Aviation Accessibility Implementation Group
The Aviation Accessibility Implementation Group is an industry-led group that provides support for the implementation and monitors progress of the recommendations set out in the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group’s independent report.
The group replaces the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group and promotes continuous improvement in aviation accessibility.
The Aviation Accessibility Implementation Group brings together industry and consumer representatives to:
- Champion the report and encourage the wider industry to deliver the recommendations.
- Monitor progress, support implementation and evaluate the impacts of the recommendations.
- Identify any challenges to the implementation of the recommendations and help to facilitate solutions.
- Facilitate ongoing collaboration between industry, the regulator, government and consumer representatives, including people with lived experience.
- Champion best practice and innovation in accessibility across the aviation sector.
- Consider emerging accessibility issues that the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group have not previously considered.
Co-chairs
Ann Frye OBE, Independent Mobility Specialist
Steve Wilson, Assisted Travel Manager, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays
Membership
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Anthony Jennings, Disability Rights Advocate
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Carly Jones, Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC)
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Calum Glazier, Head of Assistance Services, London Heathrow Airport
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Christopher Snelling, Policy Director, AirportsUK
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David Leighton, Director, Aviation Services UK
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Deborah Persaud, Civil Aviation Authority Consumer Panel
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Denise Hobbs, Accessibility & PRM Manager, London Luton Airport
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Ed Kibblewhite, Passengers with Reduced Mobility Contract Manager, Manchester Airports Group
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James Fremantle, Senior Manager, Consumer Policy and Enforcement, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
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John Fishwick, Customer Accessibility Manager, Virgin Atlantic, Government Disability and Access Ambassador
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Julia Ogiehor, Policy and Trade Relations Manager, ABTA
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Liz Boadella Burton, Head of Product and Passenger Experience, Wilson James
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Lorraine Rothwell, Customer Service Manager, Ryanair
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Niall McElkearney, Terminal Operations Manager, Belfast International Airport
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Michelle Kelly, Head of Transport Policy, Consumer Council for Northern Ireland
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Peter O’Broin, Campaign Manager UK and Ireland, IATA
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Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Airlines UK
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Roberto Castiglioni, Rights on Flights Campaign
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Samatha Saunders, Product Development Manager, DHL Supply Chain UK&I
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Sue Sharp, Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC)
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Wallis Harvey, Accessibility Specialist, easyJet
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Xavier Mascarell, Customer Accessibility Strategy Manager, British Airways
Aviation accessibility on GOV.UK
Read the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group’s independent report.
Terms of reference
Purpose
The Aviation Accessibility Implementation Group (‘group’) is a continuation of the Aviation Accessibility Task & Finish Group (“AATFG”). It will provide ongoing insights and support for the implementation and monitoring progress of the 19 recommendations made in the AATFG report, published 16 July 2025.
Objective
The group’s objectives are to promote continuous improvement in aviation accessibility, champion the report and encourage wider industry in delivering the recommendations.
Scope
The group should focus on the implementation and enhancement of the recommendations made by the AATFG. It will not develop additional recommendations, although it should consider any new issues that arise during its work that have not previously been considered by the AATFG.
The group will operate across UK civil aviation.
The group will report annually to the Department for Transport and share updates on its work publicly.
The group is a standing, industry-led body that will be reviewed every 24 months to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
Membership
Members will be appointed by the Department for Transport and agree to serve a 24-month term, or until the group is dissolved (whichever comes first). Membership may be refreshed every 24 months.
Members are expected to represent the interests and concerns of passengers and the wider aviation industry, not just their individual organisations.
Members agree to be committed to transparency and seeking input from individuals and organisations, including advocacy groups, individuals with specific expertise, people with lived experience and relevant expertise to ensure its work reflects diverse and inclusive perspectives.
Members agree to work collaboratively to achieve the objectives of the group, implementing the AATFG recommendations across the sector.
Members agree to make all reasonable efforts to attend every session of the group. Substitutes for meetings will be issued at the discretion of the chair and secretariat in advance of the meeting.
Chair
Members will, by consensus, self-select a chair for a 24-month term. In the event of a tie in votes, members may agree to a co-chair or deputy chair model.
The chair will work with members to ensure that the process runs smoothly to achieve the objectives of the group.
The chair will coordinate the production of an annual written report to the Department for Transport. The report should cover:
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the group and any sub-groups
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progress made against the AATFG recommendations
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the impact of the group’s work
This report may be published by the Department for Transport.
In the event the chair is unable to continue, or does not meet the requirements of the position, the Department for Transport may remove the incumbent and invite nominations for a new chair.
Secretariat
The Department for Transport will provide secretariat support to the group, including:
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scheduling meetings
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circulating papers and agendas in a timely manner in advance of meetings
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drafting and circulating minutes of sessions to members following meetings
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facilitating submission of annual reports to the Secretary of State and Aviation Minister
Any records or documentation related to the sessions may be disclosable in response to freedom of information (FOI) requests.
Ways of working
The group is expected to meet quarterly, with additional meetings agreed by the members and chair.
Meetings may be held virtually or may be hosted in person by any of the members, with hybrid arrangements made for members unable to attend in person.
Members may form sub-groups to focus on specific areas of delivery and implementation. Sub-groups should report back to the chair and the main group meetings.
Diversity and inclusion
Membership of the group will be in line with the diversity and inclusion principles in place at the Department for Transport. It will endeavour to create an inclusive culture, to increase the representation of underrepresented groups to better reflect the people we serve, to attract, recognise and nurture diverse talent, and ensure everyone understands the importance of diversity and inclusion and how we all play a part in making it happen.