Greater comfort for AirAsia passengers

SEPANG - AirAsia, the leading and largest low cost carrier is setting the benchmark as a universally accessible low cost carrier by announcing that disabled guests traveling with AirAsia will now be able to fly with greater ease with the airline's newly acquired ambulifts.

The airline is placing one ambulift in its LCC Terminal hub (Kuala Lumpur) and another in its Kota Kinabalu hub.

Previously, disabled guests would need the assistance of AirAsia's ground staff to physically carry them onboard the aircraft but taking serious considerations the barriers faced by the disabled community, the low cost carrier proceeded to purchase the ambulifts which will be used to transport the disabled guests directly from the ground to the aircraft and vice-versa.

In addition, the airline also acquired aisle wheelchairs to be used with the ambulifts and onboard the aircraft.

For extra support, AirAsia's in-flight lavatories are already equipped with special built-in handles for disabled guests.

In conjunction with the commencement of the ambulift service, AirAsia also dedicated an aircraft livery for disabled guests, which will see the accessibility logo incorporated onto the both of the airline's engines.

Barrier-Free Environment and Accessible Transport Group (BEAT) were present to celebrate the occasion, attended by over 40 disabled members.

Disabled guests can now book their flights directly online via AirAsia's website, www.airasia.com and take advantage of the low fares, latest promotions, and many other exciting offers. The launch is part of the airline's first steps towards being a disabled friendly airline.

AirAsia is also playing its part as an equal-opportunity employer by recruiting interested and suitable candidates from the disabled persons groups as well as removing the requirement of signing of the indemnity form by disabled guests.

There are, however certain restrictions that apply due to AirAsia's A320 aircraft physical limitations and safety requirements of the aircraft and one of them include only a maximum of four (4) disabled guests are allowed per flight. Out of the four disabled guests, the airline can accommodate up to two (2) seats for quadraplegic guests. The airline endeavours to accommodate and assist its disabled guests where possible including offering pre-boarding service and allocating seats that are most suitable to guests' needs except for seats near emergency exits due to safety regulations.

Disabled guests requiring special assistance must contact AirAsia's Call Centre (+603 8775 4000 or +603 8660 4343) at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight departure date to make prior arrangement with the airline for the type of assistance required.

This is to ensure the availability of the service upon arrival at the airport. Once the disabled guests have pre-booked for assistance online and contacted the Call Centre, they can proceed to the designated airport check-in counters two hours prior to the scheduled departure time to obtain the assistance.

Disabled guests may also be required to travel with a companion if :

- It is essential for safety; or

- The passenger is unable to assist in his own evacuation from the aircraft; or

- The passenger is unable to understand safety instructions.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday