Airline Has Apologized To The Passenger

The Ruderman Family Foundation, an international leader in disability inclusion, had strongly denounced Air France in light of its deplorable decision to not allow Scottish national Gordon Aikman on board one of its aircrafts because his electric wheelchair was “too big”.

“It is unacceptable that a major world-wide air carrier such as Air France has mistreated and humiliated a person with a disability by forcing him to cancel his honeymoon flight because they were unable to accommodate his wheelchair,” said Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, who immediately responded with a letter to Air France CEO Frédéric Gagey. “Air France as a leader in the air transportation industry should realize that people with disabilities, who make up twenty percent of our population and are the largest minority in the world, deserve to be treated with respect and accommodated just like any other airline passenger.”

Aikman, who has Motor Neurone Disease, had plans to travel to Paris for his honeymoon with his husband when he was forced to cancel his flight after being informed via e-mail that his wheelchair did not fit airline regulatory measurements.

In a statement sent to ANN, Air France said they have apologized to Mr. Aikman and the person traveling with him.

"Air France fully understands Mr Aikman's frustration on this matter. We are extremely sorry and appreciate this must have been upsetting for Mr Aikman and his travel companions. Air France is committed to giving all passengers the best care and service," the airline said in the statement.

"We regret that it was not possible to accept the transportation of Mr Gordon Aikman’s wheelchair due to the dimensions exceeding the capacity of the aircraft operating from EDI to CDG, Embraer 190.

"Air France had been in correspondence with the passenger trying to find a solution by possibly reducing the height of the wheelchair. However, due to the maximum acceptable height being 71cm this was not possible. Regretfully Air France was not able to convey this information to Mr Aikman quickly enough.

"An apology email was sent to Mr Aikman and his travelling companion. All tickets and additional baggage purchased are being refunded and compensation was offered as a gesture of goodwill."

(Sources: Ruderman Family Foundation news release, Air France email)

FMI: www.rudermanfoundation.org, www.airfrance.com