Summary
- Avianca is introducing the Braille system on its airplanes to enhance the accessibility and passenger experience for visually impaired travelers.
- Currently, three planes in Avianca’s fleet are equipped with Braille signs at key points equivalent to seats, restrooms, and emergency exits.
- United Airlines, an Avianca partner, also plans to introduce Braille to its entire fleet by 2026, making it the primary US airline to have Braille signs on all its planes.
The Colombian carrier Avianca has announced the introduction of the Braille system on its airplanes in an initiative to turn into more accessible, allowing all its customers to travel comfortably and on their very own terms, improving their passenger experience.
Introducing Braille to Avianca’s fleet
Braille is a tactile writing system utilized by visually impaired people. Avianca is introducing this method into its fleet. Visually impaired passengers will give you the chance to locate Braille signs at key points across the planes, equivalent to seats, restroom access, emergency exits, and more.
Currently, Avianca has three planes fully equipped with this method and plans to extend this number in the longer term. The initiative is a component of the Avianca Accessible program, which focuses on identifying barriers faced by travelers with disabilities and eliminating them by raising awareness, training its operational teams, and improving the processes in a straightforward manner driven by technology.
Photo: Avianca.
Michael Swiatek, Avianca’s Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, said a vital task for the corporate is to create awareness and training while committing to providing travelers with a human and empathetic service. He added,
Meanwhile, Carlos Parra Dussan, the director of the National Institute for the Blind (INC) in Colombia, said they’re celebrating these accessibility initiatives.
Photo: Avianca.
Other airlines doing this
Earlier this yr, United Airlines –an Avianca partner– also announced the introduction of Braille systems to its planes. The US company expects to introduce Braille to its entire fleet by 2026, providing the nearly 8% of US travelers experiencing vision loss with tactile navigation throughout their journey.
Photo: Avianca.
In July, United Airlines had a minimum of 12 aircraft equipped with the Braille signage, identifying seat rows, seat numbers, and toilets.
Unfortunately, the deployment of Braille signage onboard industrial aircraft is just not a typical feature as of 2023. For example, United Airlines is the primary US company to pledge to have Braille signs on its entire fleet.
A couple of years ago, Turkish Airlines introduced boarding passes written within the Braille alphabet. These boarding passes were provided at special check-in counters in Istanbul. The carrier also included audio-described movie options and barrier-free safety information on in-flight entertainment systems for visually impaired travelers. Finally, over 100 flight attendants and ground staff were trained in sign language to enhance the passenger experience for travelers with hearing disabilities.
A posh way of traveling
When United Airlines announced it could introduce Braille signage to its fleet, impaired travelers celebrated. They’ve needed to endure the complexities of moving in an airline industry that has not adapted to their needs. As reported by the Washington Post, Mark Riccobono, president of the National Federation of the Blind, said,
What do you consider Avianca and United’s initiatives? Tell us within the comments below.
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