Birmingham Airport Accessibility Forum meeting minutes

Attendees

Guests

Apologies

Welcome & Introductions

Andy welcomed the Forum members, apologising for the fact he was not able to join the meeting in person, which was being held at Diamond House at the airport, due to the fact he had tested positive for Covid prior to the meeting. Following introductions and highlighting the agenda and format for the day, previous meetings actions were discussed.

Andy started by asking Arron for an update on the Sunflower ‘quiet’ room, as Janice had commented previously and following her recent flight from Birmingham airport, about both its condition and the poor signage leading to the room itself within the terminal. Made worse by the fact of there being no mention of this facility on the airport’s website.

Arron responded saying there had been some issues with wayfinding, especially to this facility, but assured the Forum that he would now look into this again and report back.

Richard suggested the airport consider using the disability pride flag to direct assisted travel passengers to the Sunflower room.

Ashleigh felt it was important that the airport’s website should publicise information regarding the Sunflower room.

Libby asked if comms can be sent to explain what the room is and who should be using the room.

Chris suggested that not everyone with a hidden disability may wish to wear a lanyard but may still benefit from being able to access this room. Also, he felt that the airport needs to consider specific areas for diabetic passengers to be able to inject themselves, if necessary, throughout their airport journey.

Andy asked whether the airport know how many people are using the Sunflower room and how often is it used.

Arron admitted there was no process in place currently but agreed that the airport need to look into this.

Andy suggested that Forum members should be invited back to the airport in order to conduct a specific terminal inspection. Which should include observations about the airport journey, processes and procedures, as well as signage and wayfinding, especially for the PRM community.

Richard asked whether the airport had considered forming a partnership with a local charity.

Arron said that it had be considered in the past but had been taken no further. So he would follow up on this and report back to the Forum at the next meeting.

Andy then asked what was the latest with the airport’s Help Points and Induction loops, for those with reduced hearing.

Arron confirmed that all of the Help Points had recently been updated Landside, and Induction loops were in the process of being installed.

Arron also confirmed that the airport was looking to add an additional Changing place facility within the Landside area.

Arron then went on to summarise the airport’s performance over the last few months, in support of those passengers who require some form of additional assistance when they travel. Confirming that the Civil Aviation Authority’s performance targets had been met since November 2022. Being at least 97% or higher for pre-advised passengers during the last 8 months. Stating that Birmingham Airport’s unique hybrid model, where the airport now takes overall control of the management and supply of the Special Assistance provision, including the employment of its own Duty Managers. Only working with a third-party company, Mitie, to provide the appropriate number of assistance staff as stipulated by the airport. Has proved to be a more efficient and effective service overall.

Jet2

Katie from Jet2 then joined the meeting, apologising for her delay, explaining that she had unfortunately been called away in order to help manage the evacuation of passengers from Rhodes that day. Due to exceptional weather conditions being experienced at that time. Consequently, she pointed out that regrettably she would not be able to participate in the meeting for long but was more than happy to answer any questions from Forum members.

Joe asked why are assisted travel passengers not boarded before other passengers?

Katie responded saying ideally Jet2 always prefer to board their assisted passengers first. But they are reliant on the assisted passengers being at the aircraft side early. But on occasions, due to various logistical issues at the airport, this is not always possible.

Sarah then asked if there were plans to look at different types of airline seating in order to support disabled people who encounter difficulty sitting in a standard airline seat without a contoured, tailored seat for example. Which some wheelchair users have fitted into their own wheelchairs.

Katie answered by saying she was not aware of any discussions around this topic at the moment.

Andy then advised the Forum that a lot of work was being done in the background in conjunction with a number of aviation designers, Health and Safety experts and aviation governing bodies, to look at the logistics of allowing wheelchair users to be taken on board inside the cabin, where they could remain seated during the flight, if they wished to do so. Therefore, in time it may be possible for tailored wheelchairs with the specific seating insert mentioned by Sarah, to be allowed in the cabin.

Andy then praised Jet2 by saying he was aware at some UK airports, Jet2 were one of the only airlines he knew of, where their ground handling agents take pictures of wheelchairs once they are boarded and safely secured inside the aircraft hold. So wondered if these images could be shared with the passenger whose wheelchair had been loaded into the hold. In order to give them peace of mind that their wheelchair had not been left behind on the tarmac for example.

Katie advised that she would look into this.

Janice wanted to know more about the quality and content of the disability awareness training Jet2 staff are given.

Katie answered saying she knew that Jet2 did provide quality in house training to all its staff, including disability awareness. But was not aware of the exact content at that time.

Andy proposed to Arron and the Forum members, that it would be good to conduct an appraisal and review of all disability awareness training provided to the Birmingham airport staff, including the airlines who utilise the airport.

De Montfort University Presentation

Lucy from De Montfort University then introduced herself, informing the Forum members about a forthcoming project she and her colleagues from the University had been asked to undertake. For which she wanted to collaborate with and enlist the support of the Forum members, if they were in agreement. Which included the service users and beneficiaries of the charity and disability organisations attending.

She explained how the government recognised the considerable size of the disabled community worldwide, many of whom travel by air. Along with the desire to make air travel more environmentally friendly, which including introducing electric and hydrogen power into air travel.

Therefore, it was imperative before developing such future technology, that the passenger assistance needs of disabled travellers was considered and factored into future design.

