KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has formed a task force to examine and improve the transport journey of mobility aids, including wheelchairs, to improve the handling of the vital equipment for travellers with disabilities.
The global Mobility Aids Action Group would be the first of its kind aimed at tackling issues around the safe and secure transport of mobility aids, an issue of huge importance to a growing number of travellers, the association said.
“It will also provide advice and recommendations to airlines and other stakeholders concerning the establishment of policy, process and standards related to the handling and transport of mobility aids,” it said.
It noted the Mobile Aids Action Group would also involve the full range of stakeholders impacted by this issue, including accessibility organisations representing travellers with disabilities, airlines, ground service providers, airports and mobility aids manufacturers.
This will mark the first time a mobility aids manufacturer is invited to participate in an IATA task force.
According to IATA director general Willie Walsh, it is essential to bring all players together to develop solutions as airlines are just one link in the chain in the handling of mobility aids.
“What’s more, we are excited to invite a mobility aids manufacturer to the table. We think this is critical so all stakeholders can work together to take steps to improve the transport journey of mobility aids,” he said.
