february2022 - 34

Product Profile
An Alternative Energy
Boarding Solution
Aviramp has expanded its solar power option to
all five of its boarding bridge and ramp models.
By Rebecca Kanable
A
viramp's solar-powered boarding bridges
and ramps, known collectively as the
Aviramp E-Series, provide a sustainable and
environmentally friendly, carbon-free option to diesel.
Solar power is an option for all of five of the UK-based
manufacturer's boarding bridge and ramp models.
" They operate exactly the same as the diesel-powered versions
and have all the benefits associated with them, " says Terri
Smart-Jewkes, Aviramp's global sales and marketing director.
" Of course, solar also offers freedom from noise pollution alongside
emissions. "
Aviramp first introduced its solar-powered models with
the Lite Boarding Ramp for ultra-narrow-body aircraft. Next,
solar power became an option for its Domestic, Regional and
Continental models. In November 2020, Aviramp shared an
update saying the company had been using its time during the
pandemic lockdown to develop and introduce the solar-powered
International model. For those who are not in the
market for a new ramp or bridge, there's a kit to retrofit diesel
units with solar.
Solar-powered products from Aviramp offer the benefits of
the company's existing products with the added advantage
of zero emissions and freedom from noise pollution, says
Smart-Jewkes.
" They are very cost-effective and completely maintenance-free
so they have longer term advantages over other
GSE, " says Smart-Jewkes. " Moreover, they deliver the most in
terms of sustainability and are environmentally friendly due to
being carbon-free. So, they are uniquely positioned. "
Benefits of the Aviramp E-Series include improved speed,
turnaround, safety and passenger experience. Compared to
other GSE, the Aviramp International, for instance, increases
the flow rate of disembarkation by almost 30 percent, according
to an independent trial at Gatwick Airport. A low gradient ramp
with anti-slip flooring improves the boarding experience for
customers of all abilities and makes boarding safer by removing
the risk of tripping on stairs. The ramps can be used as a mobile
boarding ramp or static, fixed jet bridge.
" All our ramps have customized additions so they can
be more bespoke to cater for specific airport operations, "
Smart-Jewkes says.
With the Aviramp E-Series, there's no additional GSE
needed for passengers boarding in wheelchairs, according to
Smart-Jewkes.
All of the Aviramp E-Series models offer one-person operation.
34 || Ground Support Worldwide || February 2022
Aviramp designs products to
allow step-free boarding. With
extended turning platforms, this
unit is stretcher compatible.
" They are simple and safe to use, " Smart-Jewkes says.
The International is operated by remote control. The ramps
are patented and unique with a 360-degree switchback design,
which creates gentle gradient slopes. The foldout walkway lifts
to store with a safety chain.
Ramp height is based on the size of the aircraft and ensures
a flush transition from the ramp into the aircraft. Optional features
include a canopy and enclosed roofing.
Prior to the pandemic, Aviramp customers showed interest
in solar power, Smart-Jewkes says. Among the first customers
seeking the larger models, like the Continental and Regional,
were Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport in France and Aarhus Airport
in Denmark.
" Aviramp continued to sell solar ramps during the pandemic
but not in the volumes that were forecast pre-pandemic, "
Smart-Jewkes says, adding today there are solar models at six
different airports.
A 2021 Queen's Award for International Trade was awarded
to Aviramp for the company's overall outstanding short-term
growth in overseas sales over three years. CEO Graham Corfield
came up with the idea for the Aviramp after seeing passengers
with ski injuries use stairs to board an aircraft. Returning home
from Switzerland, he started designing the Aviramp.
The main current markets are Saudi Arabia, United States,
Canada, Philippines and Australia and new markets during the
award application period were Saudi Arabia, Philippines, Punta
Cana, Norway and New Zealand.
Recently, Smart-Jewkes reports, Aviramp has seen an influx of
orders for its solar products as well as its Chair Lifter, which can
carry up to three mobility aids and is towed using a single tug.
" Aviramp are innovating all of the time, refining existing kit
and improving the range alongside, introducing new ground
handling products that deliver real solutions and value for our
customers, " Smart-Jewkes says.
During the pandemic downtime, the company also developed
a model that enables the boarding and deplaning of stretchers.
" I think we can conclude that although the pandemic has been
a debilitating chapter in aviation generally, Aviramp has used
that time wisely to develop and launch new operational and
cost-efficient products to facilitate the rehabilitation that a nearpost-COVID
aviation industry is about to face. "
Solar power is an option for
all five of Aviramp's boarding
bridge and ramp models.
AVIRAMP
AVIRAMP
february2022

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