British Airways partners with SigncodeUK to elevate its accessibility services for the hearing impaired

British Airways has partnered with SigncodeUK to enhance its accessibility offering for Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers with a range of new services on and off the plane.

SigncodeUK is an organisation dedicated to ensuring equal access to information, products and services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

The partnership will mean customers can access key travel information in signed video form, including the airline’s onboard safety briefing via a unique QR code.

The first video in the series offers a comprehensive overview of British Airways’ service proposition throughout the entire journey, including the booking process, the airport experience, onboard services and the in-flight entertainment offering. It also includes a BSL introduction from Fredrick Da Costa, British Airways’ first Deaf customer experience agent who uses BSL as part of his role.

“We are proud to partner with SigncodeUK to further improve our accessibility offering for our Deaf and hard of hearing customers,” director sustainability, British Airways, Carrie Harris, said.

A second video will focus on onboard safety features and procedures. This video will be accessible on ba.com and via a QR code that British Airways mainline cabin crew will have on their mobile devices on board, giving customers the option to choose between receiving a signed video safety briefing on their personal device, or receiving a personalised briefing delivered by crew face-to-face.

Gillie Earl, the managing director of SigncodeUK said the collaboration aligns with the brands ongoing commitment to ensure that all our customers have a seamless experience and can travel with confidence, with dignity and in comfort.

“Working with British Airways and making the Deaf community aware of the services available to them, has been a privilege and an honour,” he said.

“British Airways is an iconic British brand, who are committed to accessibility, not only for their customers but also their colleagues who strive to make it the best airline in the world.”