The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has launched a 12-month pilot program at John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty International (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA) airports to provide Aira way-finding services for free to visually impaired travelers.
The service will be available to travelers via the Aira smartphone app video-chatting technology, available on most smartphones, with additional support from a customer representative for those visually impaired travelers who need more guidance.
“This customer service initiative is designed to provide assistance to our special needs population,” says Rick Cotton, Port Authority executive director. “We are always looking to find new ways to increase accessibility at the airports for all our customers.”
Aira will be accessible from various public access locations around the airport such as terminal curbside, AirTrain and within the terminals, excluding TSA and CBP checkpoint areas. The Port Authority and Aira will use targeted marketing to educate the public about Aira Access, as well as engaging the community with local blind support and low-vision advocate groups.
