Falling Jet-Bridge Damaged 757 Earlier This Year

After the failure of one of its experimental "dual-end jet-bridges" at Denver International Airport earlier this year, United Airlines is giving up on technology designed at getting passengers off their jets faster.

The decision came after a malfunction that triggered a follow-up investigation, according to the Denver Post.

United began the test program at Denver International Airport last year. The bridges are designed to get passengers off and on its flights from both ends of an aircraft at the same time.

Last year, the DoubleDockers cut the boarding time for an Airbus A320 plane down to 12 minutes from 18 minutes -- and cut seven and half minutes off the 18 minute exit time, according to United.

The computer-guided bridges had self-locating sensors to help line up with aircraft doors. United used the jet-bridges on five gates at DEN, and would have used them at other airports had the program succeeded.

The deciding factor arose out of an incident where one of the bridges malfunctioned and damaged the wing of Boeing 757, as ANN reported in March. United removed the section that failed, and stopped using the over-the-wing part on the other four bridges.

"We've been testing them, and now we've made the decision," said United Airlines spokeswoman Megan McCarthy.

The airline removed the experimental parts on the bridges, returning them to normal, but did not disclose what the exercise cost.

"The technology did not meet our needs at Denver," McCarthy said. "We acquired the jet bridges to save time for our customers by enabling them to get on and off planes more quickly. We continue to look for ways to better the experience of our customers."

The bridge was developed for United by Dewbridge Airport Systems, "We're obviously disappointed by their decision. We remain committed to the technology," said Dewbridge vice president Neil Hutton.

FMI: www.united.com, www.flydenver.com/