Photo: Aviramp
Aviation ramp specialist Aviramp has marked a major step forward in improving accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) with the official launch of its new chair lift.
The Aviramp ChairLifter is a purpose-built, solar-powered lift for Electric Mobility Aids (EMAs) such as mobility scooters.
Graham Corfield, Aviramp founder and Chief Executive, said: “We think our new ChairLifter changes the game as far as getting heavy and often fragile EMAs on to aircraft is concerned.”
He believes the ChairLifter will dramatically cut the number of wheelchairs and scooters being damaged in transit. He also stressed that the lifter will remove the need for staff to manually lift heavy equipment.
“Its specially-designed hydraulic platform means EMAs can now be lifted on to any sized aircraft automatically and can then be wheeled directly on to a belt loader on arrival without any manual lifting at all.
“The lift will raise and lower to any height and comes equipped with ramps to make moving EMAs on and off aircraft completely straightforward.”
Corfield also noted that the chair lifter can be operated by just one person, has a capacity of 500 kilograms and will “dramatically reduce the number of mobility aids being damaged in flight”, as well as “the number of injuries to ground handling staff caused by lifting heavy aids”.
Adding that the feat of having mobility equipment damaged is a major barrier to flying for many people with reduced mobility, he said “the ChairLifter will solve that and give everybody the peace of mind they deserve when they fly”.
The equipment uses solar-powered hydraulics, so is environmentally friendly and energy efficient. It also ensures faster turnaround times by speeding up the loading process and therefore reducing delays. Plus it is compatible with all aircraft and loading systems, so will load on to the baggage belt no matter what the aircraft.
Corfield added: “The ChairLifter is portable and practical and can be easily moved by hand or towed by a baggage cart and is also suitable for transporting bulky items such as aircraft spares if needed.”
The response Aviramp has had to date has been extremely positive. “The number of orders we have received even before it has been launched suggest this is an idea whose time has well and truly come,” said Corfield.
