Report led by Baroness Tanni Gray-Thompson units out 19 key actions for aviation sector
A Authorities-backed skilled group has at this time unveiled a complete set of suggestions aimed toward remodeling accessibility for disabled passengers travelling by air.
The Aviation Accessibility Process & End Group, established in November 2024 and chaired by Paralympian and incapacity campaigner Baroness Tanni Gray-Thompson, has proposed nineteen actions to enhance the expertise of disabled travellers at UK airports and on board plane.
The suggestions goal all phases of the air journey journey, from reserving to disembarkation. They embody obligatory incapacity consciousness coaching for all aviation personnel—starting from airline crews and help suppliers to floor handlers and hospitality employees—designed with enter from disabled individuals themselves.
Improved entry to clear, constant info can be on the coronary heart of the report, together with higher steering on how one can e-book help, entry in-terminal help providers, and perceive how mobility aids will likely be managed all through the journey. The group additionally stresses the necessity for clear, easy-to-navigate complaints procedures.
In a bid to strengthen oversight, the report encourages the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to boost its present airport accessibility framework. The regulator at the moment assesses UK airports yearly, with most scoring within the ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’ classes on this 12 months’s report.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the suggestions, stating: “Everybody ought to be capable to journey with dignity and be revered at each stage of their journeys, together with disabled passengers. These proposals will assist clear the runway for larger accessibility in aviation. Now’s the time for motion and to make an actual distinction so that individuals can journey with confidence.”
Baroness Gray-Thompson praised the business’s cooperation and stated the report marks a “essential step” in the direction of inclusive air journey: “We all know there’s extra work to be executed, and I stay up for seeing these suggestions was motion which really places accessibility on the coronary heart of aviation.”
The report has been broadly welcomed by business leaders and incapacity advocates.
Sue Sharp, Deputy Chair of the Disabled Individuals Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), stated the actions have the potential to “ship actual enchancment” and that continued momentum is significant.
Tim Alderslade, Chief Government of Airways UK, famous the rising demand for help and stated airways are “dedicated to eradicating obstacles in order that flying is accessible to all.”
AirportsUK Chief Government Karen Dee stated the suggestions would help the work already being executed by airports to help passengers with extra wants.
The report additionally obtained reward from incapacity campaigners. Anthony Jennings, Incapacity Rights Advocate and Accessible Transport Advisor, emphasised the significance of lived expertise in shaping the suggestions. “Implementation of the suggestions… will enhance the real-world inclusive expertise for disabled passengers and provides them extra confidence to fly,” he stated.
David Leighton, Chief Government of Aviation Providers UK, stated the report represents the “fruits of months of laborious work” and praised the group’s collaborative strategy beneath Baroness Gray-Thompson’s management.
The group will now proceed to help the aviation sector in delivering on its suggestions and can report yearly to the Division for Transport to trace progress and preserve accountability.
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