Aviramp, a world leader in aviation ramps, has launched the Aviramp ChairLifter – a purpose-built and solar-powered lift for Electric Mobility Aids (EMAs) such as mobility scooters.
Graham Corfield, Aviramp’s founder and chief executive, said the mobile ChairLifter would dramatically cut the number of wheelchairs and scooters being damaged in transit.
“We think our new ChairLifter changes the game as far as getting heavy and often fragile EMAs onto aircraft is concerned,” said Mr Corfield.
“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 automation of this process removes health and safety risks for staff and decreases the risk of damage to EMAs, while also speeding up the loading process.
Compatible with all aircraft and loading systems, the lift’s scalable system includes multiple units that can be linked together to handle several EMAs at once.
Moreover, it uses solar-powered hydraulics, rendering it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
“The lift will raise and lower to any height and comes equipped with ramps to make moving EMAs on and off aircraft completely straightforward,” added Mr Corfield.
“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.”
The Telford-based manufacturer is 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.
Mr Corfield said: “The Chairlifter is portable and practical, 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.”
