Airport Ground Equipment in English, with Pictures
This page teaches common words for vehicles, buildings, and tools seen around airports. Look out the airplane window on your next trip to practice naming them.
windsock
/ˈwɪndsɒk/
A fabric cone on a pole that shows the direction and strength of the wind.
“The pilot checked the windsock before landing.”
runway
/ˈrʌnweɪ/
A long paved track where airplanes take off and land.
“The plane is waiting near the runway.”
hangar
/ˈhæŋər/
A very large building used for storing and repairing airplanes.
“Mechanics repaired the engine inside the hangar.”
jet bridge
/ˈdʒɛt brɪdʒ/
A movable covered walkway connecting an airport gate directly to an airplane.
“Passengers walked down the jet bridge to board.”
control tower
/kənˈtroʊl ˌtaʊər/
A tall airport building where workers guide airplane traffic safely.
“The control tower gave permission to take off.”
baggage belt
/ˈbæɡɪdʒ belt/
A moving mechanical loop carrying suitcases to travelers inside the terminal.
“We waited near the baggage belt for our suitcases.”
pushback tug
/ˈpʊʃˌbæk tʌɡ/
A strong small vehicle that moves airplanes backward away from gates.
“The pushback tug slowly moved the large jet.”
boarding stairs
/ˈbɔːrdɪŋ steərz/
Movable steps wheeled to an airplane door for entering or leaving.
“We climbed the boarding stairs to enter the plane.”
radar dish
/ˈreɪdɑːr dɪʃ/
A bowl-shaped antenna that tracks objects moving through the air.
“The airport radar dish spins continuously day and night.”
luggage cart
/ˈlʌɡɪdʒ kɑːrt/
A small wheeled trolley used by passengers to push heavy bags.
“He put three heavy suitcases onto a luggage cart.”
