Geraldine Lundy, Passenger Accessibility Manager, Virgin Atlantic Airways, UK

Speaker Biograghy: Geraldine has worked in the Medical Services department at Virgin Atlantic Airways for 17.5 years. Four years ago she was delighted to become the Passenger Accessibility Manager for the airline. The two key aspects of her role are to ensure that any customer with a disability travels as safely and comfortably as possible, and also that the airline is compliant with all disability-related legislation and regulations. She strives to make a positive impact for every customer with a disability who travels by air.


Day 1 - 15 March
Session: Ageing Population & PRMs

12:00 - 13:30 - PANEL DISCUSSION: Airports and airlines coping with ever-growing demand for assistance as Regulation (EC)1107/2006 turns 10 years old
Synopsis: Presentation of the EU and international regulatory framework for air passengers, notably passengers with disabilities, how it came about and how it is applied. Discussion of challenges with application and enforcement, and practical problems in EU member states. Discussion of Commission initiatives to improve PRM passenger protection with focus on future action (accessibility, intermodal, further guidance). The experience of a long-haul operator having to comply with different legislations. An airline's unique promotion of access to air travel with ad-hoc sessions simulating enplanement and the on board experience. ACI role in creating and promoting best practice among its members. Operational and legal challenges European airports face in their day-to-day operations. The experience of ESAAG translating best practice into real enhancement of the passenger experience. The impact of user-driven advice on the operations of an LCC. Challenges PRM service providers face in their day-to-day operations, and how innovation helps them improve service quality.

Audience will learn: