Hobart airport has invested in five new ramps to improve passenger safety

Plane passengers with mobility issues, the elderly and those travelling with children will find the new ramps at Hobart Airport a marked improvement over the stairs.

The Hobart Airport has announced the purchase of several ramps to make it easier for everyone (especially the elderly, and wheel chair users) to embark and disembark from planes. Matt Cocker, chief operating officer, is pictured speaking to media. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

HOBART airport has invested in five new ramps in a bid to improve passenger safety.

Chief Operating Officer Matt Cocker said the airport had listened to concerns over the safety of aircraft stairs and had worked closely with airline partners to find an alternative boarding solution.

“We’re very much aware that stairs can be difficult for passengers to negotiate, especially for those requiring mobility assistance,’’ Mr Cocker said.

“In many ways, these new ramps will be a much better solution than aerobridges.

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The Hobart Airport has announced the purchase of several ramps to make it easier for everyone (especially the elderly, and wheel chair users) to embark and disembark from planes. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

“The graduating slope means wheelchair and walking-frame users are able to navigate the ramps reducing and, in some cases, eliminating the need to use the lift.

“It also allows passengers to wheel carry-on luggage on and off the plane, making the passenger journey to and from the aircraft easier for all travellers.

“As a single storey building there are no stairs for passengers to navigate inside the terminal and we want to ensure this accessibility is extended throughout the entire customer journey.”

The ramps have been through extensive trials since September last year and have been well received by travellers.

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Hobart Airport expect to receive the new ramps and have them fully operational on flights, in time for the summer season.

In March a man was seriously injured in a fall from a mobile stairway while getting off a Jetstar flight at Hobart Airport.

The incident prompted calls for ramps to be installed for passenger safety at the airport.

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