Salzburg Airport Introduces Austria’s First Electric PRM Boarding Lift

Salzburg Airport has put into service Austria’s first fully electric PRM boarding lift, designed to support passengers with reduced mobility during aircraft boarding and disembarkation. The new vehicle operates directly on the apron, lifting passengers safely to cabin level without stairs. Airport officials describe the lift as a step towards more inclusive ground operations, while also improving safety and comfort for passengers who require mobility assistance.

The PRM lift is operated by the airport’s Medical Service team, which is responsible for assisting passengers with limited mobility throughout the terminal and on the apron. In the past year alone, the team supported 13,641 PRM passengers. The new electric vehicle replaces older, physically demanding methods and allows boarding to take place in a calmer, more dignified way, without the need for manual lifting or improvised equipment.

With ramps, safety belts, non-slip flooring, onboard cameras and climate control, the lift meets key safety standards while also improving comfort during boarding. It can accommodate passengers using wheelchairs and operates quietly using battery power. For airport staff, the new system reduces physical strain and lowers the risk of workplace injuries, while also helping boarding and deboarding run more smoothly and predictably.

What the new PRM lift changes on the ground

• Direct access from apron to aircraft door
• Safer boarding for wheelchair users
• Reduced physical load for staff
• Faster, more organised boarding processes

Beyond operational benefits, the new lift improves access to Salzburg’s route network for travellers who previously faced additional barriers. Easier boarding supports leisure trips to Mediterranean destinations, business travel within Europe, and seasonal flights popular with older travellers and passengers with temporary mobility limitations. The airport’s role as a gateway to the Austrian Alps also becomes more accessible to a wider range of visitors.

The new electric PRM lift reflects a practical change in how accessibility is handled at airports. Instead of being managed as an exception, support for passengers with reduced mobility is becoming part of standard daily operations at Salzburg Airport. As a result, boarding involves fewer unknowns, less pressure at the gate, and a travel experience that starts with autonomy rather than unnecessary limitations.