Cebu Pacific (CEB), is set to introduce disabled passenger lifts (DPLs) at key airports within the Philippines. The DPLs will give people with reduced mobility an easier and more comfortable boarding experience on Cebu Pacific flights.
CEB is the first airline to purchase its own DPLs, and has invested over PHP100 Million for the procurement and installation of 35 brand-new DPLs. The first DPL was installed in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in March 2017 for testing and evaluation. And has been available one a limited number of flights since July 2017.
Michael Ivan Shau, vice president for airport services at Cebu Pacific, said that the rest of the DPL units would be installed starting 2018. Six more units would be placed at the NAIA Terminal 3, with the rest deployed to other CEB hubs across the country, namely, Clark, Kalibo, Iloilo, Cebu and Davao; as well as high-traffic airports across the country with CEB operates flight using Airbus aircraft. Target completion is by June 2018.
“We are looking at initiatives to improve the passenger experience for everyone. For our ‘people with disability’ passengers and those with reduced mobility, we recognise that the experience of being lifted manually can be uncomfortable. Investing in the DPLs will allow us to board and de-plane passengers with reduced mobility safely, with minimal discomfort,” said Shau.
The use of the DPL is free of charge for all Cebu Pacific guests with reduced mobility, including people with disabilities, elderly and pregnant passengers – who may have difficulty climbing stairs to board flights.
