SHENZHEN Airlines regulations detailing the treatment of disabled passengers have come under severe criticism after two disabled men were allegedly discriminated against last week.
An unidentified Shenzhen Airlines employee told the Daily Sunshine on Wednesday that the airline s regulations were to blame rather than the manager on duty last Tuesday who refused Zheng Weining and Liu Haijun permission to board an aircraft.
The rigid regulation by Shenzhen Airlines is the root cause of this matter.
The regulations posted on the airline s official Web site stipulate that an aircraft can accommodate no more than two passengers in wheelchairs who are unable to climb steps but able to walk short distances, the Daily reported Thursday. Those who cannot walk will not be permitted to board an aircraft.
Zhang Qihuai, a prominent aviation legal expert, said he had discussions with several other experts in the aviation industry and they all agreed that denying the disabled the right to board by Shenzhen Airlines is inappropriate or illegal and the requirement to sign a legal disclaimer offended the dignity of the disabled.
Five more blind men who decided to join Zheng and Liu to sue Shenzhen Airlines for discrimination claimed it was the only airline that had refused them.
Other major airlines in China are much more tolerant of disabled people.
The only clause related to disabled passengers in China Southern Airline regulations states that disabled passengers should be provided with a seat next to an exit. Disabled passengers are required to give notice of their intended flight so the airline could make proper arrangements.
An unidentified Southern Airlines employee told the Daily that their service principle was to satisfy passengers without breaching aviation industry standards.
Hainan Airlines has detailed and considerate instructions for disabled passengers and it does not limit the number of passengers in wheelchairs. B737 and B767 airplanes could accommodate two unaccompanied disabled passengers. (Tina Chen)
