The state-of-the-art of accessible air travel in North America.

This paper presents an overview of recent developments in North America with respect to making air travel accessible. It examines the progress in accessible air travel achieved during a period of evolving airline infrastructure brought about by deregulation. The policies and the legislative and regulatory initiatives, the organizations, and the technological developments that have made this possible are described. The paper details significant Canadian as well as some U.S. technical developments. These include equipment and devices to assist in terminal to aircraft transfer, facilities and equipment aboard aircraft, and terminal facilities. The paper concludes with a discussion of future challenges.