Shannon and Knock airports have become the first airport's in the world to be recognised as age friendly airports by the World Health Organisation (WHO), according to a statements published on the websites of Shannon Airport operator Shannon Group and Ireland West Airport Knock.
Details
According to the statements, the two airports were officially launched as age friendly airports certified by the WHO at a ceremony at Ireland West Airport Knock that was officiated by Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton TD.
Statement By Minister Naughton
The statements included a statement from Minister Naughton that said, "Ireland has taken an international lead in making the airport environment age friendly and we now look forward to sharing this learning with other airports around the world. Making sure that airport facilities are age friendly is an effective way to enhance their accessibility and usability for everyone. It ensures that domestic passengers feel confident in organising a trip abroad and it makes Ireland more attractive as a destination to older travellers from other countries."
Statement By Shannon Group CEO
The statement published on ShannonGroup.ie included a statement from Shannon Group CEO Mary Considine that said, "It is wonderful to be one of two airports on Ireland’s west coast leading the way to being age friendly by enhancing facilities for older people and becoming as inclusive as possible. Achieving age friendly airport status not only benefits our older passengers, but all of our customers and staff. It facilitates the promotion of Ireland as an 'age friendly' country. Shannon Airport has already adopted an age friendly culture by striving to ensure that our customers’ experience, regardless of age or ability, is enjoyable, simple and stress free. Our customer charter demonstrates a commitment to putting our customers at the heart of all we do."
Statement By Ireland West Airport Knock Managing Director
The statement published on IrelandWestAirport.com included a statement from Ireland West Airport Knock managing director Joe Gilmore that said, "We are absolutely delighted to have achieved national recognition for our work towards creating a more age friendly environment at the airport. Over the past two years the airport has been working to transform the airport experience for our customers through the enhancement of our services and facilities and throughout the process have worked in collaboration with the teams at Age Friendly Ireland and Mayo County Council to ensure the transformation works and service offering met with the requirements of the Age Friendly Recognition Programme."
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