British Airways has become the first airline to be awarded an Autism Friendly Award by the National Autistic Society.
In April, British Airways became the first and only airline to be awarded the Autism Friendly Award by the National Autistic Society and has since become the first airline to produce a Visual Guide to Flying to help customers prepare for their flight. The guide is endorsed by the National Autistic Society and explains the sights, sounds, smells and experiences customers may encounter during their journey.
Working with specialist charity groups and accessibility experts, the first carrier British Airways is the first airline to partner with the Department for Transport on a new Government-backed initiative to make transport more inclusive and help people with disabilities travel with confidence.
The ‘It’s everyone’s journey’ campaign highlights a number of improvements the airline has made to make travel easier for the one in five disabled people in the UK, including its substantial investment in a global accessibility training programme, and calls for other airlines to follow suit.
In September, British Airways launched its dedicated customer care team with a dedicated phone line for travellers who require additional assistance, helping to ensure every journey they take with the airline is as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ director of Brand and Customer Experience, said: “We are thrilled to be part of, and support, the Department for Transport’s ‘It’s everyone’s journey’ campaign. We know it can be difficult for customers with additional needs to travel and British Airways is committed to creating an environment that is inclusive and makes it easier for more than half a million disabled customers who travel with us each year.”
