GOL Launches Latin America’s First Access Stairway with Integrated Elevator
Brazilian airline GOL Linhas Aéreas has introduced a groundbreaking advancement at Maringá Airport, Paraná: the Access Stairway with Elevator, a pioneering accessibility equipment solution in Latin America. This innovation reinforces the company’s purpose of “Being the First for Everyone,” a motto that since 2001 has guided its commitment to a more democratic and equitable air transport system.
The design was conceived by GOL, and construction was handled by Maringá-based company Easy Ground Service Solutions. The mobile structure enables the boarding and disembarkation of passengers—with or without disabilities—ensuring safety, autonomy, and comfort for all, without distinction.
Official Launch with Authorities and Executives
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Maringá, Silvio Barros, representatives from municipalities in the region, and GOL executives, including Felipe Sobrinho, Belonging Manager, and Bruno Bartolo, Belonging Analyst. Representing Easy Ground Service Solutions was its owner and Commercial Director, Higor Zanco.
The development involved multiple areas within the airline: Customer Service, Airports, Customer Experience, Procedures, Accessibility, Belonging, Academia de Águias, and Infrastructure.
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Faster and with Fewer Operational Resources
Until now, GOL used Stair-Trac and Liftkar boarding chairs in Maringá. This change represents a significant leap: the average access time has been reduced from 4 minutes with the boarding chair to just 49 seconds with the new stairway.
Furthermore, the process now requires the involvement of only one employee, compared to the three previously needed. The company expects this equipment to soon be deployed at major airports, although a specific date has not yet been set.
“With the purpose of being the first for everyone, GOL once again offers an intelligent solution to promote accessibility and equity in the aviation industry. The inauguration of the Access Stairway with Elevator fills us with pride and optimism, as it is an inclusive piece of equipment that brings greater efficiency to our operations,” stated Felipe Sobrinho.
Other Inclusive Projects by GOL
The company has developed various accessibility initiatives:
- Access Ramp: Currently available at 9 airports across the country, it was designed according to ABNT/NBR standards and with universal design principles. This height-adjustable equipment enables safer and more inclusive boarding and disembarkation.
- Awards and Recognition: Thanks to the Access Ramp, GOL received the Innovation and Accessibility Award (Airline category) at the Aviação + Brasil awards in May 2025, organized by the Ministry of Ports and Airports. That same year, for the second consecutive time, it received the “Asas Para Todos/Acessibilidade 2025” (Wings for All/Accessibility 2025) award, presented in conjunction with the Federal Government, the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship, and ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency).
- Sunflower Lanyard: Since August 20, 2025, the airline has been distributing this globally recognized symbol for passengers with hidden disabilities at its hubs in Congonhas (CGH), Guarulhos (GRU), RIOgaleão (GIG), and Brasília (BSB). All airport personnel have been trained to provide inclusive and respectful service.
The lanyard, created at Gatwick Airport (London), serves as a visible indicator that the traveler may have a non-visible condition and requires priority assistance.
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