We at Portaramp UK Ltd are proud to see our Aircraft Ramp helping passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) board aircraft safely and comfortably. Our ramps make boarding quicker, safer, and easier for passengers — while reducing physical strain for airport staff and improving operational efficiency.
Our ramps are already in use at Manchester, Stansted, Bristol, Aberdeen, Liverpool, and soon Heathrow, supporting millions of passengers every year.
The Growing Need for Accessible Boarding
More passengers than ever are requesting assistance at UK airports. In 2024, 5.5 million passengers needed help, about 1.9% of all travellers, up from 0.94% in 2010 and 1.69% in 2023 (CAA).
This rise highlights the need for reliable, safe, and simple boarding solutions that work across different aircraft and airport environments.
How the Ramps Are Used
Earlier this year, we supplied 50 aircraft ramps and storage units across UK airports. They have been successfully used on a variety of aircraft.
Passengers with reduced mobility often face gaps between vehicles and aircraft, uneven steps, and loss of independence, while staff experience manual handling strain, tight schedules, and risk of aircraft damage.
Our ramps solve these problems by providing a stable, easy-to-deploy surface, allowing passengers to board safely and with dignity, and enabling staff to work more efficiently and safely.
Following the success of these ramps, 16 additional ramps are scheduled for deployment at Heathrow Airport, tailored to operational needs and ready in time for the start of PRM services.
Positive Feedback from the Frontline
Airport staff and Ambulift drivers have reported:
“This ramp has been so useful — it’s helped so many passengers, especially when driving the Ambulift on stands. Thank you for designing this!”
“After training at Stansted, I used it in every job. It’s easier and safer for passengers to get on and off aircraft. Can’t wait to use it at Manchester!”
Challenges Solved by the Ramp
For passengers:
- Safer and smoother boarding
- More independence and comfort
- Reduced delays
For staff:
- Less physical strain
- Faster boarding, helping keep flights on schedule
- Protection for aircraft from potential damage
Next Steps
With 50 ramps in operation and more being deployed at Heathrow, Edinburgh and Newcastle, Portaramp continues to demonstrate that our solution is practical, safe, and reliable for airports of all sizes.
Our goal is simple: to make boarding safer, easier, and more dignified for passengers while helping airports and airlines operate efficiently.
Discover how your airport can benefit from Portaramp solutions:
✉️ [email protected]
📞 01953 681 799
This article was written by Portaramp.
