Martin Gammon, managing director of Aviation and Airport Services, notes that as more physically challenged people travel, they are becoming a higher percentage of total passenger traffic. Passengers are greeted at their point of arrival, whether it be the railway station or at their car. Passengers will be taken through check-in and, if necessary, onto the plane. The emphasis, Gammon says, is on making the procedure as normal as possible with a minimum of inconvenience. Sometimes it's even walking with a passenger who needs an arm.
Some people are very sensitive about being seen in a wheelchair.
But they might just want an arm to hold onto. And I think by and large there have been many improvements in that area. Gammon cites what he says is a general awareness that society should take a more proactive approach toward the physically challenged. And I think aviation is pretty innovative and is usually at the forefront of this kind of thing. Airlines can play a big part in encouraging airports to improve their facilities for the disabled.