•    Baroness Grey-Thompson to lead new expert group to improve aviation accessibility, empower consumers and improve industry standards
•    From booking to baggage claim, the group will work to make flying an accessible experience for all
•    The group, which includes pioneering presenter and disability campaigner Sophie Morgan, forges a partnership between consumer rights advocates and industry to tackle inaccessibility when flying
Disabled passengers will benefit from better protections when flying thanks to a new expert group announced today (7 November) by the Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, at Manchester Airport.  
Spearheaded by Paralympian Tanni, Baroness Grey-Thompson, the new Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group will run in partnership between industry and consumers and look at tackling the biggest barriers to air travel for disabled passengers.
The taskforce will include presenter Sophie Morgan, co-founder of global disability group Rights on Flights and pioneering campaigner for improved aviation accessibility.
Sophie Morgan’s advocacy has led the push for more inclusivity within the aviation industry and played a pivotal part in raising awareness of the challenges disabled air passengers face. Sophie’s recent documentary ‘Fight to Fly’ highlighted the unacceptable treatment disabled passengers can often face when flying.
The taskforce will engage directly with individuals who have first-hand experience of flying with a disability, ensuring the group can act as a platform to advocate for disabled passengers and that consumer voices are at the heart of progress.
Thanks to the group’s unique partnership bringing consumers and industry together, the taskforce will spend the next nine months reviewing how to tackle problems which impact disabled passengers’ travel experience and dignity. This could 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 for the first time later this month and its membership will also include industry representation from Jet2, Virgin Atlantic, Ryanair, BA, travel agent association ABTA, assistance providers as well as London Stansted, East Midlands, Manchester and Glasgow 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, and will lead to real improvements for disabled passengers.

Further information:
https://dft-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/baroness-grey-thompson-to-lead-new-expert-group-to-break-down-barriers-to-air-travel-for-disabled-passengers