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| CebPac lift. |
THE Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), is set to roll-out Disabled
Passenger Lifts (DPLs) in key airports nationwide. The DPLs which would allow Persons
with Reduced Mobility (PRMs) an easier and more comfortable boarding experience
on Cebu Pacific flights.
CEB is the first airline to
invest in its own DPLs, in line with its thrust to improve passenger
experience. The use of the DPL is free
of charge for Cebu Pacific passengers with reduced mobility. Aside from
PWDs, these include pregnant and elderly passengers who may have difficulty
climbing stairs to board their flights.
CEB 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. Since July 2017, the DPL has been used to lift PWDs, pregnant and
elderly passengers on a limited number of CEB flights.
Michael Ivan Shau, Vice
President for Airport Services of 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 everyJuan.
For our PWD passengers and those with reduced mobility, we recognize that
the experience of being lifted manually can be uncomfortable. Investing in the
DPLs will allow us to board and deplane passengers with reduced mobility
safely, with minimal discomfort,” said Shau.
In 2016 alone, over 43,000
passengers availed of wheelchair assistance from the check-in counter. Of this
number, more than 14,000 were wheeled from the check-in counter and carried to
their seats in the aircraft.
The DPL was introduced in 1998
by international aircraft service provider Airport Maintenance Services– Ground
Service Equipment to give airports a safe, comfortable and dignified way to get
PRMs on and off aircraft. The DPL allows PRMs, as well as their companions or
service agents to board the aircraft or deplane via the aircraft door
designated by the airlines. To date, there have been at least 500 DPLs used
worldwide.
For PWDs and other PRMs who
need wheelchair assistance, they simply need to tick the box indicating this
requirement upon booking their flights.
Cebu Pacific has also recently
implemented the 20% discount on base fares and 12% value-added tax (VAT)
exemption for all domestic flights for PWDs and senior citizens across all its
booking channels. CEB has also integrated the domestic terminal fees into CEB
ticket costs—all aimed to provide guests with a more convenient and hassle-free
flight experience.
About Cebu Pacific (Cebu Air Inc.) (PSE: CEB)
Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the
Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more
destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines
than any other airline. CEB currently offers flights to a total of 37 domestic and 26 international destinations,
operating an extensive network across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and the
US. Its 60-strong fleet is comprised of two Airbus
A319, 36 Airbus A320 and eight Airbus A330. Between 2017 and 2022, CEB expects
delivery of 7 more brand-new Airbus A321ceo and 32 Airbus A321neo aircraft.
For
bookings and inquiries, guests can visit www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotlines (+632)7020-888 or (+6332)230-8888. The
latest seat sales can be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages.
Guests
may also download the Cebu Pacific official mobile app on the App Store and
Google Play.
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