Airports Council International (ACI) World’s Airports and Accessible Travel: A Practical Guide is aimed at improving accessible travel for all passengers.
During last week’s ACI Customer Experience Global Summit, which was hosted by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport from 23-26 September, the trade body launched its guide providing up-to-date best practices for integrating accessibility into both new and existing airport facilities.
Referencing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) stats that around 1.3 billion people, or one in six globally experience some form of disability, Justin Erbacci, the new ACI World Director General said the airport trade body is “dedicated to assisting member airports in creating barrier-free environments ensuring equal access and exceptional travel experiences for all airport guests, regardless of ability.”
ACI’s practical guide includes recommendations, case studies and strategies for barrier-free design, accessible procedures and services for passengers with visible and non-visible disabilities, while also focusing on staff training. ACI has also developed the ‘Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) programme, which provides a continuous improvement path for airports regarding accessibility for passengers with disabilities. The only international assessment and accreditation programme dedicated to airport accessibility for passengers with disabilities, the programme is designed to helps airports measure, evaluate and enhance their accessibility management and culture.
Erbacci added: “We remain committed to advocating for and developing resources, such as the new ‘Airports and Accessible Travel’ publication to support our members in providing a more inclusive and accessible air transport system.”
To hear more first-person experiences from passengers and companies providing accessibility solutions read the latest issue of Regional Gateway or click here.
