Salzburg Airport is setting new standards in passenger services. With the introduction of a state-of-the-art, fully electric boarding lift from Bulmor, the airport is investing in accessibility and safety on the apron. The new lift is the first of its kind in Austria and allows the Medical Service Team to safely transport passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) directly to the aircraft door at cabin level. This technological innovation replaces older, physically demanding methods, where passengers often had to be laboriously transported onto the aircraft using stretcher chairs and via gangways.
The need for such investments stems from the steadily increasing number of travelers requiring assistance. Last year alone, the Medical Service Team in Salzburg assisted over 13.600 people with mobility impairments. The new lift is based on modified side-loader technology and achieves a lifting height of up to 5,700 millimeters, enabling even the handling of wide-body aircraft. Thanks to a lithium-ion battery capacity of 1.120 Ah and an integrated operator's cabin that allows for single-person operation, ground processes are made more efficient and physical strain on staff is significantly reduced.
In addition to the technical aspects, airport management emphasizes the social importance of barrier-free operations. Mobility impairments are systematically integrated into the infrastructure in Salzburg to ensure self-determination and a dignified travel experience. The Medical Service Team, which is organizationally part of the airport fire brigade, serves as the central point of contact. It not only handles transport across the apron but also provides initial medical care in the terminal. Furthermore, the use of the new lift, which features a 360-degree camera system and fully automatic angle adjustment, minimizes boarding delays and improves overall punctuality.
The modernization of the PRM fleet is part of a long-term strategy to improve service quality at Austria's second-largest airport. At a time when professional mobility and social inclusion are gaining importance for all segments of the population, Salzburg Airport is positioning itself as a pioneer in inclusive infrastructure. The vehicle's technical features, including climate control while stationary, ensure a high level of comfort during the transfer process. With this investment, the airport is responding to demographic changes and the increasing expectations for seamless, barrier-free air travel.