British Airways has become the first UK airline to officially recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard with the new partnership aiming to increase awareness of non-visible disabilities.
Wearing a sunflower lanyard is an indication customers may require additional support, assistance, kindness, or more time while travelling.
The sunflower scheme was established in the UK in 2016 and has been adopted globally by organisations in travel, tourism, retail and financial services.
Tom Stevens, BA director of brand and customer experience, said: “Almost half a million customers who require additional assistance fly with British Airways each year.
“We’re proud to be the first UK airline to partner with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and are committed to doing everything we can to support customers who may need additional assistance as part of our BA Better World programme, so they can have the best possible experience when travelling with us.”
Paul White, chief executive of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said: “As well as being supported at over 130 airports globally, people with non-visible disabilities wearing the sunflower will now be supported on British Airways flights.
“This is a significant step in our goal for sunflower wearers to be confident to travel independently knowing they will be supported when they need to be.”
The new partnership with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower will also see specialised videos embedded into BA training modules via the airline’s intranet and additional training will be provided to staff.