Aviramp launches ‘game-changing’ new chair lift
World-leading aviation ramp specialist Aviramp has officially launched its latest innovation – and says it marks a major step forward in improving passenger accessibility.
The Telford-based manufacturer has unveiled the Aviramp ChairLifter – a purpose-built and solar-powered lift for Electric Mobility Aids (EMAs) such as mobility scooters.
Aviramp founder and chief executive Graham Corfield said the mobile ChairLifter would dramatically cut the number of wheelchairs and scooters being damaged in transit and remove the need for staff to manually lift the heavy items onto aircraft.
“We think our new ChairLifter changes the game as far as getting heavy and often fragile EMAs onto aircraft is concerned,” Graham said.
“Its specially-designed hydraulic platform means EMAs can now be lifted onto any sized aircraft automatically and can then be wheeled directly onto 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.
“It can be operated by just one person, has a capacity of up to 500kg, and we believe it will dramatically decrease both the number of mobility aids being damaged in flight and the number of injuries to ground handling staff caused by lifting heavy aids.
“We know that the fear of having vital mobility equipment damaged is a major barrier to flying for many people with reduced mobility. The ChairLifter will solve that and give everybody the peace of mind they deserve when they fly.”
Key advantages of the ChairLifter include:
- No manual lifting – removing health and safety risks for staff and decreasing the risk of damage to EMAs
- Faster turnaround times – speeding up the loading process and reducing delays
- Solar-powered hydraulics – environmentally friendly and energy-efficient
- Single-operator use – intuitive controls make it simple to operate
- Scalable system – multiple units can be linked together to handle several EMAs at once
- Comprehensive compatibility – The ChairLifter is compatible with all aircraft and loading systems and no matter what the aircraft will load on to the baggage belt.
Graham 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. Multiple ChairLifters can also be towed together, allowing ground handling teams to preload several units at different aircraft stands for maximum operational efficiency."
“The response we have already had – and 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.”
Telford-based Aviramp is the manufacturer behind the world's first fully-sustainable solar-powered suite of passenger boarding ramps and bridges, designed to help passengers get on and off aircraft in comfort, safety and with dignity.
More than 900 of the ramps are now in use at airports all over the world.
