Aviramp announced a contract supported by European Union funding aided the introduction of one Aviramp Lite for its ultra-narrow body aircraft, two Aviramp Continentals for medium- to narrow-body aircraft and three Internationals for operation on wide-body aircraft, one of which is used against the building to replace stair access from the first floor to the ground at Roland-Garros Airport (RUN).
The Aviramps will replace traditional air-stair and ambulift operations at the airport, as well as removing large amounts of operational carbon emissions annually. The boarding solutions also enhance aircraft safety having less vehicle movements around the aircraft.
The solar-powered units will offer all passengers, including those with disabilities and children safe, unrestricted access while boarding and disembarking aircraft on remote stands. Wheelchairs can be easily pushed up and down the low angled slopes of the Aviramps, which were designed and tested for optimum safety of PRM wheelchair handlers when pushing wheelchairs.
Where a passenger has partial eyesight, flat rest areas of the ramp are colored differently to the slopes while the handrail again is a contrasting color. The fully covered units offer full weather protection to passengers during inclement weather while the aircraft door canopy protects the aircraft cabin when deployed. Walkway lighting also enhances the Aviramps for night-time operations.
The €1m project was completed in December 2023 with some eight weeks assembly work on-site. The units have already had their first wind tests when a tropical cyclone hit the island with wind speeds of up to 106 mph 170km/per/hour. Although the airport stored them safely in preparation for the cyclone, they were still hit end on with the headwind and survived as the cyclone passed.
