What Airliners Other Than the Boeing 727 Have Air Stairs?
While the Boeing 727 is well-known for its air stairs, several other airliners are equipped with this feature to facilitate easier boarding and disembarking for passengers. This article explores notable examples of such aircraft, highlighting their unique designs and operational flexibility.
Notable Airliners with Air Stairs
McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Series
These aircraft, including the MD-81, MD-82, MD-83, and MD-88, are equipped with built-in air stairs. This feature allows for efficient and flexible operations in various airport environments, especially when jet bridges are not available. The air stairs are designed to extend from the lower part of the fuselage, providing a convenient boarding and disembarking point for passengers.
Boeing 737
Many variants of the Boeing 737, particularly the older models like the 737-100 through 737-500, feature air stairs. Even newer models may include this feature depending on the aircraft's configuration. These stairs are typically located at the front door, allowing for easy access to the cabin. This design is particularly useful in regions where jet bridges are not available, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Boeing 757
The Boeing 757 can be configured to accommodate air stairs, especially for those serving remote airports. These stairs often extend from beneath the floor, providing a convenient boarding point for passengers. Airlines can choose to install air stairs for specific routes or operations to maximize efficiency and flexibility.
Airbus A300
The Airbus A300 has the option to feature air stairs, particularly in its earlier models. This feature enables easier passenger boarding and disembarking, even in situations where jet bridges are not available. Airlines can opt for this configuration to enhance operational flexibility and passenger convenience.
Airbus A310
The A310 also has the possibility of featuring air stairs, similar to the A300. These stairs are designed to provide an alternative boarding point, particularly useful in regions where jet bridges are unavailable. Airlines can choose to include this feature to enhance operational flexibility and passenger convenience.
Fokker 100
The Fokker 100 is a regional jet designed with built-in air stairs. This feature is particularly useful in regions where jet bridges are not available, allowing for efficient and flexible operations. The stairs are typically located at the rear of the aircraft, providing a convenient boarding and disembarking point for passengers.
Embraer ERJ Series
The Embraer ERJ-135, ERJ-145, and other models in this series often come with air stairs. These stairs are designed to provide an alternative boarding point, enhancing operational flexibility and passenger convenience. Airlines can choose to include this feature for specific routes or operations.
Bombardier CRJ Series
The Bombardier CRJ-100, CRJ-200, CRJ-700, and CRJ-900 can also be equipped with air stairs. These stairs are designed to extend from beneath the floor, providing a convenient boarding point for passengers. Airlines can choose to include this feature to enhance operational flexibility and passenger convenience.
ATR 42 and ATR 72
These turboprop aircraft commonly feature air stairs for boarding at regional airports. The stairs are designed to extend from beneath the floor, providing a convenient boarding and disembarking point for passengers. This feature is particularly useful in regions where jet bridges are not available, enhancing operational flexibility and passenger convenience.
Dornier 328
This regional turboprop and jet aircraft also has air stairs. These stairs are designed to extend from beneath the floor, providing a convenient boarding point for passengers. Airlines can choose to include this feature to enhance operational flexibility and passenger convenience.
Examples of Air Stairs in Other Airliners
Several other airliners include air stairs as an option. For instance, the DC-9/MD-80/MD-90 series have ventral airstairs, similar to the Boeing 727. These airstairs extend from beneath the floor to service the front passenger door on the side of the plane. Additionally, the DC-9 has stairs at the back, while the Lockheed Electra had built-in air stairs in both the forward and aft doors. These configurations demonstrate the diverse ways in which airliners can be designed to accommodate air stairs.
In summary, several airliners beyond the Boeing 727 feature air stairs to enhance passenger boarding and disembarking processes. The McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series, Boeing 737, Boeing 757, Airbus A300, Airbus A310, Fokker 100, Embraer ERJ series, Bombardier CRJ series, ATR 42 and ATR 72, and Dornier 328 are notable examples of these aircraft. These features provide operational flexibility and convenience, particularly in regions where jet bridges are not available.