A North East start-up business has launched a free service to make air travel easier for elderly and disabled passengers.
Under EU law, airlines and airports are obliged to provide assistance for people with mobility issues, but take-up of help is low. Now Newcastle-based able2fly has devised a system to simplify the process.
Company boss Martin Quinn said:
“Sometimes less than 50% of people with special requirements notify the airline before travelling. Part of that is a lack of awareness, but the process can also be confusing and complicated. And if you later fly with a different airline, you have to go through the whole process again.
“With able2fly, however, people only need to give us their details once and we ensure that information gets to the airline and airport. And your profile is kept on file so that for flights in the future all we need is your flight number to ensure the necessary arrangements are in place. And best of all, it’s free.”
The business has received European development funding and today met with North East Euro MP Fiona Hall.
Fiona commented:
“I’m pleased to see a small North East business taking on this problem and reducing the barriers to travel for people who need help getting about.
“It can be off-putting for people to have to go through the rigmarole of providing these personal details every time and then hoping they are properly relayed to the airport.
“I’m optimistic that able2fly can substantially boost awareness of the help available and give people the nudge to take it up by making things as easy as possible. Doing so could save airlines and airports money while improving the travel experience for passengers.”
