Telford, UK-based Aviramp, a specialist in manufacturing fully portable boarding ramps and bridges that can be used in place of conventional passenger steps and for ambulifts in many cases, is continuing to meet the growing demand for its innovative products
Aviramp’s suite of boarding ramps takes in its Lite, Domestic, Regional, Continental and International models that together can service all aircraft types, including widebodies.
The company’s global sales & marketing director, Terri Smart-Jewkes, says that Aviramp is currently scaling up its operations to prepare for “the next swathe of orders”. Such orders would build on recent successes. Recently, Aviramp has delivered ramps into airports in the US, New Zealand and South Africa.
However, says Smart-Jewkes, “There is one order that really does stand out for us all, and resonates with everyone, particularly our CEO – it is the latest from Roland Garros Airport on Reunion island in the Indian Ocean.”
Aviramp sold its very first product to La Reunion over 10 years ago, so this latest order is a significant milestone for the business.; another six units are scheduled for manufacture and delivery this year. They will be produced at Aviramp’s Telford factory, just as the first ramp for Reunion was more than a decade ago.
This order will mean that Aviramp units will be operational at both airports on La Reunion island – Roland Garros and Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds.
The six units will comprise three solar-powered International models (one of which will be used as a static fixed terminal bridge, while the others will serve remote stands) along with two solar-powered Continentals and a manual Lite model.
“This La Reunion order is a true testament to the product and its many benefits,” Smart-Jewkes declares. “An existing diesel Aviramp is still performing its duty for the airport 10 years after delivery, substantiating our claims that our boarding ramps and bridges are low-maintenance and remain in fantastic shape.”
The solar-powered Aviramps will streamline operations further at La Reunion, while being environmentally friendly and sustainable, she continues, although: “Our range of motorised mobile passenger boarding ramps and bridges still delivers the same core benefits in diesel or solar [variants].
“They improve safety by eliminating falls from steps. They drive faster turnarounds, with a proven 30% faster deplaning process, as highlighted by independent trials at London Gatwick. This is why so many airlines have always remained a huge champion of our products, and a massive influencer with airport operators and ground support staff.”
She adds: “What is more, our product range delivers significant cost savings, by reducing the need for ambulifts and invesment in expensive maintenance programmes – not to mention it being a one-person operation. Aviramp also offers a seamless, all-inclusive passenger experience for everyone, including greater dignity for passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs).
“Therefore, it really does give a massive return on so many different levels.”
