The Portaramp Aircraft Ramp is changing the way passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs) experience air travel.
It all started in early 2024 when one of our team noticed something simple but important: a gap between the aircraft and the airbridge.
From that observation came a question:
Could we create a ramp to bridge the gap safely and make boarding easier for passengers and staff?
A Ramp Designed Around People
From our factory floor, we got to work designing a practical, human-centred solution. Key features include:
- Narrowed width to fit aircraft cabin doors
- Stable, secure surfaces for confident boarding
- Reinforced protection to prevent damage to aircraft
- Versatility to work across multiple aircraft types
- Every decision was made with real-world use in mind, combining our experience in lightweight aluminium and composite ramps with a focus on ease of handling for staff and comfort for passengers.
From Prototype to Deployment
We built and tested prototypes at airport gates, refining the design based on feedback from ABM teams. Key improvements included:
- Adjusting ramp width for smooth deployment
- Adding protective elements to safeguard aircraft
- Improving ergonomics so staff could handle the ramp easily
- The final product allows passengers to board confidently while staff can deploy the ramp quickly, safely, and effortlessly.
Now in Service
After development and testing, the Portaramp Aircraft Ramp is now in use at major UK airports:
- Manchester
- Bristol
- Liverpool
- Stansted
- Aberdeen
The ramp has been tested across a variety of aircraft, providing a consistent, reliable, and smooth boarding experience for passengers and making deployment easier and safer for staff.
We’re excited to share that more Aircraft Ramps are scheduled for delivery in December and the New Year, expanding accessibility support across the UK even further!
Why Portaramp?
We create solutions that work for real people in real situations. Every ramp is:
- Developed entirely in our factory, hands-on from start to finish, ensuring every detail is perfect
- Human-centred, designed to meet the needs of both passengers and frontline staff
- Lightweight, durable, and practical, making deployment easy and safe
- Proven in transport applications, with over 25 years’ experience delivering bespoke ramps worldwide
We work closely with our customers wherever they are in the world, listening, testing, and refining until we find the best possible solution. Our team is committed to delivering innovative, reliable, and user-friendly ramps that make travel safer, more comfortable, and more dignified.
The Future of Boarding
The Aircraft Ramp is our solution to a problem we saw and solved. It makes boarding safer, easier, and more comfortable for everyone.
Ask yourself:
Are your operations supporting passengers and staff safely?
Or are you relying on processes that are slow, uncomfortable, or risk injury?
Portaramp has the solution. Get in contact today to find out how our ramps can make your boarding process smoother, safer, and more inclusive.
This article was originally written by Portaramp.
