Life just got a little simpler for disabled air travellers in Bermuda.

Minister of Transport, Ewart Brown, announced Wednesday the introduction of a new `disabled passenger transporter', to be up and running by the summer.

Once in service it will transport passengers needing assistance from terminal gates to plane-side and then elevating them to the airplane's cabin floor level. The transporter is diesel-powered and capable of a 20 foot lift

Dr. Brown said it is now time to get this system implemented in Bermuda's flight operations: "For too long now, there has been a lack of suitable aircraft boarding assistance for the disabled".

"In the past, it was necessary to carry disabled individuals up and down the boarding stairs, or even resort to using cargo lift trucks.

"In this day and age, that is certainly not the kind of dignified way we want disabled travellers to experience the airport. So, I am pleased to say that in the near future, our disabled citizens and visitors will be provided convenient, independent accessibility in boarding and disembarking from any airline at Bermuda International Airport".