Stepping Up Style and Functionality for Airport and Cruise Customers
The first impression is everything, and that holds true for passenger boarding experiences as well. For both airplanes and cruise liners, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and comfortable boarding process is crucial for customer satisfaction. This is where retractable tunnels come in, offering a unique blend of style and functionality.
What is a Retractable Tunnel?
Stretch Structures retractable tunnels on wheels are a game-changer for passenger boarding. These innovative structures utilize a high-quality, clear-span fabric that provides a bright and airy environment. Unlike traditional, bulky tunnels, retractable tunnels collapse and retract into a compact unit in minutes when not in use, hence they offer a versatile solution for temporary space coverage.
Benefits for Airplane Passenger Boarding
- Safety: A retractable tunnel provides a stable, safe means of connecting the terminal to the aircraft, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries that could occur on an apron or when moving between the gate and plane.
- Enhanced Passenger Comfort: Retractable tunnels offer protection from the elements, shielding passengers from rain, wind, and harsh sunlight. The clear fabric allows for natural light to pass through, creating a more pleasant embarking or disembarking experience.
- Improved Efficiency: The quick deployment and retraction of the tunnel minimize turnaround time between flights as they speed up the boarding process because passengers don’t have to be bussed to the plane. This translates to smoother boarding processes and more on-time departures.
- Easily Portable: The tunnels can be retracted quickly in the event of strong winds or cyclones, and packed away for safe keeping. For example; The La Réunion tunnel is 90 metres in length and can be retracted to 9 modules of roughly 1.7 metres.
Benefits for Cruise Liner Passenger Boarding
- Weather Protection: Similar to airplanes, retractable tunnels shield passengers from inclement weather and harsh sun while boarding or disembarking. This is especially crucial for cruise lines operating in regions with unpredictable weather patterns.
- Seamless Passenger Flow: The clear fabric and spacious interior of the tunnel promote a smooth flow of passengers between the cruise ship and the terminal building. Hence creating a safe and controlled pathway for passengers.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: The contemporary design of the retractable tunnel complements the modern architecture of cruise liners, creating a visually appealing experience.
- Space Optimization: The retractable nature of the tunnel allows for efficient use of wharf space when not in use.
Beyond Functionality: A Touch of Sophistication
Retractable tunnels offer more than just practical benefits. The high-quality fabric can be customized with logos, branding elements, or even printed scenery, creating a unique and visually appealing entryway that reflects the company’s brand identity.
In Conclusion
Retractable tunnels represent a significant advancement in passenger boarding for both airplanes and cruise liners. These innovative structures combine functionality, style, and efficiency, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for passengers while optimizing space and enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Read about our top industries using retractable tunnels here, click through to Purchase a Retractable Tunnel, or Contact Stretch Structures today for a quote or for more information.
Images courtesy of Giulio Barbieri and Stretch Structures