With INCLAVI (Inclusive Aviation curriculum) we address the skills mismatches that exist in the aviation sector related to the freedom of movement of persons with disabilities (PwDs) and accessibility requirements in line with the EC Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030. INCLAVI accomplishes this through rigorous cooperation between key global industry and labour market actors combined with a world-class HEI and VET consortium.
What was the goal of this research?
INCLAVI contributes to addressing skill gaps in aviation that hinder accessible travel for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, aligning with the EU Disability Rights Strategy 2021–2030. The consortium co-created a training curriculum aimed at reskilling airline, airport, and travel-agency staff to support door-to-door journeys. Travelers with disabilities, the aviation workforce, and the wider sector benefit from more inclusive, dignified air travel.
What method was employed?
INCLAVI mapped the door-to-door journey of PRM (Passengers with Reduced Mobility) using a six-phase IATA-based framework, triangulating a literature review, expert interviews, and PRM interviews across five countries. Staff self-assessment surveys (ethics-approved) and document analysis of existing trainings benchmarked current provision and identified skills gaps. Through multi-stakeholder co-creation among universities, VET institutions, airports, airlines, and disability advocates, findings informed the creation of 40 modular training units, validated through certification and real-world application.
What findings did we uncover?
BUas had a prominent role in WP2, focusing on the current-state analysis. Triangulating staff surveys with expert and PRM interviews, WP2 exposed clear skills gaps: over half of surveyed aviation staff had never received PRM-related training, while interviews highlighted recurring shortfalls in empathetic communication, awareness of diverse disability types, and emotional support across the journey, among others. These findings directly shaped INCLAVI's flagship outcome: a free, 40-module online curriculum covering training to improve staff capabilities to support passengers with physical, sensory, cognitive, and hidden disabilities. The curriculum was co-created by universities, VET institutions, airports, and airlines, and is now available across Europe.
Who is the project team?
Jos van der Sterren
Jelena Farkić
Simone Moretti
Brigitte Ars
What is the timeline of this project?
October 2022 - October 2025
Who are our main collaborating partners?
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (project leader), ENAT - European Network for Accessible Tourism, IATA Spain office, iGA Istanbul Airport, Özyeğin University.
