Disabled passengers are set to experience improved air travel conditions as Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh announces the formation of the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group.
This initiative, unveiled at Manchester Airport and led by Paralympic champion Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, is designed to address the most significant challenges faced by disabled travellers.
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The newly established group will be a collaborative effort between industry stakeholders and consumers, aiming to identify and dismantle barriers that currently hinder disabled passengers.
The taskforce’s mission is underscored by the involvement of Sophie Morgan, presenter and co-founder of Rights on Flights, who has been instrumental in advocating for better accessibility in aviation.
Sophie Morgan’s contributions, including her documentary ‘Fight to Fly’, have spotlighted the often-unacceptable circumstances encountered by disabled passengers. Her work has been crucial in promoting greater inclusivity within the sector.
Central to the taskforce’s approach is direct engagement with individuals who have personal experiences of flying with disabilities.
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By GlobalDataThis ensures that consumer perspectives are integral to driving advancements in service and dignity for disabled travellers.
Over the next nine months, this unique partnership between consumers and industry will scrutinise existing issues such as delayed assistance after landing, mishandling of wheelchairs, substandard service, inadequate access to facilities, and unclear information provision.
Members include representatives from airlines such as Jet2, Virgin Atlantic, Ryanair, and British Airways; travel agent association ABTA; assistance providers; and airports including London Stansted, East Midlands, Manchester, and Glasgow.
The taskforce’s inaugural meeting is scheduled later this month.
The group is committed to establishing both short-term and long-term actionable solutions that can be executed by airlines, regulatory bodies, or government agencies, ultimately leading to tangible enhancements for disabled travellers.
