21 May 2004
Ccs Join Dispute Against Air Nz
CCS has joined in the dispute against Air New Zealand surrounding their treatment of wheelchair users on domestic
flights.
Recently Air New Zealand changed their policy regarding wheelchair users who are unable to transfer from wheelchair to
seat. These passengers are no longer able to travel unless they provide their own lifters at each destination or these
lifters travel with them at cost. Air New Zealand is the only airline to have such a policy regarding wheelchair users.
“Air New Zealand positions itself to the New Zealand public as representing New Zealand and our culture. They once
seemed to understand that it was more than just about travel. That is their brand. We’re here to tell them to include
New Zealand’s disabled people in that culture and ensure their independent travel”, says Viv Maidaborn, Chief Executive,
CCS.
Air New Zealand’s change in policy has been widely criticised, and there is currently a move to make a group complaint
to the Human Rights Commission regarding the new policy and its direct effect upon the disabled.
CCS is a large disability organisation with a network of 80,000 people, all of who are part of the Mobility Parking
Scheme. CCS understands that Air New Zealand have no current view to changing their policy.
Beverley Grammer, a wheelchair user and regular flyer says, “This is just another obstacle. Before they changed the
policy I could fly on my own but now I have to take someone with me, and pay the extra cost. This is just another
barrier to being independent ”.
ENDS