Airport invests further £3.8m in assisted travel service

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has invested a further £3.8 million in its assisted travel service with the introduction of a fleet of brand new purpose-built ambulifts.

Twelve new ambulifts will be rolled out over the next 10 months at the regional transport hub, increasing the airport’s capacity to support passengers with disabilities or additional needs. 

Ambulifts are specialised vehicles used to safely transport passengers with reduced mobility to and from aircraft.

As part of ongoing improvements to the airport’s assisted travel service, twelve new THUNDERLIFT 6000 ambulifts from leading aviation ground equipment manufacturer, AVIOGEI, will be rolled out into service by the end of summer 2026.

The modern ambulifts can aid passenger access to all of BHX’s aircraft and feature improved technology, which will result in an enhanced assisted travel experience for customers with reduced waiting times, greater comfort and smoother journeys.  

News of the investment follows the appointment of Wilson James as Birmingham Airport’s designated provider for Assisted Travel services in March 2025.

With over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, Wilson James is a leading provider of assisted travel services.  

Al Titterington, terminal operations director of Birmingham Airport, said: “We are pleased to announce this significant £3.8 million investment into our assisted travel service, which will see a fleet of 12 new modern ambulifts rolled out into service over the next 10 months.

“Ensuring our assisted travel passengers continue to enjoy a smooth, efficient and comfortable journey through the airport has always been a top priority for us.

“By working closely in partnership with industry-leading aviation manufacturer, AVIOGEI, we are confident that the new accessible vehicles will significantly enhance passenger experience resulting in greater comfort onboard, increased safety and reduced waiting times.” 

Andrea Cesarini, CEO of AVIOGEI, said: “We as AVIOGEI, being a global leader manufacturer of Ambulifts, are thrilled to contribute to Birmingham Airport’s operation with our THUNDERLIFT.

“Aviogei is committed to deliver the best product in the market that will bring more safety into the assisted travel operation, more comfort to the passengers and certainly the best experience for all Birmingham stakeholders.”