IATA ISSUES NEW GUIDANCE ON THE TRANSPORT OF MOBILITY AIDS
March 20, 2023
IATA recently published new guidance to assist airlines and handling agents in the transport of mobility aids to improve air travel for passengers with disabilities. Key elements of the new guidance include:
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Guidance on creating better processes for booking and information exchange, including the use of Special Service Request (SSR) and Passenger Name Requirement (PNR) codes to give advance information on the specifications of mobility aids.
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A recommendation to create an electronic mobility aid tag that contains technical information to help airlines and ground handlers transport the mobility aid safely.
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Advice to airlines on developing a communications toolkit for engaging with passengers with disabilities including the creation of a dedicated area on the airline’s website for accessibility information.
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Suggested best practices for loading, collection and return of mobility aids.
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A recommendation for airlines to designate specialized ramp personnel to be trained and deployed to handle mobility aids.
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Guidance on how to properly resolve instances where mobility aids are damaged.
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Guidance on revised and enhanced training of ground handlers and airline staff.
IATA noted that the guidance reflects and builds on industry best practices and will continually be updated to reflect new guidance as necessary. The guidance also comes in response to a Resolution approved during IATA’s 2019 Annual General Meeting where it identified the safe and efficient transport of mobility aids as a key area for improvement by airlines.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com 202-659-6665).
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