The IATA has launched a global Mobility Aids Action Group to improve the transport and handling of mobility aids, including wheelchairs, for travellers with disabilities.
The Action Group will be the first-of-its-kind aimed at tackling issues around the safe and secure transport of mobility aids. It will also provide advice and recommendations to airlines and other stakeholders concerning the establishment of policy, process and standards related to the handling and transport of mobility aids.
The challenge of transporting wheelchairs faces airlines across the globe
“Every year, thousands of wheelchairs are transported safely by air. However, damage or loss is still occurring. And when it does, it is devastating to the passenger as these devices are more than equipment – they are extensions of their body and essential to their independence. We acknowledge that we are not where we want to be on this as an industry,” said Willie Walsh, director general of IATA.
“This is why we want to do something about it on a global level, not through setting up a talking shop, but by bringing the key groups together to take practical action.”
Uniquely, the Mobility Aids Action Group will involve the full range of stakeholders impacted by this issue, including accessibility organisations (representing travellers with disabilities), airlines, ground service providers, airports and mobility aids manufacturers. It will be the first time a mobility aids manufacturer will be invited to participate in an IATA task force.
Despite the Covid-19 crisis, IATA and its member airlines have worked with the accessibility community to move the priority of accessible air travel forward through a number of efforts. These include developing new practical guidance to shape airline policy given new health and safety measures, and guidance for face mask policies for travellers with accessibility needs.
“According to World Health Organization, there are more than a billion people living with disabilities. And with aging populations in countries around the world, travellers with disabilities will be a growing customer segment for airlines,” said Walsh.
“With this action group as part of the industry’s other accessibility initiatives, we want to continue on this journey to make the freedom to fly more inclusive – while continuing to work with the accessibility community every step of the way.”
The IATA has launched a global Mobility Aids Action Group to improve the transport and handling of mobility aids, including wheelchairs, for travellers with disabilities.
The Action Group will be the first-of-its-kind aimed at tackling issues around the safe and secure transport of mobility aids. It will also provide advice and recommendations to airlines and other stakeholders concerning the establishment of policy, process and standards related to the handling and transport of mobility aids.
“Every year, thousands of wheelchairs are transported safely by air. However, damage or loss is still occurring. And when it does, it is devastating to the passenger as these devices are more than equipment – they are extensions of their body and essential to their independence. We acknowledge that we are not where we want to be on this as an industry,” said Willie Walsh, director general of IATA.
“This is why we want to do something about it on a global level, not through setting up a talking shop, but by bringing the key groups together to take practical action.”
Uniquely, the Mobility Aids Action Group will involve the full range of stakeholders impacted by this issue, including accessibility organisations (representing travellers with disabilities), airlines, ground service providers, airports and mobility aids manufacturers. It will be the first time a mobility aids manufacturer will be invited to participate in an IATA task force.
Despite the Covid-19 crisis, IATA and its member airlines have worked with the accessibility community to move the priority of accessible air travel forward through a number of efforts. These include developing new practical guidance to shape airline policy given new health and safety measures, and guidance for face mask policies for travellers with accessibility needs.
“According to World Health Organization, there are more than a billion people living with disabilities. And with aging populations in countries around the world, travellers with disabilities will be a growing customer segment for airlines,” said Walsh.
“With this action group as part of the industry’s other accessibility initiatives, we want to continue on this journey to make the freedom to fly more inclusive – while continuing to work with the accessibility community every step of the way.”