MEP Lucy Anderson and ESAAG Chair and former Home Secretary David Blunkett will officially launch the new charter, following a briefing in the European Parliament. The agreement intends to outline best practice for airlines, airports and policymakers to clarify some of the grey areas in meeting the needs of disabled air travellers.
In 2007 European legislation came into effect, defining the duties of airlines and airports and outlining the rights of passengers with special needs. This new charter will tend to focus on central issues like what can be done to enforce consistent implementation of the rules across countries and the rôle of EU policymakers in bridging the knowledge gap that still exists for passengers.
David Blunkett said of the plans: "Wherever you go and however you travel, you should be able to expect the same quality of service and the same supportive assistance in every setting. That means a code which is easily understood, accessible and of course, enforceable. A People's Europe is one in which the European Union provides that backing and enforceable regulation and consumer rights. For those requiring special assistance, this is not a matter of convenience, but of critical necessity."