CEB invests P100-M for disabled passenger lifts

FILE: Cebu Pacific check-in counters at NAIA Terminal 3 (Mattun0211 / Wikipedia)

MANILA — Local carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) on Wednesday said it has invested PHP100 million to roll out 35 Disabled Passenger Lifts (DPLs) across the country’s leading airports soon.

The DPL helps persons with reduced mobility (PRMs), including the elderly and pregnant, to board the plane easier.

The amount will be used for the procurement and installation of 35 new DPLs.

The airline targets June 2018 to complete the installation of DPLs, six of which will be installed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

Other key airports include Clark, Kalibo, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and the other DPLs will be installed in airports where CEB Airbus aircrafts operate. These airports are located in Cagayan De Oro, Puerto Princesa, Zamboanga, Bacolod, General Santos, but Jan, Tagbilaran, tacloban, Legazpi, Dumaguete, Pagadian, Cotabato, Roxas, Ozamis, Tawi-Tawi, Tuguegarao, Dipolog, Virac and Occidental Mindoro.

In March 2017, CEB has placed a DPL at the NAIA Terminal 3 for testing and evaluation. “We recognize that persons with disabilities and PRMs may find it uncomfortable when being lifted manually.

The DPLs help us board and deplane passengers safely and with minimal discomfort,” explained Michael Van Shau, CEB vice president for airport services.

Based on CEB’s records, 43,000 passengers availed of the wheelchair assistance from the check-in counter in 2016. More than 14,000 of the said figure were carried to their aircraft seats.

Through the use of DPL, the PRMs, PWDs and others who are having difficulty in climbing stairs, will be able board or deplane an aircraft via the designated aircraft door. All they need to do is to check the box indicating this DPL requirement upon booking their flights.

CEB said the DPL has a 300 kg load capacity, which could carry a PRM or PWD in a wheelchair as well as two of his/her companions.

The use of this DPL is free of charge, CEB said. (PNA)