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Ted pioneers jet bridge

Ted will become the first
airline to operate the fully automated, Over-The-Wing, Dual-End Jet
Bridge. The new boarding experience is an industry-leading loading bridge that enables passengers to board and deplane simultaneously from the front and rear doors on most narrow-body aircraft. This system will cut deplaning time in half and improve the
customer experience.

The bridge system initially will be used on Concourse B at the Denver
International Airport.  Five bridge systems will be installed in 2006, with
future systems planned throughout the Ted network in 2007 and beyond after
operational testing is complete.
  “We’re pleased to become the first airline to utilize this innovative
equipment, as it gives us a new opportunity to improve our service to
customers,” said Sean Donohue, vice president-Operational Services, United
Express and Ted.  “The bridge system will help enhance our operations at the
airport by enabling our customers to deplane faster, while giving our
employees more time to focus on our customers.”
  The DoubleDocker Bridge system is the first fully automated passenger
loading bridge system, and utilizes the latest technology—including
artificial intelligence and triple-redundant sensors to drive both front and
rear bridges to their docking positions.  The system was developed, designed,
and manufactured by Dewbridge Airport Systems of Ogdensburg, New York, and an
earlier version is used in Canada.  It was designed for maximum flexibility on
narrow-body aircraft, making it an ideal system for Ted’s A320 fleet.
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