MITIE offers assistance at Stansted Airport

14 July 2008

MITIE has started a new contract at BAA Stansted offering passengers with reduced mobility assistance to and from aircraft that meets new EU legislation.

The contract started in May, ahead of new EU legislation that came into force on 26 July. This states that all European airports must offer an assistance service for their passengers. The service is free to passengers and ensures a smooth transition from arrival at the airport (car, bus or rail) to aircraft and vice versa.

Stansted was at the forefront of adopting the new law and chose MITIE, after a ten month tender process, to take care of the transportation needs of its passengers with reduced mobility. From the moment a passenger arrives at the airport they have the option to use a wheelchair, operated by trained MITIE personnel.

Using the company’s own IT system MITIE's team of 90 people are able to know when a passenger is planning to arrive and the level of service they require. Passengers can use one of the new MITIE branded wheelchairs. In addition MITIE has purchased three ambulifts to aid passengers with reduced mobility on and off the aircraft. According to Johan Venter of MITIE's transport team: “This has been an exciting opportunity for us to further our scope of services within the aviation industry. We worked very closely with Stansted Airport to ensure a seamless launch to the initiative.”

Passengers with reduced mobility will continue to request assistance through their airline or travel agent (recommended at time of booking). Those details will then be passed through to MITIE to facilitate on the day of travel through Stansted Airport.