Virgin Atlantic to offer accredited autism awareness training for cabin crew | News
Virgin Atlantic has announced the launch of an accredited Autism Awareness training program for its cabin crew, developed in partnership with autism travel specialists, Autism Double-Checked. The program is part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to inclusive travel and supporting customers with non-visible disabilities.
The mandatory digital training, which will start in May, consists of two modules: one on general autism awareness, and a second specifically designed for the role of cabin crew with an emphasis on the on-board experience. All cabin crew will complete both as part of their annual learning process, giving each crew member the confidence and practical tools to support autistic customers on board, from recognizing sensory sensitivities and signs of anxiety, to adapting the way they communicate and providing reassurance throughout the journey. Virgin Atlantic also plans to extend the training to all customer-facing ground teams by 2026, ensuring consistent support at every stage of the travel experience.
Becky Woodmansee, Chief People Officer of Virgin Atlantic, said:
“At Virgin Atlantic we want to ensure that everyone can take on the world. We know that flying can be a unique and unfamiliar environment that brings challenges for autistic customers and their families. By listening to our customers and working with autism travel specialists Autism Double-Checked, we have, together with our own people who have personal experience of autism, put together a training program that gives every crew member the understanding and confidence to make a real difference on board.”
Alan Day, founder and CEO of Autism Double-Checked, said:
“For autistic travelers and their families, knowing that every crew member on a flight has been trained to understand and support their needs is a positive step in the right direction. We are proud to have developed this program with Virgin Atlantic and hope it will set a new standard for the industry.”
Aeron Lloyd-Wren, cabin crew at Virgin Atlantic, said: “My son is autistic and I have experienced first-hand both the joys and challenges that travel can bring. As cabin crew, we are in a unique position. Small adjustments such as understanding sensory sensitivities, communicating clearly and providing reassurance can completely transform a family’s journey. For me, this isn’t just training. It’s about dignity, inclusivity and making families like mine feel welcome as they travel with us.”
The introduction of Autism Awareness training builds on Virgin Atlantic’s wider commitment to inclusive travel for all. It follows the airline’s introduction of British Sign Language training for crew in 2024, delivered in partnership with Deaf-led organization Remark!, and the establishment of the Accessibility Advisory Board, which brings together leaders with lived experience in accessible travel to shape the airline’s approach going forward.
