The UK government is considering a series of new measures to help make air travel easier for disabled passengers.
Addressing the House of Lords at the end of February, Baroness Sugg, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, commented, “85% of disabled passengers who use assistance services at UK airports are satisfied with that service – but, obviously, that leaves 15% who are not, so there is more to do. The department is working on an aviation strategy, looking at ways to further improve air travel for disabled people.”
Proposals include limiting the amount of time spent waiting for assistance to board and disembark, as well developing priority wheelchair storage on planes for quick access on arrival.
According to Aviation minister Baroness Sugg, “We have to do everything possible to ensure passengers are put at the very heart of our aviation industry and the flying experience is a positive one for everyone boarding a plane.
“As part of our Aviation Strategy [due for publication in early 2019] we will be working to understand more about the barriers that currently exist for passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities, and working with the industry to remove these obstacles.”
Government officials are also understood to be discussing how seats can be removed from aircraft to accommodate wheelchairs and disabled toilets.
Brian Richards, managing director of Mercury Products and inventor of the transit chair, the Airchair, says, “We support the latest government plans to work closely on improving the flying experience for passengers with reduced mobility. The overall care of passengers, especially those with reduced mobility is vital and all airlines and airports should take this issue more seriously, ensuring passengers with disabilities have a dignified, comfortable and most importantly, safe travel. Transit chairs, used extensively by many airlines, are purposefully designed, with innovative features to support the transfer of passengers to their seat, around the aircraft and especially to on board facilities such as the toilet.”
