In September last year, equipment manufacturer TIPS GSE launched the Highway2236Pe passenger boarding stair. Airside talks to Vesna Poznič, the company’s head of sales, about the concept behind the fully electric unit and its integrated wheelchair lift.
What was the inspiration behind the Highway passenger stairs?
The Highway2236Pe was developed in response to the growing need for more accessible and inclusive boarding solutions – without adding complexity on the ramp.
The key idea was to combine two functions into one ready-to-use unit: a passenger stair plus an integrated PRM lift, enabling airports and ground handlers to support all passengers with a single piece of equipment.
In addition to broader industry trends, the development was also driven by a clear request from one of our most important customers, who was looking for a more efficient and integrated PRM boarding solution.
As a development-oriented company, we see such challenges as opportunities. Integrating the lift directly into the stair structure was a complex engineering task – but one we were eager to take on.
TIPS has previously developed passenger stairs equipped with a lift; however, those earlier solutions were significantly more complex in terms of operation and handling.
With the Highway2236Pe, our objective was to rethink the concept and deliver a system that is technically advanced yet far more intuitive, streamlined, and operationally efficient.
At the same time, the Highway concept reflects the industry’s push toward more sustainable GSE, which is why the unit is fully electric and can be configured with solutions such as a solar range extender.
The stairs are equipped with an integrated PRM lift—was ensuring accessibility and inclusivity a priority in the development process?
Yes, accessibility and inclusivity were fundamental to the development of the Highway2236Pe from the outset.
Our objective was not simply to attach a lift to a passenger stair, but to engineer a fully integrated boarding solution that delivers equal access while remaining operationally efficient.
The PRM lift is built directly into the staircase structure and operates along a dedicated rail system, enabling smooth and controlled vertical transport from ground level to aircraft door level and back.
With a load capacity of up to 300 kg and a spacious platform, it safely accommodates wheelchairs and mobility aids while ensuring comfort and security for both passengers and assisting staff.
From an operational perspective, integrating the lift into the stair eliminates the need for separate PRM vehicles, additional equipment positioning, or complex coordination between teams.
This reduces ramp congestion, simplifies turnaround procedures, and optimises equipment utilisation.
By combining two functions in a single unit, operators can reduce the overall number of vehicles required on the apron, supporting more efficient fleet organisation and lowering total cost of ownership.
The integrated approach contributes not only to operational simplicity, but also to improved return on investment over the product lifecycle.
For us, inclusivity is not an optional feature- it is embedded in the core product concept, delivering both social value and measurable operational efficiency.
What are some of the other advantages of the Highway passenger stairs?
A key advantage of the Highway2236Pe is its broad operational height range.
The platform can be adjusted steplessly from 2.2 m to 3.6 m, enabling the unit to serve most narrowbody aircraft with a single, versatile solution.
This flexibility allows operators to serve multiple aircraft types with one unit, supporting more streamlined fleet planning and improved asset utilisation.
This range is achieved through a patented parallelogram staircase design with an integrated inclination system, ensuring stable geometry and consistent step ergonomics across the full working envelope.
Passenger comfort and safe flow are supported by a generous 2,300 mm internal platform width and a 1,200 mm staircase width.
LED-integrated stair lighting and continuous handrails provide confident footing in all operating conditions.
The oscillating and longitudinally movable platform front section adapts smoothly to the aircraft fuselage, while the sliding floor system further reduces the risk of aircraft contact.
From an operational standpoint, the unit is fully electric and self-propelled, with stepless speed control up to 15 km/h, allowing fast and efficient repositioning on the apron.
Four electro-mechanical stabilisers ensure secure positioning during operation, and the stairs remain stable in wind speeds of up to 45 knots.
The operator interface features an LCD display with status information and diagnostics, supporting intuitive handling and simplified maintenance.
Built as a modular platform, the Highway2236Pe can be configured to specific customer requirements, including options such as a solar range extender, auto-following functionality, and advanced docking safety systems such as ADPS in line with IATA recommendations.
The unit carries CE marking and complies with relevant EN standards and industry guidelines.
