Hello, everyone! I hope you’re all having a great start to 2025. I’ve been thinking about this idea for a while, and I believe this feature could benefit not only the dedicated users of our beloved Infinite Flight but also the simulator as a whole. Implementing this small yet impactful aspect would significantly enhance the realism and immersion of our virtual aviation experience.
I believe adding the option to select which door a jet bridge connects to would greatly enhance the user experience. This feature would accommodate different aircraft layouts, reflect real-world operations more accurately, and allow users to customize their ground handling procedures.
The Overall Bigger Picture:
Jet bridges are a core part of real-world airport operations, offering passengers a seamless connection between the terminal and the aircraft. In Infinite Flight, jet bridges already enhance realism, but their functionality could be expanded to allow users to select which door they connect to.
What is a Jet Bridge?
Jet bridges, also known as jetways or air bridges, are enclosed, movable walkways that connect an airport terminal to an aircraft. They are commonly used for passenger boarding and deplaning, offering a convenient, weather-protected way to transition between the terminal and the plane.
Benefits to Users:
Enhanced Realism
Real-world boarding often varies depending on aircraft type, airline preferences, and operational needs. The ability to choose the door reflects these real-world scenarios.
Increased Customization
Whether you’re flying a wide-body aircraft with multiple boarding doors or a cargo plane, this feature lets you tailor ground handling to suit your specific flight.
Immersion
From VIP boarding to precise cargo loading, this small feature makes every flight feel unique and true to life.
How will it work?
Pre-Ground Setup and Connection Option
Upon arriving at or spawning in a gate, users can open the ground services menu. The option will still show up as PAX but upon clicking the option, doors of the aircraft will illuminate, highlighting the possible connections that can be made, based on the specific aircraft. The user will then select the doors based on their preferences and the Jet Bridge within the closest proximity to their selection will attach itself to the aircraft with the same animation it would normally perform.
What if I choose the wrong door?
No worries, just simply go about the normal way of disconnecting the Jet Bridge(s) and then make your desired change.
Aircraft-Specific Door Options
The feature is tailored to the specific aircraft in use. For example:
- Narrow-body jets (e.g., A320, 737) might only allow Door 1L for connection.
- Wide-body jets (e.g., 777, A350) could support multiple doors (e.g., 1L, 2L).
- Cargo planes may allow a jet bridge to connect to side cargo doors if configured for passenger-cargo mixed use.
Optional Door Automation
For convenience, users can choose “Auto-Select Door” based on real-world airport assignments or typical boarding practices.
Integration with Ground Services
Combine the jet bridge feature with other ground services, such as catering or baggage loading. For example:
- Select Door 1L for passenger boarding while catering trucks service 2R or cargo doors. Yes, I mentioned the catering feature in a previous topic.
Developer Considerations
Jet bridge connection points are already modeled in Infinite Flight aircraft. The feature would build on this existing functionality with a user-friendly interface, additional animations, and personalization.
Example of a Personalized Aircraft Setup:
(Source: flickr.com)
Thank you all for taking the time to consider my ideas. I hope you share the same enthusiasm for this proposal and, perhaps, feel compelled to cast your vote in support. I would greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts and feedback :)
Cheers!