British Airways Partners with Charity to Enhance Customer Experience for Disabled

British Airways has stated that it will collaborate with the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation (QEF) for Disabled People on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3rd December 2022). The airline is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to enhancing its customer experience for people who require additional assistance by collaborating with QEF, which helps kids and adults with physical, learning, and acquired brain injuries to increase their independence.

QEF provides a variety of professional services, such as assistance with flying, to help people with disabilities become more knowledgeable and assured about their options.

The organization provides a two-stage Tryb4uFly consulting and assessment service that gives nervous passengers the option of trying real airline seating that was given by British Airways or a virtual, immersive simulation of what it would be like to travel long distances. The experience aids in identifying any equipment or extra assistance needed to facilitate travel for consumers with special needs.

This information can be found on the British Airways website or when customers contact the airline’s dedicated accessibility team. British Airways has also been working with QEF to assess and pre-approve seat support devices recommended by the charity for use on BA flights.

Several of QEF’s training courses for clinicians across the nation are supported by colleagues from the airline, both at London Heathrow Airport and at QEF’s center in Carshalton, South London. For the best preparation and support of passengers with disabilities prior to their flight, medical professionals should attend the sessions to learn about the design and functionality of British Airways’ aircraft cabins as well as the customer experience through the airline’s primary hub, Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport.

British Airways’ Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability, stated: “Almost half a million customers who require additional assistance fly with British Airways each year. We’re committed to doing everything we can to support these customers as part of our BA Better World programme and by working with expert organisations like Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People, we’re taking another positive step to improve our service.”

Michelle Giles, QEF Mobility Services Manager said: “QEF provides a range of expert services that support disabled people to be as independent as possible. Advance knowledge of equipment and support available at the airport and from airlines can make a journey much more comfortable.

“We’re grateful to British Airways for its support in improving our mock cabin with updated seating, so that everyone, no matter who they are flying with, can have a more realistic cabin experience before they commit to a flight. British Airways has also supported our professional training courses with valued insight and access to Heathrow Airport, which has been really beneficial for all involved. We’re looking forward to working closely with BA in the future to improve the experience of air travel for all disabled passengers.”