U.S. airlines have not only confirmed their commitment to passengers with disabilities but said they will try to improve upon services they already offer.
That’s according to Airlines for America (A4A).
A4A serves as the trade association for most major U.S. airlines and October has been designated as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
"Passengers with disabilities represent one of the fastest growing traveler segments, and we recognize the importance of facilitating a safe, seamless journey for them," A4A said in a statement.
"A4A’s members fully support the rights of passengers with disabilities set forth in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, especially the right to be treated with dignity and respect. We recognize the need for a specific commitment to remove barriers to safe, accessible air travel."
To better achieve its goals and emphasize its commitment, A4A said it would be taking the following actions:
- Establishing a passenger accessibility advisory group within our airlines to work directly with the disability community to improve our policies and operations
- Improving passenger transfers and the handling of personal mobility aids
- Enhancing our accessibility services training for frontline workers and educating our employees about passengers with disabilities
- Supporting the continued study and development of safe and feasible aircraft accessibility features that broaden air travel opportunities for passengers with disabilities.
The statement was signed by several airline CEOs, including Ed Bastian of Delta Air Lines, Scott Kirby of United Airlines and Robin Hayes of JetBlue, among others.
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