Originally posted by Racer X 69
Fits at the gate better. Although the back out and get going procedure will be delayed while they fold it back down.
I had a different idea to make the airport smaller and less walking.
Have a small number of gates.
Load the baggage and the other stuff somewhere else at the airport, in the workers' only areas.
When ready to board the people drive up to a popup gangway location.
Popup the gangway.
Load the people, already in the holding area, so they can verify all the baggage and people match.
Lower the gangway.
Drive on forwards - just like a bus stop.
In the US that would make the plane loading process just like everything else in the airport - emulate the country bus stop feel.