Paris, 2 and 3 October 2024 — Members and observers of the Facilitation Sub-Group on the Transport of Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) met twice in Paris this month to advance ECAC’s activities in this field.
On 2 October, the sub-group held its annual PRM experts meeting, welcoming representatives from various industry bodies and operators. The discussions were lively, focusing on key issues such as mobility aids, assistance dogs, and website accessibility. The industry participants provided valuable inputs on ECAC Doc 30, Part I – ECAC’s comprehensive policy statement document on facilitation – particularly regarding the provision of assistance for PRMs in Section 5. It was agreed that further written contributions from the experts would be integrated into the ongoing work of the Facilitation Working Group’s Doc 30 review informal group.
Members also received a detailed update on the development of the European Disability Forum Human Rights Report on Air Passenger Rights, scheduled for publication in 2025.
On 3 October, the members and observers of the PRM sub-group reconvened to review ongoing activities outlined in the group’s 2024 work programme. A significant focus was on assistance dogs and the development of a draft guidance document by the informal group, which now includes organisations and nine Member States. The meeting also proposed that the Facilitation Working Group revisit the objectives of the long-running PRM complaints survey to maximise use of its findings and consider future adjustments to this activity.