Guernsey Airport has purchased two Aviramp Lite devices. These will be used primarily for ATR aircraft, which are operated by Aurigny and Blue Islands.
“This will go a long way to making air travel more accessible for Bailiwick residents and visitors,” Karen Blanchford, Partnership Director at Access for All, enthused.
“This new equipment, which has been used successfully at other airports, will give passengers who require step free access more options to board or disembark aircraft and meet their needs.”
Pictured: These ramps will be used primarily for ATR aircraft which are operated by Aurigny and Blue Islands. The Dash 8-Q400 aircraft, formerly used by Flybe, can also use this model of Aviramp.
David Rowlinson, a passenger who requires special assistance, said the new ramps are a big step in the right direction.
“This is a far superior solution for step-free access to and from aircraft for people with reduced mobility or who need to use a wheelchair,” he said.
“Having seen and used the ramp for myself it will certainly make a big difference and improve my personal travel experience. The Aviramp will give more comfort for residents and visitors who have a disability or lack the confidence with aircraft steps and need extra support.”
The Aviramp Lite is powered by solar panels, which also promotes one of the Ports’ key objectives of improving environmental sustainability.
“Aviramp was selected for use at Guernsey Airport as it’s a proven market solution,” said Guernsey Ports’ Chief Operations Officer Ross Coppolo.
“This investment will improve the accessibility experience for all airport passengers. Other airports worldwide have used Aviramp products with success and we believe Guernsey Airport will also experience similar benefits in the future.”
Pictured: Aurigny’s Embraer-195 has its own step free access arrangements, as the Aviramp Lite is not compatible with this type of aircraft.
The new equipment will make a big difference for many passengers, according to the States’ Disability Officer Gill Evans.
“The introduction of the Aviramp at Guernsey Airport will be a considerable improvement for those who need such access to and from the aircraft,” she said.
“This will open up and overcome barriers to air travel for many Bailiwick residents and visitors who may have been deterred from using air travel due to the lack of such a facility.”
Pictured top: Partnership Director at Access for All Karen Blanchford, David Rowlinson, States of Guernsey’s Disability Officer Gill Evans, Claire Rowlinson, Guernsey Ports’ Chief Operations Officer Ross Coppolo, Aurigny’s Head of Ground Operations Dave Cox and Aurigny’s Guernsey Station Manager Richard Portsmouth.
