Facilities for improved mobility at airport

I refer to the correspondence by Tonio Mercieca (Fee For Improved Mobility At Airport Unacceptable, June 25). Our comments are as follows.

The PRM (passengers of reduced mobility) fee is being levied by virtue of EU regulation (EC) 1107/2006 of the European Parliament and the European Council and is being imposed by the EU effective July 26.

Prior to the introduction of this directive, costs were absorbed by the airlines whereas henceforth the costs are being evenly distributed to be incurred equitably between all travelling passengers.

The calculation of the PRM fee of €0.46 per passenger is solely to cover operational costs and does not include any profit margin for MIA.

The new legislation now also provides for the upgrading of services, and for airports to introduce improved quality standards for the handling of PRMs. By virtue of this new legislation all European airports are obliged to upgrade PRM services particularly with the introduction of designated call points, priority seating and related reservation systems.

The fee is specifically cost related and has been established in coordination with airport users to ensure a non-discriminatory system to finance the assistance to PRMs.

The provision of services to PRMs is the responsibility of the ground handlers but is, however, strictly monitored by MIA.

This legislation is being introduced to facilitate and ensure the comfort of PRMs and was enacted further to consultations and subsequent agreement between the EC, the Airport Councils International (ACI) and the International Air Travel Association (IATA), moreover further to talks with a number of individual organisations concerned.

The incident referred to by the reader reportedly occurred last September, well prior to the introduction of the above mentioned regulation.

Nevertheless we regret the undue inconvenience caused to this client and assure him that all measures are being taken to ensure that, this is not repeated.

We take this opportunity to remind prospective PRMs that in case of any assistance required they should call our helpline 2369 6333.