Virgin Australia and Adelaide Airport have teamed up to launch an exciting new program aimed at making flying more accessible for Australians with disabilities and other health conditions. The ‘Try Before You Fly’ (TBYF) initiative launched at the end of May and is the first of its kind in Australia, designed to simulate the full flight experience without actually taking off.
The TBYF program allows participants to go through the entire air travel process — from booking tickets, checking in, boarding the aircraft, to sitting in the plane — all while still at the gate. This gives those who find flying overwhelming, such as individuals with disabilities or sensory sensitivities, a chance to experience and get used to air travel.
Virgin Australia’s Chief Risk Officer, Stuart Aggs, shared, “At Virgin Australia, we want flying to be a wonderful experience for all and champion programs like Try Before You Fly as they provide both a meaningful and practical way to remove barriers, foster inclusion and open up a world of possibilities to those who would otherwise avoid flying.
We are incredibly proud to formally launch the program with Adelaide Airport today, with support from the South Australian Government, Velocity Frequent Flyer, What Ability and other community organisations who have helped us bring this to life.”
The program proudly welcomed its 200th guest on the day of the launch. Of the participants from previous rounds, nearly half have decided to travel by air.
Dermot O’Neill, Adelaide Airport Executive General Manager, People, Culture and Customer, shared, “Travelling by plane is an exciting time, but it can also be intimidating, especially for customers living with a disability or other health considerations. Following a successful trial with Virgin Australia, we are delighted the Try Before You Fly program will become an ongoing initiative to support our customers and help make air travel more accessible to more people.”
The Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, also shared, “The Try Before You Fly program is a fantastic initiative that breaks down barriers and opens the skies for more Australians. Whether someone is flying for the first time, lives with a disability, or would benefit from the experience of navigating airports, this program offers support in a practical and compassionate way.
“By making this program permanent, Virgin Australia and Adelaide Airport are setting a new standard in inclusive travel – one that’s good for individuals, good for tourism, and good for Australia.”
The Try Before You Fly program is a great initiative promoting accessibility in Australian air travel, making sure that the joys and practicalities of flying are accessible to all Australians.
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