AGS Airports which owns and operates Aberdeen International, Glasgow and Southampton airports, has welcomed the findings of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) annual accessibility report.
The CAA has today (Wednesday 7 August) published its annual Airport Accessibility report, ranking every airport in the UK – with an annual passenger volume of more than 150,000 – on their accommodation and treatment of passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities. The report covers the 12-month period between April 2023 to March 2024.
Glasgow and Southampton airports both achieved a ‘very good’ rating and Aberdeen achieved a ‘good’ rating.
In additional to their overall survey provision, all airports were recognised for “effectively engaging with disability organisations through an Accessibility Forum”.
Ronald Leitch, Chief Operating Officer at AGS Airports, said: “We have committed significant investment and resource to ensure AGS continues to provide the highest level of assistance to passengers that require additional support. This has included investing in our facilities, delivering staff training and working with national charities, local access panels and our dedicated service providers to continually review our performance.
“We want everyone who travels through our airports to have a seamless journey so it is extremely pleasing and rewarding to see our efforts recognised by the CAA in this year’s accessibility report.”
Initiatives that AGS has implemented across its airports to enhance service levels for passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities have included:
- All three airports actively seek regular feedback to ensure services are fit for purpose and meet the needs of passengers.
- Aberdeen Airport has established a dedicated forum for passengers travelling from the Highlands and Islands for NHS treatment.
- Glasgow Airport, together with the Connected Places Catapult, has conducted a series of live trials using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance service levels for passengers who require additional support. The trials focused on providing AI digital assistants, enabling 24/7 communication and improving airport navigation, and wayfinding information.
- Southampton Airport teamed up with the “Let Me In” team from Treloar’s College who carried out an extensive accessibility audit. The audit covered the entire customer journey from arrival at the terminal, check in, security through to the equipment used to assist passengers boarding aircraft. A number of internships with Let Me In will also be started at the airport leading to regular visits and ambassador opportunities.