Speaker Biograghy: Samantha has over 30 years' experience within the aviation industry. She joined OCS in 2014 after working for British Airways for 29 years. Since joining OCS, she has developed and introduced a number of key initiatives that have significantly improved the airport journey experience for passengers with visible and hidden disabilities. These initiatives have been rewarded with a National Autistic Society Autism Friendly Award for Gatwick Airport in November 2016 – the first UK airport to be given this recognition – plus an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Innovation Award in November 2016.


Day 3 - 16 March
Session: Ageing Population & PRMs

12:55 - 13:30 - Panel Discussion: Is there a way to contain PRM charges within acceptable levels?
Synopsis: With very few exceptions, PRM charges have been increasing year on year since they first came into force in 2008/2009. Traffic numbers show the growth in passengers requesting assistance is three times faster than the total number of passengers. With the PRM charge applying to all departing passengers, the faster growth of the PRM segment is seeding the ground for a sharper increase in the charge in the years ahead. The panel will discuss how airports and service providers plan to cope with traffic increase and give passengers with disabilities quality service without having to dramatically increase the PRM charge.

Day 3 - 16 March
Session: Ageing Population & PRMs

10:35 - 11:05 - Challenging for change – what exceptional service looks like
Synopsis: The presentation will focus on the OCS Challenging for Change report and will discuss initiatives already introduced across UK airports for passengers with hidden and visible disabilities