Glasgow Airport has been invited by the UK Government to join a new expert group that aims to “break down barriers” to air travel for disabled passengers.
Chaired by Paralympian Tanni, Baroness Grey-Thompson, the new Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group was launched today (7 November) by UK Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh. It will bring together industry and consumer rights advocates to improve aviation accessibility, empower consumers and improve industry standards.
Paul Scott, Glasgow Airport’s Terminal Assurance Manager, will join the group which will run in partnership between industry and consumers and look at tackling the biggest barriers to air travel for disabled passengers. The taskforce will also include presenter Sophie Morgan, co-founder of global disability group Rights on Flights and pioneering campaigner for improved aviation accessibility.
Glasgow Airport recently received a “Very Good” rating in the Civil Aviation Authority’s annual Airport Accessibility Report, in recognition of its sustained efforts to enhance accessibility and for its ongoing engagement with disability organisations through an accessibility forum.
The taskforce will engage directly with individuals who have first-hand experience of flying with a disability, ensuring the group can act as a platform to advocate for disabled passengers and that consumer voices are at the heart of progress.
Thanks to the group’s unique partnership bringing consumers and industry together, the taskforce will spend the next nine months reviewing how to tackle problems which impact disabled passengers’ travel experience and dignity. This could include:
- Being left onboard aircraft without timely assistance
- Poorly handled wheelchairs
- Inadequate service
- Lack of access to toilet facilities
- Limited access to clear information
The group is set to meet for the first time later this month and its membership will also include industry representationfrom Jet2, Virgin Atlantic, Ryanair, BA, travel agent association ABTA, assistance providers as well as London Stansted, East Midlands and Manchester airports.
The group will agree short and long-term practical and achievable actions that can be implemented by the industry, the regulator or the government, and will lead to real improvements for disabled passengers.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “Everyone has the right to travel with dignity and it is vital we ensure that flying is an accessible, safe and enjoyable experience for all.
“For too long, disabled passengers haven’t had the standard of assistance and service they need. That’s why we are bringing together this expert taskforce to drive forward change.
“Under the leadership of Baroness Grey-Thompson and with accomplished members like Sophie Morgan, this group will help break down barriers and deliver lasting and meaningful improvements to ensure passengers always comes first.”
Chair Tanni Grey-Thompson said: “I am looking forward to working with disabled people, industry experts and the Department for Transport to improve access to flying. It is essential that the rights of each passenger are protected at every aspect of their journey, so they can travel with the respect they deserve.”
Ronald Leitch, Chief Operating Officer at AGS Airports, which owns and operates Glasgow Airport, said: “We have committed significant investment and resource to ensuring everyone who travels through our airports has a seamless journey.
“Through ongoing engagement with accessibility forums, national charities and by listening to feedback we have been able to make continuous improvements in our facilities, deliver tailored staff training and trial new technology to enhance service levels for passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities.
“We are looking to sharing our views and taking learnings from what is a very important group.”