Lucy then provided a few examples of possible future flight considerations, before highlighting the project aims. Which included the desire to center the experiences and expertise of disabled people and those who work with them and care for them, to advocate and call for accessibility in this “new age” of flight in the UK. This she hoped to achieve by hosting future workshops at Birmingham airport, involving volunteers in semi-structured interviews, and spreading awareness of this project with other interested and appropriate parties.

More information can be found in the attached presentation summaries. Otherwise, to reach out to Lucy directly for more information or to add your support, you can email her at [email protected].

Future Security Presentation

Isabelle and Darren then introduced themselves to the Forum, before advising of the new changes to airport Security legislation, due to come into effect by 1 June 2024. Such changes will include Cabin bags needing to be processed by utilising the Next Generation Security machines. Where electronic items will now be able to remain in bags and the liquid bag rule will no longer be necessary. Also, passengers will no longer have to be scanned through metal detectors.

Darren went on to explain that the new Security area will have 7 screening lanes, with 3 body scanners per lane. Designed to keep passengers flowing through the 25m lane, whereas by comparison, the current lanes are only 14m long. He explained that upon completion of Phase 1, up to 18 million passengers will be able to travel through Birmingham airport every year.

However, Isabelle explained, currently there is not enough room for this new equipment within the existing Security area. Therefore, 4 new lifts will be installed from the ground floor to the first floor, with each of these lifts being able to hold up to 60 people. So, in theory the airport could have up to 240 people using the lifts at the same time. Gates will be located on the first floor and a selection of these gates will be wheelchair accessible. Therefore, all passengers will be able to use the same route through Security. Isabelle has confirmed gates will be wheelchair accessible but process to allow this is still being worked on.

Darren confirmed that currently the roof was being replaced in this area. So, the Landside Assisted Travel area had temporarily relocated due to these works and a temporary route for Assisted Travel passengers had been created. For use while works were being completed. In addition, dust, lighting, and noise monitoring were all taking place throughout these works.

Chris asked if these new detectors would allow people with diabetes-related technology to pass through.

Isabelle confirmed that the internal technology would not be affected by the new machines. Because they utilise millimetre wave technology, which does not penetrate through skin, saying they should have no impact on these devices. Xray manufacturers have advised that medical devices (i.e., spares/parts) can go through the X-Ray scanners. However, some device manufacturers may advise against it as a precaution/uncertainty of the technology. This will easily be managed by the airport’s trained Security officers, through alternative screening methodologies similar to present procedures.

Arron asked Jennifer if the CAA could circulate an up-to-date list of equipment that can safely pass through the new Next Generation scanners.

Jennifer said that the CAA were currently in the process of refreshing their list, so would forward on a copy once completed.

Richard asked what happens if you have metal body parts.

Isabelle replied stating that because the Body scanners use millimetre wave technology (as mentioned above), any internal implants/prosthetics etc. are unlikely to trigger the Security scanner. As opposed to the current metal detectors, which will inevitably be triggered by a metal joint replacement.

Isabelle explained that anybody passing through these scanners would need to be able to stand for 3 seconds. However, for those unable to stand for 3 seconds, then the alternative search (same as the current alternative) would need to take place. She assured the Forum members that the scanner would not cause any issues with any metal implants.

Libby then asked what is the position if a passenger is wearing a colostomy bag?

Isabelle said there would be no difference to the current procedure where a passenger is quite entitled to request a private search, as before.

Janice asked if the CAA could communicate an instruction for clarity, on the new regulations and style of equipment and its capabilities that will be introduced by next year.

Andy added that he thought it would be sensible if the Forum members could be involved in a trial run of the new Security area and equipment utilised before it goes live. As is the case in a number of other UK airports currently.

Future Forum Direction and Ambitions

Andy then asked the Forum members for their thoughts and ideas on the future direction of the Forum and discussion topics they would like to be involved with and support. For example, undertaking an airport tour, in order to re-evaluate the current assisted passenger journey. Where they could look at the various arrival points in and out of the terminal building, the infrastructure, the wayfinding and signage, processes and procedures, customer service etc. This could lead into a discussion about the airport website and are the observations made during an airport tour for example, addressed or explained on the website. Possibly then leading into a further discussion about an assisted travel video being made, demonstrating the airport journey, and answering questions or addressing concerns on behalf of assistance passengers.

Equally, would there be interest in evaluating the quality of airport staff disability awareness training. Which could include content, delivery, style, format, updates, and refresher training. Not to mention, are all staff working at Birmingham airport who interact with passengers, receiving a level of disability awareness training, including airlines?

Janice felt that Birmingham airport needed to consider improving wayfinding, eye level signs and FIDs, and providing as much information in advance of travel. So as to allow disabled travellers to make informed decisions when making their travel plans.

Meena said colour contrast can considerably assist visually impaired passengers, advising that yellow or white against dark backgrounds works well for her.

Ashleigh said she thought staff training was essential, especially eye awareness training, which is a great session for staff to understand the difficulty for the visually impaired. Saying she fully supported any initiatives that looked at increasing the amount of quality disability awareness training staff received.

Andy said he would reach out to the Forum members individually following the meeting to seek their thoughts on future direction. But initially proposed hosting 2 main forums a year (Autumn and Spring). With additional workshop sessions, as and when required, to support and develop specific projects or topics, such as training.

Any other business

The meeting concluded with Andy and Arron thanking everybody for their attendance and support. Advising that Andy will be in touch again shortly to seek the views of the members, as described above. As well as to highlight a proposed plan with dates for future activities and meetings.