Aviramp’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. The Domestic services narrow- and ultra-narrow-body aircraft while the Regional and Continental service medium- and narrow-body aircraft.
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 wide-body aircraft.
For those who are not in the market for a new ramp or bridge, there’s a kit to retrofit diesel with solar power.
Solar-powered products from Aviramp offer all the benefits of the company’s existing products with the added advantage of zero emissions, as well as 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 stairs, 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 who are boarding in wheelchairs, so it offers more accessible travel and a dignified boarding experience, according to Smart-Jewkes.
All of the Aviramp E-Series models offer one-person operation.
“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 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 near-post-COVID aviation industry is about to face."
