Purchase of ramps gives improved access to aircraft

Guernsey Ports has purchased two Aviramp Lite devices.

They will be primarily for ATR aircraft, which are operated by Aurigny and Blue Islands. Dash 8-Q400 aircraft, formerly used by Flybe, can also use this model of Aviramp.

Guernsey Ports’ chief operations officer Ross Coppolo said the model was chosen as it has helped passengers who require alternative access arrangements.

‘This investment will improve the accessibility experience for all airport passengers,’ he said.

‘Other airports worldwide have used Aviramp products with success and we believe Guernsey Airport will also experience similar benefits in the future.’

The Aviramp Lite is powered by solar panels.

Aurigny’s Embraer-195 has its own step-free access arrangement, as the Aviramp Lite is not compatible with this aircraft type.

States’ disability officer Gill Evans said the investment would make a difference to many passengers.

‘The introduction of the Aviramp at 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.’

Partnership director at Access for All, Karen Blanchford, said the purchases would go long way to making air travel more accessible for Bailiwick residents and visitors.

‘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,’ she said.