Gatwick new help for the blind

Blind and visually-impaired passengers using Gatwick, which has established itself as a leader in helping disadvantaged passengers, can now call a professionally trained agent to help them 24hr a day using the cameras on their mobile phones.

The agent will guide them through the airport, help them to read documents or flight information, shop or even find their bags on the luggage carousel. The free, on-demand service can be accessed through a smartphone app called Aira.

The system, which is being trialled for six months in partnership with easyJet, will help to give blind and visually-impaired passengers more independence to move through and enjoy the facilities at the airport.

The system can also be used to access latest information on a passenger’s individual journey plans such as flight information and onward connections, or read menus in restaurants, prices and offers in shops or find baggage on reclaim belts.

Gatwick chief operating officer Chris Woodroofe said: “We have an ambition to be the UK’s most accessible airport and we are looking to do this by investing and innovating and by putting the needs of every passenger at the heart of our operation. Ultimately, we want to ensure everybody has an equal opportunity to fly.”

www.gatwickairport.com/at-the-airport/passenger-services/special-assistance

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