by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:20 PM ET, Thu July 27, 2023
United Airlines announced it had become the first airline in
America to add Braille to aircraft interiors.
The carrier has equipped about a dozen aircraft with Braille
markings for individual rows and seat numbers as well as inside and outside the
lavatories. United expects to outfit its entire mainline fleet with Braille by
the end of 2026.
The airline also revealed partnerships with the National Federation
of the Blind (NFB), the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and other
disability advocacy groups to explore the use of other tactile navigational
aids throughout the cabin, including raised letters, numbers and arrows.
Data from the United States Department of Transportation showed
that around 27 million people with disabilities traveled via commercial airline
in 2019.
“Finding your seat on a plane or getting to the restroom is
something most of us take for granted, but for millions of our customers, it
can be a challenge to do independently,” United Chief Customer Officer Linda
Jojo said.
“By adding more tactile signage throughout our interiors,
we're making the flying experience more inclusive and accessible, and that's
good for everyone,” Jojo continued.
In recent years, United has worked to create accessible
solutions, including a mobile app redesign for people with visual disabilities
and adding accessibility features to its inflight seatback entertainment
screens.
The airline has also focused on sustainability, with the
United Airlines Ventures (UAV) Sustainable Flight Fund recently announcing it
had increased its investment
power to nearly $200 million and added eight new corporate partners, just
five months after its initial launch.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe
to the daily TravelPulse
newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
