BEIJING – July 27, 2009 – Passengers with disabilities who fly on Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Hainan Airlines will have improved access to the skies, thanks to China Air Transport Association (CATA) who facilitated a three-year support agreement with MedAire, an International SOS company. According to the deal signed by the four named carriers, MedAire (www.medaire.com) will offer an integrated training solution, including e-learning and classroom courses, and will train the carriers’ trainers to deliver its globally recognized training on serving passengers with disabilities, MedAire’s programs will help the airlines ensure compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulation, U.S. Title 14 CFR Part 382 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel.

CATA and MedAire hosted a signing ceremony at the International SOS office in Beijing on Tuesday, July 21. Those present included CATA Secretary General, Wei Zhenzhong; International SOS’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Arnaud Vaissié; MedAire’s Chief Executive Officer Grant Jeffery and representatives from three of four airlines.  

“The CATA is to be commended for providing its member carriers with the means to comply with a new airline regulation aimed at providing an equal level of service for passengers with disabilities,” said Jeffery. “This agreement demonstrates China’s commitment to looking after its passengers’ rights, both in the air and on the ground. We look forward to exploring future opportunities with CATA to provide their members with additional MedAire medical services.”

Beijing-based CATA is the first non-governmental agency organized to strengthen coordination and service in aviation. It has spearheaded this effort among its airline members, knowing full well the importance of compliance with the U.S. DOT regulations. The four Chinese carriers will join more than a dozen others as MedAire clients of ACAA training services.  

“MedAire is at the forefront of the movement by developing this valuable ACAA training and we appreciate that they have worked in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure the training meets the requirements of Part 382,” said Zhenzhong. “CATA is committed to all passengers, including those with disabilities, and providing for their safety and comfort in a dignified and safe manner.”

The CATA/MedAire brokered agreement includes a three-year license for the integrated training solution to instruct employees of the above mentioned carriers. MedAire’s e-Learning will be provided in Chinese and an interpreter will be present for the training led my MedAire’s expert ACAA instructors.

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NOTE to editors: To download a high resolution photo of the contract signing, visit: www.medaire.com/CATA

Cutline: Arnaud Vaissié, Wei Zhenzhong and Grant Jeffery sign a three-year agreement for MedAire to provide four CATA airlines with regulated training.

MedAire (MedAire.com), an International SOS company, provides a life-saving, integrated solution of remote medical expertise, education, and equipment for travelers in the aviation and maritime industries. Since 1986, the company has prepared its clients with knowledge, confidence, and the right resources and advice to handle remote medical situations. Using 22 years of medical incident data, MedAire continuously develops up-to-date and internationally compliant products and services to meet the unique needs of the remote traveler. MedAire offers 24/7 direct telephone access to emergency care doctors, medical training, medical kits and defibrillators.