How is the unit powered?
The Highway2236Pe is fully electrically powered and self-propelled, operating on a 24 V DC system with a 24 V, 410 Ah lead-acid traction battery designed for reliable daily airport operations.
The drivetrain consists of two 3 kW three-phase AC motors mounted directly on the rear wheel gears, providing smooth, stepless speed control up to 15 km/h for efficient manoeuvring on the apron.
Energy efficiency is further enhanced through recuperative braking, where braking energy is fed back into the system.
The unit can be equipped with an integrated onboard charger that enables convenient overnight charging in approximately eight hours.
Optional solar range extender configurations are also available to further support sustainable operations.
This fully electric configuration reflects the aviation industry’s transition towards low-emission and low-noise GSE, while maintaining operational performance and reliability.
Could you tell us more about the product development process? Did customer feedback factor into its design?
The Highway2236Pe was developed using a modular engineering approach within our Highway series platform, with a strong focus on accessibility, operational efficiency, and safety.
From the beginning, the project was shaped not only by internal engineering expertise, but also by close collaboration with a key customer.
This customer was actively invited to participate in the development process and to provide structured feedback at different stages.
Their operational experience on the apron was invaluable, and every comment was carefully considered.
Practical insights regarding workflow, PRM handling procedures, docking precision, ease of use, and long-term fleet efficiency directly influenced the refinement of the final solution.
As a development-oriented company, we view such cooperation as essential. Real-world operational input helps us move beyond theoretical design and ensures that the product truly responds to daily airport challenges – including asset optimisation and sustainable fleet planning.
The result is a solution that is not only technically advanced, but also aligned with real operational needs — developed in partnership rather than in isolation.
How many units have been sold so far, and where?
The first operational units have been delivered to customers in Scandinavia, where they are currently operating in some of the harshest weather conditions in Europe.
Performance in low temperatures, strong winds, and demanding winter environments has been an important validation of the unit’s reliability and robustness.
Real-world performance in such demanding environments is essential not only for technical validation, but also for assessing long-term operational efficiency and return on investment.
In addition to delivered units, a demo unit is currently travelling across Europe for testing and evaluation.
These demonstrations will be taking place in very different operational environments – from northern climates to sunny southern destinations – allowing operators to assess the unit under their specific local conditions.
At the moment, there is a waiting list for demonstration trials, and we are actively scheduling additional evaluations.
We are pleased to welcome new users who wish to test the Highway2236Pe in their own operations.
The unit will also be available for viewing at GSE Expo Europe in Lisbon this September, where visitors will have the opportunity to see the solution firsthand and discuss operational requirements directly with our team.
What feedback have you received about the unit so far?
We are satisfied with the initial feedback received from operators so far. Early impressions have been positive, particularly in terms of operational flexibility, the integrated PRM solution, and overall ease of use.
That said, we believe that new products must be thoroughly tested under the most demanding real-world conditions before drawing long-term conclusions.
In our view, a minimum of six months of operation – including exposure to challenging weather and peak operational periods – is essential for a comprehensive evaluation.
We are currently in that validation phase and will conduct a structured assessment once sufficient operational data has been gathered.
The insights gained from these first deployments are already contributing to the continued evolution of the Highway series.
For operators, this evolution is not only about technical advancement, but about building a more rational and future-proof fleet structure.
Based on market interest and operational requirements, we are now developing the next model, the Highway2458, which will be available in three configurations: Ce, Cd and Pe.
The Ce version represents a fully electric, cabin operated self-propelled passenger stair designed for standard boarding operations.
The Cd configuration is intended for operators who require a cabin operated, diesel-powered alternative in environments where electric infrastructure may be limited.
The Pe version integrates an electric drive system together with a operators post on the platform, extending inclusive boarding capabilities to a wider aircraft range.
These universal telescopic passenger stairs will offer an extended platform height range and are designed to serve aircraft from the Boeing 737 family up to the Airbus A330, providing greater flexibility for mixed fleets and larger operations.
For us, product development is a continuous process – shaped by real-world experience, customer dialogue, and long-term performance validation.
