An industry and consumer expert group, tasked by the UK Government to advise on how to make flying more accessible for disabled people, has unveiled its suite of recommendations.
The expert Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group, established in November last year and led by former Paralympian and accessibility campaigner Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, has recommended 19 key actions to airlines, airports and the aviation regulator to improve accessibility when travelling through airports and onboard aircraft.
Disability awareness training developed with input from disabled people themselves should be rolled out across all aviation roles, including airline crew, assistance providers, ground services, security, and hospitality staff.
Clearer passenger information is also highlighted as a necessity, ensuring people can easily access information about their travel, including how they can request and book assistance, where they can find in-airport support services, and more detailed guidance on how their mobility aids will be transported along the way.
Passengers should also have easy access to transparent and straightforward information on complaint procedures.
The group also recommends that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) builds on its existing oversight of accessibility processes in key priority areas, such as reviewing its airport accessibility framework. It uses this to assess airports annually on how well they are performing against their legal obligations. This year’s report showed that the majority of airports assessed were performing either in the ‘good’ or ‘very good’ category.
Chair of the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, said: “This report is the next critical step in making air travel more inclusive for disabled people.
“I’m grateful for the commitment the industry has shown to making change and breaking down barriers in aviation for everyone, bringing freedom to travel, whether for leisure or work, and to connect with friends and family.
“We know there’s more work to be done, and I look forward to seeing these recommendations turned into action, which truly puts accessibility at the heart of aviation.”
The group will now continue its important work by driving these recommendations forward, supporting the aviation industry in adopting the recommendations and delivering a better passenger experience for disabled people. The group will report annually to the Department for Transport to showcase progress on the delivery of the recommendations.
Anthony Jennings, Disability Rights Advocate and Accessible Transport Advisor, commented: “Disabled people’s representation with their lived experience and accessible transport expertise, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, was fundamental to delivering inclusive recommendations in the group’s accessibility report.
“Implementation of the recommendations – including improved staff training and mobility aid handling, clear passenger rights and complaints procedures and a review of the CAA’s airport performance framework – will improve the real-world inclusive experience for disabled passengers and give them more confidence to fly.”
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