Seoul, South Korea: Asiana Airlines has the first airport lounge specifically for disabled passengers at Incheon International Airport. The company also donated wheelchairs to a support center for disabled people.
“I think that the Hansarang Lounge, where customers can check in for their flights, upgrades services for disabled passengers,” said chief executive Yoon Young-doo.
“The company will continue improving its services to ensure that all Asiana passengers can receive the services of the highest quality.”
The lounge, named the Hansarang Lounge, is located near the Asiana Airlines check-in counter on the third floor of Incheon International Airport.
Asiana Airlines said that the Hansarang Lounge was set up to minimize inconvenience to the rising number of disabled passengers.
According to the company, the number of customers with wheelchairs using the airport has been increasing by between 5 percent and 10 percent on an annual basis, and reached 47,000 last year.
As such, the company said it estimates that about 70 disabled passengers will use the new lounge each day.
The company said that in addition to allowing disabled passengers to check in, the lounge is equipped with various entertainment features including DVD players and games. Those using the lounge will also be provided with light snacks and drinks, the company said.
The company also said that organizations for disabled people were consulted in designing the furniture, and in deciding the layout of the lounge to ensure easy access for wheelchairs. The furniture also has rounded corners and there are Braille notices to cater to blind passengers’ needs.
“Bathrooms for disabled people are just about the only special-needs facilities that can be found in Korea, but Asiana Airlines’ setting up a special facility for disabled people is very moving,” said Choi Kyung-ryeol, a disabled person.
“I think the Hansarang Lounge is a meaningful development for disabled people.”
Souce: Global Accessibility News
