Glasgow Airport in Scotland is piloting an app to ensure all passengers who need additional support get the assistance they require.
According to the airport approximately 25% of requests for special assistance are made on the day of travel and are not pre-arranged for a number of reasons. The app being trialled at Glasgow, PRM Assist, will supplement the current service which is usually pre-arranged by the passenger via their airline or booking agent.
Passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) who have been unable to book assistance with their airline can do so using the new app. Alternatively the app will allow the airport’s service provider OCS to arrange assistance for the relevant passengers. The app will also assist OCS to plan staffing and equipment levels further in advance and provide a wide range of analysis to continually improve the current service.
In addition to providing PRMs with the ability to request specific special assistance and provide feedback, the app will also provide real-time flight information to help with planning the airport journey.
Revealing that Glasgow has one of the highest proportions of PRM assistance of any UK airport – in 2022 more than 900,000 passengers who required additional support travelled through the Scottish hub – Ronald Leitch, Glasgow Airport’s Operations Director, said he believed this is due to the quality of the service and the significant investment made each year.
“The way in which special assistance services are delivered is constantly evolving and improving,”said Ronald Leitch, Glasgow Airport’s Operations Director. “So we are continually looking at ways we can further develop our methods to ensure our PRM passengers enjoy a safe, dignified and enjoyable airport experience.
“What is also vital to the success of our PRM service at Glasgow Airport is the dedication and hard work of those people who deliver for our passengers who need additional support each and every day.”
Last month Glasgow Airport received the highest ‘Very Good’ rating from the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Interim Airport Accessibility Report.
