12.06.2008, 10:02
Handicapped and disabled persons will find air travelling easier once assistance services at the airports extend to meet the new EC regulation. Starting from the end of July, L&T will take charge of assistance services at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.
- Earlier, help was offered within the airport premises only. It will now be available through the points of arrival and departure which are situated for example near the invalid car parks, public transportation stops and taxi stations. Mobility assistance and help with baggage and check-in will be available to anyone in need of special assistance such as visually handicapped and hearing-impaired persons and elderly people, says Sami Koivuhuhta, Unit Manager at L&T.
So far the airlines have been assisting their passengers themselves. Along with the new EC regulation, the responsibility for assistance will transfer to the airports starting July 26, 2008.
- The regulation guarantees everyone equal possibilities for travel. Part of the airlines have been offering limited assistance services or services at a fee only, but now the availability of assistance is no longer up to the airlines. Transferring to a connecting flight operated by another airline will also be easy, as the same assistant will escort a person from one flight to another, says Sami Koivuhuhta.
L&T has been providing similar services at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport earlier based on airline agreements. The company has 90 employees working at Helsinki-Vantaa, who also take care of baggage trolley service operation, children traveling alone and taxi queue guide service.
Additional information:
Unit Manager Sami Koivuhuhta, L&T, tel. +358 385 6969
Sales Manager Anu Huuki, L&T, tel. +358 500 443 445