06 Apr Air4aLL News:A4A001
This is the inaugural blog for the Air4All project, with the website https://air4all.net/ now live it would be right to keep some sort of record of the journey.
Crystal Cabin Award Shortlisted
I think the first thing to say, is everyone involved are elated at Air4All being shortlisted this week for the Crystal Cabin awards 2022 click here. There have been many Crystal Cabin entries over the years that have accessibility in their concepts, all must be applauded. However, it has been said to me more times than I can remember, that the Air4All system changes the lives of millions around the world travelling by air. For the team, it is in our DNA that flying MUST be for everyone.
Where is that prototype?
As we alluded to in the press release back in October Last year, there is much work in progress being done as the prototype takes shape by a subsidiary of a major airline. We hope to at some point offer some visuals, alas for the moment it must remain ulterior.
The development has been long-winded: but given how the world is right now with conflicts, and of course a pandemic that still seems to hang around like a bad smell, I am amazed at how well it is moving along.
Paul Priestman designs his departure from PG
As has been well reported Paul Priestman will be leaving Priestmangoode click here onto a new venture. I had a catch up with Paul this week, he reminded me he is still very much part of the Air4All project. I have known Paul for many years now, I know his heart is very much in accessibility, I personally owe him so much.
A Paul Priestman anecdote. A few years ago, at Hamburg AIX, Paul and I were having a coffee just before the PEC (Passenger Experience Conference), he told me he would give a mention to my campaign. Just before the break Paul took to the stage to present a new PG concept, but for the first 60 seconds he simply criticised the industry. Paul told the packed hall about a recent news story, a Paralympian crawling down the aisle of an airctraft to access a toilet, no other forms of transport treat the disabled community and elderly with such disregard. As we both walked out of the hall Paul was inundated by the press about those 60 seconds, I had delegates thrusting business cards at me wanting to help and telling me their own personal stories. Some recounting terrible journeys of travelling with their elderly parents, others with disabled friends and siblings who were treated like second class citizens. The organisers also witnessed something special and extraordinary – accessibility finally entered the aviation arena like never before. I knew then and there the industry wanted change – but they asked how? Me …Hold my Espresso Martini.
Author: Christopher Wood MBE
6th April 2022
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