Oil Patch Bits: Deadhorse Aviation Center opens new heated jetway

Fairweather LLC has announced the opening of a new fully enclosed, heated jetway at the Deadhorse Aviation Center, serving passengers traveling to and from Alaska’s North Slope via the DAC.

The first of its kind in the U.S. Arctic, the new jetway or PBB, passenger boarding bridge, telescopes from 63 to 95 feet and swings 90 degrees in either direction for exact positioning between aircraft and terminal. Unique to its design are a number of built-in safety features, including a cabin floor de-icer and an external camera with LCD display in the operational cab showing any movement under tunnels and around wheels. Additional safety features include a door detector to mitigate settling, LED lighting, automatic leveling and a safety stop feature to prevent sudden movements while passengers embark and disembark. Designed specifically for use in the Arctic, the jetway’s operation is fully electric with no hydraulic parts, providing 400 Hz Jetpower to the aircraft.

Completed in just 180 days, the new DAC jetway represents a significant investment in the future of Arctic operations, made possible through financing provided by First National Bank Alaska.

For more information, contact Fairweather at (907) 346-3247 or visit www.fairweather.com.