INCLAVI Takes Stage at IATA's Wings of Change Europe 2023

Airlines and accessibility experts join forces to champion inclusive aviation. The event highlighted INCLAVI’s mission to transform travel experiences for persons with disabilities.

By Martti Asikainen, 30/01/2023

INCLAVI Consortium Members attended IATA’s Wings of Change Europe 2023 (WOCE’23), the region’s flagship aero-political event, hosted by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in Amsterdam. The conference agenda featured key European aviation issues, with inclusive aviation receiving dedicated attention during a session where INCLAVI was prominently featured.

Industry Leaders Advocate for Accessibility Beyond Regulations

The panel addressed travelers’ perceptions of accessibility in air travel as well as the rising compliance challenges that airlines face across different regulatory environments.

“Aviation plays a vital role in global society, as it encourages tourism enhancement by connecting cultures, businesses, and families. This connectivity is important for everyone, including individuals with disabilities who often require special assistance to travel,” said Linda Ristagno, Assistant Director External Affairs at IATA. “As the world’s population continues to age, the demand for accessible travel and tourism services is set to increase as well.”

Ristagno emphasized the complexity of providing fully accessible air travel due to diverse passenger needs and varying regulatory landscapes across different regions. She highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and regulators, with innovation, training, and universal design serving as game changers in the industry.

Collaboration Key to Creating Equitable Travel Experiences

During the discussion, speakers showcased how aviation stakeholders are advancing accessibility beyond minimum legislative requirements and called for wider dissemination of best practices throughout the industry.

“It is critical that all stakeholders champion inclusive aviation and begin or continue the journey to deliver equitable experiences for their customers of all ages and different types of disabilities,” said Paudie Healy, CEO of Universal Access. “The accessibility solutions to remove the barriers in aviation must be implemented to ensure ‘no person is left behind’ and that travel experiences for all are possible and equitable.”

The INCLAVI representatives used the high-profile event as an opportunity to network with industry leaders and raise awareness about the project’s importance among the numerous delegates in attendance.

The EU-funded INCLAVI project is developing an accredited online learning platform aimed at training airline and aviation industry staff to better serve persons with disabilities and meet accessibility requirements.

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Inclusive Aviation (INCLAVI)
2022-2025