PaxLift Production is Ready for Lift Off

Having a wealth of experience in working with sideloader-based trucks and a desire to improve passenger comfort, representatives at Baumann set out three years ago to develop a purpose-built ambulift.

That mission produced the PaxLift. The vehicle offers one-man operation, four-wheel steering and other safety features to protect passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs) as well as the aircraft on the ramp.

The vehicle is being adopted quickly, particularly in the United Kingdom, and was recently recognized for its ingenuity at inter airport Europe 2017.

The concept began after years of working with industrial sideloaders. Baumann officials were looking for new ways to provide safer, smoother and more practical ways to transport PRM and VIP passengers, according to Baumann’s managing director, Dr. Klaus Pirpamer.

“We felt the most important aspects were speed of turnaround and passenger comfort – neither of which we felt were satisfactory with the sideloader-adapted design, and that prompted us to think again about the whole methodology,” explains Pirpamer.

The company developed a concept of a vehicle that could raise passengers without a pantograph, mast or chains.

“The solution avoids the inherent problems associated with adapted PRM vehicles, such as chain maintenance, slow loading times and an uncomfortable, often manually intensive, experience for passengers,” Pirpamer says. “There’s also complete free movement with the cabin raised.”

There are three models of PaxLift available, allowing the vehicle to service all types of aircraft.

The range includes the PaxLift L, which offers a lifting height of 4 meters (approximately 13 feet); PaxLift XL, which reaches 6.1 meters (approximately 20 feet); and the PaxLift XXL, that extends to 8.1 meters (about 26 ½ feet).

“The PRM transporter provides floor to door access, reaching up to 8.1 meters, without the need for stabilizers or lateral movement at ground level,” Pirpamer says. “It offers a completely stepless experience with no additional lifting attachments.”

What’s more, an electric PaxLift model, set on offering environmental benefits, is in development and is expected to be released in the second half of 2019.

Traditional ambulifts, especially those that are adapted commercial vehicles, may move laterally and sway at height or utilize a two-stage lift, which can cause discomfort for passengers. Conversely, the PaxLift cabin is spacious, bright and accessible for faster, smoother lifting, according to company officials.

“Every aspect of the product, including the tires, suspension, lifting and movement, puts the primary focus on comfort,” Pirpamer says. “Unlike other ambulifts, there’s much more weight and, therefore, stability in the chassis. The dedicated design of the PaxLift means it is able to lift up to 2,000 kg (approximately 4,400 pounds) in weight capacity.”

Improved safety around aircraft is achieved through the vehicle’s four-wheel steering that reduces the turning radius and one one-man operation that provides a driver with clear visibility.

“The driver’s air suspended seat is located within the passenger cabin, so the passengers and the driver are able to see one another. Every movement is managed carefully by the driver,” Pirpamer says. “With laser guidance, all-around cameras and total control in the cab, the driver is able to approach the aircraft with complete confidence.”

A suite of cameras, sensors, heaters and coolers are available to customize the vehicle to a station’s need.

The first PaxLift will be delivered to Newcastle in the UK and another trial is slated to take place in Dusseldorf, Germany. However, the new vehicle was met with high regard at inter airport Europe this past October in Munich, Germany. PaxLift received an Innovation Award for the interRAMP category during the event.

With a positive response from the exhibition, Baumann has extended plans for the PaxLift.

“We are still very much at the beginning of our journey,” Pirpamer says, adding this year the company will open a dedicated production line for the PaxLift in Cavaion, Italy.

“The production hall will include a 35-ton capacity crane, reaching 15 meters high in order to be able to test the full lift of PaxLift in house,” he says. “We’re hoping we will be producing PaxLift in the new hall by the end of the year.”