British Airways has taken a significant step towards enhancing accessibility for its passengers with the launch of the Customer Access Advisory Panel. This dedicated group, comprised of individuals with diverse disabilities, aims to elevate the end-to-end travel experience for everyone.
A Commitment to Seamless Travel for All
British Airways prioritizes inclusivity and strives to ensure its services cater to the unique needs of all travelers, including those with accessibility requirements. The newly formed Customer Access Advisory Panel signifies the airline’s dedication to continuous improvement.
Fostering Collaboration and Inclusivity
A Diverse Group of Voices: The independent panel brings together individuals with both visible and non-visible disabilities. These passionate advocates will meet regularly to offer invaluable feedback and insights.
Shaping the Future of Accessibility: Their collaborative efforts will directly influence the design and development of British Airways’ products and services. The panel’s focus extends from user-friendly IT solutions to crafting a seamless airport and onboard experience that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity.
Evidence-Based Recommendations: Leveraging lived experiences and expertise, the panel will provide practical recommendations on best practices for inclusivity. These data-driven insights will be instrumental in guiding British Airways towards achieving its accessibility goals.
Meet the Panel Members: Champions of Accessibility
Mary Doyle (Chair): A dedicated advocate for inclusivity, Mary Doyle brings a wealth of experience to the panel. As a wheelchair user and seasoned aviation consultant with over 25 years of experience, Mary offers invaluable insights into the challenges faced by disabled travelers.
Simon Houghton: Passionate about raising awareness, Simon Houghton is a behavior change consultant with a personal connection to accessibility. He advocates for inclusivity not only for those with visible disabilities but also for the neurodiverse community. Simon’s work fosters a more understanding and welcoming environment for all travelers.
Paul Hayman: Leveraging his extensive business experience, Paul Hayman offers a unique perspective. As an international CFO with autism who finds air travel challenging, Paul seeks to improve the travel experience for the neurodiverse community through education and advocacy.
Dom Hyams: A leading figure in inclusive marketing, Dom Hyams brings his expertise to the panel. As the founding editor of the Disability Power100 List, he champions the voices of influential disability changemakers. His involvement ensures the panel’s recommendations prioritize inclusivity at every stage of the travel journey.
Neil Barnfather MBE: A renowned entrepreneur with a deep understanding of accessibility challenges, Neil Barnfather MBE lends his expertise to the panel. As a blind entrepreneur, Neil combines his lived experience with extensive knowledge of technology and innovation to pave the way for a more accessible travel experience.
Jennie Berry: A content producer and wheelchair user, Jennie Berry shares her experiences to raise awareness about disability. Her role as Head of Community at Sociability, an app that empowers users with disabilities to find accessible places, further strengthens the panel’s connection with the disability community.
British Airways on the Path to Enhanced Accessibility
Xavier Mascarell, Customer Accessibility Strategy Manager at British Airways and the founder of the Customer Access Advisory Panel, emphasizes the airline’s commitment to continuous improvement. He states, “British Airways recognizes the importance of catering to the needs of hundreds of thousands of passengers who require additional assistance each year. While we actively remove barriers and support travelers with accessibility requirements throughout their journey, we acknowledge there’s always room for growth. The valuable insights and recommendations from our esteemed panel members will be instrumental in shaping a more inclusive travel experience for everyone. We believe the knowledge gleaned from these meetings will propel further positive change within British Airways.”
Mary Doyle, Chair of the Panel, echoes the sentiment of collaboration and progress. She states, “I’m thrilled to support British Airways in this crucial role. The formation of this panel signifies a clear commitment from the airline’s leadership to make air travel more dignified and comfortable for all passengers. Understanding that disability is a spectrum, tailoring individual experiences is key to success. Our panel is fortunate to have a team of passionate professionals with diverse lived experiences who prioritize putting the customer at the center of every decision. We’re dedicated to collaborating with British Airways to learn directly from the disability community, and I do not doubt that this process will be both productive and rewarding.”
