Glasgow Airport joins government Aviation Accessibility Group

Chaired by Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, the new Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group was unveiled.

It brings together industry and consumer rights advocates to improve aviation accessibility, and seeks to improve industry standards.

Paul Scott, Glasgow Airport’s Terminal Assurance Manager, will join the group.

The group will run in partnership between industry and consumers and looks at tackling the biggest barriers to air travel for disabled passengers.

It also includes presenter Sophie Morgan, co-founder of Rights on Flights.

Glasgow Airport recently received a “Very Good” rating in the Civil Aviation Authority’s annual Airport Accessibility Report.

The taskforce will engage directly with individuals who have first-hand experience of flying with a disability, enabling consumer voices to be heard when formulating new industry standards.

The taskforce will spend the next nine months reviewing how to tackle problems which impact disabled passengers’ travel experience

Issues up for discussion include:

Being left onboard aircraft without timely assistance

Poorly handled wheelchairs

Inadequate service

Lack of access to toilet facilities

Limited access to clear information

The group is set to meet later this month and will also include industry representation from Jet2, Virgin Atlantic, Ryanair, BA, travel agent association ABTA, assistance providers as well as London Stansted, East Midlands and Manchester airports.

The group will agree short and long-term practical and achievable actions that can be implemented by the industry, the regulator or the government.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “Everyone has the right to travel with dignity and it is vital we ensure that flying is an accessible, safe and enjoyable experience for all. “

“This group will help break down barriers and deliver lasting and meaningful improvements.”

Ronald Leitch, COO at AGS Airports, which owns Glasgow Airport, said: “We have committed significant investment and resource to ensuring everyone who travels through our airports has a seamless journey.“

“We are looking forward to sharing our views and taking learnings from what is a very important group.”