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Airport announces seamless assistance from arrival to departure
Bristol International has chosen OCS Group to implement a new support service that will provide seamless assistance to passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), from arrival at the airport to boarding their flight.
Assistance is already provided to PRM passengers, but the responsibility is currently shared between the airport and airlines, sometimes resulting in a disjointed service for passengers. Under new EU regulations (which come into force on 1st July), airports will be solely responsible for providing an integrated facility to all passengers with reduced mobility, from the moment they arrive at the airport.
OCS was chosen from an initial shortlist of 12 providers, with the final decision made by a group representing all of the airlines operating at Bristol International. Amongst the additional services OCS will provide are a reception centre in the terminal building and new 'ambulift' equipment costing over £200,000. Twenty eight new jobs will also be created at the airport.
OCS provides similar services at several UK airports, including Heathrow, Birmingham and Manchester, and is the biggest provider of PRM assistance in the UK.
Paul Rankin, General Manager - Airside Operations at Bristol International Airport, said:
"The new system will provide a more efficient service to passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring they are equally able to access the range of business and leisure flights operating to and from Bristol International."
Having notified their airline of their requirements in advance, departing passengers with reduced mobility will be met on the forecourt or in the airport car parks and transported by minibus to the terminal building, before being accompanied through check-in and security and into the departure lounge. They will then receive assistance boarding their flight, using the new 'ambulifts' if required.
Assistance is provided to passengers who are unable to climb stairs or walk long distances, those who travel in a wheelchair or who are sight or hearing impaired.