Ramping up Support for Air Travel Accessibility

Award-winning aircraft boarding ramp manufacturer Aviramp has backed recommendations calling for urgent improvements to aviation accessibility for disabled passengers.

The UK Government’s Aviation Accessibility report, led by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, sets out 19 actions to address barriers faced by disabled air travellers.

The report reveals that demand for assistance at UK airports has grown significantly, with disabled passengers continuing to report lower satisfaction levels with their travel experience.

Key recommendations include mandatory disability awareness training for all aviation staff, improved handling of mobility aids and more robust complaints procedures.

The report also calls for equipment manufacturers to be part of the conversation on developing solutions to make travelling easier.

Aviramp chief executive Graham Corfield said the report’s task and finish group, which included airlines including British Airways and Ryanair as well as a host of airports and disability groups, addressed issues the company has been working to resolve for more than a decade through its innovative boarding solutions.

In June, it partnered with Delta Air Lines to bring 23 US veterans back to France for D-Day commemorations (pictured above), safely disembarking them on wheelchairs on an Aviramp which the company donated for their use.

"Having worked in aviation accessibility since 2010, we know very well the challenges disabled passengers face,” said Graham.

“The report's call for manufacturers to be part of the conversation is spot on and we welcome both the report and the comprehensive approach taken by Baroness Grey-Thompson and her team.

"The recommendations around staff training, passenger information and mobility aid handling are absolutely vital. These are areas where immediate improvements can make a real difference to people's travel experiences."

Aviramp, which holds the Queen's Award for International Trade and was this year named as one of the UK's fastest growing companies in the Sunday Times, developed its step-free boarding ramps specifically to address accessibility challenges in aviation.

Photo credit Chris Rank