Flyers With Disabilities Will Get Support From New Airlines Industry Group
Photo Credit: A traveler pushes the wheelchair of a passenger with reduced mobility in an airport terminal. Getty / Gilmanshin
Skift Take
The pandemic has magnified the voices of accessibility organizations and the disparities for travelers with disabilities. Accessibility to travel and undamaged personal mobility aids are big concerns for these travelers who account for billions of dollars in revenue. Finally, the industry is trying to do the right thing, or so it seems.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is launching a worldwide action group focusing on improving and examining the safe and secure transport of mobility aids essential to accompanying travelers with disabilities.
Having previously participated in similar working groups with the Canadian
Transportation Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation on the safe loading and security of mobility aids in the cargo, IATA is working on improving travel accessibility for the aging population and travelers with disabilities, said Linda Ristagno, IATA's manager of external affairs.
Providing access to everyone is a goal for trade group defining itself as being the business of freedom and stresses the importance of providing freedom and equal rights to everyone. Ristagno said it's also estimated to be a return on investment for airlines and aviation based on the spending power of passengers with disabilities.
American adults with disabilities spent $11 billion solely o
