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Technology to Improve Airport Accessibility
ePush By PrimeFlight
Aviation Accessibility Today
Under the Air Carrier Access Act, all airlines are required to provide wheelchair service to customers requesting assistance. This service is available at no cost to the passenger, usually through a contract with an airline services company that specializes in safe and efficient transportation of individuals with disabilities.
Although the current system meets the broad requirements of the ACAA, it is not optimal for meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities. Most locations still use paper logs to record wheelchair requests and delivery of service, which slows the process and makes it difficult to track and prevent customer complaints. In many airports, dispatch requests are made over the airport intercom, a process that takes unnecessary time and singles out customers unnecessarily. Even under the best circumstances with well-trained aviation workers, the current dispatching system can have a negative impact on the service experience for passengers at the airport.
A 21st Century Solution to a Growing Need
New technology makes possible a computerized dispatching system to improve service and accessibility for aviation passengers.
The ePush system includes the following critical components:
- Automatic download of wheelchair requests from airline reservation systems.
- Web-based scheduling and dispatching.
- Handheld devices for each wheelchair attendant. Gate and passenger assignments can be made in real time.
- Complete passenger and flight information beamed to wheelchair attendants. Customers can be greeted by name and can be told instantly of any flight changes.
- Tracking of wheelchair attendants using GPS or barcode swiping. There is a time-stamped record of pickups and passenger deliveries.
- Instant notification of customer satisfaction. Any question or complaint can be addressed immediately.
This seamless network improves accessibility for airline passengers, with efficiencies to minimize wait times and accountability to ensure the highest possible service.