Ryanair has become the first Irish airline to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, recognising Sunflower Lanyards – a globally recognised symbol of non-visible disability. This new initiative forms part of the airline’s continued customer experience focus, enabling Ryanair’s pilots, cabin crew and support teams to further support customers, making travel easier and more accessible for everyone.
With over 1.5 million Ryanair customers requiring special assistance each year, the airline has, with support from Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, developed and delivered a comprehensive annual training programme to identify the Sunflower, and help its teams to gain a deeper understanding of non-visible disabilities. Ryanair’s crew based across 90 locations are ready to support Sunflower wearers with an offer of help, understanding or simply more time.
Ryanair’s Tracy Kennedy said:
“As Europe’s no.1 airline, Ryanair carries over 165m passengers p.a. with more than 1.5 million requiring special assistance and are looked after by our dedicated Special Assistance Team. As such, we are delighted to be Ireland’s first airline to recognise Sunflower Lanyards, enabling our 17,000 people across our 90 crew bases to better support our customers with non-visible disabilities.
Following the roll out of comprehensive “Hidden Disabilities” training this summer, we are extremely proud that our pilots, crew and support teams are now fully prepared to provide additional support, assistance, or time necessary to our customers with hidden disabilities.”
Tristan Casson-Rennie, Regional Director, Ireland & Northern Ireland for Hidden Disabilities Sunflower said:
“We are delighted that Ryanair, the largest European airline by scheduled passengers, has joined the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. Passengers with non-visible disabilities can fly to 36 countries knowing that they will be supported by Ryanair crew in 228 airports.
Travel is becoming more accessible for people who are disabled, extending the opportunities for exploration, work and play. Sunflower wearers will be met with kindness, patience and understanding by the Ryanair team from check-in to the end of their flight.”
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Is your organisation a member of the Sunflower network?
Is your place of work Sunflower friendly? If not, why not suggest they look into becoming members of the Sunflower? We provide training and assistance to help businesses recognise the Sunflower to support individuals with non-visible disabilities and become confident in providing them with additional help or assistance.
Join an impressive network of organisations so our Sunflower wearers can find you as they plan their days out:
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