Wednesday, 18th June 2008
Improved mobility at MIA translates into nominal charge for passengers
This sign, which directs people to one of the call points at the car park, forms part of Malta International Airport's new mobility services. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi.
Passengers leaving Malta will be charged €0.46 (20c) from July 1 as part of EU-wide regulations to make airports more accessible for disabled persons.
Malta International Airport is introducing the regulation before the rest of Europe, which is implementing it on July 26, so as not to cause disruption during the peak season.
Julian Jaeger, MIA's chief executive, yesterday took the press on a virtual tour of this enhanced service, which ensures a seamless passage through the terminal for the disabled and those with reduced mobility.
The regulation (EC 1107/2006) stipulates that disabled persons and those with reduced mobility should have equal opportunities for air travel and "should not be refused transport on the grounds of their disability or lack of mobility".
The cost charged by handling agents who help these people was previously absorbed by airlines but it will now be distributed on all departing passengers to eliminate the disincentive to airlines.
Mr Jaeger said MIA expected 4,500 passengers to use the new service in the first six months of its operation (July-December) but remained mum on how much handling agents used to charge the airline for every passenger, saying this was "confidential".
The tariff will be revised up or down every year depending on the number of passengers who use the service. MIA has invested €40,000 (Lm17,172) on the service and another €25,000 (Lm10,732) in training 70 ground handling personnel, staff of Air Malta and Globe Ground Malta, which were selected following an EU-wide call for tenders.
The new service includes several call points of assistance at the airport's car park level, the check-in area and the Arrivals halls in the Schengen and Non-Schengen areas.
MIA operations manager Robert Mizzi said priority seating has also been expanded at the check-in area and the Departures gates. The call points are connected directly to MIA's Customer Service Centre.
Mr Jaeger said MIA always provided dedicated services to persons with mobility problems but the enhanced services being adopted throughout all airports in EU countries fell in line with MIA's commitment to ensure a positive customer experience at the air terminal.
Those who need to use the new service can call MIA on 2369 6333.
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Comments
Does reduced mobility include people with heavy luggge and on their own and need assistance? I would definitely be pushing the button for assistance whenever I happen to be in this situation at MIA to bring my 46 cents' worth back.
Stop it MIA, and where is the office of fair trading and the EU and what not????? Maybe it is high time that the government classifies the airport usage as a necessity much like eating our daily bread and prices are regulated likewise, instead of as a commodity.
Is this the price we have to pay for being members of the EU? Give us something back in return to be proud of instead we are getting fed up of coughing up money for stupidities like these.
This charge makes completely no sense. I see this charge as a lack of ideas/plans from MIA when it comes to generating more income at the expense of the traveller. Depicting the charge for a good cause doesn't convince me much.
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By the way ... how much profit did MIA make last year???
WOW
Lets say they have a crew of about 5 people per shift. 3 shifts a day. Total of 15 dedicated staff just for the disability service.
OK, lets say they get a semi-decent wage. €20,000 a year. Cost € 300,000. Overtime etc, plus €100. Comes to €400,000 for human resources. Generous.
Because the infrastructure is already there I cannot really see any other operating costs. But lets say another €200K for other stuff we do not see. Total €600,000. Leaving a balance of €600,000.
€65,000 was spent on infrastructure, signage and training. Obviously no specialist equipment was installed.
Where will the balance go? Does any excess become profits? Or does it all have to be spent on the disability function?
Personally I would like to see those little cars you see in other airports.
Any excess revenue generated from this on a yearly basis should go to a relevant charity or for the purchase of disability equipment for those who cannot afford it.