Innovative solutions for accessible air transport services
Despite measures to improve access to air transport for target groups at risk of exclusion, much work remains to be done. A lack of accessible means of independent travel is quickly becoming a priority, considering that people over 65 or affected by some form of disability will represent about 35 % of the European population by 2030. Thanks to EU funding, the 'Innovative changes in air transport research for universally designed services' (ICARUS) project helped define existing barriers and proposed research and development (R&D) recommendations for areas that deal with air transport accessibility issues. Work began by identifying to what extent current air transport accessibility solutions and technology meet the needs of disabled and elderly populations. Project members then took stock of the current air transport situation based on an analysis of accessibility barriers and needs identified by the two groups and by stakeholders and experts. Based on this, they evaluated the gap between the air transport state of play and the observed needs in order to come up with possible solutions in R&D. The team prepared a roadmap for enhancing air transport accessibility and identifying existing best practices. Lastly, a socioeconomic analysis was carried, leading to recommendations aimed at policymakers and planners for several priority areas in air transport accessibility. ICARUS delivered proposals on the most promising R&D paths to contribute to a more inclusive air travel setting. Ultimately, the project should bring about radical changes in actions, services and flight cabins, leading to the mainstreaming of air transport accessibility.
Keywords
Air transport, accessibility, reduced mobility, disabled persons, elderly
