MANCHESTER AIRPORT GETS ITS PASSENGERS THERE A YEAR EARLY

Airlines and the airport authorities at Manchester Airport have worked with OCS – the ‘one-complete-solution’ services group – to become the first in the UK to put in place major changes in equipment and working methods aimed at ensuring passengers with restricted mobility (PRMs) have access to every possible assistance in the future.

The changes have been completed one year ahead of EU legislation which will place the responsibility for safe transit for the disabled on each individual airport. It represents the results of the work of a dedicated project team led by the airport’s ground services manager Claire Longden.

“The decision to implement the service early gives us a great opportunity to improve the existing service in order to meet our customers’ expectations for the future and to deliver an even higher quality service. It shows our joint commitment to putting the customer first,” said Ms Longden.

As recently appointed transport provider at the airport, OCS Transport has played a central role in helping plan and develop the comprehensive range of solutions designed to make travelling even easier for up to nearly 200,000 passengers every year who currently pass through the airport and are either disabled, have reduced mobility, hearing difficulties or visual impairments.

As a result of the project, which included help and advice from local disability groups, OCS is investing £500,000 on a wide variety of specialist equipment including modern wheelchairs, highlift vehicles, specially adapted buggies and ambulances. In addition to the investment in equipment, 133 OCS staff at the airport will benefit from specialist training in disability awareness and advanced lifting techniques to ensure they deliver the best possible service.

Martin Gammon, managing director of OCS Transport said, “We are not only delighted to have won this contract but we are privileged to have done so at a time when we can play a full part in developing and implementing improvements which will put Manchester Airport at the forefront of these critical changes”.

The changes also received the full support and input of major airlines using Manchester Airport including American Airlines, First Choice and British Airways, all of whom were heavily involved in setting the framework for the project group. The initiative also strongly reflects the commitment of Manchester Airport Community to be constantly vigilant and proactive in all areas of customer care.

In its work at airports and other transport termini across the UK, OCS is determined to give value and service to its clients and their passengers. Fundamental to this philosophy is the development of new systems to track wheelchair availability and ensure that faulty equipment is taken out of service for rapid repair. The company has also worked with its equipment suppliers to develop safer and more comfortable solutions at every stage from arrival at the airport to accessing a seat on the aircraft. This has included re-engineering the interiors of ambulift facilities.

OCS chief executive, Chris Cracknell welcomed the initiative at Manchester Airport, “Working in partnership is critical to our business success and it is good to see that our transport team have played a significant part in changes which not only anticipate new legislation but also make travelling by air a better experience for so many people.”