British Airways And Alzheimer’s Society Announce New Partnership
British Airways has announced a new partnership with Alzheimer’s Society (AS) to raise funds and support customers travelling with dementia.
For someone living with dementia, travel can seem like an impossible challenge, and British Airways (BA) is working with the Alzheimer’s Society through the airline’s BA Better World Community Fund in a new three-year partnership.
Symptoms – including disorientation, memory loss and difficulties in planning – can mean losing track of your surroundings and getting lost, even in familiar places, but improvements in understanding, support, and accessibility can help transform the travel experience for those living with dementia.
The airline will be working to become a more dementia-aware airline – and fundraising – to support people like Maggie and Rashmi Paun.
Maggie and Rashmi have always been keen travellers. However, since Rashmi was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017, their travel plans have had to change slightly to more familiar destinations.
Rashmi said: ‘We’ve been around the world. We’ve also visited India many times, where my parents came from, and I still have relatives.’
Maggie added: ‘I think it’s great that British Airways is partnering with Alzheimer’s Society through the BA Better World Community Fund.’
More than half a million customers who require additional assistance fly with British Airways each year.
The airline is working hard to help people affected by dementia feel more confident when they travel by giving its colleagues the training and knowledge they need to support those who need additional assistance.
Sean Doyle, British Airways Chairman and CEO, said: Through this partnership, we continue our commitment to make travel accessible for everyone while raising awareness and funds for the vital work this fantastic charity does.
Kate Lee, Alzheimer’s Society CEO, said: ‘We are delighted to be working with British Airways to help improve the travel experience for people affected by the condition. We’re looking forward to being part of the journey.’
