The FINANCIAL -- Over the past few years, Air France has been making every effort to make travel for disabled and reduced mobility passengers as easy and simple as possible.

In 2001, a specific assistance service called SAPHIR* was launched, the only service of its kind in the world, which gave a new dimension to our relations with our customers and greatly contributed to alleviating stress linked to organizing air travel for these passengers. The progress made, in conjunction with associations, doctors and Air France staff has been considerable, and is constantly being improved.

“The past fourteen months have undoubtedly been the most intense in terms of development, both with regard to extending access to existing services internationally and implementing new services both on the ground and on board aircraft”, declared Patrick Roux, VP Marketing Air France.

At the beginning of the summer 2008 season, Air France is pursuing its efforts:

Check-in online and at the self-service kiosks

By the end of June 2008, all disabled and reduced mobility passengers will be able to check in online, or ask someone else to check them in on their behalf on an Air France or KLM flight. They will be able to print their boarding card at home, at the office or at a self-service kiosk when they arrive at the Airport .  

Wheelchair passengers will, however, have to pick up their boarding cards at the e-services counter at the Airport in order to ensure the best possible assistance for them. 

Transfer chairs on board

By the end of this year, transfer chairs, making it easier for wheelchair passengers to move around long-haul aircraft, will be progressively made available on the entire Air France short and medium-haul fleet. The new model chosen for this newly-extended service, which offers a more comfortable seat, will replace the chairs currently used on long-haul flights.

Information and Reservations Service for Disabled and Reduced Mobility Passengers

Starting on 26 July 2008, in line with the new European regulations, the assistance provided to disabled and reduced mobility passengers at the Airport will be the responsibility of the Airport authorities of the 27 countries of the European Community.

“These new developments mean that the passenger needs only to contact Air France (or their travel agent), who must notify the airline of the passenger’s needs in terms of assistance at the latest 48 hours before departure, in line with European regulations. This timeframe is necessary for the Airport authorities to prepare the necessary assistance”, explains Jean-Pierre Lefebvre, in charge of the Coordination of handling disabled and reduced mobility passengers at the Air France General Secretariat. In return, Air France must notify the Airport authorities of the passenger’s specific requirements, at the latest 36 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure.

Flashback over the past twelve months….

April 2007: the dedicated SAPHIR* telephone service and personal card, formerly reserved for passengers departing from Continental France and the French Overseas Departments, becomes available on departure from 18 countries.

July 2007: The passenger’s wheelchair may be kept until the passenger boards the aircraft and may be retrieved when he/she disembarks (instead of in the baggage claim area).This service is today available at most international Airport s.

January 2008: Seat numbers are now written in Braille on all new short and medium-haul aircraft entering the Air France fleet.

March 2008: Air France offers its customers a transfer service from home to the Airport in Continental France thanks to the agreements signed with “Ulysse”, a taxi company specialized in transporting wheelchair customers, and with “Age d’Or”, which offers transfers, including for seniors.

April 2008:

- Mentally handicapped passengers can now travel alone, with medical authorization validated by     the airline, on all flights operated by Air France

- Disabled and reduced mobility passengers benefit from an additional baggage allowance of   20kg in the hold to transport medical equipment, whatever their destination.

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