Small and regional airports are in a dogfight for survival. Airlines have either cut routes to non-hub markets, or don’t provide enough seating capacity to meet demand.
Airports | Aug 31, 2015
Airports expand rental car facilities to ease vehicular traffic at their terminals
AEC teams have found fertile ground in building or expanding consolidated rental car facilities, which are the No. 1 profit centers for most airports.
Airports | Aug 31, 2015
Experts discuss how airports can manage growth
In February 2015, engineering giant Arup conducted a “salon” in San Francisco on the future of aviation. This report provides an insight into their key findings.
Airports | Jul 28, 2015
Plans to make over New York’s aging LaGuardia Airport are revealed
The complete redesign, devised by a panel of experts, would unify terminals, relieve ground traffic congestion, and install state-of-the-art amenities.
Airports | Jul 22, 2015
MUST SEE: JFK airport taps Gensler to design terminal for animals
Pets can enjoy luxurious spa and grooming services before being transported directly to their flight from the terminal.
Airports | Jul 1, 2015
FIRST LOOK: JetBlue opens sprawling green rooftop at JFK International Airport
The 4,046-sf rooftop includes landscaped green spaces, seating for 50 people, 400-sf children’s play area, and a 400-sf dog-walk area.